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Former Brazilian international Oscar has been forced to retire from professional football at the age of 34 due to cardiac problems, his club São Paulo confirmed on Saturday.The attacking midfielder had to spend five days in hospital after fainting during a routine medical in November, following which he was diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, a condition caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, heart rate, and cerebral blood flow.Oscar, who had a contract set to expire in 2027, expressed his sentiments on retiring, stating, “I am ending a career here in São Paulo that has taken me practically to the four corners of the world,” in a club statement.During his career, Oscar played for prominent clubs including Chelsea and Shanghai Port. With Chelsea, he won two Premier League titles and the Europa League. In China, he secured three Chinese Super League titles with Shanghai.Oscar also had an illustrious international career, earning 48 caps for Brazil, winning the Confederations Cup, and playing in the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

In what can only be described as a humiliating exit, Liverpool were beaten 4‑0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter‑final, a result that has thrown the future of manager Arne Slot into further doubt.The Etihad crowd watched City dominate from the first whistle, with Erling Haaland completing a hat‑trick by the 57th minute. The Norwegian’s third came from open play after a series of defensive lapses, sealing a comprehensive victory that left Liverpool supporters emptying the upper tiers of the South Stand.Liverpool’s own chances were squandered. Mohamed Salah missed a late penalty, a rare misfire that underscored his waning influence. Earlier, Virgil van Dijk conceded his fourth penalty of the season – a stark contrast to the single penalty he had given up in his previous 319 Premier League appearances for the club.Mid‑fielder Dominik Szoboszlai offered a blunt self‑assessment after the match, stating, “The fighting spirit wasn’t there enough, the mentality wasn’t there enough. None of us were there to be honest as much as we could.” His words captured the collective lack of resolve that defined Liverpool’s performance.Beyond the immediate disappointment, the defeat raises the stakes for Slot’s upcoming Champions League quarter‑final first leg against Paris Saint‑Germain. With Liverpool still carrying the Premier League’s highest wage bill, the club’s hierarchy and fans will be watching closely to see whether the team can salvage the season or face a deeper crisis.The match exposed systemic issues: a static defense that allowed City’s left‑back Antoine Semenyo and striker Erling Haaland to exploit gaps, a goalkeeper positioning that appeared indecisive, and a general absence of leadership on the pitch. As the season progresses, the spotlight remains firmly on Slot, whose tenure now hinges on a single chance to revive Liverpool’s dwindling fortunes.

Erling Haaland completed his first Manchester City hat‑trick since August 2024, guiding the Citizens to a commanding 4‑0 lead against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter‑finals.The Norwegian striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute, and despite a brief Liverpool resurgence, City extended the advantage before the hour mark. Haaland’s second goal arrived in first‑half added time, and his third – a deft finish after a penalty awarded for a foul on Virgil van Dijk – sealed the rout.Manchester City’s dominance was evident early, cruising to a 4‑0 advantage in just 57 minutes. Liverpool’s attempts, including missed chances from Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké, proved futile, highlighting a stark contrast in execution.For Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the defeat is a serious blow. The loss not only dents the club’s domestic credibility but also threatens his position ahead of a crucial Champions League quarter‑final against Paris Saint‑Germain. A repeat performance in Europe could force the owners to reassess his future.City’s head coach Pep Guardiola, serving a two‑game touchline ban, saw his side extend their record to an eighth consecutive FA Cup semi‑final appearance. Guardiola’s tactical setup – a 4‑2‑3‑1 with high‑pressing front four – effectively neutralised Liverpool’s nominal 4‑4‑2 formation.Key moments included a penalty awarded after Van Dijk’s challenge on Jérémy Doku's teammate Nico O’Reilly, and a second‑half strike from Haaland that capped a swift City sequence initiated by Matheus Nunes and Rayan Cherki.Beyond the scoreline, the match underscores Liverpool’s ongoing struggles, with Salah’s first appearance since announcing his departure ending in a missed penalty and a series of squandered opportunities. The result intensifies scrutiny on the club’s tactical direction and player morale.

