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SPORTS
On late goal, Japan earn draw vs. Netherlands in opener
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June 14, 2026; Arlington, Texas, U.S.; Japan’s Koki Ogawa celebrates after Daichi Kamada scores their second goal. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Daichi Kamada’s deflected goal in the 88th minute was the second tying tally of the second half for Japan, who scraped out a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the World Cup opener for both teams Sunday afternoon in Arlington, Texas. Off a corner kick delivered from Junya Ito, Koki Ogawa elevated in the middle of the box, heading a ball which ricocheted off Kamada’s head past Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to level the match between the top two ranked teams in Group F. The Netherlands, No. 8 in the FIFA/Coca Cola world rankings, had won four straight World Cup openers. Japan, ranked 18th, had won their last two World Cup openers. The equalizer came after a scoreless first half was followed by three goals in a 13-minute span in the second half. Captain Virgil van Dijk gave the Netherlands a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute when his header found the back of the net with a ricochet off the right post. It was van Dijk’s 13th international goal, but his first at the World Cup. That lead lasted just six minutes, though, as Japan found the equalizer in the 57th minute on Keito Nakamura’s right-footed blast from just outside the 18-yard box that caught Verbruggen off guard and nestled into the lower-left corner of the net for his 11th goal for Japan. The Netherlands restored their lead seven minutes after that, however, when Crycensio Summerville, who was assessed a yellow card three minutes prior, received a pass from Ryan Gravenberch — who assisted on both Dutch goals — and launched a shot off the left post and in from the edge of the box. It appeared the tying goal wasn’t coming for Japan after a few close calls came up empty. Most notably, Takefusa Kubo came inches away from leveling the match with a shot from distance which sailed just over the net in the 67th minute. Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki made five saves in his World Cup debut. Verbruggen made one save for the Netherlands after he was questionable leading up to the match due to a hip injury sustained in a warm-up friendly. The Netherlands were the most dangerous side in the first half, holding 69% of the possession, a 5-3 advantage in shots and all three shots on goal. Donyell Malen provided all three of the first-half shots on target, nearly scoring in the third minute, the 34th minute and the third minute of stoppage time but denied by Suzuki saves. –Field Level Media



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Brighton considering move to re-sign former midfielder
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Brighton’s summer recruitment strategy appears to have taken an interesting turn following reports from Sports Boom that Yves Bissouma could be in line for a return to the south coast.
The Mali international has become a free agent after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, and according to the report, Brighton and Coventry City are among the clubs exploring a potential move.
Few players have left Brighton in recent years while maintaining such strong affection from supporters. Bissouma’s performances during his first spell at the Amex Stadium established him as one of the Premier League’s most effective midfielders, combining defensive aggression with technical quality and ball carrying ability.
Sports Boom reports that Brighton are seriously evaluating the possibility of bringing him back, even though “no formal talks have yet taken place between the player and Brighton.”
That caveat is important. Interest does not necessarily mean negotiations are imminent. However, the logic behind the potential move is easy to understand.
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Tottenham Exit Opens New Chapter
Bissouma’s departure from Tottenham comes after an underwhelming period in North London.
According to Sports Boom, “The experienced midfielder failed to establish himself as a key figure in Roberto De Zerbi’s plans after the Italian took charge of Tottenham.”
While he remained involved throughout the season, he was unable to cement a place as an indispensable starter. As a result, Spurs opted against extending his stay, allowing him to enter the market as one of the most experienced free agents available this summer.
For clubs seeking midfield reinforcement, that availability naturally creates interest.
Premier League experience remains one of the most valuable commodities in recruitment. Players who understand the pace, physicality and tactical demands of the division often adapt far quicker than overseas arrivals.
Bissouma offers exactly that profile.
Financial Logic Behind Brighton Interest
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of any deal is the absence of a transfer fee.
Sports Boom highlights that Brighton view his availability as an opportunity to strengthen without committing significant resources in the market. In an era where midfielders regularly command substantial fees, securing a player of Bissouma’s pedigree for free could represent excellent business.
The report also points towards the emotional connection between player and club.
“Importantly, the relationship between Bissouma and Brighton has never deteriorated.”
That factor should not be underestimated. Returning players often struggle when previous exits have created tension. That does not appear to be the case here.
The comparison with Pascal Gross is also notable. Sports Boom notes that many supporters will remember how the German returned and once again became an influential figure at the club.
While every situation is different, it demonstrates that second chapters can succeed.
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Coventry Ready to Challenge
Brighton may have sentimental appeal, but Coventry City should not be dismissed.
Sports Boom reports that Frank Lampard’s side have already gathered information and are monitoring developments closely.
Having secured promotion, Coventry are searching for players capable of helping them survive in the Premier League. The report states that Lampard views Bissouma as someone who could bring “leadership, composure and top-flight know-how” to the squad.
Those qualities are often invaluable for newly promoted clubs.
For now, the midfielder’s future remains unresolved. Yet with Premier League interest already emerging just days after his Tottenham exit, Bissouma’s next move could become one of the summer’s most closely watched stories.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Brighton perspective, there may be reasons for caution despite the obvious appeal of the story.
Bissouma was outstanding during his first spell at the club and remains a popular figure among many supporters. However, football rarely stands still. Brighton have evolved significantly since his departure, developing a younger, more progressive squad built around future value and long term planning.
Some fans may question whether revisiting the past aligns with that strategy.
There is also the issue of performance levels. Bissouma leaves Tottenham having failed to become a consistent starter under Roberto De Zerbi. That reality cannot simply be ignored because of positive memories from previous seasons.
Brighton supporters could reasonably ask whether the player returning today is the same player who left in 2022.
The financial aspect undoubtedly strengthens the argument. A free transfer removes much of the risk and provides experienced depth in an increasingly demanding Premier League environment.
Yet many Brighton fans may prefer the club to continue investing in younger talent with resale value and developmental upside.
There is certainly romance attached to the possibility of a reunion, but supporters may want convincing that this move is being driven by football reasons rather than nostalgia.
If Brighton do proceed, they will hope they are signing the dynamic midfielder who once dominated matches at the Amex, not simply reconnecting with a familiar face from the past.



