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☆ Irish women’s basketball team refuses to shake hands with Israeli team after accusations of antisemitism
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Jacob Lev | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The Irish women’s national basketball team refused to shake hands with the Israeli women’s national team ahead of the first game of the 2025 Women’s EuroBasket qualifier in Riga, Latvia, on Thursday. Basketball Ireland fully supports our players in their decision,” the statement continued. On Wednesday, Israeli basketball player Dor Sa’ar called the Irish team “quite antisemitic,” in an interview posted on the Israeli Basketball Association’s website. After the game, Israel head coach Sharon Drucker said he had “never seen such things” in his life. “There was no game where you don’t give concessions, shake hands, congratulate each other.

Persons: Dor Sa’ar, “, ” Sa’ar, Israel, Sharon Drucker, “ I’ve, I’ve, ” Drucker, ” Israel, Oksana Dzadan, let’s, James Weldon, ” “ It’s, ” Weldon, Weldon, didn’t, wasn’t Organizations: CNN, Irish women’s, women’s, Basketball Ireland, Ireland, FIBA Europe, Wednesday, Basketball, Israel, ” Basketball Ireland, FIBA Women’s, FIBA, Israeli Basketball Association Locations: Riga, Latvia, Israel, tipoff, Ireland

Twenty-four players made international debuts, including 13 Slovenians. All Americans were from Major League Soccer for a match not on a FIFA international date. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesŠturm, Gradišar, Kamungo, Zawadzki and Schulte all were making their debuts. Schulte, Zawadzki and Kamungo were joined by midfielders Josh Atencio and Timmy Tillman, winger Diego Luna and forward Brian White. Eight starters debuted for 54th-ranked Slovenia, which plays Denmark, Serbia and England in the group stage of the European Championship in June.

Persons: Nejc Gradišar, Gregg Berhalter, Danijel Šturm, Bernard Kamungo, Sean Zawadzki, Gradišar, Patrick Schulte, Zawadzki, Schulte, Igor Vekič, John Tolkin, Kamungo, Josh Atencio, Timmy Tillman, Diego Luna, Brian White, Jack McGlynn, Duncan McGuire, Esmir Bajraktarevic, Aziel Jackson, Bruce Arena, Tillman, Malik Tillman, Shaq Moore, Miles Robinson, ___ Organizations: ANTONIO, Major League Soccer, FIFA, CONCACAF Nations League, Mexico, Europe, Slovenia, U.S, Bruce, Iran, European Locations: Slovenia, United States, Europe, U.S, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Poland, Guatemala, Denmark, England

☆ There's a wave of pre-IPO startups with pandemic-era price tags stuck in limbo right now
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Tasmin Lockwood | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

There is a wave of pandemic-era startups stuck in limbo right now. The days of seeing 80% to 100% year-on-year revenue growth are gone, Hussein Kanji from early-stage fund Hoxton Ventures told Business Insider. Hoxton Ventures' Hussein Kanji said the days of companies racking up 100% year-on-year revenue growth are over. Investors tend to assess whether a company is IPO-ready on the rule of 40, which is revenue growth plus EBIT margin. Kanji added: "This is a lesson for a lot of people – if the IPO window opens up, take the company public."

Persons: they're, James Ulan, Klarna, Ulan, Karna's, Hussein Kanji, Morgan Stanley, Kanji, Kamil Mieczakowski, Fabian Heilemann, Graphcore Organizations: Business, Hoxton Ventures, Hoxton, Nvidia, Sequoia Locations: Ulan

West Ham lost 2-1 away to the Greek side a fortnight ago but their win at the London Stadium put them level on nine points with second-placed Freiburg, who crushed bottom side Backa Topola 5-0. "If I was being honest, I don’t think we made enough chances or opportunities and I need to look to see why that was the case," West Ham manager David Moyes said. The West Ham fans then held their breath late on as the visitors nearly equalised when Mady Camara's close-range header struck the post when he should have scored. Marseille secured a second victory with their win in Athens thanks to goals from Chancel Mbemba and Ismaila Sarr. The Italians are unbeaten in Group D on 10 points, three ahead of Sporting who beat 10-man Rakow Czestochowa 2-1.

