Chris Gotterup has significantly increased his career earnings, moving past the $7 million mark after securing a victory at the John Deere Classic. The tournament, held on July 5 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, saw Gotterup claim a winner’s check of $1,584,000. This win propelled him back into the top 10 on the money list, placing him eighth overall.

Gotterup’s performance at the John Deere Classic marks his fifth career win, adding to his previous successes this season at the Sony Open and the WM Phoenix Open. Before this recent victory, he had dropped to 14th on the money list, making his resurgence into the top ranks a notable achievement.

Significant Moves on the Money List

The John Deere Classic provided an opportunity for several players to improve their standings on the PGA Tour money list. While many top-ranked players were not competing, others capitalized on the event to make substantial gains.

Max Homa, who finished as the runner-up, moved from 76th to 53rd on the money list. A trio of players tied for third place also saw significant jumps: Lucas Glover climbed from 98th to 83rd, Lee Hodges advanced from 121st to 90th, and Ben Kohles improved from 140th to 104th.

The prize fund for the John Deere Classic totaled $8.8 million, with 79 players making the cut and earning a paycheck. Gotterup’s first-place prize of $1.584 million was the largest share of this fund. Homa, as the runner-up, received $959,200, while Glover, Hodges, and Kohles each earned $466,400 for their tied third-place finish.

PGA Tour Millionaires Club Expands

The PGA Tour Millionaires Club has expanded its membership this season, with 92 players now having earned $1 million or more. Lucas Glover and Lee Hodges are among the latest to join this group, reaching seven figures in earnings.

The money list further details the financial success of many golfers this season. Currently, 61 players have accumulated $2 million or more, 42 players have exceeded $3 million, 29 have topped $4 million, and 20 players have earned $5 million or more.

Despite the significant movements lower down the list, the top seven positions remained unchanged after the John Deere Classic. Scottie Scheffler continues to lead the money list with over $15.1 million in earnings. Other top earners include Matt Fitzpatrick, Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Collin Morikawa, Rory McIlroy, and Akshay Bhatia.

The money list is expected to see further reshuffling in the coming weeks as players compete in the Scottish Open and the British Open. These two events offer substantial prize money, with $26 million or more collectively available. The Scottish Open, scheduled for July 9-12, has a purse of $9 million, with the winner set to receive $1,620,000. The purse for the British Open, taking place from July 16-19, will be announced during the week of the tournament, but last year’s event had a purse of $17 million.

The John Deere Classic holds the distinction of having the second-longest title sponsorship on the PGA Tour. Gotterup’s recent victory brings his total earnings to $7,400,968, placing him just ahead of Jacob Bridgeman on the money list.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

The post Silvis, Illinois: Chris Gotterup passes $7 million in earnings after John Deere Classic win appeared first on Rapidcel News.

Twins eye top prospects in early rounds

The Minnesota Twins hold the third overall pick in the upcoming 2026 MLB Draft, a position that could prove pivotal for the franchise. The team’s initial five selections include the third overall pick in Round 1, 43rd overall in Round 2, 74th overall in Competitive Balance Round B, 79th overall in Round 3, and 107th overall in Round 4.

One player frequently linked with the Twins’ first-round selection is Vahn Lackey, a catcher from Georgia Tech. Lackey has shown significant improvement, particularly in his offensive game, during the 2026 season. He concluded the 2026 season with a batting line of .397/.519/.772, accumulating 39 extra-base hits. His power numbers also saw a notable increase, hitting 20 home runs in 61 games in 2026, compared to six home runs in 60 games in 2025. Additionally, Lackey demonstrated strong plate discipline with more walks than strikeouts, and recorded 15 stolen bases.

Defensively, Lackey is recognized for his athleticism and skills behind the plate. He exhibits good receiving and blocking, an effective arm, and quick pop and transfer times, suggesting he has the potential to be a plus defensive catcher.

Another top prospect, Roch Cholowsky, is considered a consensus top prospect in this year’s class. He is a strong defensive shortstop with a good arm and solid instincts. Cholowsky’s offensive profile includes plus power and an average to slightly above-average hit tool. He hit .353/.480/.710 during his sophomore year, with a high hard-hit rate and a low strikeout rate. While Lackey’s appeal lies in his ability to remain a catcher, Cholowsky offers significant power upside.

Potential selections in later rounds

In the second round, the Twins could consider Aiden Ruiz, a switch-hitting shortstop from The Stony Brook HS (NY). Ruiz is noted for his exceptional defensive skills, featuring a quick first step, soft hands, and a strong arm, allowing him to make plays across the infield. Offensively, Ruiz employs a contact-oriented approach from both sides of the plate, displaying strong bat-to-ball skills. While his power projection is limited, he is an above-average runner and could be a threat on the basepaths.

For Competitive Balance Round B, Brett Renfrow, a right-handed pitcher from Virginia Tech, might be an option. Renfrow, who transitioned from a two-way player to focusing solely on pitching, has shown consistent improvement. He has surpassed 70 innings for three consecutive seasons and has steadily increased his strikeout rate while reducing his walk rate. His fastball typically sits at 94 mph, reaching up to 97 mph, and he also features a slider/cutter hybrid, a curveball, and a changeup with good horizontal movement. In 73.2 innings in 2026, Renfrow recorded a 4.67 FIP, striking out 27.7% of hitters and walking 7.9%.

The third round could see the Twins target Beau Peterson, a third baseman from Mill Valley HS (KS). Peterson possesses a physically imposing frame and a left-handed swing with good bat speed and raw power. He projects to be a 25-home run threat as a professional hitter once he consistently adds loft to his swing. Peterson also demonstrates good bat-to-ball skills and strike zone control. Despite potentially being an average runner, his defensive skills at third base are considered strong, and he has shown arm strength, reaching 95 mph on the mound.

Other notable prospects in the draft class include Tyler Bell, a draft-eligible sophomore shortstop who was a strong hitter in the SEC, and Grady Emerson, a leading high school position player known for his contact skills and instincts at shortstop. Jackson Flora is highlighted as a top pitching prospect in the class, with a fastball that sits 94-98 mph and effective secondary pitches.

The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled to begin on July 11.

Source: twinsdaily.com

The post Minnesota Twins could target Vahn Lackey with third overall pick in 2026 MLB Draft appeared first on Rapidcel News.

A significant heat wave is expected to continue across the eastern and central United States through the end of the week, with peak heat indexes potentially reaching between 100 F to 115 F (37.78 C to 46.11 C). This weather pattern poses risks for both athletes and spectators at the World Cup, particularly for Saturday’s afternoon knockout round game between France and Paraguay in Philadelphia. High night temperatures are anticipated to offer little relief, and record temperatures could be broken.

Concerns regarding extreme heat during the games in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have been growing for several months. Some scientists have described FIFA’s heat safety guidelines as “inadequate” and “impossible to justify,” even for players who are accustomed to heat. For fans, this could lead to matches that are slower and less intense.

The world has warmed approximately 1.26 F (0.7 C) in the last three decades since the U.S. last hosted the World Cup. This increase in global temperatures intensifies heat waves and makes other severe weather events more common. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution stated that the humid heat currently affecting the country, as well as parts of Canada, would have been “virtually impossible” without climate change.

Heat’s Impact on Performance and Safety

Heat affects individuals both from their surroundings and as their bodies warm during physical exertion, making it more difficult to cool down in hot and humid conditions. Bharat Venkat, director of the Heat Lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, noted that the likelihood of experiencing heat-related illness or even death is significantly higher when exercising intensely on a hot day. Symptoms of exertional heat illness can include extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping, and dehydration. Exertional heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention, is a leading cause of death among athletes.

When the wet bulb globe temperature, which accounts for temperature, humidity, cloud cover, and wind, exceeds approximately 95 F (35 C), individuals lose their ability to cool off rapidly, leading to a breakdown of physiological mechanisms. Ryan Calsbeek, a professor of biological sciences at Dartmouth College, also suggested that heat-induced confusion could impact a player’s decisions and potentially influence a match’s outcome.

Mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half are in place to protect players and referees from extreme heat illness. However, these breaks have drawn criticism; some argue they disrupt the game’s flow and allow coaches to shift momentum, while some scientists contend the breaks should be longer to allow for meaningful cooling and rehydration during extreme heat. FIFA has also stated that matches outdoors during peak heat hours have been limited, and those scheduled during warmer windows are prioritized for covered stadiums.

FIFA’s guidelines indicate that a match could be postponed if the wet bulb globe temperature reaches 89.60 F (32 C). However, Douglas Casa, CEO of the University of Connecticut’s Korey Stringer Institute, highlighted that this temperature is so extreme that military basic training facilities in America halt all training when it reaches 32. The players’ union FIFPRO and the American College of Sports Medicine have advocated for matches to be delayed at 82.40 F (28 C) for safety reasons. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 100 F (37.78 C) during Saturday’s game in Philadelphia.

Mitigation and Community Impact

Players can train to adapt to heat stress during exercise. Guilherme Passos, a sport scientist at the Brazilian Football Federation, monitors and prepares Brazil’s national team for extreme heat. He has assisted the team in acclimatizing to the U.S. heat, noting that exposing players directly to the hottest part of the day can diminish training quality. The team employs saunas or hot baths for heat training during the competition.

During the World Cup in 2014, when Brazil hosted, players covered less distance and reduced high-speed running, instead focusing on technical and tactical precision. Calsbeek emphasized that soccer players require extreme endurance, explosive speed, and the ability to make critical decisions, all of which are affected by temperature.

The risks extend beyond players to spectators, many of whom consume alcohol while watching the World Cup, which is risky in hot conditions. Cities and stadiums have increased access to shade, cooling areas, water, and medical personnel are stationed at FIFA Fan Festivals and around stadiums. Calsbeek warned that spectators, who may be dehydrated and excited, are likely to experience negative effects in extreme temperatures.

The match between France and Paraguay is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, with temperatures expected to approach or exceed 100 F (37.78 C) at kickoff.

Source: apnews.com

The post Eastern heat on July 4 threatens World Cup players and fans appeared first on Rapidcel News.

Spain and Portugal advance to round of 16

Spain and Portugal have secured their places in the World Cup round of 16, setting up an Iberian clash in Dallas on July 6. Spain delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria, while Portugal edged out Croatia with a 2-1 win.

Spain’s performance against Austria in Inglewood, California, was described as a masterclass, with Spanish newspapers highlighting the team’s dominant display. Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro sealed their progression. Coach Luis de la Fuente emphasized that the performance should serve as a foundation for future matches. The team maintained 65 percent possession and did not allow a single shot on target, showcasing a complete performance that has drawn comparisons to their Euro 2024 winning form.

Portugal’s path to the round of 16 was more dramatic, as they secured a 2-1 win against Croatia in Toronto. The match saw Cristiano Ronaldo score his first knockout stage goal in a World Cup from a penalty. However, it was Gonçalo Ramos who scored the dramatic winner in stoppage time, securing Portugal’s progression. This victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated match against Spain.

Ronaldo’s World Cup journey continues

Despite earlier predictions about his World Cup career, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to play a significant role for Portugal. In his sixth World Cup, Ronaldo justified his selection by scoring a penalty, which was his first knockout goal in the tournament. He had an earlier goal disallowed for offside, despite skillfully controlling the ball and lifting it over the goalkeeper.

In a surprising move, coach Roberto Martinez substituted Ronaldo in the 81st minute, bringing on Ruben Neves. This decision was part of a series of courageous changes made by Martinez, which also included a quadruple substitution earlier in the game. Ronaldo’s teammate, Gonçalo Ramos, who scored the winning header, acknowledged that he has not taken Ronaldo’s place in the team, but the match has fueled discussions about Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearances.

