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Sven-Goran Eriksson, Swedish Soccer Coach Who Was First Foreigner To Lead England Team, Dies At 76

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Sven-Goran Eriksson, 76, died on Monday. He was a Swedish football manager who spent five years as England’s first foreign-born coach after winning club titles in Italy, Portugal and Sweden.

Eriksson died at home, surrounded by family, according to his agent, Bo Gustavsson.

His death came eight months after he said he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had only one year to live.

That announcement prompted Eriksson to receive a flood of affection and homage from his former players and clubs, as well as a biographical documentary and a visit to his favourite club Liverpool, where he was invited to be manager for the day in a charity game.

Sven-Goran Eriksson, Swedish Soccer Coach Who Was First Foreigner To Lead England Team, Dies At 76

“As a coach, Sven-Goran was both a great innovator and a true ambassador of our beautiful game,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino, one of several prominent personalities in the sport who paid tribute to Eriksson on Monday.

Eriksson, affectionately known as “Svennis” in his native Sweden, had a short nine-year playing career before quitting at 27 and embarking on what proved to be a nomadic coaching career that peaked when he joined England in 2001.

Within months, he led an underachieving squad to a stunning trademark victory, 5-1, over Germany in Munich during a World Cup qualification game.

Eriksson guided what was seen as a “golden generation” of players, including David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and Wayne Rooney, to the World Cup quarterfinals in 2002 and 2006, where Brazil and Portugal eliminated them.

In Eriksson’s only other big event, the 2004 European Championship, England was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Portugal after a penalty shootout, similar to the 2006 World Cup.

“We laughed, we cried, and we knew we were saying goodbye,” Beckham wrote in an Instagram post, accompanying footage of a recent meeting with Eriksson, who appointed him national team captain.

“Thank you, Sven, for always being who you are: passionate, kind, calm, and a great gentleman. I shall be eternally grateful to you for making me your captain, but I will cherish these final memories of this day with you and your family… Thank you, Sven, and in your final words to me, ‘It will be ok.'”

Eriksson’s term in one of international soccer’s most high-profile positions was remembered almost as much for what transpired off the field as what happened on it. He had two affairs, one with Swedish TV personality Ulrika Jonsson and the other with Faria Alam, a secretary at the Football Association, which kept England’s gossip-hungry press entertained.

“My private life was not very private in England,” Eriksson admitted in 2018.

His time with England coincided with the advent of a WAG (wives and girlfriends) culture, with high-profile players’ partners, such as Victoria Beckham, creating headlines after Eriksson permitted them to travel to Germany for the World Cup.

Eriksson later had brief stints in command of the Mexico, Ivory Coast, and Philippines national teams, although his only silverware came from club competitions.

In 1982, he won the league and cup double with Swedish club IFK Gothenburg, and he finished a remarkable season by winning the now-defunct UEFA Cup.

Eriksson won back-to-back Portuguese crowns with Benfica (1982-84) and the Portuguese Cup in 1983 before returning to the club to reach the European Cup final in 1990, losing to AC Milan, and winning the league again in 1991.

He rose to prominence as a coach in Italy, primarily at Lazio, following stints at Roma (1984-87), Sampdoria (1992-97), where he won Italian Cups, and Fiorentina (1987-89).

From 1997 to 2001, he guided Lazio to only their second league victory—in 2000—following Juventus’ late-season collapse. He also won two Italian Cups and the final European Cup Winners’ Cup (in 1999).

Eriksson’s Lazio might have won Serie A in 1999, but they were beaten by AC Milan by a point and also lost in the UEFA Cup final in 1998.

“It was the best period of my career,” Eriksson recalled winning seven medals in four years when Italy competed with Spain for Europe’s top football league.

Eriksson profited from its owner, Sergio Cragnotti’s, huge expenditure at Lazio, with the Scudetto-winning squad featuring notable talents such as Juan Sebastián Verón, Pavel Nedved, and Sinisa Mihajlovic. The following season, the Roman club spent a world-record sum to sign Hernan Crespo and another Argentine striker, Claudio López, but Eriksson did not finish the season after being attracted by the England post.

