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Manchester United fans have all agreed about Marcus Rashford at the World Cup

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Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford looked sharp for England as they won their group at the World Cup.

Manchester United fans have all thought the same thing during England’s games at the World Cup. Why did Barcelona sign Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford?

Gordon started England’s first two games of the tournament, but Rashford scored off the bench against Croatia and looked like the player the Three Lions had been missing when he came on against Ghana.

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He earned a start in England’s final group match against Panama, and was one of the brightest attacking threats on the pitch.

Gordon should not start for England for the remainder of the tournament. It was a coin toss between the pair before the World Cup began, but Rashford has outshone the player who Barca snubbed him for.

Thomas Tuchel would have pulled his hair out watching Gordon in the opening two games. He ran down blind alleys, offered zero attacking threat and did not play crosses into the box to service Harry Kane.

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Tuchel will like what he’s seen with Rashford. The 28-year-old has been direct and aggressive when he’s been on the ball. He has looked like someone with a major point to prove after missing out on his dream move.

Barcelona paid £70million to sign Gordon from Newcastle when they could have signed Rashford for £26m from United. They have almost paid three times the price for a player half as talented as Rashford.

The decision to sign Gordon over Rashford becomes even more confusing when a closer look at the numbers is taken. Gordon scored 26 goals for Newcastle across the last two seasons, but 11 of those came from the penalty spot.

It’s not difficult to do the math. Gordon has scored 15 non-penalty goals in two years, averaging just over seven per season. Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists during his Barcelona loan spell last term.

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The wage demands of both players must have been a significant factor because the footballing reasons don’t add up. Gordon earned around £150,000 per week at Newcastle, while Rashford’s wages have returned to £325,000-a-week by virtue of United securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

Barcelona could have doubled Gordon’s salary and still pay him less than Rashford earns. For context, Rashford signed his current United contract in the summer of 2023, following an impressive 30-goal campaign.

Even when the players’ wages are considered, is that enough reason to pay £44m more to sign Gordon? Perhaps Barcelona’s stubbornness in negotiations to sign Rashford again forced their hand.

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United agreed a £26m buy option when Barcelona signed Rashford on loan, but noise emerged during the campaign that claimed the La Liga giants wanted to pay a reduced fee. They wanted to haggle.

Barcelona may have got what they wanted in the past, but United’s board are aware they can no longer be taken for mugs in the transfer market, and insisted that Barca cough up £26m.

Still, it wasn’t a good look for Rashford when Barcelona paid a significantly higher fee to sign Gordon, although, to Rashford’s credit, his performances at the World Cup have flipped the situation, making Barca look daft.

The question now is what happens with Rashford. Some United fans who are strongly opposed to the idea of him returning were concerned to read Harry Maguire say he would welcome him back with open arms.

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There are other supporters who would like to see Michael Carrick reintergate him to the squad. Those fans argue that if United want to strengthen their left flank, then why not reintroduce Rashford to the dressing room?

Rashford is set to report for United’s pre-season once he enjoys a break after the World Cup and United are fine with the possibility of him returning.

Carrick has played with Rashford, coached him, and briefly managed him. In April, the Old Trafford boss suggested the door was open for Rashford to return at a press conference, though those comments felt like a stock answer.

United’s bargaining power with Rashford would have been damaged if Carrick had come out swinging and said he wouldn’t return to the club, even though he’s not the kind of character who would make such a statement.

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It feels like Rashford’s future has become a saga, and we’re only two weeks into the transfer window. United are relaxed about the situation and know strong performances at the World Cup can only stir up interest.

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Belgium, Egypt into World Cup last 32 as Iran face anxious wait after stoppage-time drama

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Iran were deprived of a certain place in the World Cup knockout phase when a goal in stoppage time that would have given them a 2-1 win against Egypt was disallowed. The draw means the Pharaohs advance to the last 32 along with Belgium, who demolished New Zealand 5-1 to clinch top spot in Group G.

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Japan hope to slay Brazil without star player in World Cup knockouts

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June 24, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S.; Brazil's Rayan reacts.  Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images June 24, 2026; Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S.; Brazil’s Rayan reacts. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

In a friendly in Tokyo last October, Brazil surrendered a two-goal halftime lead and watched Japan pull ahead for an eventual 3-2 victory.

Rayan, a 19-year-old forward, was not part of Brazil’s team that day, so perhaps he can be forgiven for admitting he doesn’t know much about the Japanese squad.

