
US men's soccer team hears boos after ugly loss to Switzerland
The Americans didn't field their best lineup, but the ugly showing right before a major international tournament had U.S. soccer fans upset as the club walked off the field at halftime down by four goals and then again when the final whistle blew at the end of the match.
The displeasure was audible on the TNT broadcast of the friendly match, and by the end, with large swaths of the 30,000-seat capacity Geodis Park visibly empty, it was apparent how upset U.S. soccer fans were.
The loss was the fourth straight for the USMNT and put them on their longest losing streak since 2007. And to make matters worse, the four goals conceded in the first half were the most they've given up in more than 40 years.
Switzerland's captain Granit Xhaka (10) brings the ball up field during his team's 4-0 blowout win over the U.S. men's soccer national team on June 10, 2025.
AFP via Getty Images
'The first half was not good enough by any of our standards,' center back Walker Zimmerman told TNT Sports following the match. 'That's the disappointing thing, is we talked a lot about how we could compete, how we can believe in each other, how we can keep pushing. Take pride and we just fell short on all those aspects in the first half.'
He added: 'It's disappointing, but at the same time, we know that we have a tournament ahead of us where these games are going to be coming quick and fast and our only option is to build on those.'
The loss was another knock against the American squad that is facing plenty of challenges going into the Gold Cup tournament, and is a year away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in North America.
The USMNT has gone 5-5 since new head coach Mauricio Pochettino took over in September of last year, and he'll face plenty of questions if the United States doesn't come together during the Gold Cup.
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Hamilton Spectator
18 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Slovenian rider Tadej Pogačar wins the Tour de France for the fourth time
PARIS (AP) — Tadej Pogačar won his fourth Tour de France title by a comfortable margin after Sunday's final stage, which he tried to win even though he did not need to. The 26-year-old Slovenian rider won the Tour last year and in 2020 and 2021. 'Just speechless to win the Tour de France, this one feels especially amazing,' he said. 'Just super proud that I can wear this yellow jersey.' Two-time Tour champion Jonas Vinegaard finished the overall race 4 minutes, 24 seconds behind Pogačar in second place and Florian Lipowitz was 11 minutes adrift in third. Belgian rider Wout van Aert won the 21st and last stage, which broke with tradition and featured three climbs of Montmartre hill . Because of the risk of heavy rain and crashes, organizers had earlier decided to neutralize the times 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the end, effectively giving Pogačar the victory — but providing he crossed the finish line. Pogačar had no need to contest the stage win, especially given the danger of crashing on slick roads. Yet as the rain fell heavily, he showed his relentless thirst for victory and attacked anyway, setting a tremendous pace in the Montmartre climbs as fans cheered all along the cobbled Rue Lepic, with flags and fans hanging out of windows. Only five riders were left with Pogačar on the third ascension of the 1.1-kilometer Montmartre hill. After fending off American Matteo Jorgenson, he was caught cold near the top as Van Aert launched a stunning attack to drop — yes, drop! — Pogačar, the world's best climber, on the steepest section. 'Hats off to Wout, he was incredibly strong,' Pogačar said. Van Aert rolled back down for a prestigious stage win on the famed Champs-Élysées. Pogačar looked weary as he crossed the line in fourth place, 19 seconds behind. But then it was time to celebrate title No. 4. Although don't expect Pogačar to make any headlines on that front. 'Everyone celebrates in their own way, I just want peace and some nice weather, not like here today,' Pogačar said. 'Just to enjoy some quiet days at home.' Only four riders have won the showcase race five times: Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel Induráin and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault. Pogačar won four stages this year to take his Tour tally to 21 and 30 at major races, including six at the Giro d'Italia and three at the Spanish Vuelta. The UAE Team Emirates leader praised his teammates. 'I think the second week was the decisive moment,' Pogačar said. 'We took more advantage and went more comfortably into the third week.' Lipowitz, meanwhile, secured his first career podium at a Grand Tour, the alternative name given to the three major races. His performance, following his third-placed finish last month at the Critérium du Dauphiné , suggests the 24-year-old German rider could challenge in the near future. Breaking with tradition Traditionally, the last stage is largely processional with riders doing laps around Paris. The Tour broke with tradition after the success of the Paris Olympics road race, which also took in Montmartre, famous for its Sacré Coeur basilica. Five in a row It was the fifth straight year where Pogačar and Vingegaard finished 1-2 at the Tour. Vingegaard was second in 2021, before beating Pogačar the next two years with the Slovenian second. When Pogačar reclaimed his title last year, Vingegaard was runner-up. 