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Dillian Whyte ordered to face the winner of Fury-Wilder 3 by WBC

Dillian Whyte ordered to face the winner of Fury-Wilder 3 by WBC.

Dillian Whyte has been confirmed as the front-runner to face the winner of the Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder trilogy bout this Saturday.

Fury will defend his WBC title against Wilder in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile Arena, with Whyte lined up by the WBC governing body after almost two years of waiting.

The WBC has noted that whoever wins on Saturday between Fury and Wilder, the eventual winner may seek an undisputed clash as their next match-up.

However, with Anthony Joshua seemingly nailed on to take up his contractual rematch for all the remaining belts against champion Oleksandr Usyk, it should mean Whyte receives his long-awaited WBC title fight.

A WBC statement read;

“The WBC Board of Governors has reviewed the recent history in the Heavyweight Division.

“Considering the long inactivity in the division due to the pandemic, ongoing legal processes, and Covid-19 infections, the WBC has ruled that the winner of this fight will have 30 days to secure a contract to unify the Heavyweight Division against WBO-IBF-WBA champion Oleksandr Usyk in search of an undisputed champion in the division.

“If no unification bout is secured within that time, the winner of Fury v. Wilder 3 must then fight next against the then reigning WBC Interim Heavyweight Champion.”

Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will face off in their trilogy bout this Saturday, October 9th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Dillian Whyte ordered to face the winner of Fury-Wilder 3 by WBC

For more News and Stories on all things Boxing, click here.

Clayton & Noppert star to reach Boylesports WGP QFs

Jonny Clayton and Danny Noppert strengthened their BoyleSports World Grand Prix title credentials with sparkling displays as they progressed to the quarter-finals in Leicester on Wednesday.

Premier League champion Clayton came from a set down to defeat seventh seed Jose de Sousa 3-1, averaging 95 as he continued his challenge to claim a maiden televised ranking triumph.

Noppert, meanwhile, followed up Monday’s impressive win over Michael van Gerwen by seeing off another Dutchman, Vincent van der Voort, in straight sets.

Clayton now plays Krzysztof Ratajski in the last eight on Thursday, after the Polish ace’s 3-1 defeat of Rob Cross, while Ian White’s brilliant comeback from two sets down to defeat Darius Labanauskas moves him through to a tie with Noppert.

Welshman Clayton had found himself behind in his tie with Grand Slam of Darts winner De Sousa, who came from 2-1 down to win the first set in a deciding leg.

De Sousa also led in the second and then responded to a stunning ten-darter from Clayton with a 98 finish to force a deciding leg – only to see the world number 14 square the contest by taking out 70 in two darts.

Clayton then raced through set three with finishes of 60, 110 and 100, and took out 116 on his way to a two-leg lead in the fourth set.

De Sousa hit back with a 13-darter, but Clayton clinically wrapped up the win by completing a 12-dart leg with a 112 checkout – ending the tie with four ton-plus finishes and 11 doubles from just 17 attempts.

“I’m happy with that,” said Clayton. “I lost the first set to a class player so I had to dig deep.

“I broke him back in the second set and I did my job. It was good darts by both of us, I kept my nerve and got over the finishing line so I’m happy.

“I’m chasing a ranked event, and hopefully this is it so let’s see what happens. I’m going to try my best to get to the final and try and win it.

“Krzysztof is a class act and I’ve got to have my A-game. Nobody’s afraid of anybody anymore, so if we go out and do our job well, we’re hard to beat.”

Noppert opened with one in two of his starting doubles, and in a clinical finishing display had a checkout ratio almost double that of Van der Voort to progress to a tie with Ian White.

Van der Voort started the brighter with legs of 15 and 13 darts, only to see Noppert win the next three to claim the first set.

Noppert then took out 130 and 101 to lead 2-0 in set two and responded to Van der Voort’s 87 checkout with a 12-darter to wrap up the set and double his advantage.

He opened set three with a 100 checkout as the pair shared the opening four legs, and when Van der Voort was unable to check out 134 in the decider, Noppert returned on double 11 to seal the victory.

“I’m really happy with this performance,” said Noppert. “In the beginning, I was a little bit nervous, but I got myself back and I played brilliant I think.

“I’ve won against two players who I watched when I was a kid, so I’m really happy. It was a tough game, and I didn’t expect it would be 3-0, but I took my chances.

“Ian White is a good player and I’m looking forward to every match. I’m enjoying it here and I’m confident.”

