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Broos Hits Back at Critics as South Africa Reach Historic Knockout Stage

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South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has fired back at his critics after Bafana Bafana secured a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.

South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to finish second in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico, who won all three of their matches.

The African side, appearing at the World Cup for the fourth time, had been heavily criticised after losing 2-0 to Mexico in their opening game. However, they bounced back with a draw against the Czech Republic before sealing qualification with a vital win over South Korea in Monterrey.

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Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal of the match in the second half to send South Africa through.

Speaking after the game, Broos said the victory was the perfect response to those who doubted his team.

“I’m very proud of the performance of my team and I think we gave an answer to all those big mouths of the last weeks that thought that we had to change something,” Broos said.

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“We just did what we did. We just did what I wanted to do and this is the result.”

The 74-year-old Belgian, who has been in charge of South Africa since 2021, described the achievement as one of the most emotional moments of his coaching career.

“I said it already in the past that probably it will be one of the last games of my career and when you can end a career like I had in this way, I think every coach dreams of it,” he said.

Broos also praised the strong bond he shares with his players and revealed that he never lost faith in them despite the criticism.

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“Between me as a coach and them as players is maybe something unique. I’m the coach, but I’m not only a coach,” he said.

“I think I’m a friend of theirs. So the relationship between the players and me is very good.”

South Africa will now face Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday, with a place in the World Cup quarter-finals at stake.

Broos is confident his players will be ready for the challenge.

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“I just know that the players will be ready again and try to achieve the third round,” he said.

“It should be even more historic. Those players want to prove to everyone and show that they are a good team. We will see on Sunday if we can go further.”

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Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 17 2026

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4 Pines Park will play host to Saturday’s
Round 17 NRL game between Manly Sea Eagles and
Melbourne Storm. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with Manly Sea Eagles heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Manly Sea Eagles vs.
Melbourne Storm
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday June 27, 2026 at 7:35 pm

Where: 4 Pines Park

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

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Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm Odds

Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm Preview

Manly returns to 4 Pines Park on Saturday night for a crucial clash against a Melbourne side beginning to find its rhythm.

The Storm’s improvement has been built on defence, with Craig Bellamy’s side showing far greater resilience and composure than it did earlier in the season. That defensive steel has helped Melbourne remain firmly in the finals hunt despite periods of inconsistency.

Manly enters the contest as favourite but faces questions around personnel changes in the backline. The Sea Eagles remain one of the competition’s most dangerous attacking teams at home, though Melbourne’s ability to apply pressure could force errors.

These clubs have developed a fierce rivalry over the years and little is expected to separate them again. With both sides chasing top-eight security, the result could have major implications later in the season.

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Manly Sea Eagles vs Melbourne Storm Teams

Sea Eagles team: 1. Tom Trbojevic 2. Jason Saab 3. Tolutau Koula 4. Josh Feledy 5. Lehi Hopoate 6. Luke Brooks 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Taniela Paseka 9. Jake Simpkin 10. Ethan Bullemor 11. Haumole Olakau’atu 12. Ben Trbojevic 13. Jake Trbojevic 14. Joey Walsh 15. Nathan Brown 16. Simione Laiafi 17. Aaron Scoupp 18. Blake Wilson 19. Jackson Shereb 20. Hugo Hart 21. Onitoni Large 22. Clayon Faulalo

Storm team: 1. Sualauvi Faalogo 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Joe Chan 5. Moses Leo 6. Cameron Munster 7. Tyran Wishart 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Cooper Clarke 12. Ativalu Lisati 13. Trent Loiero 14. Trent Toelau 15. Jack Hetherington 16. Josiah Pahulu 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Shawn Blore 19. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown 20. Davvy Moale 21. Stanley Huen 22. Angus Hinchey

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Canberra Raiders vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 17 2026

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GIO Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 17 NRL game between Canberra Raiders and
St. George Illawarra Dragons. The game kicks off at 2:00 pm with Canberra Raiders heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Canberra Raiders vs.
St. George Illawarra Dragons
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday June 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Where: GIO Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

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Canberra Raiders vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Odds

Canberra Raiders vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Preview

Canberra will look to strengthen its finals credentials when it hosts St George Illawarra at GIO Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Raiders remain one of the competition’s success stories this season, but there have been signs the demands of a long campaign are beginning to test some of the club’s younger players. The return of Ethan Strange to his preferred side of the field provided a boost to the attack last week.

