Category: Football

The Seattle Sounders stunned Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 3-0 on Sunday to win the Leagues Cup, completing their collection of North American trophies in front of a record crowd at Lumen Field.

Osaze De Rosario scored in the 26th minute, and Alex Roldan added a penalty in the second half before Paul Rothrock capped the scoring for the Sounders, whose determined defence stymied a star-studded Inter lineup led by Argentine icon Messi.

Inter’s frustrations spilled over at the final whistle, and officials had to scramble to quell a brewing brawl before the Sounders, whose $16.7 million payroll is dwarfed by Miami’s $46.8 million player compensation total — could celebrate their first Leagues Cup title.

They became the first Major League Soccer team to win every North American Trophy on offer.

They already own two MLS Cup crowns, an MLS Supporters Shield, four US Open Cups, and a CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The latest triumph came before an announced crowd of 69,314 — shattering the previous record for a Leagues Cup crowd of 50,675.

It was also a record for a Sounders game at Lumen Field, beating the 69,274 they drew for the 2019 MLS Cup final against Toronto.

De Rosario put the Sounders in front in the 26th minute, heading in a cross from Roldan.

De Rosario had electrified the largely green-clad crowd when he came close in the third minute with a header saved by Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.

It was a frustrating first half for Inter in the face of Seattle’s physical defense, with Obed Vargas a particular thorn in Messi’s side.

Inter’s first opportunity inside the box saw Messi take a quick tumble after tangling with Seattle defender Vargas.

Seattle’s Jackson Ragen blocked Messi’s attempt from outside the area in the 19th minute, then a minute later blocked a shot from Rodrigo De Paul.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Ragen was there again as Miami came up empty in a chaotic sequence in front of the goal after a corner kick taken by Messi in the 31st minute.

Seattle almost doubled their lead in the 40th, but Jesus Ferreira’s long-range shot caromed off the right post.

A reorganized Miami were pressing early in the second half and appeared to have every chance of pulling off the kind of comeback win they posted over Orlando in the semi-finals.

Luis Suarez spun through traffic to deliver the ball to Messi as he cut in front of the goal, but Messi chipped his attempt over the crossbar.

Inter Miami were finding their rhythm, but they squandered another golden opportunity in the 60th minute when Tadeo Allende, fed by Suarez, missed wide from directly in front of the net.

Miami appeared to have seized the momentum, but Seattle wouldn’t let go.

The Sounders nearly doubled the score in the 69th minute, but Vargas’s right-footed blast from outside the box was blocked by Maximiliano Falcon.

Four minutes later, Rothrock got loose and forced a save from Ustari.

Roldan’s penalty in the 84th minute gave Seattle some breathing room, the referee awarding the penalty after Miami’s Yannik Bright dived at the feet of substitute Georgi Minoungou.

Rothrock put the finishing touches on the win with an angled shot past Ustari in the 89th to spark the Sounders’ celebrations.

Both finalists in the cross-border tournament featuring teams from MLS and Liga-MX clubs were already assured of berths in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The victory earned Seattle direct entry into the round of 16 in the regional tournament, which will decide one of the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup berths.

READ: Sorana Cirstea seeks help over stolen trophy during US Open

Fabian Hurzeler’s strategic substitutions inspired a victory for his team on Sunday in Brighton vs Man City clash in the Premier League.

Manchester City blew the lead in a shock 2-1 defeat at Brighton that extended their troubled start to the Premier League season.

City striker Erling Haaland marked his 100th Premier League appearance with his 88th goal in the competition since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.

But the 25-year-old’s third goal this season wasn’t enough to help Pep Guardiola’s side bounce back from last weekend’s 2-0 home defeat against Tottenham.

James Milner’s second-half penalty hauled Brighton level before Brajan Gruda’s late strike completed City’s collapse.

Watch Premier League 2025 Live on ARY ZAP

Spain midfielder Rodri made his first league start for City since suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal in September 2024.

But Ballon d’Or holder Rodri, who had also started a Club World Cup match in the summer, was unable to inspire City to their second win of the season.

Haaland should have given City an early lead after racing clean through, but he scuffed a tame shot straight at Bart Verbruggen.

