Sports
Türkiye on brink as Romania test resolve in World Cup playoff
Türkiye stand 90 minutes away from a World Cup playoff final as they host Romania in a high-stakes, winner-takes-all UEFA semifinal in Istanbul on Thursday, where the margin for error is nonexistent and the reward is a step closer to football’s biggest stage.
At Tüpraş Stadium, the stakes stretch far beyond a single night. For both Türkiye and Romania, this is a chance to end long absences from the FIFA World Cup, with neither side having appeared since 2002.
That year still defines Türkiye’s modern football identity. A stunning third-place finish in Japan and South Korea marked only their second World Cup appearance and ended a 48-year drought. It was meant to signal a new era. Instead, it became a distant memory.
Now, under Vincenzo Montella, Türkiye have rebuilt with purpose.
Their qualifying campaign was both efficient and encouraging, finishing second behind Spain with 13 points, a tally that would have topped several other groups. It reflected a side capable of competing at a higher level, even if defensive frailties occasionally surfaced.
That balance remains their defining trait. Türkiye carry attacking sharpness, driven by the creativity of Hakan Çalhanoğlu and the dynamism of Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız and Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who combined for six goals in qualifying.
Yet questions linger at the back, with goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır expected to continue despite conceding the majority of the team’s goals during the campaign.
Still, the setting may tilt the balance. Istanbul’s intensity has long been a decisive factor, and in a match shaped by fine margins, home support could provide the edge Türkiye need.
Standing opposite them is a team equally motivated by history. Romania’s last World Cup appearance came in 1998, closing a decade in which they reached the knockout rounds in three consecutive tournaments. Since then, near misses and playoff defeats have defined their story.
Now led by Mircea Lucescu, Romania arrive with a different identity. Where Türkiye lean into attacking expression, Romania are built on structure and patience. They qualified through an unbeaten Nations League campaign after finishing third in their group, a route that underlined their resilience rather than dominance.
Their threat lies in efficiency. Ianis Hagi, Florin Tănase and Dennis Man shared six qualifying goals, while Daniel Bîrligea offers a more unpredictable edge, capable of turning isolated moments into decisive outcomes. From deeper areas, Nicușor Bancu provides creativity, often driving forward to unlock compact defenses.
The tactical contrast is stark. Türkiye are expected to control possession, stretch the pitch and attack with width and movement. Romania will likely compress space, absorb pressure and strike on the counter, trusting their discipline to frustrate and their timing to punish.
In a single-elimination format, those differences often come down to moments. Set pieces, transitions and individual decisions carry more weight than sustained dominance. One lapse, one finish, one intervention can define everything.
There is no safety net. The winner advances to face either Slovakia or Kosovo in the playoff final on March 31, one step from the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the season after reaching an agreement to depart a year before his contract expires, marking the end of an era for one of the club’s greatest scorers.
The 33-year-old Egypt forward, who has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances for Liverpool, “reached an agreement” to quit the team a year before his contract was due to expire, the Premier League champions said.
Salah’s form has dipped in his ninth year at Anfield, to such an extent that he was dropped for a stretch of games late last year – leading to the winger telling reporters in an impromptu interview that the club “has thrown me under the bus.”
“Unfortunately the day has come,” Salah said in a post on Instagram that was released around the same time as Liverpool published a six-paragraph statement announcing the imminent departure of a club great.
“I wanted to start by saying I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club.”
It’s a slightly acrimonious exit for Salah, who has been the superstar name in Liverpool’s greatest team in a generation. He has won two Premier Leagues and a Champions League in a total of eight titles since joining from Roma in 2017, initially forming a devastating front three with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino under manager Jurgen Klopp.
Salah is third in Liverpool’s all-time scorers’ list, behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt, and has won the Golden Boot – as the Premier League’s top scorer – four times.
Liverpool described Salah as “one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history” and said his time at Anfield had been “remarkable.”
“Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement to the supporters at the earliest possible opportunity,” Liverpool said, “to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them.”
There was no immediate word from Salah on his next club. Leaving as a free agent would mean Liverpool wouldn’t collect a transfer fee. Salah was previously the subject of a bid from a Saudi team, reportedly Al-Ittihad, that was turned down in 2023.
Salah signed a two-year extension to his contract at Liverpool at the end of last season, tying him to the club until 2027, after being the star player in the team’s march to a record-tying 20th English league title.
However, his public clash with the club and manager Arne Slot this season might have tarnished his legacy in the eyes of some fans.
“I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” he said during an explosive interview after he was an unused substitute against Leeds in December.
Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah returned to favor with Slot but has struggled to recapture his best form.
“With plenty still left to play for this season, Salah is firmly focused on trying to achieve the best possible finish to the campaign for Liverpool,” the club said, “and, therefore, the time to fully celebrate his legacy and achievements will follow later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.”
Salah is currently out with a muscle injury sustained against Galatasaray in the Champions League last week.
Liverpool’s final Premier League game of the season is against Brentford at Anfield on May 24. The Champions League final is the following weekend, but Liverpool is the underdog heading into a quarterfinals matchup with Paris Saint-Germain.
The NBA’s packed slate delivered fireworks across both conferences on Monday night, with Turkish talents at the heart of the action even as results split in different directions.
At the United Center, the Chicago Bulls outlasted the Houston Rockets 132-124 in a high-tempo clash that showcased offensive firepower on both sides. The loss did little to dim the brilliance of Alperen Şengün, who produced one of the performances of the night.
The 23-year-old center controlled the game with poise and precision, registering his fourth triple-double of the season with 33 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, adding two steals and two blocks across heavy minutes.
Şengün dictated Houston’s offense, operating as both scorer and facilitator, and repeatedly punished Chicago inside.
Still, the Rockets could not keep pace defensively. Veteran Kevin Durant led all scorers with 40 points, while Amen Thompson added 23, but Chicago’s balanced attack proved decisive.
Collin Sexton paced the Bulls with 25 points, and rising forward Matas Buzelis contributed 23 as Chicago secured its 29th win of the campaign.
Houston, meanwhile, slipped deeper into a difficult stretch, absorbing its 28th defeat despite one of Şengün’s most complete outings.
In Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma City Thunder underlined their status as Western Conference leaders with a commanding 123-103 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander steered the hosts with 22 points, while Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams each added 18 in a controlled, methodical performance.
The Thunder’s depth and defensive discipline overwhelmed Philadelphia early, allowing them to cruise to their 57th win and further cement their place atop the standings.
For the 76ers, rookie VJ Edgecombe provided a bright spot with a team-high 35 points, supported by Trendon Watford’s 15.
Turkish big man Adem Bona saw limited minutes but contributed across the board, finishing with three points, five rebounds, three assists, a steal and two blocks in a compact display of defensive activity.
Elsewhere around the league, the night delivered a mix of tight finishes and blowouts.
The Detroit Pistons edged the Los Angeles Lakers 113-110, while the Indiana Pacers narrowly beat the Orlando Magic 128-126.
The San Antonio Spurs rolled past the Miami Heat 136-111, and the Atlanta Hawks dismantled the Memphis Grizzlies 146-107.
The Golden State Warriors outgunned the Dallas Mavericks 137-131, the Toronto Raptors handled the Utah Jazz 143-127, and the Portland Trail Blazers crushed the Brooklyn Nets 134-99. In one of the most emphatic results, the LA Clippers overwhelmed the Milwaukee Bucks 129-96.
Galatasaray has confirmed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has successfully undergone surgery to repair a fractured right forearm sustained during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Liverpool.
The operation was carried out by club chief physician Op. Dr. Yener İnce at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital in Istanbul on March 23, 2026.
The club expressed optimism about Osimhen’s recovery and hopes to see the forward back on the pitch within five to six weeks.
Osimhen, 27, on loan from Serie A side Napoli, suffered the injury in the first half at Anfield on March 18 during an aerial challenge.
Despite the pain and swelling, he initially attempted to continue before being substituted at halftime on medical advice. Immediate assessments in Liverpool confirmed a fracture involving the ulna, and a temporary cast was applied while plans for surgery were arranged.
Following the match, Osimhen provided his own update during a Twitch livestream with Nigerian influencer Carter Efe, stating: “I need to go under the knife… my arm is broken. It will take a maximum of five to six weeks. Six weeks at most, and I will be back to football.”
He outlined his rehabilitation plan, which includes approximately four weeks of rest and healing, followed by two weeks of individual training before rejoining full team sessions.
The injury comes at a critical time for Galatasaray, who had already suffered a setback when Dutch winger Noa Lang underwent thumb surgery after the same Liverpool match.
The Reds dominated the return leg 4-0, overturning Galatasaray’s slim 1-0 first-leg advantage and advancing 4-1 on aggregate to face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals. Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch, and Mohamed Salah sealed the result.
Osimhen has been a standout performer for Galatasaray this season, netting seven Champions League goals and providing crucial attacking firepower in both domestic and European competitions.
His absence leaves a significant gap, though the club remains confident that structured rehabilitation under its medical team will see him return to full fitness.
Turkish media reports align with the player’s timeline, targeting a possible return in late spring for key Super Lig fixtures.
Zinedine Zidane is allegedly edging closer to taking charge of France, with multiple reports indicating a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation to succeed Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup.
The anticipated appointment would close one of the most decorated managerial eras in international football.
Deschamps, in charge since 2012, has delivered sustained success built on structure, discipline and depth.
He guided France to the 2018 World Cup title in Russia, added the 2021 Nations League crown and led the team to two more major finals, Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, narrowly missing out on both.
Now 56, Deschamps has made clear his intention to step aside after the 2026 tournament, choosing to end his tenure after 14 years at the helm.
His decision has given the federation room to quietly craft a succession plan, one long pointing toward Zidane, Deschamps’ former Les Bleus teammate from the 1998 World Cup-winning side on home soil.
Zidane’s path to the role has been deliberate.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, the former France captain has resisted repeated offers across Europe and beyond, prioritizing the national team job. His patience now appears set to be rewarded.