The Dragons continue to rely on effort and defensive resolve. While points have been difficult to come by at times, Shane Flanagan’s side has regularly remained competitive through strong field position and disciplined football.

Canberra has won four of its past five meetings against St George Illawarra, but the Dragons have consistently shown an ability to keep contests tighter than many expect.

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Canberra Raiders vs St. George Illawarra Dragons Teams

Raiders team: 1. Kaeo Weekes 2. Savelio Tamale 3. Simi Sasagi 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Xavier Savage 6. Ethan Strange 7. Ethan Sanders 8. Corey Horsburgh 9. Owen Pattie 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Zac Hosking 13. Jayden Brailey 14. Tom Starling 15. Ata Mariota 16. Morgan Smithies 17. Sebastian Kris 18. Chevy Stewart 19. Jake Clydsdale 20. Coby Black 21. Jed Stuart 22. Vena Patuki-Case

Dragons team: 1. Clinton Gutherson 2. Setu Tu 3. Mathew Feagai 4. Valentine Holmes 5. Tyrell Sloan 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga 9. Damien Cook 10. Toby Couchman 11. Dylan Egan 12. Hamish Stewart 13. Ryan Couchman 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Emre Guler 16. Josh Kerr 17. Luciano Leilua 18. Jacob Halangahu 19. Nicholas Tsougranis 20. Lyhkan King-Togia 21. Hame Sele 22. Christian Tuipulotu

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Jaron Ennis makes next target after Xander Zayas clear: “That’s my goal”

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On Saturday, Jaron Ennis attempts to become a unified world champion in a second division as he collides with Puerto Rico’s WBA and WBO ruler Xander Zayas.

Ennis was elevated to IBF welterweight champion in late 2023 and defended that belt against both David Avanesyan and Karen Chukhadzhian, before a brutal beatdown of then WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis saw him add another strap to his collection.

The Philadelphian then decided to move up to 154lbs and made a statement upon his divisional debut, when he dispatched of Portugal’s Uisma Lima in the opening round of their October clash to claim the WBA Interim title.

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Since then, Ennis was once again been linked to a long-awaited scrap with fellow super-welterweight knockout artist Vergil Ortiz Jr, but he instead signed to challenge for Zayas’ throne because of Ortiz’s ongoing dispute with Golden Boy Promotions.

In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Ennis revealed that, if he overcomes Zayas, Ortiz is not necessarily his next target, with his attention purely on whoever is in possession of the belts.

“We are not looking past Xander Zayas at all, but if I am victorious on Saturday and I bring home these two belts, it [my next goal] is undisputed. If we can get the next champion in the ring, whether that is [Sebastian] Fundora or [Josh] Kelly, it could be Ortiz.

“My goal right now is just to clean out this whole division one by one.”

It is believed that Fundora may soon be ordered to face Ortiz, who holds the WBC Interim title, whilst Josh Kelly is expected to defend his IBF super-welterweight world title against Caoimhin Agyarko on Anthony Joshua’s undercard next month.

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LaMelo Ball traded to Timberwolves to team up with Anthony Edwards: report

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One of the hottest names in the NBA is on the move to a contender.

The Charlotte Hornets reportedly traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, teaming the third overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft with the first overall pick that year in Anthony Edwards.

Ball, the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year, has become one of the best guards in the league, averaging 20.8 points and 7.3 assists per game, although injuries have hampered him. He played in just 105 games from the start of the 2022-23 season through the 2024-25 campaign.

