Sports

Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy

Published

2 hours ago

13 June 2026

A couple of years ago, the slogan, at least outside the dressing room, was “No Scotland, no party”. Now it is different. The core of Andy Robertson’s message was “no regrets”.

No man has captained Scotland in more games, nor led them in three major tournaments. But the first two have provided disappointment. Instead of no regrets, there were no wins. Two years ago, Scotland opened Euro 2024, but it was a false start for them, walloped 5-1 by Germany . Performances were more respectable in Euro 2020 but the outcome was the same: one point apiece.

Now the objective is to go one better and win a game, to do something that has eluded every previous Scotland side and reach the knockout stages of a tournament. “We want to do something special,” said Steve Clarke, a manager who often deals in cautious rhetoric allowing himself to dream.

A first game against Haiti provides the kind of opportunity that facing Germany two years ago did not, to get an early win. “The last Euros was quite unique,” recalled Robertson. “We were in the opener against the host nation which is never an easy task. When it came we maybe weren’t ready to go and strike. Now we’re locked in, we’re ready.”

Ready, he hopes, to go where no Scotland team has gone before. “Don’t come home too soon,” the title of Scotland’s 1998 World Cup song, had a depressive realism too it; every Scotland side have come home too soon. This time, Robertson urged, when they return to Glasgow, it must be with a sense they have done their utmost.

Scott McTominay during Scotland training (PA)

“I don’t think we want any regrets,” he said. “When I look back at the last two Euros you potentially look at certain games with regret. You never want to leave any match with regrets. That’s the aim.”

He could leave Liverpool with none, with the feeling he had given his all over nine years that brought remarkable success. The left-back played in three Champions League finals. Winning in 2019, he said last month, was about the best 24 hours of his life, family apart. And yet one ambition will only be belatedly realised now, at 32.

“I’ve been very fortunate to play in big games, win trophies, play for the biggest club in the world but for me playing for your country is that one step above,” he said. “To do it at a World Cup is a dream come true.”

Scotland got there in a manner that brought reminders of their World Cup history. Archie Gemmill’s wonder goal against the Netherlands in 1978 stood almost unchallenged as Scotland’s greatest strike, until, on the same surreal evening, Scott McTominay went airborne with an overhead kick against Denmark and Kenny McLean completed a play-off win from the half-way line.

Gemmill’s goal was immortalised in Trainspotting; the words of Ewan McGregor’s monologue – “Choose Life” – have been customised in a new advert, read by Lewis Capaldi, devoted to McTominay, with the message: “Choose Scotland”. McTominay, born in Lancaster, did.

The Napoli midfielder provided a scare when he missed training on Thursday due to illness. Clarke allayed fears about a talisman. “Ready to go,” he pronounced.

He nevertheless sought to relieve the pressure on McTominay to be the matchwinner. “I think I have 26 superstars here,” he said. “If you try and put so much on to one player is not fair. Some daft coach put him as a centre-half five years ago, obviously he’s not a centre-half.”

Scotland manager Steve Clarke during a press conference at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough (PA)

That was a self-deprecating reference to his deployment of McTominay in a back three in Euro 2020. Now McTominay and John McGinn seem to represent Scotland’s best chances of victory, as Gemmill once did.

“We hope we inspire the next generation to go out and kick a ball with their brother, mates or sister,” said Robertson, seemingly referencing the commercialisation and costs of this World Cup. “I did that with my brother in the back garden and with my mates.

Members of the public pass by a mural featuring Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay on Princes Street in Edinburgh (PA)

“Society and football has become more expensive, but people can always kick a can down the road as they say. This is obviously on the world stage. We see back home how excited kids, parents and grandparents are.”

Some of the excited relatives are in Boston. “A big Clarke clan here,” said the Scotland manager, who has brought his wife, three children, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. Boston is a city with a huge Irish influence. For a week or so, however, it may have been taken over by the Scots. After Haiti, it is Morocco in Foxborough, too, with Brazil in Miami and then, Scotland want, at least one more game.

