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Straand Deal Continues Winning Streak in 2026

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Horse race in progress with multiple galloping horses and jockeys in blue silks near a hurdles fence on a grassy track.

Trainer Lloyd Kennewell is weighing up a trip north or a spell for Straand Deal to prepare for the spring carnival, after the gelding notched up his third consecutive win at Sandown.

The victory in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap (2400m) on Saturday was Straand Deal’s first at the distance, following earlier wins over 2014m at Morphettville and 2100m at Sandown.

The race was billed as a contest between two lightly raced, developing stayers, with Simurgh setting the pace while Straand Deal was ridden conservatively by Billy Egan.

Straand Deal ($4.20) eventually wore down the $3.20 favourite Simurgh to score by a head, with Oceana Dream ($8) finishing a further three-quarters of a length back in third.

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Kennewell indicated that the Listed Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on July 4 would be considered if they decided to press on, otherwise the gelding would be given a break to prepare for the major spring races.

Last year’s Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup winner, Half Yours, had won the Caloundra Cup en route to his dual Cups success.

“He’s a nice stayer in the making,” Kennewell commented.

“I’ll have to have a chat to Gerry Harvey as to whether we push to a Caloundra Cup or whether I stop and reset.

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“He might be a horse that can get into a nice race off a lightweight as he’s got so much more to give. He’s got a big tank, and I don’t know if I want to gut him or not.

“I think you dream big and you have to in this industry as how many chances to you get with a horse to get to a Caulfield or Melbourne Cup.

“He might not be the right horse, but he might be, but if you don’t try you don’t know.

“People pay millions overseas and I’ve got one in my backyard that has won three on the bounce and is a nice horse.

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“If I think he’s had enough, I will stop on Monday and he can have a spell with Mbube, otherwise he could be on a plan to Caloundra.”

The win of Straand Deal completed a double for Kennewell, who also won the opening race, the Sportsbet Fastform Handicap (1000m), with debutant Mbube.

Check out the latest online bookmakers for the best racing odds.

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Germany start 2026 World Cup with win over Curacao

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Now that the 2026 World Cup has started, the show of the games is hard to escape. Big stadiums, big screens, big food — this is America and there was no doubt about it in Houston. And Germany did their part by delivering a big scoreline.

The 7-1 win over Curacao was a little short of their highest World Cup win (8-0 against Saudi Arabia in 2002), but matching the famous scoreline of that 2014 World Cup semifinal is a boost to a side that has endured rather than enjoyed recent editions of this tournament.

After weeks of talk about the health of Manuel Neuer’s calf, the woes of Qatar and Russia, and Julian Nagelsmann’s communication, it was finally time for football.

In the cooled, closed stadium in Houston, Germany cut through the lines faster, found that extra touch sooner and just looked like a team ranked 72 places above their opponents.

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“You’ve got to score seven goals first,” Nagelsmann said afterwards, praising his side for matching expectation.

Felix Nmecha impressed in midfield, busying himself all over the pitch. His smartly-taken opener after just five minutes set the tone for Germany. Jürgen Klopp had suggested that maybe Jamal Musiala shouldn’t start, but the Bayern Munich player looked extremely lively. There was little sign of rust. His agility on the ball was on another level and his goal after Joshua Kimmich’s excellent pass was the perfect accompaniment to an impressive performance.

A Curacao fan with his face painted blue cheers on the team
Curacao fans cheered on their team with great passionImage: Phil Noble/REUTERS

An equalizer for the ages

Manuel Neuer, who became Germany’s oldest ever player at a World Cup by starting this game, was set for a fairly pedestrian afternoon. Until Livano Comenencia’s shot hit Kimmich’s knee and flew past him. It was a goal for Curacao, but it also felt like a goal for all small nations. The entire Curacao bench was on their feet. Their fans were delirious. Even though the team eventually wilted, their first ever World Cup goal was a moment of history they would remember forever.

Curacao’s equalizer came just before the drink’s break, which itself felt needless given how cool the inside of Houston’s stadium was. For Germany though, it came at a perfect time. There is talk of the game feeling more like four quarters than two halves now and if these breaks are here to stay, this was an example of the impact they can have.

