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2023 NHL playoff preview: Avalanche vs. Kraken

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2023 NHL playoff preview: Avalanche vs. Kraken

By Dom Luszczyszyn, Shayna Goldman and Sean Gentille

On one hand, it’d be easy to feel harmful for the Seattle Kraken. Their reward for making a monumental jump in Year 2 of the franchise is a first-round matchup against the defending champs.

On the deal of, even if it’s paused right here, the event has been undeniable, and the future is radiant. Staunch revel in that, y’know? The Golden Knights got a small bit too grasping a small bit too early, and it feels like they’re tranquil paying the payment. That’s a selection lesson payment finding out.

Within the intervening time, the Colorado Avalanche, banged up or now no longer, are about to initiate their title defense, with the similar bones as closing 300 and sixty five days’s juggernaut. They’re being graded on a distinctive scale. That’s how it’s speculated to work. Is there any chance Seattle comes out of this with one thing more than a “jubilant to be right here” trophy?


The Odds

Here’s it, doubtlessly the most lopsided collection of the outlet round. The Avalanche are deserved heavy favorites as one in all the league’s most fascinating groups.

Within the occasion you’ve time-traveled from October that makes superb sense — it’s the defending Stanley Cup champions vs. a second-300 and sixty five days growth workforce. Nonetheless within the seven months since that will feel slightly unfair to a Kraken workforce that obtained 46 games. (Within the occasion you’re tranquil with us Mr. Time Traveller, yes, the Kraken obtained 46 games this 300 and sixty five days. No, we’re now no longer lying to you).

The Kraken were a huge shock this season and that’s segment of the reason the mannequin doesn’t give them mighty of an opportunity. Now no longer against arguably the class of the West. The mannequin doesn’t beget mighty faith of their performance being repeatable, striking mighty more inventory in Colorado’s video display file as an elite workforce.

the stats from the 2 groups this 300 and sixty five days suggests the 2 golf equipment aren’t as some distance off as these odds counsel. Nonetheless the Avalanche beget handled injuries all season that obfuscate how right they’re when wholesome. They’re now no longer fully wholesome, now no longer with out captain Gabriel Landeskog who didn’t play a single sport this 300 and sixty five days, nonetheless they’ll be as shut as they beget got been all season for Recreation 1. And that spells effort for Seattle. This collection shouldn’t be shut.

The Numbers

To the shock of no person, the Avalanche payment better offensively than their Spherical 1 opponent. At five-on-five this season, Colorado created more shots and quality prospects than the Kraken. Their offensive generation became as soon as additionally slightly more balanced, whereas the Kraken leaned in extra with their flee-based entirely entirely play. Seattle, and their depth scorers, set up targets at a elevated clip — 3.16 per 60, which led the league when when put next with Colorado’s 2.67 which most fascinating ranked 12th.

The Avalanche most fascinating undoubtedly matched expectations with their goal scoring, which is weird and wonderful for a workforce with their finishing talent. That trended within the suitable route within the second half and is one thing to factor in. The Kraken, on the deal of hand, trended within the opposite method within the second half; they didn’t beget as many targets to verbalize for what they created. That’s what tends to occur when the results don’t match the underlying play. If they were going into the playoffs with slightly more reinforcement, presumably within the trend of Andre Burakovsky, there’d be slightly more hope that they can beget to tranquil kick it up a level.

One of many weakest areas for Seattle is the energy play, which became as soon as below reasonable in shot quality and goal scoring. Colorado, to overview, became as soon as within the tip-half in both metrics. When that top unit is wholesome, it’s disturbing to leisurely down given how mighty talent is loaded on it; that’s why they performed sixth with 9.18 targets per 60.

On the deal of live of the ice, the 2 groups are rather shut in what they offer up whereas shorthanded. The inequity is between expectations and reality as a consequence of the Kraken conceded a elevated payment of targets against which falls on goaltending.

That’s similar at five-on-five, too. Seattle permits fewer shots against — the third-lowest payment within the league, to be staunch. And these two groups are neck-and-neck in anticipated targets, both ranking within the tip 10. The Kraken tranquil beget strengths nonetheless shaky goaltending to reduction it up. It’s now no longer as pronounced as closing 300 and sixty five days, nonetheless it’s tranquil now no longer an issue of certainty, either.


The Grand Question

Can Seattle’s forward depth overpower Colorado’s stars?

The first column on the Kraken’s stat sheet is proof ample that their formula for workforce-building has, to this level, long past in accordance with notion. Thirteen avid gamers performed the unprecedented season with 13 targets. Six had now no longer now no longer up to 20. At the tip were Jared McCann (40), a third-line center with Pittsburgh who, at instances, scored like a first-line winger; and Matty Beniers (24), the group’s first draft decide and — now no longer coincidentally — first try at adding undoubtedly elite talent to the fold.

As an alternative of that? Mainly only a bunch of stable hockey avid gamers. It couldn’t beget labored out better. After showing indicators of this form of thing of their inaugural season whereas getting knee-capped by their goaltenders, the Kraken went out and earned themselves a playoff space. Beniers had himself an smartly-known rookie season. Shane Wright, tranquil, became as soon as came across money at the No. 4 decide. There will be deal of opportunities to transfer stable talent on to the tip shelf. Within the intervening time, even if, the Kraken seem like they’re attempting to offer four nickels for a quarter.