And after that, if Robertson gets his way, a legacy. He added: “We just hope after the World Cup the buzz is still there.”

Source link

Sports

Teen in coma after attack outside MSG after Game 4

Published

13 minutes ago

13 June 2026

NewsAdmin

[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; People gather behind barricades outside Madison Square Garden before game three of the NBA Finals. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Howard-Reuters via Imagn Images

Authorities in New York are searching for a man suspected of an assault outside Madison Square Garden that left a teenager in a coma following Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

According to the New York Police Department, a group approached the 17-year-old after Wednesday’s game and an argument ensued. The NYPD shared a photo on X of a suspect who allegedly punched and kicked the teen, who lapsed into a coma after suffering a seizure.

WANTED FOR GANG ASSAULT: On Wednesday night after the Knicks game, a group approached a 17-year-old near 237 W 35th St and got into an argument. This individual punched and kicked the teen. He had a seizure and was in a coma. Any info? DM @NYPDTips or call 800-577-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/DNg0AzIesN
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 12, 2026

The NYPD has not provided an update on the condition of the teenager, whose name is being withheld.

Violent incidents have flared up in the city as the Knicks seek their first NBA championship in 53 years. They took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series with a 107-106 victory against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.

Police arrested at least 15 people following that game. In addition, videos on social media appeared to show fans throwing eggs at Spurs star Victor Wembanyama as he entered his team’s hotel.

“Once again, there were large crowds of people who engaged in incredibly reckless and dangerous behavior last night both during and after the game,” the NYPD said in a statement Thursday. “This demonstrates exactly why the NYPD has increased our presence in and around Madison Square Garden.”

Game 5 is Saturday night in San Antonio, Texas. Game 6, if necessary, will be at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

–Field Level Media

Source link

Sports

Ticket prices soar for US match vs. Australia

Published

26 minutes ago

13 June 2026

NewsAdmin

June 12, 2026; Flushing, New York, U.S.; U.S. fans celebrate after Folarin Balogun scores their second goal. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images

How much are tickets for the United States’ World Cup bandwagon?

According to the resale market, they start at $1,735.

That was the “get in price” for the U.S. men’s national team’s second World Cup group stage match against Australia on the secondary market by Saturday afternoon, according to TicketData.

That represents an enormous 61% increase over the last three days, with much of that spike coming following the USMNT’s exceptional performance in a 4-1 rout of Paraguay in Friday night’s World Cup opener in Inglewood, Calif.

There is plenty of time for the price to climb further, as the match is not until Friday at 3 p.m. ET in Seattle.

The Americans’ Group D finale on June 25 against Turkey back in Inglewood, Calif., has seen an even greater proportional spike over the same stretch, with the get-in price up 73% to $1,516.

If this reflects surging expectations for a squad that has seen mixed performances in recent years, it’s understandable.

Friday’s victory, powered by two goals from Folarin Balogun, another from Gio Reyna and a Paraguay own-goal, marked the first time the USMNT had ever scored four times in a World Cup finals match and only the third time they had ever won by three goals.

The other two three-goal triumphs were 3-0 group stage wins over Belgium and Paraguay in the inaugural 1930 tournament played in Uruguay.

Bookmakers also are improving their view of the USMNT. Their average World Cup title-winning odds dropped to 40-to-1, according to OddsPortal, after beginning the tournament at 50-to-1 or higher, depending on the oddsmaker.

The Americans are now the fourth-most-expensive draw in the tournament as of early Saturday afternoon, behind only co-host Mexico, Brazil and Portugal.

–Ian Nicholas Quillen, Field Level Media

Source link

Sports

Liberty look to keep hot streak going, host Mystics

Published

39 minutes ago

13 June 2026

NewsAdmin

May 10, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Liberty guard-forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) is fouled by Washington Mystics guard Cassandre Prosper (18) while shooting in overtime at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

If the New York Liberty win their next two games, they will clinch a spot in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on June 30.

The Liberty — who are 9-4 overall and 4-0 in the Cup standings — will play host to Washington on Sunday afternoon. After that, the Liberty will visit Chicago on Wednesday in their final pool-play game.

