分类： sports

Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland has attributed his phenomenal start to the season to the calming influence of his baby son, following his decisive goal in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Brentford. Haaland’s ninth-minute strike, a testament to his predatory instincts, propelled City to fifth place in the Premier League standings. The Norwegian forward has now scored in nine consecutive appearances for both club and country, marking the longest scoring streak of his career. With 12 goals in nine matches across all competitions this season and six more for Norway, Haaland’s form has been nothing short of sensational. Tottenham remains the only team to have kept him off the scoresheet this campaign. Haaland, 25, believes he is in peak physical and mental condition, a state he credits to the birth of his first child in December. “I have never felt better than I do now. It’s about preparation, both physically and mentally. Having a kid has helped me disconnect from football and relax more,” he said. Haaland’s 18th goal of the season leaves Anfield as the only Premier League ground where he is yet to score. Reflecting on his goal against Brentford, Haaland ranked it among his best for City, praising his ability to evade defenders and convert Josko Gvardiol’s long pass with a clinical finish. “This goal is top for me because of the whole situation. It was a tough game, but we prepared well,” he added. Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has amassed an astonishing 94 Premier League goals in just 104 appearances. His performance against Brentford, despite their defensive tactics, has reportedly intensified interest from Barcelona President Joan Laporta, who views Haaland as a top transfer target. However, Haaland remains focused on helping City close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, who are three points ahead. “It’s not easy to break down a low block, but winning feels even better,” Haaland concluded. In other Premier League results, Aston Villa defeated Burnley 2-1, Everton edged Crystal Palace 2-1, Newcastle triumphed 2-0 over Nottingham Forest, and Wolves drew 1-1 with Brighton.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Bernard Julien, the celebrated all-rounder and a pivotal member of the West Indies team that clinched the inaugural 1975 Men’s Cricket World Cup, passed away on Saturday night in Trinidad. He was 75 years old. A family member confirmed his death in Valsayn, located in the north-western region of Trinidad. Sir Clive Lloyd, the iconic West Indies captain, paid tribute to Julien, describing him as an indispensable asset to the 1975 World Cup-winning squad. Lloyd emphasized Julien’s unwavering commitment, stating, “He always gave you ‘over 100 per cent’. He never shirked his duties, and I could always rely on him with bat and ball. He gave his all every time…what a fine cricketer.” Lloyd also recalled Julien’s popularity and respect among teammates and fans alike, highlighting a memorable Test match victory at Lord’s where Julien spent hours signing autographs. Julien, a left-arm seam bowler and a stylish right-handed batsman, made his first-class debut at 18 and his Test debut for the West Indies at 23 during the 1973 tour of England. He quickly made an impact with a century at Lord’s, scoring 121 off 127 balls and forming a record partnership with Garfield Sobers. During the 1975 World Cup, Julien delivered standout performances, including a Man-of-the-Match display against Sri Lanka with figures of 4-20 and a crucial 4-27 against New Zealand in the semi-finals. Although he went wicket-less in the final, his unbeaten 26 played a key role in the West Indies’ 17-run victory over Australia.

Following their inability to defend the Concacaf Caribbean Cup title, Cavalier FC’s Assistant Coach David Lalor has expressed the team’s determination to secure a spot in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) final. This would pave the way for a swift return to the regional stage. The reigning back-to-back JPL champions secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Tivoli Gardens on Sunday at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, marking their first clean sheet in six games this season. Christopher Ainsworth’s stunning free kick in the 76th minute and Jamilhio Rigters’ stoppage-time strike sealed the win. Lalor highlighted the team’s improved defensive performance and their focus on climbing the league standings. Despite their recent Caribbean Cup disappointment, where they exited at the group stage, Cavalier remains committed to reclaiming their dominance. Lalor emphasized the club’s broader goal of player development and securing opportunities for players to gain exposure. Meanwhile, Tivoli Gardens continues to struggle, with just one win in seven games this season. Head Coach Jerome Waite stressed the need for discipline and organization among his players. The team also faces emotional challenges following the resignation of long-time president Ann-Marie “Dawn” Heron. Waite remains hopeful that the players can overcome these setbacks and regain their form.

In a historic match at Drewsland Stadium on Monday, Treasure Beach FC clinched their first-ever victory against former champions Arnett Gardens, securing a narrow 1-0 win in the first round of the Jamaica Premier League. This triumph marked a significant turnaround for Treasure Beach, who had previously suffered defeats in both encounters against Arnett Gardens two seasons ago. The win also ended a five-game winless streak, reigniting their momentum after their initial victory against Spanish Town Police FC earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Harbour View also celebrated a 1-0 victory over Dunbeholden FC, joining Treasure Beach at eight points in the league standings. Both teams secured their wins through penalty kicks, marking their second victories of the season.

In the second game of the double-header, Jahiem Harris, who entered as a substitute in the 63rd minute, scored the decisive goal 20 minutes later, halting Arnett Gardens’ three-game winning streak. Earlier in the day, Trayvone Reid’s penalty in the eighth minute ensured Harbour View’s third consecutive win over St Catherine-based Dunbeholden FC, who currently sit in 10th place with seven points.

In a dramatic Ligue 1 showdown on Sunday, Ethan Mbappe, younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, emerged as the hero for Lille by scoring a late equalizer against his former club Paris Saint-Germain. The 1-1 draw at Stade Pierre-Mauroy allowed injury-plagued PSG to maintain a one-point lead at the top of the league, but the spotlight was firmly on the 18-year-old substitute. PSG had taken the lead through a stunning free-kick by Nuno Mendes in the second half, but Ethan Mbappe’s composed finish in the 85th minute ensured the spoils were shared. PSG coach Luis Enrique admitted fatigue played a role, saying, ‘We prioritized the players’ health after a tough week.’ Meanwhile, Lyon suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat at home to Toulouse, with new signing Emersonn scoring a brace, including a dramatic 96th-minute winner. The result saw Lyon drop to fourth in the table. Elsewhere, Monaco and Nice played out a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Strasbourg climbed to third with a dominant 5-0 victory over Angers.

In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Manchester High has rewritten the history books of the ISSA daCosta Cup. On Saturday, the team delivered a crushing 10-0 victory over deCarteret College, propelling their total goals in Zone F to an unprecedented 69 across nine matches. This remarkable feat eclipses the previous record of 68 goals, jointly held by the 2015 Manchester High squad under coach Donovan Duckie and Rusea’s High’s 2011 team. With one game remaining against Mt St Joseph Catholic on Wednesday, Manchester High is poised to further extend their record-breaking tally. The team, which boasts a flawless record alongside Cedric Titus High and Mannings School, has consistently demonstrated offensive dominance. Earlier this season, they achieved a 19-0 triumph over Cross Keys High on September 25, marking their second double-digit victory this season. Additionally, they have scored at least eight goals in three other matches. The 2015 Manchester High team also recorded a double-digit win, defeating Winston Jones High 20-0 in a return round game after an 8-0 victory in the first round. Meanwhile, Rusea’s High’s 2011 team, which scored 68 goals in the first round, remains one of the most prolific teams of the past decade. That season saw six teams scoring at least 43 goals in the first round, with St Elizabeth Technical leading with 64 goals, followed by Clarendon College (55), Frome Technical (47), Denbigh High (44), and Lennon High (43).

Jonielle Smith, the Jamaican sprinter who once contemplated retirement, has emerged stronger than ever, anchoring her team to a silver medal at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. This achievement marks a significant comeback for Smith, who had been grappling with injuries and underwhelming performances since her gold medal win at the 2019 World Championships in Doha.