Brazil snatch away win over Chile in World Cup qualifying, Messi’s Argentina draw

Brazil snatch away win over Chile in World Cup qualifying, Messi’s Argentina draw
Brazil's forward Luiz Henrique (R) shoots and scores his team's second goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifying football match between Chile and Brazil, at the National stadium in Santiago, on Thursday. (AFP)
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Updated 11 October 2024
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Brazil snatch away win over Chile in World Cup qualifying, Messi’s Argentina draw

Brazil snatch away win over Chile in World Cup qualifying, Messi’s Argentina draw
  • The win meant under-pressure Brazil coach Dorival Junior’s team will finish the ninth round of the round-robin competition in fourth place in South American qualifying

SAO PAULO: An 89th-minute goal by substitute Luiz Henrique gave Brazil a 2-1 away win over Chile on Thursday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

The win meant under-pressure Brazil coach Dorival Junior’s team will finish the ninth round of the round-robin competition in fourth place in South American qualifying.

Earlier, Lionel Messi’s Argentina drew with Venezuela 1-1 in a match that was delayed for 30 minutes due to a wet pitch at Monumental Stadium in the Venezuelan city of Maturin.

Argentina, who lead the 10-team competition, have 19 points after nine matches. Colombia, with 16 points, remain in second place after losing 1-0 at Bolivia. Uruguay are third with 15 points and have a chance to add more in a match against Peru on Friday. Brazil have 13 points.

Argentina’s lead in the competition could be reduced on Friday if Uruguay win at Peru.

Brazil in dramatic comeback

Chile, one of the worst-performing teams in South American qualifying, opened the scoring seconds after the kickoff at the National Stadium in Santiago. Veteran striker Eduardo Vargas headed past goalkeeper Ederson, with the ball gently touching the back of the net.

Brazil struggled to create clear chances, but managed to equalize in added time with a header by their new striker, Igor Jesus. The visitors kept most of the ball possession in the second half, but still failed to get clear chances.

Only in the final minutes, Henrique decided to take his chances from the edge of the box. The winning goal made several Chile players throw themselves to the ground in anguish.

Brazil’s next match will be against Peru in Brasilia. Chile will travel to Colombia.

“This shirt means a lot. It is a great feeling for us to wear it. We know what is happening, but we wanted to change it,” said Henrique. ”Our fans can be sure we will fight always for this team. We are the only five-time World Cup champions, we will play with passion.”

Messi returns for Argentina

Defender Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring for Argentina in the 13th minute. He pushed the ball to the empty net after a cross by Messi and a mistake by goalkeeper Rafael Romo.

Salomon Rondón equalized in the 65th minute with a header for the only South American team that has yet to play in a World Cup.

“The pitch did not help us do what we wanted to do,” said Messi, who returned to the national team after missing the two previous rounds of South American qualifying due to ligament damage in his right ankle.

Venezuela defender Jon Aramburu said his team wanted a win to show its ambition.

“The rain affected the match, we couldn’t play well,” he said. “We drew against a team that everyone knows of its potential. But this team is here to beat them, to compete.”

Venezuela’s next match will be at Paraguay on Tuesday, the same day that Argentina will host Bolivia.

Bolivia in the clouds to beat Colombia

Colombia, who had been the last unbeaten team in South American qualifying, were shocked at Bolivia in the Municipal Stadium in the city of El Alto, more than 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. Bolivia moved into fifth place with 12 points after its first win in 21 years against the Colombians.

Miguel Terceros, also known as Miguelito, scored the winning goal for Bolivia in the 58th minute with a powerful shot after dribbling through two defenders.

Bolivia had lost Hector Cuellar to a straight red card in the 21st minute after a gruesome tackle that forced the substitution of striker Roger Martinez, but the team remained competitive until the end of the match in its high-altitude stadium.

“We are a young team that wants to change history,” Terceros said. “Now we will travel to Argentina thinking about winning.”

Bolivia hasn’t qualified for a World Cup edition since the 1994 edition in the United States.

Also on Thursday, Ecuador and Paraguay drew 0-0.

The Ecuadorians are in fourth place with 12 points and ahead of Bolivia on goal difference. Paraguay is in eighth place and out of an automatic qualifying spot with 10 points.


