Cristiano Ronaldo joins Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr until 2025

Ronaldo departed Old Trafford last month following an explosive television interview in which the 37-year-old forward said he felt betrayed by the club.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/jA2yd5B

Russia may leave UEFA to seek membership in Asian confederation

The Russian Football Union may cut ties with the sport's European governing body UEFA and seek membership with Asia's confederation, ESPN reported Thursday, citing sources ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Plv4de7

Legendary Pele was Brazil’s ambassador to the world

Former Brazil star Pele was a man who moved in the company of celebrities and presidents and a player who could pause a civil war ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ZojvX95

Brazilians rush to hospital after news of Pele’s death

"You didn't even see the other players," one fan said. "You just fixated on Pele and what he would do. Pele and Santos are what ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/QDbq2RS

Novak Djokovic back in Australia and ready to move on from deportation

Novak Djokovic admitted Thursday that being deported from Australia was an experience he will never forget.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/4125a70

Teenager Momoka Horikawa ends Miho Takagi’s seven-year reign in 3,000-meter race

Horikawa said she hoped to begin her "own era of dominance."

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/3upFicC

Brazilian soccer legend Pele dies at 82

Pele transcended soccer — like no player before or since — and became one of the first global icons of the 20th century.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/DV45p7z

Dazzling Luka Doncic following Dirk Nowitzki’s path

"We can't take him for granted," Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said about Doncic. "Again, people get their money's worth when they come watch him play. ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/u7w19r6

Celtic prepares for Old Firm derby with big win over Hibernian

Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi both scored in Celtic's rout of Hibernian.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/C9aUvmh

Rafael Nadal eager to get back to winning ways after being hindered by injuries in 2022

"My main goal now is to regain positive feelings on the court and to be competitive, and I hope to do that," Nadal said during ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/W50PkZc

Shogo Taniguchi signs with Qatar’s Al Rayyan

Qatari first-division club Al Rayyan officially announced the signing of Japan defender Shogo Taniguchi on Wednesday.The 31-year-old center-back started two matches for Samurai Blue as ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Pu6hIn0

Slovenian brewery steps up to provide Luka Doncic’s ‘recovery beer’ after star’s historic night

Doncic said he needed a 'recovery beer' after scoring 60 points, grabbing 21 rebounds and recording 10 assists against the Knicks.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/siWSZ9r

Hajime Moriyasu retains post as Japan manager after World Cup run

The 54-year-old will be tasked with steering the Samurai Blue toward the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Pi7e04d

David Warner rates ‘magical’ Boxing Day double-ton among his best performances

He has rarely held back after reaching a ton but there was added gusto in his celebrations as he blew kisses off his bat to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/hiZ7XTx

Cardinals’ J.J. Watt announces retirement: ‘It’s been an absolute honor’

For his career, Watt started all 149 games he appeared in, accumulated 580 tackles — 191 for loss — 313 quarterback hits and 111.5 sacks.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/0arMnmO

Pacific League MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto signs for ¥650 million

His annual pay jumped from this year's ¥370 million after the 24-year-old right-hander won both the Pacific League MVP and Sawamura awards for the second ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ljCfy1g

Sydney-Hobart yacht race begins with hopes of record times

The starting cannon fired to release 109 yachts on the 1,200-kilometer blue-water classic.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/nD8iFw4

Images of 2022: Sports

From the wintry slopes of the Beijing Games to the heat on the pitches of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Japan has had plenty ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/iRvY21P

Mets’ Kodai Senga well equipped to meet MLB challenge

“He’s got Ohtani stuff on the mound. He’s not hitting home runs, but on the mound, pitch-for-pitch, they have the same stuff.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/rjpKuTf

Packers beat Dolphins to boost playoff hopes

Green Bay's playoff hopes were also aided by Detroit, Seattle and Washington all losing on Saturday.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/SX0OAyq

Kathy Whitworth, golf’s winningest professional, dies at 83

Kathy Whitworth, whose 88 LPGA Tour victories are the most ever by a player on a pro tour, passed away suddenly on Saturday while celebrating ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/DIQ2hWr

Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate net braces in win

Hatate, who played as a makeshift right back, was narrowly denied a hat trick when his 72nd-minute shot went off the post.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/6pyTsFt

Kaori Sakamoto wins second consecutive national title

The reigning world champion topped both the short and free programs, making up for a disappointing fifth at the Grand Prix Final earlier this month.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/7lnahXO

Alex Ovechkin has 802 goals. Wayne Gretzky is next in his sights.

