One is 41 years and 138 days old. The other is 18 years and 320 days old. When Portugal played Uzbekistan in Houston, the gap between them became the largest ever recorded between two starters at a FIFA World Cup.
Golf instruction is ever-evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s series, Timeless Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice teachers and players have dispensed in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look back to our September 1981 issue for driving accuracy tips from Ben Crenshaw.
Hitting the ball in the fairway is a skill that has lost a bit of its luster over the years, but it remains incredibly important. While it’s true that distance is a more premium skill than accuracy when it comes to the driver, that doesn’t mean you can ignore it. As legendary instructor Harvey Penick once said, “The woods are full of long hitters.”
Ben Crenshaw was a Penick disciple, and he took this advice of accuracy to heart. Although he was known for his putting prowess, his ability to keep the ball in the fairway cannot be overlooked.
Back in a 1981 issue of GOLF Magazine, Crenshaw shared some of his best advice for finding more fairways, which you can check out below.
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Crenshaw’s driving accuracy tips
During the last four years or so, I have learned to drive the ball better. I had to do that to survive on the Tour. It was clear to me that had I continued driving the ball in the old way, my future was more than a little uncertain. As late as 1976, I was likely to miss as many as 10 fairways during a single round. This forced me to take a hard look at my driving and to analyze what I could do to improve it.
In comparing myself to the great drivers of the ball, it was immediately apparent that, unlike me, they hit the ball on a lower trajectory. My ball was flying out very high, and as a result, I had a lot of trouble playing in the wind.
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There were technical reasons why I hit the ball too high and had a tendency to spray it. I’ll get into those on the next page, but here I should mention that my equipment was also hurting me. My stiff (S) shafted driver was much too flexible for me. By switching to a tipped extra-stiff (X) shaft, I not only got a lower trajectory but also more accurate drives. I’ve given up about 15 yards in making this change, but if I had to choose between my old 280 yards in the rough and my new 265 yards on the fairway, I’ll take the short grass any day, and so should you.
So, even though your first item of study should be the trajectory of your drives, if you’re hitting the ball too high or low or are inaccurate, you must also look at your equipment. You have to find a playable driver, one with which you can mishit the ball and still get it into the fairway. Your professional can help you find the driver with the right shaft and other specifications to suit your game.
I am also going to suggest what to key on when driving the ball, give some technical tricks and explain the art of targeting. So let’s go.
My swing problems and yours
GOLF Magazine
I used to set up with the ball very forward in my stance, approximately off my left instep and my head way behind the ball. I also had a gigantic turn, as well as too much lateral sway off the ball. As a result, I hit the ball too high, even though I could hit it a mile. I now play the ball off my left heel and set up more over the ball, with my right knee set slightly inward. I control my right leg better, as you can see above. This has also cut down the length of my backswing and the amount of my lateral sway. Everyone needs a little sideward motion with a tee shot, but not nearly as much as I had.
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I found in my own game that the most important principle of good driving is to trust your swing. A fuller, freer swing enables you to release the club correctly and hit straight. If you’re hitting wildly, you’re probably trying to steer the ball. The club is not traveling at its maximum through impact, and that upsets your timing. That’s when you hit off target.
Another good rule is to avoid giving yourself technical advice when you’re actually on the course; reminders such as “Keep the left arm straight” only add to your problems. Key on simple concepts, on clubhead feel or tempo. If you find a swing key when warming up that seems to help, use it, but don’t use two or three keys at once. One is enough.
About the only technical point that can help you at times is grip pressure. When you’re driving badly and getting tense as a result, lighten the pressure to the point at which you can feel the clubhead. Then go ahead and swing it.
Technical tricks
The teeing ground is defined by the outside edges of the tee markers and is two club-lengths deep. That’s important to remember. Normally, you tee up from a flat spot, because then you can put your best swing on the ball. Some tees, however, have slight slopes. If you’re forced to tee up on a ball-above-feet slope, you’ll tend to draw the ball, and fade when the ball is below your feet. So allow for these when aiming. You can use these slopes creatively. Say you need a draw or fade to work the ball around a dogleg. Try to find the appropriate slope. If you want to guard against a hook or slice, pick the slope that will have the opposite effect.
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The height of the tee also affects ball flight. Tee the ball lower on tight holes. You will get a lower-trajectory ball that gets on the ground faster and stays out of trouble better than a high ball. A lower tee also encourages a fade, which will bring the ball quickly to a stop. The converse of this is also true: Generally, a higher tee than normal encourages a high draw.
You should also realize that choking down on the driver stiffens the shaft a little, as well as reducing the size of your arc. This is a useful technique to have on tight holes. On long holes, grip more at the end of the grip. It gives you a bigger arc, and you can truly feel the clubhead.
In addition, the golf course architect usually has a few tricks up his sleeve. The sneakiest is the misaligned tee. For example, on the sixth tee at Merion, if you align yourself parallel to the sides of the tee, you’ll hit straight out-of-bounds. Don’t fall for this one.
