England took less than a session on the fourth day of the first Test against New Zealand to begin their post-Ashes rebuild with a much-needed victory.

In their first Test since their 4-1 defeat in Australia, England exploited the devilishly difficult batting conditions on a poor Lord’s pitch to beat the tourists by 115 runs and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

From 55-5 overnight in their chase of 254, New Zealand’s disappointing week was complete when they were hustled out for 138, thanks chiefly to Gus Atkinson’s 5-30.

After Saturday’s third day was almost entirely lost to rain, England required only seven deliveries on an overcast Sunday to resume their wicket-taking -Josh Tongue getting one to skid into the prone pads of Tom Blundell.

With the ball moving up and down, and side to side, Glenn Phillips began an overdue New Zealand counter-attack.

Phillips and Devon Conway added 53 for the seventh wicket, helped by Harry Brook putting down Conway at second slip.

But after England captain Ben Stokes induced a miscue from Conway, the end came quickly.

Nathan Smith edged behind, Kyle Jamieson clipped to mid-wicket and last man Matt Henry was bowled, all by Atkinson, giving the Surrey man yet another place on the Lord’s honours board.

The rapid, seam-dominated nature of this match followed a recent trend of matches involving England. Two of the Ashes Tests were done in two days, while this was the first Test in this country without a single delivery of spin bowled by either team since 1988.

The hope is the surface for the second Test at The Oval, beginning on 17 June, produces a more satisfactory contest.

CHICAGO – Between the last World Cup and the one that starts in a matter of days, the U.S. men’s national team have truly tested the power of positive thinking, and 11 days into a pre-tournament training camp defined by good vibes, they seemed ready to undergo another batch of trials and tribulations. Two minutes after a sold-out Soldier Field crowd gave them as much encouragement as they possibly could, Germany‘s Kai Havertz had a free header and the visitors were up a goal before everyone could even settle into their positions.

“I was upset, of course,” head coach Mauricio Pochettino said as he remembered the less-than-ideal start to Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Germany. “But after that, I said it’s lucky because I think it’s good for us to see the reaction of the team. The reaction was amazing, was really positive and that is why it’s good that some things [that are] not so good happened to see the reaction to create the atmosphere that we can deal with these types of situations that we can find in the future and during the competition, the World Cup.”

The scoreline was a fair reflection of a game in which Germany were the better side – their 12 shots totalled 1.47 expected goals, while the USMNT came up with 16 shots that amounted to 0.99 expected goals. It means they enter the World Cup with a losing record to European sides, which maybe does not bode well for their group stage finale against Turkiye on June 26. It is hard not to see their outing against Germany as a sign of progress, with their World Cup opener against Paraguay just six days away at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles suburbs.

Between Saturday’s outing, the 3-2 win over Senegal a week earlier, and Pochettino’s historic tendencies as a coach, the USMNT seem to have decided that their greatest defense is a strong offense. It did not quite pan out against Germany – the early goal was an example of making things a little too easy for the opposition – but there is credence to the idea, especially with defender Chris Richards still battling back from an ankle injury. The U.S. did not hesitate to create chances and got back into the game before the hydration break in the 23rd minute and did not waver in their resolve even after the visitors scored a second in the 57th minute through Leroy Sane.

“Sometimes when you get punched in the mouth, you got to stand back up and punch back,” captain Tim Ream said. “Just all the conversations, the work, the messaging from the staff. We all always talk about things are going to happen. Mistakes are going to happen. Sometimes things don’t go the way you want them to. It’s about the next play. What do you do next? How do you respond next? That’s a big message that Mauricio and his staff have hammered home over the past almost two years. It was just a matter of we don’t have a choice. If we don’t respond. If we don’t punch back, the game’s going to get out of hand.”

It helped that an example of a game that went out of hand was not a distant memory – March’s 5-2 defeat to Belgium started well, the USMNT actually taking the lead and entering the halftime break level, before things unraveled quickly in the second half. A full embrace of the attack was hard to miss, just as it was against Senegal. Antonee Robinson, the USMNT’s goalscorer on Saturday, fully embraced the attack-minded skillset outside backs frequently boast, down to his exuberant celebration. Pochettino joked afterwards that the cramps he suffered midway through the second half might have been the result of his overexertion.

