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Pep Guardiola handed clear boost as Man City difference maker emerges

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Manchester City exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid on Tuesday night but Abdukodir Khusanov delivered an excellent showing

On a night of Etihad chaos Abdukodir Khusanov was calmness personified.

In the white hot heat of battle against a side who raise themselves like no other in the Champions League, against a player among the best in the world, against a side with a commanding match advantage and a man advantage, he stood strong.

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The 22-year-old delivered an exceptional showing, largely shackling Vinicius Jr despite the Brazilian ending the night with two goals as Real Madrid won 2-1 to complete a 5-1 aggregate success and end City’s Champions League campaign for another year.

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Despite the defeat, there was plenty to like about City’s performance in defeat. The Blues started the game well and were on top until the contest turned on Bernardo Silva’s red card and Vinicius converting from the resultant penalty.

City showed enough to suggest they are capable of challenging for silverware at the highest level and Khusanov showed he belonged on the highest stage.

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Slotting in at centre back, having been utilised on the right in the first leg, he produced an exceptional and error-free performance. His pace is a huge asset, his positional sense was superb and his decision making spot on.

In the early stages when Real countered with intent, it was Khusanov who stopped them in their tracks. He earned a rapturous reception from an impressed Etihad crowd and it set the tone for a coming of age performance from the youngster.

If this City side are to grow and improve together, then Khusanov can be a part of it for years to come.

City’s European campaign might be over for another season, but Khusanov’s journey is only just beginning.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Erling Haaland of Manchester City gestures during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

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Venezuela’s Eugenio Suarez: ‘God is good’ after beating Team USA in WBC final

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Eugenio Suarez, the man who hit the game-winning RBI double to lift Venezuela over Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) final, tapped into his faith during his post-game interview. 

“I mean, what can I say about this? It’s amazing. God is good, all the glory is for the Lord Jesus. He was with us the whole time,” Suarez told FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal after being asked his emotions following the 3-2 win over the U.S. 

“We have to glorify, put his name in front of everything. Nobody believed in Venezuela, but now we [won] the championship today. This is a celebration for all [of Venezuela].”

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Eugenio Suarez points to sky

Eugenio Suárez of Team Venezuela reacts after hitting an RBI double against Team United States during the ninth inning at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Suárez shared his faith on Monday night after Venezuela came from behind to defeat Italy, when he hit a solo home run. But he knew the job wasn’t finished with one more game left on the schedule before he and his teammates — whom he called a family — returned to their MLB  clubs.

It was a dominant performance by Venezuela at loanDepot park on Tuesday night, a surprising showing in which Team USA was held to just two hits and four total baserunners when Bryce Harper came to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning. 

VENEZUELA SHOCKS TEAM USA TO WIN WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC FOR FIRST TIME

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However, the game turned on its head, as Harper hammered an Andres Machado fastball over the center-field wall to tie the game at two runs apiece. The momentum shift was palpable, but Suarez found himself in a great position to bring it back to the Venezuelan dugout. 

Eugenio Suarez celebrates home run

Eugenio Suárez of Team Venezuela celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Team Italy in the fourth inning at loanDepot park on March 16, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

As Javier Sanoja stole second base, Suárez didn’t miss a 3-2 changeup in the heart of the plate from Garrett Whitlock, driving it to left-center field for the game-winning hit.

He stood on second base and immediately looked to the sky, which Rosenthal asked about – what exactly did he say? 

“I just prayed at the time,” Suarez said. “I pointed to my family out there – they were happy for me. God is good, man. God is good.”

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Venezuela’s upset over Team USA, one of the most stacked lineups the Stars and Stripes have fielded in this tournament, marked the country’s first-ever WBC victory. It’s why everyone, from players to coaches, was emotional in celebration on the field after the game. 

Eugenio Suarez reacts on second base

Eugenio Suárez of Team Venezuela reacts after hitting an RBI double against Team United States during the ninth inning at loanDepot park on March 17, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

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“The union – we are together the whole time. We’re not just teammates, we’re all family,” Suarez added. “This team is awesome – we are family here. That’s why we play with passion, with love because we feel that on our jersey. We feel our country on the front of us. That’s why this is a lot for us as players, as people, as human beings and as a Venezuelan. Now, we are the champions.”

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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 3 2026

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Polytec Stadium will play host to Saturday’s
Round 3 NRL game between South Sydney Rabbitohs and
Wests Tigers. The game kicks off at 7:35 pm with South Sydney Rabbitohs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs.
Wests Tigers
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Saturday March 21, 2026 at 7:35 pm

Where: Polytec Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers Odds

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers Preview

South Sydney look to continue building momentum after showing promising attacking signs through the first two rounds. The Rabbitohs’ spine remains one of the most dangerous in the competition when given time and space. The Tigers have been competitive early in the season but continue to struggle with defensive consistency, particularly against structured attacking sides. South Sydney’s ability to generate repeat sets through their kicking game could put the Tigers under sustained pressure. If the Rabbitohs control territory they should create enough opportunities to score. From a betting perspective South Sydney appear the stronger side on paper, but the Tigers’ unpredictability means handicaps may need careful consideration.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Wests Tigers Teams

Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Jack Wighton 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Jamie Humphreys 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Bronson Garlick 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Peter Mamouzelos 15. Euan Aitken 16. Sean Keppie 17. Jayden Sullivan 18. Lachlan Hubner 19. Moala Graham-Taufa 20. Thomas Fletcher 21. Latrell Siegwalt 22. Liam Le Blanc

Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Jeral Skelton 4. Heamasi Makasini 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Jarome Luai 7. Adam Doueihi 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Kai Pearce-Paul 13. Alex Twal 14. Jock Madden 15. Sione Fainu 16. Royce Hunt 17. Alex Seyfarth 18. Tristan Hope 19. Patrick Herbert 20. Bunty Afoa 21. Faaletino Tavana 22. Tony Sukkar

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‘Favourites tag doesn’t come easy’: Shubman Gill’s bold Team India message | Cricket News

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‘Favourites tag doesn’t come easy’: Shubman Gill’s bold Team India message
Shubman Gill (Pic credit: Gill’s X post)

NEW DELHI: India captain Shubman Gill delivered a powerful message after being named the winner of the prestigious Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for 2025, underlining the weight of expectations that come with representing one of the world’s top sides.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking after receiving the honour at the BCCI’s Naman Awards, Gill highlighted the collective effort behind India’s rise as a dominant force, while stressing that their reputation as favourites has been hard-earned.“It’s efforts by everyone — whether it’s Gauti bhai, the batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach; they all work tirelessly to make this group what it is today. That’s why we are recognised as one of the most fearless teams in the world, and wherever we go, we are looked upon as favourites. That tag doesn’t come easy,” Gill said.

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Jay Shah calls 2019 to 2026 as Indian cricket’s golden period

The 26-year-old also reflected on the significance of joining an elite list of past winners, calling the recognition deeply special.“Obviously, it feels quite amazing to be recognised among cricketers, among the legends and idols that have won this award before me. It’s truly a great honour every time you step on the field to represent your country… and to do well in that sport and be recognised by the BCCI is an immense honour,” he added.Shubman Gill credits Gambhir and support staffGill credited head coach Gautam Gambhir and the wider support staff, including the Centre of Excellence, for shaping the team’s fearless approach.Reflecting on the past year, Gill termed it an “amazing journey,” pointing to India’s resilience during the England series. “Going into the England series and coming back to draw the series from where we were after the first Test match… it’s been a truly great year,” he said, also referencing strong outings in the West Indies and the Asia Cup.Looking ahead, Gill acknowledged the importance of the upcoming Test calendar, with crucial series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia set to define India’s World Test Championship hopes.“We’ve got some really crucial Test series coming up. Hopefully we are able to win most of our matches and qualify for the finals,” he said.Despite the accolades, Gill downplayed discussions around legacy, focusing instead on team identity. “We want to be looked upon… as a team that doesn’t give up easily. We want to instil that kind of character,” he noted.

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Controversy at Miami Open as Katerina Siniakova ignores opponent, leaves her confused in bizarre handshake drama

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In an unusual turn of events at the 2026 Miami Open, Czech tennis player Katerina Siniakova was seen executing unsportsmanlike behaviour following her loss to Colombian player Camila Osorio. They both locked heads during the first round on March 18, 2026.

Siniakova made her appearance at the 2026 Miami Open after having last competed at the Indian Wells Masters, where she retired halfway. While facing Elina Svitolina in the round of 16, Siniakova was trailing 6-1, 1-1. However, following the first game point in the second set, the Czech tennis player retired, citing a right hip injury.

Osorio’s last appearance was also at the Indian Wells, where she concluded her run following the loss against the Japanese star Naomi Osaka in the third round. Both competed against each other in the first round at the Miami Open, where the Colombian bested the Czech player 6-1, 6-4. However, the most striking moment came when Katerina Siniakova brushed off Osorio and ignored her after the match concluded.

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While Siniakova was seen lying on the court, expressing her discontent, Osorio walked on the opponent’s side of the court and initiated a handshake. However, Siniakova ignored the winner even though the latter followed her till the end of the court, leaving her standing awkwardly and in confusion.

Watch the bizarre handshake drama between Siniakova and Osorio:

Before the 2026 Miami Open, Osorio and Siniakova competed against each other at the 2026 WTA Doha, Qatar – Round of 32 on February 10, in which the Colombian won. She will next compete against Karolina Muchova at the Miami Open.

Mirra Andreeva expresses frustration after her defeat against Katerina Siniakova at the Indian Wells Masters

 Katerina Siniakova and Mirra Andreeva at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Source: Getty Images Katerina Siniakova and Mirra Andreeva at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Source: Getty Images
Katerina Siniakova and Mirra Andreeva at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California. Source: Getty Images

Fans witnessed a similar spectacle as Katerina Siniakova vs Camila Osorio faceoff during the Czech’s match against defending champion Mirra Andreeva at the 2026 Indian Wells Masters tournament. Siniakova and Andreeva vied against each other in the round of 32, which the Czech dominated with 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

While Andreva entered the tournament as the eighth seed and the defending champion, Siniakova competed as an unseeded player. Andreeva’s discontent throughout the faceoff was unmissable, with the defending champion smashing her racket several times. She threw her racket after after losing the second set tiebreaker, which resulted in a code violation. Andreva repeated the same gesture after the match point. She was seen leaving the court by gesturing and shouting at the spectators.

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