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SPORTS
Points race tightening as drivers tackle Pocono’s ‘Tricky Triangle’
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Jun 22, 2025; Long Pond, Pennsylvania, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Briscoe is congratulated in victory lane by driver Denny Hamlin after winning The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images As the drivers move north to Pocono Raceway, the NASCAR Cup Series continues an exciting stretch with the points race having tightened significantly. Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 in Long Pond, Pa., will be the usual distance of 160 times around the odd, tri-cornered track design. It also marks the fifth consecutive one-race season for the 2.5-mile speedway affectionately called the Tricky Triangle. The 400-mile event will be the fourth one broadcast by Prime Video thus far, following the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte then Nashville and Michigan. Prime has two more races on its schedule, Pocono and the inaugural road racing event at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego on June 21. The second-year broadcast team featuring Adam Alexander, Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte has displayed its strength in its racing knowledge and in-depth racing analysis — informative in the pre-race, race and post-race settings. Last weekend’s numbers in Michigan’s Irish Hills were not as stunning as Denny Hamlin’s 11.11-second victory over Michigan’s Erik Jones. The No. 11 driver took control in the final 39 laps and zoomed away to the largest margin of victory since Davey Allison smoked the field by 11.72 seconds in 1991. Prime’s coverage did draw 2.07 million viewers, a 17% increase from last year’s comparable figures and reinforcing the crew as the new gold standard in NASCAR broadcasting. Hamlin, a 63-time winner, has seven victories at Pocono, one more than four-time series champ Jeff Gordon and the most all-time at the track. The Toyota driver’s last win there was in 2023. Chase Briscoe is the defending race winner, while Ryan Blaney won two years ago. Toyota has left the honeymoon and vacation haven with nine of the past 13 checkered flags. In the standings, second-place Hamlin closed his deficit to leader Tyler Reddick and is minus-51 after the No. 45 driver — Hamlin’s 23XI Racing driver — finished a season-worst 35th at Michigan and admitted the margin may soon shrink more. “All year long we’ve done a really good job of staying out of messes like this,” Reddick said after wrecking out on Lap 83. “We were trying to open (the lead) up on the 11 after losing a little bit of ground. … Pocono’s not going to be great.” The biggest mover going up the grid was Reddick’s teammate Bubba Wallace, whose third-place finish advanced him four spots to 11th. Christopher Bell dropped three spots to 10th and also fractured his wrist in a violent wreck with Chase Elliott while fighting for the runner-up spot. The accident was the hardest in the four-year history of the NextGen car and most vicious since the 2015 season, but the No. 20 is cleared for Sunday. Josh Berry, driver of the No. 21 Ford, revealed Wednesday that he and iconic Wood Brothers Racing will part ways after two seasons. NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champ Jesse Love, 21, may get that seat. While the triangular track is known for gapped and lengthy green-flag runs, longstanding images of crazy clashes (see Dale Earnhardt vs. Jeremy Mayfield in 2000) and violent wrecks (Allison, Richard Petty, Steve Park and Jeff Gordon) are part of its history. Memories are made in the Poconos. –Field Level Media



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