He also had two year-long stints in club management in England, at Manchester City (2007-08) and Leicester (2010-11), followed by a stint as director of football at fourth-tier Notts County, which briefly had the kind of money — following its purchase by a Middle Eastern consortium — to attract a high-profile name like Eriksson.

Eriksson, a bespectacled and straight-talking coach, was well-liked by his players and considered an effective man-manager. He radiated calm authority in the locker room and was never afraid to make hard decisions, such as selling Guiseppe Signori, Lazio’s captain and best striker, since Eriksson did not believe the player had a positive impact. Lazio won the league the next season.

Sven-Goran Eriksson, Swedish Soccer Coach Who Was First Foreigner To Lead England Team, Dies At 76

Eriksson concluded his coaching career by managing two Chinese clubs, Guangzhou and Shanghai SIPG, and most recently served as sports director at Karlstad, a team in Sweden’s third level, before announcing in February 2023 that he would be stepping down for health reasons.

They became well-known 11 months later, when Eriksson told Swedish Radio that he had terminal cancer, stating, “At best, I have maybe a year, at worst, a little less.”

“I could go and think about it all the time and sit at home and be grumpy and think I’m unlucky and so on,” he told me. “I believe that you can easily end up there.

“No, look at things optimistically and don’t dwell on misfortune. Because, of course, this is the most significant setback.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Eriksson “lives on in the hearts of the Swedish people.”

“Svennis’ importance to football, in Sweden and outside Sweden, cannot be overestimated,” Kristersson told the press. “I can only fathom how many girls and boys have started playing football—and dared to dream—as a result of his efforts. “Thanks for everything, Svennis!”

SOURCE | AP

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The Masters Adds Two Hours Of Weekend Coverage On Paramount+

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The Masters and CBS will boost broadcast coverage by five hours next year, including two hours on Saturday and Sunday via CBS’s Paramount+ streaming service.

Augusta National recently announced another high-level corporate partner, Bank of America, raising the total number of “champion partners” for golf’s most-watched major to four.

The addition of Bank of America does not affect the commercial load. The Masters indicated the broadcast would continue with only four minutes of advertising per hour.

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The Masters Adds Two Hours Of Weekend Coverage On Paramount+

“The Masters Tournament has had the great fortune of enjoying an extraordinary relationship with CBS Sports for nearly 70 years,” said Augusta National and Masters chairman Fred Ridley. “Alongside our friends at the network, we are pleased to extend the tournament’s weekend coverage and ultimately deliver more live golf for Masters fans.”

CBS will extend Saturday’s show by one hour. Next year, it will run from 2 to 7 p.m. EDT, rather than 3 p.m. The third and fourth rounds will be shown exclusively on Paramount+ from noon to 2 p.m. and will be available on the streaming service until the 7 p.m. finale.

This extends the overall coverage to 23 hours, including ESPN’s broadcast from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

CBS also produces extensive digital coverage via The Master’s app, which includes features including Amen Corner, holes 4-6, holes 15-16, and featured pairings.

CBS has made its live coverage of athletic events available on Paramount Plus. The extra two hours on weekends will be part of its exclusive material, which is the first time it has offered golf-related content.

The Masters and CBS have had an annual relationship since 1956 when the network televised the last four holes with six cameras. Only 25 years ago, CBS broadcast only 10 1/2 hours of live Masters coverage, including three hours on Sunday.

Bank of America joins a tiny group of key corporate sponsors at the Masters, including AT&T, IBM, and Mercedes-Benz, all of whom have expanded their agreements. The club does not publish the specifics of those contracts.

Bank of America has had a long-standing partnership with Augusta National, serving as the presenting sponsor of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since its establishment in 2019, as well as the Asia-Pacific Amateur and Latin America Amateur since 2022.

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The Masters Adds Two Hours Of Weekend Coverage On Paramount+

“Through Bank of America’s support of our community initiatives and amateur events, they have become an impactful and committed partner in our organization’s mission in Augusta and around the globe,” Ridley told the crowd.

He stated that adding Bank of America as a top-tier sponsor broadens the partnership and improves the Masters “for many years to come.”

The Masters will be hosted on April 10-13 next year, continuing its history of taking place during the first full week of April. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion.

SOURCE | AP

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The Eagles Lose to the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 Because of a Key Drop Late in the Fourth Quarter.

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(VOR News) – Saquon Barkley would have secured at least a first down, if not a touchdown, in order to secure a victory in the Eagles’ home opener.

Barkley was unable to maintain possession of a pass from Jalen Hurts, as a result of a fumble. The Eagles were compelled to settle for a field goal and halt the clock late in the game when a significant error occurred on third down at Atlanta’s 10-yard line with 1:46 remaining.

The Atlanta Falcons capitalised on Barkley’s error to execute an impeccable drive that the Eagles were unable to replicate, culminating in an extraordinary play. Kirk Cousins concluded the winning drive with a touchdown pass to Drake London, and Atlanta stunned Philadelphia 22–21 in their home opener on Monday night. Barkley stated unequivocally, “I erred.”

Today, I will depart from my gathering. The defence was incorrectly placed in that situation. If I succeed in making the reception, the game is over. Barkley and Hurts engaged in a brief conversation in the locker room following the contest.

Hurts’ fourth-quarter 1-yard push-push gave the Eagles an 18-15 lead.

Barkley was still in Hurts’ good graces, as the message was unambiguous. Barkley stated, “He is going to trust me in that situation every time.” Jake Elliott executed a 28-yard field goal subsequent to Barkley’s interception, as opposed to the Eagles’ effort at a fourth-down touchdown.

“Our objective was to increase by six points.” Coach Nick Sirianni declared, “It was unsuccessful.” “I intended for them to score a touchdown and attempt to drive on the field.” Additionally, they executed it.

Barkley has signed a three-year contract worth a guaranteed $26 million, making him the highest-paid running back in franchise history. The 27-year-old former New York Giant did have a propensity for fumbling the ball while a member of an NFC East opponent.

Hurts declared, “I have confidence in his ability to execute a play every day of the week.” In the same manner as all other individuals. It will be advantageous for us.

Barkley may be sufficiently trusted by the Eagles to proceed directly to first down in the future.

The Eagles had 34 seconds to propel Elliott into field goal range after London scored a touchdown by tormenting cornerback Darius Slay. Instead, Jessie Bates III intercepted Hurts’ pass, effectively ending Philadelphia’s remarkable comeback.

Sirianni declared, “The objective of that play was to advance down the field.” “The guy made a great play, and he took a chance.”

Slay, like Barkley, acknowledged his role in the loss after London’s touchdown secured the victory. “That is my responsibility, Philadelphia!” I have one to distribute to each of you. Oh my God! Slay posted writing on social media.

The Eagles, who began the season with a 10-1 record, are currently 1-1 and have remaining games against New Orleans and Tampa Bay.

Barkley made his home debut one week after rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns against Green Bay, accumulating 95 yards. Eagles supporters jeered when Barkley failed to contact the ball on the game’s opening drive. Bradley Cooper, a Hollywood celebrity, scored two consecutive touchdowns from nine yards out to commence the second drive, causing Eagles supporters to go wild.

Barkley’s Eagles could not maintain success.

Cousins and the long play were unable to be stopped by the defence for the entire 60 minutes. Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Eagles established a pattern of allowing extended drives to conclude with three scores, rather than seven.

In the third quarter, Atlanta’s Younghoe Koo scored field goals from 39, 22, and 34 yards. The latter of these made his team lead 9–7. During their initial possession at the 20-yard line, the Eagles restricted the Packers to only three field goals.

The Cousins, who had signed a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason, demonstrated significant improvement during the second half.

Cousins connected with Darnell Mooney on a 41-yard touchdown pass, resulting in a 15–10 Atlanta lead. Cousins later connected with Mooney for 21 and 26 yards on consecutive plays during the critical drive.

Brandon Graham, the defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, stated, “We are vulnerable to defeat, particularly if we fail to capitalise on our opportunities.”

