The United States is preparing to face Portugal, a team that boasts firepower. The last time the two teams met was at the Brazil 2014 World Cup. Portugal was eliminated on goal difference by the United States.
Bolivia have not qualified for the World Cup in 32 years. Their last appearance was in 1994. Several other nations are also enduring lengthy spells away from the tournament.
Pio Esposito will start on the bench for Italy’s crucial match against Bosnia. The game is a World Cup play-off final. Italy manager Gattuso has largely kept faith with the team that beat Northern Ireland in the semi-final.
Bianca Andreescu snapped a five-match tour-level losing streak to post her first WTA main-draw victory since July, defeating Dalma Galfi in the first round of the Credit One Charleston Open. The 25-year-old’s last victory at this level had come over Barbora Krejcikova in the first round of her home tournament in Montreal eight months ago. Andreescu compiled a 13-1 record and won two titles on the Floridian ITF World Tennis Tour in January.
Jeremie Frimpong is a fresh injury concern for Liverpool ahead of their return to action against Manchester City in the FA Cup. He came off early during the Netherlands’ friendly against Ecuador. His fitness is now in question before the match against City.
Lumumba Vea, the DR Congo fan known for his signature statuesque poses, will not be in Mexico for his country’s World Cup play-off against Jamaica. Visa issues prevented him from making the trip to Guadalajara. He was unable to secure the necessary paperwork in time, despite a last-ditch effort.
Austria defeated South Korea 1-0 in their recent friendly match. The match saw multiple substitutions and blocked attempts. Hwang Hee-Chan won a free kick for Korea Republic.
The Detroit Lions have signed Chuck Clark, adding veteran depth at safety. Clark, who missed the 2023 season due to injury, has played for the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He has made 80 starts in 123 appearances.
Harry Maguire’s return to the England team saw him impress in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay. His performance has raised questions about England’s World Cup squad. His experience and affinity with the shirt make him a likely candidate for the 26-man squad.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promised to support Iran’s preparations for the World Cup. This comes after meetings with the Iranian national team and soccer federation officials. Infantino affirmed there are no back-up options for Iran to play its games as agreed.
