Sports
Portugal edge Spain on penalties to clinch Nations League crown
Portugal edged Spain 5-3 in a nerve-jangling penalty shootout to clinch the UEFA Nations League title on Sunday, capitalizing on Alvaro Morata’s costly miss from the spot in a final that ended 2-2 after extra time.
Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the talisman, kept Portugal alive with a 61st-minute equalizer – his record-extending 138th international goal – forcing the game into extra time after Spain had taken a 2-1 lead into the break.
The match began with a flurry of goals. Spain struck first through Martin Zubimendi in the 21st minute, slotting home after Portugal failed to clear a dangerous ball from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. But just five minutes later, Portugal hit back. Nuno Mendes blasted a low shot into the far corner, leveling things 1-1.
Spain regained the advantage right before halftime. Pedri threaded a clever pass to Mikel Oyarzabal, who squeezed his shot past Diogo Costa to give La Roja the edge at the interval.
But Ronaldo, who turned 40 this year, wasn’t done yet. The veteran striker pounced on a loose ball just after the hour mark, hammering home the equalizer and sending the match into an edgy extra period. He left the field to a roaring ovation in the 88th minute, sharing an embrace with Portugal coach Roberto Martinez in what felt like a symbolic passing of the torch.
With no winner after 120 minutes, penalties were inevitable. And when Morata stepped up and missed, Portugal seized the moment, converting all five of their kicks to lift the trophy.
Earlier in the day, France secured third place with a 2-0 win over tournament hosts Germany in Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappe, showing his class once again, scored one and assisted the other for Michael Olise after a sluggish first half.
Carlos Alcaraz refused to blink, refused to break, and ultimately refused to lose.
Down two sets and staring down three match points, the 21-year-old Spaniard pulled off a spectacular comeback to outlast top seed Jannik Sinner 4-6, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (10-2) in a gladiatorial five-hour, 29-minute showdown – the longest final in Roland Garros history.
The win handed Alcaraz his second straight French Open title and a perfect five-for-five record in Grand Slam finals, underscoring his place as heir to the clay kingdom once ruled by Rafael Nadal.
Rivalry forged in fire
This was no ordinary title defense. It was the first Grand Slam final between two players born in the 2000s – the faces of tennis’ new era clashing under the Paris sun in a match for the ages.
Sinner, riding a 20-match winning streak at the majors and already holding titles from Melbourne and New York, looked poised to complete his surface sweep. He had Alcaraz on the ropes, up two sets and leading 5-3 in the fourth with triple match point in hand.
But clay courts demand more than firepower – they demand resolve. And Alcaraz, equal parts defiant and dazzling, found both.
From the brink, to the top
Trailing by two sets for the first time in a Slam final, Alcaraz clawed his way back.
He broke through in the third, then summoned nerves of steel in the fourth, saving three match points with fearless shot-making to drag the match into another tiebreak. He owned it.
When the decider came, it was a war of attrition. The pair traded early breaks before Alcaraz slammed the door with a 10-2 masterclass in the super tiebreak, sinking to his knees in triumph as the crowd roared.
Marathon with meaning
This final was more than just long – it was layered with legacy. In outlasting Sinner in the longest Roland Garros men’s final since the Open Era began in 1968, Alcaraz etched his name deeper into Parisian lore.
His fifth straight win over Sinner was a testament to grit and growth. The Italian, who broke first and looked in command early, was left ruing missed chances – and a golden shot at his third Grand Slam crown slipping through his fingers.
Post-Nadal, a new king emerges
As the sun sets on Nadal’s clay reign, Alcaraz has made himself the new sheriff on Chatrier. The “Prince of Clay” is no longer just a prodigy – he’s a proven champion.
And if Sunday’s epic is any sign, the future of men’s tennis belongs to him and Sinner. But for now, Paris still bows to Carlos Alcaraz.
Captain Kylian Mbappe scored one goal and set up another as France defeated hosts Germany 2-0 on Sunday to claim third place in the Nations League.
Mbappe netted his 50th international goal in his 90th appearance just before halftime, then assisted Michael Olise for the clincher in the 84th minute.
The win was a welcome rebound after Thursday’s dramatic 5-4 semifinal loss to Spain, while Germany ended their home campaign with back-to-back defeats, following a 2-1 semifinal loss to Portugal.
Florian Wirtz hit the post, the hosts had a penalty call and a goal overturned upon review, but were also wasteful, particularly early on.
The two matches highlighted that Germany lacks the squad depth of other top teams and has significant work ahead to become a major force again in big tournaments.
A much-changed France side was a constant threat on the counterattack after the break, with Marcus Thuram hitting the outside post and German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen making several key saves.