'We've raised the level of each other much higher and we push each other to the limit,' Pogačar said. 'I must say to him, big, big respect.' Five major titles Pogačar has also won the Giro d'Italia, doing so last year to become the first cyclist to secure the Giro and Tour double in the same season since the late Marco Pantani in 1998. But Pogačar has not yet won the Spanish Vuelta, whereas Anquetil, Hinault and Merckx won all three major races. A century of success When Pogačar won the hilly fourth stage of this year's race, it was the 100th professional victory of his stellar career, all events combined. Pogačar is also the world road race champion . He warmed up for this year's Tour with a dominant victory at the Critérium continuing his excellent form the spring classics , where he won Liège–Bastogne–Liège for third time. After winning stage 4 of the Tour, Pogačar added three more stage wins, including an emphatic uphill time trial . What's left to win? He would love to win the Paris-Roubaix classic and Milan San-Remo. The 259.2-kilometer (161-mile) Roubaix race is called 'The Hell of the North' because of its dangerous cobblestone sections. Pogačar debut appearance at the one-day classic this year saw him seeking to become the first Tour champion to win it since Hinault in 1981. But powerful Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel won it for the third straight year. Pogačar has also yet to win Milan-San Remo , with Van der Poel also beating him there this year . Expect a fired-up Pogačar next year at Roubaix and Milan-San Remo. But it's unsure whether he'll tackle the Vuelta. ___ Tour de France coverage: and

NBC Sports
19 minutes ago
- NBC Sports
England retain Women's EURO with upset of Spain in penalties
England have defended their UEFA Women's EURO crown, coming back to force penalties and then defeating World Cup champions Spain in a blockbuster 2025 UEFA Women's EURO Final on Sunday in Switzerland. MORE — 2025 Women's EURO hub: Scores, more More to come... How to watch England vs Spain live, 2025 Women's EURO Final stream link and start time Kick off time: Noon ET Sunday Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland TV Channel: FOX Streaming: Fox Sports 2025 Women's EURO Final, live updates from England vs Spain England vs Spain live score: 1-1 Goalscorer: Mariona Caldentey 25', Alessia Russo 57' Penalties Beth Mead — SCORES but has to retake after slipping in an 'irregular kick' Beth Mead — SAVED by Catalina Coll Patricia Guijarro — SCORES — England 0-1 Spain Alex Greenwood — SCORES — England 1-1 Spain Mariona Caldentey — SAVED by Hannah Hampton Niamh Charles — SCORES — England 2-1 Spain Aitana Bonmati — SAVED by Hannah Hampton Leah Williamson — SAVED by Catalina Coll Salma Paralluelo — MISSES wide of the right post Chloe Kelly — SCORES — England 3-1 Spain — ENGLAND ARE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE! End of second period extra time England got there. Now the pressure seemingly switches to the favorites. If this gets to penalties, Spain can only blame themselves England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has been very good over 110 minutes and Niamh Charles made a terrific read to break up a prime chance for Spain a few minutes ago, but the Spanish have mailed several chances over the goal. So wasteful. End of first period extra time — It should be 2-1! Batile has been phenomenal and she should have a second assist, but Paralluelo opts for a back leg finish and can't convert from inside the six. No subs at the break but... Lucy Bronze is down and in emotional and physical distress in the 98th minute. She's going to limp slowly off the pitch, and seems destined to be replaced but seems to want to return... and does! End of full time We get to have more, which is nice. Spain reclaimed a bit of control late, as Paralluelo's few minutes on the pitch promised more danger. How much of a depth exercise will this become in Switzerland? More subs Beth Mead replaces Ella Toone in the 89th minute for England, while Spain's move sends on a pair of attackers in the 89th: Salma Paralluelo and Vicky Lopez for Esther Gonzalez and Athenea del Castillo. Gonzalez had been relatively ineffective, while del Castillo was very busy with a game-high (by 14!) 19 touches in the opposing box. She also played her part in the Spain goal well. England physical play paying dividends, taking risks Some (us) predicted that England might try to even this game by getting stuck into tackles that were, at best, on the edge of fouls. That's been the case, and the Lionesses have given away a couple dangerous free kicks now that have proven to be worth the risk. Subs Alexia Putellas is off for Claudia Pina, while England's goal scorer Russo departs for emerging megastar Michelle Agyemang. 