“I think all the energy was in his shot and that goal because after, cramps,” Pochettino said in jest. “Maybe we spend too much energy. We were so excited in the presentation of the players before the game. They were sometimes overexcited and we know very well that you drain the energy in these moments but I think it’s a great opportunity and to live that experience for sure helps in the first game of the World Cup.”

Robinson downplayed the issue despite the fact that he limped off the field, though the team is not certain about the specifics just yet.

“Not 100% sure but it feels fine now,” Robinson said. “More just really didn’t feel like I could continue so I just needed to get off the pitch and try to get it right.”

The real embrace of the all-out attack, though, came in Pochettino’s selection of Malik Tillman in the midfield. Tyler Adams remains the go-to pick at the base of midfield, the only true defensive midfielder in the squad, while the multitalented Weston McKennie was more advanced. Tillman, another player with plenty of range, was their go-between and much like Robinson, though, his standout quality is his attack-focused tendencies. Pochettino cited October’s UEFA Champions League game between Tillman’s Bayer Leverkusen and his former club PSV as an example of why he selected the player for a best-of-both-worlds role.

“It was him in front [of] the back four,” he recalled. “He’s a player that can because his physical condition, his technical condition, his capacity to go in different spaces, go higher, I think he’s a player that can play in every space on the pitch. Today, I am happy with him. He finished a little bit tired because it’s normal. He suffered a little bit in the last few months, didn’t play too much, didn’t compete but now I think he’s doing well and I am happy with his performance and in the evolution after not to play too much in the last few months in his club, in Leverkusen.”

Tillman, deeply introverted in off-pitch settings but fully in his element on the field, made a noticeable difference and remains as well-positioned as any to be a secret key as the USMNT target an impressive World Cup run.

“It’s good because we get another attack-minded player on the field.” Adams said. “I think that he helps us break lines, find solutions. Him and Weston had a good balance there as well. There’s probably some things that we need to tune up a little bit defensively to not get as exposed but when you play against Germany, where they overload the midfield, it’s always difficult against teams like that. They have so many guys that can play in those pockets so I think he did really well.”

The game marked one final experiment of the Pochettino era, a batch of 26 games building up to the World Cup that have been defined by tinkering – sometimes simply for the sake of it. Saturday’s team, though, looked as close to a World Cup starting lineup as he might have been able to envision considering Richards’ injury specifically. After 18 months of wondering what exactly Pochettino’s version of the U.S. team might look like, we seem to finally have our answer. The team has trended much like a group project that was assigned well in advance but was only completed right before the deadline, which is perfectly fine for an assignment in which the destination matters much, much more than the journey.

As Pochettino put it shortly before the team began their trip to their World Cup base of Irvine, Calif., “We are going to go [into] a decisive week.”

There is always baseball happening — almost too much baseball for one person to follow themselves.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help you by figuring out what you missed but shouldn’t have. Here are all the best moments from last night in Major League Baseball:

The San Francisco Giants got a road victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The details?

Shortstop Willy Adames got the party started for the Giants with a two-run home run in the top of the first inning. Later, third baseman Matt Chapman blasted a grand slam as part of a six-run fourth inning, which also saw Casey Schmitt hit a two-run homer. Chapman drove in another run on a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Then, the sixth inning happened. After back-to-back singles to lead off the inning, first baseman Rafael Devers doubled in a run, second baseman Luis Arráez brought home a run on a sacrifice fly and Adames hit a two-run homer. Later in the inning, Chapman hit a three-run homer, putting the Giants up 16-0. In the ninth, Jonah Cox and Schmitt hit back-to-back solo home runs in what was an 18-3 San Francisco win.

The Giants combined for seven home runs, with Adames, Chapman and Schmitt each hitting two long balls and Chapman driving in eight runs; Schmitt leads the Giants with 15 home runs, 38 RBIs and a .559 slugging percentage. On the hill, the Giants got five shutout innings from left-hander Robbie Ray.

San Francisco has scored a combined 30 runs over its last two games, while the 15-run loss was Chicago’s largest margin of defeat this season.