French federation president Philippe Diallo recently confirmed he already knows who will lead the team into the next cycle, stopping short of naming Zidane but reinforcing the sense that the transition is effectively settled.
The formal announcement is expected only after the World Cup to avoid disrupting Deschamps’ final campaign.
Zidane steps in with elite pedigree, even without international coaching experience.
His time in Madrid produced an unprecedented three straight Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, along with two La Liga triumphs.
Beyond trophies, his defining strength has been man management, balancing egos and extracting peak performances from world-class players in high-pressure environments.
That skill will be vital with a France squad entering another golden phase. Kylian Mbappe remains the focal point and likely long-term leader, while Ousmane Dembele has rediscovered consistency and impact.
Emerging talents such as Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki and Warren Zaïre-Emery add creativity and energy, supported by a core that blends experience with tactical versatility.
The timing also offers continuity. Rather than a disruptive mid-cycle change, Zidane would inherit a squad already shaped for success, allowing him to imprint his style gradually ahead of the 2030 World Cup cycle.
For Deschamps, the mission is clear. France will head into 2026 as one of the favorites, and the outgoing coach will be determined to leave with a second World Cup title, reinforcing a legacy that already ranks among the finest in the sport.
Organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games revealed the official visual identity Monday, showcasing a floral-themed design system that celebrates the city’s neighborhoods, landscapes and cultural spirit.
The branding will appear across competition venues, fan zones, citywide installations, signage, digital platforms and broadcast presentations during the Games, LA28 said.
At the heart of the design is the “Superbloom,” inspired by Southern California’s wildflower surges that follow seasonal rains. LA28 described it as a metaphor for the Games, where years of preparation culminate in a brief, high-profile global spectacle.
The core graphic is composed of 13 individual blooms, each symbolizing a different facet of Los Angeles, from its entertainment culture to its neighborhoods, people and native environment.
The color palette draws on the bird of paradise, the official flower of Los Angeles, and is grouped into four families, poppy, scarlet flax, bluebell and sagebrush, to evoke the region’s terrain and vegetation.
Organizers said the typographic style was inspired by Los Angeles street signage, including strip mall and hand-painted storefront lettering, in an effort to give the identity a distinctly local feel.
LA28 said the design was developed to work across a wide range of settings, from nearly century-old venues to new facilities, while also accounting for broadcast requirements, digital formats and lighting conditions.
The organizing committee partnered with design studio Koto on the project.
The identity was unveiled more than two years before the Olympic opening ceremony in what organizers described as an unusually early rollout, giving partners and stakeholders more time to incorporate the branding into their materials.
Los Angeles will host the Olympics for a third time in 2028, after staging the Games in 1932 and 1984. It will also host the Paralympics for the first time.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the editorial stance, values or position of Daily Sabah. The newspaper provides space for diverse perspectives as part of its commitment to open and informed public discussion.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Miami Open campaign came to a halt in the third round Sunday, as Sebastian Korda outlasted the world No. 1 in a gripping three-set battle.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh off completing a career Grand Slam with his Australian Open triumph in January, slipped to 17-2 on the season.
The defeat follows his semifinal exit to Daniil Medvedev at Indian Wells last week, marking a rare dip in form for the tour’s top-ranked player.
Korda looked poised to finish the job in straight sets when he served for the match at 5-4 in the second, only for Alcaraz to surge back with five straight games and force a decider.
The 25-year-old American, however, steadied himself in the third, sealing a 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory in two hours, 19 minutes.
“It was a tough match,” Alcaraz said. “He was incredible today, played at a really high level. There were key moments I didn’t take, and he handled those situations better.”
Ranked No. 36, Korda became the lowest-ranked player to defeat Alcaraz since David Goffin, then No. 55, pulled off a similar upset at the same tournament last year, according to the ATP Tour.
“A lot of tense moments, for sure,” Korda said. “But I think today the ultimate thing was belief, going back to just believing, committing to every shot, and luckily I got it done at the end.”
Next up for Korda is qualifier Martin Landaluce, who advanced with a 6-3, 7-6 (2) win against 14th-seeded Karen Khachanov.
Americans Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul joined Korda in the fourth round. The sixth-seeded Fritz beat Reilly Opelka 6-3, 6-4, and No. 22 seed Paul eliminated Raphael Collignon with a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5) victory.
No. 21 Jiri Lehecka, No. 24 Valentin Vacherot and No. 29 Tomas Martin Etcheverry also were among the winners.
On the women’s side, top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka cruised to a 6-4, 6-2 win against Catherine McNally. No. 3 Elena Rybakina beat No. 27 Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-4, and No. 5 Jessica Pegula posted a 6-2, 6-2 win over No. 26 Leylah Fernandez.
No. 7 Jasmine Paolini, No. 9 Elina Svitolina, No. 11 Ekaterina Alexandrova, No. 15 Madison Keys and No. 18 Iva Jovic were eliminated. Paolini lost to No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko in three sets, and Svitolina was knocked out by Hailey Baptiste in straight sets.
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