Max Verstappen has admitted that even reaching the top five in the Dutch Grand Prix will be a tough ask, having endured a difficult Friday at his home event.
The four-time and reigning World Champion failed to challenge practice pacesetter Lando Norris on Friday at a Zandvoort Circuit where he has won three times in the last four years.
Verstappen finished the opening practice session sixth, nearly a second off Norris’ pace, and even found himself in the gravel at Turn 1 after the chequered flag having locked-up following a practice start.
With his RB21 recovered after becoming stuck in the gravel, Verstappen would finish FP2 in fifth but still six-tenths away from Norris’ McLaren.
“I think it will be hard enough to be in that top five it looks like,” said Verstappen.
“Still struggling with the same things and again we tried a lot of things with the car but it just doesn’t really seem to change anything in terms of my underlying problem.
“We’ll look over night to find a bit more but I’m not going to expect a massive turnaround. It’s just tricky, plus the layout of the track also probably doesn’t suit our problems that we have with the car.”
Red Bull team mate Yuki Tsunoda was closer to Verstappen on Friday, finishing 16th and seventh across both one-hour sessions having suffered a small off in FP1 through Turn 12.
The Japanese driver has come under mounting pressure having failed to score any points in the last seven races, with the remaining 10 races the chance to solidify his spot at Red Bull in 2026.
“FP1 started pretty well to be honest. Afterwards I had a few things but when you try to extract performance it can happen,” he said.
“Obviously it was not ideal [going off] but at the same time at least I know the limit and FP2 was just a bit more putting it all together. I think the short run went well, a bit of fine-tuning I guess, but the long run, I guess a bit of limitation I felt more.”
Fernando Alonso has claimed that it is not “within our reach to fight with the McLarens” for pole at the Dutch Grand Prix, despite finishing second fastest in Friday practice.
The Spaniard was just 0.087s behind pacesetter Lando Norris in Free Practice 2 at Zandvoort having also claimed the fourth fastest time in the day’s earlier one-hour session.
The performance signifies the continued turnaround in form of Aston Martin, the team having qualified on the back row with both Alonso and Lance Stroll in Belgium before locking out the third row last time out in Hungary.
This latter performance led to the team’s best result of the season, with Alonso and Stroll finishing fifth and seventh respectively.
“I do,” said Alonso, when asked if he felt optimistic of another strong result this weekend in the Dutch Grand Prix. “For sure a little bit more optimistic than some of the other Fridays we did.
“Hungary was strong for us, we go into the following race at Zandvoort and we’re still showing some good pace in free practice. We know it’s only free practice but it’s good to see our times up there and let’s see what we can do tomorrow.”
Despite the impressive Friday showing, Alonso was wary of suggestions he could challenge Norris and championship leader Oscar Piastri for pole, as the McLaren duo have generally dominated the season.
“No, not really,” he said. “I don’t think it’s within our reach to fight with the McLarens but maybe some of the top teams, Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, they seem not too far away so we will try to be in that mix.”
Team mate Stroll had a mixed Friday at Zandvoort, registering the third quickest time in FP1 before suffering a heavy crash in FP2 at the banked Turn 3.
Although reporting he was okay over the radio, his AMR25 suffered substantial damage on the right side.
“Just a little lock-up and from there I was just a passenger. Just one of those things,” said Stroll of the crash.
“For sure, we looked competitive throughout the day and again Fernando in FP2. I think we’re in a good spot and see what we can do tomorrow.”
Alperen Sengun (23 pts, 12 reb, 9 ast) dominates in Turkey’s win over the Czech Republic on Friday.
• EuroBasket 2025: Official site | Games • Schedule, standings & results | Rosters
TAMPERE, Finland (AP) — Sacramento Kings guard Dennis Schröder scored a game-high 23 points and made seven assists to lead world champion Germany to a 105-83 win over Sweden at EuroBasket on Friday.
