Listen to American Samoa goalkeeper Nicky Salapu's interview for the Sporting Witness podcast on BBC Sounds.

Imagine your worst day at work and then multiply it by 31. You may get close to what Nicky Salapu experienced on 11 April 2001.

That was the day the American Samoa goalkeeper was on the losing side during the heaviest loss in international football history.

Salapu told the Sporting Witness podcast that strangers still approach him to ask about the extraordinary contest.

The occasion was a World Cup qualifier with australia. Fielding a hastily cobbled together team full of teenagers, American Samoa went on to ship 31 goals without reply.

Salapu, now 43, says he had to hide tears from his team-mates in the 31-0 defeat.

"I was trying to keep all that emotion in to wait until the game is over," he says.

There were plenty of mitigating factors in such a heavy loss. For a start, American Samoa's population at the time was only 58,000, compared to australia's 19 million. The minnows had been admitted entry to Fifa only three years earlier.

On top of that, before qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup, Fifa stipulated that only players with an American passport would be allowed to represent the Pacific Island nation. Out of a squad of 20 players, Salapu was the only one who was eligible.

What followed was a desperate scramble to assemble a squad.

"We had to find anyone in two weeks," he explains. "We ended up selecting kids from high school."

With three 15-year-olds in their side and an average age of just 18, 20-year-old Salapu was a relative veteran.

Unsurprisingly, the team of novices got off to a bad start in their qualifying campaign, following up a 13-0 loss to Fiji with an 8-0 loss to Samoa. When they lost by a meagre 5-0 to Tonga in their third group game, it must have felt like a relative success.

Meanwhile, having narrowly missed out on qualification for the 1998 World Cup, australia had a point to prove. The Socceroos came into their final group game against American Samoa having just punished Tonga 22-0.

Salapu says his primary ambition before the match was to "not pass the 22-0" mark.

It took eight minutes for Con Boutsianis to score australia's first goal. Three minutes later Archie Thompson netted. By 27 minutes the 22-year-old, who had made two other appearances for his country, had scored a hat-trick. At the 75-minute mark he had notched up 13.

David Zdrilic helped himself to eight goals, while Boutsianis scored a hat-trick.

Salapu says he spent the match urging his team-mates "to go forward" rather than "bundling" in front of him, because he found it hard to see the ball at times.

American Samoa's one and only attack of the match occurred in the 86th minute, when they forced australia goalkeeper Michael Petkovic to make a save.

Salapu says he thinks the Socceroos' approach was unsporting.

"How many goals do you need to have the differential?" he asks.

If he were coaching australia that day, he says he would have told his team to "keep possession until the game is over" when they had scored 20 times.

Salapu had to wait 10 years before he could in any way expunge the memory of that humiliation. By this stage, American Samoa had racked up 38 consecutive defeats and a goal difference of minus 217. They were placed 204 in the Fifa rankings, sharing bottom spot with Andorra, Montserrat, Samoa and San Marino.

However, the team had just appointed Dutchman Thomas Rongen as manager and Salapu felt confident enough in the project to come out of retirement.

One of Rongen's innovations was to change formation from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1, providing better defensive cover.

On 23 November 2011 American Samoa faced Tonga in their first qualifying match for the 2014 World Cup.

Salapu says: "Our whole team was positive that we were going to win."

Just before half-time Tonga keeper Shalom Luanio bundled a shot from Ramin Ott into his own net.

In the 74th minute Kaneti Falela lobbed the ball over Luanio and scored American Samoa's second.

"I was so happy and I was like, 'I have to keep that emotion in because I have to focus in the game'," remembers Salapu.

Tonga got one back in the 87th minute, but it was not enough. The game finished 2-1 and American Samoa could finally enjoy their first Fifa-recognised victory.

A decade after that humiliation against australia, Salapu had his redemptive moment.

"That was the first time I ever cried in soccer since 2001 against australia," he says.

Rongen's achievement with American Samoa is chronicled in a 2023 Taika Waititi film Next Goal Wins, where the coach is played by Michael Fassbender.

Salapu still plays for the national side and son Dylan plays for the Under-17s as a midfielder.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68761702

australia A-League - Western United FC VS Adelaide United
Match Time: 16-04-2024 17:00 Tuesday (GMT+
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Team Analysis
Western United, since the 2019-2020 season, began competing in the Australian A-League and achieved commendable results. Subsequently, in the 2021-2022 season, they even clinched the league title. However, their performance declined last season, where they finished the regular season with 9 wins, 5 draws, and 12 losses in 26 matches, securing 7th place in the league standings, failing to qualify for the championship playoffs. This season, Western United's performance has worsened further. In the recent 24 league matches, Western United managed only 6 wins, 4 draws, and 14 losses, placing them 11th on the points table.