Alex Ovechkin on Friday surpassed Gordie Howe for second place on the NHL’s career goal-scoring list. With 802 goals, he now trails only the Great ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/37z6xtc

Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic still getting better

Jokic is bolstering his case to become the first NBA player to win three straight MVP Awards since Larry Bird, who won from 1984 to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/12/24/basketball/nba/nuggets-nikola-jokic-still-getting-better/

Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer has suspension reduced and is eligible for 2023 season

The Dodgers have until Jan. 6 to decide whether to reinstate Bauer to their 40-man roster.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/qf1h952

Kaori Sakamoto soars into first place in short program at nationals

Sakamoto brought the crowd to its feet at Osaka Prefecture's Towa Pharmaceutical RACTAB Dome with a powerful, energetic performance.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/nVMePJ3

Kyogo Furuhashi scores to help Celtic extend lead in Scottish Premiership

Kyogo Furuhashi scored the winner as Celtic defeated Livingston 2-1 to restore its nine-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.The Japan ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/b0DkKce

Steelers great Franco Harris, who caught ‘Immaculate Reception,’ dies at 72

Franco Harris, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back who caught what became known as the "Immaculate Reception," has died age 72, the Pro Football Hall of ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/fnCmALg

Pair of Kenyan marathoners handed long doping bans

As of the end of November, 55 Kenyan athletes were banned and eight provisionally suspended, according to the Athletics Integrity Unit.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/7Z8DVgp

Australia aims to assuage crowd fears ahead of Women’s World Cup

A pitch invasion at a recent A-League game has embarrassed the country as it prepares to co-host women's soccer's premier international competition in the summer ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/hnTB6Js

After World Cup, Qatar seeks Olympic gold

Qatar is ploughing ahead with its ambitions despite criticism of its rights record, with major sporting events including world championships packing the Gulf state's sporting ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/HiOcrAY

France’s Karim Benzema retires from international soccer

Since his 2020 return to the international team, the Ballon d'Or winner had scored 10 goals in 16 appearances for Les Bleus.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/nmBtZzY

FIFA readies 48-team World Cup as eyes turn to 2026

The next tournament will notably see an expansion from the current 32-team format that has been in place since 1998

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/z58ZqyW

Takagi places second in speed skating World Cup 1,000-meter race

Takagi, who earned gold in the distance at the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, crossed in 1 minute, 13.19 seconds, 0.66 behind the winner on ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/cLD6e7q

Is Lionel Messi the greatest? For his fans, the debate is over.

The absence of a World Cup winners' medal has long been Exhibit A in the argument about why Messi does not rank above Pele and ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/vtIyfkH

Argentina beats France on penalties to win World Cup

Lionel Messi finally gets the trophy he and his nation demanded after one of the all-time great finals, which also featured a hat-trick by France's ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/EWb0cLK

Miho Takagi claims third 1,500-meter World Cup win of season

It was Takagi's 16th World Cup win at the distance and her 20th on the circuit.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/EMi9R5p

Fifteen-year-old Mari Fukada wins first World Cup event in big air

It was a day of strong outings from Japanese snowboarders as Hinari Asanuma came fourth and Beijing Olympic bronze medalist Kokomo Murase was fifth.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/W85gbfz

Right-hander Kodai Senga joins Mets on five-year deal

After joining the Hawks in 2011 out of high school, Senga is 87-44 with a 2.59 ERA and had at least 10 wins for seven ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/q6odOvm

Football Australia pledges to “weed out” hooligans after pitch invasion

The pitch invasion occurred amid a fan backlash against the A-League's decision to sell its men's and women's title-deciding Grand Final matches to Sydney until ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/RHMQ458

Lionel Messi’s Argentina in World Cup final showdown with France

Argentina supporters will dominate Lusail Stadium outside Doha, with at least 40,000 estimated to be in the Qatari capital.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/aTI7pYk

Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to finish third

Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 in the World Cup third-place playoff on Saturday to secure a top three finish in the tournament for the second consecutive ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/yL5CI80

France faces virus outbreak ahead of World Cup final

With little more than 24 hours to go before the world champions face Argentina, France has been left reeling by a viral outbreak that is ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/NmrBRaA

Daiya Seto makes history as three more records fall at short-course worlds

Daiya Seto became the first swimmer ever to claim six straight world titles in the same event at a short-course championships.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/hpwlG1a

France no stranger to major success under Didier Deschamps

Win or lose against Lionel Messi's Argentina, France is going through a remarkable period of sustained success that began with its World Cup triumph in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/q6EAFM0

Ancient sport of falconry gets some upgrades in Qatar

Long before soccer fever swept Qatar, peaking with its hosting of the World Cup this year, the sport of falconry was a point of national ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/zABMyI0