The Washington Nationals unleashed pain on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The power display began in the opening frame, as first baseman Luis García Jr. hit a two-run home run inside the right-field foul pole. Then, right fielder James Wood led off the top of the third with a laser, solo home run to center field, his 17th of the year, with left fielder Daylen Lile hitting an RBI single and third baseman Jorbit Vivas hitting a two-run double later in the inning. Lile, who had a game-high three hits, later blasted a solo homer in the fifth, and the Nationals went on to build a thick cushion in the sixth.

After the first three batters reached base in the top of the sixth, García launched his first career grand slam. Two batters later, shortstop CJ Abrams — whose second in MLB with 48 RBIs — hit a solo homer, with an eighth-inning hit-by-pitch and a ninth-inning RBI single by Vivas rounding out a 14-1 Washington victory.

Washington starter Foster Griffin gave up just one run over five innings, while Paxton Schultz and Cole Henry each pitched two shutout innings in relief of the southpaw.

The Baltimore Orioles handled their American League East rivals, and it was catcher Adley Rutschman who did most of the damage against the Toronto Blue Jays.

For starters, Rutschman hit a solo home run in the top of the first. Later, trailing 3-1 in the sixth, Rutschman evened up the score at 3-all for the Orioles with a two-run double, with Baltimore’s catcher hitting another two-run double in the ninth in what became an overwhelming, 13-3 win. Rutschman reached base in each of his five plate appearances, going 4 for 4 with a walk.

As for the rest of the Orioles’ offense, Jeremiah Jackson hit an RBI single in the sixth and seventh; third baseman Coby Mayo hit a two-run homer in the sixth; right fielder Colton Cowser hit an RBI single in the eighth, with center fielder Leody Taveras hitting an RBI ground out in the eighth and driving in a run on an error in the ninth.

Baltimore (31-33) has won five of its last six games and is just a half-game behind the Texas Rangers for the third AL wild-card seed.

Designated hitter Ben Rice drew first blood for the New York Yankees with a solo home run — his team-leading 18th of the year — in the bottom of the first, but the Boston Red Sox took the lead in the top of the third and never looked back.

An RBI ground out from right fielder Wilyer Abreu tied the game at 1-all in the third and an RBI single from first baseman Willson Contreras later in the inning gave Boston the lead. In the fourth, second baseman Andruw Monasterio hit a solo home run, and Contreras hit a two-run homer in the fifth.

The Yankees got a solo homer from center fielder Trent Grisham in the bottom half of the fifth, with right fielder Spencer Jones — who went 3 for 3 — hitting an RBI double in the fourth, but it was to no avail in a 5-3 Boston victory. Boston starter Sonny Gray surrendered three runs and 10 baserunners (eight hits and two walks), but he got through 6 ⅓ innings.

Contreras looks like a shoo-in to have a spot on the AL roster for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, as he leads the Red Sox in home runs (13), RBIs (38), batting average (.299), walks (25), on-base percentage (.394), slugging percentage (.540) and OPS+ (164).

New York has lost three of its last four games, with Friday night marking its first loss to Boston this season (the Yankees swept a three-game series against the Red Sox in Boston from Apr. 21-23). Catch Game 2 of the series on Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app.

Coming off being swept at home by the Detroit Tigers and losing eight of their last 10 games, the Tampa Bay Rays were in need of a win, and Drew Rasmussen answered the bell.

The right-hander pitched seven scoreless innings, recording nine strikeouts and surrendering just one baserunner (one hit) against the Miami Marlins in a 6-0 win. Moreover, Rasmussen retired 17 straight batters to end his outing.

This was the second time in Rasmussen’s last three starts that he both pitched seven innings and threw a shutout, with his nine strikeouts on Friday night a season high. Through 12 starts, Rasmussen, a 2025 All-Star, has a 3.00 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, a 142 ERA+ and 1.5 wins above replacement across 66.0 innings pitched.

Regarding the bats, Tampa Bay got a two-run triple from second baseman Richie Palacios and an RBI single from outfielder Ryan Vilade in the top of the first; first baseman Jonathan Aranda singled home a run in the fifth; center fielder Cedric Mullins hit a solo home run in the sixth; Vilade singled home another run in the seventh. 

Elsewhere for the Rays, third baseman Junior Caminero and designated hitter Yandy Díaz each had three hits, with Caminero reaching base in each of his five plate appearances (three hits and two walks). 

The New York Mets silenced the San Diego Padres in their home park.

First baseman Jared Young led off the top of the second for the Mets with a solo home run, with shortstop Bo Bichette hitting an RBI triple in the third. Later, catcher Luis Torrens hit a two-run homer in the fifth, with a Brett Baty ninth-inning RBI single giving the Mets another run for good measure in a 5-0 win. All four of the aforementioned players tallied two hits, with Young boasting a .313/.382/.563 slash line.

On the hill, the Mets got 5 ⅔ shutout innings from Christian Scott, which was followed by a combined 3 ⅓ shutout innings of relief from Huascar Brazobán, Luke Weaver and A.J. Minter. As a whole, the Mets held the Padres to just three hits and zero extra-base hits.

This marked the Mets’ third shutout win of the year.

The Cincinnati Reds got out to a 3-0 lead in the opening frame on a two-run double from first baseman Sal Stewart and an RBI single from third baseman Eugenio Suárez, but it was all St. Louis Cardinals from there.

After scoring two runs in the bottom half of the first on an infield error and a wild pitch, first baseman Alec Burleson hit a game-tying, solo home run in the third, with right fielder Jordan Walker — who had a game-high three hits — hitting a go-ahead, RBI double in the fifth.

St. Louis then distanced itself with a six-run sixth inning that saw left fielder Lars Nootbaar hit an RBI double, designated hitter Ivan Herrera and José Fermín hit RBI singles and the team also have a pair of RBI walks and an RBI hit-by-pitch; the Cardinals won, 10-3.

As for some of the offensive catalysts, Burleson has driven in 43 runs and sports a .291 batting average this season; Walker has totaled 15 home runs and 45 RBIs, while boasting a .297/.359/.547 slash line.

After Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy gave up three runs over four innings, Hunter Dobbins pitched five shutout innings out of the bullpen.

The Texas Rangers got all the runs they needed in the sixth inning.

Trailing the Cleveland Guardians 2-0, catcher Kyle Higashioka led off the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run for the Rangers, who got a go-ahead, two-run blast from shortstop Corey Seager later in the inning. The two long balls put Texas up 3-2, which would be the final score.

Cleveland wasted a three-hit performance from second baseman Travis Bazzana, who opened the game with a solo home run and also had a triple, while Texas only had five hits in the win.

The Rangers are on a roll, as they’ve won six of their last seven games.

It took 10 innings — and it was wild — but the Milwaukee Brewers got a road win over the Colorado Rockies.

Trailing 3-1 in the top of the ninth, Milwaukee put four runs on the board, with first baseman Jake Bauers hitting an RBI single, right fielder Sal Frelick bringing home a run on a double and Andrew Vaughn hitting a two-run single. With that said, Colorado forced extra innings with a two-run bottom of the ninth that saw it record an RBI walk and a sacrifice fly.

In the top half of the 10th, Bauers hit a two-run double, with both center fielder Garrett Mitchell and Frelick singling home a run. Those last two runs were pivotal, as the Rockies scored two runs in the bottom half of the inning on a two-run single by designated hitter Sterlin Thompson, but the Brewers held on for a 9-7 win.

Bauers, who leads the Brewers with 10 home runs, 39 RBIs and a .497 slugging percentage, had a team-high three hits for Milwaukee, who has a five-game lead on St. Louis for first place in the National League Central.

By the way, check out this sunset at Coors Field.

And we finish it off with the only walk-off of the night.

With the game tied at 0-all in the bottom of the ninth, Los Angeles Dodgers star first baseman Freddie Freeman led off the inning with a walk-off, solo home run to center field, giving Los Angeles a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

The game-winning homer was Freeman’s 10th home run of the year and improved the Dodgers to 4-0 against the Angels. Furthermore, Freeman accounted for 66.7% of the Dodgers’ hits and 50% of their baserunners on Friday night, with him going 2 for 3 with a walk (Los Angeles had just three hits and six combined baserunners).

Meanwhile, Dodgers right-hander Roki Sasaki had one of the best starts of his MLB career, tossing seven shutout innings, posting 10 strikeouts and surrendering just four baserunners (two hits and two walks). It was Sasaki’s first shutout of the season, the most strikeouts he has recorded this year and just the second time he has pitched through seven innings this season.