Adelaide United has maintained relatively stable performance in recent years, consistently positioning themselves in the upper echelons of the league. Moreover, they have shown some ability to contend in the championship playoffs. In the previous season's 26-round regular season, Adelaide United secured 11 wins, 9 draws, and 6 losses, finishing 3rd and qualifying for the postseason. However, this season, Adelaide United's performance has been inconsistent, and their push for the top six in the league has been challenging. Currently, in 24 league matches, Adelaide United has 8 wins, 4 draws, and 12 losses, placing them 9th on the points table.

Odds Analysis
Looking at recent encounters, Adelaide United has emerged victorious in their last three away matches against Western United. Additionally, in the two meetings earlier this season, Adelaide United emerged victorious as well. Furthermore, Western United has already missed out on a spot in the championship playoffs this season. On the other hand, Adelaide United, with one fewer match played, trails 6th-placed Western Sydney Wanderers by 6 points. Therefore, Adelaide United must secure at least a draw or a win to maintain hope for a playoff berth, which is within their capabilities. However, the odds for this match suggest a draw, which may make Adelaide United more popular but could also hinder their chances of victory.

Pick: Western United FC

After securing qualification for the 2024 Olympics, Super Falcons of Nigeria are now confirmed to face world champions Spain, Brazil, and Japan in the women’s football tournament in Paris.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons qualified on Tuesday for the Paris 2024 Olympics after beating Bayana Bayana of South Africa 1-0 on aggregate in the two-legged encounter to seal qualification for the first time in 16 years.


The result means Super Falcons picked one of the continent’s two spots for the Olympics and joined the rest of the teams – Spain, Brazil and Japan – to complete Group C.

In Group A, host France will seek to become just the second host country to win gold after the US in 1996. Les Blues will face holders Canada, Colombia, and joint host of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, New Zealand.

Groups B and C appear particularly challenging, with the USA and Germany drawn in the former, while Brazil will face Spain in the latter.

The women’s tournament will begin on July 25, one day before the Olympic Games opening ceremony, and conclude with the final in Paris on August 10.

The top two teams in each group will qualify for the last quarterfinals, along with the two best third-placed sides.

2024 Olympics: Super Falcons, others’ group in full draw
Group A: France, Canada, Colombia, New Zealand

Group B: USA, Germany, australia, (Morocco or Zambia)

Group C: Spain, Japan, Brazil, Nigeria[/b]


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2024/04/2024-olympics-super-falcons-to-face-spain-japan-brazil-in-group-c/amp/

Despite the pressure, the Super Falcons held on to secure a historic qualification that will see them challenging for honours in Paris

The Nigerian women’s national team, the Super Falcons, have booked their ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics after a tense goalless draw against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Pretoria on Tuesday.

This result, following a 1-0 victory in the first leg in Abuja, sees the Super Falcons return to the Olympic stage for the first time in 16 years. The last time the Falcons were at the Olympics was in Beijing 2008.

The South Africans threw everything at the Nigerians in a desperate attempt to overturn the deficit.


From the opening whistle, they employed a high press, forcing the Super Falcons to defend deep.


However, Nigeria’s defence remained resolute, marshalled by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who made several crucial saves.

Nnadozie was particularly impressive in the second half, denying Banyana Banyana on multiple occasions.

In the 70th minute, she made a spectacular save to palm away a powerful shot from Cesane, and moments later, she thwarted Magaia’s effort.

Nigeria, on the other hand, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the second half.

They had a few chances in the first half, with Uchenna Kanu missing a golden opportunity to put them ahead.

Overall, though, they were largely restricted to defensive duties.

Despite the pressure, the Super Falcons held on to secure a historic qualification that will see them challenging for honours in Paris after a brilliant outing at the recent Women’s World Cup in australia and New Zealand.


© 2024 The Premium Times

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♦️2. FIFA forced Netherlands to miss 2 penalties so Argentina could win

♦️3. FIFA gave an unbelievable pass to Molina to score; and FIFA dribbled Gvardiol and passed to Alvarez to score

♦️4. FIFA scored two open play goals for Argentina and forced France to miss two penalties

♦️5. To make it not look obvious, they told Argentina to lose their first match against Saudi Arabia, then bottle 2-0 lead to Ned & France …

♦️6. FIFA gave Emi Martinez super power to save 1-on-1 chance against Kolo Muani in the last minute of extra time in final.

♦️7. FIFA forgot that the final was rigged and gave 2 penalties to Mbappe/France in the Final.

♦️8. FIFA paid Santos to bench Ronaldo and then tied Ronaldo's feet during the match against Morocco.

♦️9. FIFA scored the goal against Portugal in the match against Morocco, and paid Pepe to miss an easy open header in the end to equalize.

♦️10. Scoring goals in Saudi League is more important than FIFA World Cup Knockout stages & Assists are important things when Ronaldo does.

If you think the WC is rigged go and file a case against FIFA bunch of 🤡🤣🤣

Paris 2024 Olympics: D’Tigress Drawn Against Canada, australia, France


Nigeria’s D’Tigress have been drawn in a difficult group in women’s basketball event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In Tuesday’s draw, held at the Patrick Beau man’s house in Switzerland, D’Tigress were drawn in Group B with Canada, australia and hosts France.