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Nagelsmann said afterwards that the break came at a good time for them, and that he was in fact keen to see how the team would respond from the shock given the trauma of previous tournaments.

“You need to take a moment to collect yourself,” said Nagelsmann. “I think it’s important to see how the team would handle things after the last two tournaments.”

“The water break actually helped us show the players on the board what we had already prepared for beforehand. We encouraged the team to keep playing the way they did in the first 20 minutes.”

Germany fans celebrate the team's win
Germany fans were out in full force for the opening game in HoustonImage: Phil Noble/REUTERS

Germany pull away in the second half

It didn’t take Germany long to find that rhythm again, and eventually Nico Schlotterbeck’s header found its way past Curacao’s 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room. Kai Havertz’s penalty before the break extended their lead and then Musiala’s excellent finish soon after the restart saw Germany’s dominance start to appear on the scoreboard.

Maybe the best news of the day for Nagelsmann was Nathaniel Brown’s performance. In very little time at all the Frankfurt defender has made the Germany left back spot — a position that has long been an issue for Germany — his own.

“To score in my first World Cup game is indescribable,” Brown told ARD afterwards.

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He assisted Schlotterbeck’s goal and then added Germany’s fifth with a fine volley of his own. This performance explains why Bayern Munich are reportedly keen on Brown. His emergence at this tournament would complete a fairly rapid rise, and would be a huge boost for Julian Nagelsmann.

Substitute Deniz Undav and Kai Havertz added two more as Germany score every ten minutes three straight times. Seven goals, three points and the job done was done.

And yet so much about this team remains unknown. Victory over Curacao, however comprehensive, does not make the identity or future of this Germany team any clearer.

“In German, we have a song, the train has no brakes and we try to do that,” Nagelsmann said afterwards.

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Well, Germany’s World Cup train has left the station on time. In Toronto, against the Ivory Coast, we will likely have a much better idea of how long and how far this train will go.

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

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On late goal, Japan earn draw vs. Netherlands in opener

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June 14, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Japan's Koki Ogawa celebrates after Daichi Kamada scores their second goal.  Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images June 14, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Japan’s Koki Ogawa celebrates after Daichi Kamada scores their second goal. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Daichi Kamada’s deflected goal in the 88th minute was the second tying tally of the second half for Japan, who scraped out a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the World Cup opener for both teams Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas.

Off a corner kick delivered from Junya Ito, Koki Ogawa elevated in the middle of the box, heading a ball which ricocheted off Kamada’s head past Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to level the match between the top two ranked teams in Group F.

The Netherlands, No. 8 in the FIFA/Coca Cola world rankings, had won four straight World Cup openers. Japan, ranked 18th, had won their last two World Cup openers.

The equalizer came after a scoreless first half was followed by three goals in a 13-minute span in the second half.

Captain Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute when his header found the back of the net with a ricochet off the right post. It was van Dijk’s 13th international goal, but his first at the World Cup.

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That lead lasted just six minutes, though, as Japan found the equalizer in the 57th minute on Keito Nakamura’s right-footed blast from just outside the 18-yard box that caught Verbruggen off guard and nestled into the lower-left corner of the net for his 11th goal for Japan.

The Netherlands restored their lead seven minutes after that, however, when Crycensio Summerville, who was assessed a yellow card three minutes prior, received a pass from Ryan Gravenberch — who assisted on both Dutch goals — and launched a shot off the left post and in from the edge of the box.

It appeared the tying goal wasn’t coming for Japan after a few close calls came up empty. Most notably, Takefusa Kubo came inches away from leveling the match with a shot from distance which sailed just over the net in the 67th minute.

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Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made five saves in his World Cup debut. Verbruggen made one save for the Netherlands after he was questionable leading up to the match due to a hip injury sustained in a warm-up friendly.

The Netherlands were the most dangerous side in the first half, holding 69% of the possession, a 5-3 advantage in shots and all three shots on goal.

Donyell Malen provided all three of the first-half shots on target, nearly scoring in the third minute, the 34th minute and the third minute of stoppage time but denied by Suzuki saves.