Riyadh to host Apex Legends and FC Pro finals at Esports World Cup 2025

EA’s top circuits arrive in Riyadh as ALGS and FC Pro take the stage. supplied
EA’s top circuits arrive in Riyadh as ALGS and FC Pro take the stage. supplied
Updated 26 May 2025
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Riyadh to host Apex Legends and FC Pro finals at Esports World Cup 2025

EA’s top circuits arrive in Riyadh as ALGS and FC Pro take the stage. supplied
  • The addition of two of EA’s most prestigious competitive circuits further elevates the Esports World Cup’s standing as a premier global platform for elite esports
  • The 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup will bring together 2,000 top players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation and Electronic Arts have confirmed that the Apex Legends Global Series Midseason Playoffs and the FC Pro World Championship for EA SPORTS FC 25 will take place this summer at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh.

The addition of two of EA’s most prestigious competitive circuits further elevates the Esports World Cup’s standing as a premier global platform for elite esports. Both tournaments have previously headlined packed arenas and now join a growing lineup that continues to attract the industry’s most influential titles and top-tier talent.

Apex Legends returns to Riyadh after a successful 2024 debut that featured a dramatic 13-game final in which 12 teams were still in contention for the title. The 2025 ALGS Midseason Playoffs will run from July 10-13, bringing 40 of the world’s best squads to compete for a $2 million prize pool.

The event opens with Pool Play on July 10 and 11, dividing teams into two groups of 20 for 10 matches. The top seven from each group will advance directly to the Match Point Finals on July 13. Teams ranked eighth to 17th will battle for the final six spots through the Last Chance Semifinals on July 12.

The tournament winner will take home $600,000 and earn 1,000 valuable ALGS Championship Points toward year-end qualification.

The FC Pro World Championship will be staged from Aug. 7-10, featuring the best EA SPORTS FC players competing for a $1.5 million prize pool. A Last Chance Qualifier will precede the main event from July 31 to Aug. 3, offering 512 participants a final shot at reaching the Play-Ins. From there, 48 players will contend for the last four spots in the championship.

The Group Stage begins Aug. 7, with 32 players advancing into playoff action on Aug. 9. The tournament concludes on Aug. 10 with the quarterfinals, semifinals, a third-place match and the grand final. The eventual champion will claim $250,000.

The return of the Last Chance Qualifier follows one of the most memorable stories from EWC 2024, when Joao “jafonsogv” Vasconcelos made an incredible run from qualifier to champion.

With more than 500 players expected to take part in this year’s LCQ, the stakes are higher than ever. Among the returning stars will be defending champion Anders Vejrgang, who headlines a field representing some of the world’s most prominent football and esports clubs.

“The ALGS and FC Pro are two of the most competitive and globally recognized circuits in esports,” said Fabian Scheuermann, chief games officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. “Together with EA, we’re opening doors for players at every level — from grassroots to elite — to compete on the world’s biggest stage. We’re looking forward to football and esports clubs coming together at the Esports World Cup through FC Pro, and excited to bring ALGS to Riyadh after the incredible response last year. This is the future of esports as a global sport — and we’re just getting started.”

The 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup will bring together 2,000 top players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries. More than 25 tournaments will be contested across 24 different games, with a combined prize pool exceeding $70 million — the largest in esports history.


Final day drama in Roshn Saudi League as top teams battle for continental spots

Final day drama in Roshn Saudi League as top teams battle for continental spots
Updated 26 May 2025
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Final day drama in Roshn Saudi League as top teams battle for continental spots

Final day drama in Roshn Saudi League as top teams battle for continental spots
  • Al-Fateh enter the match with Al-Nassr without pressure and are aiming to end their season on a high note
  • Al-Hilal will host Al-Qadsiah at Kingdom Arena, needing just three points to secure second place

RIYADH: On the final day of the Roshn Saudi Pro League, all Matchweek 34 fixtures will kick off at 9:00pm, with several big encounters shaping the race for continental qualification and league standings.

Al-Fateh v Al-Nassr: A clash of motivation and ambition in Al-Ahsa

Al-Fateh will host Al-Nassr at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Sports City Stadium in Al-Ahsa. Having secured their places in the safe zone, Al-Fateh enter the match without pressure and are aiming to end their season on a high note, seeking a revenge for their loss in the first leg.

Al-Nassr, currently third with 70 points, are targeting a win to leap into second place — a position that would secure a spot in the AFC Elite Champions League, provided rivals Al-Hilal slip against Al-Qadsiah. The team boasts a star-studded lineup including Cristiano Ronaldo, French defender Mohamed Simakan, Portuguese midfielder Otavio, Senegalese winger Sadio Mane, Ayman Yahya, and Sultan Al-Ghannam.

