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Women’s World Cup permutations: Can England and Scotland qualify for the last 16?

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The Women’s World Cup Team stages are coming to a close, with groups A and B settled on Monday night.

The remaining four groups will be chosen over the coming days, with England’s movement to the knock-out stages already assured.

Phil Neville’s side can guarantee that they win Group D by beating Japan in Nice on Thursday night, however an draw will be sufficient to top the standings in any case.

Scotland’s undertaking is less straightforward: they should beat Argentina in Paris and expectation their goal contrast sees them qualify as a standout amongst the best third-place teams.

Group A

Group winners: France

Runners-up: Norway

Third-place, qualification pending: Nigeria

Eliminated: South Korea

Host country France top Group A with a 100 percent record and Norway take care of behind as sprinters up, having just suffered defeat to the hosts.

Nigeria must hold on to find their destiny. The Super Falcons can in any case complete as a standout amongst the best third-place teams, however a – 2 goal distinction does not support their motivation.

South Korea return home having lost each of the three of their World Cup group stage recreations for the second time in their history, and having additionally scored only one goal.

Group B

Group winners: Germany

Runners-up: Spain

Qualified in third place: China

Eliminated: South Africa

Germany take nine points and an ideal record into the thump out stages from Group B, having at last hit their walk in their last game against eliminated out South Africa.

Spain edged in front of third-place China on goal contrast after their stalemate on Monday, yet the two teams qualified as at any rate two third-place teams won’t coordinate their counts of four points.

South Africa, who led Spain for a long spell in their opening game before eventually losing 3-1, were eliminated following their defeat to Germany in Montpellier.

Group C

Group winners: Italy

Runners-up: Australia

Qualified in third place: Brazil

Eliminated: Jamaica

The most fervently challenged group in the tournament completed with Italy out on top, regardless of their ideal begin arriving at an end with defeat against Brazil.

Marta and co. qualify as a standout amongst the best third-place teams, however a reasonable gathering with hosts France in the last 16 is not exactly perfect.
Australia progress to play Norway, the runners-up from France’s group, after a roller-coaster of a group stage that ended with a dominant win over Jamaica.

Group D

Qualified: England, Japan

In the running: Argentina, Scotland

Britain and Japan have qualified and the winner of their gathering in Nice will win the group out and out. On the off chance that they draw, England will top Group D with seven points and Japan will be guaranteed of second spot.

Scotland sit base of Group D after two defeats in two games, with Shelley Kerr knowing her side must beat Argentina in Paris on Wednesday so as to advance.

The three points alone ought to be sufficient, insofar as Scotland complete with a superior objective contrast record than Chile, Thailand, New Zealand and Cameroon.

Group E

Qualified: Netherlands, Canada

In the running: Cameroon, New Zealand

The Netherlands and Canada have equipped for the thump out stages. The victor of their gathering in Reims on Thursday will top Group E and play the sprinters up of England’s group.

Cameroon and New Zealand have both lost their opening two games, however Cameroon sit in front of New Zealand by temperance of having really scored an objective.

Both can still qualify for the last 16, but both have to win and hope the results of other teams aiming for third place fall in their favour.

Group F

Qualified: United States, Sweden

In the running: Chile, Thailand

The United States and Sweden have qualified for the knock-out stages. The winner of Group F will be decided in Le Havre on Thursday, with the victory set to play Spain in the last 16.

The situation in the lower half of the table is much like Group E, only worse. Chile and Thailand have lost both opening games and have poor goal difference totals.

If Chile can beat Thailand handsomely, they have a slim chance of progression. Thailand on the other hand are all but eliminated. They need to make up a -17 goal difference.

 

Matthew Ronald grew up in Chicago. His mother is a preschool teacher, and his father is a cartoonist. After high school Matthew attended college where he majored in early-childhood education and child psychology. After college he worked with special needs children in schools. He then decided to go into publishing, before becoming a writer himself, something he always had an interest in. More than that, he published number of news articles as a freelance author on apstersmedia.com.

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India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

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India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

India started their three-match ODI series against England on a winning note, securing a four-wicket victory in the first match at VCA Stadium on Thursday. The win was powered by Shubman Gill’s 87-run knock and a three-wicket haul from debutant Harshit Rana.

England’s Innings: A Strong Start but a Sluggish Finish

After winning the toss, England skipper Jos Buttler opted to bat first. Openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett gave their team a flying start, adding 73 runs in just 53 balls. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing 43 off 26 deliveries, including three sixes and five boundaries. However, a mix-up between the wickets led to his unfortunate run-out.

England then suffered a setback, losing two wickets in quick succession. Harshit Rana struck on his debut, dismissing Duckett (32) with a brilliant diving catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Soon after, Harry Brook was dismissed for a three-ball duck, reducing England to 77/3.

Veteran batter Joe Root (19) tried to stabilize the innings alongside Buttler, but Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW before he could make a significant impact.

Buttler and Bethell’s Effort Goes in Vain

Despite the setbacks, Jos Buttler played a responsible innings, scoring 52 off 67 balls, marking his first ODI half-century in India. He stitched a crucial partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 51 off 64 deliveries, including three fours and a six.

However, once Buttler fell to Axar Patel in the 33rd over, England collapsed from 170/4 to 206/7. Rana sent Liam Livingstone (5) back to the pavilion, and Mohammed Shami cleaned up Brydon Carse (10). Jadeja then struck again, dismissing Bethell LBW, leaving England all out for 248 in 47.4 overs.

India’s Bowlers Shine

  • Harshit Rana (3/53) made an impressive debut.
  • Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) was economical and deadly.
  • Mohammed Shami (1/38) kept the pressure on.