The game was also an emotional occasion for Ronaldo, who celebrated scoring but was surprised by his substitution. He later became emotional when honoring Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, on the anniversary of their deaths. Ronaldo held up Jota’s old jersey, stating the moment was special and significant for the team.

Other teams advance and upcoming matches

Switzerland also advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver. Early goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye secured their win. Switzerland will remain in Vancouver to face either Colombia or Ghana on July 7.

One of the breakout stars of the tournament has been Johan Manzambi, a midfielder for Switzerland. Despite wearing the No. 9 jersey, Manzambi plays wide for the team due to the presence of Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler in central midfield. Initially a substitute, his significant impact led coach Murat Yakin to integrate him into the starting lineup. Manzambi scored twice against Bosnia and secured the winner against co-hosts Canada. He also contributed to Embolo’s goal against Algeria, demonstrating his versatility.

The upcoming match between Spain and Portugal in Dallas on July 6 is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having demonstrated strong performances in the round of 32.

Source: nytimes.com

The post Dallas to host Portugal vs. Spain after World Cup round of 32 victories appeared first on Rapidcel News.

Argentina prepares for knockout stage

Argentina is set to continue its World Cup campaign, facing Cape Verde in the Round of 32. The match, scheduled for Friday, July 3, will take place at Miami Stadium in Florida, US, with kickoff at 6pm Eastern Daylight Time (22:00 GMT). The encounter is being described as a significant challenge for Cape Verde, a nation making its debut in the knockout stages of the tournament.

Argentina, the defending champions from 2022, advanced to the knockout rounds with a perfect record of three wins in three matches. Their strong performance has been significantly influenced by Lionel Messi, who has scored six goals, positioning him as a contender for the Golden Boot. The 39-year-old player continues to achieve milestones on the international stage.

The team secured the top spot in Group J with nine points. Their journey to this stage included victories against Jordan, Austria, and Algeria in the group stage, scoring a total of eight goals. Argentina has also maintained a strong record against African opponents in the World Cup, having won their last seven such games since a loss to Cameroon in 1990.

Cape Verde’s historic run

Cape Verde, a small island nation, has emerged as a notable presence in the tournament, becoming one of only four debutant teams to reach the Round of 32. They are also the smallest country to participate in the World Cup knockouts. The team finished as runners-up in Group H with three points, progressing after draws against Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, and Spain.

Despite being considered underdogs, Cape Verde‘s coach, Bubista, emphasized the team’s consistent approach. He stated that their fearless style, which proved effective during qualification and the group stage, will remain unchanged against Argentina. The team’s participation has not only elevated the squad’s profile but also brought international attention to the nation.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the strength of Cape Verde, dismissing suggestions that they would be easy opponents. He noted that his team had analyzed Cape Verde as a potential opponent and was not surprised by their qualification. Scaloni stressed the importance of respecting their adversaries, recognizing that Cape Verde‘s presence in the knockout stage is a result of their capabilities.

Match outlook and team news

According to pre-match simulations, Argentina has an 81 percent chance of winning the game in regulation time and an 89.4 percent chance of advancing to the last 16. These simulations indicate that Cape Verde progressed in only 10.6 percent of the scenarios. This match will mark the first time these two nations have met on the football field.

In terms of team news, no injuries have been reported for the Argentina squad. However, Cape Verde will be without Telmo Arcanjo due to a hamstring injury. Sidny Lopes Cabral, a left-back, is expected to be available for selection after serving a one-match ban for accumulating yellow cards in previous games.

The predicted lineup for Argentina features a 4-4-2 formation, including Martinez in goal, with Molina, Romero, Martinez, and Medina in defense. The midfield is expected to comprise De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, and Almada, while Messi and Martinez lead the attack. Cape Verde‘s predicted lineup is a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Vozinha as goalkeeper, Moreira, Lopes, Borges, and Cabral in defense, Pina in defensive midfield, and Mendes, Duarte, Monteiro, and Semedo in midfield supporting striker Livramento.

Source: aljazeera.com

The post Miami: Cape Verde to face Argentina in World Cup last 32 appeared first on Rapidcel News.

Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in a dramatic World Cup Round of 32 match, with Gonçalo Ramos scoring the winning goal in stoppage time. The win means Portugal will now face Spain in the Round of 16. The match saw several contentious moments, including a disallowed Croatian equalizer.

The game was marked by a late surge from Portugal, which overcame a 1-0 second-half deficit. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match via a penalty kick, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 68th minute. This penalty was awarded after a VAR review indicated that Nikola Vlašić had fouled Renato Veiga in the box during a corner kick.

Before Ronaldo’s goal, Croatia had taken the lead in the 53rd minute. Ivan Perišić found the net after a cross from Josip Stanišić. Despite Portugal’s dominant first half in terms of possession and attacking intent, they were unable to convert their chances until the second half.

Dramatic Finish and Disallowed Goal

The decisive moment arrived in the 94th minute when Gonçalo Ramos headed in a cross from Rafael Leão, putting Portugal ahead 2-1. This goal came after Ronaldo had been substituted off in the 81st minute, replaced by Rúben Neves. The substitution left Ronaldo visibly disappointed.

The drama continued as Croatia appeared to have found an equalizer through Josko Gvardiol in the dying moments of the game. However, a VAR review ruled the goal offside due to an earlier touch by a Croatian player, leading to its disallowance. This controversial decision sparked frustration among fans, with objects reportedly thrown onto the field, causing a brief hold-up in play.

Throughout the match, both teams had goals called back for offside. Earlier, Petar Sušić of Croatia had a goal disallowed due to an offside call. Ronaldo also had a near-goal wiped off the board due to an offside call, with VAR showing his shoulder was offside.

The first half of the match was relatively quiet, ending scoreless. Portugal controlled possession and had more shots, but both teams managed only one shot on goal. Cristiano Ronaldo had a quiet first half, with only 17 touches and one shot. Despite his illustrious career, he had not scored a goal in a World Cup knockout game until his penalty in this match.

Modrić’s Final World Cup Appearance

The match also marked what is likely the final World Cup appearance for Croatian legend Luka Modrić. The 40-year-old midfielder, who led Croatia to two top-three finishes in the World Cup, played in his final quadrennial competition. He previously won the Golden Ball in 2018 and the Bronze Ball in 2022.

In other Round of 32 action, Spain secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Austria earlier in the day. Pedro Porro scored in the 66th minute, complemented by a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal. This win marked Spain’s first World Cup knockout round victory since 2010.

The upcoming Round of 16 clash between Portugal and Spain is scheduled for Monday. This highly anticipated match will determine which of the longtime rivals advances to the quarterfinals.

The World Cup Round of 32 continues with Switzerland set to play Algeria. Switzerland has an undefeated record in their last nine matches under manager Murat Yakin, while Algeria has not defeated a European side in the World Cup since 1982.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

The post Portugal advances past Croatia in dramatic World Cup Round of 32 match appeared first on Rapidcel News.

All-Star selections announced

The starters for the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game have been revealed, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and first-time selections. Among the notable players chosen were Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings, A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. These four players lead the 10 individuals selected by fans, current WNBA players, and media to start in the upcoming game.

The event is scheduled to take place in Chicago at the United Center on Saturday, July 25, and will be broadcast on ABC. The game will be preceded by a special edition of WNBA Countdown and followed by WNBA Postgame.

Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson have each been selected to their eighth All-Star Game, marking the most selections among the 2026 starters. They will be joined in the starting frontcourt by Aliyah Boston of the Fever, Natasha Howard of the Minnesota Lynx, Jessica Shepard of the Wings, and Gabby Williams of the Golden State Valkyries.

In the backcourt, Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark will be joined by Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx and Kelsey Mitchell, Clark’s teammate on the Fever. Miles and Shepard are among the first-time All-Star starters, alongside Mitchell and Williams.

