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Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Chelsea justified the Club World Cup's existence by sinking PSG in stunning final
Chelsea have done the unthinkable. At the culmination of a tournament that has been widely detracted for non-footballing matters, the beautiful game prevailed. They've beaten the planet's best to become champions of the world, against all odds. Paris Saint-Germain, a team whose recent success stems from a philosophy that focuses on the collective, were dismantled by an individual. Cole Palmer has endured a tough six months, but provided an overwhelming reminder of his quality to guide the Blues to immortality. Scoring two and setting up the third, 'cold' became the epitaph of a tournament that has been synonymous with heat. The Club World Cup has been shrouded in controversy and criticism since its inception. Seen by many as an unnecessary addition to an already-crammed footballing calendar, with Fifa president Gianni Infantino thrusting himself into the centre of attention in pursuit of perceived personal political gain, people have seen through Fifa's mirage of extravagance. On Sunday, FifPro – the world's main player union – branded Infantino 'the man who thinks he's god' after he snubbed the body for a 'key' meeting over footballer welfare, with the union claiming that the governing body was 'silencing' football's key protagonists. But as the walls closed in on kick-off at the MetLife Stadium, the stands packed to a degree rarely seen in the competition, Fifa made one final effort to demonstrate the Club World Cup's perceived 'success' through showmanship. Robbie Williams showed off his pipes before an ungodly amount of yellow pyro was released into the surrounding atmosphere. All that preceded a rousing rendition of 'Star-Spangled Banner' and a trademark military flyover, as Donald Trump joined Infantino in the presidential box on the one-year anniversary of his attempted assassination. That explained the heavy security presence in East Rutherford, namely the secret service. If European champions PSG emerged from today's finale as title-winners, as many expected for a team that actually is the best in the world, football would not have been the main topic of discussion. Their victory would have merely confirmed what we already felt we knew, that this Parisian powerhouse, sculpted by Luis Enrique, is unbeatable. Chelsea strived to rewrite the script, shifting focus off politics and back onto football. 'It may be impossible to you, but not to us,' captain Reece James said. No one truly knew how Enzo Maresca's side was going to approach this. Maybe they sit back and try and catch PSG on the counter – because surely they can't beat the French giants at their own game? Think again. Chelsea started with intent. They were pushing PSG back, dealing them a dose of their own medicine as they piled on the early pressure. 'The first 10 minutes, the team was there to show that we were there to win the game,' said Maresca. 'That set the tone of the game.' Everyone in the ground thought the London underdogs had snatched a shock lead when Cole Palmer, latching onto a beautiful flick from Joao Pedro, bent towards the top corner and made the net ripple. His shot had gone just wide of the post and ricocheting off the support behind the goal into the net, creating the illusion of an opener. It was a poor miss for Palmer's standards, but he made no same mistake when opportunity arose again. Taking his time after being teed up by Malo Gusto, he slotted into the bottom-left corner from the outside of the box, firing beyond the reach on the long-limbed Gianluigi Donnarumma to give Chelsea an invaluable breakthrough on 22 minutes. We braced ourselves for what felt like the inevitable PSG response – the one that would see the Parisians unleash a demolition on the Blues for even daring to threaten their dominance. But it didn't come. Instead, Chelsea made it two, just eight minutes later. Palmer with an identical finish, delightfully dummying his man after Joao Pedro dragged namesake Joao Neves away from contention with a crucial decoy run. The Brazilian, who had been proving throughout the first half that his stunning Fluminense brace was not simply down to beginner's luck, deserved his flowers for his subtle part in doubling Chelsea's lead. But there was no nuance to Joao Pedro's involvement in the eventual third. Linking up with Palmer once more as half-time drew closer, he latched onto a defence-splitting ball in behind before dinking Donnarumma, giving Chelsea what suddenly felt like an insurmountable advantage, even for this PSG team. Barring a stunning capitulation, Chelsea were on the brink of becoming world champions. PSG's youthful exuberance has been at the heart of their success over the past eight months, finally achieving their holy grail in winning the Champions League. They looked unfazed in Munich, putting on a clinic to record the most devastating European Cup final victory in history. But here, for the first time, the lack of experience of Enrique's game-changers was being exposed. Desire Doue, 20, should have given PSG the lead earlier in the first half, before Palmer had a chance to inflict his damage. Put on a plate for him by Kvhicha Kvaratskhelia's low cross, he bewildering chose to square back towards Achraf Hakimi from a few yards out instead of tapping past Robert Sanchez for what looked a simple finish. It was a glaring miss that no doubt changed the course of the game – and history – as PSG's reputation as a unconquerable force was chipped away. An over-the-top American-style half-time show involving Coldplay's Chris Martin and Doja Cat perhaps invigorated a now-desperate PSG side, who came out for the second period looking to spark a comeback. They looked certain to reduce the deficit when Ousmane Dembele, who has 35 goals to his name this season, received the ball on the edge of the six-yard box, only to be denied from close range by the regularly lamented Robert Sanchez, whose outstretched arm somehow pushed the Frenchman's effort around the post. The Spaniard's intervention was pivotal in preventing what could have easily been a PSG resurgence. The Parisians continued to seek a way back into the game, but Chelsea were now playing to frustrate, to wind their opponents up. Chelsea's master of such an art is Marc Cucurella, who after being hacked down in his own box, makes sure to stay down and milk the moment, resisting the frenzied attempts of Neves to pick him up by sandbagging the Portuguese midfielder. To say that the 20-year-old was irritated was an understatement. He tried getting his revenge with five minutes to play, pulling the Spaniard's increasingly iconic curly locks in an ill-advised release of frustration. But in a world of VAR, that was only going to end one way, as Neves was promptly shown red to leave PSG at a further numerical disadvantage as the final drew to its conclusion. Any debate over player investment in the competition was quashed at full-time as ugly scenes broke out between the two sides. Their club's untouchable status no more, Luis Enrique and Donnarumma lost their heads as a brawl broke out, Joao Pedro seemingly PSG's common enemy as their Spanish tactician hit the Chelsea newcomer with a post-match slap. 'Everyone wants to win the game and in the end I think they lose their heads,' the Brazilian reflected. Maybe a sour end to a tournament that's had its fair share of issues, but if nothing else, it showed the players and coaches truly do care about the Club World Cup. And as Chelsea ran over to celebrate in front their sea of blue supporters, finally separated from fisticuffs with the French, what they had achieved felt seismic. Not solely thanks to the occasion, but because of the opponent and the nature of the victory. 'Winning this trophy against such good opposition sends a big statement,' James added. 'I'm happy with how much the club has progressed.' Is this the pinnacle of Chelsea's rebuild? They'll hope not. Despite the grandiose status of 'world champions' and the golden badge that will represent such a fact for the next four years, there are still bigger fish to fry. Instead, this is a huge step forward for Maresca's Chelsea, as the Italian looks to prove his side and tactical mindset belong at the top. The Fifa Club World Cup was shown on DAZN. Sign up here now.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
National Anthem For Fever-Valkyries Game is Turning Heads
National Anthem For Fever-Valkyries Game is Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After missing another five straight games due to a groin injury, Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark finally made her return. Advertisement On Wednesday, Caitlin Clark and the Fever continued their five-game homestand by hosting her close friend Kate Martin and the Golden State Valkyries for the first time. The Fever vs. Valkyries game, along with several other WNBA matchups this week, tipped off at noon ET as part of the league's 'Camp Day,' or "Kids Day," initiative, which gives summer camps and youth organizations the chance to attend a game during the day. Ten-year-old Sophia Hope had a bit more to talk about than most kids at the Fever vs. Valkyries game. Before tipoff, the Chicago native performed her rendition of the 'Star-Spangled Banner' in front of the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It was nothing new for Hope, who has sung the anthem multiple times for Chicago-based teams. "10-year-old Sophia Hope performed the National Anthem ahead of today's Kids Day game," the Indiana Fever wrote on X. Advertisement WNBA fans were impressed with Hope's national anthem performance, taking to social media to leave their thoughts. "🎼🎼🎤Beautiful girl and voice," one fan said. "Many kids are actually better then grown singers," added another. "What a beautiful job Sophie! Thoroughly impressed!" wrote a third. "AMERICAS TEAM," wrote a fourth. "Beautiful," posted a fifth. "Amazing job!! 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 🇺🇲," added a sixth. The Indiana Fever listen to the National Anthem before a gameGrace Smith/USA Today Network via Imagn Images In their recent stretch without Clark, the Fever became relatively inconsistent. They defeated the first-placed Minnesota Lynx in the Commissioner's Cup championship, but fell to the 6-13 Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday. Advertisement Up next for Indiana, a battle with Rhyne Howard and the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Related: Indiana Fever Make Big Roster Change Upon Caitlin Clark's Return This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Ottawa Citizen
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
City of Ottawa to raise U.S. flag to celebrate Independence Day despite trade tensions
The City of Ottawa will fly the U.S. flag on July 4th to celebrate Independence Day, a decision that is drawing mixed feelings from the city's residents. Article content Since Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025, the U.S. president launched a tariff war with Canada and repeatedly expressed a desire to turn it into the '51st state.' Article content Article content 'No Tyrants, No Kings' rallies have shaken up Ottawa's downtown scene, with many protestors occupying the streets in front of the U.S. Embassy near ByWard Market. Article content Article content Despite the public's response, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said that the City will fly the Star-Spangled Banner on Marion Dewar Plaza, as it does every year. This follows the city's flag protocol, which states that the flag of every country Canada has diplomatic relations with will be raised on their national holiday. Article content Article content Sutcliffe says the U.S. Independence Day is another opportunity to highlight the long, shared history between the two nations and the 'deep, lasting friendship'. Article content 'Now, more than ever, we should focus on building relationships and working together,' he said in a statement to the Citizen. Article content Nancy Wasserman, who holds Canadian and American dual citizenship, says July 4th represents the 'revolutionary spirit of the U.S. founders.' She says there is more to the flag than the Trump administration. Article content 'The fact is the American flag belongs to all Americans, not just the ones who are currently running the government,' she said. Article content Article content Wasserman is one of the founders of Indivisible Ottawa, a group advocating for Canada's sovereignty and people targeted by the U.S. administration. She says many Americans who live in Ottawa oppose the current policies and actions of the Trump administration but still believe in 'the promise' of what the flag represents. Article content 'Independence, no authoritarianism and what the Constitution says and stands for,' she said. 'It's important for all of us to remember that we can be opposed to a government but that doesn't mean we're vehemently opposed to the flag.' Article content Elliot Tepper, a Carleton University professor of international relations, says continuity between countries is important, even during times of tension. Article content 'It would be a startling change if the city broke its long-standing tradition in this period,' he said. Article content Tepper says he wouldn't be surprised if Canadians felt alienated or disagreed with the city's decision to move forward with the flag raising. He noted that the 'rupture of trust' occurred over and over again with Trump's behaviour, including threatening Canadian sovereignty. Article content 'No one will trust the U.S. government again, particularly in Canada, but our ties with the U.S. run much deeper than government-to-government relations,' Tepper said. Article content He also notes that Canada is entering a 'new era' with fewer internal trade barriers to reduce reliance on the U.S. for trade stability and predictability in the economy.
Time Out
01-07-2025
- Time Out
Spirit Airlines is celebrating July 4th with flights as low as $49 to iconic U.S. destinations
This Independence Day, Spirit Airlines is celebrating American history and affordable travel with a five-day flash sale that includes fares as low as $49 one way to iconic destinations around the country. From now through July 5, you can book a budget-friendly summer getaway to some of America's most historic and vibrant cities like Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C. The travel window runs from July 22 to September 13, 2025, with flights available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays only (blackout dates run from August 27–September 2, over Labor Day weekend). That's a pretty sweet window for low-cost summer travel. "This July Fourth, we're helping travelers declare independence from high fares with our special five-day offer," said Rana Ghosh, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Spirit Airlines. "Guests looking for a fun summer vacation can take advantage of our high-value travel options to explore some of our country's most notable historic destinations." Spirit's low fares can take you to Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Snap a selfie with the Liberty Bell then eat your way through Reading Terminal Market. Or head to Boston, where you can walk the Freedom Trail and dive into the history of the American Revolution. Then dig into some chowder and soak up the New England charm. Find low fares to Washington, D.C. where you can explore the National Mall, tour Smithsonian museums and check out the Star-Spangled Banner's birthplace. Fly to Charleston where you can walk cobblestone streets, visit antebellum mansions and soak up Southern charm in one of the nation's most photogenic cities. And for a dose of culture, head to the cradle of jazz. New Orleans delivers history, culture, food and nightlife like nowhere else.
Irish Daily Star
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Star
Hannah Hidalgo has night to forget as Olivia Miles reminds Notre Dame what it's lost
Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo had a rough night while former Fighting Irish star Olivia Miles shined as Team USA made it two wins from two games at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup on Sunday. The U.S. cruised to an 80-43 victory over Colombia in Chile, strengthening their position atop Group B after a blowout victory over the tournament hosts on Saturday. The youthful American team, comprised of college talents, has proved a class above much more experienced opposition so far, with group games against Puerto Rico and Mexico still to come. However, it was a rough night for Notre Dame point guard Hidalgo individually. The junior put up just two points, one rebound and four assists in 16 minutes, going 1 of 10 from the floor. It followed a 14-point performance against Chile in the tournament opener. Read More Related Articles Jake Paul national anthem singers perform powerful political gesture during 'Star-Spangled Banner' Read More Related Articles Mike Tyson makes desperate plea to Donald Trump after Joe Biden broken promises The 20-year-old was outshone against Colombia by former college teammate Miles, who has transferred to TCU after four seasons with the Irish. The senior was much more efficient in her 20 minutes on the court, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, going 4 of 7 from the floor en route to a commanding victory in Santiago. Mikayla Blakes led the U.S. in scoring with 15 points, while Joyce Edwards impressed from the bench with 13 points and nine rebounds. The minutes were shared across the rotation with the Americans in complete command for the vast majority of the game, and Miles said there was plenty to like about the performance. Miles and Hidalgo were teammates at Notre Dame 'We're sharing the ball really well,' she said. 'A great asset of our team is we have great bigs who run the floor, so that was really impressive tonight.' 'We played really well, very cohesively. We're getting chemistry each game. Just really excited to be out here with these girls, you can't take a minute for granted, as coach was telling us in the game.' Team USA head coach Kara Lawson was particularly impressed by her team's play in the first quarter, producing a 12-0 run at the end of the period to lead 25-10 and set the wheels in motion for a comfortable victory. 'I thought the first quarter was our best quarter,' she said. 'I thought we started with great purpose and great intensity. You know, that group got us off to a really good start on both ends.' Team USA returns to action on Monday against Puerto Rico, which edged past Colombia 68-65 in its only game of the tournament so far. The Americans' final group game follows on Wednesday against Mexico, who beat Chile 76-59 to make a winning start to the championship. In Group A, Canada leads the way with two wins from two games. Both Brazil and the Dominican Republic have won their only games so far. The top four teams from each group qualify for the quarterfinals, which begin on Friday.
