#Serbia World Cup squad

[calciopics]

Serbia Portraits - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

[thesunwillshineonusagain757]

Richarlison !! RICHARLISON !! PUTA QUE PARIU!!

[aussie-wbb]

This is the extended Opals squad, it'll be reduced to 12 players before the Olympic Qualifiers in February.

Looks like LJ only *said* she was retiring after the World Cup, and hopefully we bring some PGs to test out before the Olympics.

Full article below the cut:

Basketball Australia has announced a 20-player squad ahead of February’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament where the Seven Consulting Opals will look to punch their ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A 12-player team will be picked from the extended quad for the Group A tournament in Belem, Brazil where Australia will play the host nation, Germany and Serbia from February 8 to 11.

The Opals must finish top three in their group to qualify for next year’s Olympics.

The squad features all 12 players from the 2022 bronze-medal winning World Cup team including 2023 WNBA champion Cayla George.

Young gun Jade Melbourne, fresh from her rookie WNBA campaign, has been included as well as 19-year-old rising star Isobel Borlase who has earned selection in her first senior national squad.

Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello said the squad featured plenty of international experience as well as Australia’s stars of the future.

“The qualifiers in Brazil are definitely a challenge, the standard of women’s basketball globally has lifted considerably since the last Olympics as the game continues to gain momentum,” she said.

“Our squad is a great mix of experience and exciting emerging talent, so we approach the qualifiers with confidence but great respect for our opposition. We will have limited preparation for these qualifiers, but we know with the Opals, we lift for the big occasion and with an Olympics spot on the line we can expect each player to bring it.”

Borlase, who co-captained the Gems at this year’s FIBA Under-19 World Cup, expressed her excited of making her first Opals squad.

“To be recognised amongst all these phenomenal players is pretty special and I’m going to do everything I can to try and put my best foot forward.”

Marianna Tolo, one of six squad members playing in Europe this season, says the Opals are up for the challenge.

“Olympic Qualifying Tournaments are always nerve wracking because of what’s on the line. It helps that we have a lot of players who have been together before and then there’s a sprinkling of new faces, we’ve got a good squad which I think is ready for the challenge.

“We’re in a really tough group. Brazil as the home team have a huge advantage. Serbia have always been good and we’ve lost some big games against them, their team is probably not as strong as it has been but they’re always really smart. Germany are an upcomer with a new coach and the Sabally sisters (Satou and Nyara) always bring x-factor."

[mariacallous]

Of the 20 games Australia played on its journey to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, 16 games were held abroad. Australia has been a member of the Asian Football Confederation since 2005, and its players’ passports include stamps from Kuwait, Taiwan, Jordan, Vietnam, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. But several members of the Australian team can claim an even longer journey to the tournament.

“Pressure is me as an 18-month-old baby fleeing a war. Pressure is me as a 6-year-old being in the middle of a war. Pressure isn’t a must-win football game because you can win or lose, but I don’t think anyone’s going to die,” defender Milos Degenek told ESPN before Australia’s Nov. 26 group-stage game against Tunisia.

Degenek was born in Knin, Croatia, in 1994. The city was the self-declared capital of the unrecognized Republic of Serbian Krajina during the 1991 to 1995 conflict that led to the breakup of Yugoslavia and was taken by the Croatian military in 1995. Degenek’s family fled to Belgrade, Serbia, in 1995 to avoid the worst of the war before immigrating to Australia as refugees when he was 7 years old.

“I can remember pretty much everything from that time,” Degenek said in a 2017 interview with FIFA.com. “Not knowing if you are going to wake up tomorrow because of the bombings. You would see a lot of crazy things the next morning when you woke up. A lot of things in flames. And a lot of things that a normal human mind can’t comprehend. You just have to deal with it at a young age.”