Against the Avs, Seattle’s most fascinating hope would perhaps perhaps very smartly be for the backside six to paddle buck wild. Eeli Tolvanen, picked off waivers from the Predators, has the third-absolute most practical targets/60 on the workforce (1.34) and a legitimately unpleasant shot. The Predators failed for years to turn it into a offer of producing. Then, Seattle will get a reduction of him, throws him on a line with Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde and, wham, 16 targets in Forty eight games.

As a total, that line has some legit pop. If they’re matching up against Lars Eller, Denis Malgin and Alex Newhook, it’s smartly at some level of the realm of risk they’ll get the scoring combat. Playing Daniel Sprong on the fourth line, the place his defensive elements would perhaps perhaps smartly be mitigated by his teammates and his competition alike, is a pleasing trick, too. Getting Sprong accessible against Colorado’s fourth line and third pairing would perhaps perhaps undoubtedly consequence in one thing. Upsets are built on secondary scorers coming up immense a handful of instances over the course of a collection.

The location for Seattle, even if, is that the Avs beget some first payment depth avid gamers, too — Malgin in particular has been an environment friendly offer of targets on the backside six. Plus, there’s a total cluster of talent at the tip of Colorado’s lineup that figures to get Seattle’s marginal positive aspects within the relaxation of the matchup so a lot less relevant. This isn’t supposed as a knock on what the Kraken beget done; on the opposite, their designate of egalitarian play is a cope with to factor in. All issues notion of, even if, it’s better to beget two 100-level scorers than none.

The X-Factor

Produce the Avalanche beget ample firepower with out Gabriel Landeskog?

Within the occasion you’re in a flee: Yeah.

Within the occasion you desire to beget a small bit more: Yeah, for certain they cease. For now. Even with Landeskog formally out of the lineup, the talent Colorado boasts alongside its first line is tranquil uninteresting-right. That community alone — Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Evan Rodrigues — can paddle goal-for-goal with any unit within the NHL, let alone the Beniers line. Skill like that can beat anyone at any time. Elephantine cease.

Mix within the truth that McCann, immense as his season became as soon as, scored 27 of his 40 targets against non-playoff groups and that Beniers is tranquil most fascinating 20, and it’s rather easy to mediate Seattle shedding the tip-line combat decisively ample to render the relaxation of the sport irrelevant. Is that doubtless? No — nonetheless it’s tranquil a more realistic consequence than the Avs being smartly and undoubtedly outgunned. If Cale Makar weren’t now heading in the right direction to play in Recreation 1, it’d doubtlessly be a longer discussion. Unfortunately for Seattle, that isn’t the case. Anything is feasible, nonetheless now no longer all the pieces is realistic. Colorado performed with 109 elements in 82 games and had Landeskog on the bench for zero of them. They know what they’re doing right here.

The upper question would perhaps perhaps very smartly be what Colorado would cease in Spherical 2, when they’d be facing a workforce — Minnesota or Dallas — with stars at the tip to rival their have. We’re now no longer there yet, even if.


The Rosters

Offensive and Defensive Ranking explainer

Of nearly any that that you just may perhaps factor in matchup in these playoffs there may perhaps be none that has a wider discrepancy within the debate between huge title-energy and depth. The Avalanche are a machine attributable to their elite core. 

That’s what makes this a huge mismatch, a divulge that the Kraken will beget a very sophisticated time fixing for. There may perhaps be merely no resolution anywhere within the lineup for what the Avalanche stars can lift to the table. MacKinnon is a 100-level scorer and a top five forward on this planet. Rantanen is a 50-goal scorer and a top five winger. Makar is a generational defenseman, the suitable within the league who is a top five defenseman at both ends of the ice. Toews is a defensive stud who ranks within the league’s top 10 among all defensemen. How cease you cease that?

Up entrance Colorado’s top line itself is a big advantage. Rodrigues has became into a serviceable plod-in player and he’s labored smartly this 300 and sixty five days being the defensive judgment of actual and unsuitable whereas MacKinnon and Rantanen paddle off. The trio performed 231 minutes collectively this 300 and sixty five days earning 59 p.c of the anticipated targets whereas scoring 64 p.c of the staunch targets.

Shutting down MacKinnon and co. entirely doesn’t seem feasible, nonetheless slowing them down will be key for the Kraken. That job will attain the total trend down to either Alex Wennberg’s line or Yanni Gourde’s line with the latter having some expertise in being a postseason shutdown center extraordinaire. 

That will beget to tranquil liberate Beniers, McCann and Jordan Eberle — Seattle’s most fascinating offensive avid gamers. The location there may perhaps be that the relaxation of Colorado’s forward community is loaded with defensively stable avid gamers — in particular Colorado’s second line. J.T. Compher had an unprecedented breakout season for the Avalanche, ample to get their preseason must replace Nazem Kadri a moot level. Defensively he performed smartly ample to enter the fringes of the Selke conversation and he’s flanked by two analytics darlings who’re superb at pushing play up the ice. 