Targeting
There are two basic steps to targeting. First, analyze how wide or tight the target area is and where the trouble is. Second, picture in your mind the ideal drive for you on that hole — see yourself setting up, swinging, and see the ball landing in your target area. The mind directs the body, and without good thinking and visualizing, the drive can go anywhere.
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When targeting, it’s important that you recognize and compensate for the way you’re hitting the ball. I’ve played golf with amateurs who are slicing, and all day they target at the middle of the fairway and wind up in the right rough. Had they targeted more to the left, they could have played their second shots from the fairway.
It’s also vital to pick a target that you can realistically reach. If you’re a 220-yard hitter, target at a spot 220 yards out. Target farther out than that, and you’ll tend to swing too hard and ruin the shot.
When there’s trouble on one side of the hole, people say you should tee up on the same side as the trouble and hit away from it. This is excellent advice for the high handicapper. For the more skillful player, there is a second option. My teacher, Harvey Penick, used to tell me to line up at the trouble and then draw or fade the ball away from it. It still works for me.
On open holes, you have to work hard on your targeting. It’s very easy not to pick a target, and then you’ll often hit your wildest drives. Force yourself to find a focal point, even if it’s the difference in color between the edge of the fairway and the rough. In lining up, work off that point. With no focal point in the landing area or with a blind tee shot, find some distant object, such as a distinctively colored tree or a rock, a chimney or a church spire and line up on that. I should add that on wide holes there’s a great temptation to swing too hard. Resist it. Pick your spot and swing smoothly.
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Tight holes, on the other hand, literally force you to target correctly and concentrate better. The temptation here is to steer. You have to make an effort to swing freely.
Last, never be too proud to drive with a 3-wood on tight holes. Think of it as the amateur’s one-iron.
FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year’s tournament.
Gianni Infantino, the soccer body’s president, defended the decision to introduce breaks – which come midway through each half – at this World Cup and said Tuesday they may be providing more entertainment for fans.
He said FIFA would analyze what it will do in future tournaments “based on this experience.” But after criticism that the breaks were a stealth way to insert advertising or American-style timeouts, Infantino suggested the stoppages have been positive.
“Maybe the coach can reassess certain situations, correct certain mistakes. The players get a little rest and come back in full speed. Well, is that bad necessarily? Maybe it’s good,” Infantino said. “And we see as well the intensity of the games. We’ve never seen 90 minutes in a tournament like this played in such an intensity.
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“Until the last second of the match, players attack and so on,” he continued. “And maybe, maybe not, but maybe it’s also a bit thanks to this little break that the players have and after they can go back on the field and show what they can do.”
The World Cup has certainly delivered in terms of entertainment, with goals scored at a record pace and big performances from soccer greats like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. There have also been shocks provided by debutants Cape Verde and Curacao, despite fears the expansion of the tournament from 32 teams to 48 would dilute the quality.
But the biggest criticism has been the introduction of hydration breaks for all matches regardless of venue or location.
Loud jeers have greeted the stoppages, around 22 minutes into each half, especially at games played in stadiums with roofs and air conditioning, such as Atlanta.
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Infantino said it was necessary for sporting equity.
“If we were to use hydration breaks only in those matches where it was too hot and not in the other matches, we would give an advantage or a disadvantage to some of the coaches or some of the teams,” he said. “Why would the coach have the opportunity to influence the game in one match just because it’s hot and in another match where it’s a bit less hot, he wouldn’t have this opportunity?”
Infantino also insisted FIFA was making no extra money as a result of networks cutting to commercials because contracts had been signed before the decision to introduce hydration breaks.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts from the sideline during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The moment occurred on Dec. 10, 2023, in Paradise, Nevada, as O’Connell guided Minnesota through a tense late-season road contest with playoff implications beginning to emerge. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Did it feel like the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason and free agency, in particular, were a bit quieter than normal? Your observation was correct. CBS Sports ranked each NFL team last week by offseason spending, and Minnesota checked in at No. 32 — the fewest dollars spent.
It’s a new era in Minnesota with general manager Nolan Teasley in the saddle and a freshly reset salary cap.
“Quiet” Offseason Was Deliberate for Vikings
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell reacts after an Aaron Jones touchdown against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Oct. 20, 2024, O’Connell celebrated an early scoring drive as Minnesota battled a division rival in Minneapolis. The head coach continued guiding one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses during the season. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
CBS Sports on Vikings’ Spending
The Vikings were fiscally restrained, and the numbers prove it.
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Garrett Podell wrote this week, “The Minnesota Vikings were up against it from a salary cap perspective entering free agency, which hindered how active they were this offseason. Minnesota began around $43 million over the salary cap, but was able to clear up space with the retirement of offensive lineman Ryan Kelly, plus contract restructures for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, left tackle Christian Darrisaw and cornerback Byron Murphy.”
“Trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles also helped decrease the Vikings’ financial issues. Cutting defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were also subtractions the Vikings needed to make to their roster this offseason.”
The Vikings went on an absolute spending barrage in 2024 and 2025; the 2026 offseason was markedly different.
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“While they weren’t big spenders, their most expensive free agent signing on an average per year basis — San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings — fills a key need. Minnesota lost speedster Jalen Nailor to the Las Vegas Raiders, but Jennings can certainly make up for some of the production lost in Nailor’s departure,” Podell added.
“Since 2024, Jennings’ 83 receiving first downs rank 28th in the NFL. Once 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy returned from injury in Week 11 in 2025, Jennings’ six receiving touchdowns from Week 11 to the end of the regular season were tied for the second most in the entire league. He’ll be a prime secondary weapon for whomever emerges in the quarterback battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.”
Who’d They Get?
Because the Vikings ventured into free agency without an official general manager — Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was fired about a week before the Super Bowl, and Rob Brzezinski took over in the interim — onlookers didn’t know what to expect from free agency.
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Well, Minnesota played it cool — aside from landing a new quarterback in Murray. Here’s the haul of notable additions:
Eric Johnson (DT)
Isaiahh Loudermilk (DT)
James Pierre (CB)
Jauan Jennings (WR)
Johnny Hekker (P)
Kyler Murray (QB)
Ryan Van Demark (OT)
Because Murray and Jennings have big-name offensive appeal, it didn’t feel like Minnesota was totally quiet. Yet, compared to the rest of the NFL, the spending was puny.
The Cap Is Reset
The Vikings pressed pause on the remote control this offseason, compared to their spending in 2024 and 2025. Theoretically, they could’ve pursued high-profile free agents like Tyler Linderbaum or Trey Hendrickson — moves that would have generated considerable buzz — but the team chose a different path.
Rather than front-loading massive cap hits into future seasons (2027-2030), the Vikings prioritized value. They secured Murray on a teensy contract, added the aforementioned veterans at reasonable prices, and largely steered clear of bidding wars.
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Minnesota owner Mark Wilf and general manager Nolan Teasley speak during an introductory press conference at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. On June 3, 2026, Teasley discussed his vision for the franchise and outlined plans for collaboration throughout football operations. The event marked his first public appearance as general manager. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
The strategy contrasts sharply with that of many other NFL teams. The Eagles, for example, are known for pushing cap obligations into future years, a tactic the New Orleans Saints also employed for an extended period. While effective in the short term, this approach eventually leads to substantial financial reckoning.
It appears Minnesota decided that 2026 was the opportune time to rectify its financial outlook.
While this offseason has been quieter, the Vikings’ cap health has improved. By 2027, they anticipate having substantial financial flexibility, avoiding the cap disasters that often plague teams employing more aggressive spending habits.
Heading into 2027, the books will be relatively clean.
Any More on the Way?
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Minnesota has just over $13 million in cap space — from spending judiciously. The roster is largely in good shape, but as always, a couple of enhancements could be in order.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Leonard Floyd appears during a road game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. On Dec. 13, 2021, Floyd continued another productive season as one of the Rams’ primary pass rushers. The veteran edge defender played an important role on a defense that later won the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
At the top of the list, the purple team needs an OLB3 if rookie Jake Golday isn’t ready to fill a hybrid ILB-OLB role as a rookie, or if the tentative plan to convert DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins to OLB doesn’t take flight. Free agents like Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd, and others are waiting on the wire for a phone call.
Otherwise, the Vikings could sign an extra guard or safety for depth if Harrison Smith doesn’t return or OT Walter Rouse isn’t converted to guard.
The Vikings’ regular season begins in 81 days.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
National record holder decathlete Tejaswin Shankar will be considered for this year’s Asian Games despite not competing in the National Inter-State Senior Championships which begins here on Wednesday as he has been granted exemption from the meet, a top official of the national federation said on Tuesday.
Tejaswin, who rewrote his own national record during the Federation Cup in Ranchi last month, has been named in the 32-member Indian team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (July 23 to August 2). He has sought exemption from the National Inter-State Senior Championships and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) granted him exemption.
“Yes, he has sought exemption from the National Inter-State in writing and we have granted it. He will be considered for the Asian Games,” AFI Planning Commission chairman Lait Bhanot told PTI ahead of the championships here.
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“The gruelling 10-event decathlon is such an event which an athlete cannot compete twice within one month. You need a long period of recovery time, otherwise he will get injured.”
Tejaswin had won a bronze medal in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The AFI had earlier announced that National Inter-State will be the only selection trial for the Asian Games to be held in Aichi-Nagoya in Japan in September-October.
Bhanot also said that national 100m record holder Gurindervir Singh, who has also been named in the Indian Commonwealth Games team, has sought exemption from the National Inter-State and the AFI will take a call on that.
“Gurindervir has also sought exemption and the AFI is yet to take a call on that. We will do that. In any case, the Asian Games team will be named on the final day of the National Inter-State (on June 28).
