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Chelsea FC Women have advanced to the Women's FA Cup semi-finals after a hard-fought 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur Women. The Blues' manager, Sonia Bompastor, expressed relief and pride in her team's performance, despite the grueling schedule they have faced. The match at Kingsmeadow was an intense, end-to-end battle, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Sam Kerr opened the scoring in the 40th minute, heading Keira Walsh's cross past Lize Kop. However, Tottenham responded well, and Eveliina Summanen equalized seven minutes after halftime with a free-kick that floated over the Chelsea defense. The game seemed destined for extra time, but Veerle Buurman's stunning, rising strike with just four minutes of normal time remaining secured the win for Chelsea. This goal sparked wild celebrations among the home fans and Buurman's teammates. Bompastor praised her players' resilience and highlighted the importance of communication with national team coaches to manage the players' workload effectively. With their Women's Super League title hopes all but extinguished and the League Cup already won, Chelsea is now focused on securing a domestic cup double. Tottenham's manager, Martin Ho, was pleased with his team's performance, noting that they showed character and grit despite the defeat. He emphasized that the team can take positives from the match as they look to bounce back in their next game against Manchester United.

President Donald Trump issued a stark warning on Sunday, giving Tehran until Tuesday night to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face U.S. strikes on Iranian power plants and bridges. The message, posted on his Truth Social platform, was laced with profanity and a deadline of 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time. Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad‑Bagher Ghalibaf, responded on social media, accusing the United States of “reckless moves” that would set the entire region ablaze and turn it into “living hell.” The latest escalation follows the rescue of a second U.S. crew member from a downed F‑15E fighter that crashed in southwestern Iran, an operation that saw American special forces and Iranian troops racing against each other in mountainous terrain. Trump has repeatedly shifted the deadline for Iran, extending it at least twice. In his expletive‑laden post he warned, “Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!” Financial markets reacted instantly: the U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose 1.86 % to over $112 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed above $110. The surge underscores how geopolitical flashpoints can quickly translate into higher energy costs for consumers worldwide. Trump also hinted at a possible diplomatic breakthrough, telling Fox News there was a “good chance” of an agreement on Monday. Yet he added, “If they don’t make a deal and fast, I’m considering blowing everything up and taking over the oil.” Legal scholars warned that targeting civilian infrastructure would breach the Geneva Conventions. Yale professor of international law Oona A. Hathaway noted that the president offered no justification to reclassify power plants, bridges, or steel factories as legitimate military targets, and that any such attacks would likely constitute war crimes. Iranian authorities estimate that the ongoing U.S.–Israeli campaign has damaged roughly 81,000 civilian sites, including 61,000 homes, 19,000 commercial facilities, 275 medical centres, and nearly 500 schools. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the coalition has destroyed about 70 % of Iran’s steel production capacity, citing its alleged use in missile manufacturing. In retaliation, Iran has intensified attacks on Gulf shipping and infrastructure. Over the weekend Iranian drones struck a petrochemical complex in Bahrain, igniting thick black smoke, and hit multiple Kuwait Petroleum facilities, causing fires and “significant material losses” at power and desalination plants. The most dramatic recent strike was the demolition of Iran’s unfinished 136‑metre B1 suspension bridge, a $400 million project meant to link Tehran and Karaj. The attack killed 13 people and injured 95, prompting the bridge’s engineer to lament the loss of a symbol of national pride. Trump posted a video of the bridge’s destruction, framing it as a response to Iran’s alleged unwillingness to negotiate. He later told Axios that the U.S. had been “close to an agreement” but that Iran’s demand to meet “in five days” was a pretext for the attack. Domestic criticism was swift. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer denounced the president’s rhetoric as “unhinged” and warned that such threats could alienate allies and amount to war crimes. International law experts reiterated that civilian objects—such as power plants, bridges, and hospitals—are protected under the Geneva Conventions. Any deliberate targeting of these assets for bargaining leverage would violate the conventions and could trigger legal accountability for the United States and any cooperating parties.

The UCLA Bruins have made history by capturing their first NCAA women's basketball title with a convincing 79-51 win over South Carolina. This victory marks a significant milestone for the program, which had not won a championship since the 1978 AIAW championship.Gabriela Jaquez led the charge with 21 points, while Lauren Betts added 16 points and secured 11 rebounds, earning her the Most Outstanding Player honors of the Final Four. The Bruins' defense was stellar, holding South Carolina to a season-low 17% shooting in the first quarter.Coach Cori Close expressed her pride and joy, stating, “It’s immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine. It’s beyond my wildest dreams.” The team's success was built on a combination of high school commitments and transfer portal players, showcasing Close's ability to build a cohesive and talented roster.The Gamecocks, led by coach Dawn Staley, faced a tough challenge and struggled with their shooting, ultimately suffering their second consecutive national championship loss. Despite the setback, Staley's team is expected to return to the championship game in the future, led by talented players like Joyce Edwards and Agot Makeer.Close's connection to UCLA runs deep, having been mentored by the legendary coach John Wooden, who won 10 national championships at the school. Her adoption of Wooden's 'Pyramid of Success' and focus on character has clearly paid off, as evidenced by the Bruins' championship win.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has promised that a large number of Leeds fans will travel to London for the team's FA Cup semi-final match against Chelsea. The team secured their spot in the semi-finals after a thrilling penalty shootout win against West Ham on Sunday.The match at the London Stadium saw West Ham mount a dramatic comeback from 2-0 down, forcing extra time with stoppage-time goals from Mateus Fernandes and Axel Disasi. However, Lucas Perri's saves in the penalty shootout sealed a 4-2 win for Leeds.Farke expressed his pride in the team's achievement, highlighting the significance of reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 1987. He emphasized that the team's journey has not been easy, but they are on a positive path after being promoted to the top flight.The Leeds manager also acknowledged that Chelsea is a top team with top players and that his side will need an outstanding performance to succeed. Despite this, Farke is confident that over 30,000 Leeds fans will travel to London to support their team.In contrast, Nuno Espírito Santo, the West Ham manager, was disappointed with the loss, stating that it will be tough for his team to recover quickly. He urged his players to prepare for their upcoming Premier League match against Wolves.

The inaugural match at Inter Miami’s brand‑new Nu Stadium ended in a 2‑2 stalemate with Austin FC, but the event was a triumph for co‑owner Sir David Beckham, whose 13‑year odyssey to secure a flagship MLS venue finally reached its destination.Speaking before kickoff, Beckham reflected on his arrival in the United States two decades ago, recalling a promise to build a club that could win championships and grow the sport. “We had no name, no fans, no stadium – today we stand in our new home,” he declared to a sold‑out crowd.The stadium, a sleek bowl with a 26,700‑seat capacity and an overhanging oval canopy, blends Miami’s vibrant aesthetic – pink, white and black seats, neon lighting – with a design that keeps the atmosphere intimate despite its size. Fans were treated to a clear view of the action, and a standing section behind one goal preserved the club’s traditional, vocal support.On the pitch, Argentine legend Lionel Messi and Uruguay’s Luis Suárez each netted equalising goals, while Austin’s Guilherme Biro etched his name in MLS history as the first scorer at the venue with a sixth‑minute header. Messi’s 90th‑minute free‑kick rattled the crossbar, and Suárez’s late volley secured a point for the home side.Beyond the match, the night highlighted the stadium’s broader significance. The $1 billion development, approved in 2022, will eventually encompass a 58‑acre public park, retail, office space and a 750‑room hotel complex. Though much of the surrounding site remains under construction, the opening demonstrated that the project met its tight deadline, even as officials chased a final occupancy certificate hours before kickoff.MLS Commissioner Don Garber praised Beckham’s perseverance, noting that the journey “didn’t end when Messi arrived; it concluded with the opening of this building.” He added that the rapid progress in the final month exceeded expectations and underscored the importance of trust in ambitious projects.The event also featured a performance of the national anthem by Marc Anthony and a rally‑towel message reading “We’re home,” encapsulating the relief and pride of supporters who have long awaited a true Miami‑based home after years of travelling to Fort Lauderdale.While the match did not deliver a win, the successful launch of Nu Stadium represents a pivotal moment for Inter Miami, its ownership group, and the broader growth of soccer in South Florida.