On Thursday, the Liberty defeated the host Atlanta Dream, 104-90, in New York’s highest-scoring game since the season opener.

It was also New York’s sixth straight win as the Liberty shot 54% from the floor and 52% on 3-pointers (16-for-31). The Liberty also had a 40-24 advantage on the boards against an Atlanta team that entered the game No. 1 in the WNBA in rebounding.

“We were just ready,” said Liberty guard Marine Johannes, who scored 17 points.

In fact, for the first time in franchise history, the Liberty had five players score at least 16 points.

The only thing not perfect about the Liberty right now is that point guard Sabrina Ionescu hasn’t played since May 24 due to a back injury, although she has been practicing lately.

Breanna Stewart leads New York in scoring (20.4), Jonquel Jones leads the team in rebounds (9.6) and rookie Pauline Astier tops the squad in assists (3.8).

Meanwhile, Washington (5-6) is 2-2 in the Commissioner’s Cup.

The Mystics beat Toronto 86-85 on Friday night on Sonia Citron’s turnaround jumper at the buzzer.

Washington prevailed despite a season-high 22 turnovers, shooting just 2-of-18 on 3-pointers and playing without standout Kiki Iriafen, who has an injured right ankle. She is averaging 14.6 points and a team-high 8.9 rebounds.

The Mystics are largely a product of their nine first-round picks, including seven they have selected since 2022. Citron (third overall) and Iriafen (fourth overall) were drafted in 2025, and the former leads the team in scoring (17.1).

Then there’s 6-5 center Shakira Austin, a top contender for the WNBA’s Most Improved Player award. Austin is averaging 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists — all career highs.

That’s some progression for the 25-year-old Austin, who was the third overall pick in 2022.

Two other Mystics first-rounders of note are a pair of rookies: 6-7 center Lauren Betts (fourth overall in 2026) and point guard Georgia Amoore (sixth overall in 2025).

Betts scored a season-high 18 points on Friday, making 8 of 9 shots. With Iriafen out, she got extended minutes — a season-high 21.

Amoore leads Washington in assists (3.8).

The Liberty will be the more rested team on Sunday.

And, in the only game between Washington and New York so far this season, the Liberty won, 98-93, in overtime. Iriafen led the Mystics with 20 points and 12 rebounds, but she is likely unavailable on Sunday.

On the positive side for Washington, Citron is feeling better after an injury caused her to miss a game on June 2.

“My foot is good,” Citron said. “I’m happy to be back.”

–Field Level Media

Source link

Sports

Baseball: OHSAA state tournament day 2 results

Published

52 minutes ago

13 June 2026

NewsAdmin

Jun. 13—PREP RESULTS — Baseball

STATE TOURNAMENT

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron and Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

Division I

Thursday’s Semifinals

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Moeller 8, Perrysburg 6

St. Xavier 5, Olentangy Orange 0

Friday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

St. Xavier 4, Moeller 2

Division II

Friday’s Semifinals

At Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

New Albany 4, Harrison 1

Walsh Jesuit 3, North Canton Hoover 2

Saturday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Walsh Jesuit vs. New Albany, 7 p.m.

Division III

Thursday’s Semifinals

At Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

Badin 5, Parma Padua Franciscan 2: B: Driessen W CG 9 K, Cummins 2-2 RS 3 RBI, Taylor 1-3 2 RBI, Vangen 1-1 2 RS, Cooper 1-3 RS, Wolpert 1-3 RS.

Bishop Watterson 5, Cuyahoga Valley Christian 1

Friday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Badin 7, Bishop Watterson 2: B: Treadway W, Emerson 2-4 2B 2 RS RBI, Vangen 1-3 2 RBI, Laugle 1-2 RS RBI, Sawyer 1-2 RS RBI, Taylor 1-3 2B RS RBI, Ogden 1-2 2 RS.

Badin captures first state championship since 1996 with win over Bishop Watterson

Division IV

Saturday’s Semifinals

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Sandusky Perkins vs. Youngstown Cardinal Mooney, 10 a.m.