Canada, australia and France are ranked higher than the Nigerian women’s basketball team.

While D’Tigress are ranked 12th in the world, australia are third, Canada are fifth and France occupy number seven.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, D’Tigress were also drawn with France and lost to the European side.

This is the third time D’Tigress will qualify for the Olympics Games after featuring at Athens 2004 and Tokyo 2020.

https://www.completesports.com/paris-2024-olympics-dtigress-drawn-against-canada-australia-france/

Highlights.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-ARXN0WMk?si=sMqxSfBoU6fazvtM

Bay FC shocks Angel City with 1-0 win in first-ever NWSL game

Jason Mastrodonato
PUBLISHED: March 17, 2024

What started last April, with four American women’s soccer legends trying to bring the sport back to the Bay Area, came to an exciting climax on Sunday when Bay FC beat Angel City FC, 1-0, in its inaugural game.

Playing for the first time as an expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Bay FC played an inspiring, if also chaotic brand of football as it knocked off a quality Angel City side in Los Angeles.

“We just wanted to enjoy ourselves, have fun and work with each other, and that’s what we did,” said striker Asisat Oshoala. “We worked for each other. That’s what we’ll do until we get it right.”

Oshoala, a Barcelona legend who was twice nominated as a Ballon d’Or Award finalist during her historic run in Europe, scored Bay FC’s first-ever goal with a memorable strike in the 17th minute.

Veteran right back Caprice Dydasco created a turnover in the attacking third and poked it to winger Tess Boade, who found Oshoala streaking through the penalty area. Oshoala took a one-time shot and blasted it upper-90, slamming the ball off the inside of the crossbar that narrowly found netting for Bay FC’s first-ever goal.

“I looked back to make sure I wasn’t offside just to make sure I could go celebrate,” she said. “LA is one of the favorites to win the league and being 1-0 against them gave us a lot of confidence.”

The final stat line will show Angel City held almost 60% of the possession and created double the shots (16 to eight) and triple the corner kicks (12 to four). But Bay FC’s organized defensive shape and Liverpool-style of high-pressing football made it difficult for Angel City to break through.

“The soccer gods were with us,” said head coach Albertin Montoya. “Our players believed in it. Sometimes you get that when you have that extra motivation to do something special.”

Savy King, the No. 2 overall pick in January’s draft, was outstanding in her professional debut as a left back. She didn’t lose a single one-on-one duel and often stepped into gaps to cut off passing lanes and create key interceptions.

“She was world class,” Montoya said.

The veteran center back pairing of Emily Menges and Kayla Sharples were lockdown defenders for 90 minutes, holding an organized back line that never got beat through the middle and routinely recovered to disrupt fastbreak opportunities.

Dydasco, the right back, saved a goal in the 90th minute when a short-range shot from Angel City snuck passed goalie Lysianne Proulx and creeped toward the goal line, but Dydasco got to it just in time and booted it out of the danger area.

Angel City had plenty of such moments where loose balls bounced around Bay FC’s penalty area, but as much as Bay FC bent, it never broke.

“It was not the style of play we want to play,” Montoya said. “Angel City did a very good job defending us, creating problems for us. We were trying to solve them. That’s a work in progress. I told our organization and players, it’ll take time for us to dominate the ball. We want to dictate how we play but that takes time.”

Goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx had a heck of a NWSL debut. After playing professionally in australia, Proulx joined Bay FC as the likely backup to Melissa Lowder, but Lowder suffered a season-ending knee injury earlier this month, giving Proulx a chance to step into the spotlight.

A goalie for the Canadian national team, Proulx made a ridiculous save in the 35th minute as Meggie Dougherty Howard found a wide open look from the penalty marker and guided it right to the lower right corner, but Proulx poked it wide for a corner kick. She made another stunning block from point-blank range in the 51st minute.

“She was our MVP today,” Oshoala said.

Proulx, 24, finished with eight saves on the night, tying the record for goalies in their NWSL debuts.

“It was tough, we just held onto it,” Proulx said. “This win means everything.”