Schröder shot 7-for-12 from the field, making three 3-pointers. Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner added 21 points as Germany went 2-0 in Group B after also beating Montenegro in its opening game.
Melwin Pantzar led Sweden with 18 points, with Pelle Larsson of the Miami Heat sidelined by an undisclosed illness.
Germany shot a strong 60% for the game played in Tampere. Daniel Theis made a quick three buckets to help build an 8-0 lead and the world champion never looked back.
Germany is among the title contenders after it upset the United States en route to winning the 2023 Basketball World Cup, beating Serbia in the final.
Sweden is 0-2 in the group after losing to host Finland in their first game.
Valančiūnas leads pass-happy Lithuania
Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valančiūnas scored 19 points on eight-of-nine shooting to lead Lithuania to a 94-76 win over Montenegro on a record-making night for the winner.
Lithuania, 2-0 in Group B, made a EuroBasket record 35 assists, according to the organizers.
The 33-year-old Valančiūnas also reached the milestone of 500 points in Eurobaskets, playing in his sixth edition of the tournament.
Sengun comes close to triple-double
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun came close to a triple-double as he helped Turkey beat the Czech Republic 92-78.
Sengun scored 23 points from eight-of-nine shooting, pulled in 12 rebounds, and made nine assists as Turkey went to 2-0 in Group A, which is being played in Riga, Latvia.
Turkey got 21 more points from Cedi Osman and as a team dominated in the points-in-the-paint, 50-26.
Czech center Martin Peterka stepped outside and hit five 3-pointers, scoring 23 in a losing effort.
The Czechs, 0-2, hit five early 3-pointers to open a six-point lead after the first quarter. But Turkey responded with a 14-0 run and never fell behind again.
Liverpool’s squad reshaping has taken another turn, with Kostas Tsimikas sealing a loan switch to AS Roma. This development, revealed by Fabrizio Romano, comes at a crucial juncture in the window and provides clarity on the Greek international’s immediate future.
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Romano reported: “ Kostas Tsimikas to AS Roma, here we go! Loan deal agreed with Liverpool as he’s been authorized for travel and medical tests. AS Roma will cover his salary until June as Tsimikas really wanted the move.”
🚨🟡🔴 Kostas Tsimikas to AS Roma, here we go! Loan deal agreed with Liverpool as he’s been authorized for travel and medical tests.
That phrasing is significant, pointing to the player’s determination to secure regular minutes and Liverpool’s pragmatic stance in finding a short-term resolution.
Limited Opportunities at Anfield
Last season was already a testing one for Tsimikas. With Andy Robertson enduring a difficult campaign, it was anticipated that the Greek defender might step up. Instead, opportunities were few and far between. The recent £40 million arrival of Milos Kerkez has only intensified competition at left-back, effectively pushing Tsimikas further down the pecking order.
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It is understood that Liverpool were initially seeking a permanent transfer solution. However, with the market nearing its conclusion and no buyers prepared to meet their valuation, a loan became the practical path.
Roma’s Defensive Reinforcement
AS Roma have acted decisively. Covering the player’s wages until June reflects confidence in his ability to adapt swiftly to Serie A. Tsimikas himself was eager for the move, reportedly prioritising game time and stability over financial factors.
His energy, willingness to overlap and ability to deliver dangerous set-pieces could provide Roma with a valuable option on the left flank. With the Italian side still navigating squad balance and fitness concerns, Tsimikas offers both experience and adaptability.
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Timing and Implications
The timing of this deal cannot be understated. With only days remaining in the transfer window, Liverpool have made a choice that suits both parties. For the club, it removes a wage burden and potentially rebuilds the player’s value for the summer. For Tsimikas, it provides a platform to remind European football of his qualities.
“AS Roma will cover his salary until June as Tsimikas really wanted the move,” Romano emphasised. That statement sums up the mood around the deal. The motivation was driven as much by the player as by the clubs involved, underlining his readiness for a fresh challenge.
