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Last refreshed: 28/06/2026 15:42 · 52 articles added
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Ottawa Senators Trade Eklund to San Jose Sharks for Draft Pick

The Ottawa Senators have acquired forward Linus Eklund from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for the ninth overall pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft. The trade gives San Jose three selections in the first round of the draft this weekend — picks number 2, 9, and 27 — significantly strengthening the Sharks' position as one of the most active teams in the upcoming draft. San Jose, one of the NHL's rebuilding franchises, already held the second overall pick heading into the draft.

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Jason Kidd Fired as Dallas Mavericks Head Coach, Replaced by Dusty May

The Dallas Mavericks, an NBA franchise based in Texas, have dismissed head coach Jason Kidd and replaced him with Dusty May. May arrives from the college game, where he most recently led the University of Michigan's Wolverines basketball program. During his two seasons at Michigan, May compiled an impressive record of 64 wins and 13 losses, and guided the team to its first NCAA championship title since 1989. The NCAA tournament is the premier annual college basketball competition in the United States. May's success at the collegiate level has earned him the opportunity to make the jump to the NBA, the world's top professional basketball league.

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Croatia Defeats Panama 1-0, Ending Panama's World Cup Hopes

Croatia secured a 1-0 victory over Panama, with captain Luka Modrić celebrating his 200th international appearance for the Croatian national team. The win keeps Croatia in contention for a place in the knockout stage, with the team sitting third in their group on three points. Panama, meanwhile, has been eliminated from the running for advancement following the defeat.

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Blues Trade Kyrou to Washington Capitals in Major NHL Deal

The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals in an NHL deal that sends players McMichael and Gästrin to St. Louis. Kyrou, 28, brings significant value to Washington, carrying a valid contract for five more seasons at an average annual cap hit of $8.125 million. The trade represents a notable reshaping of both rosters, with St. Louis receiving younger talent in return for an established offensive player locked into a long-term deal.

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England Draw 0-0 with Ghana, Remain Top of Group on Goal Difference

England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana but remain at the top of their group on goal difference. England had previously beaten Croatia 4-2, while Ghana entered the match having defeated Panama 1-0 in their opening game. England captain Harry Kane acknowledged the result, saying the team would take the point.

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Ronaldo Makes History as Portugal Rout Uzbekistan 5-0

Portugal opened their international football campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring twice to etch his name further into the record books. Ronaldo opened the scoring in just the sixth minute, becoming the first footballer in history to score at six FIFA World Cups. The Portuguese superstar also became the second-oldest player ever to score at the tournament's final stages, underlining his remarkable longevity at the highest level of the sport.

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Ronaldo Struggles as Portugal Draw with Congo at 2025 FIFA World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football's most celebrated players, endured a difficult opening match at the 2025 FIFA World Cup in the United States, drawing widespread criticism after a largely ineffective performance in Portugal's 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Portuguese captain barely touched the ball throughout the match, and despite his teammates repeatedly seeking him out, he failed to make a meaningful impact. The disappointing result against a clear underdog highlighted Portugal's broader struggles as a team in the tournament opener. The lackluster display drew unfavorable comparisons to fellow football superstars Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, both of whom have scored multiple goals in the competition, while Ronaldo remains without a goal. Adding to the turbulence surrounding the Portuguese captain, a hoax circulating online ensnared his partner, further distracting from his on-field performance. The result leaves Portugal in a challenging position early in the tournament, raising questions about whether the 40-year-old Ronaldo, competing in what is likely his final World Cup, can find his form when his country needs him most.

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France Coach Deschamps to Miss Nations League Match After Mother's Death

France national football team manager Didier Deschamps will be absent from the team's upcoming match against Norway following the death of his mother. The French squad, known as 'Les Bleus,' has already secured their place in the round of 16, having won both of their opening matches — defeating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0.

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Slovak Ice Hockey Player Šimon Nemec Traded from New Jersey Devils to Calgary Flames

The New Jersey Devils have traded Slovak ice hockey player Šimon Nemec to the Calgary Flames, the NHL club announced. The 22-year-old defenseman has spent three seasons in the NHL, with the most recent 2024/25 season marking the first in which he played exclusively with the Devils' main roster rather than splitting time between the NHL and the minor leagues. Nemec is one of Slovakia's most prominent young hockey talents to reach the top level of professional ice hockey in North America.

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Houston Emerges as Top Candidate for NHL's Potential 33rd Franchise

The National Hockey League is considering expanding to Houston, Texas, with the city emerging as the leading candidate for a potential 33rd franchise. If approved, the addition would make the NHL the largest professional sports league in the United States by number of teams, surpassing the NFL — the National Football League, which currently holds that distinction with 32 teams. The expansion would mark a significant milestone for the league as it continues to grow its presence in non-traditional hockey markets across the American South.