Williams’ milestone achievement

Gabby Williams‘ selection marks a significant moment for the Golden State Valkyries, as she becomes the franchise’s first-ever All-Star starter. Williams, who is in her second season with the Valkyries, expressed her excitement about the news, which she received from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Williams’ teammates and coaching staff surprised her with a celebration after practice, a moment she described as emotional and validating. She had to keep the news quiet for a day before the official announcement, which was part of the Valkyries’ plan to share the news with the team.

Williams’ role with the Valkyries has expanded significantly since joining the team. In her previous seven seasons, split between Chicago and Seattle, she did not have as prominent a role. Her performance this season has seen her elevate her game, particularly in offense, complementing her established defensive reputation.

The Valkyries, in their second season, have shown strong development, making the playoffs in their inaugural campaign. Williams has been a key factor in their progression, contributing to the team’s chemistry and depth on both ends of the court. She leads the WNBA in steals and is averaging a career-high in scoring this season.

Upcoming All-Star details

Following the announcement of the starters, voting will now commence for the 12 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game reserves. These reserves will be chosen by the league’s head coaches, who will select three guards, five frontcourt players, and four players at either position, without voting for their own team members.

The 12 reserve players are scheduled to be announced on Tuesday, July 7. If any selected player is unable to participate in the All-Star Game, a replacement will be named by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The head coaches for the All-Star Game will be determined by the two teams with the best records after games on Friday, July 10.

As part of the league’s 30th season celebration, WNBA legends Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will serve as honorary general managers for the All-Star Game. They will draft their respective rosters from the pool of 22 All-Stars, with additional details regarding the roster construction to be shared in the coming days.

Both Cooper and Weatherspoon are members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Cooper is a four-time WNBA champion and two-time regular-season MVP, while Weatherspoon is a five-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Source: wnba.com

The post Golden State Valkyries’ Gabby Williams earns first All-Star starting nod appeared first on Rapidcel News.

Match Overview in Toronto

The World Cup 2026 knockout clash between Portugal and Croatia is underway in Toronto, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round. The atmosphere at BMO Field is vibrant, with fans from both nations creating a lively environment. The match began with an open feel, as both sides enjoyed periods of possession in the initial minutes.

Portugal, having secured the runners-up position in Group K with one win from three games, faces a Croatia team that finished second in Group L with two victories. The winner of this contest will advance to face Spain in Dallas on July 6.

The game started with immediate action. In the 4th minute, Portugal had a significant opportunity. Rafa Leão initiated the play from the left wing, delivering a pass to Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes’s initial shot was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, and his follow-up attempt was also cleared, though Portugal appealed for a handball. Earlier, Croatia registered the first shot on target, a soft effort from Ivan Perišić that was collected by Portugal‘s goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Portugal has shown a bright start, particularly on the left side of the field. Nuno Mendes provided a through ball to Leão for an early chance and made a notable run into the box, drawing defenders and opening space for a switch of play from João Neves. Leão, making his first start of the tournament, has been active, utilizing space to create opportunities.

Key Players and Team Dynamics

The match features a highly anticipated encounter between two prominent figures in international football: Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal and Luka Modrić for Croatia. Both players have extensive experience in World Cup tournaments. Ronaldo has participated in 26 out of 39 Portugal World Cup games, while Modrić has played in 23 out of 34 Croatia World Cup games.

Despite some boos from the crowd at BMO Field during his introduction, Ronaldo remains a central figure for Portugal. He nearly connected with a header from a corner kick, but the ball sailed over. Portugal‘s attacking options are diverse, including João Félix, Pedro Neto, and Chico Conceição, in addition to Leão.

The match is seen as a significant test for both teams. Portugal‘s manager, Roberto Martínez, has faced scrutiny regarding team selections. Portugal previously defeated Uzbekistan 5-0, and had draws with Colombia and DR Congo. Croatia‘s path to this stage included a loss to England, a win against Panama, and a 2-1 victory over Ghana.

The Athletic‘s World Cup forecast suggests Portugal has a 68 percent chance of advancing past Croatia. Portugal is also ranked seventh in likelihood to reach the final, with a seven percent chance. In contrast, Croatia has a one percent chance of reaching the final, with only Cape Verde having a lower projection in the model.