Australia’s national soccer team has long revealed the country’s migrant history. Its teams of the 1960s and 1970s featured mostly first-generation migrants from Europe. At the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, Australia’s squad included a roll call of immigrants from England, Scotland, Germany, and then-Yugoslavia—with Australian-born players a minority. Decades later, Australia’s 2006 “golden generation”—who reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time ever—included just one player born outside Australia, New Zealand-born Archie Thompson. But the team nevertheless championed its multicultural origins. Soccer was a constant presence in migrant families, and Australian-born children and grandchildren played soccer rather than rugby or Australian rules football. Media coverage at the time celebrated how this particular team reflected Australia’s makeup rather than the cricket or rugby teams.

Australia’s 2022 squad is diverse once again. And if the results of today’s group stage matchups hold, the team may also advance to the knockout rounds. Four players were born in Africa, and three of those were refugees. Forward Awer Mabil was born in 1995 in the United Nations-run Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya after his family fled war in Sudan. Mabil lived at Kakuma until the age of 10, when his family received asylum in Australia. Defender Thomas Deng was similarly born in Kenya in 1997 to parents who had fled Sudan and moved to Australia in 2003.

Garang Kuol is the third Australian player with Sudanese heritage. Kuol was born in Egypt to South Sudanese parents in 2004 before moving to Australia with his family at the age of 6. Twelve years later, during the closing minutes of Australia’s 4-1 loss to France last week, he took the field to become the youngest player to represent the Socceroos at a World Cup. After Australia qualified for the tournament in June 2022, Mabil said the country had given him and his family “a chance of life.” In January, he will join the English Premier League Newcastle United.

“On the journey my mum and her parents went through to reach the camp, many people died,” Mabil told the Guardian in an interview. “They were captured by the rebels trying to leave. The way they escaped, we could talk about it all night. It sounds like something from a movie, but it’s something they actually went through. The war, the journey, what they faced. For me, hearing it, it’s like: ‘Woah.’ What people do to keep their kids safe, what they sacrifice to give them a better life. They didn’t know how long they would be in the refugee camp; they thought they would return home. But there’s no returning home.”

The racial makeup of Australia’s 2022 team reveals an uncomfortable truth about the country’s immigration history. In 1901, the Immigration Restriction Act became one of the first laws of the new Australian federation. Alfred Deakin, then attorney-general and soon-to-be prime minister, said the new law “means the prohibition of all alien colored immigration … the policy of securing a ‘white Australia.’” It was not until 1975 that the Gough Whitlam government formally ended the policy with the introduction of the Racial Discrimination Act. Local Black faces are rarely seen in mainstream media in Australia, and while Australians with Indigenous or Pacific Islander heritage have played prominent roles in the sport, it is only in recent years that African Australians have stepped into the spotlight.

Australia’s more recent policies toward refugees and asylum-seekers have also been mired in controversy. Players like Mabil entered Australia through formal offshore refugee application programs, but informal arrivals to Australia face huge hurdles that have often proved insurmountable. The government began detaining asylum-seekers who arrived on the country’s shores by boat in 1992. The policy was politicized and hardened by then-Prime Minister John Howard, who governed from 1996 to 2007, and had a no-compromise approach to asylum-seekers who arrived in Australia by boat.

In 2001, in the run-up to the federal election, Howard’s government refused to grant permission to the MV Tampa, a Norwegian cargo ship, to enter Australian waters. The Tampa had rescued more than 400 mostly Afghan refugees from a fishing vessel stranded in the Indian Ocean. Australia’s stance sparked a diplomatic incident among Australia, Norway, and Indonesia over which country had responsibility for the initial rescue and subsequent destination of the asylum-seekers. Ultimately, New Zealand accepted many of the refugees with the remainder detained by Australia on the Pacific island of Nauru. In another incident in 2001, top officials in the Howard government claimed refugees had thrown “children overboard” when a Royal Australian Navy ship intercepted another boat carrying asylum-seekers. An Australian Senate inquiry later found the story to be untrue.