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“The selection committee is the final authority to take a call on whether an athlete will be selected or not,” he said.
“Of course, he (Gurindervir) will have to compete before the Asian Games and qualify if he has to be in the Asian Games team.”
The Asian Games qualification time for men’s 100m is 10.16 seconds, and Gurindervir had lowered the national record to 10.09 seconds in the Federation Cup last month.
Bhanot also confirmed that national record holder 3000m steeplechaser Avinash Sable is not in a position to compete after undergoing an ACL surgery last year.
‘Nothing wrong in Animesh Kujur competing for Odisha’
There were allegations that the No Objection Certificate issued to 200m national record holder Kujur, who originally belonged to Chhattisgarh, by Odisha to represent the state has lapsed, but Bhanot does not see any problem in it.
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“As regarding the migration (of an athlete) from one state to another, both the states have to agree. In case any state is not agreeing, then the athlete can give representation to the AFI which is free to take decision whether the migration is allowed or not,” Bhanot said.
“And once he (Kujur) has gone to Odisha, then if he wants to go back to any other state, there must be some strong reason and the same process needs to be followed again.
“So one time migration is given, it is permanently till the time he does not ask for the migration to some other state.
India’s top-ranked golfer Yuvraj Sandhu says he is “hungrier than ever” and has set himself an ambitious target of winning a major championship within the next two to three years.
Sandhu clinched an unprecedented seven titles last year during a record-breaking domestic season, topping the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) Order of Merit to earn a full-season card on the prestigious DP World Tour.
“I’m just a little hungrier than ever before. Now that I’ve tasted the European tour, I feel like this is exactly where professional golf is… it’s literally where you want to be. So I see myself playing a lot of majors next year, contending as well. And ideally, it would be — winning a major next year,” Yuvraj told PTI.
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“So I’m just going to stick to the process, work hard and let’s see if I can win a major next year. That’ll be golden. But I definitely see myself winning a major in the coming two or three years.
“I definitely see that because I know that, to begin with, I have the grit for it. And secondly, I think I have a great team that, you know, pushes me to the limit. And if I tell them that I need to work on certain things.”
The 29-year-old from Chandigarh said his confidence stems from exposure to European conditions, having played the US Open qualifier at Walton Heath.
“I’ve already competed in European and UK conditions. I did play the US Open qualifier in Walton Heath. On the World Tour, I went out there with my ears and eyes wide open, very receptive to the change,” he said.
“I’ve had trouble breaking through to win or get a top-five finish lately, but I think I’ve become smarter with a lot of things on and off the golf course, and that’s showing in my scores more and more now.”
Sandhu is part of the six-member Indian team which will compete in the Asian Games scheduled to be held from September 19 until October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
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Asked how he felt qualifying ahead of the likes of Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma, Sandhu said: “It’s been a dream to compete at the Asian Games and representing the tri-colour. Coming from an army background, seeing my dad wearing the uniform and serving the nation, I think the nation’s pride, it’s just something that comes to me.
“I feel like if I’m representing the tri-colour, it’s just something that gives me goosebumps till date. So going to the Asian Games, it’s always been a dream and I’m really grateful and thankful to everybody and my whole team who’s contributed for me being selected to the Asian Games.”
Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat and Saptak Talwar make up the men’s team, while Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar and Pranavi Urs comprise the women’s squad.
“I honestly feel it’s a very strong team. Saptak, Veer and I, we’ve played junior golf together. We’ve played amateur golf together. It’s like we’ve literally seen each other in school. We’ve seen each other in college.
“Now we’ve seen each other in the pro ranks in our rookie years. And now the three of us are going to the Asian Games. I know for a fact that it’s the first time for all three of us.”
Sandhu also credited improvements in his long game and wedge play for his recent progress.
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“I’ve always been an aggressive player. I’ve always been a player who wants to hit a driver or, you know, who wants to pipe down a driver down the middle. So, I think that has helped me and given me a little bit of an edge,” said the Indian, who recorded a tied sixth finish at DP World PGTI Open this year.
“And at the same time, I think my wedge play has definitely become better. Like there have been harsh adjustments at the beginning of the year, which are showing results now.
“I’m very confident that towards the end of the year, there will be a week where I’ll be very busy with interviews,” he signed off.
Quiet last week, the Barcelona winger actually started sharply but faded massively and backed out of an aerial contest with Senaya defensively, which almost cost England a goal. Gordon did have the first shot on target of the game in the 57th minute, but he hasn’t done enough over two matches and he will be lucky not to lose his starting spot for Marcus Rashford against Panama on Saturday.
Overtook David Beckham (watching on in the stands) in the all-time England appearances list… but that was just about as good as it got for the Three Lions captain on Tuesday. And that glorious late chance, skying high with his left foot with the goal at his mercy, will haunt him. An off day.
Bukayo Saka – 7. Had a really good sight on goal after coming on, but his header ballooned over. Also worked keeper Benjamin Asare with a shot rifled towards the corner. Is he fit enough to start against Panama?