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–Field Level Media

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Japan come from behind twice to draw with Netherlands

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Daichi Kamada’s late header rescues a deserved point for Japan against the Netherlands in their opening World Cup game in Dallas.

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Thebudgiesmugla targeting Caloundra Cup 2026 after Rosehill victory

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Two jockeys race side by side on galloping horses across a grassy track with a cheering crowd in the background.

Rising staying talent Thebudgiesmugla has justified the decision to bypass the Brisbane Cup in preference for a Listed assignment at Rosehill, maintaining its perfect 2400-metre record.

Trainer Bjorn Baker, currently in England to oversee the Royal Ascot bid of gun sprinter Overpass, opted for Saturday’s The Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) in Sydney, feeling it would provide a better progression towards the Caloundra Cup (2400m) at the Sunshine Coast on July 4.

Last year’s Caloundra feature was won by Half Yours before he went on to Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup success in the spring, and the Baker stable feels Thebudgiesmugla is showing enough promise to entertain similarly lofty goals next season.

“We needed to see him win it, and we needed to see him do it on top of the ground if he’s going to be competitive in better races,” Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton said.

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“We’d like to go to the Caloundra Cup with him. It’s in three weeks, 2400, good prizemoney race. It’s also a good form race for a few other races later in the year. Half Yours won that race, so we’ll head the same way.”

Starting his career in New Zealand, Thebudgiesmugla has posted four wins in Australia, all of them over 2400m.

Settling on the heels of the leaders for Dylan Gibbons on Saturday, the even-money favourite relaxed beautifully in the run and finished resolutely down the outside to defeat Black Run ($7.50) by three-quarters of a length, with another half-head to So You Are ($8.50).

Hilton admitted to getting antsy on the point of the corner when the field quickened, but said Gibbons knew what he had up his sleeve.

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“I was getting itchy feet coming to the corner and willing Dylan to get going on him, because we know he takes time to wind up,” Hilton said. “But he really fights when he gets there. He doesn’t really dash but he keeps grinding. He’s still really raw, and I think there is plenty to come.”

Gibbons has ridden Thebudgiesmugla to three of its four Australian wins and like Hilton, believes the five-year-old can continue to raise the bar.

“He is built so athletic, he’s got the best attitude. He saves every penny, and he can be tough and outstay them all day,” Gibbons said.

With Baker showcasing Australian racing in London, Sky Racing’s Greg Radley suggested to Hilton that his laconic boss might seize the moment for a photo opportunity sporting a pair of budgie smugglers in front of Buckingham Palace.

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“Don’t joke about it. You know he’ll do it,” Hilton quipped.

The Caloundra Cup is the next logical target, and Australian betting sites are already buzzing with anticipation for this exciting race.

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Three Things We Learnt From Japan’s Comeback Against the Netherlands

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Japan showed why many fans see them as one of the dark horses of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after battling back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Dallas.

The Samurai Blue refused to give up and left the match with a valuable point. Here are three things we learnt from the game.

1. Japan Have the Character to Go Far

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Japan fell behind twice but never lost belief.

After Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring for the Netherlands, Keito Nakamura quickly levelled the match. When Crysencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead, Japan continued to attack and were rewarded with a late equaliser from Daichi Kamada.

Their determination, energy and fighting spirit suggest they could be a difficult team for any opponent in this tournament.

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2. The Netherlands Have Defensive Questions to Answer

The Dutch created chances and scored two good goals, but they struggled to keep Japan under control.

Coach Ronald Koeman will be concerned that his side failed to protect a lead on two occasions. Even after going 2-1 ahead, the Netherlands looked uncomfortable as Japan continued to push forward.

If they want to challenge for the World Cup, they will need to become more solid at the back.

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3. Kamada Can Be Japan’s Big-Game Player

Kamada delivered when his country needed him most.

The Crystal Palace midfielder stayed alert in the closing stages to guide Koki Ogawa’s effort into the net and rescue a point. Beyond the goal, he was one of Japan’s most influential players in attack.

If Kamada continues to produce moments like this, he could become one of the key players for Japan during the tournament.