1-1, 72'. Fingertip save denies England A corner kick is coming England's way after Kelly's spun shot was denied a place inside the far post by Coll. Spain deal with the corner but England have been the better team this half. Lucy Bronze yellow card A bit of a nasty-looking challenge that may have been just very poor timing from Bronze, who is in the books. Alessia Russo goal — England 1-1 Spain Cue the 'Why not both?' meme. Kelly is a hero off the bench again with a pinpoint cross between Paredes and Aleixandri, and an airborne Russo keeps her cool to spin a header inside the near post. Great stuff. ENGLAND HAS LEVELED IT!! 😱🏴 Alessia Russo scores the equalizer for the Lionesses! 💪 Second half underway Looks like no changes at the break. Halftime — England 0-1 Spain That was some half of football, but — ducks and looks around — if someone deserves to be ahead after 45 minutes, it's Spain. The team that came into this game with an absurd 72% possession mark for the tournament has managed 68% against a game England that's No. 5 in the world according to FIFA. The Lionesses have come ready to shoot, and have taken six of the game's 13 attempts while putting three on frame. Spain lead 1.04-0.68 in xG. But their backs have been wonderful, as Laia Aleixandri and captain Irene Paredes continue their Real-Barca partnership with brilliance. Lauren James injury means Chloe Kelly enters Many wanted Chloe Kelly to start, and Sarina Wiegman's hand has been forced after an injury to Lauren James. The bummer, of course, is that one of the very best players in the world exits the England set-up. Mariona Caldentey goal — England 0-1 Spain (25th minute) Oh, this is pretty. Three players touch the ball after Aitana Bonmati but she's set the plot for this short story. Bonmati holds the ball in the right corner and sends a perfect pass to defy three England defenders. Athenea del Castillo keeps the ball atop the 18 after a challenge from England, and Ona Batile races to the end line for a pass that she sends across goal. It's perfect, as Mariona Caldentey has darted in front of Lucy Bronze to thud a head across goal and past Hannah Hampton. SPAIN TAKES THE LEAD IN THE UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2025 FINAL! 🇪🇸💪 Mariona Caldentey heads it in off the cross from Batlle! 👏 Another opening for England Almost on cue, the Lionesses keep the ball a bit more. And the 19th minute sees Spain on the ball but England pouncing on an error. Lauren Hemp is on Cata Coll's doorstep but the Barcelona backstop swings her left leg to block the ball out for a corner kick. Spain handle the set piece, and go back the other way. A fun watch so far. Recalling a Premier League rivalry Maybe this comparison is too easy, but the way Spain are attempting to unlock an aggressive team begging to fire forward on the break... Pep's Man City vs Klopp's Liverpool. It's a lot of fun, and so far the Klopp of this comparison — Sarina Wiegman — has to feel great about her England's understanding of what Spain wants to do. Third-minute danger! Alessia Russo beats the Spanish back line and her hard, dragged shot across goal is slapped toward the back post. Lauren James can't navigate traffic to snap the rebound toward the back post. Underway! England in white, Spain in red Wiegman stands firm with XI Sarina Wiegman resists the urge to start Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang, heroes of the tournament who have served as super subs and will continue to do so on Sunday. England lineup Hampton, Bronze, Carter, Greenwood, Williamson, Stanway, Toone, Hemp, James, Walsh, Russo Spain lineup Coll, Carmona, Aleixandri, Paredes, Batile, Putellas, Bonmati, Guijarro, del Castillo, Caldentey, Gonzalez England team news, focus The Lionesses have some big injury concerns, as Lauren James limped off the pitch with an ankle injury in the semifinal. Captain Leah Williamson and superstar Lucy Bronze were carrying injuries prior to the semifinal but trained ahead of the final. It's difficult to imagine either missing the stage after appearing in training. Spain team news, focus Spain are led by Alexia Putellas, who is pacing the tournament in goal contributions with seven. Only teammate Esther Gonzalez has more goals in Switzerland with four. Barcelona midfielder Patricia Guijarro has also been excellent. 2025 Women's EURO Final prediction Spain are favored to win but England have proven a magnificent competitor and would be a worthy champion. Spain are the tournament's best finishing (3.4 goals per game) and defending (0.6 goals/game) team, while their 72.9% possession mark for the tournament is more than 12% better than second-ranked England. But hold on — England have missed more big chances than anyone else (16) and the Lionesses' expected goals total is just 0.5 less than Spain. The key here may be England's success in mucking it up. Expect hard fouls without the ball and a fire-whenever mentality in attack. Spain's path to the final was a bit easier than England, who have had to go 120 minutes in their last two matches. To us, that's the difference maker despite Sarina Wiegman's masterful leadership of the Lionesses. And if our prediction proves true, we're grateful that Spain would be able to celebrate a title without disgraced ex-president Luis Rubiales. England 1-3 Spain.


Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
The Latest: England and Spain 1-1 in Euro 2025 final
BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Defending champion England faces Spain in the final of the Women's European Championship. The match in Basel is a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final where Spain defeated the Lionesses 1-0. Coincidentally, the same countries played in the men's European Championship final last year. Spain won that match 2-1. Here's the latest: England equalizer England equalized when Alessia Russo made it 1-1 in the 57th minute. Chloe Kelly whipped one of her trademark crosses into the box from the left and Russo rose above the defense to make it 1-1. Spain leads 1-0 at halftime Spain heads into the break in the lead after Mariona Caldentey's goal in the 25th. Both teams traded early blows but Spain looked stronger after the goal. La Roja kept most of the possession and did not allow England to threaten much. England also trailed at halftime in the quarterfinal against Sweden and semifinal against Italy, but still won both games. Spain takes the lead Mariona Caldentey has made it 1-0 for Spain in the 25th minute. Ona Batlle whipped in a cross from the right, after good work by Aitana Bonmati, and Caldentey headed it powerfully home. Closing ceremony Swiss former player Lara Dickenmann carried the trophy out onto the field after the closing ceremony of Euro 2025. A large circular banner was unfurled in the center of the field in tribute to the host nation, while smaller banners were displayed nearby with 'Thank You' in Switzerland's four official languages —Italian, French, German, and Romansh. Two large Alpine-inspired shapes were then carried onto the field, with the England flag on one and Spain's on the other. Nearly 30,000 inflatable clappers had been distributed to the fans beforehand, while 40 members of the closing ceremony cast also had them on the field. The Asturia Quartet, an all-female string ensemble, performed the national anthems. Del Castillo starts for Spain In somewhat of a surprise change, Athenea Del Castillo has been named in Spain's starting lineup in place of Claudia Pina. Del Castillo's only other start in the tournament was in the final group-stage match, against Italy, when many regular starters were rested with Spain already through. The Real Madrid forward scored one and set up another. She also scored the opener in the quarterfinal win against Switzerland just four minutes after coming onto the field. Pina was decisive the last time Spain played England, scoring twice to help her team to a 2-1 comeback victory in the Nations League last month. The only other change to Spain's lineup from its semifinal victory over Germany is the return of defender Laia Aleixandri from suspension, with María Méndez dropping back down to the bench. Spain's lineup: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Olga; Bonmatí, Patri, Putellas; Mariona, González, Del Castillo. James is back for England Lauren James has recovered from injury and starts for England with coach Sarina Wiegman making just one change. James had to come off at halftime in England's semifinal victory over Italy on Tuesday with an ankle problem and was seen applying ice to her injury during the match. James has started all five of England's games at Euro 2025 and has been named in the lineup for the final. Defender Jess Carter returns after being omitted from the starting lineup for the first time against Italy, for tactical reasons, two days after revealing she was the target of racist abuse online during the tournament. England's lineup: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Toone, Walsh, Stanway; James, Russo, Hemp. St. Jakob-Park is filling up Basel's soccer stadium has a capacity of 34,250 during Euro 2025 and no empty seats are expected at the final. With an hour to go until kickoff, thousands of fans have already taken their seats. Even before the final, the tournament has broken the total attendance record for a Women's European Championship. A total of 623,088 spectators have attended the 30 matches so far, surpassing the previous total attendance record of 574,875 from Euro 2022. Skies clear up after heavy rain in Basel There have been intermittent torrential showers and thunderstorms but that has not dampened the spirits of thousands of Spanish and England fans that have been gathering in the fan zones in Basel. The rain teemed down about two hours before kickoff but the sun came out shortly afterward and the skies above St. Jakob-Park have cleared up for now. Defending champions did it the hard way England got off to a rough start with a 2-1 defeat to France, becoming the first reigning champion to lose its opening match at a women's Euros. The team bounced back with a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands and a 6-1 thrashing of Wales. Then came the craziness of its quarterfinal against Sweden when it was trailing 2-0 with 12 minutes to go before equalizing and taking the match to extra time and a penalty shootout. There were nine failed penalty attempts before England finally triumphed 3-2. England left it even later in its semifinal against Italy. Teenager Michelle Agyemang leveled in stoppage time to force extra time and fellow substitute Chloe Kelly scored in the 119th minute to secure a 2-1 win, just as it appeared another penalty shootout was looming. (Almost) smooth sailing for Spain Spain swept through the group stage, winning all three matches against Portugal, Belgium and Italy — scoring 14 goals and conceding three. Spain found it tougher to get past Switzerland in the quarterfinals but finally broke the resistance of the host nation with two quickfire goals midway through the second half. Spain also missed two penalties and hit the woodwork three times. Like England, its semifinal lasted 120 minutes. It took a moment of magic from two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí in the 113th minute to secure a 1-0 win over Germany. ___ AP soccer: