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The Biggest Questions Hanging over Vikings Training Camp

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Vikings players line up at the line of scrimmage during minicamp in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings players line up at the line of scrimmage during minicamp work in Eagan. The team continued sharpening timing, communication, and pre-snap execution as players prepared for training camp and upcoming roster battles. June 2026. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Minnesota Vikings training camp gets underway at the end of July, and fans can join the fun on August 1st in Eagan. That’s about a month away, so it’s time to look at the lingering questions ahead of the event.

Ranked in ascending order of importance (No. 1 = most important), these are the top questions before training camp.

Vikings’ Camp Drama Starts with QB and Pass Rush Uncertainty

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores speaks with reporters during a media session at the TCO Performance Center. Vikings training camp
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores addresses reporters on Dec. 3, 2024, at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan following Minnesota’s 23-22 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Flores discussed his defense as the Vikings continued building one of the NFL’s most improved units during the 2024 campaign. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

5. Is the OLB All Set or Looking for One More Guy?

This one is pretty damn straightforward. Will the Vikings use recently converted DT Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins on the EDGE? Or are those just best-laid plans in June? Is rookie Jake Golday ready to play a hybrid ILB-OLB role immediately? What about Bo Richter? Can he be trusted with the OLB3 job?

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Minnesota’s OLB situation fundamentally changed the moment it traded Jonathan Greenard. It’s now Andrew Van Ginkel, Dallas Turner — and question marks.

If the Vikings want an EDGE defender from free agency, these are the options:

  • Derek Barnett
  • Jadeveon Clowney
  • Marcus Davenport
  • Leonard Floyd
  • Von Miller
  • Yannick Ngakoue
  • Haason Reddick
  • Kyle Van Noy

Zone Coverage’s Zac Scholl wrote last week, “Looking at Minnesota’s needs still this offseason, it’s hard to ignore the edge-rusher room. There is still plenty of veteran talent left in free agency, including Jihad Ward, who previously played a depth role for them.”

The Vikings have just over $13 million in cap space if they want one more outside linebacker. That’s more than enough for any man on the list above.

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4. Who Gets Extensions?

In good faith, these players can knock on new general manager Nolan Teasley’s door this summer and ask for contract extensions:

  • Jordan Addison (WR)
  • Blake Brandel (C)
  • Blake Cashman (ILB)
  • Jordan Mason (RB)
  • Brian O’Neill (RT)
  • Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
  • Andrew Van Ginkel (OLB)
  • Jay Ward (S)

O’Neill feels like a no-brainer to extend. But who else will Teasley green-light? His decision will reveal his team-building philosophy, as he picks and chooses who to retain for the long haul in his first few months on the job.

3. Will Harrison Smith Return?

The fact that Smith hasn’t told the Vikings about his return-or-retirement plans is bizarre. C.J. Ham called it quits. So did Adam Thielen. If Smith was ready to walk away, wouldn’t he have vamoosed along with those men, his pals?

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Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith reacts after making a play against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings training camp
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates after making a defensive play on Nov. 25, 2018, against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The veteran defensive back continued his standout performance during a pivotal NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-Imagn Images.

The evidence suggests that Smith will return for one more hurrah. But the question is when. Next week? August? Midseason?

2. Is Caleb Banks Ready to Roll?

Banks has the talent to become an All-Pro someday; the only question is when he’ll actually play.

Training camp will offer the first real hint. If he looks good and moves freely, everything will be fine, and concerns about his pre-draft foot injury will be moot. Otherwise, the Vikings might place him on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

Minnesota surprised everyone in April by drafting Banks, who has been recovering from back-to-back foot injuries. Most analysts had predicted they would select Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman, but that popular prediction never materialized.

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All eyes turn to Banks’s game-readiness because the Vikings, a team that has not drafted well in the last half-decade, cannot afford to miss on a 1st-Rounder who had a very vivid and recent injury history leading up to the draft.

The gamble must be worth it. Banks cannot have a redshirt year.

Our Kyle Joudry recently noted, “Minnesota tends to be ultra cautious with injuries. Back in 2025, Justin Jefferson missed almost all of training camp due to a desire to ensure the WR1 was fully healthy. The plan worked…but created another issue. J.J. McCarthy sometimes struggled to find his most dangerous weapon, lacking some degree of chemistry with the receiver.”

“Might some more work together have been helpful? Quite possibly, but the Vikings were being very careful with their top player. Oh, and that McCarthy kid was kept in bubble wrap for a decent portion of the year. The Vikings appeared quite reluctant to push him too hard.”

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1. Who Wins the QB Battle?

Will it be Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy? That question is on Vikings fans’ minds, a group that hasn’t experienced a true quarterback battle in 12 years, when Matt Cassel, Christian Ponder, and Teddy Bridgewater did battle.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy practices during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Vikings training camp
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) takes part in minicamp practice on Jun. 10, 2025, at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility in Minneapolis. The young quarterback continued preparing for his first full season as Minnesota’s expected starter during organized offseason workouts. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Murray is the frontrunner, but always remember, life would be so much easier if McCarthy showed up to Year No. 3 and balled out.

You can tentatively circle Murray as the starter, but McCarthy won’t go down without a fight. The quarterback battle remains the item that will put butts on bleachers in Eagan.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
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Sharks take seven-foot-one defenceman Alexander Karmanov at NHL Draft

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The tallest player in OHL history has an NHL home.

The San Jose Sharks snapped up seven-foot-one, 280-pound defenceman Alexander Karmanov in the seventh round (201st overall) of the NHL Draft on Saturday.

Karmanov, a native of Moldova, signed with the North Bay Battalion in late November after being picked by the Brantford Bulldogs in the CHL Import Draft last summer.

Karmanov had no goals, two assists and 29 penalty minutes in 20 games for the Battalion.

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Previously, he had three goals, four assists and 68 penalty minutes in 15 games with the Bulldogs’ top affiliate in the Greater Ontario Hockey League.

Karmanov has made a commitment to play NCAA hockey at Penn State University starting in 2027-28.

Karmanov played with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights under-16 team last season in Pennsylvania. He played in Russia and Belarus in 2023-24.

New York Rangers forward Matt Rempe and Hockey Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara, both six-foot-nine, are the tallest players in NHL history.

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Jays place OF Jesus Sanchez on IL, recal INF Sean Keys

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Jun 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jesus Sanchez (12) hits a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesJun 9, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Jesus Sanchez (12) hits a solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Blue Jays placed outfielder Jesus Sanchez on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right ankle sprain.

The team also called up infield prospect Sean Keys and outfielder Yohendrick Pinango from Triple-A Buffalo and optioned outfielder Davis Schneider to Buffalo.

Sanchez left Friday’s 5-4 loss to the visiting Texas Rangers after rolling his ankle while making a catch in the top of the seventh inning. Initial X-rays were negative.

Sanchez, 28, is batting .274 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs in 73 games in his first season with the Blue Jays, who acquired him in a Feb. 13 trade that sent outfielder Joey Loperfido to the Houston Astros.

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Keys, 23, was in the starting lineup for his major league debut Saturday against the Rangers, playing first base and batting sixth.

Keys is ranked as the No. 14 prospect in the Toronto system by MLB Pipeline. The 2024 fourth-round draft pick out of Bucknell is batting .284 with 21 homers and 54 RBIs in 67 games this season between Buffalo and Double-A New Hampshire.

Pinango, 24, made his MLB debut on April 26 and is batting .283 with four homers and 18 RBIs in 43 games with the Blue Jays this season.

Schneider, 27, is batting .153 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in 49 games with Toronto this season.

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–Field Level Media

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All-Ireland SFC: Kerry break Tyrone hearts in epic quarter-final

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Malachy O’Rourke opted for a tactical switch at the start of the second half and handed Niall Devlin the responsibility of tailing David Clifford.

The All-Ireland champions outscored Tyrone 0-5 to 0-2 across the opening 10 minutes of the half, Dylan Geaney and David Clifford (free) firing over from two-point range to extend their lead to five.