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Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball interacting during a basketball game at Target Center in Minneapolis

Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves interacts with LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets during the third quarter at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Jan. 22, 2024. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 128-125. (David Berding/Getty Images)

The Hornets have not been able to break their playoff drought, which has been in place since the 2015-16 season, and opted to trade Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota for Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks.

The T-Wolves have made the playoffs for five straight seasons, including appearances in the Western Conference Finals in 2024 and 2025, so it makes sense to bring in Ball to help out Edwards, who dropped a career-high 28.8 points per game this past season.

LaMelo Ball passing the basketball during a game at Target Center in Minneapolis

LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets passes the ball during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Feb. 24, 2023. (David Sherman/NBAE/Getty Images)

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And perhaps because of Ball’s durability concerns, Charlotte added to an already rich collection of draft assets that includes six first-round picks and eight second-rounders over the next three offseasons. They just selected Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson with the 14th and 18th selections earlier this week and took former Duke star Kon Knueppel with the fourth selection last year.

In 2023, Ball signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension and said he felt the team was on the path to success.

“I think it’s just a great position and I think we are all going the right way now,” he said at the time.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball dribbling the basketball upcourt against the Houston Rockets

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball dribbles the ball upcourt against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Feb. 19, 2026. (Jim Dedmon/Imagn Images)

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That evidently was not the case, but on a personal note, Ball is now back on that path.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

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Blue Jays still need more power from George Springer

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George Springer’s spectacular 2025 season was always going to be a tough act to follow, but the 36-year-old’s encore has been underwhelming on the whole.

That last qualifier is important because while the designated hitter’s overall production (a .223/.314/.379 line for a 96 wRC+) has been indisputably disappointing, he’s been on an upwards trajectory lately.

Now two-and-a-half months removed from breaking his toe, Springer has a 125 wRC+ in June. That’s a ways away from what he managed last year (166), but it’s much closer to what the Toronto Blue Jays want to see from their leadoff man.

Getting better production from the top of the order will be critical to improving the Blue Jays’ offence, but a closer look at Springer’s bounce back shows both positive signals and red flags. The biggest bright spot is notably improved swing decisions — even if Wednesday night’s pair of called strikeouts wasn’t the best showcase for that.

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One of the biggest drivers of the veteran’s success in 2025 was a career-low chase rate (20.5 per cent) that put him in the 93rd percentile leaguewide. Not only did that help Springer post a healthy walk rate (11.8 per cent), it also consistently kept him in favourable counts where he was positioned to deliver aggressive swings and extra-base power. Early in 2026, he got away from that precise approach, but it has rebounded significantly in recent weeks.

This is encouraging for Springer, and his renewed commitment to patience is likely to serve him well as the season progresses, particularly when it comes to drawing free passes. Unfortunately for the designated hitter, the other benefit of strict plate discipline — forcing pitchers into the zone to improve power output hasn’t been felt yet.

While Springer’s power production has climbed a bit from his rough start, most measures show a player whose contact quality hasn’t meaningfully improved as the season has progressed:

The version of Springer the Blue Jays are getting now is more of a traditional leadoff hitter. The overall output is strong, not truly elite like in 2025, but in line with expectations for a guy who turns 37 this year. 

Before the 2026 season, ZiPS projected a .256/.341/.432 for Springer, good for a 118 wRC+. Inside the Blue Jays organization, expectations were likely higher, and to be fair, a player who has an elite offensive season at 35 after multiple years of decline is pretty hard to project. So, whether what Springer is doing this month meets expectations or not is open to some interpretation. It’s certainly a massive improvement from the first third of the season, when his production was below-average across the board, and his fWAR was below zero.

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The question for the Springer and the Blue Jays is how high his ceiling can be this season. Is he going to be a solid leadoff hitter who consistently gets on base, or will the power come around? What we’ve seen in June suggests he can be the kind of player that manager John Schneider is happy to have in his lineup every day, but there’s a difference between that and an impact bat. A salient example of that idea is Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has a .360 OBP and is an above-average hitter by wRC+ (103) this season. Those numbers are fine for many players, but in the context of his expected contributions, his 2026 campaign has been a significant disappointment.