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A Point That Could Prove Crucial

While the Netherlands will feel they dropped two points, Japan will leave Dallas with confidence. Coming back twice against one of Europe’s strongest teams has sent a clear message to the rest of Group F: Japan are not in the World Cup just to compete — they are here to challenge.

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Bud Cauley’s PGA Tour breakthrough was about more than winning

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Japan dig deep to rescue point in World Cup opener against the Netherlands

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Japan twice came back from a goal down to secure a 2-2 World Cup draw with the Netherlands on Sunday as Daichi Kamada’s 88th-minute deflection earned Hajime Moriyasu’s side a point in the Group F clash at Dallas Stadium. The game came to life after a tense opening 45 ⁠minutes, with Virgil van Dijk giving the Dutch the lead with a pinpoint header in the 51st minute before Keito Nakamura levelled six minutes later.

But while Crysencio Summerville looked to have won all three points for Ronald Koeman’s side with a curling strike in the 64th minute, Japan levelled when Kamada deflected Koki Ogawa’s powerful header into the net.

A ​relatively ⁠uneventful first half started promisingly for the Dutch when Donyell Malen forced Zion Suzuki into action, the Japan goalkeeper palming the ball over the bar in ⁠the third minute.

Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands the lead in the second half
Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands the lead in the second half (Reuters)

That early warning jolted the Japanese into taking control of possession, a move that limited openings for both sides. Hiroki Ito’s ‌defensive work denied Malen in the 34th minute and, from the resulting Tijjani Reijnders corner, Suzuki kept out the forward’s header before Shogo Taniguchi hacked clear.

With two minutes left in the half, Nakamura almost put Japan in front, pulling his shot wide of Bart Verbruggen’s right post having been found by Ritsu Doan’s searching cross. Moments later Ayase Ueda hit the side netting while Suzuki gathered another Malen header in stoppage time.

The Netherlands made a bright start to the second half and that were rewarded six minutes after the resumption when Van Dijk struck. Reijnders’ free kick was headed clear by Doan to Frenkie de Jong and he shuttled possession to Ryan Gravenberch for the Liverpool man to send an inviting cross towards his clubmate, who nodded beyond Suzuki via the inside of the post.

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Keito Nakamura slotted home the first equaliser to kick start Japan's resurgence
Keito Nakamura slotted home the first equaliser to kick start Japan’s resurgence (Reuters)

Within seven minutes the Japanese were level. Takefusa Kubo’s cutback from the byline found Nakamura lurking in the area and, after a ‌couple of touches to control, the winger drove his deflected shot into the ​bottom corner.

Parity was to last seven minutes as the Dutch reclaimed the lead through Summerville, the West Ham United winger bending a perfectly placed left-foot strike around Suzuki from just inside the area.

Kubo ⁠shot over the bar with an effort on the run as Japan sought to respond again and, with two ‌minutes remaining, their efforts ​paid off.

Substitute Ogawa powered his header towards goal ‌and, with the ball taking a deflection ​off the head of the unwitting Kamada, Verbruggen was unable to deny the Japanese a second equaliser.

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UFC Freedom 250 LIVE: Start time, card, what channel, fight updates and results from White House

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Did Hokit force press conference to end with divorce reference?

Dana White abruptly ended Friday’s press conference after Hokit insulted Ilia Topuria over the Spanish-Georgian’s recent divorce.

It was the second mention of that personal matter this week, after Justin Gaethje hinted at it in an interview.

“What an annoying little b*****d,” said Gaethje of Topuria, whom he fights tonight. “I couldn’t imagine being in a room with him for 30 minutes, listening to him talk about himself.

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“And I can say this: I would leave him. That’s all I’m saying: I would leave him. No way I would put up with his s***.”

Topuria fired back on X: “Justin crossed a line. What happened between my ex-wife and me is our business. We may no longer be together, but she is the mother of my daughter.”

Alex Pattle14 June 2026 23:45

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NEW START TIME

This evening’s fight card will now begin at 2am BST on Monday, which is 6pm PT / 8pm CT / 9pm ET tonight.