Warriors star Stephen Curry sidelined with partial shoulder dislocation

ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported Thursday that Curry would miss "a few weeks" with the injury.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/5QeBymN

Former Swallows reliever Scott McGough signs with Diamondbacks in MLB

The Arizona Diamondbacks said Thursday they have signed right-handed reliever Scott McGough, who spent the past four seasons in Japan with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/NOJiotW

Red Sox introduce Masataka Yoshida

Yoshida signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the AL East team.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/UEwOjlW

France already focused on taking last step against Argentina in World Cup final

"There's emotion, there's pride, there's going to be a final step," said French coach Didier Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 title.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/pSCsBvT

Lionel Messi to end World Cup career with final against France

Lionel Messi has confirmed he will play his last World Cup game when Argentina takes on France in Sunday's final in Qatar.Messi lead Argentina to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/WXco30A

49ers head into clash against Seahawks with chance to win division title

Brock Purdy emerged victorious from his first career NFL start, but not unscathed.The San Francisco 49ers' rookie quarterback suffered oblique and rib injuries in a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/5ePxzK2

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Shohei Ono to retire from competition and move into coaching

Two-time men's 73-kg Olympic judo champion Shohei Ono has decided to step away from competition, including the 2024 Paris Games, and will focus on coaching, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/YmgKvhQ

Proud Moroccans praise team after thrilling World Cup run ends in semifinals

"We are really proud of this team ... we already made history so we can't judge them for this match," 24-year-old Moroccan student Mohamad Alaoui ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/hmu1jwq

Grant Wahl’s family says journalist died from aortic aneurysm

Grant Wahl collapsed at Lusail Iconic Stadium while covering the Argentina-Netherlands match early Saturday morning.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/PIqZy7p

France overcomes Morocco to reach consecutive World Cup finals

France remains on track to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cups since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/fCMeU3F

J. League first division to feature 20 teams from 2024

One club from the J1 will be relegated following the 2023 season, while the top three sides from the J2, which currently features 22 teams, ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/zLgewhX

French rugby in turmoil as Bernard Laporte gets suspended sentence

The verdict comes only nine months before the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off in France.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/pXTGA2E

Alvarez and Messi steer Argentina past Croatia into World Cup final

The most clinical of smash-and-grabs kept Lionel Messi on track for his date with destiny as Argentina booked a spot in Sunday’s final with a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/lnYcp45

Bantamweight king Inoue eyes step up after beating Butler

"This is not the goal," said the 29-year-old Inoue, who is widely expected to make the step up to the super-bantamweight division.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/DKF9vOX

Naoya Inoue beats Paul Butler to become undisputed bantamweight champion

The unbeaten Inoue finally floored a defensive Butler in the 11th round with a flurry of body shots after dominating the bout.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/X8BeHIj

Australia to launch T20-style golf event in late 2023

The Ultra Golf Championship follows the launch of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, which has lured away many of the sport's biggest names from the ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/HWbd0w4

Global swimming federation FINA rebrands as World Aquatics

The organization said the move was meant to symbolize inclusivity for all aquatic disciplines, not just swimming.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Y0recxQ

Minami Katsu and Yuna Nishimura qualify for U.S. LPGA Tour for 2023 season

Golfers Minami Katsu and Yuna Nishimura earned U.S. LPGA Tour status for the 2023 season after finishing the Q-Series alone in fifth and tied for ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/sdAFDU9

Cristiano Ronaldo will not make rash decision about future with Portugal

The 37-year-old Ronaldo was playing his fifth World Cup. As soon as the final whistle blew he headed down the tunnel with tears streaming down ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/UCYXnK7

Japan claims silver in foil at World Cup event

Kyosuke Matsuyama, Takahiro Shikine, Kazuki Iimura and Kenta Suzumura beat No. 1 Italy in the semifinals.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/m2iMYjx

World champion Shoma Uno and Mai Mihara shine in Grand Prix triumph

The victory in Turin capped off a tremendous year of international competitions for Uno that included a world championship, two Grand Prix wins and a ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/txy6ws8

Morocco stuns Portugal in a historic victory for Arabs and Africa

While Morocco celebrates its victory and ponders the next step of its magical journey, the result almost certainly means the end of an era for ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/PVt2Y7E

U.S. soccer journalist dies in Qatar after collapsing during World Cup game

In recent days, longtime soccer writer Grant Wahl wrote about struggles with his health during a run of coverage that, he said, typically left room ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/52bTIAX

Argentina beat Dutch and go into semis after late night drama

Argentina will face Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals after beating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 extra-time draw on a night ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/hsm7V1c