Brighton pulled off a major upset in the Women's FA Cup quarterfinals, defeating Arsenal 2-0 at Borehamwood. The win extended Arsenal's wait for their first Women's FA Cup title in over a decade. Fran Kirby, a former Chelsea forward, played a crucial role in the victory, providing two assists.Madison Haley opened the scoring shortly after halftime with a superb finish into the top corner, and Caitlin Hayes sealed the win with a header from a deep Kirby corner. Arsenal, who had recently knocked out Chelsea in the Champions League, looked disjointed and below their best.In another match, Liverpool secured a semifinal spot with a scrappy 115th-minute goal from substitute Zara Shaw against Charlton Athletic. Shaw's goal came after a scramble in the box, marking her return to competitive action after a 12-month knee injury.Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor praised Shaw's determination, saying, 'What a story, Zara Shaw, eh? The way people speak about her at the club, it couldn’t have happened to a better person.'Charlton's head coach, Karen Hills, expressed pride in her team's performance, stating, 'I’m so proud of the group. The way they performed today, they were outstanding.'

Bath Rugby staged an impressive comeback to defeat Saracens 31-22, earning a hard-fought win in the Champions Cup. The match saw Henry Arundell score two crucial tries for Bath, helping his team overcome a 10-0 deficit at halftime.The turning point came in the second half with the introduction of Thomas du Toit, whose impact was immediate. Bath's scrum was significantly bolstered by his presence, allowing them to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities.Henry Arundell's speed was on full display as he scored his first try from 40 meters out just four minutes into the game. He sealed the win with his second try in the final play of the match.Despite a strong performance from Saracens, particularly in their maul defense, Bath managed to pull away with Joe Cokanasiga and Ben Spencer also making significant contributions. Spencer's try was a highlight, showcasing his skill and pace.Saracens fought hard, with Max Malins and Noah Caluori scoring tries, but ultimately, Bath's relentless forward pressure secured their victory. The win sets up a quarter-final clash against Northampton at home.Bath captain Ben Spencer acknowledged the team's imperfections but emphasized their determination to improve. Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall expressed pride in his team's performance, despite the loss, highlighting their capability to compete at a high level.

Oxford's women's crew delivered a stunning performance in the Boat Race, overcoming Cambridge and ending an 8-year drought without a win. Led by Olympic medallist Heidi Long, the team forged a significant lead early on and maintained it despite challenging conditions.The women's race took place on a windy and overcast day in London, with tens of thousands of spectators lining the 6.8km course. Oxford's crew demonstrated remarkable resilience, with Heidi Long praising her teammates and the team's collective effort.In contrast, Cambridge's men's crew asserted their dominance, winning by 4 lengths in a challenging race. The victory marked Cambridge's 89th win overall, with their coach Rob Baker expressing pride in the team's performance.Oxford's women's coach, Allan French, highlighted the team's dedication and perseverance, noting that their achievement was years in the making. The victory marked Oxford's 31st win in the women's race since its inception in 1927.

Daniel Peretz, the Southampton goalkeeper on loan from Bayern Munich, has expressed his pride in representing Israel during a tumultuous period marked by war and geopolitical conflict. With his family in Tel Aviv, Peretz shares the challenges of balancing his international duties with the safety concerns of his loved ones.Peretz's excitement about facing Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals is palpable, but he also acknowledges the gravity of the situation in Israel. His family adheres to air raid sirens by heading to bunkers and safe rooms, a routine that has become all too familiar. Despite the distance, Peretz stays connected with his family, ensuring they are safe and focused on their instructions.When asked about playing for Israel being bittersweet, Peretz notes that the only bitter aspect is not qualifying for the World Cup and not playing at home. Israel's home games have been held in Hungary for the past three years, but Peretz hopes for a future where they can play at home with their fans.Peretz is known for his positive outlook and has a close relationship with his idol, Manuel Neuer. He recalls his first encounter with Neuer, feeling nervous but inspired. Peretz also shares his experiences with Harry Kane's penalty techniques, noting that saving one in 10 against Kane is a good statistic.As Southampton prepares to face Arsenal, Peretz emphasizes that while they have respect for their opponents, they are not afraid. He believes that if anyone doubts their abilities, they shouldn't participate. With a 14-game unbeaten run in all competitions, Peretz and his team are confident in their abilities.Peretz's future at Southampton is also a topic of discussion, with a £7m buy option in place. He is open to staying but acknowledges that promotion to the Premier League could impact his decision. For now, he is focused on finishing the season strongly.