logo
‘Never seen that': America reacts to unusual changeroom scene at Club World Cup

‘Never seen that': America reacts to unusual changeroom scene at Club World Cup

News.com.au22-06-2025
If you can't handle the heat, head to the sheds.
Borussia Dortmund defeated South African team Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in their FIFA Club World Cup match on Sunday (AEST) to move into second spot in Group F.
Watch every game of The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
The expanded Club World Cup is being held in America and the summer heat at Cincinnati's TQL Stadium proved too hot to handle for some of the players.
Substitute players from German side Dortmund retreated to their changerooms during the change to escape the heat, watching the game on a TV screen.
Temperatures reached 30.5 degrees celsius (87 degrees fahrenheit) in Cincinnati during the game, but the sight of Dortmund's bench players seeking refuge from the heat took some fans by surprise.
American sports commentator Joe Pompliano said: 'I've never seen that before.'
Borussia Dortmund's bench is watching their Club World Cup match from the locker room because of the heat.
It is currently 87 degrees (30.5 degrees Celsius) in Cincinnati, Ohio where the match is being played.
(via @BVB) pic.twitter.com/zVxry6k7iL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 21, 2025
One person commented: 'This is normal weather. Euro countries can't handle this is too funny.'
A second said: 'Humidity over 50 per cent as well. Feels like 96 degrees according weather app.'
A third said: 'Lol, just came back from my men's league game, it's 100 (degrees) right now.'
Another said: '30.5 degrees and they are acting this way. They shouldn't come to Africa.'
Players were doing their best to stay hydrated during the game and applied ice packs to their necks in an effort to stay cool.
Next year's FIFA World Cup will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico in July to July.
For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the stadiums used an airconditioning system to maintain comfortable temperatures for players and fans despite the desert heat.
As for the game itself, Dortmund held off Mamelodi Sundowns to win a seven-goal thriller.
Jobe Bellingham got his first goal for Dortmund as his new club overcame stifling heat in Cincinnati to beat Sundowns 4-3 and move to four points from two matches in Group F.
The South African champions had taken a surprise early lead through a fine solo goal from Lucas Ribeiro.
However, Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams handed Dortmund their equaliser on a plate, passing the ball straight to Felix Nmecha, who stroked home.
Serhou Guirassy gave Dortmund the lead with his 35th goal since the beginning of the season.
English midfielder Bellingham, who this month followed older brother Jude's footsteps in joining the German side from Sunderland, started for the first time for Dortmund and made it 3-1 just before the break.
Khuliso Mudau's own goal made it 4-1 before the hour mark, but Sundowns salvaged some pride by reducing the deficit through Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba.
'I'm sweating like I've just come out of a sauna,' said Dortmund coach Niko Kovac when asked about the conditions in a game which started at midday local time.
'It was tough going for both teams, but the opposition are used to it. We certainly didn't give our best performance, but that wasn't possible today.' Sundowns will still go into their final game in Group F with a chance of qualifying for the last 16.
'The boys made a wonderful performance … it was a hell of a match. I'm not happy but very proud,' said their Portuguese coach, Miguel Cardoso.
Mbappe release from hospital
Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was released from hospital after undergoing tests and treatment after suffering gastroenteritis, before later being released.
Mbappe did not travel to Charlotte for the team's Club World Cup match against Pachuca, but could be back for the final group stage game, coach Xabi Alonso said.
'He's doing better, he's back from the hospital and is recovering. We're optimistic about having him against Salzburg,' Alonso said.
Madrid face Salzburg in the final game of Group H on Thursday in Philadelphia.
Mbappe, 26, missed the opening game with the same illness as Madrid were held 1-1 by Al-Hilal in Xabi Alonso's debut as coach.
Madrid B-team player Gonzalo Garcia, 21, started in Mbappe's stead and opened the scoring for Real Madrid against their Saudi Arabian opponents.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ben Cousins weighs in on Harley Reid's future amid $20m call
Ben Cousins weighs in on Harley Reid's future amid $20m call

News.com.au

time5 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Ben Cousins weighs in on Harley Reid's future amid $20m call

Ben Cousins says he can't see why Harley Reid would leave West Coast amid constant speculation about the 20-year-old's AFL future. Reid has played his best football in the past month for the Eagles and was their best player in a 49-point loss to Richmond on the weekend, racking up 27 disposals and two goals. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. The midfielder has long been linked with a move back to Victoria once his rookie contract expires, but reports emerged over the weekend that his camp was discussing a contract extension at West Coast worth up to $20 million. Eagles legend Cousins said on Monday he is hopeful Reid will remain at the Eagles for the long term. 'I don't see any reason why he won't (stay),' Cousins told Mix 94.5. 'I haven't seen anything to suggest why he would leave. He's got so much footy ahead of him that if he puts his head down and makes the most of wherever he is, hopefully West Coast, then there is a lot to look forward to in the future. 'I think regardless of where Harley ends up, if he just focuses on playing good footy, the financial side of things, he's not going to have to worry about. 'He's going to get very well paid.' Reid wears the No. 9 guernsey previously donned by Cousins, the 2005 Brownlow Medallist and 2006 premiership player, and All Australian ruckman Nic Naitanui. Journalist Ryan Daniels reported on Triple M a number of options had been presented to the club about what a new deal could look like for Reid. One contract stipulation is reportedly a 'long-term commitment', news that would be music to the ears of the fan base. 'There's been a bit of a twist in this one because nothing has happened for quite a while and I can tell you the latest with this one is a bit of a strange one because my understanding is Harley's management have put some options to the West Coast Eagles to stay,' Daniels said on Triple M. 'One of them in particular is a very long deal, I don't know the specific number of years but it was described to me as very long as I think you could imagine would be nine or 10-year range. 'It would have to be between 15 and 20 million, and I would say we're heading closer to the 20 million … if you're talking 10 years into the future (salaries will go up in that time). 'I found this fascinating, the West Coast Eagles have had these presented to them weeks ago, and they haven't necessarily done anything with it just yet. 'I just found it fascinating that instead of the Eagles putting the offer on the table to consider all these options … we've now had a conversation 'well what about this?' 'And it's got a potential for Harley to have a look at a very long-term deal that will keep him at the West Coast Eagles and clearly there is some interest from Harley's side. 'That is a pretty significant update on that situation and I know there is going to be a meeting in the next few days between West Coast and Harley's management to discuss the specifics.' West Coast fans were left frustrated by the heavy loss at home to fellow rebuilding side Richmond, with the Tigers notching up their fifth win of the season. 'West Coast supporters have been, by and large, unbelievable over a really tough period the last few years,' Cousins said. 'I think they still turn up in numbers, they've been very good. 'I think (the loss to the Tigers) may have hit players and supporters harder because it was the first game this year the Eagles went in as favourites, and both sides would have said it was a very winnable game. 'So maybe the expectation was a little higher … and they just fell short. They can and will do better.' Eagles coach Andrew McQualter, speaking after the club's loss to Richmond, conceded too much was being asked of Reid, at a time where his future remains unclear after next year. 'We're aware we've got a 20-year-old carrying our midfield,' McQualter said. 'It's not an easy position for him. 'I thought Harley was by far our best player … I love the way he went about it. 'I loved his team first approach, the way he attacked the ball. He was inspirational to his teammates. 'As a team, we have to find more people and players and ways to not rely on one person. There's no AFL team ever that relies on one player to be good. 'He's absolutely in (at West Coast) – he is a competitor. He's wanting to do everything to get this club out of this position.'

‘From a bygone era': AFL veteran sent to Tribunal after unique ruling
‘From a bygone era': AFL veteran sent to Tribunal after unique ruling