Persons: Ham United's Lucas Paqueta, Said Benrahma, Emerson Palmieri, Vladimir Coufal, Isabel Infantes, David Moyes, Paqueta, James Ward, Prowse, Mady Camara's, Mbemba, Sarr, Jarell Quansah, Alexis Mac Allister, Klopp, Atalanta, Berat Djimsiti, Pedro Goncalves, Bogdan Racovitan, Danilo Pereira, Todd Cantwell, Janina Nuno Rios, Tommy Lund, Ed Osmond, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer, Europa League, Ham United, Olympiacos, London, REUTERS, Olympiakos Piraeus, Olympique de Marseille, AEK Athens, West Ham, Backa, Olympiakos, Marseille, Ligue, Brighton & Hove Albion, Ajax Amsterdam, LIVERPOOL, Liverpool, French, Toulouse, Sturm Graz, Berat, Sporting, Rangers, Sparta Prague, Real Betis, Aris Limassol, Betis, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Freiburg, Ham, Athens, European, Czestochowa

☆ Argentina face tough challenge to get back to World Cup heights
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Argentina finished the Rugby World Cup the way they started it, with a defeat against England, who took the bronze medal and left the Pumas with a major task to get to that stage in the next edition of the competition. "Many boys made their debuts at this World Cup and did so in a spectacular way. Argentina have not determined who will be part of the next cycle, with several players yet to decide their future. "It was a very important game for the team, and I didn't think about personal situations. "When I arrived in 2022, it was clear we were going for two years, for the World Cup.

Persons: Julian Montoya, Tom Curry's, Montoya, Mateo Carreras, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Pedro Rubiolo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Scrumhalf Tomas Cibelli, Felipe Contepomi, Cheika, Will, Felipe, Julien Pretot, William Mallard Organizations: Rugby, England, Pumas, rugby, Super Rugby, Super Rugby Pacific, Bulls, Sharks, Europe's, Argentine, Superliga Americana, Argentine Rugby Union, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Stormers

☆ Liverpool thump Toulouse 5-1, Brighton earn first European win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The rest of the match belonged to Liverpool as Wataru Endo headed them back in front just past the half-hour mark. That goal took the Egyptian's tally to 43 for Liverpool in major European competitions, a record for any player at an English club. Liverpool top the group by five points over Union Saint Gilloise and Toulouse, who both have four points. BRIGHTON ROCKBrighton achieved a European milestone by beating Ajax and reigniting their chances of reaching the knockout stages. They are now level on four points with second-placed AEK Athens in Group B, a point behind Olympique de Marseille.

Persons: Diogo Jota, Wataru Endo, Darwin Nunez, Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah, LASK, Cameron Puertas, Christian Burgess, Joao Pedro, Diant Ramaj, Ansu Fati, Maurice Steijn, Kostas Fortounis, Rodinei's, Angelo Ogbonna, Angelo Ogbonna . West Ham, Lucas Paqueta's, Edoardo Bove, Romelu Lukaku, Jose Mourinho's, Alejandro Grimaldo, Stade Rennais, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Tommy Lund, Ken Ferris Organizations: Liverpool, Brighton, Ajax, Olympiakos, West, Marseille, Leverkusen, Rennes, LIVERPOOL, Toulouse, Europa League, Brighton & Hove Albion, Ajax Amsterdam, Union Saint Gilloise, Union, BRIGHTON ROCK Brighton, AEK Athens, Olympique de Marseille, AEK, Seagulls, Olympiakos Piraeus, Europa Conference League, West Ham United, Freiburg, Backa Topla, AS Roma, Slavia Prague, Slavia, Bayer Leverkusen thumped Qarabag, Stade, Panathinaikos, Villarreal, Maccabi Haifa, Thomson Locations: Roma, England, Anfield, Brighton, Liverpool, Toulouse, Europe, Angelo Ogbonna . West, Gdansk

☆ Investing in Space: A reality check on SPAC frenzy revenue projections
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Michael Sheetz | In Michaeljsheetz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +13 min

Overview: Forecast or fantasyWe're now at least two years on from when a slew of space companies went public during the SPAC frenzy, and, look, none of them look great. Now a bit further down the road, I want to look at a different financial metric: 2023 revenue projections. I ran an informal series for a while to mark when a space company announced it was going public. The rest of the pack isn't as on the mark: A few companies are roughly halfway to their earlier 2023 revenue projections, or performing even better. Spire forecast 2023 revenue of $227 million and is closing in on about $107 million.