Al-Fateh counters with talent of its own, led by Moroccan duo Mourad Batna and Marwane Saadane, alongside Algerian midfielder Sofiane Bendebka.

In their professional league history, the two sides have met 27 times: Al-Nassr won 16, Al-Fateh won 3, with 8 matches ending in draws. Al-Nassr will look to extend their dominance in this fixture.

Al-Hilal v Al-Qadsiah: Blue wave aims to lock second spot

In Riyadh, Al-Hilal will host Al-Qadsiah at Kingdom Arena, needing just three points to secure second place and a berth in next season’s AFC Elite Champions League.

Al-Hilal will be without Brazilian forwards Malcom, who recently underwent foot surgery, and Marcos Leonardo, sidelined due to a groin injury. Meanwhile, Al-Qadsiah are at full strength and looking to replicate their first-leg victory over Al Hilal. They’re currently fourth with 68 points, just four behind Al-Naser, and are also preparing for the King’s Cup final against Al-Ittihad on May 30 in Jeddah.

Al-Hilal have accumulated 72 points from 22 wins, 6 draws, and 5 losses, while Al-Qadsiah have 21 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses.

Al-Ittihad v Damac: Champions eye a grand finale

Champions Al-Ittihad will cap off their title-winning season at Al-Inma Stadium in Jeddah as they face Damac in front of a huge home crowd.

Already crowned league champions, Al-Ittihad are looking to finish in style with a victory that would take their final tally to 83 points. French manager Laurent Blanc also sees the match as vital preparation for the upcoming King’s Cup final against Al-Qadsiah.

Damac, currently 14th with 35 points, are hoping for a positive result to end their season on a stronger note, especially after a 1–0 defeat to Al-Fateh in Matchweek 33.

With league standings, continental spots, and momentum heading into the King’s Cup final all on the line, the closing night of the Roshn Saudi League promises thrilling action across the board.


PM Sharif praises PSL teams for ‘excellent sportsmanship’ as Lahore lift title trophy

PM Sharif praises PSL teams for ‘excellent sportsmanship’ as Lahore lift title trophy
Updated 26 May 2025
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PM Sharif praises PSL teams for ‘excellent sportsmanship’ as Lahore lift title trophy

PM Sharif praises PSL teams for ‘excellent sportsmanship’ as Lahore lift title trophy
  • Lahore registered a six-wicket win over Quetta, with Sikandar Raza hitting the winning runs
  • Needing 13 in the last over, Raza completed the task with two sixes and as many boundaries

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday praised all Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams for demonstrating “excellent sportsmanship” in the tournament after Lahore Qalandars lifted the trophy for a third time.

Lahore Qalandars registered a six-wicket win over Quetta Gladiators on Sunday, with Sikandar Raza, who landed in Lahore just ten minutes before the toss, hitting the winning runs.

Needing 13 in the last over to complete a 202-run chase set by Quetta, the 39-year old Zimbabwean completed the task during his seven-ball 22 not out with two sixes and as many boundaries.

In a statement issued from his office, Sharif praised Quetta Gladiators and Lahore Qalandars for their excellent performance in the final match of the tenth edition of PSL.

“Lahore Qalandars successfully achieved the target after a thrilling match,” he was quoted as saying. “All the teams involved in PSL 10 showed excellent sportsmanship.”

Lahore Qalandars won their previous titles in 2022 and 2023.

The prime minister congratulated Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB administration on the successful conduct of the Twnety20 tournament.

“The prime minister paid tribute to all the players, especially the foreign players, whose participation made this successful event possible,” Sharif’s office said.

The tournament was put into jeopardy following a cross-border conflict between Pakistan and India this month. Both neighbors clashed for four days before agreeing to a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement on May 10.

Pakistan rescheduled PSL after a ten-day break, while the Indian Premier League — the world’s richest cricket tournament — was also interrupted.


Sporting beat Benfica in cup final to complete double

Sporting beat Benfica in cup final to complete double
Updated 25 May 2025
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Sporting beat Benfica in cup final to complete double

Sporting beat Benfica in cup final to complete double
  • Sporting Lisbon defeated rivals Benfica 3-1 to claim the Portuguese Cup on Sunday