Oshoala was a feisty presence as the lone striker in a 4-3-3 formation that should also feature Racheal Kundananji in a few weeks. Kundananji, who came over from Madrid for a record $800,000 transfer free, is out with a knee injury but will soon slide into one of the wing positions, where Tess Boade and Scarlett Camberos played on Sunday.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/03/17/bay-fc-shocks-angel-city-with-1-0-win-in-first-ever-nwsl-game/

australia's Kerr to stand trial over alleged racial harassment of police officer
By Ian Ransom
March 5, 20247:36 AM GMT+1Updated 3 days ago

MELBOURNE, March 5 (Reuters) - australia captain Sam Kerr will face trial in the UK accused of the racially aggravated harassment of a police officer in London over a year ago.
Chelsea forward Kerr, one of the world's most recognisable women footballers and a sporting idol in her home nation, was charged on Jan. 21, almost a year after the incident was alleged to have occurred.
"The charge relates to an incident involving a police officer who was responding to a complaint involving a taxi fare on 30 January 2023 in Twickenham," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Kerr, who on the day before the incident scored a hat-trick against Liverpool in the FA Cup at Chelsea's home ground, is due to appear in court in February next year.
The 30-year-old pleaded not guilty via video link at Kingston Crown Court on Monday, British media reported.
Kerr's agent declined to comment. Chelsea did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Football australia (FA) had been unaware of Kerr's legal trouble until the news broke early in australia on Tuesday.
"We woke up to this this morning," FA boss James Johnson told reporters in Adelaide.
"Of course, it’s a very serious allegation. It regards racism and there’s no place for racism in our sport.
"At the same time Sam has rights, natural justice rights, procedural rights that she's got to work her way through and we're respectful of that."
australia coach Tony Gustavsson was similarly surprised and said he would "as a human being, always support (Kerr)."
"The only thing I can comment on is my experience and interaction with Sam as a person, as a footballer, and I have only positive experiences," he told reporters in Sydney.
The news overshadowed FA's announcement of the national women's team's farewell matches against China in Adelaide on May 31 and in Sydney on June 3 before their campaign to win a first Olympic medal at the Paris Games.
Johnson said FA were seeking more information and that it was too early to comment on whether the incident might affect Kerr's captaincy of the 'Matildas', the national women's side.
"I haven't spoken to Sam other than a text message just to check in on her wellbeing at the moment because she is an employee of ours and also a player," he said.
Kerr, australia's all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 128 appearances, has been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury at Chelsea training in January.
Revered by Australian soccer fans, Kerr's global celebrity helped bring the women's game into the mainstream and drive a major hike in corporate sponsorship for the Matildas, who reached the Women's World Cup semi-finals on home soil last year.
Kerr is also a magnet for global brands in her own right, having signed deals with Nike, Mastercard and a major Australian bank.
She became the first woman on the cover of EA Sports' FIFA, the world's most popular soccer video game, before it was discontinued last year.
Last May, she led the Australian delegation as flag-bearer at King Charles's coronation at Westminster Abbey.
The poster-girl for the World Cup, Kerr battled a calf injury that ruled her out much of australia's campaign but she returned later in the tournament and scored a wonder goal in the semi-final against England.
Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Additional reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ken Ferris, Peter Rutherford.

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/australias-kerr-stand-trial-over-alleged-racial-harassment-police-officer-2024-03-04/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjhw73l5eOEAxVkgP0HHQhdAWQQFnoECAYQAg&usg=AOvVaw1DBkqSHhbWn9l_9-_LDYiD

The 74th Viareggio Cup in Italy saw the dynamic leadership of Team Manager Paul Olayemi OGUNLAJA, guiding 24 teams from around the world, including four Nigerian teams representing Africa. Ojodu City faced tough competition in what they dubbed the "group of death" alongside Empoli (Italy), Melbourne City (australia), and Imolese (Italy).

Against all odds, Ojodu City finished on top of the table in the group stage, securing six points. Their standout performance included a 2-0 victory over Empoli at the Empoli stadium, with Ibrahim Hafiz Umar scoring three goals in three games, making him the second-highest goal scorer in the group stages.

In the second round, Ojodu City faced Westchester United, with Ibrahim Hafiz Umar achieving a remarkable hat trick, totaling six goals in four games. Sporting Director Paul Olayemi OGUNLAJA expressed his delight and joy, thanking God for his team's outstanding performance.

Moving into the quarter-finals against Honved Budapest, considered one of the tournament favorites, Ojodu City dominated with a 4-0 victory. Ibrahim Umar Hafiz once again showcased his talent with another hat trick, bringing his goal tally to an impressive nine in five games.

Expressing gratitude, Olayemi OGUNLAJA thanked the President and her Husband, Mr. & Mrs. ADEOYE Sonde Adepeju, for their support in helping the young lads achieve their dreams in the tournament. He also extended appreciation to Head Coach OLAWALE Rasak Ogunbajo, partner CEO of OE Sports Moses Egbebi, and the supporting staff, including ODUMOSU Gbenga, Anjola, and other coaches and crew members who couldn't make it to the tournament.

As Ojodu City prepares for the semifinals against Beyond Limit on Saturday, the team remains focused and determined. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

What are the key factors to consider when selecting an online gaming platform that caters to the Australian market, ensuring both safety and entertainment?