“We will decide who comes to this country and the circumstances in which they come,” Howard said in 2001, announcing what would become known as Australia’s Pacific Solution. It included establishing an Australian-run offshore detention center on Nauru, the third-smallest country in the world, and on Papua New Guinea’s Manus Island. The Manus Island facility became infamous for its brutality—in 2014, an asylum-seeker was murdered by facility workers during a riot protesting living conditions, and in 2015, detainees held a hunger strike by sewing their lips together—and was briefly shuttered between 2008 and 2012. In 2021, the Australian government handed control of the Manus Island facility to the government of Papua New Guinea. Nauru’s detention center remains open.

The Pacific Solution has remained popular with the Australian electorate even as asylum-seekers are held indefinitely without charge and criticism that conditions are inhumane remain. Detention centers on Australian soil have also been criticized for being dangerous; asylum claims take an average of 761 days to process, and asylum-seekers are held in what are effectively jails for that time. The new prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has said he’s investigating alternatives.

Australia’s soccer players put a positive face on the refugee experience in Australia, and Mabil acknowledges that his story is alluring to the media.

“I’ve got that title now of ‘oh, refugee kid,’” he told the Guardian. “It’s more for the headlines, for people to try to feel sorry for me, but they never try to understand who I am. … I want to tell that story too, inspire people from my country, my mother’s country, around the world.”

Mabil, Deng, and Kuol are prominent positive examples of African Australian success. Since the mid-1990s, approximately 30,000 people identifying as South Sudanese have immigrated to Australia. The community has produced top athletes in multiple sports, fashion models, musicians, and prominent lawyers. It has also been marginalized, associated with crime and violence in the media, and subjected to racism.

“There were times where I’d play for [Melbourne] Victory [his local team] on the weekend, then I’d be walking through the shops and there will be security guards looking at me strangely or following me around, thinking that I’m going to steal something,” Deng said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “I’ve had that multiple times in my life, but I’ve just learned to ignore it. … I’ve tried to block it out.”

[news4usonline]

USA men's basketball faces stiff test

After failing to medal during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, USA Basketball is sending one of the greatest teams ever assembled to Paris. The 2024 Summer Olympics will be an interesting test for a team that, on paper, should dominate. The United States is still undoubtedly the best basketball country in the world, but even after putting together their version of The Monstars, this will be the toughest competition they have ever faced in international play. The American squad should take home gold, but it would not be a shocking result if they were to be upset. The USA participated in five warm-up games and convincingly beat Canada 86-72 in their opening International Friendly matchup. Led by All-NBA First Team combo guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 2023 NBA Champion Jamal Murray, Canada is viewed as the biggest threat to Team USA, with 11 of its 12 players having NBA experience.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards soars to the basket. Photo courtesy of USA Basketball After a relatively easy win over the country to the North, it appeared that the United States team would have nothing to worry about. However, that is not the case. Three of the team's next four games came down to the wire. They beat Australia by six, Germany by four, and narrowly escaped with a one-point victory over South Sudan. The only team they handled comfortably during the stretch was Nikola Jokic's Serbia team, who they beat 105-79. "Our game is global now. All these guys are huge stars in their own ways," said Kevin Durant. "We are playing against 69 other NBA players now, and they are all the best of the best in the world." Team USA entered their matchup with South Sudan favored by over 40 points, and it took a LeBron James driving layup with eight seconds remaining, followed by a tough defensive stand, just to come out with the win. If that game was any indication of how Paris will go, the United States could be in some trouble. https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1814768964578185599 Sure, these were practice games that did not actually count, and the team is trying to build chemistry, but how hard the opposition is going to come at Team USA will remain the same. If South Sudan can give them a run for their money, a team like Canada or Serbia could easily bounce back with a better performance the next time around, and a player like Jokic or Gilgeous-Alexander might be able to deliver the knockout blow. "When we play against teams, it is the biggest game of their lives, and we have to expect everyone to play like that, so it is on me and my staff to have everyone prepared," said head coach Steve Kerr. The two oldest players on the roster, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, ignite the starting unit and have already shown they were a match made in heaven. James plays the point-forward position, running the offense and overpowering defenders, while Curry, the most lethal shooter in basketball history, runs off screens, needing just a slimmer of an opening. If only these two played together in the NBA.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) represents Team USA for the USA men's basketball squad in Paris. Photo courtesy of USA Basketball "His game speaks for itself what he has been able to accomplish on the court. His style of play matches well: a guy who can dribble, pass, and shoot. Being able to work off of him has been pretty seamless; you just try to make the right play, and something good will happen," Curry said about playing with James. James is the team captain and was selected as the United States male flag bearer for the Opening Ceremony. He was voted the best player by his teammates and coaches during the USA's Olympic training camp and staked his claim as the closer for Team USA by coming through in the clutch several times, including scoring the team's last 11 points in their final win over Germany. "The enthusiasm and energy (James) has for the game is just contagious, and the more you are around him as a teammate, you can see why he is considered the best player to ever play," said Durant. Joel Embiid and Jrue Holiday have been the other two constants in the starting lineup, with several other players rotating in and out of the fifth spot. Durant has yet to play this Summer, and the USA's all-time leader in Olympic scoring will likely take over the position if and when he returns. Holiday has been a difference maker up to this point. He is an elite defender who has no problem taking a back seat on offense. Holiday was the fifth-leading scorer for the Boston Celtics this past season but is fully capable of getting a bucket any time his team needs him to. He represents the glue guy who will do a little bit of everything for a team that is full of superstars. https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/1814287228392165574 The second unit is just as deadly. The 2024 assist leader in the NBA, Tyrese Haliburton, has the luxury of setting up two assassins on the wing in Anthony Edwards and Devin Booker. Haliburton hit back-to-back clutch threes to seal the win over Australia, and both Edwards and Booker showed they could take over at any moment during the International Friendlies. The backbone of the team is the combination of size, speed, and athleticism that Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo provide off the bench. The two big men playing alongside each other is an unfair cheat code for Team USA. Good luck trying to drive or grab a rebound against this second unit. This is not the 2004 USA team that took home bronze. That team only had two All-Stars from the previous NBA season and was missing many of their biggest stars. This team is much better, but it would not be as epic of a collapse if they did not win gold, as the rest of the world is also a lot better. Read the full article