Darren McCurry was sprung from the bench in response, and immediately got into the action by nailing a difficult two-point free.

The Ulster side had a chance to level from the next attack, Donnelly feeding McElholm through, but his angle was quickly narrowed as Shane Murphy made a brave stop.

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Kerry almost killed off the Tyrone charge on 50 minutes. Sean O’Shea, just on to the field, squared the ball to Dylan Geaney on the edge of the area, and with the goal gaping, his pass was over-hit.

The warning shot seemed to fire-up the men in white and red, as they hit the next three points, McElholm and McCurry shooting over, before McElholm put one between the sides blazing over via the crossbar with many waiting for the net to bulge.

Dylan Geaney was in inspired form and kicked the next three scores, including his second two-pointer.

Not to be outdone, McCurry landed his second two-pointer from a free, as Kerry were punished for failing to keep three players in attack. When Donnelly followed up with his third of the day, there was just one point between the sides with 15 minutes left.

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McCurry and David Clifford started to have their own personal battle on the scoreboard with little to separate the sides, before Paudie Clifford landed a 45′ after a disputed effort which the Tyrone players felt went wide, only for the umpire to award the 45′.

Super-sub McCurry kicked his eighth and ninth points to leave one in it with three to play.

Paudie Clifford and McCurry traded efforts heading into the final play of the match, Kerry winning their own kick-out as Armin Heinrich finished to the net on the hooter as Tyrone desperately tried to win the ball back at the death.

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Who will England play after the group stages? World Cup knockout fixtures explained

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Who will England play after the group stages? World Cup knockout fixtures explained – Manchester Evening News

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Egypt Manager Hossam Hassan Addresses Concerns Over Mohamed Salah’s Left Knee Injury

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NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Former Liverpool standout and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah left Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Iran at the World Cup because of a left knee injury, coach Hossam Hassan said.

In the 57th minute, Salah was surprisingly replaced by Mostafa Zico. In comments translated from Arabic, Hassan said Salah is being assessed by the team’s medical staff, and will have another examination when Egypt returns to the team hotel.

“I talked to Salah and he said he’s going to be OK and it’s not a big injury,” Hassan said. “We still have time to talk to the medical staff. I think he will be back, and when I spoke to Salah he assured me he’s going to be OK.”

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Ahead of the tournament, Hassan expressed a quiet confidence in the roster around Salah. Egypt made good on Hassan’s goal of the team advancing past the group stage for the first time in the expanded field.

It would still be a serious blow for Egypt if Salah is not able to play in the knockout round against Australia next Friday.

The four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner scored his 68th international goal in the Pharaohs’ first World Cup win, a 3-1 victory against New Zealand. The 34-year-old has assisted on two other goals in the tournament.

Reporting for the Associated Press.

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Pittsburgh is twin city after Penguins draft Markus Ruck in 2nd round after Liam in 1st

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Born eight minutes earlier than his twin brother Liam, Marcus Ruck is fine with ceding NHL draft bragging rights.

All that mattered to Ruck on Saturday was being selected with the 39th pick in the second round by Pittsburghin following his brother, who was drafted 22nd overall by the Penguins a day earlier.

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“He can brag to me all he wants. I’m just so happy to be with him. I know he won’t brag, but if he wanted to, he could,” Ruck said. “To be with him, it’s so special.”

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The twins are from Osoyoos, British Columbia, and spent the past two-plus seasons as one of the Western Hockey League’s most productive tandems in Medicine Hat. Marcus led the WHL with 108 points last season, while Liam, a right wing, finished second with 104 points.

Liam was projected to go first, and when the Penguins chose him, Markus began looking ahead to No. 39, Pittsburgh’s next turn to pick.

“I didn’t have a preference of when, I just knew where I wanted to go and who I wanted be with,” he said, noting his brother kept his spirits up overnight. “He kept me calm and told me it was going to happen. So for it to happen it’s awesome.”