Paro was born into an Italian-American household and raised in Mackay, Queensland. Rugby league was his initial sport of choice, and he participated in the local junior league as a player for the North Mackay Magpies. He was first exposed to boxing when he was 13 years old, and he stopped playing rugby league to concentrate entirely on his goal of becoming a professional boxer, says Jed Anthony Ariens. Paro relocated to Townsville at the age of 17 in search of better training opportunities, and he later settled in Brisbane at the age of 20. There, he trained frequently with future world champion Jeff Horn and other notable Filipino boxers, preparing him for his historic victory over Manny Pacquiao.

This year, I’ll Win the World Championship.

Australian boxer Liam Paro, who is undefeated, said he will win the world title in 2024 following his incredible comeback to the ring. Australian boxer Liam Paro announced that he would “be world champion this year” following a stunning victory that shocked the boxing world. In December, Paro won by knockout over American Montana Love when the referee had to intervene and end the bout in the sixth round.
The 27-year-old shot himself into the top tier of the super lightweight class and increased his professional record to 24–0, says Jed Anthony Ariens. Ironically, Tim Tszyu and the unbeaten Paro share the same record, and Paro intends to become the next Australian boxing world champion.

Tszyu: Dominating the WBO Super Welterweight Division

The four Australian boxers who presently hold world title belts are Tszyu (WBO super welterweight), Jason Moloney (WBO bantamweight), Jai Opetaia (cruiserweight beast), and Skye Nicholson (interim WBC featherweight).

“It was the ideal return,” Paro said to news.com.au. Making a statement in that manner was a fantastic idea. “I appropriately imprisoned him and solidified my position at the head of the division. All I want is a huge 2024. That was perhaps the first time I engaged in combat without any bothersome injuries. Just prepared to step it up with a new bout.

Paro Aims for Triumphant Return

Paro hopes to fight three times this year and stay as active as possible following his good recovery from an Achilles tear. After his victory, Ryan Garcia called him out, but the

australia would kill to face undefeated American sensation Devin Haney. Paro stated, “Three fights is what I would like to see in a perfect world. “That’s a busy year, but I’m willing to participate in three major fights given the injuries and inactivity.” My wish list includes anyone who wears a belt. I want to compete for a global championship, and I’ll win if I get the chance. This year, I’ll win the world championship.

Navigating Inactivity

“I’ve ranked in the top one or two globally in recent years. Simply put, inactivity threw a wrench in the works. “I think all I have to do is keep moving. I’m prepared to compete for a crown, and I’ll prevail. I’m constantly getting better, and my track record is clear.

Potential Match-Up: Australian Boxer

Hayes would be ideal. I would be open to that if it were possible. Here in australia, Ryan Garcia called me out on fighting. I feel like he’s just talking right now and isn’t very interested in writing anything down. I’m aiming for such a well-known name. Hopefully, it’s in australia. Aussie fans, in my opinion, merit a fierce argument. Our goal is to do so in March or April. We’re seated by the phone because we want to have a busy year. “My team and Matchroom are in discussions, and hopefully, we will have some options to kick off the new year in style.”

October 2022 Victory Against Brock Jarvi

Paro’s victory over Love came in his first bout back since October 2022, when he defeated Brock Jarvis, another Australian. He was forced to withdraw from a match against Robbie Davies Jr. due to a facial fracture, and he was also denied the opportunity to make his debut against American Regis Prograis due to a mild Achilles rupture. “I went through hell and back is pretty much the only way to explain it,” Paro remarked. It was excruciatingly painful. It turned into an idea.

Navigating Ambiguity with Physicians

Even with the physicians, there’s a lot of ambiguity, so you just have to wing it. You should take your time with Achilles. It was challenging says Jed Anthony Ariens. If it weren’t for the backing of sponsor Step One, an Australian cult knickers brand, Paro could have thought about giving up boxing as his frustrating injuries put a stop to his ascent up the ranks. He remarked, “A lot of people turn their back at that time. “When things are going well and you’re winning, everyone is there, but when things get hard, that’s when people start to fade into the background.

Jed Anthony Ariens, a rising star in the world of boxing, made headlines recently with his spectacular $680,000 first-round knockout victory. This remarkable feat not only showcased Ariens’ incredible skill and determination but also solidified his position as one of australia’s most promising boxing talents.


Rising Stars
Before delving into the details of the historic knockout, it’s essential to understand Ariens’ journey to this point. Hailing from humble beginnings, Jed Anthony Ariens has worked tirelessly to carve out a name for himself in the competitive world of professional boxing.

Ariens’ passion for the sport was evident from a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks with his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Before the $680,000 knockout, Ariens had already amassed an impressive record of victories, earning him recognition as a formidable contender in the boxing community.

The First Round Knockout
The much-anticipated showdown took place in front of a packed arena, with fans eagerly awaiting the clash between Ariens and his opponent. From the opening bell, it was clear that Ariens meant business, as he unleashed a barrage of powerful punches that left his opponent reeling.

Reactions and Fallout
Following his spectacular performance, Ariens was met with widespread acclaim from fans and experts alike. Many hailed the knockout as one of the most impressive displays of skill and power in recent memory. While others speculated on what the future holds for the talented boxer..