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(PA)
Kieran Jackson 24 June 2026 11:14
England fans boo hydration breaks during World Cup clash with Ghana
Fans let their dissatisfaction be felt during England’s Group L encounter against Ghana by loudly booing the decision to take a hydration midway through the first half.
The pause, made mandatory by Fifa for every match at this year’s tournament, came just a few moments after a previous stoppage in which England defender Reece James and Ghana striker Jordan Ayew both received medical treatment following a clash of heads.
England had won a throw in as they attempted to break down Ghana’s compact and deep defensive shape with the match still goalless when the hydration break was called.
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Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 10:59
England player ratings v Ghana
Most influential player on the pitch in a drab first-half, with a free-kick and header over the bar, but the midfield linchpin did pick up a needless booking. Set-piece deliveries were a tad predictable.
Again, won the battle of the wingers, but wasn’t as impactful as he was against Croatia. Bright on the right-hand side and carved out more opportunities than Gordon on the left, but was wasteful when he had a glimpse of goal. Could lose his spot to Bukayo Saka.
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A day of frustration for England’s No 10. Struggled to make an impact going forward, but did make a perfectly timed tackle to deny Semenyo a run on goal. A bit stale, nonetheless.
(PA Wire)
Kieran Jackson 24 June 2026 10:44
The risk of playing Declan Rice in World Cup group finale against Panama
Thomas Tuchel may opt to leave Declan Rice out of England’s final Group L match against Panama to avoid risking his absence for the round of 32.
Rice picked up a yellow card in Tuesday’s drab goalless draw with Ghana in Boston, which saw the Three Lions stay level with the African nation on four points at the top of the group.
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It means England have business to do in their third group outing against Panama on Saturday 27 June but midfield mainstay Rice could be dropped to avoid the risk of suspension.
Will Castle24 June 2026 10:29
England player ratings v Ghana
Replacing Manchester City teammate John Stones in the starting XI, Guehi slotted in seamlessly. Should start at the back for the foreseeable, such is his poise and pace. Had a header cleared off the line in stoppage time.
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A surprise starting pick over Nico O’Reilly, Spence was solid on his first World Cup start. While he didn’t actually face a single one-on-one battle with Antoine Semenyo, he did cover well to deny Marvin Senaya after his second-half burst into the box.
Struggled to influence proceedings in the same way as he did against Croatia, but perhaps inevitable given Ghana’s shape. Didn’t do enough with a free header at the back post on 61 minutes.
(Getty)
Kieran Jackson 24 June 2026 10:14
Declan Rice urges England to remain ‘positive’
It’s always difficult when you play against 11 behind the ball and as deep as they were. You have to find solutions and the last 10 minutes we probably found more than we did the whole game,” Rice told BBC One.
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“We were probably a bit unlucky not to score, but, look, we stay positive. We keep going and still have a great chance to top the group against Panama, so positivity all round.
“You have to give credit to Ghana – 5-4-1, off the ball very, very compact, tight space to play through, but of course on the other hand, maybe we can do more with the ball and create a bit more.
“Look, it’s tough. They are good players, it was never going to be an easy game and now we have one more in the group to finish top, so we need to be positive.
“Loads of top nations drew their first game. No need to be negative or downbeat. We need to stay positive, keep going and recover for the next match. That’s what we will do.”
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Jack Rathborn24 June 2026 09:59
England player ratings v Ghana
Did not have a single save to make but was perhaps fortunate to escape without sanction after a collision with Ghana substitute Prince Kwabena Adu outside the penalty area. A welcome clean sheet after conceding two goals against Croatia.
Teamed up nicely with Noni Madueke on the right early on but was slow and predictable with the ball at his feet. Was it the sort of game where England missed the ingenuity of, say, Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back?
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Made a crucial intervention from Antoine Semenyo in the box at the end of the first-half and looked more assured after his shaky World Cup debut against Croatia. Was he lucky not to give away a penalty in the second-half after a questionable lunge? Perhaps.
(Reuters)
Kieran Jackson24 June 2026 09:44
Jude Bellingham admits England suffering from ‘second game fever’
England have now drawn their second game at the last four major tournaments. “It was very frustrating, like second game fever, the same as always with us,” Jude Bellingham said.
“It feels like in all the tournaments I’ve been to, it’s been the same, a decent performance to start and a good win. And then just the second one, frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up.
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“Credit to them, they got exactly out of the game what they played for, we couldn’t quite break them down, and even with all the corners, all the possession, all the shots on goal from distance. But it’s one of those things that happens.”
Jamie Braidwood24 June 2026 09:29
Declan Rice sparks England injury fears after limping with bandaged leg after Ghana draw
Declan Rice has sparked fears over an injury, with the midfielder appearing to limp through the mixed zone after England’s World Cup draw with Ghana, while sporting bandaging around his left calf.
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The midfielder had been an injury doubt before the group-stage 0-0, but he played the full 90 minutes – perhaps to his and England’s detriment.