The match is a crucial fixture in the World Cup 2026, determining which team will continue its journey towards the final stages of the tournament. The next match for the winner will be on July 6.

The crowd at BMO Field reached a decibel level of 120 during the pre-match excitement, highlighting the intensity of the support for both teams.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić are among an elite group of four men who have accumulated at least 200 international caps.

Source: theguardian.com

The post Toronto hosts Portugal vs. Croatia in World Cup 2026 knockout clash appeared first on Rapidcel News.

The results for the WNBA All-Star Game starters have been announced, with a combination of player, media, and fan votes determining the selections. Voting for the All-Star starters concluded recently, with players ranked by position. The top four guards and top six forwards/centers are named as starters. Following this, the league’s 15 coaches will select 12 reserves, comprising three guards, five frontcourt players, and four players regardless of position. Coaches are not permitted to vote for their own players.

The voting process for the All-Star selections still requires voters to choose four guards and six forwards/centers, despite the league adopting a positionless format for its first- and second-team All-Pro selections in 2022. This positional requirement can sometimes lead to notable players being left off ballots if their classification by the league differs from how voters perceive them.

All-Star selections and notable discussions

Among the players discussed for All-Star consideration, Caitlin Clark was a prominent name. She was ranked eleventh among guards in the final All-Star player vote. This ranking sparked discussion among fans on social media, where Clark had placed second in fan voting, behind only Paige Bueckers.

One voter, Sabreena Merchant, included Clark in her backcourt picks, alongside Rhyne Howard, Olivia Miles, and Kelsey Plum. Merchant also selected Natasha Howard, Jonquel Jones, Natasha Mack, Jessica Shepard, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson for her frontcourt. Merchant noted that she does not mind selecting players from teams with losing records for the All-Star Game, viewing it as an opportunity to recognize players who are performing exceptionally.

Another voter, Annie Costabile, also included Clark in her backcourt selections, along with Bueckers, Miles, and Plum. For her frontcourt, Costabile chose Aliyah Boston, Natasha Howard, Shepard, Stewart, Gabby Williams, and Wilson. Costabile’s decision to select Bueckers over Rhyne Howard was based on Bueckers’ efficiency and balanced statistics, including averaging 19.9 points per game and shooting 51.3 percent from the field. Costabile also highlighted Boston’s performance, noting she is the fifth leading scorer among bigs in the WNBA, averaging 17 points per game and shooting 50 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from 3-point range.

There is uncertainty regarding Clark’s participation in the upcoming All-Star Game. She missed the previous year’s game due to a soft tissue injury and is currently managing a back injury that has kept her on the injury report throughout the current season and led to her missing practice this week.

Commissioner’s Cup final approaches

The Commissioner’s Cup final is scheduled for tonight, featuring the Liberty against the Aces. The Liberty, with a 12-8 record, are entering the final after a recent two-game skid, having lost four of their last five games since their eight-game winning streak ended. They are coming off a 76-67 loss to the Valkyries, which marked a season-low scoring output for the team.

The Liberty were considered early contenders this season after re-signing their core players and acquiring forward Satou Sabally. However, the team has faced challenges in establishing a consistent identity due to frequent lineup changes. First-year coach Chris DeMarco has utilized nine different starting lineups across 20 games this season, primarily due to injuries and player absences.

Sabrina Ionescu has started in seven of the eight games she has been available for, following absences due to a left foot injury and a back injury. The Liberty hold a 2-5 record in games where Ionescu has started. Sabally’s current absence, as she is in concussion protocol and will miss tonight’s final, presents another challenge for the team.

Historically, the Commissioner’s Cup has often served as a preview for the postseason, with nine out of 10 Cup finalists advancing to the semifinals later in the same season. The only exception was the Storm in 2021, who exited in the second round. Breanna Stewart, now with the Liberty, is participating in her fourth Commissioner’s Cup final, holding a 2-1 record in previous appearances. This marks the second time New York and Las Vegas will compete in the in-season tournament, and the first opportunity for any team to become a repeat winner of the trophy.