[fifaworldcup2026tickets]

England FIFA World Cup: England Squad a New Generation Takes Center Stage

England FIFA World Cup: England has unveiled a youthful squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with manager Gareth Southgate opting for fresh talent over several established stars. Notably, youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton have earned their spots in the final 26, as Southgate made the bold decision to leave out high-profile players such as James Maddison, Jack Grealish, and the injured Harry Maguire.

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The squad also sees the exclusion of notable names from the training squad, including Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, and Ben Chilwell. Wharton’s Crystal Palace teammate Eberechi Eze, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon have all secured their places in the squad. Additionally, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, and Ivan Toney are among the selected players.

Given their recent record in major tournaments and the exceptional form of attacking stars Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden this season, England is considered one of the favourites to lift the trophy on July 14. Drawn into Group C, they will face Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia in the group stages.

However, fierce competition remains for the final squad spots, as Southgate continues to fine-tune his team for the tournament. The new-look England squad for the England FIFA World Cup 2026 is a blend of promising young talent and seasoned performers, poised to make a significant impact on the world stage.

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England's Youthful Vanguard for FIFA World Cup 2026

Gareth Southgate’s decision to include younger players like Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton signifies a strategic shift towards nurturing emerging talents. This approach is aimed at injecting fresh energy and innovation into the squad, which could prove crucial in high-stakes matches. Mainoo, who has been a standout performer for Manchester United’s youth team, brings a blend of creativity and technical skill to the midfield. His vision and passing accuracy make him a valuable asset, particularly in breaking down tightly organized defences.

Adam Wharton, another exciting inclusion, has demonstrated exceptional composure and defensive prowess at Crystal Palace. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions provides an added layer of security to England’s backline. The inclusion of these young players highlights Southgate’s long-term vision for the national team, aiming to build a squad that can compete at the highest level for years to come.

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Eberechi Eze’s selection is also noteworthy. The Crystal Palace forward has consistently impressed with his dribbling skills and ability to create scoring opportunities. His presence adds a dynamic edge to England’s attacking options, complementing the likes of Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka. Eze’s versatility allows him to play in various attacking roles, making him a valuable tactical asset for Southgate.

