Sports
Sultans of Net sweep past China to reach VNL final against Brazil
Türkiye powered into the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League final with a commanding straight-sets victory over host China on Saturday, setting up a gold-medal showdown with Brazil after another dominant display from the reigning global powerhouse.
The “Sultans of the Net” overwhelmed the home side 3-0 in the semifinal at the East Asian Games Dome in Macao, controlling the match from start to finish to secure their place in Sunday’s championship match.
Türkiye won by scores in the region of 25-21, 25-15 and 25-20, underlining their superiority in every phase of the contest.
The victory extends another remarkable run for Daniele Santarelli’s squad, which has become one of the world’s premier volleyball teams in recent years.
The third-ranked Turks arrived in Macao as one of the tournament favorites and lived up to that billing with a composed performance built on powerful attacking, disciplined blocking and relentless serving pressure that left seventh-ranked China with few answers.
Türkiye’s latest success comes after another impressive campaign that has reinforced its status among the sport’s elite.
Since capturing its first Volleyball Nations League title in 2023, the team has also claimed the European Championship, finished runner-up at the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship and continued to establish itself as a consistent medal contender on the international stage.
The semifinal victory capped another convincing knockout performance after Türkiye rallied past Canada in the quarterfinals. After dropping the opening set, Santarelli’s side recovered to win 22-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-17, with star opposite hitter Melissa Vargas producing 27 points to lead the comeback.
Türkiye advanced to the Finals after finishing fourth in the preliminary standings with a 9-3 record and 25 points, comfortably earning a place among the tournament’s top eight teams.
China’s path to the semifinals had been far more dramatic.
The hosts secured an automatic Finals berth despite finishing ninth in the preliminary round with a 6-6 record and 19 points, then produced one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by eliminating the United States in a thrilling five-set quarterfinal. China recovered from a first-set loss to defeat the Americans 15-25, 25-23, 25-20, 17-25, 15-13 and ignite hopes of a home triumph.
Those hopes, however, were quickly extinguished by a confident Turkish side that had already beaten China earlier in the tournament.
The teams met during the preliminary phase in Ankara on June 21, when Türkiye prevailed 3-2 in a gripping five-set battle. Vargas delivered one of the finest performances of her international career with 36 points as Türkiye recovered to win 25-21, 26-28, 23-25, 25-16, 15-12.
That victory continued a trend of Turkish dominance in the rivalry. Türkiye also defeated China in the 2023 Volleyball Nations League final and edged the Chinese in a dramatic five-set quarterfinal at the Paris Olympics in 2024.
In Macao, there was no such drama.
Backed by a vocal home crowd, China struggled to cope with Türkiye’s relentless pressure.
Vargas again spearheaded the attack, while middle blocker Zehra Güneş anchored the net with strong blocking. Outside hitters Hande Baladın and İlkin Aydın provided consistent offensive support, and Türkiye’s organized defense repeatedly frustrated the hosts.
China, coached by Zhao Yong and featuring a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, showed the resilience that carried it through the quarterfinals but could not match Türkiye’s pace, precision or physicality across three sets.
The result sends Türkiye into Sunday’s championship match against Brazil, which booked its place in the final by outlasting top-ranked Italy in a five-set semifinal thriller earlier in the day.
China and Italy will meet in the bronze-medal match, also scheduled for Sunday.
The Bahrain Grand Prix, canceled in April due to the Middle East war, will be held in Malaysia in early October, Formula 1 organizers announced Sunday.
“Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that Malaysia will host the … Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from Oct. 2-4 2026,” F1 and motorsport’s world governing body said in a statement.
The original F1 calendar featured 24 races, but those in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled because of the war. Upcoming events in neighbouring Qatar and Abu Dhabi also remain in doubt.
While F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali spoke in early July of the possibility of holding a Grand Prix in the Gulf on Oct. 4, the resumption of hostilities between Iran and the United States in recent weeks has effectively ruled out that option.
Sepang circuit, near Kuala Lumpur’s international airport, returns to the calendar for the first time since 2017 to host what will be called the “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.”
The track has also been the venue for a MotoGP race since 1999.
F1 indicated that Bahrain would cover a large part of the costs involved in rescheduling the race.
It will slot in between the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sept. 26 and the Singapore Grand Prix on Oct. 11, restoring the championship to 23 races.
“This is fantastic news for our fans. They will continue to enjoy a full and exciting Formula 1 calendar, while also seeing the sport return to a great venue,” said Domenicali.
“Malaysia is an incredible country, and Sepang holds a special place in Formula 1 history.”
“It will provide a spectacular setting for racing and an unforgettable experience for fans at the circuit and watching around the world,” he added.
Uncertainty still hangs over the end of the season, as the last two rounds are supposed to take place in Qatar and Abu Dhabi on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6.
These two races could be canceled and several options are on the table to replace them, such as staging two consecutive Grands Prix in Las Vegas at the end of November or even holding one or two final races in Europe.
In that case, the Imola (Italy) and Portimao (Portugal) circuits are the most likely candidates, several sources within the paddock told AFP.
No final decision on the last two rounds in the Gulf is expected before late September or early October, with authorities opting to wait and see how the situation develops.
Reigning Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray will conclude the Austrian leg of their summer preparations Monday when they take on Serie A side Venezia FC in an international exhibition match in Linz.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. Turkish time (6 p.m. GMT) at the Hofmann Personal Stadion as part of the third annual “Summer Series Upper Austria” preseason showcase.
The Istanbul giants have been stationed in the picturesque alpine district of Windischgarsten, undergoing an intensive physical and tactical conditioning camp under head coach Okan Buruk as they prepare to defend their domestic league title and compete in European competition.
Preseason progress
Monday’s encounter represents a key opportunity for Buruk to evaluate squad depth and tactical cohesion following a mixed opening to their summer exhibition schedule.
Galatasaray launched their preseason campaign on a dominant note in Istanbul, claiming an emphatic 5-1 victory over Turkish Süper Lig club Ümraniyespor.
However, the Turkish champions faced a stiffer test upon arriving in Central Europe. In their first match on Austrian soil, Galatasaray suffered a 2-0 defeat against Italian Serie A side AC Monza in Linz.
The loss exposed defensive lapses during transitions that Buruk and his staff have prioritized fixing during subsequent training sessions in Windischgarsten.
For Venezia, Monday’s match against Galatasaray marks their first major international fixture of the 2026–27 preseason.
The Venetian side is using the Upper Austria series to integrate summer additions before they return to Italy for their own domestic league and cup openers.
Return to Istanbul
Immediately following Monday night’s match in Linz, the Galatasaray squad will pack up their base camp and fly back to Istanbul to begin the final phase of their preseason schedule.
The club has arranged two more marquee home exhibition matches in Istanbul before the official season begins. They will face French side Rennes on Aug. 2, followed by a friendly against La Liga giants Villarreal on Aug. 8.
Spearheaded by an unstoppable performance from tournament MVP Melissa Vargas, Türkiye mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat Brazil on Sunday and capture their second women’s Volleyball Nations League title in Macao.
In front of 4,000 fans in China, the Turkish squad overcame a set deficit to secure a 3-1 victory (23-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-21), adding the 2026 crown to the maiden trophy won in 2023.
The loss delivered another heartbreaking finish for Brazil, which was forced to settle for its fifth VNL silver medal. Earlier in the day, Italy claimed the bronze medal in the third-place match against China.
Brazil seized control early in the opening set behind 22-year-old outside hitter Ana Cristina, whose explosive offensive production kept the South Americans in front for most of the frame.
Brazil opened a 23-18 cushion before Türkiye made a late charge, scoring four consecutive points to pull within 23-22.
However, the Sultans of the Nets could not complete the comeback, as substitute opposite Kisy Nascimento fired the 25-23 set-winner for Brazil.
The second set transformed into a grueling, point-for-point battle as Vargas began to dominate at the net.
The Turkish opposite repeatedly found gaps in Brazil’s floor defense during high-pressure rallies.
In the closing moments of the frame, outside hitter Hande Baladin pushed Türkiye to match point with a monster block to deliver the 24th point, before Vargas hammered down the final ball to claim the set 25-23 and even the match.
Momentum swung back and forth in a high-octane third set, where the margin exceeded two points only momentarily, at 8-5 in Brazil’s favor.
Vargas, however, was relentless, pounding 11 points in the frame alone to push the set into extra points. Facing their second set point at 25-24, Türkiye closed out the 26-24 victory when an Ana Cristina attack sailed out of bounds.
Determined to finish the match, Türkiye sprinted out to an early six-point lead at 8-2 and 13-7 in the fourth set.
Brazil then mounted a fierce comeback behind a four-point service run from Ana Cristina, eventually stepping in front with a 19-18 lead.