However, the broadcast will still start at 1am BST / 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET.

The original plan was for the fights to get going at the earlier of those times.

(AP)

Alex Pattle14 June 2026 23:40

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Saturday: Josh Hokit appears to throw up at weigh-in – ‘I was drinking’

Josh Hokit stole the show at the Saturday morning weigh-in, having done the same at Friday’s press conference.

On Friday evening, fighters shared a stage in front of the Lincoln Memorial, with Hokit chiming in at every opportunity – regardless of who had been asked a question.

And on Saturday morning, as the fighters weighed in before a crowd of media personnel, Hokit seemingly pretended to throw up, as he dribbled a sick-coloured liquid from his mouth.

“So what? Maybe I was drinking last night,” the American heavyweight told those in the room. “Who wouldn’t be?

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“I’ve got a giant man who wants to knock me out. He has the most knockouts in UFC history,” Hokit added, referencing his opponent Derrick Lewis.

Alex Pattle14 June 2026 23:30

Don’t be fooled by UFC White House glitz – not all is well in Dana White’s world

Mr Trump’s close friend Dana White, the UFC’s president and CEO, has said that TV-production awards should be abolished altogether if this event wins none.

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It’s hyperbole, of course, to which White is more than prone, but it’s also curious because of how starkly it stands in contrast to the UFC’s weekly product.

Alex Pattle14 June 2026 23:15

Trump loves crashing sports events – thanks to the UFC, he’s got his own

After a chorus of boos at the NBA finals, the president now has form for disruptive big-game appearances, with similar moments at the Ryder Cup and US Open last year.

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But Trump can now watch his friend Dana White’s event from his own back garden, far from detractors…

Alex Pattle14 June 2026 23:00

Judge rejected bid to block Trump’s UFC fight at White House

A federal judge rejected a request for an injunction to block the Trump administration from holding tonight’s fight event.

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The lawsuit was filed by the Public Integrity Project on behalf of two civic activists, who accused the administration of a “deeply corrupt” scheme to benefit the president’s allies.

Judge Amit Mehta ruled that the plaintiffs did not prove they would face “irreparable harm” or be “directly affected” by the event, which they do not plan to attend.

The judge stated that the for-profit elements of UFC Freedom 250 and the lack of congressional approval or environmental review were not new information.

He also stressed that the stage and all other materials would be removed immediately after the fights conclude.

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Alex Woodward14 June 2026 22:45

How Secret Service will protect Trump during ‘Rating 1’ threat level tonight

Rooftop sharpshooters, trained dogs, explosives experts, metal detectors and high-tech surveillance cameras are among the security measures the Secret Service will use to protect President Donald Trump during the controversial cage fights he’s hosting at the White House this evening.

Former Secret Service agents told The Independent they were confident that Trump — who’s been the target of three assassination attempts — would be sufficiently shielded as he celebrates his 80th birthday at the UFC “Freedom 250” event.

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Bobby McDonald, who retired as second supervisor of then-Vice President Joe Biden’s Secret Service detail, said the White House sat on “the safest 18 acres in America.”

“Any event that’s on the south grounds of the White House is going to be as secure as you can get,” said McDonald, now an assistant professor of criminal justice and criminology at New Haven University. “Look, the president gets the highest level of protection we have, so everything under the sun will be on hand.”

Bruce Golding14 June 2026 22:30

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Who can attend UFC Freedom 250?

There will be no general admission for the White House fights, which are expected to be invite-only.

UFC boss Dana White said in May: “[Trump] wants this to be mostly for the military, so there’s gonna be 4,300 people there. I just literally went over it right now; 4,300 people, and most of them will be military. 100 per cent [it’s a ‘thank you’ to the military].

“We’re gonna give away about 85,000 tickets [to the Ellipse]. There’s a process, you have to register for tickets, and they’re free […] For those who don’t know, the Ellipse is a massive park. Literally, you’ll be able to see the fight[s] from the Ellipse, but we have screens, we’ve got stages, we’ve got music.”