“I don’t know who their best player is,” Rayan said when a Japanese reporter asked him. “I’d have to watch the video to be able to tell you. We know that Japan is a very strong team and we have to work hard to give it our all and beat them.”

The Selecao will be on alert when they come face to face with the Samurai Blue in the round of 32 on Monday afternoon in Houston.

Options Rayan could have considered in his answer included Takefusa Kubo, a forward nicknamed “the Japanese Messi,” or perhaps Ayase Ueda, a Feyenoord striker with 18 goals for his national team. But Kubo hasn’t played since suffering a meniscus tear in Japan’s opener against the Netherlands, and Sunday he was ruled out for the Brazil clash.

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Ueda and Daichi Kamada are tied for the team lead with two goals apiece in the group stage — and Ueda had the go-ahead goal in that 3-2 upset back in October.

Japan are nevertheless the clear underdogs going into this match. They finished second to Netherlands in Group F with a win over overmatched Tunisia and two draws. They don’t have the history that Brazil can boast, but Japan have qualified for the knockouts at three straight World Cups and four of the past five, though never advancing past the round of 16.

“Brazil are always a leading team. They have a very good chance of winning,” coach Hajime Moriyasu said Sunday. “Some people will say Japan are underdogs. We will play with that in mind. We will respect the opponents, but like last year (in the friendly win) we weren’t given a chance to win. This possibility to win — we can change history.”

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After opening with a draw against Morocco, Brazil rang up 3-0 wins over Haiti and Scotland to win Group C. Vinicius Junior (four) and Matheus Cunha (three) have combined to score all of Brazil’s goals thus far, with Bruno Guimaraes earning assists on three.

They’ve made up for the absence of Neymar, who was not ready at the onset of the tournament as he rehabbed a calf injury suffered May 17 while playing for his club. Neymar made his first showing of the tournament Wednesday by subbing on for the last 15 minutes against Scotland.

For what it’s worth, Neymar scored his first goal for the Selecao against Japan in a FIFA Confederations Cup match in 2013, and in a friendly the following year the ex-wunderkind poured in four goals.

The Brazil faithful hope coach Carlo Ancelotti has the team on course for its record sixth World Cup win and first since 2002.

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“We’re not perfect. We can improve. For example, our pace on the ball. We can be quicker,” Ancelotti said after the Scotland match. “But I’m pleased because the team has improved a lot since the first match. Now it’s a knockout competition. We need to show real grit.”

–Field Level Media

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Stefanos Tsitsipas says split with Father Is Permanent

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Stefanos Tsitsipas has confirmed that his professional partnership with his father, Apostolos Tsitsipas, has come to an end, and this time, he does not expect them to work together again.

Speaking ahead of Wimbledon, the Greek star revealed that he has appointed Thomas Perrin, a coach from Patrick Mouratoglou’s academy, while Mouratoglou himself will oversee the collaboration whenever his schedule allows.

Tsitsipas explained that the decision was driven by his desire for a new direction in his career rather than a lack of love or respect for his father.

  • "The hardest seven months of my Life": Vondrousova Speaks After Ban"The hardest seven months of my Life": Vondrousova Speaks After Ban

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“The older I get, the more difficult it is for me to maintain a stable relationship with my father compared to when I was 18, 19 or 20 years old.”

The two have worked together for most of Tsitsipas’ professional career, helping him rise into the world’s elite and reach two Grand Slam finals. However, the 26-year-old believes the partnership has reached its natural end.

“I felt that having my father by my side brings me comfort, but it is not the solution for me to take the next steps and do something different in my career.”

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Although Tsitsipas has stepped away from his father before, he suggested this separation is different.

 “Talking about it now, I believe that we won’t be working together again in the future. Now I want to start making my own decisions and deciding for myself.”

Despite the difficult decision, Tsitsipas made it clear there is no personal rift between them.

“Of course, I love him very much and I want the best for him, but right now I am thinking about myself and what is best for me.”

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Looking ahead, Tsitsipas believes his father’s experience can now benefit younger players, including his siblings, while he searches for a fresh perspective to help revive his own career.

His new coaching arrangement with Thomas Perrin will run through the end of the season, with Patrick Mouratoglou providing guidance whenever possible. The agreement also includes the option of continuing beyond 2026.