For what it’s worth, Angels star center fielder Mike Trout made a slick, diving catch in the bottom of the first.

Freeman, Sasaki and the Dodgers are 41-23, good for a seven-and-a-half-game lead on the Diamondbacks for first place in the NL West.

India’s Kuldeep Yadav (AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia)

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the way Kuldeep Yadav has been managed in recent months, describing the left-arm wrist-spinner’s situation as “bizarre” and contrasting it with the backing he received under the previous team management.Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Ashwin pointed to the difference in approach between the leadership group of Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma and the current setup led by Gautam Gambhir. He argued that Kuldeep had thrived when he was given a consistent run in the side and had repeatedly delivered match-winning performances.During Dravid’s tenure as head coach from November 2021 to June 2024, with Rohit leading the side across formats for much of that period, Kuldeep featured in six Tests, 38 ODIs and 17 T20Is. Since Gambhir’s appointment, the spinner has played six Tests, 17 ODIs and 14 T20Is.Despite remaining in the mix across formats, Kuldeep has endured a frustrating period. He played just one match during India’s triumphant 2026 T20 World Cup campaign, with Varun Chakaravarthy preferred ahead of him. More recently, he was left out of the squads for the upcoming T20I tours of England and Ireland, where Ravi Bishnoi was selected instead.“The way Kuldeep Yadav has been handled is bizarre,” Ashwin said on ESPNcricinfo. “Kuldeep, when the last team management was around with Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, he was well backed, and everyone saw the proof in the pudding as he was delivering match-winning performances. But again in the last 18 months, Kuldeep finds himself with a lot of question marks.”Ashwin acknowledged that Kuldeep’s IPL 2026 campaign did little to strengthen his case. The spinner managed only 10 wickets and conceded runs at a career-worst economy rate of 10.30. However, he has retained his place in India’s Test setup and was selected for the ongoing one-off Test against Afghanistan.The veteran spinner believes Kuldeep now needs to fully embrace the red-ball format and use Test cricket as a platform to cement his position.“Test cricket must now be his priority, and he must take it on,” Ashwin said.Ashwin also weighed in on Ravi Bishnoi’s return to the T20I squad. The leg-spinner had been part of India’s plans before the 2026 T20 World Cup and featured in the series against New Zealand leading into the tournament. However, his recall has raised eyebrows given his own modest IPL campaign.Bishnoi played only nine matches for Rajasthan Royals during IPL 2026, taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.88 before eventually losing his place in the playing XI.Ashwin reflected on how quickly fortunes can change in international cricket. He recalled that Bishnoi himself was dropped in favour of Kuldeep in December 2023 despite being ranked as the world’s No.1 T20I bowler at the time. Over the following year, Bishnoi gradually slipped down the pecking order as Varun Chakaravarthy’s rise and Axar Patel’s all-round value reshaped India’s spin options.“So what goes around comes around. He didn’t have a great IPL, and on the back of not playing the back half of the IPL, he is back in the T20 setup. These are circular calls in many ways. But version 2.0 of Ravi Bishnoi needs to turn up because he misses his length way too much now than he must, and he must rediscover his mojo,” said Ashwin.Ashwin’s comments highlight the intense competition among India’s spin bowlers, with Kuldeep and Bishnoi both finding themselves on opposite sides of selection calls at different stages of their careers. While Kuldeep looks to re-establish himself through Test cricket, Bishnoi now has another opportunity to prove his worth in the shortest format.

MCG will play host to Friday’s
Round 13 AFL game between Hawthorn Hawks and
Western Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 7:40 pm with Hawthorn Hawks heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Hawthorn Hawks vs.
Western Bulldogs
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Friday June 5, 2026 at 7:40 pm

Where: MCG

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs Odds

Hawthorn Hawks vs Western Bulldogs Preview

Two of the competition’s form sides meet at the MCG on Friday night when Hawthorn takes on the Western Bulldogs. The Hawks enter the clash riding a five-game winning streak and full of confidence after dismantling St Kilda by 52 points. Veteran forward Jack Gunston continues to enjoy a remarkable season, adding another five-goal haul despite spending the final quarter on the bench. Hawthorn also holds recent psychological advantage, having comfortably beaten the Bulldogs during Gather Round. The Bulldogs arrive after edging Collingwood in a thriller and remain firmly in the finals mix. Tim English made a successful return from injury, while Ed Richards continued his outstanding campaign. With both teams building momentum heading into the second half of the season, Friday night’s contest shapes as a genuine finals-calibre encounter.