He also lashed just wide from 18 yards after a flowing City move.

The Norway striker missed another chance with a weak header from Rayan Ait-Nouri’s cross, allowing Verbruggen the chance to claw it to safety.

Haaland persevered and finally pierced the Brighton defence in the 34th minute, stabbing past Verbruggen from close range after Omar Marmoush prodded the ball into his path.

Haaland forced Verbruggen into a miscued clearance just before half-time, but Rodri blazed the chance over.

Matheus Nunes handed Brighton a lifeline in the 67th minute.

Lewis Dunk shrugged off Bernardo Silva’s attempt to mark him and blasted a shot that Nunes blocked with his arm away from his body.

Milner sent James Trafford the wrong way with a clinical penalty before copying Diogo Jota’s goal celebration in tribute to his former Liverpool team-mate, who died in a car crash in July.

It was the 39-year-old’s first Premier League goal since 2019, making him the second-oldest scorer in the competition’s history behind Teddy Sheringham, who was 40 when he set the record.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

City were in disarray and German youngster Gruda made them pay in the 89th minute, breaking into the area before delivering a composed finish to spark wild celebrations as Guardiola looked on in disbelief.

In Sunday’s other early game, West Ham eased the pressure on boss Graham Potter with a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.

Potter had faced calls for his sacking after West Ham conceded eight goals in two successive top-flight defeats, then crashed out of the League Cup at Wolves.

Former Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter, who has only been in charge of West Ham since January, may have earned a stay of execution thanks to their late goal spree at the City Ground.

England forward Jarrod Bowen curled home from 18 yards in the 84th minute.

Lucas Paqueta converted an 88th-minute penalty after Crysencio Summerville was fouled by Ibrahim Sangare.

Callum Wilson sealed the Hammers’ first win this season with a 90th-minute header.

READ: AB de Villiers recalls last-ball chat with Dale Steyn in 2015 semi-final

Matthijs de Ligt insists Manchester United players “stand behind” beleaguered boss Ruben Amorim and that they deserve the blame for the club’s calamitous start to the season.

Amorim’s side needed a last-gasp penalty from Bruno Fernandes to beat promoted Burnley 3-2 on Saturday after twice blowing the lead at Old Trafford.

United’s first Premier League win in three games this term came just days after a humiliating League Cup second round loss at fourth-tier Grimsby.

Amorim had admitted after the stunning cup defeat that he sometimes thinks about quitting United and often hates his players.

With speculation still swirling about Amorim’s future despite the much-needed victory over Burnley, United defender De Ligt backed his boss.

“I think the only thing that counted was a win,” he said. “Everybody saw how. We know we could have done that better, but the win was the most important thing.”

Asked if he wanted Amorim to stay, De Ligt added: “Yeah, of course. I mean, as a player you are responsible for the results.

“They always speak about the manager, obviously, but I think as players we also looked at each other in the eye after Grimsby and said to each other ‘guys, the performance of this week is not acceptable’.

“It will be really, I think, bad to say that it’s the manager’s fault or… it’s mostly us, and we know that.

“So, yeah, obviously, we still stand behind him, and he stands behind us, so we keep going like that. I think the result for today makes that feeling even more.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

De Ligt was sporting a black eye from Wednesday’s battle with Grimsby, which ended in a penalty shoot-out loss after United recovered from two goals down in normal time.

De Ligt said the embarrassing result had not been discussed among the team at length because it was too painful.

“I don’t think there’s much been said because everybody knows how the feeling was,” he said.

“I think everybody from outside could also understand what the feeling is if you lose a game like that.

“So, yeah, it’s not easy. We know that. We were really disappointed, in ourselves especially, so then to win today was I think the only cure that could a little bit help the defeat of Wednesday.”

United hardly looked a cohesive unit against Burnley, with careless defending and poor goalkeeping twice allowing the visitors to draw level.

But Fernandes’ latest heroics in a United shirt kept the critics at bay heading into the international break.

Amorim will face a major test of his job security when Premier League action resumes for United at rivals Manchester City on September 14 before they host in-form Chelsea six days later.