Persons: Angela Weiss, CNBC's Michael Sheetz, it's, I'd, Here's, Derek Tournear, Ron Rosano, Trevor Beattie, Namira Salim, –, REx, Christopher Povak, Lisa Watson, Morgan, – Watson, Morgan Starliner, General, NASA Astrobotic, Andy Lapsa Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, AFP, Getty, Terran, Galactic Astra, CNBC, Pentagon, Space Development Agency, LinkedIn, Galactic, NASA, NASA NRO, Soyuz, – Reuters, Reuters SpaceX, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, IAC, Lunar Research, SpaceX, Boeing NASA, Moonshots Capital, Lavrock Ventures, Veteran Fund, Mana Ventures, AIN Ventures, Capital Factory, Astra, – Bloomberg, ViaSat, Viasat Locations: Russian, Azerbaijan, Russia, Venezuela, South Africa, Florida, Washington, CNBC Los Angeles

☆ SPAC shell games will keep hiding the ball
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Jeffrey Goldfarb | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

It’s more or less how another 216 companies backed into public markets in 2021, according to SPAC Research. They’re on track to miss the mark by more than 40%, delivering only about $55 billion, according to recent forecasts compiled by LSEG. The electric-vehicle industry, for one, was a serial SPAC user whose exuberance sputtered badly. Dressing them up as acquisitions of private firms by listed shell companies enables the participants to play by looser rules. SPAC investors buy shares in the empty vessel before its sponsor and takeover target agree on a valuation.

Persons: Vishal Garg, Better’s, Breakingviews, SPACs, ”, Joel Rubinstein, Donald Trump’s, Spruce, Woodruff Sawyer, Gary Gensler, Ellis, Gensler, Lauren Silva Laughlin, Sharon Lam Organizations: Reuters, & Finance, Research, LSEG, Polestar Automotive, White, The Securities, Exchange Commission, XL Fleet, SEC, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Case, Kirkland, U.S . Securities, Financial Services, Thomson

England have been fortunate to be drawn in one of the weaker groups of the Rugby World Cup, given their poor form this year. If you don't have a proper watch option in your country, we'll show you how to watch the Rugby World Cup live streams for free using a VPN. Where to watch England vs. Chile Rugby World Cup live streams free from anywhereYou can catch all of the Rugby World Cup action, including England vs. Chile, using the free ITVX live stream in the United Kingdom, which is offering up every match of this year's Rugby World Cup. How to watch England vs. Chile in the USANBC is the exclusive broadcast partner for the Rugby World Cup in the United States. Shop at SlingRugby World Cup scheduleBelow is a full schedule of upcoming Rugby World Cup games that will run through the October 28 final.

Persons: Owen Farrell, it's, ExpressVPN, You'll, Peacock Organizations: Rugby, Ireland, Chile, England, Chile Rugby, ITV1, ITV3, ITV, Rugby World, USA NBC, CNBC, ., Samoa, Zealand Locations: England, Chile, Africa, United Kingdom, UK, USA, United States, Georgia, Portugal, ITVX, South Africa, Tonga, Wales, Australia, Uruguay, Namibia, Japan, Italy, Argentina, Fiji, Scotland, Romania, France, . Georgia, Ireland, Zealand

☆ Five-try Arundell stars as England thrash Chile 71-0
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( Philip Blenkinsop | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

England, who made 12 changes from the starting line-up against Japan, scored 11 tries, including five for 20-year-old winger Arundell that equalled an England record, albeit against the lowest ranked team in the tournament playing at their first World Cup. Samoa and Japan have five, Argentina four and Chile are yet to register after three defeats. It was one-way traffic by then and Arundell got his fourth, chipping and gathering his own kick. Chile showed touches of ambition in the first half but never really threatened and were chasing shadows after the break. Their coach Pablo Lemoine, who scored a try for Uruguay against England in that 2003 match, said: "I'm not really disappointed, that's reality.

