It has been yet another interesting week, and as usual we're here to provide you with the recap of some of the biggest stories in the world of sports. In case you missed any of it, we'll cover the top stories that shaped sports conversations around the world and give you a chance to form your own opinions on them. Let's dive right into it!
Mauricio Pochettino Gets Off to a Winning Start in First Game as USMNT Manager
The entire country waited with bated breath as Mauricio Pochettino led the US out for the first time since his appointment as manager of the country's senior men team. Thanks to goals from Yunus Musah and substitute Ricardo Pepi, the former Chelsea manager got the team off to a winning start in the friendly against Panama to ease the pressure straightaway.
It was a close game that saw both teams go into the tunnel goalless at the break, but the Argentine’s halftime pep talk worked as team captain Christian Pulisic delivered a pinpoint cross into the box for Yunus Musah to head home just inside four minutes of the restart. The rest of the game showed Pochettino's tactical prowess as the team battled to snuff out any chance of a comeback before applying a late finish to seal the win.
Pochettino said after the win, "I think it's the basis for the first step, to start to grow and be better." The win would restore some excitement to football fans in the country as they prepare to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside neighbors Mexico and Canada.
Sinner Denies Djokovic 100th Title With Win in Shanghai
Another story that rocked the world of sports this week was Djokovic’s crushing defeat at the hands of Janik Sinner in the Shanghai Masters. The 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic went down 7-6 (7/4), 6-3, as the world number 1 put up an amazing performance on the court to deny the tennis legend a 100th Title With Win in Shanghai.
It was a dominant victory, as Sinner continued his strong form that saw him rise to the top of rankings, powering to the fourth game of the second set without facing a breakpoint. Djokovic was full of praises for his opponent after the match. “He was just too good today, too strong, too fast,” Sinner, on his part, described Djokovic as “...a legend who keeps playing incredible tennis year after year.”
Lionel Messi Delivers a Perfect Performance as Argentina Annihilate Bolivia in Qualifier
Lionel Messi continued his fine form since returning from injury to fire Argentina to a comprehensive 6-0 victory in a CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier against Bolivia. Messi was playing in front of the Argentine home fans for the first time in over a year and delivered a performance that had them singing his name at the end of the match.
The Inter Miami star opened the scoring in the 19th minute after pouncing on a mistake by Bolivia's Marcelo Suarez. He went on to add two more goals sandwiched between two assists for Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez respectively. It was a record breaking performance that saw the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner score his 10th international hat trick, becoming the second top goalscorer in international football in the process. He also became the player with the most goal contributions in history in the process.
Thomas Tuchel Announced As New England Manager
England’s FA finally announced they had reached an agreement with Thomas Tuchel to take over as new manager of the senior national team. The announcement was made in a press conference on Monday at Wembley, where the German tactician was presented to the media.
Speaking to the media at the event, Tuchel said, “I'm obviously very excited and honored to be here today as the new head coach of England. I just had the chance to read a quote from Pele at Wembley who said that Wembley is the heart, the capital and the cathedral of football. And I think he was absolutely right.”
The German also admitted he knew what the objectives of the job were, and that he looked forward to winning the World Cup with his new team. Tuchel will formally commence work on January 1st 2025, with his first match scheduled for March. It remains to be seen whether he can guide the team to silverware.
New Zealand beat West Indies to Reach First World Cup Final Since 2010
In cricket, the Women's T20 World Cup is guaranteed a first time winner as New Zealand defeated West Indies by eight runs in a tense match played in Sharjah. The team will now play South Africa in Sunday's final.
West Indies limited New Zealand to 128-9 with the bat. Star player Deandra Dottin ended the game with fine figures of 4-22, providing the crucial wickets for opener Amelia Kerr (7) and Brooke Halliday (18).
The hard fought victory ended New Zealand’s 14-year wait for a final appearance at the Women's T20 World Cup, displaying impressive mental toughness to hold off an inspired West Indies team that blew England away on Tuesday.
These are some of the biggest stories and updates in the world of sports from the last seven days. Stay tuned for more news and updates as they develop on SportsVot.