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The Ruck’s reunion was part of a family theme in a draft that had Caleb Malhotra going third to Vancouver, where his dad was just hired as the Canucks head coach.

The Calgary Flames opened the third round by selecting WHL Vancouver forward Joe Iginla. He’s the youngest son of Hall of Famer and longtime Flames star Jarome Iginla, and his selection came after older brother Tij went No. 6 to Utah in the 2024 draft.

Rogowski picks hockey over baseball

Whatever doubts Brooks Rogowski had in choosing hockey over baseball quickly evaporated following the first pick in the second round of the NHL draft.

The 18-year-old from Livonia, Michigan, had taken his seat with his family on the draft floor, when NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly announced Rogowski had been selected at No. 33 by the Vancouver Canucks.

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“You sit down for five minutes and you’re standing back up. So that was nice not having to sit a while,” Rogowski said. “But the relief was immediate. You hear your name called and all the stresses just kind of fall off you. It’s great, it’s been awesome.”

And the selection validates the choice the 6-foot-7, 235-pound Rogowski made two years ago. In picking hockey, after being drafted by the OHL Oshawa Generals, he put baseball behind him — and to the regret of his father and uncle, who both enjoyed minor-league baseball careers.

His father, Casey, was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and his uncle, Ryan, drafted by the Dodgers.

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“Obviously they’re still sad about baseball, but I think this was the right decision,” Rogowski said. “You know, get to wear a nice jersey, so I think that they’re more than happy with that.”

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Rogowski has made a commitment to play at Michigan State in two years, and appreciates he still has plenty of room to develop after focusing more on baseball than hockey growing up.

“I have a lot more to improve,” he said. “You have a lot of these guys who have been doing this for a long time. I’m still relatively new to it, and I think there’s a lot more to me that needs to come out.”

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His trajectory is pointing up. As a rookie, Rogowski had 11 goals and 23 points in 66 games with Oshawa, and built on that with 42 points (15 goals) in 46 games last season.

Not bad for the former first baseman.

“Exactly. It’s very different,” Rogowski said comparing the two sports. “I have always been a decent hockey player, but I think the rapid growth, I can attribute to athletic ability.”

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A day after pop icon Justin Bieber took the stage to announce the Toronto Maple Leafs taking Penn State forward Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick, there were several notable highlights over the final six rounds on Saturday.

The second round featured just 31 selections with the Vegas Golden Knights forfeiting their 63rd pick after being sanctioned by the league for violating media regulations. Former Vegas coach John Tortorella was also fined $100,000 for refusing to speak to reporters following a second-round-series-clinching Game 6 victory at Anaheim.

Another notable selection came at No. 40, when the Florida Panthers used their first pick of the draft on right winger Simas Ignatavicius. Though born in Memphis, he relocated with his family to their native Lithuania, a nation that by his count has four hockey rinks.

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Though his father played basketball, Ignatavicius was drawn to hockey at age 3 while watching a practice at a rink inside a shopping mall. Six years ago, the 18-year-old moved to Switzerland to develop his skills.

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England vs. Panama prediction, odds, line, time: 2026 World Cup picks

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England can wrap up the Group L title at the 2026 World Cup when they close out group play against an already-eliminated Panama side on Saturday. England need just a point to guarantee their spot in the Round of 32 and a win to secure top spot outright. Thomas Tuchel’s side sits tied atop Group L with Ghana on four points apiece, while Croatia trail by a point. England rolled to a 4-2 win over Croatia before playing to a scoreless draw with Ghana. Panama have dropped back-to-back 1-0 decisions to Ghana and Croatia.

Kickoff for Panama vs. England is 5 p.m. ET in East Rutherford, N.J. The latest England vs. Panama odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list England at -700 (risk $700 to win 100) on the money line, with Panama at +1700 and a draw at +750. The over/under for total goals is 3.5, with the Under favored at -118. Before locking in any Panama vs. England picks or World Cup 2026 predictions, check out the Panama vs. England predictions from SportsLine’s Martin Green.