Minutes from elimination, Croatia roars back to eliminate Brazil

A late shock goal in extra time forced penalty kicks. Croatia made the most of them.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/bNicDUX

All Blacks warhorse Joe Moody targeting World Cup after knee rehab

The 34-year-old is in the eighth month of a long rehabilitation from a ruptured ACL sustained in a Super Rugby match against the Auckland Blues ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/T8CULA3

A tale of two captains: England and France ready for World Cup showdown

Lloris and Kane have been teammates at Tottenham since 2013, but in Qatar, friendship will be put aside as their national teams battle it out ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Axs2zWS

Morocco’s coach breaking new World Cup ground for Africans

The coach has seen several big decisions pay off in recent months and his tactics of allowing Spain possession worked as planned.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/gUwb5Oo

Shoma Uno tops short program at Grand Prix Final

This year's Grand Prix Final is the first to be staged in three years, with the two previous editions canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/0sVMB1W

Brazil hoping to dance past Croatia into World Cup semifinals

"We are dreaming of winning the title, that's obvious, but we have to go step by step," Neymar said after the team's victory over South ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/0pHYT4W

Wrestlers with amateur backgrounds becoming new normal in sumo

These days elite top-tier wrestlers without an amateur background are an increasingly scarce sight.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/YkA0e8W

Buffaloes outfielder Masataka Yoshida reaches deal with Red Sox

Yoshida was quickly picked up by Boston after the 45-day negotiation window opened the same day for the 29-year-old, who was posted by the Japan ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/a67Z2Ql

Samurai Blue get hero’s welcome on return to Japan from World Cup in Qatar

Players and staff were welcomed back by a huge crowd at Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/hMZIeEg

Citing climate change, IOC postpones 2030 Winter Games host selection

The preliminary results of leading academic research have shown a potential reduction in the number of climate-reliable hosts, according to the commission.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/J6hDyzI

Giants go big with $360 million offer for Aaron Judge

Judge turned down a seven-year, $213.5 million extension offer from the Yankees in March and went on to hit an American League-record 62 home runs.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/i9c2XTV

Yu Darvish joins Shohei Ohtani in agreeing to play in WBC

The 36-year-old Darvish was a member of Japan's second WBC championship team in 2009. Since then, Samurai Japan was eliminated in the semifinals in 2013 ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ZfDKYvm

Ramos bags hat-trick as Portugal crushes Switzerland to reach World Cup quarterfinals

The 21-year-old forward, who started instead of Ronaldo, is the youngest player to strike three times in a World Cup knockout match since Pele in ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ksuC3gy

Morocco shocks Spain on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals

Morocco is just the fourth African team in history to reach the last eight of the FIFA World Cup.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/PQW0Von

England rugby coach Eddie Jones to be sacked, U.K. media reports say

One report suggested former England captain and assistant coach Steve Borthwick, currently at Leicester, is to take over.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/n6kcG7W

Players back Australia coach Arnold to continue after best World Cup

Unfancied Australia won two matches for the first time at a World Cup finals before bowing out in the round of 16 against Argentina.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/xrgHpuv

Cuba to allow female boxers to compete for first time in six decades

The news quickly made waves in gyms in Havana, where for years women have trained, only to be forced to leave the island if they ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Ch0qjUg

As Japan exits the World Cup, eyes turn to the team’s future

Veterans are set to step back, head coach Hajime Moriyasu's future is uncertain and the country waits to see if the next star player is ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/MzcO4jH

Brazil dedicate World Cup win to ailing Pele

Following the last-16 match at Stadium 974 in Doha, the players unfurled a huge banner to the 82-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/YrZgX73

World Cup not Modric’s swansong, says Croatia coach Dalic

The Real Madrid player has now appeared in four World Cups and four European Championships.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/gOYGr3D

Penalty shootout agony for fans as Japan’s World Cup dream comes to a disappointing end

Devastated fans brave rain and a midnight start to watch the Samurai Blue's historic chance at a quarterfinal appearance slip through their fingers.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/gyLVe89

England quickly shifts focus to showdown against France

England only spent a little time celebrating its 3-0 World Cup win over Senegal on Sunday before turning its thoughts to an intimidating quarterfinal against ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/RQ4gVtx

Tyson Fury thinks surgery may be required for right elbow

If Fury has surgery, it could delay a unification showdown with Ukrainian rival Oleksandr Usyk early next year.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/H2zJ14L

Three Japanese golfers advance to final week of LPGA Q-Series

Japanese golfers Minami Katsu, Yuna Nishimura and Yuri Onishi on Sunday advanced to the final week of the LPGA Q-Series, a two-week tournament at which ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Rhbm9ri

Kylian Mbappe obsessed with leading France to second straight World Cup title

Kylian Mbappe said he dreamed of winning the World Cup for a second time after his brace helped France to a 3-1 win over Poland ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/1xLmE0i

Japan captain Maya Yoshida calls on Japanese soccer to set bar even higher

"For Japanese soccer to go one level higher, we must become a team that consistently gets past the group stage."