DeVonta Smith spearheaded the Eagles during the absence of starting receiver A.J. Brown, who sustained a hamstring injury, by making seven receptions for 76 yards and scoring a touchdown. Sirianni expressed ambiguity regarding Brown’s duration of absence.

Hurt observed, “He has been missed, of course.” “I remain optimistic that others will take the initiative, despite this.” At that moment, we were unable to establish a connection. Tonight, it was not our night.

SOURCE: AP

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Buescher Tries Not To Think About Missed Shot For NASCAR Playoff Spot After Win At The Glen

Caleb Williams, The Quarterback, Sustained an Injury after the Houston Texans Sacked Him Seven Times.

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Buescher Tries Not To Think About Missed Shot For NASCAR Playoff Spot After Win At The Glen

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Watkins Glen, New York – Chris Buescher lost a playoff berth at Kansas when Kyle Larson clipped him on the final lap to win the closest finish in NASCAR history.

Buescher fought with Tyler Reddick after being denied a shot at the checkered flag following a late collision at Darlington, enraged that another postseason bid had been ruined.

Who knows. If Chris had made it to NASCAR’s postseason, he could have been a dark horse to defeat for the Cup title.

Buescher

Buescher Tries Not To Think About Missed Shot For NASCAR Playoff Spot After Win At The Glen

Chris had to play spoiler on Sunday at Watkins Glen’s road course.

Buescher’s last lap overtake on road-course ace Shane van Gisbergen in overtime propelled the RFK Racing driver to victory.

Chris led five consecutive non-playoff drivers to victory in a road-course race that played havoc on Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski, and a few title candidates.

“We’re going to play spoiler as much as we can in the next seven or eight weeks, as well,” Buescher told me.

Let the playoff field of 16 worry about their Cup championship chances heading into Saturday’s cutoff race at Bristol.

Instead, Chris had to figure out how to get all the champagne out of a large bottle of wine he had brought with him from Victory Lane.

“Looks ridiculous, don’t it?” Buescher cracked.

With title contenders well behind them, Buescher and van Gisbergen battled door-to-door to a dramatic finish on The Glen’s 2.45-mile road course. Van Gisbergen, who won his NASCAR debut at the Chicago street race last season, claimed the lead from the second row on a three-wide move during an overtime restart. Buescher pursued him in the No. 17 Ford, and the two cars collided at the “Bus Stop” – a vital inner loop on the circuit — before Buescher sped past van Gisbergen.

“I knew Chris was going to send it and push me if he could get there,” van Gisbergen explained. “I twisted, became a little loose, and clipped the interior wall. There was a driver error. I’m gutted.

Buescher outperformed the New Zealand driver in NASCAR’s second playoff race of the season. Carson Hocevar placed third, followed by Ross Chastain and Zane Smith.

Yes, it was that type of race.

Buescher, who won three times last season, qualified 24th and won his sixth Cup race.

“If we’re going to be blunt about it, not having to think about points at all on the playoff-side of it, or any cutoffs, opened up more opportunities for us today to go out there and get that win,” Buescher reported.

He also scored his second postseason upset in three seasons. Buescher won the third playoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2022 for RFK Racing, the long-time Jack Roush-owned squad that competed with Keselowski in the ownership group two years previously. It was the first occasion in this iteration of NASCAR’s postseason that a playoff driver failed to win a race in a round.

Buescher Tries Not To Think About Missed Shot For NASCAR Playoff Spot After Win At The Glen

Joey Logano won the playoff opener in Atlanta last weekend and is the only driver who is guaranteed to advance to the next round.

After a few difficult seasons — Buescher went winless from 2017 to 2021 — he has tried not to concentrate on the close calls this season that robbed him of a postseason spot. He only wanted to savor the checkered flag and the rewards that come with it, such as a large bottle of champagne.

“Missing the playoffs hurt,” Buescher admitted. “It stung there. The season we had, with so many close calls and near misses, did not feel good. It’s a nice old-fashioned win. In that way, it’s incredibly meaningful for me and the crew to get this Mustang to victory lane.”

SOURCE | AP

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