Hands Oval will play host to Saturday’s
Round 13 AFL game between North Melbourne Kangaroos and
Fremantle Dockers. The game kicks off at 2:15 pm with Fremantle Dockers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the North Melbourne Kangaroos vs.
Fremantle Dockers
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday June 6, 2026 at 2:15 pm

Where: Hands Oval

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Fremantle Dockers Odds

North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Fremantle Dockers Preview

Fremantle’s club-record winning streak will be put to the test when it faces North Melbourne in Bunbury on Saturday. The Dockers have won 11 consecutive matches and reinforced their premiership credentials with an impressive victory over Brisbane at the Gabba. Despite missing star midfielder Caleb Serong, Fremantle’s midfield and forward line combined brilliantly to continue its remarkable run. North Melbourne returns from a bye after producing one of the most dramatic wins in club history, storming back from 43 points down to defeat Gold Coast after the siren. That victory has injected fresh belief into Alastair Clarkson’s side, but they now face the competition’s hottest team. Fremantle has won the past three meetings between the clubs and will be aiming to keep its momentum rolling toward September.

Alyssa Solomon and Alas Pilipinas during a game vs Australia in the 2026 AVC Women’s Nations Cup in Candon. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur —Despite being one of the youngest players on the roster, Alyssa Solomon has already built a wealth of international experience as part of last year’s AVC Women’s Cup silver medal-winning team and through her stint with Osaka Marvelous in Japan’s SV.League.

Solomon may have been a late addition to the new-look Alas Pilipinas squad, but she made an immediate impact with 23 points off the bench in a tough 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-25, 11-15 loss to Australia on Sunday at Candon City Arena here.

As one of the younger yet more experienced players on the team, the 24-year-old is determined to contribute in any way she can to a roster made up of veterans and newcomers after several key members of the previous core opted not to compete this year.

“I just try to give my best in every game and contribute whatever I can to the team. More than anything, I want to provide support to the team in any way possible,” said Solomon in Filipino.

The Alyssas

Alyssa Solomon and Alyssa Valdez share their thoughts after a five-set loss to Australia. #AVCWomensCup | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/zJZxdtfw2K

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 7, 2026

The 6-foot-1 opposite spiker, who withdrew from the PVL Rookie Draft, said adjusting to the squad came naturally, having previously trained with Creamline under Alas assistant coach Sherwin Meneses when he was also handling National University.

“It wasn’t that difficult because I already knew some of the players. We also trained with Creamline before, so the adjustment wasn’t that hard,” said Solomon.

Australia coach Russell Borgeaud also praised Solomon for her exceptional talent.

Despite her strong return for Alas, the three-time UAAP champion remains focused on improving as the Philippines fights for a semifinal berth, with only the top two teams from Pool A advancing.

“Actually, I wasn’t satisfied with how I played, especially in the fourth set. I felt like I wasn’t able to contribute as much, and that’s something I really want to improve,” Solomon said.

Solomon remained optimistic despite the setback, with Alas facing a quick turnaround against Kyrgyzstan on Monday at 3 p.m.

“We’ll continue to improve since we’ve only been together for a few weeks. We’ll use this experience to strengthen our bond as a team and keep getting better in the games ahead,” she said.

It was a rough first half for Victor Wembanyama on Friday night.

The San Antonio Spurs’ alien-like phenom scored just seven points in the first 24 minutes of Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

And, despite making up ground in the second half, it was not enough as the New York Knicks took a 2-0 series lead.

The referees sure seemed tilted toward San Antonio throughout the night, and one moment in the second quarter helped the public’s case.

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San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during the second half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)

With San Antonio up 37-32, Dylan Harper drove toward the hoop but missed a contested shot, and the ball was up for grabs. With Wembanyama, listed at 7-foot-4, on the floor, it should surprise nobody when he grabs an offensive rebound.