LISBON: Sporting Lisbon defeated rivals Benfica 3-1 to claim the Portuguese Cup on Sunday and complete an impressive double after edging out the same opponent on the final day of the league season.
Rui Borges’ side forced extra-time with in-form striker Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty in the 11th minute of stoppage time after Orkun Kokcu sent Benfica ahead in the 47th minute.
Conrad Harder fired Sporting in front after 99 minutes and Francisco Trincao wrapped up the win at the death against their Lisbon rivals.
Sporting’s season was almost derailed when coach Ruben Amorim left to join Manchester United in November and his successor Joao Pereira struggled to get the team firing.
Little over a month later Borges came in and steadied the ship, taking the team to a second successive Portuguese crown before making it a double.
“We almost lost but in the last minute (we saved it), only a great team can do this,” Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand told Sport TV.
“It’s an honor to be part of this team, I really enjoy it.”
In the 2024 final, Sporting were beaten by Porto and Hjulmand was happy to rectify that this time around.
“We weren’t completely satisfied last year, we were left with a bit of an empty feeling but now the cup is ours and we want to celebrate,” he said.
It may be the last game Gyokeres plays for the club, with the 26-year-old striker in-demand among Europe’s top clubs after an excellent season, in which he scored 54 goals across all competitions.
“You have to ask him (about his future), he has a contract — if it were up to me he would stay,” added Hjulmand.


Newcastle secure Champions League spot on final day

Newcastle secure Champions League spot on final day
Updated 25 May 2025
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Newcastle secure Champions League spot on final day

Newcastle secure Champions League spot on final day
  • Magpies end up in fifth place, edging out Villa on goal difference

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United squeezed into the Champions League places despite losing 1-0 to Everton at home in their final game of the Premier League season on Sunday, thanks to Manchester United’s 2-0 home win over Aston Villa.

The Magpies, who ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought by beating Liverpool to win the League Cup earlier in the season, ended up in fifth place on 66 points, edging out Villa on goal difference.

Newcastle dominated throughout but were undone by poor finishing and sloppy passing and they were punished for giving away the ball in the center of the pitch in the 65th minute, with Vitaliy Mykoloenko crossing for Carlos Alcaraz to score with a brilliant header.

The home side poured forward late in the second half as they sought to salvage some pride with an equalizer but Everton were in no mood to accommodate them and defended doggedly to the bitter end, finishing their season in 13th place on 48 points.

Meanwhile, Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League as Levi Colwill sealed a 1-0 win that shattered Nottingham Forest’s bid for a top-five finish.

Colwill struck early in the second half at the City Ground to ensure Enzo Maresca’s side returned to Europe’s elite club competition after a two-year absence.

The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League, four points above seventh-placed Forest, who were consigned to the UEFA Conference League after failing in their attempt to play in the Champions League for the first time since 1980-81.

Chelsea won five of their last six league games to earn their Champions League berth despite criticism of Maresca’s conversative tactics from frustrated fans.

With their Champions League fate successfully resolved, Chelsea can focus on winning their first trophy since the Club World Cup in 2022 when they face Real Betis in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday.

Leading Chelsea to Champions League qualification and silverware would be a fitting riposte to Maresca’s doubters after a turbulent debut season in charge for the Italian.

Chelsea had won only seven of their previous 18 away league games, in contrast to their impressive record of 12 wins from 19 at Stamford Bridge.

But they rose to Maresca’s challenge after he urged them to prove they could cope with the pressure of a must-win match on the road.

Forest, who were third for several weeks, paid the price for failing to win any of their last four home games.

Despite missing out on the Champions League, Forest’s highest finish since coming third in 1994-95 was an impressive achievement for a club that battled to avoid relegation on the final day of last season.

Forest’s players were greeted by hundreds of fans waving red flares and balloons when they stepped off the team bus, setting the tone for a raucous atmosphere that peaked when Taiwo Awoniyi came onto the pitch just before kick-off.

Awoniyi sustained a serious abdominal injury after colliding with a post against Leicester and has been recovering after being placed in an induced coma following surgery.

Nuno Espirito Santo had urged Forest to use the Nigerian striker’s recovery from his horrific injury as their inspiration.

There was no lack of endeavour from Nuno’s team as they worked tirelessly to rattle Chelsea, but chances were at a premium in a tense clash.

It took Chelsea half an hour to create a chance of note when Pedro Neto shot wastefully over from five yards after Cole Palmer’s cross picked out the winger.

Forest striker Chris Wood squandered a similar opportunity just before half-time as he met Ola Aina’s cross with a volley that flashed over from close range.

With an average age of 24 years and 36 days, Chelsea’s starting line-up was the youngest over the course of an entire season in the Premier League era.

Chelsea’s lack of experience has been an issue at times in a rocky season, but they got the job done in the 50th minute.

Neco Williams’ weak attempt to head clear was seized on by Neto and his low cross reached Colwill for a tap-in at the far post.