After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper and has covered the game worldwide. Last year, Green was profitable in multiple areas on his soccer betting picks, including the Champions League (+211.25) and Bundesliga (+100). He’s also been red-hot in 2026, posting an 18-8 record over his last 26 UCL picks, returning nearly $1,000 in profit. Additionally, he enters Saturday on a 9-5 roll on World Cup picks (+382). Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.

Now, Green has studied Panama vs. England and just revealed his 2026 World Cup picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several World Cup odds and soccer betting lines for England vs. Panama:

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England vs. Panama 90-minute money line

England -700, Panama +1700, Draw +750

England vs. Panama over/under:    

3.5 goals 

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England vs. Panama spread:

England -2.5 (+104)

England vs. Panama picks:    

See picks at SportsLine

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England vs. Panama streaming:

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Top England vs. Panama predictions

After examining Panama vs. England from every angle, Green is leaning Over 3.5 total goals (-104). England began their group stage campaign with an impressive 4-2 win against Croatia last week. Captain Harry Kane scored twice in the first half, and goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed the win. 

The English can be powerful and still need a big win against Panama to guarantee first place, so they will be motivated to put a big number on the board. Panama have struggled in attack, but have no pressure in this matchup, freeing them up to possibly find the net as well. See Green’s best bets for Panama vs. England at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Panama vs. England at FanDuel here:

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How to make Panama vs. England picks

After studying Panama vs. England from every angle, Green has found a critical x-factor and locked in a pair of best bets. You can head to SportsLine to see what they are

So what are the best bets for Panama vs. England? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Panama vs. England, all from expert on a 9-5 roll on WC picks, and find out.

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Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg reveals goals for upcoming rookie year

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After leading Michigan to its second title, Yaxel Lendeborg is eager to get to work with the Golden State Warriors as the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft.

Lendeborg was a consensus first-team All-American last season, averaging 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 37.2% from 3-point range. He was also the Big Ten Player of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection.

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The 6-foot-9 forward is set to join a veteran team, headlined by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, among others. He is striving to help the group win at any cost by impacting games on both ends of the court, particularly on defense.

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“I want to just try to develop something that I can be known for, like an identity for myself,” Lendeborg said on Friday. “I want to try to go in there and be able one of the primary defenders, see if I can gain some trust for them to put me on the best player on the other team or anything like that. Just being able to do all the little things on the court to help out.”

Lendeborg was highly touted entering the draft this year for his scoring, rebounding and ability to defend multiple positions. The team was also captivated by his championship pedigree, along with his unselfishness, versatility and vast skill set.

The 23-year-old knows that he faces an uphill battle of sorts as a rookie who must earn his playing time in coach Steve Kerr’s rotation. However, with several positions still to be filled, Lendeborg is ready to compete for his place on the court.

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Lendeborg will begin that quest in summer league, starting with the California Classic on July 3. It will be his first opportunity to impress Kerr and the rest of the team.

“The impression that I want to leave on (Kerr) is just someone who is willing to learn, someone who is going to value all his core values and player values,” Lendeborg said. “Just do the best I can to get on his good side as quick as possible to see if I can get some extra playing time from it. I’m just very excited to be coached by someone like him, who is a genuine guy who seems like a person who cares more about you as a person, rather than a basketball player.”

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg reveals goals for upcoming rookie year

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How Costly Goalkeeping Errors Ended Uruguay’s World Cup Dream

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Uruguay’s FIFA World Cup campaign came to a painful end after another costly mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera contributed to a 1-0 defeat against Spain in their final Group H match.

The two-time world champions needed a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive, but Alex Baena’s first-half goal secured victory for Spain and sent Uruguay crashing out of the tournament.

Muslera’s costly mistake proves decisive

Muskets of Uruguay vs Spain at 2026 FIFA World Cup Muskets of Uruguay vs Spain at 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Uruguay had started brightly and looked the better side for long periods of the first half. However, their hopes suffered a major blow in the 42nd minute when Baena’s low shot slipped through Muslera’s hands despite the goalkeeper getting both hands to the ball.

It was the third error leading to a goal by the 40-year-old goalkeeper in this World Cup, making him the first goalkeeper since records began in 1966 to commit three such mistakes in a single tournament.

Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa made the difficult decision to substitute the national team legend at half-time, replacing him with Sergio Rochet.

Uruguay failed to recover

Despite the change in goal, Uruguay struggled to respond in the second half. Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez missed two good opportunities, while the South Americans managed just one shot on target throughout the match.

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Although Uruguay pushed forward in the closing stages, they were unable to seriously trouble Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Their frustrations worsened in stoppage time when midfielder Agustin Canobbio was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge.

A disappointing tournament for Uruguay

Uruguay’s elimination marks their second consecutive World Cup group-stage exit, having collected just two points from three matches.

Marcelo Bielsa’s team never truly looked like the high-intensity side many expected. While they showed brief periods of aggressive pressing, they lacked creativity and cutting edge in attack.

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The decision to bring Muslera back from international retirement earlier this year ultimately proved costly, with the veteran goalkeeper’s errors becoming one of the defining stories of Uruguay’s disappointing campaign.

Spain progress despite not hitting top gear

Uruguay vs Spain at 2026 FIFA World Cup Uruguay vs Spain at 2026 FIFA World Cup

For Spain, the victory secured top spot in Group H and extended their unbeaten defensive record, as they became the first Spanish team not to concede a goal during a World Cup group stage.

Although they did not produce their best attacking display, Luis de la Fuente’s side showed they can grind out results when needed.

As Uruguay head home disappointed, Spain move into the knockout stage knowing tougher challenges still lie ahead.

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Why Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT Press Conference Was No Accident

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American soccer media, I’ve got news: Mauricio Pochettino is probably playing you.

The main story out of the United States men’s national team’s 3-2 defeat to Turkey in both teams’ Group D finale was the oversensitive behavior of the Argentine manager in response to reasonable questioning about how he handled the dead rubber game.

And while numerous pundits came out of it downright concerned about Pochettino’s temperament, the smart money is that this was an act — and a convincing one — from someone who knows that if you’re going to have to deal with the press, you might as well use them.

To review, Pochettino made nine changes to his starting XI from the group that earned a 2-0, group-clinching victory over Australia. He brought four regulars off the bench for the final stages, in which the Americans conceded a winning goal deep in stoppage time to a Turkish side that knew it was heading home following the match.

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Afterward, he encountered some even-keeled questions looking for his insight on individual performances and team depth.

And yet he took offense — or at least appeared to — following most of the queries, complaining that he and his group weren’t given enough credit for their accomplishment of winning the group with a game to spare.

In the aftermath, some pundits were left downright worried about Pochettino’s state of mind. Which would be fair if his behavior was more in keeping most of his other actions.

But this is someone who generally likes to talk, both about his team and his other adventures in global football management, and is unafraid to take bold stands (on sporting issues, anyway).

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And further, consider the other media environments he has worked in at Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

While there are some deeply talented and prolific American soccer reporters, there’s just no comparing that beat for those at some of the world’s largest club sides when it comes to pressure and criticism. That Pochettino was more liked than not as most of those jobs is evidence that he knows very well how to handle brutal cross examination, let alone the milder version he encounters as the American boss.

So why raise a fuss? Because he came to the media room looking for a fight and to make the conversation about him, believing it would ultimately help his team during the pressure cooker that is a home World Cup.

He knows that every moment journalists spend discussing a coach — especially one who, in Pochettino’s case, is very secure in his career — is a moment not spent focusing on the minutiae of the performances of individual players.

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Right now, the American media isn’t talking about whether an injury-prone Christian Pulisic can play 90 minutes when it matters, or why the defense continues to give up too many goals, or the eerily lengthy losing streak against European opposition. (It just so happens that Bosnia and Herzegovina, the USMNT’s round of 32 opponents, are European.)

They’re discussing Pochettino’s puzzling bluster, and basically daring his players to come to his defense the only can: by giving another exceptional performance on the field when it actually matters.

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