The youthful exuberance of these rising stars, combined with the experience of seasoned players, creates a balanced squad capable of adapting to different playing styles and strategies. This blend of youth and experience could be the key to England’s success in the tournament, providing the team with the necessary depth and flexibility to navigate the challenges ahead.

Analyzing England's High-Profile Omissions for FIFA World Cup 2026

The exclusion of high-profile players such as James Maddison, Jack Grealish, and the injured Harry Maguire has been one of the most talked-about aspects of Southgate’s squad announcement. James Maddison, who has been in impressive form for Leicester City, was expected by many to be a key player for England. However, Southgate’s decision to leave him out suggests a preference for players who can offer more versatility and fit into his tactical plans more seamlessly.

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Jack Grealish, known for his creativity and flair, is another surprising omission. Despite his performances for Manchester City, Southgate has opted for a different set of attacking players. Perhaps indicating a shift towards a more dynamic and versatile forward line. Grealish’s exclusion highlights the fierce competition for places in England’s attacking setup. Where players like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Eberechi Eze have emerged as key figures.

Harry Maguire’s injury has ruled him out of the squad. But his absence also reflects the changing dynamics of England’s defence. With the inclusion of younger defenders like Adam Wharton and established players like Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk. Southgate appears to be building a backline that combines experience with youthful energy.

The exclusion of Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, and Ben Chilwell from the training squad further underscores Southgate’s bold approach. Rashford’s inconsistent form, Henderson’s move to a less competitive league, and Chilwell’s injury issues have all contributed to their omission. These decisions, while controversial, highlight Southgate’s commitment to selecting players based on current form and fitness.

Gareth Southgate's Vision and Team Dynamics for FIFA World Cup 2026

Gareth Southgate’s tactical vision for the 2026 World Cup focuses on creating a cohesive and adaptable team. His emphasis on squad depth and versatility is evident in his selection choices. Aiming to build a team capable of responding to various tactical challenges. Southgate’s approach involves blending experienced campaigners with fresh talent, ensuring a balanced squad ready for any scenario.

The inclusion of players like Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, and Ivan Toney highlights Southgate’s focus. On maintaining a solid defensive foundation while having the flexibility to switch tactics when needed. Dunk and Gomez bring experience and composure to the backline. While Toney’s physical presence and goal-scoring ability add a different dimension to the attack.

The competition for places within the squad has been created. A healthy environment where players push each other to perform at their best. This internal competition ensures that complacency is kept at bay. And every player remains focused and ready to contribute when called upon. Southgate’s pragmatic approach and emphasis on team dynamics position England well for the challenges of the World Cup.

England’s youthful squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, under Gareth Southgate’s astute management. Represents a blend of emerging talent and experienced performers. The bold decisions to omit high-profile players in favour of fresh faces highlight. Southgate’s commitment to building a dynamic and adaptable team. With a potent attacking lineup and a solid defensive foundation. England is well-equipped to navigate the tournaments and potentially achieve glory on the world stage.

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[petnews2day]

Serbia vs England: Euro 2024 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h, odds today

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/BtoQy

Serbia vs England: Euro 2024 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h, odds today

England are out to end 58 years of hurt when they begin their Euro 2024 campaign tonight, with Serbia first up in Group C. Gareth Southgate has named a bold squad for the tournament. The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish have dropped out since the World Cup in Qatar, […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/BtoQy #OtherNews

[novumtimes]