However, he was boxed out by Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, who plays sparingly.

Alvarado might have gotten away with some hard contact when initiating the box out, but Wembanyama may have gotten away with a flagrant foul after wrapping both of his arms near Alvarado’s neck and tossing him like a rag doll. Wembanyama then asked for a whistle on Alvarado but never got one.

Wembanyama was also ejected for the first time for a flagrant foul in the Western Conference finals.

New York Knicks guard Jose Alvarado dribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)

KNICKS SURVIVE TO TAKE 2-0 NBA FINALS LEAD AFTER JALEN BRUNSON’S CLUTCH SHOT SINKS SPURS

Wembanyama scored 22 points in the second half, turning it up in the fourth quarter, but it was all for naught after a costly turnover. After a rebound with less than 15 seconds left, Wembanyama threw a pass to a teammate who was not looking, and it hit his back. Jalen Brunson was able to pick up the ball, draw a foul and knock down a free throw.

The Frenchman had the ball in his hands for the potential game-winning basket but missed, giving the Knicks an exhilarating 105-104 victory.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama reacts during the first half of Game 2 of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, June 5, 2026. (Scott Wachter/Imagn Images)

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No team has ever won an NBA Finals after losing both of the first two games at home, although it is a small sample size. Only the 1993 Phoenix Suns and 1995 Orlando Magic did so.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will get underway on June 11 when co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Joined by South Korea and Czechia in Group A, Mexico will be hoping home support can propel them into the knockout rounds.

While Mexico and South Korea start as the favourites on paper, Group A lacks a traditional global heavyweight. Czechia arrive with one of Europe’s most in-form strikers in Patrik Schick, while South Africa have steadily improved under Hugo Broos and will believe the expanded 48-team format offers a realistic path to the knockout stage.

With all four teams carrying genuine ambitions of progression, Group A could emerge as one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Teams

• 
  South Korea
• 
  Mexico
• 
  South Africa
• 
  Czechia

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Team analysis

South Korea

South Korea enter the tournament on the back of an unbeaten qualification campaign and are appearing in their 11th consecutive World Cup, highlighting their consistency on the global stage. Head coach Hong Myung-bo has assembled a squad blending experienced stars with emerging talent, giving the Taeguk Warriors balance across the pitch.

Captain Son Heung-min remains the focal point of the attack and will likely be playing in his final World Cup. Behind him, Lee Kang-in has developed into one of Asia’s most creative midfielders, while Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae provides leadership and defensive solidity. South Korea’s pace in transition and ability to control possession make them one of the strongest sides in the group. However, they will need to overcome a poor record away from home, having never advanced beyond the last 16 at a World Cup outside their historic 2002 semi-final run.

South Korea full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Han-beom, Lee Gi-hyeok, Kim Min-jae, Kim Tae-hyeon, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min, Paik Seung-ho, Cho Gue-sung, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Song Bum-keun, Lee Tae-seok, Cho Wi-je, Kim Moon-hwan, Park Jin-seob, Bae Jun-ho, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Lee Kang-in, Yang Hyun-jun, Jo Hyeon-woo, Seol Young-woo, Jens Castrop, Kim Jin-gyu, Eom Ji-sung, Lee Dong-gyeong.

Mexico

Mexico is hosting the World Cup for a record third time. El Tri have historically played their best football on home soil, reaching the quarter-finals in both 1970 and 1986, and expectations will be high once again.

Javier Aguirre returns for a third stint as manager and brings a wealth of tournament experience. Captain Edson Alvarez provides stability to midfield, while striker Santiago Gimenez will be tasked with converting chances. The squad also includes experienced internationals such as Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Ochoa and Luis Romo, alongside younger talents like Gilberto Mora and Obed Vargas.

South Africa

South Africa return to the World Cup eager to reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Under Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have developed into a disciplined and organised side capable of frustrating more fancied opponents.

Captain Ronwen Williams remains one of Africa’s top goalkeepers, while attacker Oswin Appollis has emerged as a key threat following an impressive qualification campaign. Teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is another exciting prospect who has quickly become one of the country’s most highly rated players. South Africa may not possess the star power of some rivals, but their defensive structure and athleticism make them a potent force.