The advantage, nevertheless, was short-lived. Spearheaded by Vargas, Türkiye regained control in the final stretch before setter Elif Şahin sealed the championship victory at 25-21 with a clever tip over the net.
Vargas was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 VNL for her heroics in the final, capping an extraordinary tournament for the Turkish star and the Sultans of the Nets.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has earned a remarkable new chapter in his late-blooming career after agreeing to join Chilean powerhouse Colo Colo following his breakout performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, will travel to Chile in the coming days to complete a medical before being officially unveiled at Estadio Monumental David Arellano, Colo Colo president Aníbal Mosa said Friday. Local reports say the deal is expected to run through the end of 2027.
“Vozinha is set to become a Colo Colo player,” Mosa told reporters before the club’s league match. “He will arrive in Chile in the coming days, undergo the necessary medical tests and then be presented here at the Monumental Stadium.”
Mosa said the club was convinced by both the veteran’s performances at the World Cup and the experience he brings to a squad chasing another league title.
“He’s in very good form. That’s why we’re signing him,” Mosa added.
The move comes after Vozinha emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup, helping Cape Verde produce one of the tournament’s most memorable underdog stories.
Making their World Cup debut, the tiny island nation stunned the soccer world by reaching the knockout stage. Cape Verde opened with a scoreless draw against eventual champion Spain, with Vozinha producing seven saves in a commanding display that frustrated one of the tournament favorites.
The Cape Verdeans followed with a 2-2 draw against Uruguay and another scoreless draw against Saudi Arabia to finish second in Group H, becoming the first World Cup debutant to reach the knockout rounds since 2010 and the smallest nation by population ever to do so.
Vozinha delivered another standout performance in the Round of 32, making eight saves, including several against Lionel Messi, as Cape Verde pushed eventual finalist Argentina to extra time before falling 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
Across four World Cup matches, the veteran goalkeeper recorded 18 saves and two clean sheets, performances that earned him a place in FIFA’s fan-voted Dream Team despite Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón winning the tournament’s official Golden Glove award.
His heroics also transformed him into an international social media sensation.
Brazilian influencer Casimiro Miguel encouraged millions of viewers to follow Vozinha during Cape Verde’s match against Spain, sparking an extraordinary surge in popularity. His Instagram following exploded from roughly 50,000 before the tournament to nearly 30 million, making him one of the world’s most-followed soccer goalkeepers.
The attention capped an unlikely journey for a player whose professional career began much later than most.
Vozinha did not sign his first professional contract until he was 26 after working as an electrician while playing semi-professionally in Cape Verde. Since then, he has built a career across several countries, representing clubs in Angola, Moldova, Portugal, Cyprus and Slovakia.
His longest and most successful spell came with AEL Limassol in Cyprus, where he won the Cypriot Cup during the 2018-19 season and made more than 100 appearances. Most recently, he played for Portuguese second-division club Chaves before becoming a free agent after his contract expired around the World Cup.
A Cape Verde international since 2012, Vozinha has also represented his country at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, but his World Cup exploits elevated him onto the global stage for the first time.
He now joins one of South America’s most successful clubs.
Colo Colo have won a record 34 Chilean league titles and remain the only Chilean club to capture the Copa Libertadores, lifting the continent’s biggest prize in 1991. Led by Argentine coach Fernando Ortiz and featuring veteran midfielder Arturo Vidal, the Santiago club sits comfortably atop the Chilean Primera División standings midway through the 2026 season.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has ruled out signing Max Verstappen for the 2027 Formula One season, confirming George Russell and championship leader Kimi Antonelli will remain the team’s driver lineup while keeping the four-time world champion firmly on the team’s long-term radar.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 ahead of Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Wolff said Mercedes’ immediate priority is maintaining stability after a dominant start to Formula One’s new regulations era.
But he also made it clear the prospect of pairing Verstappen with Antonelli remains a possibility beyond 2027.
“We will not shy away from perhaps having them both in the team at some stage,” Wolff said. “You must give Kimi time to develop. Max is at his peak, he can do anything.”
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull through the end of 2028, although his deal is widely believed to include performance-related exit clauses that could allow him to leave earlier under certain circumstances.
Mercedes’ impressive form this season has only strengthened Wolff’s confidence in his current lineup.
Antonelli, 19, has emerged as the breakout star of the championship, leading the standings ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and teammate Russell after collecting multiple victories, including his sixth win of the season at last week’s Belgian Grand Prix.