Fenwick vs. Fairfield Union, 1 p.m.

June baseball becomes reality for Fenwick, which seeks D-IV state championship

Sunday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Semifinal winners, 10 a.m.

Division V

Thursday’s Semifinals

At Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

Col. Academy 5, Findlay Liberty-Benton 2

Waynedale 7, Lucasville Valley 2

Friday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Waynedale 9, Col. Academy 5

Division VI

Thursday’s Semifinals

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Lake Center Christian 5, Galion Northmor 3

Berlin Hiland 7, St. Henry 2: SH: Boeckman 1-3 RS, J. Schwieterman 1-4 2B RBI, H. Schwieterman RS.

Friday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Lake Center Christian 2, Berlin Hiland 1

Division VII

Friday’s Semifinals

at Thurman Munson Memorial Stadium, Canton

Delphos St. John’s 5, Tiffin Calvert 3: DSJ: C. Elwer W CG 6 K, Lindeman 2-2 3B RS RBI, Wiechart 2-3 3B RS RBI, Swick 1-3 RS RBI, McClain RS.

Leipsic 11, South Webster 10

Saturday’s Championship

At 7 17 Credit Union Park, Akron

Delphos St. John’s vs. Leipsic, 4 p.m.

REPORTING RESULTS

Contact Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News with scores and results as soon as possible after varsity high school athletic contests by email only at COPSports@coxincn.com. Please include any details from your contest that you would like published along with a contact name and phone number.

Source link

Sports

The Vikings Pickup Some New Talent

Published

1 hour ago

13 June 2026

NewsAdmin

Kevin O’Connell runs onto the field before a Vikings game against the Detroit Lions. — Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell jogs onto the field during pregame introductions, setting the tone as players follow and the crowd builds energy ahead of kickoff Oct 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before a divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions with preparation and urgency shaping the moment. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.

GM Nolan Teasley keeps making moves. The Vikings pickups involved bringing someone over from Cleveland and someone from Seattle.

Check out what Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network had to say: “The #Vikings plan to name Andrew Healy and Trent Kirchner as assistant GMs, adding two highly respected executives to the club’s football operation. Healy, who will serve as the team’s secondary football executive, while Kirchner is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top talent evaluators.”

Alec Lewis sent along some added context: “The Vikings intend to name Andrew Healy and Trent Kirchner as assistant general managers in the coming days, per sources. Huge hires. Healey will serve as the team’s secondary football executive, revered for analytics; Kirchner is a premier evaluator.”

Vikings Pickup Front Office Talent

Recently, the news emerged of moving on from other executives.

In particular, there was the loss of Demetrius Washington, who is a brain. All along, the possibility existed that the Assistant GM would depart since he has a strong history and relationship with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. He has been set free, allowed to chase his next opportunity.

Vikings mascot Viktor in 2025 — Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Viktor the Viking entertains the fans during the first half of a game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Likewise, the Vikings opted to move on from Jamaal Stephenson, Pat Roberts, and Salli Clavelle.

Prior to the GM decision being made — Nolan Teasley was a wise decision — PurplePTSD offered a piece considering Trent Kirchner. Consider a thought: “Quite possibly, Kirchner isn’t going to be a serious candidate. The general thought, though, of digging into Seattle’s brain trust makes a lot of sense. There has been a pile connections between Seattle and Minnesota; the Seahawks have proven to be far, far better over past couple decades.”

And another: “Another thought: when the Vikings needed more help to bridge the gap to a full-time GM, a former Seattle executive came over. Keep an eye on the ‘Hawks.”

Fast forward from the original publication of that piece (April 17th, 2026) and there’s no reason for a victory lap. After all, the guess was for Trent Kirchner to be the GM rather than Nolan Teasley. Nevertheless, there’s some merit within the insistence that plundering Seattle’s front office made sense.

NFL: Super Bowl LX-Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Generally speaking, Minnesotans don’t have a great opinion of Adofo-Mensah since the former GM did so terribly in the draft (which is to say nothing of last year’s QB disaster). Does another analytics mind from Cleveland make sense? Some were left wanting more in the last decision maker who did analytics for the Browns.