Goorjian braces for Boomers cull ahead of Olympics

Bullish about claiming Olympic gold, Boomers coach Brian Goorjian admits pondering the most effective Australia side is giving him sleepless nights. Goorjian says Australia’s men’s basketball team is ready to compete for an elusive Olympic gold medal – but that picking who to drop from his 17-player squad looms as a major headache. Lead-up clashes in Melbourne against China on July 2 and July 4 will be the final chance for players to convince Goorjian they deserve a spot on the 12-man Olympic roster. Five players will get the chop ahead of final dress rehearsals against the USA (July 15) and Serbia (July 16) in the United Arab Emirates.  The opening ceremony in Paris takes place 10 days after the Serbia clash. Patty Mills, Josh Giddey and Josh Green are among several NBA stars in the current squad, but Goorjian insists individual profile alone will not be enough for a ticket to the Games. “It’s not about (being) a superstar. We know that we have to do it collectively as a team,” Goorjian said on Friday. “It’s really about … putting combinations together and which guys mesh, and figuring out the exact style we want to play. “We’ve come a long way from (2023’s) World Cup because there was a lot of change – three new starts, seven new players – so we have a better idea of putting them all together. “It might be the guy that fits with these four guys, as opposed to the best player. “That’s the one that keeps you sleepless a little bit at night.” The Paris Games will feature one of the greatest assemblies of men’s Olympic basketball talent, with Australia set to take on NBA-heavy Canada and potentially Spain or Greece in a tough pool stage. Bringing that ‘gold vibe’ is the new mantra for a Boomers squad determined to go further than their bronze medal in the Tokyo Games in 2021 – the Australian men’s team’s first-ever visit to an Olympic podium. “‘Gold vibe’ is doing everything at a gold-medal level,” Goorjian said. “A group of them have medalled and they want that next step. It’s going to be competitive. “They’ve been at the top of the mountain, or close to the top of the mountain, before and they’re driven to do it again.” Current Boomers and Tokyo medallists Green and Dante Exum could head to Paris as NBA champions with the Dallas Mavericks. Both Australians featured as the Mavericks were defeated in match one of the seven-game NBA Finals series on Friday (AEST), going down 107-89 to the Boston Celtics. Source link via The Novum Times

[calciopics]

Serbia World Cup squad 2022: Final list of 26 players for national team in Qatar

[paddy2066-blog]

Australian team unveiled as stars prepare for 2023 World Rowing Championships

World Cup winners Annabelle McIntyre OAM and Jess Morrison OAM will now chase a World Championship Gold in the Pair. Photo: Vera Buscu/Rowing Australia. Australia has locked down its squad for September’s World Rowing Championships in Serbia, with Olympic and Paralympic quota spots on the line as the cream of the sport prepares to take to the water in Belgrade. The Green and Gold charge is…

[aussie-wbb]

Next stop: Brazil! 🪇

In their quest for Olympic qualification, the Seven Consulting Opals will take on Germany, Serbia and Brazil next month.

Full details ➡️ bit.ly/3U1CBkw

So compared to the World Cup, Steph Talbot, Kristy Wallace, Darcee Garbin are out because of injury. Anneli Maley is out (I'm not sure why). Isobel Borlase, Jade Melbourne, Steph Reid, Alanna Smith are all in.

The 12-player team tasked with qualification for this year’s Paris Olympic Games will include eight members of the 2022 World Cup bronze medal campaign.

The Seven Consulting Opals will need to negotiate Brazil, Germany and Serbia at next month’s FIBA qualifying tournament in order to compete at this year’s Paris Olympic Games.

The 12-player team tasked with qualification will include eight members of the 2022 World Cup bronze medal campaign including Tess Madgen, Cayla George, Marianna Tolo, Lauren Jackson, Ezi Magbegor, Bec Allen, Sara Blicavs and Sami Whitcomb.

Tokyo Olympian Alanna Smith rejoins the team as does Jade Melbourne (for the first time since the 2021 Asia Cup) while 19-year-old rising star Isobel Borlase and point guard Steph Reid will debut.

The qualifying tournament runs from February 8 to 11 in Belem, Brazil with world No.3 Australia needing to finish top three in its pool to book an Olympic ticket.

Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello said while injuries to key players named in the squad had impacted selection the team was focused and ready to hit the ground running.

Steph Talbot, Kristy Wallace, Darcee Garbin and Alice Kunek were unavailable for selection.

“I’m really happy to finally announce the team, we have been hit with some injuries for sure but that’s the nature of what we do so we prepare for that,” Brondello said.

