Foketi, Samu and Salakaia-Loto confirmed for First Nations & Pasifika squad
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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
US men to host friendlies against Australia and Ecuador in October international window
The US men's national team will play friendlies against Ecuador and Australia in the October Fifa international window, the federation announced on Monday. The games will pit the US against two teams that have already sealed their spots in the 2026 World Cup in one of the team's last gatherings before the start of the tournament next summer. The US will host Ecuador first on 10 October at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, with kickoff set for 8.30pm ET. This will be the US men's 16th all-time meeting against Ecuador, with the last meeting coming in 2019. In that match, Gyasi Zardes scored a late winner in a 1-0 victory for the US. Ecuador has been one of the best teams in South America this World Cup cycle, now sitting second in Conmebol qualifying. La Tricolor has not lost a match since 1-0 loss to Brazil in September 2024, winning four and drawing five in that time. Each of Ecuador's last three games have been 0-0 draws (against Chile, Brazil, and Peru). Australia will be the United States' opponent in the second match of the window, due to take place in Commerce City, Colorado at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on 14 October at 9pm ET. The meeting will be the United States' fourth all-time meeting against the Socceroos, with the previous one coming back in 2010 before that year's World Cup in South Africa. The US won that game 3-1, with Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez scoring for the Americans, and Tim Cahill scoring for Australia. The World Cup qualifying campaign has been a tricky one for Australia, but it was rewarded with an automatic bid to the World Cup last month since the appointment of Tony Popovic as head coach. The Socceroos have reeled off five wins and three draws since he was appointed, culminating in last month's 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. The United States will aim use the window to further solidify their squad under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine brought a mostly second-choice roster to this summer's Gold Cup, where the Americans beat weaker opposition all the way to the final, where they were outclassed in a 2-1 loss to regional rivals Mexico. It is thought that Pochettino will use the next two international windows to try to combine the team's bright spots from the summer like Diego Luna and Malik Tillman with some of the first-choice players who sat out the Gold Cup and pre-tournament friendlies – namely Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson, Tim Weah and others.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Aussie Olympic gold medallist Cam McEvoy announces birth of baby boy - and reveals the shocking inspiration for his son's name
Aussie Olympic gold medallist Cam McEvoy has announced the birth of his son - and revealed his name is a tribute to his wife overcoming a serious health problem during her pregnancy. Hartley James McEvoy was born on July 10, with the baby's name a nod to his mother Maddi, who has endured heart problems her entire life. Born with a pulmonary valve defect, she has previously had four open-heart surgeries, including getting a replacement pulmonary valve when she was 17. The recent arrival of Hartley came with a birthing plan, with the aim to keep Maddi's heart rate down. Hartley - like many babies - didn't follow the script, but still arrived safely. 'Mum and baby are both doing exceptionally well,' the winner of the 50m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Games confirmed on Instagram. Born with a pulmonary valve defect, Maddi (pictured with Hartley) has had four open-heart surgeries, including a replacement pulmonary valve when she was 17 McEvoy, 31, is a great example of sporting perseverance at the elite level. Before his epic triumph last year in the Paris La Défense Arena, the Gold Coast born star failed to medal at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics in Rio and Tokyo respectively. After studying physics and mathematics at Griffith University, McEvoy dramatically altering his training regime under the watchful eye of new coach Tim Lane. Less time was spent in the pool, with McEvoy largely based in the gym, placing focus on high intensity strength and mobility work. It was a bold strategy in the eyes of many, but the man affectionately known as the 'The Professor' had the last laugh, finishing with a gold medal around his neck. McEvoy will look to defend his 50m freestyle Olympic title at the LA Games in 2028 - and hasn't ruled out Brisbane four years later. 'It's on the radar. A lot can happen between now and then, but if I'm motivated enough and I'm in good health, I see no reason why I won't give it a crack,' he said. In February, McEvoy stunned many of his friends in swimming circles by dropping the news he had secretly married Maddi. In a low-key affair, the couple shared the happy news with a single photo of their wedding day on social media with the caption 'eloped', accompanied by a wedding ring emoji. The exciting development shocked several swimming legends, who rushed to send messages of congratulations. Love you guys,' posted Ariarne Titmus at the time, while Lani Pallister commented: 'OMG this is so beautiful'.
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Mitchell Starc leads the onslaught as West Indies are skittled for just 27
The West Indies' total was the second lowest in Test history, eclipsed only by New Zealand's 26 against England in 1955, and easily beat their own worst total of 47, also against England in 2004. At one point the hosts languished on nought for three and their innings included a record seven ducks. They lost the contest in Kingston by 176 runs. Absolutely gutted by today's result.#WIvAUS | #FullAhEnergy — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 14, 2025 Starc made a stunning start, removing John Campbell, Kevlon Anderson, Brandon King, Mikyle Louis and Shai Hope in 15 balls, giving up just two runs in the process. His lbw against Louis also brought up his 400th Test wicket, making him only the fourth Australian to achieve the feat, in his 100th Test. The Windies teetered to 22 for six at tea but Australia continued to show no mercy after the break and Scott Boland reeled off a hat-trick to leave the home team staring at an embarrassing finish. Justin Greaves top-scored for the Windies on just 11, with leg byes (six) their second top scorer. Starc – who wrapped up the contest by bowling Jayden Seales – finished with six wickets for nine runs from 7.3 overs. Boland's figures were three for two. Prior to Starc's heroics, the previous best five-wicket haul was from his fellow Australian Ernie Toshack, who took five wickets in 19 balls against India in 1947.