READ: Pakistan’s marathoner Faisal Shafi sets Guinness World Record at Sydney Marathon

Chelsea took advantage of VAR controversy to beat Fulham 2-0 as the visitors were left to rue a series of costly decisions awarded against them at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Enzo Maresca’s side were fortunate not to fall behind in the west London derby when Fulham were harshly denied a first half opener.

Josh King’s strike was ruled out after VAR deemed Rodrigo Muniz’s accidental collision with Trevoh Chalobah was worthy of a foul.

As if that wasn’t infuriating enough for Fulham boss Marco Silva, Joao Pedro put Chelsea ahead beyond the scheduled eight minutes of stoppage-time at the end of the first half.

Adding to Silva’s anger, Chelsea’s second goal was also VAR-influenced as Ryan Sessegnon was adjudged to have handled a cross, leading to Enzo Fernandez converting from the penalty spot.

After drawing with Crystal Palace and routing West Ham 5-1, Chelsea’s third successive Premier League clash with a London rival extended their unbeaten start to three games.

Alejandro Garnacho watched from the stands at Stamford Bridge after the Argentine winger travelled to Chelsea’s training ground on Friday to finalise his move from Manchester United.

Garnacho’s impending arrival comes with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson set for a loan switch to Bayern Munich, while Christopher Nkunku signed for AC Milan on Saturday.

Liam Delap, leading Chelsea’s overhauled attack, lasted less than 15 minutes before he was forced off after appearing to pull his hamstring while chasing a long pass.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The striker’s exit was another blow for Maresca after Blues forward Cole Palmer was sidelined by a groin injury that will keep him out of England’s forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

King thought he had broken the deadlock with his first professional goal in the 21st minute.

The 18-year-old forward had accelerated away from the Chelsea defence and slotted low past Robert Sanchez in composed fashion.

But, in the process of spinning away from Chalobah’s tackle on the halfway line to launch the attack, Muniz made contact with the Chelsea defender’s foot.

Chalobah crumpled to the turf but play initially continued, allowing King to score.

Told to consult the pitchside monitor to review the incident, referee Rob Jones disallowed the goal for a “careless challenge”.

Silva exploded at that explanation, berating the fourth official in a furious rant on the touchline.

Teenager Tyrique George, on for the injured Delap, almost made the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time with a close-range effort that Bernd Leno saved at his near post.

From the resulting corner, Chelsea took the lead in the ninth minute of what should have been eight minutes of stoppage-time.

Fernandez curled the set-piece towards Pedro and the Brazilian rose unchallenged to head home from close-range for his second goal this season.

Silva was seething again, this time over the costly additional seconds added on.

He tried in vain to confront Jones when the half-time whistle blew as Fulham’s fans chanted “1-0 to the referee”.

There was more VAR angst for Silva and Fulham in the 56th minute.

Sessegnon’s arm was away from his body when he blocked Chalobah’s cross in the area.

However, the penalty was only awarded after VAR ruled Pedro’s challenge on Joachim Anderson and a potential handball by the Brazilian in the build-up were not fouls.

Fernandez ignored the fuss to stroke home the spot-kick, leaving Silva fuming once more.

READ: France forward Nkunku signs for AC Milan from Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku signed for AC Milan from Chelsea on Saturday, the Serie A giants announced on Saturday, as the France attacker attempts to revive his career ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

“AC Milan is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea FC. The French forward has signed a contract with the Club until 30 June 2030,” said Milan in a statement.

Italian media report that Milan agreed a fee of 37 million euros ($43.3 million), which could rise to 42 million euros for the forward, who failed to establish himself at Chelsea after moving to the World Club Cup champions in 2023.

Nkunku scored 18 times in 62 matches in all competitions for Chelsea, who brought in the 27-year-old after he impressed at German Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

He struggled with injuries during his first season in England and found himself behind Nicolas Jackson in the pecking order, being picked by coach Enzo Maresca largely for cup competitions.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Christopher Nkunku moves to AC Milan with the World Cup looming on the horizon and is unsure of a place in the France squad for the finals being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

He was not selected by long-time coach Didier Deschamps for the Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, nor for the final four of the competition.

His one goal in 14 caps for Les Bleus came against Israel in the Nations League in October last year.