The final between titleholders and Euro 2024 champion, Spain and Portugal, is scheduled for later Sunday in Munich.
World heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has challenged Donald Trump to live in his home in Ukraine, hoping the president might better grasp the brutal reality of the war before claiming he can end it.
Trump, who returned to the White House in 2024, has repeatedly promised to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict “within 24 hours” if re-elected.
But with no peace in sight, Usyk – a vocal advocate for his war-torn homeland – believes firsthand experience is the only way Trump can truly understand the crisis he seeks to solve.
The 38-year-old has urged the president to join him at his house in Ukraine to see for himself the damage done by the war.
“I advise American President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in my house for one week,” Usyk told BBC Sport on Sunday.
“Only one week. I will give him my house. Live, please, in Ukraine and watch what is going on every night.
“Every night there are bombs and flights above my house. Bombs, rockets. Every night. It’s enough.”
Trump clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a contentious meeting in the Oval Office in February.
Trump reportedly warned Zelenskyy to show more gratitude for America’s help in peace talks before telling him to leave the White House.
Asked if Trump could be convinced to change his opinion, Usyk said: “I don’t know. Maybe he’ll understand, maybe he won’t.”
Usyk, who has won all 23 of his professional bouts, is currently in training camp preparing for a rematch with IBF champion Daniel Dubois on July 19 at Wembley Stadium.
But the WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion said the war is never far from his mind.
“I worry about what happens in my country. It’s very bad because Ukrainian people have died,” he said.
“It’s not just military people – children, women, grandmothers and grandfathers, too.”
Victor Osimhen has again turned down Saudi riches, rejecting Al-Hilal’s 90 million euro ($103 million) mega-offer to prioritize his European ambitions, leaving Galatasaray in pole position to land the Nigerian star in a fiercely competitive summer race.
According to transfer news expert, Fabrizio Romano, Napoli and Al-Hilal had agreed to a 75 million euro deal, matching Osimhen’s release clause, but the Super Eagles striker personally refused to join the 2024 Saudi Pro League champions, despite a jaw-dropping offer of 30 million euros per year – roughly 890,000 euros per week over three seasons – plus bonuses.
Al-Hilal had gone all in, with new boss Simone Inzaghi even calling Osimhen directly.
The club, fueled by funds initially earmarked for a failed Mohamed Salah bid, had made Osimhen their top target for December’s FIFA Club World Cup clash against Real Madrid.
But Osimhen wasn’t swayed. For him, money isn’t the goal – Champions League football is.
This isn’t the first time he’s turned down Saudi advances.
In 2023, he rejected a 1.2 million euro-per-week tax-free package from Al-Hilal, and a separate move to Al-Ahli collapsed after Napoli raised the asking price last minute.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has consistently reiterated the striker’s focus on elite European competition.
Galatasaray gain momentum
Galatasaray – where Osimhen has dazzled on loan with 37 goals in 41 appearances – now sees a golden opportunity.
The Turkish champions, fresh off a domestic double, are pushing hard to make the deal permanent. Club president Dursun Özbek has lined up sponsorships to fund a four-year offer worth 26 million euros annually, with 21 million euros fixed and 5 million euros in bonuses.
The proposed transfer fee stands at 60-65 million euros, just shy of Napoli’s demand.
Osimhen has told Özbek he’s willing to stay, moved by the club’s ambition, Champions League status, and unmatched fan support. “The love here is something I’ve never felt,” he said. “This is one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Yet Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis remains a tough negotiator.
Even last summer, he dismissed a 140 million euro offer from Al-Hilal and infamously demanded 500 million euros.
For now, he’s holding firm on the 75 million euro clause.
Galatasaray’s ability to bridge the 10-15 million euro gap remains uncertain, especially with another Italian giant, likely Juventus, lurking with a package ready to match Osimhen’s salary demands.
Meanwhile, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are monitoring the situation, but Napoli’s valuation and financial fair play concerns have cooled their interest.
Chelsea’s pursuit was once intense, with club legends Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel personally calling Osimhen, but the deal fell through on both financial and personal fronts.
Al-Hilal’s failed pursuit reflects a broader challenge for the Saudi Pro League.
Despite attracting big names like Neymar and Ruben Neves, convincing younger stars like Osimhen – and Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes – has proven harder. For now, the door to Saudi Arabia remains shut.
But as the Saudi window closes on June 10, the race is wide open.
The United States endured a third consecutive defeat under coach Mauricio Pochettino, losing 2-1 to Türkiye in a friendly match Saturday in Hartford, Connecticut.
Pochettino, whose team lost to Panama and Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League finals in March, was without several starters, including captain and AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic.