News.com.au

time8 hours ago

  • News.com.au

‘From a bygone era': AFL veteran sent to Tribunal after unique ruling

Melbourne veteran Steven May is heading to the Tribunal with a three-week ban hanging over his head for a brutal collision with Carlton's Francis Evans. In the third quarter of Saturday night's enthralling eight-point Carlton win, the Demons defender and Evans charged towards a loose ball inside Melbourne's defensive 50 with Melbourne trailing by just two points. As the yellow Sherrin continued to roll over itself towards Carlton's goal, the ball popped up favourably for either player to make their own. Evans beat May to the ball by no more than a quarter of a second, but his mini victory very quickly ended his night — with May electing to brace at full speed after relinquishing his chase of the ball. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. It left Evans bloodied and battered in a hit that also knocked out a tooth of his. The 23-year-old was groggy to get to his feet as claret quickly appeared on his face, before leaving the field of play with a concussion diagnosis imminent. The Match Review Officer determined the incident was careless with severe impact and high contact, but rather than just handing May three weeks on the sidelines, he has referred it to the Tribunal - saving Melbourne $10,000 on needing to challenge the call. The AFL could ask for either three or four weeks in the hearing. While May never intended to concuss the rival Blue, the force and action with which he made contact on Evans has left three-time Richmond premiership player Jack Riewoldt with little doubt over an appropriate sanction. 'I think it's unfortunate Steven May's collected him high, but if you come in with that sort of velocity there … the collision was inevitable. Steven May has a duty of care when Francis Evans has the ball there,' Riewoldt told Fox Footy's Super Saturday Live after the final siren. 'For me, this will go to the Tribunal — and it's how hard, or how big a penalty they want to give Steven May. If they rank it severe, it could be anywhere from four to five weeks.' Two-time All-Australian David King agreed with Riewoldt's proposed suspension, and even wondered whether the hit could end May's 2025 season. 'My view is, you've got to come at it from the victim's point of view. What are we asking Evans to do?' King questioned. 'He's entitled to go at the ball in that fashion, and the game is supposed to protect him — that's what we've been preaching. So I don't have any empathy (for May) really in this instance, I think he knew he was going to make contact. 'I wouldn't be surprised if that's the last time we see Steven May this season.' King also said: 'He picked him off. It's as simple as that. He knew exactly what he was doing and he picked him off. This is from a bygone era. This is not 2025. 'He's played his last game for the season. That's as bad as it gets, you've got a player in vulnerable position, you choose to bump, you hit nothing but the absolute middle of his face. 'This is a six-weeker for me. It doesn't get worse than that.' In another unfortunate hit, a Tom De Koning knee to the back of May's head in the dying minutes of the match saw the former Sun taken from the ground for concussion testing of his own — which coach Simon Goodwin later confirmed he failed in his post-match press conference. It means the 33-year-old will join Evans in the league's concussion protocols for at least 12 days, and rules him out of a return to AFL before August 2 against West Coast; regardless of whether or not he is suspended. 'This is a really interesting test case for Michael Christian, in a year full of them. If he has elected to bump, then it's gone — that's done,' Fox Footy reporter David Zita added. 'But even if he hasn't 'elected' to bump, if he is contesting the ball, is it reasonable for him to contest the ball in that way? That's what the MRO's going to have to weigh up. 'It might be a sleepless night (for Michael Christian) ... if he hasn't done that (elected to bump), he's missing at least three weeks and potentially more — depending on what the AFL wants to try and push for at the Tribunal. Once it is reportable, then it's automatically three weeks at least because of the outcome with Francis Evans. 'What we've learnt this season, and in seasons past, is that particular way to approach a contest is not really something permitted in the rules or by the MRO.' May has previously been suspended long-term for a bump on an opposition player, most notably back in 2016 when knocking out Brisbane ruck Stefan Martin during his time playing at Gold Coast. Saturday night's clash was May's 249th at AFL level, however his milestone match looks likely to have to wait until the back end of this year — or worst case scenario — at the start of 2026. 'I think he's in trouble. It's a contest that he's second to the ball (so) you then have to have a duty of care to slow down. The stride length doesn't change, he doesn't show any pattern to slow down. He gets him high with a shoulder to the face,' Riewoldt ended by saying. 'It's a no-brainer for mine, it definitely goes to the Tribunal. You see the scenes post that, it's a pretty gruesome injury. 'Nothing would shock me here. Whether they go three, four or five (weeks), I think it's going to be on the higher scale of a suspension.' A May-less Melbourne will face up against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium next Sunday to close out Round 20.