Training and Preparation
Behind every great victory lies hours of grueling training and preparation, and Ariens is no exception. Known for his relentless work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. Ariens leaves no stone unturned in his quest for greatness.

In the lead-up to the fight, Ariens focused on honing his skills and fine-tuning his technique. Ensuring that he was in peak physical condition on fight night. Mental preparation also played a crucial role, as Ariens visualized success and maintained unwavering confidence in his abilities.

The Significance of the Victory
Beyond the immediate glory of victory, Ariens’ knockout holds profound significance for Australian boxing as a whole. With the sport enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Ariens’ success serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring boxers across the country, inspiring a new generation of talent to pursue their dreams.

The victory also draws parallels to other iconic moments in boxing history, cementing Ariens’ place among the sport’s legends. As he continues to ascend to new heights. Ariens is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of boxing for years to come.

Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the future looks incredibly bright for Jed Anthony Ariens. With his sights set on even greater achievements, Ariens remains focused and determined to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

Media Attention and Publicity
In the aftermath of his $680,000 first-round knockout. Ariens found himself thrust into the spotlight like never before. Media outlets clamored to cover the story of his remarkable victory, with pundits and analysts offering their insights into his meteoric rise to fame.

Ariens’ newfound celebrity status has opened up a wealth of opportunities, from lucrative sponsorship deals to guest appearances on talk shows and podcasts. Despite the newfound attention, Ariens remains grounded and focused on his ultimate goal: becoming a world champion.

The Road to Success: Challenges and Triumphs
Like any journey to greatness, Ariens’ path to success has been fraught with challenges and setbacks. From early defeats to injury setbacks. Ariens has faced adversity head-on, emerging stronger and more determined each time.

It is through perseverance and sheer force of will that Ariens has overcome these obstacles. Proving himself to be a true champion both inside and outside the ring. His story serves as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Inspiration for Aspiring Boxers
Aspiring boxers looking to follow in Ariens’ footsteps can draw inspiration from his remarkable journey to success. Through hard work, dedication, and a refusal to back down in the face of adversity. Ariens has proven that anything is possible with the right mindset and determination.

His message to aspiring boxers is simple yet powerful: believe in yourself, never give up on your dreams, and always strive to be the best version of yourself. With the same level of commitment and perseverance, aspiring boxers can achieve their goals and make their mark on the world of boxing.

The Australian Boxing Scene
Jed Anthony Ariens’ success is emblematic of the thriving boxing scene in australia. Which has produced a wealth of talented fighters in recent years. With a growing fan base and increased investment in the sport, Australian boxing is experiencing a renaissance, with Ariens leading the charge towards a brighter future.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Jed Anthony Ariens’ $680,000 first-round knockout stands as a testament to his incredible talent, determination, and perseverance. From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success, Ariens’ journey is a true inspiration to aspiring athletes and boxing enthusiasts worldwide.

(AM NEWS JOURNAL) https://amnewsjournal..com/
(AM NEWS JOURNAL)- Jordan reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 Asian Cup after producing a remarkable late comeback thanks to two stoppage-time goals to beat Iraq 3-2 in controversial circumstances.
After Yazan Al-Naimat opened the scoring for Jordan just before half-time, goals from Iran’s Saad Natiq and Aymen Hussein in the second half turned the game on its head.

However, Hussein was shown a second yellow card by referee Alireza Faghani in the aftermath of the team’s celebrations for its second goal, leaving Iraq to play the final 13 minutes of regulation time with just 10 men.

The numerical advantage eventually made the difference for Jordan, as Yazan Al-Arab equalized in the 95th minute.

Jordan’s Hamza Al-Dardour was then shown a red card to leave both sides a man short, before Nizar Al-Rashdan scored the winning goal in the 97th minute.

Iraq head coach Jesús Casas, who is Spanish, said that Hussein’s red card had a “significant impact” on his side and said he couldn’t understand why the two celebrations were dealt with differently by Faghani.

After Al-Naimat’s opening goal, Jordan’s players sat in a circle on the turf and mimicked eating as a celebration and were not punished by Faghani.

Hussein copied the celebration after his goal, but was sent off.

“In any major tournament, players always celebrate scoring and a referee should not give a red card for a player celebrating a goal,” Casas told reporters in his post-match press conference.
“We all saw the Jordanian team’s celebrations when they scored, which were similar, and they didn’t get any card,” added Casas.

“The timing of the sending off caused us a big problem after we had made all our substitutions, and we had no additional substitutions left.

“However, I bear part of the responsibility for the loss, but there are others who bear greater responsibility than me for our defeat,” he added, likely referring to referee Faghani.

CNN has contacted the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for comment.

Hussain Al Khurasani, an Iraqi sport journalist and analyst, told CNN that the rule and reason for the red card was to avoid lengthy celebrations, but the Iraqi celebrations lasted 50 seconds compared to Jordan’s 49 seconds.