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Monumental effort: The wildest stats and biggest plays from the Mystics’ quadruple-overtime win over the Fire

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The Washington Mystics earned a 124-123 quadruple overtime victory over the Portland Fire on Sunday. This was only the second time in WNBA history in which four extra periods were needed, and every second of it was worth watching.

As the clock was winding down in the fourth overtime, Carla Leite came up short of hitting a buzzer-beater that would have given Portland the victory. Instead, the winning bucket came from Mystics guard Sonia Citron with 21 seconds remaining, when she completed a career-high 32 points. 

Most impressively, Citron still had the legs to do it after spending 53 minutes on the court. 

Here is how it all went down:

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How did it happen?

Blame the excitement on Carla Leite. Despite the loss, she showed a lot of grit as she finished with a career-high 32 points and multiple impressive highlights —  including the buzzer-beater 3-pointer that started the overtime madness. 

First overtime

One was not enough for her, so Leite hit another game-tying shot from beyond the arc with 18 seconds remaining in the first overtime period. Citron tried to win it for Washington with under four seconds remaining but her 3-point jumper bounced off the rim. And just like that, we got more free basketball.

Second overtime

Perhaps it was the tired legs, but the second overtime period only saw a combined eight points from both teams. Sarah Ashlee Barker scored the Fire’s two field goals within 25 seconds with under two minutes remaining. Meanwhile, Citron scored both field goals for the Mystics, including the last one of the period with just under 15 seconds left on the clock.

Third overtime

There was more scoring in the third overtime as both teams registered 13 points each. This time, it was Bridget Carleton’s turnaround jumper over Citron that gave us five more minutes of action. She scored with just 3.1 seconds remaining, but that didn’t stop Citron from attempting an unsuccessful last-second 3-pointer in the hopes of ending things right then and there.

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Fourth overtime

Neither team scored in the first two and a half minutes of the fourth extra period, but once the teams started exchanging buckets, it was inevitable this would once again come down to the final seconds. Although Citron put her team ahead 124-122 with 21.4 seconds remaining, Leite had a chance to tie it with two free throws with 13.1 seconds left. She only made one of those shots, before almost redeeming herself with a last-second floater.

Besides Citron, another impressive contributor for Washington was Michaela Onyenwere, who had 30 points while tying a career-high of six 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Kiki Iriafen got her seventh double-double of the season with 27 points and 11 rebounds. 

The Fire certainly put on a show despite the loss. Leite stole the spotlight, but Barker and Megan Gustafson also contributed to the valiant effort with a combined 45 points. 

Was this the longest game in WNBA history?

Yes and no. The real time elapsed from start to finish on Sunday was three hours and 36 minutes — the longest ever for a WNBA game. 

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If we are only counting playing time, this was the second quadruple overtime game in league history. The first time was in 2001, which coincidentally also involved the Mystics. That was a surprisingly low-scoring affair with Washington winning 72-69 over the Seattle Storm. Four extra periods is extremely rare — the NBA has only experienced it four times since 2000.

What are the wildest stats?

An extra long game means there are going to be some extra fun stats, and this game certainly delivered on that front. Here are a few worth noting:

  • The Fire and Mystics combined for a total of 247 points, which fell just four points short of the most combined points ever in a WNBA game. The highest scoring game was a 127-124 Mercury win over the Lynx in 2010, which featured two overtime periods. 
  • Sunday was a competitive affair with 21 ties, which is second most in WNBA history. The most was 22 ties between the Atlanta Dream and Indiana Fever in 2009.
  • Tough competition sometimes also leads to a high amount of fouls. On Sunday, Barker & Leite were the only Portland starters not to foul out. As a team, the Fire had 39 personal fouls, tied for second most by any team in a single WNBA game.
  • The Fire attempted 101 field goals, the second-most ever in a WNBA game, becoming just the fourth team in WNBA history to attempt 100+ field goals in a game. The Mystics attempted 98.
  • This was the first game in WNBA history with both teams scoring 60+ points in the paint.
  • It was the firs time in the history of the Mystics that two players (Citron and Onyenwere) had 30+ points in the same game.

What’s next for each team?

Neither of these teams entered Sunday with a winning record, but the way they fought certainly proved they should not be overlooked.

The win helped Washington go back to .500 with a 9-9 overall record. The Mystics can rest until Thursday, July 2 when they host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream (12-7 overall). This will hopefully give time for both Georgia Amoore and Citron to heal. Amoore left the game in the first half with right knee soreness and Citron was seen limping late in the game.