Source: nytimes.com

The post WNBA All-Star voting results announced, Commissioner’s Cup final set appeared first on Rapidcel News.

The NHL has released its list of restricted and unrestricted free agents, with several players signing new contracts as free agency opened. Teams across the league have been active, securing talent for the upcoming season.

The Edmonton Oilers have been particularly busy, adding several players to their roster. Among their signings is Frederik Andersen, a goaltender who signed a one-year contract. Andersen previously played for the Carolina Hurricanes and contributed to their playoff run, achieving a 13-2 record, a 1.89 goals-against average, and a .913 save percentage with three shutouts in the playoffs. The Oilers also re-signed Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year deal and brought in Mathieu Joseph on a one-year contract. Joseph, a winger, previously played under associate coach D.J. Smith with the Ottawa Senators and later with the Los Angeles Kings.

Another significant signing for the Oilers is defenseman Ryan Shea, who agreed to a five-year contract. Shea had a productive season with Pittsburgh, recording 35 points in 80 games, and is noted for his puck-moving ability and penalty-kill contributions.

Western Conference teams bolster rosters

In the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars have signed Joel Kiviranta to a one-year contract. Kiviranta previously played for the Colorado Avalanche, where he posted a career-high 16 goals and 23 points in the 2024-25 season. The Winnipeg Jets have strengthened their defense by signing Mario Ferraro to a three-year deal. Ferraro, a defensive defenseman from the Sharks, recorded seven goals and 23 points this past season and led his former team with 150 blocked shots.

The Vancouver Canucks have added defensive defenseman Jamie Oleksiak on a two-year contract. Oleksiak, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 252 pounds, had 112 hits and 106 blocked shots in the previous season and played a secondary role on Seattle‘s penalty kill. His signing comes as the Canucks traded Marcus Pettersson to the New York Rangers. The Utah Mammoth secured Anders Lee with a three-year contract. Lee, a power forward, recorded 19 goals and 42 points this past season.

The Anaheim Ducks have been active in free agency, signing goaltender Laurent Brossoit to a one-year contract, adding him to a roster that includes Lukas Dostal and Ville Husso. They also signed Jeff Malott to a three-year deal and defenseman Nick Jensen to a two-year contract. Jensen, a right-shooting puck-mover, is expected to help fill a gap on Anaheim’s defense following the departures of Jacob Trouba and Radko Gudas.

Eastern Conference teams make moves

In the Eastern Conference, the Washington Capitals signed Boone Jenner to a four-year contract. Jenner, a former captain for the Blue Jackets, is known for his physicality and secondary scoring. The Detroit Red Wings have added goaltender Daniil Tarasov on a one-year deal. Tarasov, who had an .895 save percentage and a 3.05 goals-against average in 33 games with the Panthers, replaces Cam Talbot as a stop-gap netminder. The Pittsburgh Penguins have brought in veteran defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk on a two-year contract after his six seasons with the Capitals.

The Florida Panthers signed Lars Eller to a one-year contract. Eller, a defensive center, recorded 15 points in 68 games with Ottawa. The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Zack MacEwen to a two-year contract and Brandon Duhaime to a three-year deal. The Buffalo Sabres added Conor Sheary on a one-year contract. The St. Louis Blues signed Dillon Dube to a one-year contract; Dube recorded 20 goals and 37 points in 46 games with the AHL‘s Springfield Thunderbirds this past season.

The San Jose Sharks have signed goaltender Eric Comrie to a two-year contract. Comrie’s stats were noted to have worsened in Winnipeg this past season. The New York Rangers signed Joseph Veleno to a one-year contract. Veleno had 28 points in 80 games in 2023-24. The Minnesota Wild re-signed Zach Bogosian to a one-year contract, continuing his role as a depth player for the team.

Source: nhl.com

The post NHL free agency sees key signings across the league appeared first on Rapidcel News.