South Africa full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Ronwen Williams, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Aubrey Modiba, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Themba Zwane, Thapelo Maseko, Sphephelo Sithole, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Iqraam Rayners, Sipho Chaine, Evidence Makgopa, Samukele Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Ricardo Goss, Jayden Adams, Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Bradley Cross.

Czechia

Czechia enter the World Cup as arguably the most difficult team in the group to assess. They battled through the play-offs against the Republic of Ireland and Denmark to secure qualification and have steadily grown under veteran manager Miroslav Koubek.

Captain Ladislav Krejci leads a physically imposing side built around defensive discipline and set-piece efficiency. The main threat, however, comes from Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, who arrived at the tournament in outstanding form. Midfielder Tomas Soucek adds experience and leadership, while Czechia’s ability from corners and free-kicks makes them a threatening unit. If they can translate their European form onto the global stage, they could challenge both Mexico and South Korea for top spot.

Czechia full squad for FIFA WC 2026: Matej Kovar, David Zima, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Vladimir Coufal, Stepan Chaloupek, Ladislav Krejci, Vladimir Darida, Adam Hlozek, Patrik Schick, Jan Kuchta, Lukas Cerv, Mojmir Chytil, David Jurasek, Pavel Sulc, Jindrich Stanek, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Tomas Chory, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Doudera, Tomas Soucek, Lukas Hornicek, Alexandr Sojka, Hugo Sochurek, Denis Visinsky.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Players to watch out for

South Korea – Son Heung-min

South Korea’s captain remains the country’s biggest match-winner. The forward’s pace, movement and ability to produce moments of brilliance in major tournaments make him the player opponents will fear most.

Mexico – Santiago Gimenez

Mexico’s hopes of a deep run could depend on Gimenez rediscovering his goalscoring touch. The AC Milan striker possesses the finishing ability to turn tight matches in his country’s favour.

South Africa – Mbekezeli Mbokazi

At 20, the centre-back is considered one of South Africa’s brightest talents. Strong in duels and comfortable on the ball, he could announce himself on the world stage this summer.

Czechia – Patrik Schick

The Bayer Leverkusen striker arrives in exceptional form and is Czechia’s primary source of goals. His aerial ability and clinical finishing make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the group.

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Final standings prediction

Mexico’s home advantage should be enough to see them finish at the top of the group, particularly with matches against South Africa and Czechia taking place in Mexico City. South Korea’s consistency and tournament experience give them a slight edge in the race for second place.

Czechia possess enough quality to challenge for automatic qualification and could easily finish in the top two if Schick maintains his scoring form. South Africa are unlikely to be pushovers and may still remain in contention for a best third-placed spot, but their lack of World Cup experience could ultimately prove decisive.

Predicted standings

• 
  Mexico
• 
  South Korea
• 
  Czechia
• 
  South Africa

FIFA WC 2026 Group A: Full schedule

Moses Itauma hopes to rule over the next generation of heavyweights, but there currently appears to be a lack of willing dance partners. Anthony Joshua insists he isn’t one of them, after declaring himself to be ‘100%’ up for the challenge.

Itauma’s time in the ring has not exceeded the 18-minute mark in any of his fights, with questions still needing to be answered in regards to his gas tank and chin, largely due to the fact that the 21-year-old has dispatched of all 14 of his opponents without truly being tested.

His next outing could be telling, linked to a scrap with Filip Hrgovic, with the pair expected to collide in August, with an official date and venue set to be confirmed in the near future.

Victory over Hrgovic is anticipated to lead to a world title shot, with Frank Sanchez and Murat Gassiev being considered as future opponents in a possible vacant title fight, but in an interview with Fight Hub TV, Joshua revealed that he too would be prepared to take on Itauma, after his fights with Kristian Prenga and Tyson Fury.

“Let me get these two [Prenga and Fury] out of the way and 100% [I would fight Itauma]. Yeah, man. Why not, bro? Let’s go. So many great opportunities are still presenting themselves.”

Joshua takes on Prenga in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday, July 25, with a long-awaited showdown against Fury being mooted for November. If successful in both bouts, ‘AJ’ could then face Itauma in a crossroads clash during the first half of 2027.