Many fans will have felt it was a concerning performance in Boston as Thomas Tuchel’s side failed to break down Ghana’s intense low block, and there was a concerning scene when Rice, 27, appeared to limp through the media area.
Alex Pattle24 June 2026 09:14
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England player ratings vs Ghana: Who failed to perform in drab World Cup draw?
England were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Ghana in their second World Cup group-stage match in Boston on Tuesday.
After so much optimism following the entertaining 4-2 win against Croatia, it was a draining afternoon for Thomas Tuchel’s side this time around in a result which leaves Group L, and specifically top spot, in the balance.
Following a drab first-half, Bukayo Saka and Elliot Anderson had decent openings in the second-half before Harry Kane spurned the best opportunity of the match late on. Overall, the Three Lions struggled to create many chances against a dogged, defensive Ghanaian outfit, coached by ex-Man Utd assistant Carlos Queiroz.
The result, which means England have drawn their second match in their last four major tournaments, means both England and Ghana are level on four points ahead of their final matches on Saturday: England face group minnows Panama and Ghana take on Croatia.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave Portugal the roar it needed. Colombia then gave Group K its final shape.
After Ronaldo scored twice in Portugal’s 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan, Colombia held their nerve later in the round to beat DR Congo 1-0 and move to the top of Group K. The result completed the second set of league matches and turned the final round into something more than a qualification battle.
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Colombia are through to the Round of 32 with six points. Portugal, on four, are almost there but still have work to do. DR Congo remain alive, though only through a narrow route. Uzbekistan, after two defeats and a bruising goal difference, can no longer finish in the top two but can still chase a slim third-place lifeline.
The biggest match, however, is now clear.
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Colombia vs Portugal on June 28 at 5 AM IST will decide the Group K toppers. It could also decide whether Portugal stay on a bracket path that may eventually lead to Argentina. But that route is not immediate. For a Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi World Cup meeting to happen, Portugal and Argentina must both finish top of their groups and then win their respective Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches. Only then can they meet in the quarterfinals.
That means one final group match could still carry the weight of an era: Ronaldo on one side, Messi waiting somewhere deeper down a possible road.
FIFA WC 2026 Group K team rankings
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Fifa World Cup 2026 Group K points table
Rank
Team
MP
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
1
Colombia
2
2
0
0
4
1
3
6
2
Portugal
2
1
1
0
6
1
5
4
3
DR Congo
2
0
1
1
1
2
-1
1
4
Uzbekistan
2
0
0
2
1
8
-7
0
Group K results so far
Date (IST)
Match
Result
June 17
Portugal vs DR Congo
1-1 draw
June 18
Uzbekistan vs Colombia
Colombia won 3-1
June 23
Portugal vs Uzbekistan
Portugal won 5-0
June 24
Colombia vs DR Congo
Colombia won 1-0
FIFA WC 2026 Group K: Qualification scenario
Colombia qualify, but top spot still at stake
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Colombia’s 1-0 win over DR Congo has made them the first team from Group K to confirm a place in the Round of 32.
With six points from two matches, Colombia have done the hard work. They beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening game and then edged DR Congo to stay perfect. Their qualification is secure, but their group position is not.
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The final match against Portugal will decide whether Colombia finish top or drop to second.
A win or draw against Portugal will be enough for Colombia to finish first in Group K. A defeat would leave them on six points and allow Portugal to move above them with seven.
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That makes Colombia’s final group match a battle for control, not survival.
Portugal need a point, but Ronaldo has raised the ceiling
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Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan changed the mood around Roberto Martinez’s side.
After the opening 1-1 draw against DR Congo, questions around Ronaldo’s place in the starting line-up had grown louder. The answer came in six minutes. Ronaldo turned in Joao Cancelo’s cross to put Portugal ahead, then scored again before half-time to complete a brace and become the first player to score in six different World Cups.
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Portugal now have four points and a commanding goal difference of +5. A draw against Colombia will be enough to guarantee automatic qualification. A win will take them to seven points and secure top spot.
Even a defeat may still be enough for Portugal to go through, but that would depend on DR Congo’s result against Uzbekistan and the final goal-difference calculations. Given Portugal’s current advantage, they are in a strong position, but not yet mathematically safe.
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The bigger prize is first place.
If Portugal beat Colombia, they will top Group K and keep alive a possible quarterfinal collision with Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The two superstars are both appearing in their sixth World Cup, but they have never faced each other in the tournament. That meeting, however, can happen only if both teams top their groups and then win two knockout games each.
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How Argentina vs Portugal can happen
Argentina are strongly placed to finish as Group J toppers after two wins from two matches. Portugal can top Group K only by beating Colombia.
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If both conditions are met, Argentina and Portugal would move into a possible collision course. But they would still need to clear the Round of 32 and the Round of 16 before any Messi-Ronaldo World Cup meeting becomes real.