If Springer’s contact doesn’t get louder this season, he’ll be a complementary piece rather than a driving force for the Blue Jays’ offence. An adjustment to bring out the thump may be around the corner, but he’s also at an age where gifts are more likely to desert him than come back — and losing some bat speed over the course of this season isn’t a good omen.

The catch here is that almost everything said above about Springer’s declining power and possible offensive ceiling could’ve accurately described his prognosis heading into 2025. This SLG chart is a pretty good reminder of how that went:

For now, the Blue Jays can be satisfied that Springer has his approach in order and with it, he’s establishing himself as a notable offensive contributor rather than a lineup anchor. If he’s going to get anywhere near the star hitter status he reclaimed in 2025, the power will have to return, too, and that is up in the air.

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World Cup 2026: England held by Ghana in goalless Group L stalemate

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England suffered a World Cup setback on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving them with work still to do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage as Group L winners.

Nico O’Reilly came closest to scoring with a late header that hit the bar, but after the promise of their opening 4-2 win over Croatia, this was a performance that will raise doubts about their chances of going all the way and winning the tournament.

They dominated possession and had 19 shots to their opponents’ two, yet rarely looked like scoring past Ghana‘s stand-in goalkeeper Benjamin Asare in a match watched by 63,983 fans at Gillette Stadium near Boston.

Both teams have four points with one game still to play in Group L, with progression to the next round all but assured but their final positions still in the balance.

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Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Kane, Bellingham and Rashford fire England past Croatia

In damp, cool conditions, England delivered a stodgy performance that echoed some of their faltering displays during Euro 2024.

However, there are no dramatic consequences, as England take a step closer to the last 32. All they need to do now is safely negotiate their final group fixture against Panama at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, and they will be able to turn their attention to the knockout rounds.

England have still never lost to African opposition at the World Cup, and that record was rarely at risk of ending here.

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Ghana nevertheless battled brilliantly, as the nation ranked 73rd in the world – 69 places behind England – put up a determined defensive display.

Partey plays, Kane quiet

The late decision by the Black Stars to appoint Carlos Queiroz as coach is looking increasingly justified, with this result following their opening 1-0 win over Panama. The 2010 quarter-finalists face Croatia next in Philadelphia.

Thomas Partey returned for Ghana after missing the Panama match in Toronto because Canadian authorities denied him a visa – the former Arsenal midfielder is facing trial on rape charges in the UK.

Asare of local side Hearts of Oak started in goal for the Ghanaians after coming on for the injured Lawrence Ati Zigi against Panama.

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England’s inability to regularly test him will be a source of concern, as Harry Kane was kept quiet and failed to add to his 10 World Cup goals – he remains level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer at the tournament.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Ghana’s Partey loses bid to overturn Canadian visa refusal over rape charges

Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon were unable to make the difference on the wings and their substitutes could not, this time, have a decisive impact.

Jude Bellingham won his 50th cap as Marc Guehi and Djed Spence replaced John Stones and O’Reilly in defence.

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A Declan Rice free-kick that sailed just over was about as close as England came in the opening half. In fact, it took almost an hour for Asare to make a notable save, but it was a comfortable one to deny Gordon.

Ghana may feel Jordan Pickford should have been punished for charging out of his box and crashing into Prince Adu without touching the ball – but instead the goalkeeper was awarded a free-kick.

There was also panic for England when substitute Adu ran through into the area but could not get a shot away.

Then the pressure was turned up a notch in the closing minutes, as Asare denied Bukayo Saka with a good stop low to his left before O’Reilly headed against the woodwork from close range and Kane blazed over.

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(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

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Carabao Cup draw LIVE: Rochdale, Salford City, Oldham, Stockport County and Bolton await ties

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Good afternoon and welcome to the Manchester Evening News’ live blog coverage of the Carabao Cup first round draw.