Verstappen, meanwhile, has endured an unusually difficult campaign and sits seventh in the standings without a race victory.
Antonelli’s rapid rise since replacing Hamilton at the start of 2025 has convinced Mercedes that continuity is the best path forward. Russell, who joined the works team in 2022, is also expected to remain alongside the Italian next season.
“We haven’t made an official announcement yet, but at this stage it’s the only logical conclusion,” Wolff said.
Despite confirming the team’s short-term plans, Wolff showed no hesitation about eventually managing two elite drivers under one roof, even after experiencing one of Formula One’s fiercest teammate rivalries when Hamilton and Nico Rosberg battled for championships at Mercedes.
“I had it worse with Rosberg and Hamilton. Today I would probably do it better,” Wolff said.
Mercedes have pursued Verstappen for several seasons as Red Bull’s dominance has fluctuated, but the team’s commanding pace under Formula One’s latest technical regulations has reduced any urgency to overhaul a lineup already delivering consistent success.
Russell’s multi-year contract extends through 2027, while Antonelli’s remarkable development has reinforced Mercedes’ belief that the teenager should continue growing without unnecessary disruption.
Jürgen Klopp is back in coaching, and Germany is hoping one of the game’s most successful managers can restore its place among international football’s elite.
The German Football Association (DFB) unveiled Klopp as the new head coach of the men’s national team on Friday, handing the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager a contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The appointment comes after Germany’s latest World Cup failure, extending a run of disappointing tournament performances that has left one of football’s traditional powerhouses searching for answers.
“The national team brings us Germans together like almost nothing else can. That’s what makes this task so special for me,” Klopp said during his introductory news conference in Frankfurt.
Klopp succeeds Julian Nagelsmann, who resigned after Die Mannschaft’s penalty shootout loss to Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup.
The defeat ended Germany’s campaign before the last 16 and marked the third consecutive World Cup in which the four-time champion failed to make a deep run after group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
The 59-year-old returns to the touchline for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2024, when he stepped away after nearly nine years at Anfield, citing exhaustion following one of the most demanding spells of his coaching career.
After leaving Liverpool, Klopp spent the past year and a half as Red Bull’s head of global football, overseeing the company’s worldwide network of clubs.
During this summer’s World Cup, he also worked in the United States as a television pundit for a German-language broadcaster while discussions with the DFB gathered momentum.
Germany quickly identified Klopp as its preferred candidate once Nagelsmann stepped down, with negotiations culminating in an agreement that ends Klopp’s brief break from management.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches of his generation, Klopp built his reputation on an aggressive, high-pressing style famously dubbed “heavy metal football.”
His energetic approach transformed Borussia Dortmund into Bundesliga champions twice before he guided Liverpool to the 2019 UEFA Champions League title, the club’s first Premier League crown in 30 years in 2020, and several domestic trophies.
Now he faces an entirely different challenge in his first international coaching role.
Germany boasts a talented core that includes Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and several emerging stars, but the team has consistently fallen short on the biggest stage.
The DFB hopes Klopp can rebuild confidence, restore tactical identity and reestablish the winning culture that carried Germany to World Cup triumphs in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014.
His long-term contract reflects the federation’s commitment to stability, with Klopp expected to oversee Germany through UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup while playing a key role in the development of the country’s next generation of talent.
There will be little time to settle in.
Klopp’s first assignment comes in late September and early October, when Germany plays four UEFA Nations League matches in just 11 days against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia.
The demanding schedule will provide an immediate opportunity to begin implementing the high-intensity pressing game that defined his success at club level.
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoFatih Altaylı confessed at the prosecutor’s office: He accepted broadcasts in support of AHBAP! “We knew he was addicted to gambling”
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoBrawl between Özgür Özel and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu supporters! Mustafa Sarıgül kicked the citizen who reacted
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoMessage from Minister of Justice Gürlek about the February 6 earthquake: They tried to overshadow the power of our state
-
Economy3 days ago2 Chinese supertankers apparently escape Houthis’ Red Sea blockade
-
Daily Agenda3 days agoCHP leader Hürriyet and 19 people were arrested
-
Daily Agenda3 days agoThe concept of “Productive Health” is coming to life! Minister Memişoğlu announced: We are waiting for everyone who says ‘I also have an idea’
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoDirectorate of Communications shared: President Erdoğan met with the President of Uzbekistan!
-
Economy3 days agoNew row with US in sight as EU slaps Google with $1 billion fine