Sitting on USWNT Zoom media calls before Thursday night's friendly against Germany in Fort Lauderdale, the answer to every question was some iteration of how the squad would rebound from back-to-back October defeats to England and Spain.
The idea of the U.S. not putting things right wasn't entertained. Lessons had been learned, Alex Morgan was returning and statements would be made.
FRANKFURT - Germany handed a surprise call-up to Borussia Dortmund teenager Youssoufa Moukoko in their World Cup squad on Thursday as 2014 World Cup winner Mario Götze marked a sensational return to the national team set up after five years.
Germany coach Hansi Flick announced his 26-man squad for the tournament in Qatar starting on Nov. 20, with the 17-year-old Moukoko, who has scored six times in the Bundesliga this season, included.
"Youssoufa is lively and quick player. We are really happy for him," Flick said.
The latest Sadio Mané injury news has some conflicting reports. What’s certain is that the Bayern Munich and Senegal star forward is doubtful for the World Cup after suffering an injury to his right fibula.
Mané was substituted out of Bayern’s Bundesliga meeting with Werder Bremen in the 20th meeting after sustaining the leg injury.
Sadio Mane comes off for Bayern just 20 minutes into the match due to an apparent injury.
The USWNT is looking to make a statement after losing consecutive matches for the first time in five years.
I know what you’re thinking: “This is insane. Nobody would intentionally miss the World Cup. It’s the largest event on the planet, and for the players, it's something they’ve dreamed about since childhood.”
And to an extent, you’d be correct, but this story isn’t exactly about injuries. It’s about social issues and the appalling track record of the nation that's hosting the tournament. Could it be remotely possible that players would feign injury to avoid being part of an event that's riddled with human rights abuses?
Giovanni Reyna was given an early birthday present on Saturday when he was handed the ball to take a penalty for Borussia Dortmund during the team’s 3-0 victory vs. Bochum.
Reyna isn’t Dortmund’s usual penalty taker, but the American teenager — who turns 20 on Nov. 3 — confidently stepped up and scored from the spot in the 12th minute to give his side a 2-0 lead.
The goal was his eighth Bundesliga goal and his 12th in all competitions for Dortmund.
Prior to the penalty Donyell Malen was tackled in the box after a clever spin.
To prepare you for the tournament, The18 has launched team-by-team previews for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Here's the Germany World Cup 2022 preview. Die Mannschaft will play in Group E against Spain, Costa Rica and Japan.
World Cup appearances: 20th
Best Finish: Champions (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014)
If you're having trouble visualizing what Canada's Alphonso Davies is about to do to the old man legs of Belgium and Croatia in World Cup Group F, Wednesday's DFB-Pokal match between Bayern Munich and Augsburg offered the perfect illustration.
Augsburg took an early lead at its home ground but Bayern struck back through an Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting brace and one from Joshua Kimmich to go up 3-1 with 30 minutes still to play. A Dayot Upamecano own goal gave Augsburg hope at 3-2, but it's the hope that kills you.
Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies has suffered a skull contusion after he was kicked in the head during Saturday's draw with Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga champions said on Sunday.
Davies, 21, was challenging Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham for the ball towards the end of the first half and his head came into contact with the English midfielder's raised boot.
FRANKFURT, Germany - Defending champions Italy will face England in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, a repeat of last year's tournament final, following the draw on Sunday in Frankfurt's Festhalle.
The Italians, who beat England 3-2 on penalties at London's Wembley stadium in 2021 to lift the trophy will also play North Macedonia, who prevented Roberto Mancini's side from reaching the World Cup, and Malta in Group C.