Manchester City won’t start their defence of the competition until later this year, with Manchester United also not involved in this afternoon’s draw.

However, there’s plenty of interest from EFL clubs. Newly promoted Rochdale and York City will have to contest a preliminary round against Tranmere Rovers and Crawley Town respectively.

Stay with us throughout the afternoon for all the key information from the draw.

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All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final – Stats

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Dublin and Galway renew one of Gaelic football’s great rivalries on Sunday when they clash in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-finals at Croke Park.

The sides meet in the championship for the third successive season after producing two memorable encounters over the past 12 months. Galway finally ended a 90-year wait for a championship victory over Dublin when they edged the Dubs 0-17 to 0-16 in last year’s All-Ireland quarter-final, becoming the first side to eliminate Dublin from the quarter-final stage since 2009. Dublin responded by defeating Galway 1-18 to 2-14 in last year’s All-Ireland group stage meeting at Pearse Stadium.

Sunday’s meeting promises another fascinating contest between two counties with genuine ambitions of lifting the Sam Maguire Cup. Dublin needed extra time to overcome Donegal in one of the games of the championship, while Galway have been one of the competition’s most potent attacking sides.

Match Details

  • Fixture: Dublin v Galway
  • Competition: All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final
  • Venue: Croke Park
  • Date: Sunday
  • Live on: RTÉ

Team News

Team news will be announced at 12:00pm on Friday. This preview will be updated immediately after both managers confirm their starting XVs.

Championship So Far

Dublin

  • Dublin 2-16 Wicklow 2-14
  • Dublin 0-20 Louth 0-10
  • Westmeath 2-28 Dublin 0-26 (after extra-time)
  • Louth 4-18 Dublin 1-24
  • Dublin 1-24 Cavan 0-16
  • Dublin 2-26 Donegal 2-22 (after extra-time)

Record: Played 6, Won 4, Lost 2.

Galway

  • Galway 1-20 Leitrim 2-12
  • Roscommon 3-21 Galway 2-22
  • Galway 3-21 Kildare 0-17
  • Galway 3-21 Westmeath 2-21

Record: Played 4, Won 3, Lost 1.

Recent Championship Meetings

  • 2025: Dublin 1-18 Galway 2-14
  • 2024: Galway 0-17 Dublin 0-16
  • 2018: Dublin 1-24 Galway 2-12
  • 1983: Dublin 1-10 Galway 1-8
  • 1976: Dublin 1-8 Galway 0-8

Head-to-Head

Dublin and Galway have met 12 times previously in the championship. Dublin hold a 9-3 advantage, but Galway have enjoyed success in two of the last three meetings. Before last year’s quarter-final victory, Galway had not beaten Dublin in the championship since 1933.

Dublin’s championship victories came in 1922, 1942, 1958, 1963, 1974, 1976, 1983, 2018 and 2025.

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Key Statistics

  • Galway defeated Dublin 0-20 to 1-15 in Round 7 of the Allianz Football League this season.
  • Galway have scored 3-21 in three of their four championship games this year.
  • Roscommon also scored 3-21 against Galway in the Connacht Final.
  • Dublin have scored six goals and conceded ten in six championship matches.
  • Galway have scored nine goals and conceded seven in four championship games.
  • Ger Brennan is leading Dublin into an All-Ireland quarter-final for the first time in his debut season as manager.
  • Páraic Joyce reaches his third All-Ireland quarter-final as Galway manager, having previously beaten Armagh in 2022 and Dublin in 2024.

League and Championship Record in 2026

  • Dublin: Played 13, Won 6, Lost 7.
  • Galway: Played 11, Won 6, Drew 2, Lost 3.

Prediction

Very little separates these two teams. Galway have developed into one of the most dangerous attacking sides left in the championship, while Dublin showed against Donegal that they remain capable of producing big performances when the pressure is highest.

