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KATOWICE (Poland) – One day after prevailing over Israel in dramatic fashion, Poland had the last word in another Group D thriller on Sunday, this time against Iceland, securing a Final Phase berth as their reward.

Poland led Iceland by as many as 16 points in the third frame, fell behind in the fourth but outscored the guests 14-5 in the final stretch to seal an 84-75 victory, climb to 3-0 in the standings and punch their ticket to the next phase.

Turning Point

The hosts went on a 17-4 run between the end of the third and the start of the fourth quarter to build a 16-point lead, 52-36. The crowd in Spodek Arena might have thought the game was as good as over, Iceland however certainly had other ideas.

With Tryggvi Hlinason dominating in the paint, the Vikings used an 18-6 run to shift the momentum and claim an 71-70 lead with 3:31 to go.

Dominik Olejniczak scored with a hook shot 2:11 from the final buzzer to allow Poland to breath a collective sigh of relief and grab the initiative again, jumping ahead 75-73. Jordan Loyd sealed the win for Poland from the free-throw line in the dying seconds.

TCL Player of the Game

Mateus Ponitka was exceptional in the first two victories against Slovenia and Israel, and confirmed his outstanding form on Sunday.

The Polish captain led his team to another exciting night in Katowice, displaying all-around protagonism: he finished with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He’s the clear game changer for Igor Milicic’s team.

This was his third EuroBasket game with 15+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in the EuroBasket since the start of the 2022 tournament. Luka Doncic with 6 and Alperen Sengun with 4 are the only players with more such games in this span.

Stats Don’t Lie

Poland raced to a 16-point cushion thanks in great part to their success in giving Iceland a taste of their own medicine: running in transition and scoring on the fastbreak. They outscored Craig Pedersen’s team 18-11 in fast-break points.

The game however gradually changed into a hard-fought battle close to the basket, and the two teams scored 40 points in the paint apiece and, despite Hlinason’s impactful presence, Poland out-rebounded Iceland 41 to 31.

Bottom Line

Poland are on cloud nine, having officially clinched their ticket for the Round of 16 in Riga. They join Türkiye, Serbia, Germany, Finland, and Greece as the only unbeaten teams at 3-0 so far in FIBA EuroBasket 2015, and will face France on September 2.

Despite Tryggvi Hlinason’s double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, Iceland remain winless in Group D. They are still chasing their first-ever EuroBasket win, the ultimate goal in their remaining matchups with Slovenia and France.

They Said

For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!

FIBA

Pep Guardiola said his team “forgot to play” after they gave up a lead to lose 2-1 at Brighton. It was Manchester City’s second defeat of the season, the first time they have lost two of their first three league games in 21 years.

City had taken the lead through Erling Haaland and seemed to have the game under control when the Brighton manager, Fabian Hürzeler, made a quadruple substitution after an hour and levelled from a James Milner penalty seven minutes later.

“We played brilliantly the first hour but conceded a goal and then forgot to continue playing,” said Guardiola. “We decided to play long but we were not good enough. Sometimes the momentum changes the shapes. I used to be a player. I understand this.”

Before the collapse, Guardiola had seen positive signs. “I had the feeling we are more active compared to last season,” he said, “but last season we lost to Spurs and Brighton and this season it happened again. It’s difficult at the start of the season, but we have to find a way to win games.” He also confirmed Rayan Cherki is likely to be out for two months with a thigh injury.

Brajan Gruda claimed Brighton’s winner in the 89th minute. “At that moment, we were tired.” Guardiola said, pointing out that if Abdukodir Khusanov had not gone off injured four minutes earlier, his pace might have covered the gap that undid City.

“We are missing the level,” said Rodri, after his first league start in almost a year. “It is a matter of the team and the changes, new players have to adapt and, of course, when you change the team that much it is difficult. But some of the mistakes we are making are kids’ mistakes, not concentrating and paying attention. The reality is that we have to raise the level if we want to compete.”

Hürzeler spoke of “a feeling that comes from inside” as having guided his substitutions. “In some moments my body says something to me. Not just in football but generally in life you need to have the courage to take the decisions you want to if you feel they are the right thing to do. But with four subs you don’t change the game,” he said. “You need 11 players who are changed by the subs, by their energy and belief.”

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He also paid tribute to Milner who, at 39, came off the bench to score the equaliser from the penalty spot. “He always has the belief no matter against whom you are playing, and if you have these believers in your crew, it’s like a positive virus that transports this to your teammates and the crowd. One has the spark and the spark becomes like a fire.”

PESHAWAR:

Former Pakistan captain and star cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi has declared Peshawar suitable for hosting Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches, terming the organization of such mega events in the city as a positive message to the world about the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Afridi visited Peshawar Police Lines where he laid floral wreaths at the Martyrs’ Memorial and offered prayers for the fallen heroes. He praised the unmatched sacrifices and services of the K-P police, saying his bond with the province and its people is deep and enduring.

Speaking to the media, Afridi lauded the provincial government’s initiative of arranging a charity match for flood victims at Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, noting the large turnout of spectators as proof of the people’s passion for cricket. “The stadium facilities are of high standard, and I request the PCB chairman to ensure that PSL and international matches are brought to Peshawar,” he said.

Afridi expressed confidence in the national team’s current performance, adding that the squad looks balanced ahead of the Asia Cup.

During the visit, he was warmly received by CCPO Peshawar Dr Mian Saeed and SSP Operations Masood Ahmed. A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honor to the guest, who was also briefed on the city’s security and public service measures.

Afridi particularly commended the professional security arrangements during the recent charity match, saying such arrangements make it possible to host international events in Peshawar. Mian Saeed assured him that Peshawar police would provide foolproof security for any future national or international tournaments.

Paying rich tribute to K-P police’s role in the fight against terrorism, Afridi said: “The police have always stood at the front line to protect people’s lives and property, and the entire nation is proud of their sacrifices.”

He further said he considers himself part of the Pashtun community and shares a strong emotional bond with the people of Peshawar, Khyber, and the province at large. “I will always stand by my resilient people in times of need,” Afridi added. Concluding his visit, Afridi thanked Peshawar police and the district administration on behalf of himself and Peshawar Zalmi, describing the force as professional and exemplary.

World number two Carlos Alcaraz maintained his quest for a second US Open title with a straight-set victory over unseeded Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the fourth round.

The 22-year-old, who is through to the last eight in New York for the fourth time in five years, is still yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament, coming through 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 6-4.

The Spaniard will face Jiri Lehecka in the quarter-finals after the Czech 20th seed beat Adrian Mannarino in four sets.

Alcaraz had to be at his magical best at times, producing 36 winners to 11 unforced errors, chasing down several drop-shots and even producing an extravagant round-the-back return to counter Rinderknech’s attacking approach.

Despite both players serving below 50% on their first serves, there wasn’t a single break point in a tight opening set, with Alcaraz eventually taking the tie-break 7-3.

An untimely double-fault from Rinderknech, who hit 17 unforced errors in the first set, sparked a run of five successive points for his opponent, who then converted the second of his four set points.

“The first set was tight. We didn’t have break points and it didn’t mean we were serving well – the percentage was bad from both us,” Alcaraz said.

“But after that, I got in a good rhythm and tried to make the most of opportunities.

“I played good aggressive tennis and found a good rhythm after the second set and tried to keep it going.”

Addressing his trick shots, he added: “Sometimes I practice them, I’m not going to lie!

“If I have the opportunity, why not? The people like it, I like playing tennis like this, it just comes naturally.”

If Liverpool are to successfully defend their Premier League title, they will look back on the moment when Dominik Szoboszlai sank ­Arsenal with a late and showstopping free-kick as a foundation stone.

There had been little between these teams, the only ones with 100% records at kick-off; pragmatism held sway for long spells. Or maybe it was the fear of defeat. Nobody wanted to countenance that, however early in the season this fixture came.

Would Arsenal have taken a fourth Anfield draw in a row beforehand? The answer was probably yes and it appeared that Mikel Arteta had placed the emphasis on being difficult to beat, first and foremost. He loaded his lineup with physicality, playing Mikel Merino in the No 10 role rather than Martin Ødegaard, who was not fully fit. Or Eberechi Eze, the new signing, who was also among the substitutes. Which was a surprise.

Arteta knew it would be tight; he wanted it to be that way – for his team to retain a puncher’s chance. Perhaps they could nick something from a set piece? He did not subscribe to the notion of fortune favouring the brave. In the end, Arteta got nothing, he and his players floored by what ­Szoboszlai produced with seven ­minutes of ­regulation time remaining.

The free-kick was 30 yards out but the Hungary international made light of the distance with a stunning execution up and over the wall, the technique genera­ting vicious dip and fade, ­leaving David Raya clutching at thin air. ­Szoboszlai brought precision to the party, too, placing the ball perfectly inside the goalkeeper’s right-hand post.

It was the last day of August yet it was easy to see this as a marker from Liverpool; a declaration of intent. This is before they make their final moves in a blockbuster transfer window, in which they could still add Alexander Isak and Marc Guéhi and push their spending towards £500m.

Arsenal were the better team in the first half, even if they created little. Neither team did across the piece. It was that kind of contest. But ­Liverpool rallied in the second period, the Kop making itself heard and if one team was going to score, it felt as though it would be them.

Szoboszlai, who stood in at right-back for the injured Jeremie Frimpong, ensured it was a goal to remember. Thanks to Manchester City’s defeat at Brighton earlier in the day, Liverpool have a bit of daylight between themselves and both their principal rivals.

Arsenal had to go back to September 2012 for their previous league win at Anfield; Arteta was a player for them that day as goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla secured a 2-0 victory. Arteta’s plan on this occasion was to be solid; to stop Liver­pool from playing. To that end, it was a blow to lose William Saliba to an ankle injury in the early ­running. Injuries would be a theme of the day. ­Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté and ­Florian Wirtz also hobbled off.

It was tense. Arsenal could feel their hearts thump when they tried to work their play-out-from‑the‑back patterns. Yet they got them to click in the initial exchanges; a sign of the personality that Arteta wanted to see. Martín Zubimendi was prominent. Arsenal’s aggressive press, meanwhile, was a feature. Liverpool had a few nervy moments as they attempted to build from their defensive third.

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It was possible to wonder whether a loose pass out and a turnover forced in a dangerous area would be decisive. The odds in the first half appeared to point towards Arsenal making something happen in this regard. Yet it was Liverpool who had the big moment on 34 minutes when Raya erred and Virgil van Dijk outmuscled ­Zubimendi. The Liverpool captain had a shooting opportunity only to look for Mohamed Salah and a pass that was not there.

The ­creative quality was absent. Arteta’s team searched for Noni Madueke on the right; it was clear he had the pace to trouble Milos Kerkez. Twice in the first half Madueke almost got the better of his man. Kerkez, though, made last-ditch interventions. Madueke also worked Alisson after a corner broke for him.

Liverpool had to free themselves from Arsenal’s headlock in the ­second half and they did so. They took higher starting positions. They brought greater intensity. Arne Slot was able to play Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch together in midfield for the first time this season and the latter came to flicker. At the back, Konaté bullied Viktor Gyökeres, giving him nothing. It was a mismatch; a painful one from an Arsenal point of view.

Mac Allister fizzed a pass up to Wirtz, whose low shot Raya found too hot to handle. He spilled it to Cody Gakpo and then cleaned him out; an obvious penalty. Except that Gakpo was offside. The ball deflected in off Saliba’s replacement, Cristhian ­Mosquera, but it would not count.

Arteta introduced Ødegaard and Eze for Merino and Gabriel ­Martinelli in the 70th minute and, by that point, the tide had turned, Liverpool ­pushing. Arsenal’s priority was their defensive shape. Declan Rice blocked a Salah shot after good work from Wirtz before Szoboszlai assumed centre stage.

Istanbul brilliantly showcased its versatility as a host city this weekend, staging the Asia Triathlon Championships alongside the European Championships, set against the stunning backdrop of the Bosphorus.  The program for the ‘Building Bridges’ weekend featured a Standard distance (1500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run) race, with Saturday dedicated to the Elite Men’s Asian Championship, and the Elite Women’s European Championship, while Sunday belonged to the Elite Women’s Asian Championship and the Elite Men’s European Championship.

The Elite Men’s of the Asian Championships race on Saturday saw Takumi Hojo of Japan claim the Asian title in a stellar performance across all three disciplines. The swim saw athletes jostling to come out of the swim in a great position to start the bike leg, with athletes pushing hard from the beginning to get in a breakaway. On the bike course, a lead group of approximately 8 athletes was building a gap, taking turns at the front to work together. Hojo played his cards perfectly, and then delivered a dominant performance in the 10k run. Unchallenged, Hojo unleashed a powerful run, sealing his victory in a time of 01:47:32. Following closely behind to claim silver was Xirui Zhang (CHN) in 01:47:43, while a strong Jérémy Quindos (UZB) completed the podium, claiming the bronze in 01:49:03, the first podium on the Asian Championships for his country.

Yuko Takahashi of Japan stamped her authority on Sunday’s Elite Women’s race, securing her fourth Asian Championships crown. Takahashi, also the reigning champion of the Asian Games, solidifyed her status as a dominant force in Asian triathlon.

The race began with a challenging swim, with a determined pace set by the leading swimmers. On the bike, athletes formed strategic groups, working together to maximize efficiency and conserve energy for the decisive 10km run. With all the main contenders in the front, it was a matter of having the strongest legs for the run. With a fierceless effort, Takahashi surged to the front and maintained her pace to claim victory in 02:00:23. Manami Hayashi (JPN) followed in 02:01:58 to take second position, while Kanae Takenaka (JPN) completed a clean sweep for Japan in the top 3, finishing in 02:02:32.

LIMASSOL (Cyprus) – Italy earned a crucial victory in their quest to advance from the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 group stage by fighting past Bosnia and Herzegovina 96-79 for their second win as Simone Fontecchio showed what he can do offensively.

Fontecchio poured a EuroBasket record 39 points and Italy improved to 2-1 with back-to-back victories, while Bosnia and Herzegovina have lost two straight games for a 1-2 record.

Turning Point

After a tight first half, Italian head coach Gianmarco Pozzecco was ejected after a second techical foul in the opening minute of the second half. That didn’t stop the Azzurri from from pulling away early in the fourth quarter to lead 79-64.

Bosnia and Herzeogovina managed to get the deficit back to 82-77 but Italy punched back with a 11-0 run to decide the game.

TCL Player of the Game

Simone Fontecchio’s first game struggles are long forgotten as the Italian marksman drained 7 three-pointers for his 39 points. That broke Italy’s single game scoring record, which had previously been Andrea Bargnani at the 2011 EuroBasket against Lavtia. The forward, who scored 14 points in the second game after just four in the opener, also grabbed 8 rebounds and 3 assists.

Darius Thompson and Marco Spissu both scored 14 points and combined for 9 assists for the Italians. Jusuf Nurkic collected a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds in the loss while Edin Atic contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals.

Stats Don’t Lie

Italy finished an impressive 14 of 24 from three-point range at 58 percent accuracy, while their opponents struggled to find their own effectiveness from deep with just 5 of 21 shooting from beyond the arc.

Bottom Line

Italy can really feel excited about their current status with two wins in this tough group. The next task for Gianmarco Pozzecco’s men will be a tough one against reigning champions Spain on Tuesday after they won back-to-back games as well. Things don’t get any easier for Bosnia and Herzegovina, who take on undefeated Greece – who qualified as a result of Italy’s win.

They Said

“My players never give up. They play every possession like it’s the last one. We were here a couple days ago and we were talking about a friend of mine (points to Fontecchio) and today he had a record. I am not surprised.” – Gianmarco Pozzecco, Italy

“I really wasn’t worried about my performance. Of course I wasn’t happy but I knew it would come at some point so I wasn’t really stressed about it. I was mad a little bit but it’s part of the game, part of life. You cannot always score 40 points or 20 points every game. I am not a machine,” – Simone Fontecchio, Italy

“I believe the game was good. We showed perfect energy but we just made too many mistakes on defense. Those were too much if you want to win this game Italy is a great team with great shooters.” – Aziz Bekir, Bosnia and Herzegovina

“To me it was a very good game. After last night and how we played, that is not who we are. That is not what coach wants from us. At the end of the day we showed a better light. Unfortunately we gave them so many open looks that we shouldn’t have. Some mistakes opened up their three-point shots, which is how they survive. But they got the win and we are still looking for another win.” – Jusuf Nurkic, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This game report will be updated in the coming moments. Stay tuned.

For more quotes, tune in to the official post-game press conference!

FIBA