Milan, coached by Massimiliano Allegri, have no European football this season after a disastrous eighth-place finish last term, and have three points from their opening two fixtures of the campaign after beating Lecce 2-0 on Friday.

READ: ACC revises match timings for Asia Cup 2025

Wayne Rooney believes Ruben Amorim’s remarks following Manchester United’s shock League Cup loss at Grimsby prove “something is broken” at the club.

United came from 2-0 down to force a penalty shoot-out on Wednesday, but then lost 12-11 in a penalty shoot-out as summer transfer window signing Bryan Mbeumo hit the crossbar with what proved to be the decisive kick.

A crestfallen Amorim, who had not watched the shoot-out but preferred to sit in the dugout, said afterwards: “I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want.”

United ended last season a lowly 15th in the Premier League table, their worst finish since being relegated from England’s top-flight in 1974.

But there had been hopes a full pre-season for Amorim allied to some £200 million ($269 million) worth of new talent up front would lead to a revival in United’s fortunes.

United, however, have started this season with a home loss to Arsenal, a draw away to Fulham, and a woeful defeat by fourth-tier Grimsby that has led to speculation about Portuguese boss Amorim’s position at Old Trafford just three games into the campaign.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Speaking on the BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, United’s record goal-scorer said: “Just the way they lost, it was disheartening. There’s something not right.

“I think that’s clear. I think the manager said that after the game and I think that’s clear for everyone to see that there’s something not right there.

“So the issue now is we’re seeing very similar performances, similar results and even though it’s only three games into the season, it’s getting to a point now where you’re like… what is going on?”

The former England striker added: “The biggest concern is the manager saying that, his words after the game were damning on the players and obviously being in a position where I’ve been in that dressing room, if your manager comes out with those words, there’s something broken.”

Rooney suggested Amorim, who took charge in November after United sacked Erik ten Hag, could be struggling with the demands of managing one of the world’s most famous football clubs after arriving from Sporting Lisbon.

“I think what we forget, he’s 40,” Rooney said. “He’s a young manager. And Manchester United is so different to where he’s been before. And you come in, there’s the media team, the commercial team, the fans, the media. It’s completely different.

“And there’s a pressure with Manchester United which he will never have felt before. And when you’re not winning games, that can start to get to you, and it looks like it was a breaking point for him.”

READ: Former India batter claims Bronco Test introduced to sideline Rohit Sharma

Spain named Rodri and Dani Carvajal in their squad on Friday for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey.

Both players have returned to action for their clubs at the Club World Cup after being absent with long-term knee injuries.

Spain visit Bulgaria on September 4 in their Group E opener, before travelling to Turkey on September 7.

Georgia are the other nation in the four-team group, with the winners progressing to the tournament next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Manchester City midfielder Rodri helped lead Spain to Euro 2024 glory but was sidelined in September that year after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, only making his return during the Club World Cup this summer.

Real Madrid right-back Carvajal was injured in October 2024, rupturing two knee ligaments and a tendon, also making his return in July in the United States at the expanded FIFA tournament.

Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Pedri form part of the squad, along with team-mate Fermin Lopez, who has been linked with a move away from the Catalan giants, but new arrival goalkeeper Joan Garcia was not selected.

Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), David Raya (Arsenal), Alex Remiro (Real Sociedad)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen (both Real Madrid), Pedro Porro (Tottenham), Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao), Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona), Robin Le Normand (Atletico Madrid), Alejandro Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal), Rodrigo (Manchester City), Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Pedri Gonzalez, Dani Olmo (all Barcelona), Mikel Merino (Arsenal), Fabian Ruiz (PSG)

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres (both Barcelona), Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal), Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad), Alvaro Morata, Jesus Rodriguez (both Como)

READ: Tottenham on the verge of signing Xavi Simons for over £51m

Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig in a deal worth just over £51 million.

The 22-year-old has agreed personal terms with Spurs and is understood to have already completed his medical.

The proposed contract is expected to run for five years with an option to extend for a further two, potentially tying Simons to North London for seven seasons.

Negotiations between Tottenham and Leipzig were described as smooth, with both clubs maintaining a strong working relationship.