Galway’s ability to consistently hit high scores gives them confidence, but Dublin’s experience, depth and composure in Croke Park cannot be underestimated. Expect another tense, physical contest that could once again be decided by a single score in the closing minutes.

Prediction: Galway by 2 points.


Follow SportsNewsIreland for live updates, team news, match reports and post-match reaction throughout the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.


LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

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Craig Bellamy to stay with Wales as Burnley move falls through

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Wales manager Craig Bellamy’s proposed move to take charge at Championship side Burnley has fallen through.

The Clarets approached the Football Association of Wales with a view to appointing Bellamy as Scott Parker’s successor.

The 46-year-old had talks with the Lancashire club but the move now looks to have collapsed.

The breakdown is understood to not be related to compensation for the FAW, while negotiations for Bellamy’s backroom staff to join him at Turf Moor were thought to be a point of contention.

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Former Wolves head coach Rob Edwards – who was a contender to replace Bellamy with Wales – is in contention for the job at Turf Moor.

He had been in the frame after leaving Molineux earlier this month and remains an option for the Clarets.

Bellamy was a coach under Vincent Kompany at Turf Moor between 2022 and 2024 and had a brief spell in caretaker charge.

BBC Sport revealed on 30 April that Bellamy was a leading contender to replace Parker after his sacking.

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The former Manchester City, Liverpool and West Ham forward was appointed Wales boss in 2024.

Wales failed to reach the 2026 World Cup, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina during a penalty shoot-out defeat in Cardiff.

Bellamy’s contract sees him through until 2028, including the European Championships being held across England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland.

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World Cup 2026: Colombia battle past DR Congo to reach round of 32

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Daniel Munoz fired ⁠Colombia into the ​World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Group ​K after goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had threatened to turn the match into a night of frustration.

Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Group standings

Munoz struck the winner from the right side of the penalty area in the 76th minute, finally ​beating Mpasi ‌who had repeatedly denied Colombia with an inspired performance.

Colombia, who opened ⁠their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, commanded possession and created numerous chances.

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James Rodriguez, making his 10th World Cup ‌appearance to equal the Colombian record jointly held by Freddy Rincon and ⁠Carlos Valderrama, forced Mpasi into action with a powerful strike in the 11th minute.

The goalkeeper stood firm, repelling efforts from Jhon Arias and winger Luis Diaz, who ​came close to breaking the deadlock in the 18th minute, controlling a ‌chipped pass inside the penalty area, turning smartly, and firing a shot goalwards, only for Mpasi to save with his foot.

The African side, buoyed by their opening 1-1 draw with Portugal, threatened sporadically ‌through Edo Kayembe, Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa but lacked a clinical finish.

DR Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as the "living statue" of independence hero Patrice Lumumba, pictured before the match.
DR Congo fan Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as the “living statue” of independence hero Patrice Lumumba, pictured before the match. © Eloisa Sanchez, Reuters

By halftime, Colombia had registered 15 shots, including six ​on target, with nine of their 10 outfield players attempting efforts.

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In the stands, DR Congo had support from Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the team’s famous “living statue” fan, who made his World ​Cup debut after missing the opener against Portugal because of Ebola quarantine requirements.

Colombia resumed on ​the front foot after the break, Diaz forcing another fine ​save from Mpasi in the 51st minute before Arias dragged the rebound wide.

Wissa almost snatched the lead for DR Congo in the ​73rd minute when his shot from Simon Banza’s assist was blocked, but Colombia struck shortly after through Munoz.

Diaz later thought he had doubled the advantage with a finish into the top corner, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

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Read moreWorld Cup 2026: Portugal and record-breaking Ronaldo outshine Uzbekistan

Colombia moved to six points from two ⁠matches and guaranteed their progress to the knockout stage ahead of their final group game against Portugal, who beat ⁠Uzbekistan 5-0 earlier ​on Tuesday.

DR Congo remained on one point and will need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their qualification hopes alive. 

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

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