Leeds United travel to West Ham for an FA Cup quarter‑final that both clubs would prefer to avoid, yet manager Daniel Farke is clear about his priorities. With an MA in economics and a diploma in sporting directorship, he stresses that Premier League survival is the club’s "bread and butter" and must come first.Off the pitch, the German‑born coach unwinds by immersing himself in literary fiction, counting Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude among his favourites.Farke’s dual role as a tactician and a storyteller raises the question of whether he can engineer a season that delivers both survival and cup glory. A successful double could make it hard for the Elland Road hierarchy to deny him the new contract he desires."I’m a big believer in cup competitions," Farke said, emphasizing that Leeds will approach the West Ham tie "very, very seriously". He added that the squad will start strong unless a player shows a physical issue, in which case they will be protected.The risk of fielding a first‑choice XI against a relegation rival mirrors the 2013 Wigan experience, when the club won the FA Cup but suffered relegation three days later – a bittersweet double that highlighted the fine line between triumph and disaster.Leeds have failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches, drawing four, a run that has stalled momentum. A victory could act as a catalyst to change the narrative as the season draws to a close.Injury concerns loom over striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, who is undergoing a hamstring scan. The England international, who netted seven goals in six games at the end of 2025, has managed only two league goals this season. A fit Calvert‑Lewin could revive Leeds’ hopes of reaching their first FA Cup semi‑final since 1987 and keep his World Cup aspirations alive.The goalkeeping position also remains unsettled. After losing his starting spot to Karl Darlow, Lucas Perri has featured solely in the FA Cup this year, leaving the decision on who starts for the West Ham tie open.Financial pressures add urgency to Farke’s decisions. Leeds’ latest accounts reveal a £49.2 million pre‑tax loss for the year ending June 2025, and a costly stadium expansion project that would be jeopardised by relegation. This backdrop explains the psychological blow of a 1‑0 loss to an under‑strength Sunderland side earlier in the month.Farke believes a deep FA Cup run could erase lingering self‑doubt. "If we secure Premier League survival and go further in the FA Cup, we can write a special chapter for this club," he said, urging his squad to seize the chance to make history.

A devastating incident unfolded at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru, on Friday, claiming the life of one person and injuring dozens more. The event, which was a 'flag-waving' gathering, took place a day before a highly anticipated derby match between Alianza Lima and Universitario de Deportes.The Peruvian health minister, Juan Carlos Velasco Guerrero, confirmed the death and reported that 47 people were injured, with three in critical condition. Initial reports suggested that parts of the stadium's wall had collapsed, but officials later clarified that there were no structural failures.Alianza Lima expressed condolences for the casualties and pledged to cooperate fully with authorities to investigate the incident. The club promised 'total transparency' in the investigation.The Peruvian professional soccer league announced that Saturday's match would proceed as planned, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring safe environments for spectators. The league will continue to work closely with clubs and authorities to promote safety and wellbeing at sporting events.The Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, also known as Matute, was built in the 1970s and has a capacity of over 33,900 seats. Despite limited modernization, the stadium remains a 'fairly basic ground,' according to The Stadium Guide.

Will Sherman, a 22‑year‑old second‑row forward for Anthem Rugby Carolina, is quickly being labelled the next cornerstone of US rugby. The Charlotte‑based player combines a deep family legacy with a modern development pathway that could shape the national team ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup. Sherman’s rugby pedigree begins with his father, Wade Sherman, a member of the 1990s Cal Berkeley champion side that featured Mark Bingham – one of the heroic passengers on Flight 93. Wade’s own introduction to the sport came after a teenage trip to Australia’s Bondi Beach, where he and friends first saw the game and later founded a high‑school team in northern California before playing for Cal and BYU. He now serves as Will’s first coach. Raised in Utah’s vibrant Pacific Islander community, Sherman attended East High School, a hub for the state’s long‑standing rugby culture. Standing 6 ft 4 in and capable of playing both lock and flanker, he attributes his physicality and work ethic to the “hard‑knock” lessons learned on Utah pitches. After a stint at UCLA—where the club side operates with varsity‑level commitment but without the same resources—Sherman caught the eye of Australian coach Harry Bennett. Bennett’s mentorship helped Sherman earn a place on the US under‑23 tour of South Africa, a tour overseen by Argentine coach Agustín Cavalieri, now head coach at Anthem. In his MLR debut against the California Legion, Sherman logged roughly 50 minutes, received a yellow card for repeated infringements, and recorded 19 tackles. While impressive, it was eclipsed by the 36 tackles he made in a single match for Australia’s storied Randwick club last season, underscoring his rapid adaptation to elite competition. Anthem, backed by World Rugby as a development vehicle for the 2031 World Cup, endured a winless first two seasons (0‑32). The team finally broke the streak with a 39‑26 victory over the Legion, a game in which Sherman’s performance earned him the nickname “Wreck‑It Will” from college friends. Reflecting on the win, Sherman said the moment was “an amazing honor” and highlighted the broader significance: “Every game now feels like a first—our first win at home, our first win against Chicago—so the motivation keeps building.” He also praised the experience of matching up against veteran lock and Eagles captain Jason Damm, calling it “an honor to play against someone I’ve looked up to for so long.” Looking ahead, Anthem’s schedule includes a clash with the Chicago Hounds on ESPN+, a key step in the club’s quest to become a consistent pipeline for American talent ahead of the 2031 World Cup.

Kieran Trippier, a key player for Newcastle United, has announced that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires this summer. This news comes as the Saudi-owned club prepares for a potential summer overhaul, with Eddie Howe's managerial position also uncertain.Trippier joined Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January 2022 for £12m and has since made over 150 appearances for the team, scoring four goals. He played a crucial role in the team's Carabao Cup victory last May and helped Newcastle qualify for the Champions League twice.At 35, Trippier is no longer a guaranteed starter, but he remains a vital influence off the field. Emotional in his announcement, Trippier expressed his gratitude for the journey he's been on with Newcastle, stating, 'It’s emotional and I’m really going to miss it. It’s been an amazing journey.'Eddie Howe, Trippier's manager, praised his character and commitment, saying, 'While we’ll be saying goodbye to Kieran shortly, we also know we have a lot left to play for this season, and I know a player of Kieran’s character will be giving absolutely everything to end his time here on a high.'