Outlook for Liverpool’s squad
While not transformative in the wider context of Liverpool’s title defence under Arne Slot, the deal neatly resolves a squad dilemma. With Kerkez bedding in and Robertson still in the mix, Tsimikas’ pathway had narrowed to a near standstill. His absence will not be keenly felt in the short term, but his future could yet resurface as a talking point next summer.
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From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this move feels logical yet slightly underwhelming. The club were hoping to bank a permanent fee and draw a line under Tsimikas’ Anfield chapter, but the late timing of the market has restricted options. A loan to Roma at least guarantees he will play, which in turn could increase his market value when the window reopens.
Tsimikas has always been a committed professional and popular in the dressing room, but the reality is that his chances were evaporating. Robertson, even in a downturn of form, held onto his starting place, and the signing of Milos Kerkez was effectively the final nail in the coffin for Tsimikas’ Liverpool prospects.
The challenge for Liverpool now is to ensure squad depth does not take a hit. Should Robertson face injury or Kerkez take time to adapt, the left-back options look thin. That said, Slot has demonstrated flexibility in his system and may rely on tactical adjustments rather than like-for-like cover.
For Roma, it is a shrewd short-term fix. For Liverpool, it is a compromise. Supporters will hope that come next summer the club are able to conclude matters more decisively.
Senegal clinched third place at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after overcoming Sudan 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday.
The defending champions, denied a place in the final after losing to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals, showed resilience once more in a tense bronze medal match.
Victory means Senegal secured a podium finish in back-to-back tournaments, while Sudan’s wait for a third CHAN medal goes on despite a spirited display.
Sudan strike early, Senegal respond
In front of a lively crowd in Kampala, Sudan looked the sharper of the two sides in the opening stages.
Their persistence paid off in the 6th minute when Mohamed Tia Asad rose highest to power home a header from Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner, putting the Falcons of Jediane 1-0 ahead.
That advantage stood until the break, with Sudan showing defensive discipline and goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja pulling off crucial saves to frustrate the holders.
Senegal, however, came out stronger after half-time, pushing higher up the pitch and forcing errors.
Their equaliser arrived in the 58th minute when Seyni Ndiaye’s precise header found the net, after good work on the flank by Ousseynou Seck.
From then on, the Lions of Teranga took control of possession, but Sudan continued to threaten on the counter, with Abooja again keeping his side level.
Penalties decide bronze medal
Neither side could find a winner in regulation time, and with extra-time absent in the third-place play-off, penalties were required.
Sudan blinked first, with Walieldin Khdir firing his opening kick wide of the target. Although Mohamed Ahmed Saeed and Ahmed Tabanja scored, Musab Makeen saw his effort saved by Marc Diouf, handing Senegal the advantage.
Senegal were flawless from the spot. Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé, and finally Libasse Guèye all converted, giving them a 4-2 shootout victory.
Redemption for Senegal
The result was bittersweet for Souleymane Diallo’s youthful side, who entered the tournament aiming to defend their crown but had to settle for bronze.
Still, it underlined their depth and promise, as they remain unbeaten in open play across their last 10 CHAN matches.
“This was about character,” Diallo said afterwards. “The players showed maturity after the disappointment of the semi-final. We wanted to finish with something, and we did that.”
For Sudan, coached by Ghana’s Kwesi Appiah, the defeat was painful but their campaign earned admiration across the continent.
Despite a domestic league crippled by conflict, they defied the odds to reach the semi-finals, eliminating Nigeria and pushing Madagascar to the limit.
Appiah praised his players’ spirit: “We came very far with limited preparation. I am proud of how the team fought. Sudanese football has shown it still has heart.”
Eyes on Saturday’s final
While Senegal celebrate a bronze medal and Sudan reflect on what might have been, all eyes now turn to Nairobi, where Morocco and Madagascar will meet in Saturday’s final at Moi International Sports Centre.