Almost a year out from the start of the World Cup, which the USA is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico, Pochettino used the match to take a look at some of those on the fringes of his squad.
One of those, Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn, put the home side ahead in the second minute in spectacular fashion.
The 21-year-old picked the ball up on the right flank, cut inside and then curled a beautiful shot from 20 yards out into the far corner.
It was an intense start from a hungry-looking USA, but Türkiye soon found their footing and began to apply pressure on the USA back line.
Arda Güler missed a great chance, unmarked in the box, he leaned back and fired over the bar and then Orkun Kökçü forced debutant keeper Matt Freese into a fine save with a fierce drive.
The visitors’ pressure paid off in the 24th minute but it was gifted to them by USA midfielder Johnny Cardoso who, attempting to play out from the back, clipped a pass against Güler which ricocheted past Freese and into the net.
Less than three minutes later, Türkiye had the lead after the USA defense was unable to clear and the ball fell to Kerem Aktürkoğlu who drove home.
Pochettino’s men were much better after the break though and were unfortunate not to draw level – Max Arfsten headed wide from close range and Patrick Agyemang had a shot on target but the best opportunity fell to Malik Tillman.
Substitute Tyler Adams floated a lovely cross to the back post but with all the goal to aim at, Tillman headed straight at Türkiye keeper Berke Özer.
As the USA pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Türkiye had a late chance to make it 3-1 but after a swift counterattack Barış Alper Yılmaz screwed his shot wide.
“For the first time, for a few camps, there were more positives than negatives,” said midfielder Adams.
“I think we have a lot of room for growth, if you asked me in March, I would say that we were far away but after a performance like that, there’s a lot more positives that we can take away,” he added.
The USA face Switzerland in Nashville on Tuesday.
Coco Gauff clinched her long-sought French Open title and second career Grand Slam by harnessing self-belief, capping a personal and professional breakthrough at just 21 years old.
Gauff defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday to add to her U.S. Open title two years ago.
Sabalenka had been the more in-form player heading into the final and Gauff felt she needed some extra motivation.
So she drew inspiration from Gabby Thomas, who became the women’s Olympic 200-meter champion at last year’s Paris Olympics. Thomas had kept writing down that she would be the Olympic champion in her Notes app, so Gauff tried adopting the same approach and grabbed a piece of paper.
“I wrote, ‘I will be French Open champion 2025’ like a bunch of times,” Gauff explained. “She (Thomas) wrote ‘I will be the Olympic champion’ and she ended up winning the gold. I think it’s a great mindset that she had.”
Eight lines on a piece of paper written by Gauff late on a Friday night, then it was finally time for bed, time to rest.
Not quite.
Gauff then persuaded herself a little bit more by staring at the mirror and convincing herself she was looking at the face of a soon-to-be French Open champion.
“Looking at myself in the mirror, so I was trying to instill that belief, and obviously it happened. I didn’t know if it was going to work or not. (But) it did,” Gauff said, then laughed as she added: “When you’re desperate, you’re just trying anything to think that it’s going to help you win.”
Gauff also posted on Instagram another message she wrote to herself four years ago, which started with the words “I had a dream last night that I will win (the) French Open.”
Job done.
What also stood out during the 2 hours and 38 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Saturday – in a gritty final punctuated by swirling winds due to the open roof – was how Gauff stayed calm while Sabalenka imploded and continually remonstrated with herself.
All the screams and shouts were coming from Sabalenka’s side of the net, while there was an almost quiet, steely focus on Gauff’s side.
That’s largely because these days, Gauff gets her frustrations out before matches.
“I know how important it is for me to let out those emotions so that when I come on the match court I can try and be as calm as possible,” the No. 2-ranked Gauff said. “I’m more cool-headed in matches. But in practice, I can get pretty upset. Just let me be upset. If I’m upset, I’d rather be upset on the practice court than the match.”
Gauff will now switch to the grass-court season and may play in Berlin, Germany in a week’s time before heading to London for Wimbledon, which starts on May 30.
When she gets to London, Gauff will indulge in one of her favorite hobbies: trying to get out of Escape Rooms.
“For sure, I love it, and I’m going to definitely do it,” she said.
And how about Sabalenka? How will she be coping with the defeat and the frustrations she so clearly felt?
Will she be analyzing footage of the match over and over again, trying to understand where she went wrong and what she must do better?
Far from it.
She’s off to indulge herself in Greece.
“I already have a flight booked to Mykonos and alcohol, sugar. I just need couple of days to completely forget about this crazy world,” Sabalenka said. “Tequila, gummy bears, and I don’t know, swimming, being like the tourist for couple of days.”
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