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Czech Tennis Star Vondroušová Banned Four Years for Refusing Doping Test — Far Harsher Than Sinner, Świątek Penalties

Czech tennis player Markéta Vondroušová has received a four-year ban from professional tennis after refusing to provide a sample to a doping control officer in December 2025. The punishment is significantly more severe than penalties handed to other top players who tested positive for banned substances, prompting widespread debate among fans on social media. Vondroušová, who won the Wimbledon title in 2023, was sanctioned not for testing positive for a prohibited substance but for outright refusal to submit to testing — a distinction that carries much heavier consequences under anti-doping rules. World No. 1 players Jannik Sinner of Italy and Iga Świątek of Poland both received bans of only a few months after returning positive doping tests, leading many fans to draw comparisons and question the fairness of Vondroušová's far longer suspension. However, the two situations are legally distinct under the rules of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). A positive test result can involve mitigating factors — such as contamination through supplements or food — which courts and tribunals may use to reduce penalties. Refusing or evading a doping test, by contrast, is treated as a separate and more serious violation, equivalent to a confirmed doping offense with no room for such mitigating arguments. Anti-doping regulations classify sample refusal as one of the gravest infractions precisely because it prevents any possibility of testing at all.

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Trenčín Hosts Olympic Day Celebrations

The Slovak city of Trenčín marked Olympic Day with a full day of sports and educational activities held beneath the city's historic Matúš Čák Castle. The event featured a program designed to connect physical activity with healthy lifestyle promotion, bringing together participants of various ages for a range of sporting and wellness events. Olympic Day, celebrated internationally on June 23 to mark the founding of the International Olympic Committee in 1894, is used by national Olympic committees worldwide to encourage public participation in sport.

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Rüdiger Set to Return to Germany Starting XI After Schlotterbeck Injury

Antonio Rüdiger, the experienced Real Madrid defender, is expected to reclaim his place in Germany's starting lineup after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury. Schlotterbeck's withdrawal opens the door for Rüdiger, a veteran of the German national team, to step back into the heart of the defense.

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Husband of Slovak Olympic Athlete Denisa Describes Final Moments Before Accident

The husband of Slovak Olympic athlete Denisa Hurban Baránková has given an account of the moments surrounding an accident involving his wife, stating he was standing just one meter away from her when it occurred. Denisa Hurban Baránková is a Slovak Olympian whose accident has drawn significant public attention in Slovakia. Her husband's firsthand testimony, placing him mere feet from her at the critical moment, offers the closest eyewitness account yet of what happened. Details of the nature and circumstances of the accident were not fully elaborated in the available information, but the story has resonated widely given Denisa's status as a prominent figure in Slovak sport.

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Colombia Eyes K-Group Qualification Spot, Congo Looking to Upset

Colombia lead their group at the FIFA World Cup following a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan and enter their next match as clear favorites to seal advancement. The Democratic Republic of Congo, facing elimination, are determined to cause an upset and keep their own qualification hopes alive.

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Duck Mascot 'Merlin' Becomes Heartwarming Story of FIFA World Cup Day 12

A duck named Merlin has emerged as one of the feel-good stories of the FIFA World Cup, capturing international attention as an unofficial mascot with a meaningful personal backstory. The duck, which has become a symbol of warmth at the tournament, is being used to help raise support for a mentally ill boy, a story that reportedly moved Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. On the pitch, Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Group J, with star forward Lionel Messi — widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time — named the standout player of the day.

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Haaland Scores Twice as Norway Beat Senegal in International Friendly

Erling Haaland scored two goals to help Norway defeat Senegal in an international football match, mirroring his two-goal performance in a previous fixture against Iraq. Ismaila Sarr also scored twice for Senegal, but it was not enough to prevent his side from losing. Haaland, the Manchester City striker widely regarded as one of the world's best forwards, described the evening as "another amazing night."

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Mbappé Reaches 100 France Caps, Credits Messi in Goals Race

Kylian Mbappé marked his 100th appearance for the French national team, helping steer France to victory in the process. The French captain also addressed his ongoing goal-scoring rivalry with Lionel Messi, saying the Argentine legend will always keep finding the net.

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Pulisic Returns to Training With U.S. Squad After Calf Injury

U.S. men's national soccer team forward Christian Pulisic has returned to training with his teammates after suffering a calf injury, though American football officials have not released an official update on his condition. Pulisic missed Friday's international friendly match against Australia in Seattle, which the United States won 2-0.

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