Match details: Manchester City will meet Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 4 April, kicking off at 12:45 pm local time (11:45 GMT) in the FA Cup quarter‑final.Salah’s impending exit: The Egyptian forward announced during the international break that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, having scored 255 goals for the club. Manager Arne Slot praised his “ever‑present hunger” and said the striker remains a legend despite a brief spell out of the squad earlier in the campaign.Guardiola’s suspension: City boss Pep Guardiola will miss the fixture after receiving a sixth yellow card in the 3‑1 FA Cup win over Newcastle United. The booking came after he protested a referee’s decision on a challenge to Jeremy Doku. This could be his last appearance against Liverpool as speculation grows over his future at Manchester City.Stakes for both sides: City are chasing a historic domestic treble – League Cup, FA Cup and Premier League – a feat last achieved in 2018/19. Liverpool, sitting fifth in the Premier League, view the cup as their only realistic route to silverware and a chance for Slot to secure his position after delivering a record‑equalling 20th league title.Upcoming fixtures: A win for Liverpool would be followed by a Champions League quarter‑final clash with Paris Saint‑Germain on 8 and 14 April. City, meanwhile, will look to build on their recent 2‑0 League Cup final victory over Arsenal.Team news – Manchester City: Centre‑back Josko Gvardiol remains sidelined with a tibial fracture. Ruben Dias and John Stones face late fitness tests for hamstring and calf issues. If Dias is unavailable, Abdukodir Khusanov or Nathan Ake could partner Marc Guehi in central defence. Goalkeeper James Trafford is expected to start, giving him a chance ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma.Predicted City XI: Trafford; Nunes, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait‑Nouri; Bernardo, Rodri, O’Reilly; Semenyo, Haaland, Cherki.Team news – Liverpool: Mohamed Salah missed the recent 2‑1 loss to Brighton with a muscle injury but is expected to be fit. Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo are out, and Alisson Becker remains doubtful due to a muscular problem. Jeremie Frimpong’s availability is pending after a knock on international duty; Dominik Szoboszlai may cover at right‑back if needed. Alexander Isak has returned to training but is unlikely to feature this weekend.Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.Historical head‑to‑head: The two clubs have met 220 times, with Liverpool winning 110 matches, City 62 and 58 draws. Their most recent league encounter ended in a 2‑1 City win thanks to a stoppage‑time penalty from Erling Haaland.Other quarter‑final ties: After the early kickoff, Chelsea face Port Vale, Arsenal travel to Southampton, West Ham host Leeds, and the remaining fixtures will determine the final four.

Bath’s historic Farleigh House training centre has been spruced up this week with black flags fluttering alongside a new “Choose Greatness” banner, signalling the club’s ambition as they approach a Champions Cup last‑16 tie with Saracens. For Max Ojomoh, the atmosphere feels like a personal challenge. Just weeks after collecting the Man of the Match award for his decisive performance against Argentina, the 25‑year‑old found himself omitted from Steve Borthwick’s Six Nations squad. Ojomoh believes that a dominant display for Bath – especially after the 62‑15 demolition of Saracens in the Premiership – could revive his England prospects, but he also acknowledges that national selectors may have a specific back‑line profile in mind for the upcoming World Cup. Reflecting on his Argentina heroics, Ojomoh said, “If that was my final Test, I’m happy to have left a mark on international rugby.” Yet the disappointment of watching England lose to Ireland from a Moroccan pub underscores how close the margins are for a player on the fringe. He explained the selection dilemma: with centre Ollie Lawrence returning from injury, the squad needed a more physical ball‑carrier, and Ojomoh’s role as a second‑receiver/playmaker meant he was the one to make way. England’s coaching staff have asked him to sharpen three key areas – post‑contact metres, defensive intensity and overall work‑rate. While these are valid targets, Ojomoh points out that few English centres combine his blend of pace, vision and creative kicking. Back at Bath, his partnership with newly‑signed Finn Russell has blossomed. “When we signed Finn, I didn’t expect us to think alike on attack,” Ojomoh remarked, highlighting a shared instinct that fuels his confidence. Coach Johann van Graan’s influence is evident, with the club’s motivational signage and a focused training environment that Ojomoh describes as “single‑minded”. He hopes the upcoming match will provide a platform for a first home Champions Cup quarter‑final since 2002. Family wisdom also plays a role; his father, former England centre Steve Ojomoh, reminded him that “the cream always rises to the top”. With a business degree from the University of Bath and a hobby of online chess, the younger Ojomoh is aware that consistent club performances could shift national perception. Looking ahead, Ojomoh is determined to make the 2027 World Cup squad. He admits that obsession over selection can be self‑destructive, emphasizing the need for mental clarity and playing with the same confidence he shows in his head. As Bath prepares for the high‑stakes clash with Saracens, Ojomoh’s mantra remains clear: choose greatness, stay true to his strengths, and let his on‑field X‑factor speak for itself.