‘Pay us what you owe us': America divided by WNBA T-shirt stunt
‘Pay us what you owe us': America divided by WNBA T-shirt stunt

News.com.au

time12 hours ago

  • News.com.au

‘Pay us what you owe us': America divided by WNBA T-shirt stunt

WNBA stars have sparked widespread divide by wearing T-shirts with 'pay us what you owe us' emblazed on the front. The blunt message was delivered during warm ups ahead of the WNBA All Star Game on Sunday amid ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the players and the league. With a late October deadline looming, the players' stance is clear … they want a bigger piece of the pie. It's not the first time WNBA players have demanded more pay, with the talking point rearing its head every year. The latest act however comes off the back of the league agreeing to an 11-year, $AUD3.38 billion TV rights deal with Disney, Amazon Prime Video and NBCUniversal that will come into play from 2026. The WNBA is booming with TV ratings (up 23%), ticket sales (up 26%) and attendance (13%) all surging halfway through the season, according to NPR. But the simple act of wearing a T-shirts demanding to be paid more sparked widespread divide with many believing the players are deserving of greater pay, while countless others pointed to the league's struggling finances which have seen the WNBA never make a profit. What is the WNBA's revenue? That's the big talking point behind all of the ongoing CBA negotiations, the WNBA players are chasing a large share of the league's revenue. Under the current CBA, the players split 9.3 per cent of league revenue. A figure far lesser than the NBA which sees players split between 49 and 51 per cent. The league currently operates off a revenue of $200m, but as is often pointed out when these discussions come to the table … the WNBA has yet to turn a profit since its inception in 1996. The NBA owns nearly 60 per cent of the league with team owners investing millions every year to the WNBA. Despite the recent uptick, the 2024 WNBA season saw the league lose $40 million. The new TV rights deal will inject $200m annually into the league, compared to the current deal which injects roughly $45m per season. With that deal set to come into play from 2026 onwards, WNBA players could soon see their salaries rise and the league turn a profit for the first time. What is the difference in WNBA and NBA salaries? According to Sports Illustrated, WNBA salaries roughly range from a minimum of $USD66,000 to a super maximum contract of around $USD250,000. Despite being the face of the league, Caitlin Clark remains on a rookie contract which will see her earn $78,000 in 2025. Compare those figures to the NBA and the difference is eye-watering. The average NBA salary for the 2024-25 season was projected to be $11,910,649, according to SI. The minimum salary came in at $1,157,153 while the highest-paid player, Stephen Curry, earned a staggering $55.7 million. America divided by players calling for more pay You can almost guarantee that anytime a WNBA player speaks out about wanting to be paid more, social media will be flooded with vitriol It kicked into overdrive on Sunday as images of the players wearing the shirts began to spread across the internet. End Wokeness wrote on X: 'The WNBA loses $50 million every year and has NEVER generated a profit. You deserve $0.00.' Jake Crain added: 'There is no league as tone deaf as the WNBA. 'Pay us what you owe us' shirts when you have to be subsidised is wild.' Fox Sports Radio host Aaron Torres wrote: 'There is no group of more delusional people on planet Earth, than WNBA players.' Of course not everyone was on the side of the corporation with a plethora of fans backing the players in chasing what they're worth. WTH News wrote: 'They're not asking for NBA bags, just their damn slice of the pie. Talent's on the court, money's on the table — time to match the energy. You don't build a league on players and leave them crumbs.' NBA and WNBA beat reporter Andrew Dukowitz wrote: 'The league is built on players, they deserve to get a bigger slice of the pie for the work they all have put in, and as the revenue grows, they should as well. The WNBA players are not asking to be paid dollar for dollar what the NBA players make, from what I understand they just want a fair share of the revenue.' Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy took his outrage even further, savaging people who don't believe the WNBA players don't deserve a bigger slice. 'I don't know how anybody in the world with a brain, and maybe my brain is just bigger than most, can rationally say women don't deserve more money at this point,' Portnoy said in a video posted to social media. 'Franchise values are exploding. Ticket sales, merch, TV rights all exploding. The players have an opt out in their CBA. Of course they took it. It's all about leverage in re-negotiations and for the 1st time in history of the league players have power. 'The players make virtually nothing while the entire league explodes. Of course they deserve more money.' What will it mean if no agreement is reached? With the first round of talks going almost nowhere, the threat of a potential player lockout remains real. The players union has said it's preparing for a work stoppage when the current CBA expires Oct. 31. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she has 'confidence' a deal can be struck before the Halloween deadline, but also said she's 'not going to put an exact date on it. 'We're in a good place and we're going back and forth,' she said. If no agreement is reached, the players will effectively not turn up to work until a deal is struck which could then have an impact on the upcoming expansion drafts in December. Free agency, which usually starts in late January, and potentially the April draft would also be on hold as long as a deal remains unfinalised.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store