The great Rocky Clark represented England at four Rugby World Cups, appearing 17 times at the showpiece event, a record only surpassed for England by Emily Scarratt, Sarah Hunter, and Tamara Taylor. Her record at those four tournaments was not bad either: a win in 2014 and three other finals.
So, no one better to ask for the inside track on who to pick for this week’s Fantasy RWC 2025, as well delving deep into her remarkable RWC career.
Don’t forget you can play Fantasy RWC 2025 any time – it’s free and there is a global leaderboard, private leagues plus plenty of prizes on offer!
You’ve picked Sarah Bern and Meg Jones in your team, why?
Sarah Bern’s ability to make line breaks is second to none. She gets out in the wide channels and either gets you front foot ball or breaks through and it’s so hard to stop her. It’s like jumping in front of a truck. I particularly admire her carrying and I’ve picked her because she always gets a try.
Meg Jones is one of the most skilful players who has ever been in an England shirt. Her ability to create something out of nothing, her ability to entice defenders and turn them inside out, her speed, bravery and skillset is just another level. Plus, she’s a hard runner and a great kicker. She can do it all and she makes everyone else around her just look better. She is a generational player.
What teams surprised you on the opening weekend?
Spain really impressed me against New Zealand. They stayed in the fight and never gave up. Maybe the scoreline doesn’t quite reflect how much Spain stepped up but they deserved their try right at the end of the game.
Scotland as well. I thought their skills were slick and just on point. Fran McGhie just showed absolute wheels for her three tries. That surprised me how much just spending that time together and improving those skills has made such an impact, especially in their backs.
Who will be in the final?
I think England and Canada. I have been so impressed with Canada’s offloading game and I think they are one of few sides who can go toe-to-toe with England’s forwards.
Memories of your first RWC?
I remember it was in the middle of nowhere in Edmonton, it was really hot, and we had a hotel which hosted a wedding the night before the final. There was an atrium with all the rooms around the edges and the wedding took place in the middle so nobody got a wink of sleep.
I was absolutely heartbroken losing the final. Canada nearly beat us in the semi-final and it was Kim Shaylor who kept us in it by making a cover tackle. I remember the scrums in all those games being really physical and you really earned your stripes.
Was the step-up to the RWC significant?
Yes! The physicality level was totally different. The most physical Six Nations games we played were France. There was no love loss there and you would go to battle against France. But facing the USA, they were such conditioned athletes. They had players like Phaidra Knight (in action below) who were like power lifters and just flew into you. You knew you’d been into a game with them when you couldn’t walk for two days after because it was so hard.
Best player you’ve ever played against?
Anna Richards, the four World Cup New Zealand fly-half, she was only little and I’ve since been coached by her for the Barbarians and that was incredible. I saw how brilliant she is and she just gets everyone on side and was such a skillful leader. Then she just tore us apart whenever she played us.
Then prop wise, it would be Hilary Leith of Canada. We struggled against her in 2014, she was very big and physical and such a hard player to go up against.
YORK, ENGLAND – AUGUST 15: Layla Sae of New Zealand poses for a portrait during the New Zealand Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Portrait Session on August 15, 2025 in York, England. (Photo by Jack Thomas – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
You’ve had the insight from a Rugby World Cup winner, but just in case you are still unsure on who to pick, here are our Top Tips:
Layla Sae (NZL – pictured above) 59pts in Round 1 – Sae beat 11 defenders in round one. That was a high for the round alongside teammate Jorja Miller and Ayanda Malinda (RSA). Both Miller and Malinda scored two tries in that first round whereas Sae was left empty handed. Incidentally, the only other player to beat double figures of defenders was Aseza Hele (RSA) who bagged a hat-trick. Sae is doing everything right, expect some luck to come her way against Japan this weekend. If that happens, tries will follow.