Scenario
What it means
Portugal beat Colombia
Portugal top Group K and remain on a possible Argentina quarterfinal route
Portugal draw with Colombia
Colombia top Group K; Portugal likely finish second and move to another path
Portugal lose to Colombia
Colombia top Group K; Portugal may still qualify, but their route changes
For neutrals, the most dramatic route is clear: Portugal win Group K, Argentina finish top of Group J, and both sides then survive the Round of 32 and Round of 16.
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Only then would the World Cup get what football has chased for years: Messi vs Ronaldo on the biggest stage.
At this point, it is still a possibility, not a promise. But that is enough to raise the temperature around Colombia vs Portugal.
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DR Congo still alive, but need help and goals
DR Congo’s defeat to Colombia has left them third with one point from two matches.
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Their path to the top two is narrow, but not completely closed. They must beat Uzbekistan in their final match and hope Portugal lose to Colombia. Even then, DR Congo would need a major goal-difference swing to overtake Portugal.
Portugal currently have a goal difference of +5, while DR Congo are on -1. That means a narrow DR Congo win and a narrow Portugal defeat would not be enough. DR Congo need victory, Portugal need to lose, and the combined margin across both matches must be large enough to overturn the gap.
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If that does not happen, DR Congo’s best realistic route is third place.
A win over Uzbekistan would take them to four points, which could be enough to rank among the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups. A draw would leave them on two points and make qualification extremely unlikely. A defeat would almost certainly end their campaign.
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Uzbekistan can only chase a third-place miracle
Uzbekistan’s first World Cup has been punishing.
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A 3-1 defeat to Colombia was followed by a 5-0 loss to Portugal, leaving Fabio Cannavaro’s side bottom of Group K with zero points and a goal difference of -7.
They cannot finish in the top two because Colombia already have six points and Portugal have four. Their only route is third place.
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To keep even that faint hope alive, Uzbekistan must beat DR Congo. That would take them to three points and lift them above DR Congo. But given their heavy goal-difference damage, Uzbekistan would need a sizeable win and then hope several other third-placed teams across the tournament finish with inferior records.
A draw or defeat against DR Congo will eliminate them.
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FIFA WC 2026: Group-stage tiebreaker
For the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, teams are ranked first by points (three for a win, one for a draw). If two or more teams finish level on points, FIFA applies the following tiebreakers.
Group-stage tiebreakers (same group)
Points obtained in matches between the tied teams
Goal difference in matches between the tied teams
Goals scored in matches between the tied teams
Overall goal difference in all group matches
Overall goals scored in all group matches
Best team conduct (fair play) score
FIFA World Ranking
Fair play (team conduct) score
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Teams are ranked by disciplinary record if they remain tied after goals and goal difference:
Yellow card: -1 point
Indirect red card (two yellows): -3 points
Direct red card: -4 points
Yellow card + direct red card: -5 points
The team with the better (less negative) score ranks higher.
Tiebreakers for the eight best third-placed teams
Since the 2026 World Cup has 12 groups, the top two teams from each group qualify automatically, while the eight best third-placed teams also advance to the Round of 32.
Those third-placed teams are ranked by:
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Points
Goal difference
Goals scored
Fair play score
FIFA World Ranking
Why Group K still matters
On paper, Group K now looks almost settled. Colombia are through, Portugal are nearly there, DR Congo are chasing a difficult route, and Uzbekistan are close to the exit.
But the final round has been given a sharper edge because of the bracket.
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Colombia vs Portugal is not only about finishing first. It is about the road ahead. If Portugal win, they top Group K and stay on a possible route towards Argentina in the quarterfinals. If they draw or lose, Colombia top the group and Portugal move to a different path.
Ronaldo’s brace against Uzbekistan has already sent his fans into celebration. It revived Portugal, silenced some of the noise and added another chapter to a career built on defying endings.
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Now comes Colombia.
A point may be enough for Portugal to qualify. A win may give the World Cup something much bigger: not a direct Messi-Ronaldo clash yet, but the first step towards a possible quarterfinal meeting with Argentina, provided both giants survive the first two knockout rounds.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell reacts after an NFL International Series game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Croke Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Well, that’s it for the Brendan Sorsby theory in the Twin Cities. He won’t be a Vikings QB anytime soon.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter clarified that the NFL won’t be conducting its supplemental draft, effectively ending the pathway for Sorsby to turn pro: “Just in: NFL is declining to hold a supplemental draft this summer, currently leaving the 2027 Draft as the only way for QB Brendan Sorsby to enter the NFL. A letter is being sent to Sorsby, and to all 32 NFL teams, to inform them of the league’s decision. The league continues to try to show it has little tolerance for gambling issues.”
Vikings QB Idea is Kaput
Safe to say that the Sorsby news has created a ruckus. People are noticing that the NFL has slammed the door shut on a promising young passer.
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Albert Breer of Sports Illustratedoffered a take: “I can’t remember the NFL ever denying a player entry to the supplemental draft. They’ve let guys in who were ruled ineligible because of drugs (Josh Gordon), NCAA rule-breaking (Terrelle Pryor) and grades (Ahmad Brooks), over and over. Clearly, the NFL is drawing a line here.”
Check out what Dane Brugler — draft nerd for The Athletic — had to say: “NFL declining to hold a Supplemental Draft is a major curveball to the Brendan Sorsby saga. To sum it up: the NFL felt there wasn’t enough time for the league and teams to fully vet everything. The NFL also said that Sorsby did NOT ‘demonstrate accountability’ for his conduct.”
Some people think that the NFL is all about winning. That (misguided) assumption then leads to the belief that quarterbacks are the most precious commodity in the league. Neither belief is true.
What the NFL values above everything else is money. Sometimes, the saying is said so commonly that it gets drained of meaning, but the NFL truly is a business. Kirk Cousins was therefore onto something when he annually pushed for fully-guaranteed deals as a way of ensuring his team was committed to him. A team that will put its money where its mouth is is serious about a passer.
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Sorsby is talented enough to be in the NFL. Where he falls short is in his gambling. Threatening the league’s gold is a surefire way to undermine a career since nothing is more sacred in football.
Consider what Jeff Diamond had to say in his recent piece for Vikings Territory: “Sorsby signed with Texas Tech this year only to be implicated in a scandal that involved placing at least 40 bets on his own team while at Indiana and was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for placing more than 9,000 bets for at least $90,000 while a college player. He was granted reinstatement by a Texas judge before the Big 12 raised a ruckus and Sorsby ultimately applied for the NFL supplemental draft.”
More from Mr. Diamond: “He’s a big QB with a strong arm and running ability who most scouts rate as a first, second, or third-round talent. The big questions are if he’s kicked his gambling habit, whether the NFL will suspend him upon entering the league, how long that suspension would be, and if there are teams willing to risk a premium draft pick (that would be then deducted from their 2027 draft choices) if they select him.”
Nov 30, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby (2) rolls out to throw against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first quarter at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Albert Cesare/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
As many have commented, the NFL has indeed clarified what’s a no-fly zone. Essentially anything can be forgiven but don’t get in the way of the money.
The Vikings QB position is rallying around Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Inserting Sorbsy into the mix was always unlikely but it’s hard to discount what a team will do when a highly-gifted young fella can be had for a discounted price. No team, Vikings included, will be allowed to jump into the mix since the NFL has intervened.
Scotland take on Brazil in their final group game of the World Cup on Wednesday at 23:00 BST.
The sides also met in the opening game of the 1998 tournament, when Brazil won 2-1.
Can you name the starting XIs from that game?
After more quizzes? Go to our dedicated Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes pages and sign up for notifications to get the latest quizzes sent straight to your device.
Ruben Amorim’s time at Man United ended on a sour note but the Portuguese head coach could hand the Reds a huge favour this summer
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United cut ties dramatically in January as the behind-the-scenes strains of their relationship were played out in public. Poor results throughout his tenure, combined with the now infamous Leeds press conference, left United with little choice but to let him go.
Since then, both United and Amorim have landed on their feet. The Reds’ interim appointment of Michael Carrick was a resounding success as he turned the club’s fortunes around both on and off the pitch. Qualification for next season’s Champions League justified Ineos’ decision to pull the plug on a head coach Sir Jim Ratcliffe had spoken so highly of.
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As for Amorim, he has bagged himself a new job at AC Milan, another huge club that has taken a gamble on the former Sporting man. Due to the nature of his exit, there will be little love lost between Amorim and United.
But that might not be a bad thing for United. The Reds have been linked with Rafael Leao this summer. The 27-year-old scored for Portugal on Tuesday in a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan and, unsurprisingly, his future was under discussion after the game.
“He is a very good coach, I will make a decision after the World Cup,” Leao told reporters when asked if he would stay at the San Siro to work with Amorim. This is a significantly softer stance than the one he took before the World Cup.
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“I’m proud as I made history at AC Milan but I want a new chapter,” he said. “I feel ready to play in another league. I did my best for Milan, but it’s time to try another challenge.”
Considering a left winger is one of United’s targets this summer, Leao has made his way onto United’s radar. He has also spoken of his admiration for the Reds and Cristiano Ronaldo, only strengthening the links to Manchester.
But United would do well to dodge Leao. At 27, he does not fit the ideal age for an Ineos signing, and the winger has not played in the Premier League previously.
He is also valued at £43m by Milan, which, for a club still needing to watch their pennies, is a considerable price tag. As has been well documented, United want to strengthen multiple areas of the squad this season, so splashing that cash on Leao does not represent good value for money.
Such a sizeable fee would be better spent on players who fit the Ineos model. It’s unclear whether Leao has changed his mind on his Milan future, but he has certainly softened his stance since the arrival of Amorim.
If Leao decides to stay in Milan because of Amorim’s arrival, the former United boss might actually be doing the Reds a favour.
;)
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