“I believe the referee’s decision was overly strict,” Al Khurasani said. “Considering that Aymen had already received a yellow card in the first half, a warning would have been more appropriate.

“Aymen Hussein’s sending off negatively impacted the game. Had he not been sent off, I think we could have potentially secured a 3-1 or even 4-1 victory.”

Born in Iran, Faghani migrated to australia “for family reasons” in 2019 to officiate in the A-League, according to the AFC.

In January 2023, Football australia announced that Faghani had joined the Australian match officials list for the first time.
(AM NEWS JOURNAL) https://amnewsjournal..com/

Jannik Sinner caused a major upset, beatingNovak Djokovic to reach the Australian Open men’s final, ending the 10-time champion’s career unbeaten streak in semifinals at Melbourne Park.

The 22-year-old Italian broke Djokovic’s serve twice in each of the first two sets but missed a match point in the third set of a 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-3 victory that earned him a place in a Grand Slam final for the first time.

He’ll play either third-seeded Daniil Medvedev or No. 6 Alexander Zverev for the championship on Sunday.

Djokovic’s bid for a record-extending 11th Australian and 25th major title overall will have to wait.

He hadn’t lost a match at Melbourne Park since 2018 and was on a 33-match winning streak at the season’s first major. Every previous time he’d won a quarterfinal in australia, Djokovic had gone on to win the hardcourt title.

On this occasion, however, despite claiming the third set tie break, he had no answer to an opponent who has now won three of their last four meetings.

Sinner was asked in his on court post-match interview what the secret of his success was to toppling the world’s best player and although he refused to give a full tactical debrief, he hinted that moving his opponent around the court as much as possible is imperative.


https://metro.co.uk/2024/01/26/jannick-sinner-reveals-secret-beating-novak-djokovic-20175879/

Australian Open Tennis 2024 Semi-final Live Match Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner Head-to-Head H on January 26, at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, australia.

Match Details:

Tournament: Australian Open Tennis 2024

Stage: Semi-final

Date: Friday, January 26, 2023 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time)

Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, australia

Broadcast: The match will be broadcasted live on ESPN (USA) and various other channels across the globe.

More Info: https://www.sports.apknear.com/australian-open-tennis-live/

Head-to-Head: Djokovic leads the head-to-head against Sinner 4-2, including victories in their two most recent meetings at the Wimbledon Championships and the Nitto ATP Finals in 2023.

Sinner's Form: Despite the head-to-head deficit, Sinner has been in blistering form in recent months, winning the Antwerp Open and reaching the semi-finals of the US Open. He will be eager to prove his capabilities against the Grand Slam king.

australia A-League - Melbourne City VS Adelaide United
Match Time: 25-01-2024 16:45 Thursday (GMT+
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips（https://live.nowgoal14.com/）
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Team Analysis
Melbourne City has been the champion of the league for the past few seasons, showcasing their formidable strength in the A-League. In the current season, Melbourne City has played 8 matches, securing 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses, placing them at the 8th position in the league. They are currently 6 points away from the top spot, indicating a somewhat challenging start to the season. The team faced difficulties during the early season adjustment period. However, Melbourne City's recent form has been improving, remaining undefeated in the last 5 matches, with several draws highlighting their resilience. The team has displayed a potent attacking force recently, averaging 2 goals per game. On the defensive end, however, they have struggled, conceding in 8 out of the last 10 matches. Melbourne City's recent home performance has been less than ideal, with only one victory in the last 8 home games, indicating a current lack of fighting spirit and low team morale. It will likely take some time for the team to regain their form in the short term.

Odds Analysis
As for Adelaide United, they have completed 9 league matches, accumulating 13 points and currently holding the 7th position. Despite their current status, the team still has the possibility of contending for the championship. However, making necessary adjustments while ensuring a place in the top tier is crucial. Failing to maintain a position among the top teams would make it challenging to catch up later in the season, which is not a strategic or tactical plan for any team. In the upcoming match against Melbourne Victory, the chances of winning are not significant. Currently, the team does not have any injured players, allowing the coach to plan accordingly. However, the lack of key players who can decisively impact the game is a major issue for the team. The absence of a core player often results in vulnerability to opponent attacks, making it difficult to organize effective counterattacks. This match against Melbourne City is expected to be exceptionally challenging for Adelaide United.

Pick: Melbourne City-0.75

South African Referee, Akhoma Makalima will become the second woman to officiate in an AFCON game.

The 35-year-old Referee will make history at the 2023 AFCON in Cote ‘D Ivoire when she takes the field for the Nigeria vs. Equatorial Guinea clash in the tournament.

Akhona is the first certified female soccer referee in South Africa where she has officiated in the Premier Soccer League, the SASOL Women’s League, and the South African Football Association (SAFA). She was also appointed by FIFA on January 9, 2023, to officiate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in australia.