Portland now holds an 8-12 overall record but Sunday showed coach Alex Sarama a lot of promise. Up next, the Fire will take on the Storm (5-15 overall) in Seattle on July 4.

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“Incredibly proud of the group to persevere and show such grit,” Sarama said postgame. “Very, very proud of them. Obviously tied for the longest game in W history. I think so many times tonight we could have just given up, but every single time, we fought back. Execution. I mean, so many great learning opportunities for us as a young group.”

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Zuffa Boxing 08 results: Jose Valenzuela scores thunderous knockout of Edwin De Los Santos

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In a rematch of their 2022 slugfest, Jose Valenzuela proved on Sunday that revenge is best served cold by scoring a resounding knockout of Edwin De Los Santos in their 135-pound rematch. 

The lightweight bout headlined an exciting Zuffa 08 card from inside the Chelsea Ballroom at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as Valenzuela (16-3, 10 KOs), a former 140-pound titleholder, landed a picture perfect right hook to finish De Los Santos in this battle of southpaws at 2:05 of Round 2.

Valenzuela, a 27-year-old native of Los Mochis, Mexico, showcased just how much his game has grown since his third-round knockout loss to De Los Santos four years ago during a wild fight in which both boxers touched the canvas. 

“I was a kid, I was a boy when we first fought. I grew up,” Valenzuela said. “I matured a lot and I evolved. You can better yourself and get better. You can lose and come back and become a better fighter and human being and that’s what I did. 

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“It’s one of the best feelings in the world. I just knew what kind of fighter I was. I knew I’m better and more complete. In the first fight, I went in there at probably 30% of my abilities. I knew that at 100, I am hard to beat.”

De Los Santos, a 26-year-old slugger from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, broke open a slow start in Round 1 by landing a flush left cross. But once Valenzuela made an adjustment to become a counterpuncher and time his opponent on the way in, he hurt De Los Santos late in the round with a counter left hand and followed it up with a second left to wobble him. 

“In the first round, he timed me with a couple good jabs,” Valenzuela said. “But when we traded left hands at the end of the first round, I hurt him. And I saw that in the second round, he didn’t want to engage. He was hurt so I knew I had to get him and jump on him before he recovered.”

Valenzuela came out as the aggressor in Round 2 and landed a huge counter left hand to hurt De Los Santos. “El Rayo” stayed on the attack and landed a perfect right hook to drop him (including a follow-up left uppercut that landed clean while De Los Santos was down on one knee but went unadmonished by referee Thomas Taylor). 

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De Los Santos was unable to make it to his feet and was counted out. 

After the fight, Valenzuela called out unbeaten junior welterweight titleholder and four-division champion Shakur Stevenson, who is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the sport and handed De Los Santos a tentative decision defeat in 2023.

“I want Shakur Stevenson. He’s a hell of a fighter and I would love to compete with him,” Valenzuela said. “Styles make fights. I’m a real fighter and he’s a boxer. I believe his Kryptonite is a fighter like me. I come forward and I have a lot of heart. I can come forward from the first round to the last round.

“I would love a bigger fight [rather than a trilogy with De Los Santos]. After I took a loss with him, I went on my own journey and became a world champion. Maybe he has some work to do but I’m on to bigger and better things.”

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The 4 Biggest Worries Facing the Vikings in 2026

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Vikings helmet rests on the turf during minicamp in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings helmet rests on the turf during minicamp work in Eagan. The close-up shot captures the team’s purple helmet, facemask, and sideline details as players continued offseason preparation before training camp. June 2026. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

Most Minnesota Vikings fans are at least semi-optimistic about the 2026 campaign, as the franchise onboarded Kyler Murray at quarterback in March, and Minnesota finished last season with a winning record despite terrible quarterback efficiency.

But that doesn’t mean that everything is hunky dory. Consider the following list of concerns with the regular season 11 weeks away. The items are counted down to the main concern.

Vikings’ Biggest Flaws Still Live on Offense

Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel plays against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC Wild Card game. Vikings concerns 2026
Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) lines up during the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The veteran lineman handled another postseason assignment while anchoring Minnesota’s offensive front in a playoff showdown. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

4. Is Blake Brandel Enough at Center?

The Vikings might have finally solidified their center position, and Brandel’s performance will determine if this solution extends beyond 2025.