Persons: Winger Arundell, debutants Smith, Winger Henry Arundell, Steve Borthwick, Arundell, Owen Farrell, Marcus Smith, Smith, Marcus, Theo Dan, Bevan Rodd, Matias Dittus, maul, Dan, Elliot Daly, George Ford, Farrell, England's, Josh Lewsey, Rory Underwood, Daniel Lambert, Ford, Jack Willis, Borthwick, Freddie Steward, Pablo Lemoine, Philip Blenkinsop, Ken Ferris, Clare Fallon Organizations: England, LILLE, Japan, Wales, Samoa, Ford, Fiji, France, Thomson Locations: France, England, Chile, Marseille, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, Japan, Argentina, flyhalf, Uruguay

☆ Basketball Canada, Germany complete World Cup semi-finals cast
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Neil Jerome Morales | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANILA, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Canada will make their debut in the FIBA Basketball World Cup semi-finals after overpowering Slovenia 100-89 through a third-quarter rally as Germany edged past Latvia 81-79 on Wednesday to reach the final four. In a battle of elite point guards, Luka Doncic and Slovenia went toe to toe with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Canada in a first half that ended level at 50-50. Canada's RJ Barrett and Gilgeous-Alexander bannered a 27-11 run by slashing their way to the cup in the third quarter. Canada led by as much as 16 points in the third and fourth quarters. Germany will play the United States and Serbia will face Canada on Friday in Manila.

Persons: Luka, Shai Gilgeous, Canada's RJ Barrett, Gilgeous, Alexander bannered, Alexander, Doncic, Dennis Schroder, Davis Bertans, Germany's Schroder, That's, I've, Schroder, Franz Wagner, Neil Jerome Morales, Ed Osmond Organizations: FIBA Basketball, NBA, Dallas Mavericks, Canada, Latvia, Orlando Magic, Debutants, Spain, FIBA's, Thomson Locations: MANILA, Canada, Slovenia, Germany, Latvia, Luka Doncic, Alexander, United States, Serbia, Manila, Debutants Latvia, Brazil, France

☆ 2023 Ryder Cup teams: Shock selections, ‘criminal’ absences: Everything you need to know about the squads
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

CNN —The teams are in – and Ryder Cup fever has officially taken hold. Team USACaptain: Zach JohnsonA member of five US teams as a player, Johnson is a veteran of the Ryder Cup. Consistency” – who accumulated more Ryder Cup points than the next two closest players combined since the start of 2022. Subsequently, selecting Koepka for his fourth Ryder Cup appearance was an “easy pick” for his captain. Rounding out the American roster are Ryder Cup rookie Burns and Morikawa, who went 3-0-1 on his debut two years ago.

Persons: Zach Johnson, Luke Donald, Marco Simone Golf, It’s, Johnson, Steve Stricker, Stricker, Davis Love III, Jim Furyk, Fred Couples, Stewart Cink, Jonathan Bachman, Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa, Xander Schauffele, Scheffler, Ezra Shaw, Clark, Harman, Homa, Schauffele, ” Homa, ” Harman, ” Johnson, Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas It’s, LIV, Koepka, “, “ Brooks, CNN Thomas, he’s, JT, ” Thomas, Thomas, Ryder, ” Cameron Young, Keegan Bradley, Denny McCarthy, “ Zach, Ross Kinnaird, Spieth, Fowler, Burns, Morikawa, Marco Simone, that’s, Luke Donald He, Donald, Henrik Stenson, Francesco Molinari, Edoardo –, Thomas Bjørn, Nicolas Colsaerts, María, Sergio Garcia, Andrew Redington, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick, Robert MacIntyre, McIlroy, Rahm, Fitzpatrick, compatriot Hatton, MacIntyre, ” Donald, ”, Paul Ellis, Captain’s, Tommy Fleetwood, Sepp Straka, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Nicolai Højgaard, Ludvig Aberg, Swede, Ludvig, “ He’s, Fabrice Coffrini, Adrian Meronk, Paul Goydos, Adrian, There’s, Straka, Rose, Lowry Organizations: CNN, Ryder, United States, Country Club, Team Europe, Team USA, Whistling, Davis Love, Tour, PGA, CNN Sport, FedEx, Getty, USA, ” Team, Northern, Scottish, Hovland, European, Fleetwood Locations: –, Rome, Italy, Whistling Straits, Hazeltine, Saudi, Europe, Hovland, Norwegian, AFP, Switzerland, Crans Montana