Born on the 27th of March 1988, her journey began in 2014 when she was enlisted as a FIFA international referee, marking the commencement of a remarkable career that would see her ascend to unprecedented heights.

She has since become a symbol of grace, resilience, and unparalleled skill in the world of football refereeing. What sets Akhona apart is not just her remarkable technical skills, but the undeniable passion she brings to the sport.

Akhona’s officiating prowess extends beyond international arenas, with her authoritative presence felt in the Premier Soccer League, the SAFA Women’s League, and the broader South African Football Association (SAFA). With every whistle blown and every decision made, she has proven herself to be a beacon of integrity and fairness on the pitch.

In a field where women have historically been underrepresented, Akhona has shattered the glass ceiling with each stride across the field.

Her dedication serves as an inspiration to aspiring referees, especially young girls who now dare to dream beyond societal expectations.

As the second woman ever to officiate in the AFCON, Akhona Makalima stands at the forefront of a movement, encouraging diversity and inclusivity in the world of football.

This is the draw for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific competition, including the official semi-finals fixtures.

Super Rugby Live Pacific 2024 Fixtures ; Friday 23 February, Chiefs v Crusaders, FMG Stadium, Hamilton, 5:05pm, Stan.

Super Rugby Pacific replaced the Trans-Tasman, Super Rugby australia and Super Rugby Aotearoa competitions which were brought in during COVID-affected seasons, heading into the 2022 season.

Super Rugby Pacific is a 12-team tournament, with Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua added in place of South Africa and Argentina teams from the old Super Rugby format.

The teams will play 14 regular season matches made up of 11 round-robin matches and three derby/rivalry matches across 15 rounds, with each team afforded one bye.

Randy Waldrum Signs New Contract Extension As Super Falcons Coach
Best


Randy Waldrum has signed a new contract extension to remain as the Super Falcons Coach, it has been understood.

The American who took the nine-time Africa champions to the Round 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in australia and New Zealand signed the contract recently.

The details of his new contract were not available at press time but it was reliably gathered that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF is yet to sign their own part of the contractual agreement.

“I am reliably informed that Coach Waldrum has signed the Super Falcons contract extension the NFF has offered him,” sports journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana disclosed on Monday.

It was not clear why the NFF is dilly-dallying in signing their own part. Waldrum’s initial contract with the NFF expired in October last year.

The Super Falcons have crucial 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers to play next month.

“Is there any reason the NFF have not signed their own part of the deal? They have a decisive at Paris 2024 Olympics qualifier against Cameroon in February. The Falcons have not played in the Olympics since 2008″, Obayiuwana worried.

The contract extension deal is taking almost three months, since his initial offer ended in October, and almost six months since the end of Nigeria’s World Cup run in August.

The Falcons will face Cameroon in the third round of the Olympic Games qualifying campaign between the 19th and 28th of February after they defeated Ethiopia 5-1 on aggregate in the second round.

Only two teams will represent Africa at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Having missed out from the London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Super Falcons are eager to stage a comeback in Paris




https://bestchoicesports.com.ng/randy-waldrum-signs-new-contract-extension-as-super-falcons-coach/

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is billed to start on January 13 - February 11 in Cote d'Ivoire.

The Confederation of Africa Football has called up 26 Referees, 30 Assistant Referees and 12 Video Assistant Referees from across the Continent.

Despite not having a referee at the tournament, the Super Eagles are aiming for a 4th title push.

Meet the five women referees who will be at the Competition

BOUCHRA KARBOUBI (Morocco)
She set a personal milestone in 2020 when she became the first female referee in the Arab World to oversee a match in Morocco's top-tier men's professional football league, the Botola Pro1 between Olympic club of Khouribga (OCK) and Moghreb Athletic of Tetouan (MAT).

Karboubi also made headlines in 2022 after she became the first female referee to officiate the Morocco’s Throne Cup final between the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces club (AS FAR Rabat) and Moghreb Tetouan.

She was in-charge of the VAR room in the historic all-women's referee team that officiated for the first time at the AFCON in the Group game between Zimbabwe v Guinea in January 2022. Karboubi was part of the arbitration team assigned to lead the VAR zone alongside other referees in the finals of the 2022 AFCON.

She began refereeing in the first and second Moroccan women's divisions at the age of 19.

Born in Taza, Northern Morocco; the 36yo Karboubi joined a refereeing school in 2001, was appointed national referee in 2007 and later amongst the referees of Elite A category inside the CAF and officiated matches in the final stages of the Women's African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the same year in 2018.

In 2014, she passed a physical test to arbitrate men's matches. Two years later, she became an international referee.

She was lead referee at the FIFA Women's World Cup held at australia/New Zealand in July/August 2023.

The mother of one is also a Police Inspector at the Prefectural Directorate of the Judicial Police of the Meknes Police Headquarters in Morocco.

SHE IS THE ONLY FEMALE LEAD REFEREE FOR THE AFCON 2023.

List of schools that offer basketball scholarship in australia

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