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/BaQN5O1

Rusty Deshaun Watson booed during unimpressive debut in Browns victory

Deshaun Watson was less than impressive in his return from an 11-game suspension on Sunday, but Cleveland's defensive dominance saw him win his Browns debut ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ZcT1ghe

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold calls for greater funding, facilities

The 59-year-old said the government needs to do more if the Socceroos are to perform well again at future World Cups, starting with government investment.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Tuxsvyj

Takehiro Tomiyasu ready to step up for short-handed Samurai Blue

The 24-year-old Arsenal defender has not yet started a game in Qatar, but said Saturday that he is 100% recovered from the hamstring injury he ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/CN8dKZB

Japan super-sub Ritsu Doan aims to sink Croatia

The Freiburg winger would become the first Japanese player to score three goals at a single World Cup if he scores on Monday, but his ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/6GcpDHk

Croatia standing between Japan and World Cup history

The European's battle-tested squad, led by veteran captain Luka Modric, will be tough opposition for a Japan team facing a shortage of fit defenders ahead ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/yTK8Eo5

Dutch masters end American dream to reach World Cup quarterfinals

A clinical Netherlands ended the United States' World Cup dream on Saturday, sweeping into the quarterfinals with a ruthless 3-1 victory.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/yKvnYUW

Stephanie Frappart’s hometown expresses pride as referee makes history in Qatar

When Stephanie Frappart stepped onto the Al Bayt stadium grass on Thursday, she became the first woman to referee a men's World Cup game to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/suOyxEw

Tigers make Shintaro Fujinami available to MLB teams via posting system

Major League Baseball has accepted the Hanshin Tigers' application to post right-handed pitcher Shintaro Fujinami, the Japanese club said Thursday.Fujinami, who was two-way star Shohei ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/jxC6kRP

Germany suffers another early World Cup exit after ‘absolute catastrophe’ in Qatar

Kai Havertz said Germany's final day at the World Cup was "like watching a horror movie."

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/HbkpSA9

Morocco aiming even higher after advancing to knockout round at World Cup

Morocco coach Walid Regragui said the Atlas Lions are ready to "aim for the sky" after reaching the World Cup knockout round for the first ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/lBMtkKF

Japan’s current generation of players not haunted by ‘Tragedy of Doha’

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said he had flashbacks to the infamous "Tragedy of Doha" in the final minutes of his team's dramatic 2-1 World Cup ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/UczfhVs

Stephanie Frappart makes history as first female referee for match at men’s World Cup

Frappart's achievement was met with recognition, with Costa Rica manager Luis Fernando Suarez describing it as a step forward for women in a "sexist sport."

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/1jLyCz5

Spain coach Luis Enrique bemoans 5-minute ‘total loss of control’ against Japan

"They scored two goals against us, and if they had needed to score two more, then they would have scored them too, I'm sure," Spain ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/yHiUpIV

Belgium’s ‘golden generation’ reaches the end as Croatia and Morocco move on

The Belgians had chance after chance to win, but never scored against Croatia, which advanced. Morocco cruised past Canada to win the group.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/Q0V5ANg

Germany crash out of World Cup despite 4-2 win over Costa Rica

Germany finished third in Group E, behind Spain on goal difference, tumbling out of the FIFA World Cup at the first hurdle for the second ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/NyuLpsk

Japan defeats Spain to advance in shock World Cup upset

Spain also progress to knockout round in Qatar despite Germany overcoming Costa Rica 4-2.

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/BCWPHNf

Efforts underway to revive local horse racing in Japan

Sales have been recovering, due in part to online sales of betting tickets, although until now local racecourses have not been financially strong enough to ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/MKqyjzB

Argentina starting to round into form at World Cup

Argentina's performance should sound an alarm to the other title hopefuls that Lionel Messi and the rest of the squad is starting to click into ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/ksXB7TL

LIV Golf adds more events for 2023

The LIV Golf tour added three tournaments to its 14-event schedule in 2023.LIV Golf announced on Wednesday that it will hold tournaments at Mayakoba's El ...

from Sports – The Japan Times https://ift.tt/z9HvEPf