Piper Duck (AUS) 41pts in Round 1 – Duck’s 24 tackles were the fourth most in round one as she was called upon to put her body on the line to stop the relentless carries of the Samoan team. Australia will come into their second round match-up against the USA as underdogs, but confident ones after their enormous 73pt-victory. If they are to endure another heroic defensive stand, expect Duck to bag another tackle haul and add to her single turnover.
Francesca Sgorbini (ITA) 23pts in Round 1 – Nobody made more carries than Sgorbini’s 19 in the first round. That game ended in a loss against France and Italy now face a must-win game against South Africa, which might be the best game of the round. Expect to see Sgorbini get a little bit more space to turn those high carry numbers into line breaks and tries. She’ll hope she doesn’t also have to make 15 tackles this time around.
Uefa will decide in September whether to approve a request by the Spanish football federation for Villarreal and Barcelona to contest a La Liga game in Miami in December.
European football’s governing body is expected to discuss the matter at its next executive committee meeting in Tirana on 11 September and, should no move be made to block the request, a landmark move will edge closer to reality. No major league has held a domestic game on foreign territory, despite prolonged attempts from the Spanish top flight to do so. Uefa’s signoff would clear a huge section of path, although the plan also requires approval from Fifa, US Soccer and Concacaf.
There is a broad acceptance within Uefa that the proposal will be difficult to reject without altering its statutes. Even then the plan appears to have irresistible momentum. Potential legal arguments against moving matches abroad have lost weight since the US-based promoter Relevent Sports agreed a settlement with Fifa in April 2024 to dismiss the global governing body from a lawsuit challenging its policy of barring league games from being staged in other countries.
It means the proposal, first made by La Liga before being approved and submitted by the Spanish federation (RFEF), stands a high chance of being accepted. It is unclear whether that would be on a one-time basis or whether the broader principle of taking league games overseas would be agreed to.
If Uefa decides not to obstruct the move it is likely discussions will begin regarding potential limits to the number of times domestic games can be held in other countries. Potential ideas include allowing two games a season to be moved as long as they are between the same teams, so that perceived home or away advantage is neutered.
Meetings involving the various stakeholders are understood to have taken place on the sidelines of the draws for this season’s Uefa club competitions, which were held in Monte Carlo, and are expected to continue over the weekend. Executives from Relevent Sports, who were appointed Uefa’s worldwide marketing and sales partner for the period between 2027 and 2033 this year, have been conspicuous throughout the season launch event on the Côte d’Azur.
Any move to approve the match, which would take place at the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, would sit uncomfortably within Uefa’s corridors of power. In an interview this week the Uefa president, Aleksander Ceferin, said: “I don’t think it’s a good thing.” Ceferin expressed unhappiness with the plan but, in line with other key figures within Uefa, admitted legal recourse was limited.
The Italian football federation has given approval for a match between Milan and Como to take place in Perth, western Australia, in February. The reasoning provided is a venue clash with the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games. The viability of that fixture will also enter Uefa’s thinking.
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On Wednesday the EU sport commissioner, Glenn Micallef, strongly criticised the scheme in a series of statements on social media. “I’m deeply disappointed by proposals to stage domestic league matches outside Europe,” he said. “This is the first big stress test for governance since the Super League. Strong, community-based clubs are the heart of the European Sport Model. Moving competitions abroad isn’t innovation, it’s betrayal.”
Alex Albon crashed at Turn 1 with a third of Free Practice 2 remaining at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The Williams driver locked up heavily at the first corner before sliding across the gravel and into the barriers, in an incident similar to that of Max Verstappen in FP1.
Suffering front wing damage, Albon reversed in an attempt to manoeuvre back onto the track, but instead beached his car and caused the red flags to fly for a second time in the session – the first caused by a big Turn 3 crash for Lance Stroll.
Albon had been 15th fastest at the time of his crash.
To watch Albon’s off, hit go on the video player above.