☆ U.S. aiming for record sixth title as World Cup enters knockout phase
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Neil Jerome Morales | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Basketball - FIBA World Cup 2023 - First Round - Group C - United States of America v Jordan - Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines - August 30, 2023 United States players celebrate after winning the match REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsMANILA, Sept 4 (Reuters) - The United States will be hoping to stay on track for a record sixth world title when they face Italy in the quarter-finals as the Basketball World Cup enters the knockout stage on Tuesday. The tournament has been full of surprises with debutants enjoying upset victories and many expected title contenders, including defending champions Spain, going home early. Basketball-obsessed Philippines won their final classification game against China 96-75 and avoided being the first winless hosts since Colombia in 1982. That beat the previous record of 32,616 who watched the U.S.-Russia final at the 1994 World Cup in Toronto, Canada. "It's been a great tournament, it's been a great World Cup," Grant Hill, managing director of the U.S. team told reporters.

Persons: Lisa Marie David, debutants, we're, Austin Reaves, we've, Donatas Motiejunas, It's, it's, Grant Hill, Neil Jerome Morales, Ken Ferris Organizations: Basketball, FIBA, Asia Arena, United, Rights, Spain, USA, Lithuania, Sunday, China, U.S ., Thomson Locations: United States, America, Jordan, Asia, Manila, Philippines, Rights MANILA, Italy, U.S, Lithuania, Serbia, Germany, Latvia, Canada, Slovenia, Spain, Jakarta, France, Australia, Argentina, Greece, . South Sudan, Africa, Japan, Indonesia, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Russia, Toronto

☆ Liverpool handed favourable draw in Europa League group stage
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - Europa League - Group Stage Draw - Monaco, Monaco - September 1, 2023 General view of the completed draw Valerio Pennicino/Handout via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsSept 1 (Reuters) - Liverpool will take on LASK, Union Saint-Gilloise and Toulouse in the Europa League group stage while debutants Brighton & Hove Albion will face Ajax Amsterdam and Olympique de Marseille following the draw on Friday. Liverpool, who have lifted the trophy on three occasions, will be hot favourites to qualify top from Group E.Brighton face a tough task in their bid to progress past the group stage on their debut in European competition. Europa Conference League champions West Ham United were drawn with Olympiacos, Freiburg and TSC Backa Topola in Group A. Third-placed teams in the Europa League groups will drop to the third-tier Europa Conference League where they will play the group runners-up from that competition in the knockout round playoffs. The Europa League final will take place at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on May 22 next year.

Persons: Valerio Pennicino, Brighton's, Aadi Nair, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer, Europa League, Monaco, REUTERS Acquire, Brighton & Hove Albion, Ajax Amsterdam, Olympique de Marseille, Liverpool, E, Brighton, Ajax, Marseille, AEK Athens, Europa Conference League, West Ham United, Olympiacos, TSC Backa, AS Roma, Slavia Prague, Sheriff Tiraspol, Servette, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany, Qarabag, Molde FK, BK Hacken, League, Dublin's Aviva, Thomson Locations: Monaco, Handout, Liverpool, LASK, Union, Toulouse, Freiburg, Bengaluru

☆ Sweden top women's rankings, world champions Spain second
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Spain climbed from sixth to second, demoting the U.S. to third, while runners-up England and quarter-finalists France remained fourth and fifth in the latest rankings published on Friday. Sweden, who were third before the World Cup, joined Germany as the only other team to have led the rankings after beating tournament co-hosts Australia to win bronze. They recorded their worst performance at a World Cup after being knocked out by Sweden in a shootout in the last 16. Australia dropped one place to 11th despite finishing fourth at the World Cup, with Japan (eighth) returning to the top 10 following a run to the quarter-finals. World Cup debutants Morocco were the biggest movers, jumping 14 places to 58th.

