Rio 2016: USA in stunning exit as Marta´s Brazil survive to reach semis

The United States lost on penalties to Sweden in the quarter-finals of the Rio 2016 women s football tournament on Friday, while hosts Brazil dramatically booked their spot in the final four.

Defending champions USA lost out to Sweden 4-3 in a shoot-out, after the match had ended level at 1-1 following extra time, marking the first time since the women s game was added to the Olympic programme that they have failed to make the final.

Sweden took the lead in the 61st minute, when Stina Blackstenius beat USA defender Julie Johnson on the counter-attack and slid a shot past goalkeeper Hope Solo.

USA equalised 13 minutes from time, Alex Morgan taking advantage of a loose ball in Sweden s area that ricocheted off the face of defender Jessica Samuelsson to score …

Day two of Euro 2008. Austria 0-1 Croatia, Poland 0-2 Germany.

The second day of the European Championships followed a very similar pattern to the first.

The joint hosts Austria, like Switzerland before them, put up a decent showing against one of the ‘outside bets’ for the tournament, Croatia, who like the Czech Republic before them, looked far from impressive. The hosts lost the game 1-0.

In the second game one of the favourites, Germany, like Portugal before them, played well and looked pretty impressive against one of the outsiders, Poland, who like Turkey before them, huffed and puffed and played well, but had no penetration. The favourites won the game 2-0.

On the positive side, and most of it has been very positive so far, all four games have contained some excellent football. On the n…

Pogba showing true colours for Man United in 2017-18

This season, there was a Manchester United with Paul and there was a Manchester United without Paul.

Jose Mourinho has made it clear how important Paul Pogba is to Manchester United and the France international is racking up the numbers to prove it.

Wearing the captain s armband, Pogba delivered a man-of-the-match performance as United beat Everton 2-0 on Monday Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard on the scoresheet.

Pogba s tricky footwork and pass helped set up Martial s opener and he released Lingard for the second, moving the Frenchman onto seven Premier League assists this season in just 12 appearances.

Added to his three goals, Pogba has already been involved in more goals this term than he was in 30 Premier League appearances in 2016-17 (five goa…

Hierro: This Spain team similar to 2010 World Cup champions

Spain coach Fernando Hierro believes his team are similar to the one that won the 2010 World Cup.

A 1-0 win over Iran saw Spain move top of Group B, putting them on track to reach the knockout stage.

The 2010 champions were considered among the hot favourites to win the tournament in Russia, although the sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui on the eve of the event led to some doubts over their chances.

Hierro, who took charge for the showpiece, said he could see similarities between his group and the successful 2010 team.

It s a similar group, know that you can t have clones unfortunately, he told Onda Cero.

But we have a backup group pushing for places every day. That is the only way to avoid relaxing, by having a group of team-mates that push you …

Packers vs Ravens Week 15 Picks and Predictions: Rodgers Set for Large Game

One of the best matchups in Week 15 of the NFL sees Aaron Rodgers and the NFC North-leading Packers visit Lamar Jackson and the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens.

But while both the Packers and Ravens are sitting atop their respective divisions, these teams don’t feel like they’re on the same level right now. And that’s probably why the Cheese Heads are favored by 5.5-points on the road for this matchup.

Do the Ravens have value as a home underdog? Find out in our free NFL betting picks and predictions for Packers vs. Ravens on Sunday, December 19.

Seahawks vs Buccaneers Week 10 Props: Tight Ends Shine in Munich

Germany will host its first-ever regular season NFL game on Sunday, as the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head to Munich for Week 10 action. Seattle comes to Allianz Arena riding high, sitting 6-3 atop the NFC West, while Tampa gave itself a lifeline a week ago with a Tom Brady game-winning drive. 

Between these two teams, Germany will see a strong cast of talented skill-position players. For our NFL player props, however, we’re going to shine a light on a pair of scrappy tight ends and a once-written-off passer. 

We’ll get into it all below with our Seattle vs. Tampa Bay NFL prop picks, and be sure to check out our Seahawks vs. Buccaneers picks and predictions for more. 

Broncos vs Lions Prop Bets: Gibbs Torments Denver's Defense

If there’s anything more unconventional than allowing 70 points during a 1-5 start and still appearing to control your playoff destiny, I haven’t witnessed it in the NFL.

Thus is the plight of the Denver Broncos, winners of six of their last seven. Their next test comes on Saturday in the Motor City, where they’re 4.5-point dogs in the NFL odds against the Detroit Lions.

While you battle over what to wager on for this Week 15 odds matchup, we’ve got you ready with a legit set of NFL picks in the props market — starting with a rookie running back who is just scratching the surface. 

Make sure to also check out our Broncos vs. Lions betting preview along with our Russell Wilson spotlight props!

Las Vegas Raiders Predictions, Picks, Odds & Season Preview for 2024-25: Adams All-Important Piece to Puzzle

If you want to make a name as a new head coach, win games. If you want to make a name as a new head coach in Las Vegas, cover the spread.

Antonio Pierce did just that after taking over coaching duties for the Las Vegas Raiders midway through last season, energizing the Silver and Black to a 5-4 SU finish and, more importantly, a 7-1-1 ATS record in those closing nine games.

Pierce was hired full-time and that ATS success could continue if he can keep Las Vegas playing above the oddsmakers’ expectations, which are pretty low for 2024. The Raiders are underdogs in 15 of 17 regular season games and have a win total of 6.5 (Over -130).

There’s a ton of talent on this roster, just not where it matters most: quarterback. Neither Aiden O’Conn…

Ronaldo’s winner fuels Solskjær myth but success seems as far away as ever

How much time does love buy you? That Manchester United fans want Ole Gunnar Solskjær to succeed is understandable. It’s not just that he scored vital goals, it’s that he embodied a golden age. Who would not want a returning hero to restore the club to glory? But wishful thinking will not organise a midfield.

The win will part the clouds a little. Solskjær has survived another mini-crisis, but each one leaves him slightly weaker. And this one comes with Cristiano Ronaldo. It may not be fair, given Ronaldo is 36 and, for all his goalscoring ability, increasingly an anachronism, but his signing has increased the pressure on the manager.

Cristiano Ronaldo rescues Manchester United late on to see off VillarrealRead more

‘I love being here’: Frank Lampard up for Chelsea challenge despite dismal run

Frank Lampard insists he still loves being at Chelsea and is relishing the challenge of turning the club’s fortunes around, despite losing all five of his games in charge since returning to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were booed off at half-time during last week’s 2-0 home defeat to Brentford, which extended their winless run in all competitions to eight matches. The Blues sit six points adrift of the Premier League’s top 10 and visit title-chasing London rivals Arsenal on Tuesday.

‘This is not over’: Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal have not given up on title fightRead more

Asked if he still relished coming into work, Lampard said: “Absolutely. My eyes were open when I came into this job. I’m too experienced …