Alex Pattle14 June 2026 22:15

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Exclusive interview: Meet the stone-cold fighter headlining tonight

So how comes Topuria, when he emerged moments later, was wearing a smirk?

He told me why he’s so “relaxed” about fighting at the White House, and feeling like he’s “lived it already”:

Alex Pattle14 June 2026 22:00

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Is the UFC White House fight card good enough? Here are our grades

We graded every fight on tonight’s card, as well as the event overall.

What do you think? Were we harsh or fair?

Alex Pattle14 June 2026 21:45

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The aura of a record-breaking goalkeeper

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There are few records left for Manuel Neuer to break in his career, but his surprise return to the Germany team for the 2026 World Cup has seen him reach new milestones.

By playing in goal during Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao, Neuer has now played at five World Cups, equaling Lothar Matthäus’s German record. His appearance also made him the oldest ever German international, aged 40 years and 79 days, breaking a record previously held Matthäus (39 years and 91 days). The game was also his 20th World Cup appearance, drawing him level with former French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper with the most tournament appearances.

“Either you love football or you don’t and that’s why it’s really special for me to start this tournament together with the team,” Neuer said afterwards. “I really wanted to be the man between the posts. It felt good to be on the pitch with the team.”

Neuer was rarely called into action against Curacao, but the goal he conceded did leave him frustrated.

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“If it hadn’t been deflected, I would have saved it. I would have liked to have kept it out,” the keeper said afterwards.

Back from retirement

The 2014 World Cup winner is two years older than head coach Julian Nagelsmann, but Germany’s coach had no doubts about asking the legendary keeper if he wanted to come out of retirement.

“He doesn’t need time to settle in at his age. He knows how to handle high-pressure situations,” Nagelsmann said of the decision. The 38-year-old also received support from German Football Association (DFB) Sporting Director Rudi Völler. “He knows most of the players from Bayern Munich, too. He’s been around for so long; nothing rattles him,” the 66-year-old noted.

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All eyes on Neuer

Discussions surrounding the “world’s best goalkeeper” and the health of his calf dominated the headlines in the days leading up to Germany’s World Cup opener. For a long time, it was unclear whether the keeper would be fit in time, given the injury Neuer suffered late in the recently finished Bundesliga season. He arrived at the tournament having not played in Germany’s final two warm-up matches against Finland and the USA.

Oliver Baumann served as the number one during the World Cup qualifiers and delivered strong performances. The Hoffenheim goalkeeper was set to be Germany’s number one, but things turned out differently when Neuer returned.

“It was tough at first, of course. It didn’t feel great, to be honest,” Baumann admitted after the final World Cup warm-up match against the USA. “But I knew right away that I would be there for the team and make the trip.”

Oliver Baumann playing for Germany
Oliver Baumann suffered a tough mental blow as he went from number one to back-upImage: Markus Gilliar/GES/picture alliance

A keeper with an aura

Neuer’s return does carry a risk though. Due to his injury, the keeper only rejoined team training earlier in the week building up to Germany’s opener. Potential re-injury had to be avoided at all costs, given the history of Neuer’s injury issues — calf problems had already forced him into three injury-related layoffs during the season just finished.

Beyond his undisputed ability on the pitch, there is another psychological factor that could prove advantageous for Germany: the 40 year old’s aura.

“He has this special presence and this special aura,” explained defensive leader Jonathan Tah. For captain Joshua Kimmich, it was a given that Neuer is “the best goalkeeper of all time.”

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The two have played together at Bayern Munich— the record-holding German champions — for eleven years and know each other well. That is one reason why the current Germany captain never doubted that Neuer would return to the squad, provided he was fit.

“We have a World Cup coming up, and the best players need to play,” said Kimmich.

Manuel Neuer signs autographs
Manuel Neuer was one of the most popular players for fans at Germany’s opening training sessionImage: Federico Gambarini/dpa/picture alliance

A ‘GOAT’ goalkeeper

The excitement for so many Germany fans to see Neuer back in action started long before the game in Houston. A week before, amidst summer-like temperatures, around 3,000 fans flocked to the Wake Forest University grounds to watch Germany’s public training session.