The easy-to-connect dots are there for the taking, but every person should be allowed to shine or stumble based on his/her own merits (or lack thereof). The Browns, a terrible team, have nevertheless done some fantastic work of finding talent in the draft. Give Healy a fair shot.

Nolan Teasley and the Minnesota Vikings are coming off minicamp. Check out some of VT’s coverage in a piece, another one, and the one here.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Source link

Sports

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Prediction and Betting Tips

Published

1 hour ago

13 June 2026

NewsAdmin

Saudi Arabia and Uruguay begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in this Group H encounter at Miami Stadium in Florida on Monday. The remaining teams in Group H include European champions Spain and World Cup newbies Cabo Verde.

Saudi Arabia have endured a challenging year in terms of results, with a 4-0 loss to Egypt and 2-1 losses to both Serbia and Ecuador, but they did turn things around in their last two matches. They beat Puerto Rico 3-0 on 6 June and then drew 0-0 with African giants Senegal on Wednesday, 10 June.

The Green Falcons can also look back fondly on a positive campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup in December 2025, when they reached the semifinals of the competition before losing 1-0 to fellow World Cup contenders Jordan.

Saudi Arabia came third alongside the United Arab Emirates due to bad weather in the third-place playoff, leading to the match being called off.

Meanwhile, Uruguay are the only nation at the World Cup that chose not to play any friendly matches in the immediate lead-up to the tournament, instead opting to let their players get some extra rest before joining the training camp and focusing on the tournament.

As such, La Celeste‘s most recent friendly matches were a pair of draws against England (1-1) and Algeria (0-0) in March.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa is famous for the relentless physical intensity of his training sessions, which often make his players particularly fit and mentally resilient. The Sky Blues can count on stars such as Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, and Tottenham‘s Rodrigo Bentancur.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay head-to-head stats and key numbers

Uruguay and Saudi Arabia have faced each other three times in their history, with the head-to-head record being exactly even, with a draw and one win apiece.
However, Uruguayans would argue that their country won when it mattered, in their most recent match at the 2018 World Cup (2-1), while the other games were friendlies.
Uruguay have won the World Cup twice (in 1930 and 1950).
This will be Uruguay’s 16th World Cup tournament, while Saudi Arabia have qualified for the World Cup seven times.

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay prediction

Uruguay are expected to control possession and dictate the tempo through a high-intensity pressing structure that is typical of Bielsa’s teams. Saudi Arabia will try to be compact and well-organized at the back, with counterattacking football set to be their main threat up front.

Uruguay have struggled to score in recent games, but they still possess the quality to secure an opening-match victory over Saudi Arabia.

Prediction: Saudi Arabia 0-2 Uruguay

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay betting tips

Tip 1: Uruguay to win

Tip 2: Uruguay to keep a clean sheet

Tip 3: Under 2.5 goals

WordUp News

Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy

Sports

Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy

Leave a Reply
Cancel reply

Leave a Reply

Sports

Teen in coma after attack outside MSG after Game 4

Sports

Ticket prices soar for US match vs. Australia

Sports

Liberty look to keep hot streak going, host Mystics

Sports

Baseball: OHSAA state tournament day 2 results

Sports

The Vikings Pickup Some New Talent

Vikings Pickup Front Office Talent

Sports

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Prediction and Betting Tips

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay head-to-head stats and key numbers

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay prediction

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay betting tips

WordUp News

Scotland are ready and this change can secure a new World Cup legacy

You may like

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Leave a Reply

Sports

Teen in coma after attack outside MSG after Game 4

Sports

Ticket prices soar for US match vs. Australia

Sports

Liberty look to keep hot streak going, host Mystics

Sports

Baseball: OHSAA state tournament day 2 results

Sports

The Vikings Pickup Some New Talent

Vikings Pickup Front Office Talent

Sports

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay Prediction and Betting Tips

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay head-to-head stats and key numbers

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay prediction

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay betting tips

Leave a Reply
Cancel reply