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Slated to start in Week 1, Brandel will assume one of Minnesota’s most critical roles. Strong play from him could mean the Vikings have found a long-term answer right under their noses all along. Conversely, if he struggles, they will be back to searching for stability at one of football’s most challenging positions.

Last season, Brandel began laying the groundwork, playing 383 snaps at center and improving steadily throughout the year. What initially appeared to be a stopgap measure gradually evolved into a genuine possibility. While his 61.4 Pro Football Focus grade isn’t spectacular, it demonstrates the dependability Minnesota requires at the position.

Dependability has always been Brandel’s hallmark. He steps up and capably handles starter duties when injuries necessitate his presence in the lineup. Last season, he played all 17 games, started nine, and participated in 64% of the Vikings’ offensive snaps without becoming a liability.

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His versatility remains his greatest asset. Brandel’s ability to play guard, tackle, or center makes him one of the team’s most valuable offensive linemen. This season, however, the focus is squarely on center, where his play could finally relieve Minnesota’s long-standing concerns about the position.

The Vikings are putting a lot of faith in a guy who just started playing center at the age of 28.

3. The Depth at Guard and EDGE

These are the Vikings’ backup guards after Donovan Jackson and Will Fries:

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  • Henry Byrd
  • Joe Huber
  • Vershon Lee
  • Delby Lemieux

Most NFL fans have never even remotely heard of those men. Is that a problem? Maybe. The Vikings have not been in a rush to sign or draft guards this offseason. They may secretly love Byrd, Huber, Lee, or Lemieux.

But what if they stink? What if that group is not game-ready? Minnesota’s offensive line was absolutely ravaged by injuries in 2025. If that happens again, a Sunday afternoon could feature Byrd or Huber as a starter at guard. Would you feel great about that?

For context, these guards are available on the open market, as a few examples:

  • Mekhi Becton
  • James Daniels
  • Will Hernandez
  • Greg Van Roten

Darren Wolfson said on SKOR North airwaves last year, “Walter Rouse, I’m told, his camp feels like there’s more of a pathway to playing time at some point at guard versus tackle. If you’re thinking Walter Rouse, draft pick last year, is more of a tackle, just saying, don’t sleep on the possibility of him playing guard, getting guard reps, working more so at the guard position, not the tackle position.”

Minnesota Vikings linemen Donovan Jackson and Walter Rouse participate in minicamp practice at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Vikings concerns 2026
Minnesota Vikings guard Donovan Jackson (74) and offensive tackle Walter Rouse (73) work through drills during minicamp on Jun. 10, 2025, at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility in Minneapolis. The young offensive linemen continued developing chemistry while preparing for training camp competition. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

Maybe the fix is that straightforward, converting Rouse to guard and calling it good. It would make sense, too, because Minnesota added two new tackles — the spot where Rouse plays — this offseason: rookie Caleb Tieran and veteran Ryan Van Demark.

Rouse at guard could solve the depth concern.

At outside linebacker, there is no clear-cut OLB3 behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. It could be Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, or rookie Jake Golday. The Vikings aren’t accustomed to this problem, but they created it themselves when they traded Jonathan Greenard two months ago.

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If Minnesota decides it needs another veteran OLB, plenty are available on the open market, including Jadeveon Clowney, who had a fantastic season down in Dallas last year.

2. Will the QB Plan Work?

Between Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer, the Vikings must have the quarterback situation licked, right? You would think.

However, Murray, McCarthy, and Wentz all have the same fear — injury history. Murray missed 12 games last year. McCarthy missed seven. And Wentz was shut down right before Halloween. The talent is there for Minnesota to solve the QB problem in 2025 and beyond, but what if injuries ruin everything?

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray looks toward the field during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Vikings concerns 2026
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches the field late in the second quarter on Sep. 26, 2021, against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The veteran signal-caller surveyed the action as Arizona remained in control during an early-season road victory. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images.

In that case, the Vikings would be back to square one at quarterback, especially if they miss the postseason, which might propel them to explore the 2027 NFL Draft for another attempt at finding a quarterback of the future.

1. A Once-and-for-All Commitment to Running the Football

We publish this stat frequently — or some iteration of it every summer — because it just hasn’t been rectified.

Vikings Rushing DVOA,
NFL Ranking,
in the Kevin O’Connell Era:

2025: 13th
2024: 20th
2023: 27th
2022: 27th

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Here’s the main problem:

Vikings Rushing Playcall %
NFL Ranking
in the Kevin O’Connell Era:

2025: 19th
2024: 18th
2023: 30th
2022: 30th

O’Connell must commit to running the football. Until he does, his team’s offense will never reach its zenith. It’s as simple as that. Run the ball. It can’t get any more elementary.

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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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Emma Raducanu (leg) withdraws on eve of Wimbledon match

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Emma Raducanu gets set to serve to Amanda Anisimova during their third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 8, 2026.Emma Raducanu gets set to serve to Amanda Anisimova during their third-round match at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Great Britain standout Emma Raducanu withdrew from Wimbledon on Sunday night due to a stress fracture in her lower right leg.

Raducanu, the No. 30 seed, was confident earlier Sunday that she would answer the bell for Monday first-round match against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic at the All England Club in London.

But hours later, the British No. 1 announced her withdrawal from Wimbledon on social media after a medical scan displayed the injury was more serious than previously thought.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sadly I’ve had to withdraw from this year’s Wimbledon,” Raducanu wrote. “The niggle I’ve been managing has developed into a stress fracture and I’ve been medically advised to stop pushing through.

“Playing at Wimbledon means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process.”

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Raducanu, 23, was spotted wearing a boot on the leg on Wednesday. She tested the leg in a training session Saturday but had to cut short a practice session with Anna Kalinskaya of Russia when she was having trouble moving and lost four straight games.

It has been a challenging season for Raducanu. She has played in just 10 events due to a foot injury and an illness. She was out for more than two months at one point before returning in mid-May.

Raducanu said the leg pain increased during her run to the Queen’s Club title match earlier this mnoth. She lost to Croatia’s Donna Vekic in the final.

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“Queen’s, during that week, was a lot of load for me,” Raducanu said earlier at her Sunday press conference. “Five matches after having not competed for a while. But I’m just managing it with my team as best as I possibly can, exhausting all options and doing what we can.”

Raducanu famously emerged in 2021 to win the U.S. Open at age 18 and that remains her lone WTA title. Her best Wimbledon showing is reaching the fourth round in both 2021 and 2024.

Wimbledon didn’t announce a replacement for Raducanu on Sunday night. Typically, a lucky loser is selected out of qualifying.

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–Field Level Media

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Argentine soccer player’s wife, children found dead in Venezuela quake

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The 74-hour search for the family of Argentine soccer star Lucas Trejo ended this weekend after rescue crews recovered the bodies of his wife and two children from the rubble of the apartment building that collapsed in Wednesday’s twin earthquakes.

Trejo, 38, a center back for Venezuelan club Sport Maritimo de La Guaira, was in Caracas with his team when earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country’s northern coast.

Soccer player Lucas Trejo lost his wife and two children after Venezuela's devastating earthquakes. (Photo credit: FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Soccer player Lucas Trejo lost his wife and two children after Venezuela’s devastating earthquakes. (Photo credit: FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images) ((Photo credit should read FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images))

After learning his family’s apartment building had collapsed in Playa Grande, La Guaira, he immediately traveled to the disaster zone to join the search.

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“Our building in Playa Grande collapsed. I don’t know anything about my family,” Trejo wrote on Instagram during the early hours of the search. “Please pray for them and share this message in case someone saw them. I want to believe they weren’t there.”

33 RESCUED FROM VENEZUELAN RUBBLE: SURVIVAL WINDOW DESPERATELY FADING WITH NEARLY 50,000 MISSING

Trejo’s father and brother traveled from Argentina to assist firefighters, military personnel and volunteers searching through the debris.

Twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela's northern coast, leaving widespread destruction as emergency crews continue recovery efforts.(Photo by Javier Campos/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela’s northern coast, leaving widespread destruction as emergency crews continue recovery efforts. (Photo by Javier Campos/picture alliance via Getty Images) ((Photo by Javier Campos/picture alliance via Getty Images))

The search ended after rescuers recovered the bodies of Trejo’s wife, Yanina Maranella, and their children, Aaron and Ainhoa.

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The tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from across the South American soccer community.

EX-MLB PLAYER SAYS WIFE DIED IN DEVASTATING VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKES

Fellow Argentine footballer Edson Tortolero, a close friend of Trejo’s, mourned the family’s deaths.

“Today my heart breaks into a thousand pieces,” Tortolero wrote. “There are no words that can ease so much pain. I ask God to give Lucas strength to endure this unimaginable loss.”

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Club Sport Maritimo de La Guaira confirmed the deaths in a statement on Sunday.

A 74-hour search ended in heartbreak for defender Lucas Trejo after rescuers found his family. (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE / AFP) (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images)

A 74-hour search ended in heartbreak for defender Lucas Trejo after rescuers found his family. (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE / AFP) (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images) ((Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE / AFP) (Photo by NORBERTO DUARTE/AFP via Getty Images))

“We join the grief that overwhelms player Lucas Trejo for the passing of his wife, Yanina Maranella, and of his children, Aaron and Ainhoa Trejo,” the club said. “Peace to their souls and comfort for Lucas and all his loved ones.”

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Trejo’s family is among the victims of the earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela’s northern coast. Emergency crews remain in the region as recovery efforts continue.

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Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng preview, head-to-head, odds, prediction & betting tips

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Match Details

Fixture: (26) Cameron Norrie vs (Q) Michael Zheng

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Date: June 29, 2026

Tournament: Wimbledon

Round: First Round (Round of 128)

Venue: All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, UK

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Category: Grand Slam

Surface: Grass

Prize Money: £64,200,000

Live Telecast: USA – ESPN | UK – BBC | Canada – TSN, RDS | India – Star Sports, Hotstar

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Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng preview

Cameron Norrie at the Queen's Club Championships 2026. (Source: Getty)Cameron Norrie at the Queen's Club Championships 2026. (Source: Getty)
Cameron Norrie at the Queen’s Club Championships 2026. (Source: Getty)

26th seed Cameron Norrie will take on qualifier Michael Zheng in the first round of Wimbledon 2026.

Following a fourth-round loss to Jannik Sinner at the Madrid Open, Norrie didn’t win a match for the remainder of the clay swing. He lost his opening-round matches in Rome, Geneva, and at the French Open. A change of surface didn’t help his cause.

Norrie commenced his grass season at the Queen’s Club Championships. He lost in the first round of both singles and doubles. He took part in an exhibition event last week, where he lost to Sinner in straight sets once again.

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Zheng’s grass swing was off to a rough start. He crashed out in the first round of the Ilkley and Nottingham Challengers. He kicked off his quest for a main draw spot at Wimbledon against Henri Squire. He snapped his losing skid to beat the German in straight sets.

Zheng beat Laslo Djere in straight sets as well to make the final qualifying round. Compatriot Colton Smith stood between him and a spot in the main draw. Zheng fought past him in four sets to qualify for Wimbledon on his very first attempt.


Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng head-to-head

This will be the first meeting between the duo, so the head-to-head stands at 0-0- for now.


Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng odds

Player Moneyline Handicap Bets Total Games
Cameron Norrie -175 +1.5 (-350) Over 38.5 (-125)
Michael Zheng +135 -1.5 (+220) Under 38.5 (-115)

(Odds via BetMGM)

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Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng prediction

Michael Zheng at the French Open 2026. (Source: Getty)Michael Zheng at the French Open 2026. (Source: Getty)
Michael Zheng at the French Open 2026. (Source: Getty)

Norrie’s form has nosedived over the past two months. He’s currently on a five-match losing streak. He has a 14-14 record this season, and a 0-1 record on grass. He made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon a year ago, and reached the semifinals in 2022. He has a 15-8 record at the tournament.

Zheng has qualified for the third consecutive Major. A breakout star on the college circuit, he has tasted modest success as a pro this year. He has a 10-7 record across all levels this year, and a 1-4 record on the main tour. His only win came against Sebastian Korda in the first round of the Australian Open.

Norrie’s current form offers Zheng an opportunity to score another upset at a Major. Similarly, Zheng’s lack of experience on grass gives the Brit a chance to end his losing skid. The young American’s three qualifying wins at this year’s Wimbledon are his only career wins on grass across all levels.

Aside from back-to-back first-round exits in 2017 and 2018, Norrie has always cleared the first hurdle at Wimbledon. While it could be difficult, he will be favored to one-up Zheng.

Pick: Cameron Norrie to win in four sets.

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Cameron Norrie vs Michael Zheng betting tips

Tip 1: The match will have at least 40 games.

Tip 2: Norrie to win at least one set with a score of 6-4.