Persons: Amanda Perobelli, Hritika Sharma, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Brisbane, France, Japan, New Zealand, Olympic, Canada, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Sweden, Brisbane, Australia, United States, Spain, U.S, England, Germany, Morocco, Hyderabad

☆ Inter's Germany midfielder Gosens joins Union Berlin
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Aug 15 (Reuters) - Inter Milan's Germany midfielder Robin Gosens has joined Champions League debutants Union Berlin, the Bundesliga club announced on Tuesday. Union paid a reported a club record fee of 15 million euros ($16.35 million) for the 29-year-old who has signed a five-year deal, local media said. He helped Inter to two Italian Cups and an Italian Super Cup as well as runners-up spot in the 2022-23 Champions League. "I've always said it's my dream to play in Germany and the Bundesliga one day," Gosens told the club website. Union finished fourth in the Bundesliga last season to qualify for their first Champions League campaign.

Persons: Robin Gosens, Gosens, I've, Anita Kobylinska, Ken Ferris Organizations: Inter Milan's, League debutants Union, Bundesliga, Union, Inter, Serie, Atalanta, Champions League, Nations League, Spain, Thomson Locations: League debutants Union Berlin, Italian, Germany, England, Gdansk

☆ Le Sommer scores brace in France's 4-0 last-16 win over Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Kadidiatou Diani's fourth goal of the tournament, a header in the 15th minute, sparked an eight-minute three-goal Les Bleues blitz, with Kenza Dali and Le Sommer also scoring at Hindmarsh Stadium, ending the North African side's fairytale run. Le Sommer increased her all-time leading goalscoring record for France to 92, while the game marked the first time Les Bleues had scored four goals in a World Cup knockout game. Le Sommer was able to get a boot on the ball for her first goal in the 23rd minute after Diani pressured a Moroccan defender. This World Cup marked the first time three African nations made the last 16 in Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria. Nouhaila Benzina had also made history as the first player to wear a hijab in the Women's World Cup.

Persons: Eugenie Le Sommer, Vicki Becho, Carl Recine ADELAIDE, Kadidiatou, Kenza Dali, Le Sommer, Les Bleues, Khadija, Dali, Diani, Nouhaila Benzina, Le, Lori Ewing, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, debutants, Hindmarsh, Australia, South, Panama, Lyonnais, France, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, France, Morocco, Adelaide, Australia, debutants Morocco, Brisbane, Germany, South Korea, Colombia, Moroccan, South Africa, Nigeria, Sydney

☆ Springboks include injured skipper Kolisi in World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 8 (Reuters) - South Africa captain Siya Kolisi was included in the squad for next month’s Rugby World Cup but other key players left out because of injury, including influential flyhalf Handre Pollard and World Cup-winning centre Lukhanyo Am. There are 12 World Cup debutants but the Boks kept the bulk of the side that won the tournament in Japan four years ago. Also out is Lood de Jager, the giant lock who was also part of team four years ago. He heads a list of players who compete at a third World Cup tournament. South Africa play in Pool B at the World Cup where they also meet Romania, Ireland and Tonga.

Persons: Siya Kolisi, flyhalf Handre Pollard, Kolisi, Pollard, de Jager, Jacques Nienaber, De Jager, Nienaber, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Eben Etzebeth, Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt, Lee Arendse, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Jaden Hendrikse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Manie, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams, Pieter, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Malcolm Marx, Kubota Spears, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Nche, Marvin Orie, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rugby, Lukhanyo, Scotland, Argentina, SA Rugby, Wales, New Zealand, Twickenham, Romania, Tonga, Squad, Panasonic, Knights, Canon Eagles, Harlequins, Suntory, Eagles, Toyota, Honda, Snyman, Leicester Tigers, Thomson Locations: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Marseille, Japan, Cardiff, New, Ireland, Montpellier, Ulster, Munster, Stormers

☆ How to watch Colombia, Jamaica, France and Morocco fight for a place in Women’s World Cup quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Six of the quarterfinal spots at the Women’s World Cup have been decided meaning there are just two left up for grabs. Three of those are on trailblazing runs, while France is hoping to finally claim that elusive World Cup trophy. Behind the brilliance of 18-year-old sensation Linda Caicedo, Colombia became just the second South American team to win a group in Women’s World Cup history after Brazil. Colombia's Linda Caicedo, left, challenges Morocco's Zineb Redouani, center, during the Women's World Cup Group H soccer match in Perth, Australia, Aug. 3, 2023. France vs. MoroccoThe Women’s World Cup’s final last-16 game sees Group F winners France take on Group H runners-up Morocco.