Chelsea had also been in the race for Simons, but are set to miss out to their Premier League rivals.

The Blues have instead turned their attention to Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, agreeing on a £40m fee for the Argentine winger.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

According to Sky Germany, Simons was excused from training on Thursday and travelled to London to finalise his switch.

Spurs had been determined to secure a creative playmaker this summer, especially after missing out on Eberechi Eze, who opted for Arsenal.

Xavi Simons, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, previously caught Chelsea’s eye before spells at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and RB Leipzig.

At Leipzig last season, he primarily operated as a left-sided No. 8 in a 4-3-3 system but also showed his versatility by playing off the striker and drifting in from wide attacking positions.

The deal, once finalised, would mark a significant statement of intent from Tottenham Hotspur as they look to add flair and creativity in the final third.

READ: Jose Mourinho sacked by Fenerbahce after Champions League exit

Fenerbahce on Friday sacked Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho after they failed to make the lucrative Champions League group phase, the Turkish club said in a statement.

Mourinho, whose side was knocked out on Wednesday by Portuguese outfit Benfica, was sacked shortly after domestic rivals Besiktas fired another former Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Besiktas on Thursday lost to Swiss side Lausanne and missed out on the third-tier UEFA Conference League league phase.

Fenerbahce issued a short statement announcing the departure of Mourinho.

“We have parted ways with Jose Mourinho, who served as head coach of our professional A team since the 2024-2025 season. We thank him for his efforts for our team and wish him success in his future career,” it said.

The former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Roma coach, who arrived at the club in June 2024, led Istanbul’s Yellow Canaries to second place in the league last season behind Galatasaray.

When the 62-year-old arrived in Istanbul 14 months ago, the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ received a rockstar’s welcome from fans decked out in Fenerbahce’s yellow and black.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“No promises. But it is obvious that the main target, the main dream is to win the Turkish Super Lig,” said the two-time Champions League-winning coach when he arrived.

But he failed to make good on his dream of ending the title drought that has plagued the club since 2014.

Mourinho, whose recent coaching record at Spurs, Roma, and now Fenerbahce has taken the sheen off his reputation, also had several setbacks during his time in Istanbul.

In April, he grabbed the face of Okan Buruk, coach at fierce local rivals Galatasaray, after a 2-1 defeat in the Turkish Cup quarter finals, tweaking his nose.

He was fined for comments made after another explosive derby match against Galatasaray in which he also repeated criticism of Turkish referees, accusing the fourth referee of bias.

His remarks were judged as “contrary to sporting ethics”.

In recent weeks, he appeared downcast at press conferences, regularly harping on about the limitations of his squad, which clocked up 37 wins, 14 draws, and 11 defeats during his tenure.

READ: Pakistan name squad for AFC U-23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz has had a knee operation, but the Premier League giants are upbeat about the Germany international’s prospects of a swift recovery.

Havertz, 26, missed Arsenal’s 5-0 thrashing of Leeds at the Emirates last Saturday with an injury he sustained following the Gunners’ opening-weekend victory at Manchester United.

He has now undergone what Arsenal said Thursday was a “minor surgical procedure”, with the north London club understood to believe Havertz will be missing for weeks rather than months.

“Further to sustaining a knee injury after our recent game against Manchester United on 17 August, subsequent assessments and specialist reviews with Kai confirmed that surgery would be required,” said an Arsenal statement.

“Today, Kai underwent a successful minor surgical procedure. He will shortly begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, with everyone fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Havertz’s injury came shortly before Arsenal scuppered Eberechi Eze’s proposed move to arch-rivals Tottenham by signing the England international from Crystal Palace for an initial fee of some £60 million ($81 million).

Eze was presented to the Emirates crowd before Arsenal’s victory over Leeds and is set to make his debut against Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, with the Gunners desperate to end their 22-year wait for an English top-flight title.

As well as being without Havertz for the trip to Merseyside, manager Mikel Arteta is also unable to select Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard after they sustained hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively, against Leeds.

Christian Norgaard and Ben White are also doubtful, while Gabriel Jesus remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.

READ: Olympic marathon champion Hassan opts for Sydney ahead of worlds