“Brazil is first up and with the home crowd they will be tough, Germany is a team on the rise and we have a really competitive history against Serbia, so there are no easy games.

“We have limited preparation time for this window but we will take that as a motivator, this is where our experienced players will really make a difference. We are completely locked in now on the three games and securing our Olympic spot.”

Olympian Tess Madgen said the team would harness the meaning of the uniform and the women who had gone before them as the Opals strive to qualify for another Olympic campaign.

“Qualifiers are always tough, the competition continues to improve, we have long distances to travel and limited time to prepare but we know how to win and the green and gold always brings out the best in us.”

Melbourne said she was thrilled to be selected.

“Playing for the Opals is the pinnacle for me. I can’t wait to get on the plane, get to Brazil and do whatever I can to help the team qualify for Paris.

“I’m super excited to embark on this journey with Izzy Borlase, we were room mates at the Under-19 World Cup and are so happy for each other.”

The Australian-based Opals will fly to Brazil on January 30 where they will link up with Brondello and Europe-based players Tolo, Magbegor and Smith.

[mosifysite]

From Marsch to Klopp to MLS candidates

When the United States men’s national team takes the field next week against Serbia, with the squad to be announced at noon ET on Wednesday, it will officially open the 2026 World Cup cycle. Call it a soft launch. The roster won’t look anything like the version that advanced from the group stage at the World Cup less than two months ago. It likely won’t resemble the team that gathers again in…

[blinzotech]

Bangladesh will be boosted with the return of Shakib Al Hasan for the three-match ODI series against India. Shakib returns after having opted out of the ODI leg of the Zimbabwe tour in July-August earlier this year. The most notable names missing are Mosaddek Hossain, Shoriful Islam and Taijul Islam. Mosaddek's poor form in the recent T20Is has cost him a place in the ODI squad. In the recently-concluded T20 World Cup, the 26-year-old scored only 38 runs in five matches an average of 9.50. Ebadot Hossain, who made his 50-over debut in the final ODI against Zimbabwe, retains his place in the squad. Yasir Ali's form in the ongoing Bangladesh Cricket League One-Day tournament has helped him find a place amongst the 16 players. Squad: Tamim Iqbal (c), Liton Das, Anamul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Mahmud Ullah, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Nurul Hasan Sohan. India announced their squad for the ODI series against Bangladesh on 31 October and recently made changes to it after Ravindra Jadeja and youngster Yash Dayal were ruled out due to injuries. ALSO READ - FIFA World Cup 2022 Schedule Today: Live streaming details of Portugal vs Ghana, Brazil vs Serbia and today’s match list Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka will host the first two games of the series on December 4 and 7 respectively before the action moves to Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram for the final match. Click on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube links to subscribe to our social media pages.  

[fifaworldcup2026tickets]

England FIFA World Cup: England Squad Who’s on the Plane and Who Missed Out?

England FIFA World Cup: England has opted for a youthful squad for FIFA World Cup 2026, with manager Gareth Southgate selecting emerging talents Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton. This decision comes alongside the exclusion of several established players, indicating a strategic shift towards fresh faces and new energy.

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Among the high-profile omissions are James Maddison, Jack Grealish, and the injured Harry Maguire. These decisions followed earlier exclusions from the training squad, which included Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, and Ben Chilwell. The final 26-man roster reflects Southgate’s commitment to a blend of youth and experience as England aims for success this summer.

Joining the squad are Wharton’s Crystal Palace teammate Eberechi Eze, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, and Ivan Toney have also secured their places in the team. This selection highlights Southgate’s focus on in-form players.

England is consider one of the favorites to lift the trophy on 14 July, thanks to their impressive track record in recent major tournaments and the outstanding form of their attacking players. Key figures like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden have been pivotal in their clubs’ successes and are expected to bring that momentum to the national team.

The Three Lions have been drawn into Group C, where they will face Slovenia, Denmark, and Serbia. Each of these teams presents unique challenges, and Southgate will need to ensure his squad is prepare for the diverse styles of play they will encounter.

Football World Cup Tickets: England Squad for Opening Qualifiers

England coach Fabio Capello has recalled Matthew Upson as he named an experienced-looking squad for the opening FIFA World Cup 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland. West Ham United defender Upson, who had a disappointing World Cup and was left out of the squad for the friendly against Hungary earlier this month, has been given another chance to stake his claim at center-back due to the absence of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, who is still weeks away from full fitness.

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While Capello introduced youngsters like Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Kieran Gibbs in the match against Hungary, he has opted for a more familiar-looking group this time. However, Chelsea pair Terry and Frank Lampard are missing due to injuries sustained in Saturday's Premier League win against Stoke City, with Lampard needing surgery.

Fulham striker Bobby Zamora, who made his international debut against Hungary, is out after injuring his thigh in a match against Blackpool over the weekend. This opens the door for Darren Bent, who was overlook for the World Cup, to get another chance to impress in the attack.

The squad reflects Capello's blend of experience and new talent as England prepares for their first qualifier against Bulgaria at Wembley next Friday, followed by an away match against Switzerland on September 7. The selection highlights the challenges Capello faces in balancing the integration of fresh talent while relying on seasoned players to secure crucial early points in the qualifiers.

Lineker and Shearer Defend England Amid Criticism After Kane's Comments

Three Lions captain Harry Kane recently urged former England internationals turned pundits to "remember what it’s like to wear the shirt" before criticizing Gareth Southgate’s side. Kane’s comments came after he and several teammates were critique for their performances, leaving England with four points after two games in Group C.

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Former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer addressed the criticisms during the BBC’s coverage, with Lineker later using strong language to describe the team’s performance on his "Rest is Football" podcast. On the podcast, Lineker suggested that journalists were "stirring the pot,” while Shearer emphasized that England's best response would come through their performance on the pitch.

"We've been critical of England's performances, as has every journalist, but you know how it happens," Lineker stated. He noted that journalists often criticize to provoke reactions and because they might not be brave enough to ask tough questions directly. "I guarantee whoever that was probably critical themselves. They do it a) to stir the pot and b) because they're too scared to ask a question themselves."

Lineker acknowledged that Kane handle the situation well, despite being put on the spot. Reflecting on Kane’s suggestion that former players should know better and remember their own experiences, Lineker agreed but added, "The last thing in the world we want to be is downbeat and critical. We want the England team to perform well on the pitch. The best punditry of all is when England plays well."

Southgate Dismisses Criticism as England Secure Last 16 Spot

Following their 1-1 draw with Denmark at FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, England manager Gareth Southgate and several players faced criticism regarding their performance, team selection, and tactics. Despite the scrutiny, the draw maintained the Three Lions' position at the top of Group C, and subsequent results have already secured their place in the last 16 ahead of their final game against Slovenia on Tuesday.

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When asked about the criticism, Southgate responded, "That's the world we're in. I'm oblivious to it, it's not important to me at all. What's important to me is I guide this group of players through the tournament. We're a high-profile team with expectations, and we understand everything we do will be scrutinize. I'm very comfortable with that life."

Southgate emphasized that he doesn't need to listen to external opinions because he and the players are their own harshest critics. "We know what we have done well, we have been very honest about that. We know where we need to be better, we have been brutally honest about that, and that's how you coach a team and improve performance."

For fans eagerly anticipating attending FIFA 2026 matches, Eticketing.co provides a diverse array of FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets. Our platform collaborates with the most reputable sellers on the secondary market, ensuring access to top-quality ticket listings from across the web. Explore our Football World Cup selection today to discover the most affordable deals available!

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World Cup 2022 odds: How to bet Brazil vs. South Korea

World Cup 2022 odds: How to bet Brazil vs. South Korea

A pair of Tottenham Hotspur teammates will face each other as Brazil looks to advance to the quarterfinals for the eighth consecutive World Cup when the Seleção Canarinho (“Canary Squad”) takes on South Korea in the first round of the knockout stage at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on Monday. Brazil finished first in Group G with six points after defeating Serbia and Switzerland and losing against…