Persons: Linda Caicedo, Colombia's Linda Caicedo, Morocco's Zineb, Gary Day, –, Les Bleues Organizations: CNN, Fox, Jamaica, Fox Sports, Telemundo, Peacock, Seven Network, Optus Sport, BBC, ITV, FIFA, Jamaica Tuesday’s, South, verve, Brazil, England, France, Australia Locations: Colombia, Jamaica, France, Morocco, Australia, United Kingdom, Melbourne . Colombia, South American, Brazil, Perth, Panama

☆ France favourites but Morocco eye another odds-defying result
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

There are 67 places separating fifth-ranked France from Morocco but coach Herve Renard warned his team not to take their opponents lightly after several shocks, with holders U.S. joining former champions Norway and Germany in crashing out. Renard, who previously coached Morocco's men's team, will be up against fellow Frenchman Reynald Pedros, a former France international who has been in charge of Morocco since 2020. Colombia, who upset Germany 2-1, topped Group H to reach the last 16 for a second time. Jamaica - who lost every game on their World Cup debut in 2019 - have yet to concede, having held France and Brazil to goalless draws. Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Carl Recine, Herve Renard, Renard, Morocco's, Frenchman Reynald Pedros, Pedros, Allyson Swaby, Lorne Donaldson, Hritika Sharma, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Sydney Football Stadium, REUTERS, U.S, Norway, Morocco's men's, France, South, Australia, England, Panama, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Panama, France, Sydney, Australia, Adelaide, Jamaica, Colombia, Morocco, Germany, South Korea, Denmark, Melbourne, Nigeria, Brazil, Hyderabad

☆ United States meet Sweden in heavyweight World Cup last-16 clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The Americans topped their group in 2015 and 2019 but this year they finished behind the Netherlands after two draws. They were also nearly eliminated in stoppage time of their final group game when debutants Portugal hit the post in a goalless draw. For Sweden, the Americans are familiar foes but this marks the first time the two heavyweight sides, ranked number one and three in the world, face each other in the knockouts. The Netherlands, 2019 runners-up, have an easier game on paper against South Africa, who reached the knockout stages for the first time. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: David Rowland, Vlatko Andonovski, Peter Gerhardsson, that's, Gerhardsson, Andries Jonker, Desiree Ellis, Ellis, Rohith Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, United, REUTERS, U.S, Tokyo, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Portugal, United States, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, States, Sweden, Netherlands, Rio, South Africa, African, Italy, Bengaluru

☆ Three African teams have reached the Women’s World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever. Here’s what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Jack Bantock | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Yet the tournament’s lowest FIFA world-ranked team (77th) bowed out in style, claiming their first ever Women’s World Cup win with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica. South AfricaNo team left it as late to qualify from the group stage as South Africa. But Thembi Kgatlana had other ideas, tapping home Hildah Magaia’s pull back to secure South Africa’s first ever Women’s World Cup win and a place in the knockout stages with the flick of a boot. A solid start for a side who arrived at the tournament having conceded more goals at the World Cup than any other team. More history was made as Nouhaila Benzina became the first player to wear a hijab at a senior-level Women’s World Cup, and the defender came close to doubling the lead with a well-struck volley.

Persons: –, Banyana Banyana, Thembi Kgatlana, Kgatlana, Lars Baron, I’ve, ” Kgatlana, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale, Australia’s Alanna Kennedy, Lauren James, Christy Ucheibe, Ucheibe, Isabel Infantes, Striker Ibtissam, Benzina, Anissa, Badri, Paul Kane Organizations: CNN, Qatar, debutants, FIFA, Argentina, South, Getty, Racing Louisville, E, US, Sydney Football Stadium, Super Falcons, Olympic, Canada, Brisbane, Group, England, Denmark, European, Chelsea, Benfica, Germany, South Korea, Atlas Lions, France, Hindmarsh Locations: Nigeria, South Africa, debutants Morocco, Australia, New Zealand, Zambia, Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Africa, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Portugal, Vietnam, Republic, Ireland, Canada, Denmark, England, Morocco, Colombia, Korea, Brisbane, Perth, France, Qatar

☆ Surprise winners, shock losers in 32-team World Cup group stage
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The stunning upsets sent twice German champions packing in their first exit from the group stage in nine editions of the World Cup. Revived Norway were a big group stage winner, brushing off a turbulent two weeks to squeeze into the knockout rounds on goal difference over New Zealand. Norway's advancement sealed New Zealand's fate, despite the Football Ferns having edged the Norwegians 1-0 for their first win at a World Cup at the tournament's opening match. South Africa are not used to dominating outside their own continent and the nation erupted in celebration after the Banyana Banyana knocked out Italy, quarter-finalists four years ago, to progress with their first ever World Cup win. China's Steel Roses, once titans of women's soccer with silver medals from the 1996 Olympics and 1999 World Cup, were shock losers in the group stage, bowing out in a 6-1 thumping by England.

Persons: Deneisha Blackwood, Read, Lorne Donaldson, we'll, Anissa Lahmari, Marta, Canada's, Christine Sinclair, Sam Kerr, Matildas, Tony Gustavsson, Kailen Sheridan, Winger Caroline Graham Hansen, Hege Riise, Banyana, Cyril Ramaphosa, Shui Qingxia, Shui, Lori Ewing, Michael Perry Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Jamaica, Brazil, Melbourne, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia, ARM, Olympic, Football Ferns, U.S, United, debutants, England, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Jamaica, Brazil, Melbourne, Australia, SYDNEY, Morocco, South Africa, Norway, Germany, Canada, China, Perth, South Korea, Brisbane, Korea, New, Eden Park, Portugal, United States, debutants Portugal, Italy, England

☆ Magnificent Morocco stage 1-0 Colombia coup to score unlikely knockout berth
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Joel Dubber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

I would even say that it is the prize for the talent of this team," winning coach Reynald Pedros told reporters. Colombia topped the group with six points, bettering runners-up Morocco on goal difference, while Germany and South Korea depart the tournament. Morocco, who were thumped 6-0 by Germany in their opener before beating South Korea 1-0, move on to meet France in Adelaide and Colombia play Jamaica in Melbourne on Tuesday. A frenzied finish saw end-to-end action, but the Arab nation held on to continue their fairytale start to their first World Cup campaign. Reporting by Joel Dubber in Perth; Editing by Nick Mulvenney and Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Colombia's Marcela Restrepo, Luisa Gonzalez PERTH, Anissa Lahmari's, Reynald Pedros, Colombia's Daniela Arias clumsily, Catalina Perez, Lahmari, Daniela Montoya, Lorena Bedoya Durango, Khadija Er, Rmichi, Linda Caicedo's, We've, Nelson Abadia, Joel Dubber, Nick Mulvenney, Pritha Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Debutants, Anissa, South Korea, Germany, Moroccan, France, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Morocco, Colombia, Perth, Australia, Debutants Morocco, Brisbane, Lang, Germany, South Korea, Adelaide, Jamaica, Melbourne

☆ Morocco prayers answered as World Cup adventure kicks on
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Joel Dubber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The debutants bounced back from their mauling with a 1-0 win over South Korea and, in dramatic fashion in Perth on Thursday, followed up with an identical scoreline to upset Group H winners Colombia. To join the South American team in the knockouts, Morocco needed to win and hope the highly fancied Germans did not beat 17th-ranked South Korea in Brisbane. "We were praying, waiting for the result to come out of the Germany and Korea game. "I was very pleased because the players understood tonight they can play the best players in the world. "This is a showcase for the women's game, for the Moroccans back home and this is such a beautiful display that we're putting on here."

Persons: Fatima Tagnaout, Luisa, Read, Anissa Lahmari, Reynald Pedros, Lahmari, Ghizlane Chebbak's, Cafeteras, we've, Pedros, Joel Dubber, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, World, South, Colombia, South American, South Korea, Italy, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Morocco, Colombia, Perth, Australia, PERTH, Germany, South Korea, Brisbane, Korea, France, Adelaide, Nigeria, South Africa

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