Everyone wanted to see head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s squad, and one player, in particular, was the center of attention: Neuer.

“Neuer has won our hearts. I believe in the team and hope they’ll go all the way,” said Chris.

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And who knows what Manuel Neuer will decide after the World Cup and which records he’ll set his sights on next. For teammate Kai Havertz, at least, one thing is certain: “If he’s 70 and still wants to play for the national team, he’ll still make the squad.”

Edited by: 

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2026 College World Series schedule: Scores, bracket, TV times

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The opening round of the 2026 College World Series is complete. No. 3 Georgia won the most highly anticipated showdown thus far in Omaha, Neb. to close out the first two days of action, taking down No. 6 Texas in a star-studded clash that was never in doubt. The Bulldogs took a commanding 4-0 lead in the first inning, and with an instantly legendary effort on the mound from Joey Volchko, they put it in cruise control on their way to a 7-1 win over their SEC foe.

Volchko struck out the side in the top of the first to set the tone, and the offense held up its end of the bargain in the bottom half of the frame. Rylan Lujo drilled a two-run home run to spark a four-run inning in which the Bulldogs tasked Texas ace Dylan Volantis to the tune of 41 pitches. The Longhorns were never able to challenge Volchko — who fanned 15 batters in a 114-pitch complete game — and things only got more lopsided in the game’s latter stages.

With the victory, Georgia and the most powerful offense in college baseball secured a spot in the winner’s bracket to set the stage for another all-SEC contest against Oklahoma.

The Sooners completed a dominant 9-0 thumping of No. 7 Alabama in the first game of Day 2 to post the most lopsided shutout win in a CWS opener since 2002. Freshman left-hander Cord Ranger’s breakout continued in Omaha as he tossed seven scoreless innings.

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One of Texas and Alabama, meanwhile, will see its national championship aspirations come crashing down in an elimination game on Monday.

As for Sunday’s slate, Bracket 1 will present its first elimination game when Troy and Ole Miss fight to keep their championship hunts alive. Then, in the nightcap, No. 5 North Carolina and No. 16 West Virginia square off in what could be a pitcher’s duel with a spot in the Bracket 1 final on the line.

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Check back here throughout the CWS for scores and schedule updates as the brightest stars and most talented squads compete for the 2026 national championship.

2026 College World Series Schedule

All times Eastern

Friday, June 12

Game 1: No. 16 West Virginia 7, Troy 5
Game 2: No. 5 North Carolina 6, Ole Miss 2

Saturday, June 13

Game 3: Oklahoma 9, No. 7 Alabama 0
Game 4: No. 3 Georgia 7, No. 6 Texas 1

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Sunday, June 14

Game 5: Troy 12, Ole Miss 8
Game 6: No. 16 West Virginia vs. No. 5 North Carolina, 7 p.m. on ESPN

Monday, June 15

Game 7: No. 7 Alabama vs. No. 6 Texas, 2 p.m. on ESPN
Game 8: Oklahoma vs. No. 3 Georgia, 7 p.m. on ESPN

Tuesday, June 16

Game 9: Troy vs. Game 6 Loser, 2 p.m. on ESPN
Game 10: Game 7 Winner vs. Game 8 Loser, 8 p.m. on ESPN

Wednesday, June 17

Game 11: Game 6 Winner vs. Game 9 Winner, 2 p.m. on ESPN
Game 12: Game 8 Winner vs. Game 10 Winner, 7 p.m. on ESPN

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Thursday, June 18

Game 13 (if necessary): Game 11 Winner vs. Game 11 Loser, TBD on ESPN
Game 14 (if necessary): Game 12 Winner vs. Game 12 Loser, TBD on ESPN

Saturday, June 20

CWS Finals, Game 1: Bracket 1 Winner vs. Bracket 2 Winner, TBD on ESPN

Sunday, June 21

CWS Finals, Game 2: Bracket 1 Winner vs. Bracket 2 Winner, 2:30 p.m. on ABC

Monday, June 22

CWS Finals, Game 3 (if necessary): Bracket 1 Winner vs. Bracket 2 Winner, 7 p.m. on ESPN

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