Seattle does beget some good avid gamers lower down the lineup that can chip in atmosphere friendly depth scoring to steadiness the scales slightly, nonetheless the Avs additionally beget the defensive skill to counter that. Newcomer Lars Eller struggled offensively this season, nonetheless he’s tranquil got some defensive juice. 

The Kraken are deep, nonetheless total they only don’t seem deep ample to paddle toe-to-toe with the defending champs. The lack of Burakovsky is additionally a immense ingredient — he provides two share elements to the chances and would paddle a lengthy formula against making this workforce be conscious slightly more ambitious. Now no longer deep ample the place winning is all that doubtless, nonetheless ample to look now no longer now no longer up to some course forward. Excellent now it looks bleak.

On the reduction-live, the variation between the 2 groups is solely as stark. But again, it begins at the tip the place Makar and Toews kind the league’s most fascinating defensive pair. In 753 minutes collectively this 300 and sixty five days, they earned 59 p.c of the anticipated targets and 62 p.c of the targets attributable to both avid gamers’ elite puck-transferring expertise. 

On the deal of aspect of the aisle, Vince Dunn provides some huge title-energy of his have after an excellent breakout 300 and sixty five days. He became as soon as one in all the immense causes Seattle’s offense popped so mighty — his on-ice targets-per-60 charges were off the charts right — and he had terrific chemistry with defensive stalwart Adam Larsson. That duo became as soon as a radiant space of Seattle’s season, nonetheless they only don’t overview to Colorado’s top duo. 

That will be absolute most practical for any workforce and the goal right here for Seattle will be to weather the massive title-powered storm and hope that the workforce’s depth advantages can prevail. That applies at forward and it applies the total similar on defense the place the Avalanche are a top-heavy community. Specifically with what number of offensive weapons the Kraken beget at the backside of the lineup. Colorado’s backside four is proficient, nonetheless their results at five-on-five this 300 and sixty five days underwhelmed — ample to now no longer be conscious too some distance off from the projections of Seattle’s have unremarkable backside four. Bowen Byram and Samuel Girard are stable puck-movers and beget doubtlessly the most seemingly to offer more than anticipated right here, nonetheless we’ll must look it to undoubtedly call it a discernible advantage in Colorado’s desire.

The final nail within the coffin is the goaltending matchup. Philipp Grubauer hasn’t been the similar since leaving the Avalanche and is the suitable below-reasonable goalie within the playoffs. He’s been better this 300 and sixty five days saving five targets above anticipated — appropriate in accordance with the place he became as soon as in 2021 with Colorado — nonetheless that’s now no longer moderately ample to natty away the stink of closing season. He allowed 31.5 targets above anticipated then and the ever-fresh menace of that Grubauer showing up makes him a fancy goalie to guess on. Martin Jones undoubtedly started more games this season, nonetheless he may perhaps perhaps be an superb more horrifying choice. This became as soon as his third straight season permitting over 10 targets above anticipated.

Neither choice is promising for the Kraken and that makes goaltending yet any other Avalanche advantage. Alexandar Georgiev perfectly seized the chance to vary into a rotund-fledged starter for Colorado this season saving 17 targets above anticipated with a .917 set share. The Avalanche are immense at making issues easy on their goaltending, nonetheless Georgiev became as soon as tranquil stable in his have appropriate.

Even supposing he isn’t, Colorado has ample advantages at some level of the lineup over Seattle that it will now no longer subject either formula. 

The Key Matchup

Nathan MacKinnon vs. Matty Beniers

Even supposing a workforce wants to approach workforce-building in a completely different method and beget the balanced approach that the Kraken beget created this 300 and sixty five days, it helps to be headlined by some huge title energy. That’s what Beniers is to the workforce. He’s a budding huge title who is a approved for the Calder Trophy, and rightfully so. The forward made some noise when he joined the workforce tedious closing 300 and sixty five days, and followed it up with an excellent rookie season.

Nonetheless as the workforce’s main little bit of huge title energy, he’s going to be matched up with the forward at the tip of the Avalanche. That’s MacKinnon, the celeb who scored a hat trick within the final unprecedented season sport to get Colorado on this matchup. Few groups can stack up their most fascinating player to MacKinnon, he’s legitimately one in all the suitable avid gamers on this planet. There’s the skill, walk, and outright skill to steal over games and will beget to tranquil his workforce forward. If there were any questions about that, he answered them closing postseason with a sport-altering performance that ended with a Stanley Cup ring. He followed it up this unprecedented season with 4.2 elements per 60, for the fifth most fascinating scoring payment within the league.

The dream for the Kraken is that Beniers can sooner or later blossom into a player of MacKinnon’s caliber. That’s what any workforce will beget to tranquil need for their young stars. Nonetheless appropriate now, there’s a huge disparity at the tip of the lineup on this head-to-head matchup, and it will change into draining for the Kraken.


The Bottom Line

If the Kraken win a mode to pull this off, it’d be one in all the suitable tales of the past few seasons. The closing growth workforce, for certain, had an early Cinderella flee that you just in all likelihood be conscious. Followers in Seattle getting their have, even if it’s in Year 2, may perhaps perhaps be cool.

It’d additionally be legitimately surprising. The Avs, in main strategies, are tranquil the Avs, nonetheless their most fascinating transfer may perhaps perhaps be to get moderately hastily work right here and hope Minnesota vs. Dallas lasts as lengthy as that that you just may perhaps factor in.

References

How these projections work

How these projections performed closing season

Working out projection uncertainty 

Sources

Evolving Hockey

Natural Stat Trick

Hockey Reference

NHL

All Three Zones Monitoring by Corey Sznajder

(Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Photography)

Sahil Sachdeva is an International award-winning serial entrepreneur and founder of Level Up PR. With an unmatched reputation in the PR industry, Sahil builds elite personal brands by securing placements in top-tier press, podcasts, and TV to increase brand exposure, revenue growth, and talent retention. His charismatic and results-driven approach has made him a go-to expert for businesses looking to take their branding to the next level.

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Ukrainian Athletes Train for the Olympics Amid Shelling and Blackouts

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The memory of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, remains vivid for Olympic diver Anna Pysmenska. 

 

“When the invasion began at 4 a.m., I was in shock and didn’t know what to do. By 7 a.m., I was at the swimming pool training,” the 33-year-old shared with CNN Sport. “It was terrifying.”

 

As one of nine Ukrainian divers set to compete in the Paris Olympic Games, Pysmenska is no longer afraid; she’s channeling her anger into her sport, determined to represent her country.

 

For the first time in 12 years, Ukraine will have representation in all synchronized high diving and 3-meter springboard events for both men and women.

 

“We live under constant pressure,” said Pysmenska, who will be competing in her third Olympics. “During the day, we focus all our energy on preparing for the Games, but at night, we’re often awakened by explosions or sirens. The stress is immense.”

 

Originally from central Ukraine, Pysmenska trained in the eastern city of Luhansk until she fled in 2014 after Russian forces occupied the area.

 

“I didn’t even pack my belongings. I never imagined I wouldn’t return,” she recounted.

 

Since her escape, Pysmenska has been haunted by a recurring dream: attempting to return to Luhansk, only to find herself trapped by Russian forces.

 

After relocating her training to Kyiv, Anna Pysmenska faced another challenge when Russia attempted to invade the city again in February 2022.

 

Following the onset of the war, Pysmenska and her team moved to Croatia, but they returned to Kyiv in the summer of 2022. Yet, the relentless Russian attacks have made focus and preparation increasingly difficult.

 

“We train every day and are physically prepared, but morally, it’s tough,” Pysmenska admitted. “I was in tears a few days ago. The constant blackouts disrupt everything—I can’t eat properly. There’s no way to plan; the lights are never on. It feels like we’re living in the Stone Age. It’s incredibly unsettling.”

 

Power Outages and Air Raid Sirens

As Russia targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, blackouts have become increasingly prolonged. To combat ongoing power outages, the Ukrainian Diving Federation purchased a powerful generator for the training pool.

 

When an air raid siren sounds during practice, athletes must promptly stop and take shelter in the bomb shelter.

 

“Diving is a challenging sport,” said Ilya Tselutin, the national team coach, in an interview with CNN. “Before each jump, athletes need to warm up and prepare. After a disruption, they have to start their preparation all over again.”

 

A total of 136 divers from around the globe are expected to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in France. 

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Judges will evaluate each dive based on several criteria, including the aesthetic quality of the diver’s movements, the dive’s complexity, and the diver’s entry into the water. In synchronized diving, additional points are awarded for how well the two divers match each other’s movements.

 

For coach Ilya Tselutin, these Games represent more than just competition. 

 

“The divers’ mission is to win top-level medals and raise the Ukrainian flag as high as possible. This is their front line right now. They aim to demonstrate that our country is resilient and our nation is invincible,” he stated.

 

First Appearance in Paris

The Paris Games will mark 21-year-old Danylo Konovalov’s Olympic debut.

 

His day starts at 7 a.m. with two training sessions. When air raid sirens sound, he utilizes the time in the basement to do some physical exercises.

 

Born in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, Konovalov has been unable to train in his hometown due to the invasion.

 

In April 2022, Russian forces destroyed a water pipeline, leaving the city without access to drinking water. This prompted Konovalov to initially leave Ukraine, but he soon returned to Kyiv to continue his training. His parents still reside in Mykolaiv, a city under constant attack.

 

“I avoid reading the news; it keeps me calmer. My mom updates me, allowing me to focus on my sport,” Konovalov shared with CNN.

 

On July 5, the diving team held a farewell ceremony in Kyiv, starting with a priest’s blessing at a nearby church.

 

Konovalov follows several superstitions that he considers crucial to his performance. “I have my lucky swimwear that helps me jump well. It’s also important to place my slippers correctly; if I have a good jump, I always put them in the same spot,” he explained.

 

If he wins a medal, Konovalov plans to dedicate his achievement to Ukraine and its soldiers. Despite the turmoil in his homeland, he remains determined to focus on the Olympic Games, viewing his participation as a way to support Ukraine in its fight.

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England Seals Euro 2024 Final Berth with Dramatic Last-Minute Goal Over the Netherlands

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Ollie Watkins Secures England’s Euro 2024 Final Spot with Stunning Late Goal Against Netherlands

Xavi Simons’ Rocket Gives Netherlands Early Lead; Harry Kane’s Penalty Equalizes for England

In a tightly contested match, chances were scarce in the second half. However, substitute Ollie Watkins clinched a dramatic victory for England in added time, stunning the Netherlands.

England Makes History with First Major Final on Foreign Soil

Manager Gareth Southgate and his team have the opportunity to redeem their heartbreak from the previous final against Italy three years ago. They face Spain, the standout team of Euro 2024.

Ollie Watkins, the match-winner, expressed his anticipation for weeks leading up to his crucial goal, set up by substitute Cole Palmer. Watkins praised Palmer, affirming his confidence in their game plan: ‘I told Cole Palmer before we came on today that he would set me up, and he did exactly that.’

Seeing it go into the bottom corner was an incredible feeling. Despite the criticism, reaching the final is what counts. We’ve tuned out the distractions and now we’re here.

“We’ve shown resilience, bouncing back from a goal down, winning on penalties, and staging comebacks. One more game to go,” Watkins said, looking ahead to Sunday’s final.

 

The Three Lions Roar Once More

England Faces Euro 2024 Challenges Amidst High Expectations.

Despite boasting a plethora of world-class attacking talent, England has struggled to find its rhythm in the tournament. Many fans have found Gareth Southgate’s team difficult to watch, criticizing its perceived negativity and defensive style. The team narrowly topped a relatively weak group, with criticisms focusing on predictable passing and sluggish movement.

England’s Path to the Semifinals Marked by Individual Brilliance. England advanced to the semifinals on the strength of standout performances from Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, whose individual brilliance rescued the Three Lions in their previous knockout matches.

 

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Similarly, the Netherlands faced challenges in Germany, narrowly making it to the knockout stage as one of the top four third-placed teams. They had to stage a comeback against Turkey in the quarterfinals to secure their spot in the next round.

However, in tournament football, the ultimate goal remains clear: winning the trophy. Supporters from both nations would overlook any number of lackluster showings if their team manages to lift the Henri Delaunay Cup on Sunday.

From the outset, the semifinal clash in Dortmund proved more captivating than any previous matches for both teams at Euro 2024.

Xavi Simons, named in homage to Barcelona legend Xavi Hernández, seized the moment early on, dispossessing Declan Rice and unleashing a sensational strike into England’s top corner just seven minutes into the game.

England, now compelled to attack—an aspect they’ve struggled with in Germany—responded swiftly, equalizing just 10 minutes later. A VAR intervention confirmed Denzel Dumfries’ foul on Harry Kane inside the penalty area, prompting referee Felix Zwayer to award a penalty after Kane’s acrobatic attempt narrowly missed the mark.

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Harry Kane, overcoming past World Cup woes, confidently placed his penalty low into the bottom corner to level the score against the Netherlands.

Denzel Dumfries then came to the Netherlands’ rescue, clearing Phil Foden’s goal-bound effort off the line and later striking the crossbar with a powerful header at the other end.

Foden, having his standout performance of the tournament, was unlucky to hit the post with a superb curled shot from distance.

England displayed dominance in a thrilling first half, prompting reflection on their performance throughout the tournament. Passes were precise, runs were incisive, and there was a willingness to shoot on sight.

The halftime break left England fans optimistic, sensing a turnaround in form crucial for a semifinal. However, Ronald Koeman’s tactical adjustments tightened the Netherlands’ midfield, stifling England’s creativity in the second half.

England struggled to break through the resolute Dutch defense, resorting to sideways and backward passes as they searched for openings.

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Thankfully for England, the Netherlands failed to mount significant threats, keeping both goalkeepers relatively untested—until Watkins shattered Dutch hopes.

Facing Stefan de Vrij with his back to the goal, Watkins received Palmer’s pass, maneuvered for space, and unleashed a superb strike into the bottom corner.

England has endured decades of disappointment and heartbreak since their 1966 World Cup triumph, with Gareth Southgate familiar with these struggles more than most. Now, the team stands poised for another opportunity to end 58 years of longing.

 

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Świątek Stunned at Wimbledon: Yulia Putintseva Upsets Rising Star in Third Round Showdown

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In a surprising upset at Wimbledon, World No. 1 Iga Świątek faced a shocking defeat in the third round against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva. The Polish star, who had not lost a match in nearly three months, including a dominant victory at the French Open, seemed poised to continue her streak after taking the first set 6-3. However, Putintseva, ranked 35th in the world, mounted a comeback, winning the next two sets decisively with scores of 6-1, 6-2.

 

Reflecting on her performance, Świątek acknowledged the need for adjustments in her Wimbledon preparations, particularly after another tournament where her best result remains reaching the quarterfinals in 2023.

 

“My tank of really pushing myself to the limits became suddenly empty,” she told reporters, per Reuters. “I was kind of surprised. But I know what I did wrong after Roland Garros. I didn’t really rest properly. I’m not going to make this mistake again.”

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Following an impressive clay court season, Iga Świątek skipped warm-up tournaments on grass, emphasizing the need for patience and acceptance of errors on the faster surface.

 

Transitioning from her peak performance on clay, Świątek admitted to grappling with the adjustment, noting, “For me, moving from a surface where I felt I was playing the best tennis of my life to one where I face more challenges, it’s not straightforward.”

 

In contrast, her opponent, Yulia Putintseva, has excelled on grass, remaining undefeated this season and securing her first title on the surface in Birmingham last month. Putintseva’s prowess was evident in the match, highlighted by precision shots like a well-executed backhand crosscourt pass that frustrated Świątek and a delicate slice return winner to stave off a set point.

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After a strong start by Świątek in the first set, Yulia Putintseva steadily dismantled the Polish player’s game, dominating the second set to even the match. In the decisive third set, Putintseva maintained her composure while Świątek struggled with uncharacteristic errors, tallying 38 compared to Putintseva’s 15.

 

Reflecting on her performance, Putintseva expressed her fearless approach, telling reporters, “I believed 100 percent, I had nothing to lose, just go for it.” Encouraged by her coach to commit fully to every shot, Putintseva now looks ahead to a matchup with Jelena Ostapenko on Monday for a spot in the quarterfinals.

 

In other Wimbledon action, Novak Djokovic overcame an initial setback to defeat Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), setting up a fourth-round encounter with Holger Rune.

 

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Andy Murray’s Final Wimbledon: Singles Withdrawal Sets Stage for Farewell Doubles Tournament

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Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon winner, will skip this year’s singles competition following recent spinal surgery, announced his management team on Tuesday. Despite intensive recovery efforts since his operation a week ago, the 37-year-old has made the tough decision not to participate in singles. His team expressed Murray’s deep disappointment but confirmed his commitment to competing in doubles alongside his brother Jamie, marking his final Wimbledon appearance.

“We are incredibly disappointed to announce that Andy will not be playing singles at Wimbledon this year,” said Murray’s team in a statement. Despite his dedicated efforts in recovery post-surgery, he has decided to focus on the doubles event with Jamie and looks forward to bidding farewell to Wimbledon in this capacity.

Murray, originally slated to play against Tomas Machac in Wimbledon’s first round on Tuesday, deliberated until the final moments before opting out. His decision stemmed from ongoing recovery after spinal cyst surgery, which had led him to withdraw from the Queen’s Club Championship due to a back injury.

As a three-time grand slam champion nearing the conclusion of his tennis career, Murray has hinted that the Paris Olympics might mark his final tournament.

Expressing his desire to exit the sport with a proper match, Andy Murray remains open to competing in other tournaments this season if he isn’t competitive at Wimbledon and the Olympics.

Murray, the sole British man in the Open Era to claim a grand slam singles title, secured his first major at the US Open in 2012 and added Wimbledon victories in 2013 and 2016. A former world No. 1, he also clinched consecutive singles gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, along with a silver in mixed doubles with Laura Robson in 2012.

Despite a resurgence after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019 that saw him return to the top 50, Murray has faced ongoing challenges with injuries in recent years.

Following Murray’s withdrawal from Wimbledon singles, Belgium’s David Goffin, a fortunate loser in qualifying, is set to face Tomas Machac in the first round.

Wimbledon expressed regret over Andy Murray’s decision not to play singles this year in a statement on social media, but eagerly anticipates his participation in doubles and celebrates his memorable contributions to the tournament.

 

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Georgia’s Historic Triumph: Euro 2024 Knockout Debut Stuns Portugal

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Georgia Shocks Euro 2024: Stunning 2-0 Victory Over Portugal Secures Round of 16 Berth

In a remarkable upset, Georgia seized an early lead against Portugal within two minutes, courtesy of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia capitalizing on a defensive error. Georges Mikautadze sealed the victory with a second-half penalty, propelling Georgia into the round of 16.

At their inaugural major tournament, Georgia captivates Euro 2024 with fearless, high-intensity football, winning over fans’ hearts.

In Wednesday’s well-deserved victory, Georgia showcased its fearless spirit and high-intensity football, securing qualification for the Euro 2024 knockout stages as one of the tournament’s top four third-place teams.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s 2-1 triumph over the Czech Republic positioned them second in Group F behind Portugal. Portugal, having already secured their spot in the knockout stages with victories over the Czech Republic and Turkey, aimed to emulate Spain as the only team to win all three group games at Euro 2024.

In contrast, Georgia, the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, demonstrated resilience throughout their matches, narrowly losing to Turkey and drawing with the Czech Republic.

 

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Despite Portugal already having secured qualification, their lapse in focus and intensity allowed Georgia to seize an early advantage with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s well-taken goal less than two minutes into the game, courtesy of an errant back pass by Antonio Silva.

The atmosphere inside the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen erupted with Georgia’s early lead, which was maintained despite Portugal dominating possession and attempting long-range shots against a resilient Georgian defense. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili thwarted all attempts, frustrating stars like Ronaldo and João Félix, with Ronaldo earning a yellow card for dissent after a penalty claim.

Georgia missed chances to extend their lead before halftime, but their persistence paid off early in the second half when Otar Kiteishvili was fouled in the box, leading to Georges Mikautadze calmly converting from the penalty spot. Mikautadze’s goal marked his third of Euro 2024, solidifying his status as the tournament’s top scorer.

Throughout the match, Georgia maintained their attacking threat and effectively held Portugal at bay, with Mamardashvili making crucial saves to secure a clean sheet. The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations from the Georgian team, acknowledging their historic achievement on the global stage.

Ranked 74th globally and representing a nation of under four million people, this victory stands as Georgia’s finest football moment to date.

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Stroll to take a seat down out F1 Singapore GP after enormous qualifying atomize

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Stroll to take a seat down out F1 Singapore GP after enormous qualifying atomize

Stroll clipped the kerbs thru the closing corner at Marina Bay to unsettle the rear of his AMR23, which fired him into the exterior wall earlier than spinning aid across the circuit.

This shunt, which ripped the tethered front-left wheel off, in the demise moments of Q1 ended in a prolonged red flag stoppage in qualifying.

While Stroll reported no severe accidents from the atomize, the personnel reported he is aloof feeling sore and mixed with the prolonged rebuild job of his destroyed F1 automobile, each the motive force and the personnel comprise opted for the Canadian driver to take a seat down out the Singapore breeze.

An announcement from Aston Martin read: “Following Lance’s atomize in qualifying for the Singapore Sizable Prix, Lance and the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team comprise jointly agreed that he is just not any longer going to take part in this evening’s breeze.

“The personnel face a large job repairing the automobile on the present time and Lance is aloof sore following any such high influence. Lance’s focal point now shifts to utterly recuperating earlier than the Jap Sizable Prix.”

Aston Martin personnel boss Mike Krack confirmed Stroll will focal point on being ready to come to action at next week’s Jap GP.

“The total personnel are relieved that Lance used to be in a mutter to step out of the automobile after the day old to this’s accident – on the different hand, he is aloof feeling the after-effects of any such high-influence atomize,” Krack acknowledged.

“Our precedence now is that he makes a pudgy and immediate recovery. Together, now we comprise made up our minds that he’ll sit down out this evening’s breeze and as a substitute focal point entirely on returning to the cockpit for next weekend’s Jap Sizable Prix.”

Extra to apply

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Verstappen to “ignore” extending F1 uncover scurry in Singapore GP

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Verstappen to “ignore” extending F1 uncover scurry in Singapore GP

Red Bull has struggled to safe efficiency all weekend on the Marina Bay music, and after a group of dwelling-up alternate made issues worse for qualifying, the Dutchman couldn’t better 11th space.

Talking to his group as he drove relieve to the pitlane he said that the session had been “a unpleasant ride”.

He then faced investigations into three impeding incidents, alongside with one within the pitlane, rising with two reprimands nonetheless no grid penalties.

Verstappen made it obvious that from 11th he doesn’t relate he can uncover Sunday’s inch.

“It is doubtless you’ll well perchance ignore that,” he said when requested if he could perchance fight for victory. “It is doubtless you’ll well perchance’t sprint. On other tracks that you can presumably inaugurate final, I mean potentially in Spa that you can presumably inaugurate final and uncover the inch, nonetheless no longer here.

“Right here that you can presumably must be two or three seconds faster to comprise an opportunity to sprint. And so as that is intelligent avenue circuit stuff.”

Verstappen acknowledged that it was as soon as extra vital to indulge in why the group struggled in Singapore somewhat than apprehension about ending his winning scurry.

“I knew that there was as soon as a day that you’re no longer winning anymore,” he said. “But moreover we had a extremely correct speed anyway, up till now.

“I would repeatedly take a season indulge in we’re winning this vital and having one in actual fact contaminated weekend over the erroneous device around, the set you are no longer combating for the championship, and then you indubitably are winning here.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB19

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB19

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photography

“But I believe it is extra vital that we intelligent realize what we did atrocious this weekend. Because I’m confident that subsequent week we sprint to Suzuka, and the automobile is snappy again.

“It already felt indulge in that moreover within the simulator that this was as soon as a demanding set of dwelling-up window for the automobile, then we went to Suzuka and it intelligent felt unbelievable again, indulge in a lot of the races.”

Verstappen admitted that a alternate for qualifying had gone within the atrocious path.

“I believe in actual fact this morning, though FP3 was as soon as better, we made some correct progress,” he said. “It was as soon as, of direction, composed no longer the set we desire it to be. But it was as soon as having a gawk indulge in one thing.

“Then we made a pair of extra changes, which we belief the set of dwelling-up, the automobile, would allow. Then we obtained into qualifying and the first huge ache I had was as soon as that I could perchance no longer brake leisurely and demanding because I would bottom out and it may most likely sell off the entrance tyres.

“On a avenue circuit that is one thing which is terribly needed, to be confident on the brakes, and attack the corners. So I could perchance no longer elevate out that.

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“Moreover that, moreover intelligent the low-speed corners, the set I believe we had been struggling already your total weekend. I intelligent had no rear relieve.

“So I intelligent stored on indulge in having mini slides, or in my final lap a huge one in Turn 3. And when it is indulge in that there’s no longer this form of thing as a lap time.”

He added: “Clearly, we intelligent don’t realize that field. In any other case, you don’t originate these kinds of changes and it is worse, so we were clearly no longer determining the automobile this weekend around this music.”

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Tander explains upsetting Sandown smash

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Tander explains upsetting Sandown smash

The worn become running fourth within the early phases of the Supercars patience curtain raiser when his Grove Mustang become tipped into a high-tempo inch at Dandenong Aspect motorway.

The mumble proved to be a left-rear wheel that worked free from the car, which tagged the armco barrier before coming to a leisure within the flip 9 sand entice.

In accordance to Tander there become runt warning of the failure, and not using a signals of a scarcity of tyre stress on the gallop.

In fact, he belief a free sensation become simply a trade in wind direction.

“It turned all over the deplorable procedure on the cease of the hill,” Tander suggested Fox Sports.

“I felt on the lap before that something become either bending, or something become occurring within the left-rear. I become about to seek files from [race engineer] Al [McVean] up the motivate straight, because we had been expecting a wind direction trade, and I believed it become pulling the car around a runt.

“At no level did I dangle the wheel become free. I didn’t net any alarms on the gallop that the tyre become going down. The runt bit of surveying I did on the cease [after the crash], the wheel obviously came off the car but the tyre become flat. I invent no longer know what took negate first.”

When requested by pit reporter Riana Crehan if the smash become horrifying, Tander added: “You kind of know [at Dandenong Road] that this could well well likely simply be neat. Nevertheless it wasn’t too dreadful. I got a form of tempo out of it and it become spinning on the tarmac. It hit the armco on the out of doors, it be done an most attention-grabbing bit of hurt to the car.

“It’s a shame, we had a very lawful car.”

Tander become sharing the Grove entry with lead driver David Reynolds.

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Sean O’Malley displays McGregor message following UFC 292 title obtain

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Sean O’Malley displays McGregor message following UFC 292 title obtain

Newly-topped UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley has made no bones about the utilization of the occupation blueprint of Conor McGregor as motivation for his bask in hotfoot against an world title.

O’Malley made appropriate on his verbalize to obtain UFC gold remaining weekend in Boston, ending the weak champion Aljamain Sterling early into the 2nd spherical of their fight within the TD Garden — the identical venue by which McGregor earned a 2nd spherical discontinue of Denis Siver all those years ago — and speaking to weak NFL participant Pat McAfee on his podcast the day outdated to this, O’Malley printed that McGregor used to be quick to message him after he raised that gold belt.

@TheNotoriousMMA indubitably messaged me for the predominant time the day outdated to this and said microscopic one we did it..

I said are we co-predominant eventing in December and all he spoke back used to be SHOT CALLER” 😂😂@SugaSeanMMA #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/23wBnNKUw1

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 22, 2023

“Conor messaged me on Instagram for the predominant time the day outdated to this,” O’Malley said to McAfee.

“He said, ‘Minute one we did it,’ and I said, ‘We sure f*cking did!’ I said, ‘You predominant eventing in December, I’m co-predominant eventing?’ All he spoke back used to be, ‘Shot caller.’ I don’t know what which approach, but I indubitably feel like I kinda discontinue so I’m hoping that’s a optimistic in f*cking Irish.’

No remaining date has as of yet been confirmed for McGregor’s return to the Octagon, though there were recent solutions that December would possibly perchance perchance properly be a imaginable date for the Dubliner’s proposed matchup with TUF rival coach Michael Chandler. Likewise, O’Malley has urged that he would like to defend his crown earlier than the 300 and sixty five days is out — likely against either Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera or Merab Dvalishvili.

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DENSO to Show at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich

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DENSO to Show at IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich


KARIYA, JAPAN, Aug 24, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – DENSO Corporation at present offered that this can exhibit at the IAA Mobility 2023 to be held in Munich, Germany, September 5-10.

DENSO Exhibition Stand, Munich Exhibition Heart (Hall A2 – D21)

DENSO will showcase the concepts of “Inexperienced” and “Peace of Mind” and DENSO’s outlandish technique to the ?2035 Vision?.

On the 4th of September only within the near previous-appointed DENSO President and COO Shinnosuke Hayashi will abolish his first European public appearance and speaking engagement all the map thru a press tournament at the DENSO exhibition stand.

DENSO Press Event
Date and time: 4 September 2023, 14:20 to 14:40 CEST
Dilemma: DENSO Exhibition Stand, Munich Exhibition Heart (Hall A2 — D21)
Presenters: Shinnosuke Hayashi, President and COO of DENSO Corporation Yasushi Mukai, President and CEO, DENSO Global Europe

Copyright ©2023 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate Data Network.

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