India’s Chase: Gill Anchors the Innings

Chasing 249, India had a shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing his maiden ODI, was caught behind for 15 off 22 balls. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s poor form continued, as he departed for just 2 runs.

Despite early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer took charge with a 31-ball half-century. His 59-run knock, featuring two sixes and nine boundaries, shifted momentum in India’s favor. He also shared a 94-run stand with Gill in just 64 balls, accelerating India’s chase.

Gill and Patel Take India Home

After Iyer’s dismissal, Axar Patel was promoted to No. 5, forming a 108-run partnership with Gill. Patel played a composed innings, scoring his maiden ODI fifty (52 runs off 58 balls).

Gill, on the other hand, paced his innings brilliantly. Battling cramps, he played some exquisite shots, hitting 14 boundaries in his 87-run innings off 96 balls. Unfortunately, he missed out on a century when Saqib Mahmood cramped him for room, leading to a catch at mid-on.

Despite his departure, India comfortably chased the target in 38.4 overs, winning with 11.2 overs to spare.

Series Status and Next Match

With this win, India leads the three-match series 1-0. The second ODI will be played in Cuttack on Sunday, where England will look to bounce back.

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NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

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NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

For the third year in a row, the NFC dominated the Pro Bowl Games and showcased its strength in flag football.

One week before the Kansas City Chiefs sought their third straight Super Bowl title, the NFC achieved its own three-peat, beating the AFC 76-63 in all events, including a 56-50 victory in the flag football matchup on Sunday.

Flag football’s dominance continues


Since the Pro Bowl switched to flag football in 2023, the NFC has gone undefeated in the new format.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff led the charge, earning Offensive MVP honors after completing 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. made a huge impact in his first Pro Bowl, intercepting New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and returning him eight yards for a touchdown, earning him the Defensive MVP award.

A competitive leap with a big incentive

The shift to flag football has increased competition as players are not as concerned about injury risks compared to the previous tackle format.

However, a financial incentive also played a role in the NFC’s determination to win.

“We prepared to win,” exclaimed Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. “They told us what the price was, and I thought, ‘Maybe we should do something more.'”

Each member of the winning team took home $92,000, while the member of the losing team received $46,000.

A winning formula for the future of the Pro Bowl


After years of debate over the format of the Pro Bowl as a result of the declining intensity of tackle football, the flag football model appears to have revived the event.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who has played in both versions, has expressed a clear preference for flag football.

“I like this more because it gives the fans a chance to see our faces and who we are off the field,” Baker said. “We compete, but we keep it very civil.”

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold agreed: “Vlag is a lot of fun, especially after the season where the guys have been kind of chill for three weeks. It’s good to make a game like this.”

Skills Battle Highlights


In Sunday’s additional skills challenges, the NFC continued its dominance by winning the relays and tug-of-war competitions, while the AFC vouched for a victory in the “Point Perfect” event.

With three consecutive Pro Bowl victories, the NFC has cemented itself as the team to beat in the new era of flag football.

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Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens’ Playoff Exit Against the Bills

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Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens' Playoff Exit Against the Bills

After another disappointing playoff exit, Lamar Jackson made it clear he wouldn’t pin the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-25 AFC Divisional loss to the Buffalo Bills on Mark Andrews’ dropped pass during a critical late-game 2-point conversion.

Instead, the reigning NFL MVP channeled his frustration toward the Ravens’ three uncharacteristic turnovers.

“Every time we’re in situations like this, turnovers play a role,” Jackson said, slapping one hand against the other. “We can’t have that, and that’s why we lost the game. You can see it — we’re moving the ball beautifully, but we need to hold on to the ball. I’m sorry for my language, but this is frustrating. I’m tired of it.”

Despite the turnovers — including two by Jackson — the Ravens had a chance to force overtime in the fourth quarter. Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely for a 24-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-25 with just 1:33 remaining.

On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Jackson’s pass hit Andrews in the chest, but the ball slipped through his hands as he fell backward in the end zone.

“There’s no one with more heart or fight than Mark,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “We wouldn’t even be in this position without him. Destiny is shaped by how you handle moments like these, and Mark will respond with resilience.”

Andrews declined to speak with reporters following a game in which he made rare mistakes. Before Sunday, he hadn’t dropped a pass since Week 6. Against the Bills, he dropped two, including the pivotal 2-point conversion, and fumbled near midfield during the fourth quarter — only the second fumble of his career.

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton defended his teammate. “One play doesn’t define anyone,” he said. “Mark is the all-time-leading touchdown receiver in Ravens history. For anyone to criticize him is unfair. He’s been a consistent leader and workhorse for this team.”

Jackson also offered words of support for Andrews. “I’m just as hurt as Mark,” he said. “This loss isn’t on him. It’s a team effort. Everyone played a role. Mark has been incredible all season, and sometimes things just don’t go our way. We need to figure it out as a team.”

Jackson, however, wasn’t immune to errors. After throwing a career-low four interceptions all season, he threw one early in the game and fumbled on the following possession while scrambling under pressure. It was an uncharacteristically erratic performance, marking his fourth postseason game with both an interception and a fumble.

“Protecting the ball is the top priority, and I didn’t do that,” Jackson admitted. “As the leader, I need to set the example, and I didn’t deliver today. That’s on me.”

The Ravens have yet to win back-to-back playoff games during Jackson’s seven seasons as their starter. Now, he’ll face another offseason with the elusive Super Bowl remaining just out of reach.

“I have to get past this because we’re so close,” Jackson said. “I’m tired of being right there. We need to seal the deal, punch that ticket, and get it done. It starts with getting better in the offseason.”

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