White got through to his third BoyleSports World Grand Prix quarter-final, completing a remarkable comeback from two sets down against Darius Labanauskas with victory in a sudden-death leg.

Lithuania’s Labanauskas had looked on course to claim a landmark win in his career after claiming the first six legs without reply to secure a two-set lead.

White, though, ignited his challenge with winning legs of 14, 15 and 12 darts as he took the third set 3-1, and also claimed the fourth by the same scoreline to level the tie.

Labanauskas’ break of throw with a 90 finish in the opening leg of the deciding set was cancelled out by a match-high 136 checkout for a 12-darter from White, who then moved 2-1 up.

Double ten saw the Lithuanian take the game all the way to a one-leg shoot-out, but White was first to a double and landed double eight at the first time of asking to complete a gutsy fightback.

“It’s unbelievable,” admitted White. “I couldn’t get going, and when I was two sets down and hadn’t won a leg, it was going to be a nightmare.

“I had to do something – I don’t know what happened, I think I hit a double and the crowd got on my side. I was dead and buried and the crowd helped me out.

“I’d love to win the tournament, that’s what we’re all here for, so fingers crossed.”

Krzysztof Ratajski won through to his first World Grand Prix quarter-final with a 3-1 success against Rob Cross, continuing his fine form in televised events this year.

Ratajski was a quarter-finalist in the World Championship and UK Open before reaching July’s World Matchplay semi-finals, and will now compete in the last eight in Leicester on Thursday.

The Polish star claimed the opening set without reply, breaking throw twice in a strong start to the contest, only for Cross to finish 87 and 106 as he took set two in the same manner.

Ratajski then won set three by a 3-1 scoreline and landed three 14-darters in four legs in the next as he wrapped up the win.

“I feel great, really good,” said Ratajski, who also overcame Nathan Aspinall in round one. Today I was a little nervous but I’m happy that I won.

“Rob is a great player and I knew it would be a very hard match, but we were both a little nervous. I expected more from Rob, it was a crazy game.

“This match showed me I must be more concentrated. In the last two years, I lost my first match, but now I’ve won two and I hope I will win another.”

The quarter-finals will also feature reigning champion Gerwyn Price’s tantalising tie with Dave Chisnall and Stephen Bunting’s meeting with Ryan Searle.

The tournament is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, as well as through the PDC’s international broadcast partners including DAZN and RTL7, and through PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers.

2021 BoyleSports World Grand Prix

Wednesday, October 6

4x Second Round

Ian White 3-2 Darius Labanauskas (0-3, 0-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-2)

Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 Rob Cross (3-0, 0-3, 3-1, 3-1)

Danny Noppert 3-0 Vincent van der Voort (3-2, 3-1, 3-2)

Jonny Clayton 3-1 Jose de Sousa (2-3, 3-2, 3-0, 3-1)

Thursday, October 7 (7 pm BST)

Quarter-Finals

Danny Noppert v Ian White

Krzysztof Ratajski v Jonny Clayton

Gerwyn Price v Dave Chisnall

Stephen Bunting v Ryan Searle

Format

Quarter-Finals – Best of five sets, best of five legs per set.

All legs will be double start and double finish, meaning players must first hit a double before they can begin scoring in each leg. The bullseye will count as double 25.

There will be no tie-break in any match; the deciding set would end 3-2, with the fifth leg being the deciding leg.

PwC All-Stars hurling nominations 2021

All-Ireland champions Limerick have a full set of 15 players included as nine different counties are represented in the hurling nominations for the 2021 PwC All-Stars announced today (Thursday).

After a summer that saw the Treaty County sweep all before them to retain the Liam MacCarthy Cup, John Kiely’s outstanding champions bring that dominance to the final list of 45 nominations.

Also announced today are the players who have been shortlisted for the PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year Award with Limerick again setting the standard.

Seán Finn, Kyle Hayes and Cian Lynch will be voted on by their peers for the overall award.

The vote for the PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year Award will be contested between Kilkenny’s Eoin Cody, Cork’s Shane Barrett and Clare’s Aidan McCarthy.

Nickie Quaid, Eoin Murphy and Patrick Collins form a high calibre trio contesting the goalkeeping award.

In defence, the 18 nominees are from Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Clare.

The six midfield nominees include the high scoring Laois player Paddy Purcell. Dublin wing forward and captain Danny Sutcliffe and Wexford captain Lee Chin are their counties sole representatives in a star-studded list of 18 attackers who will be cut to six for the final 15. 

The full county breakdown for the hurling nominations is Limerick 15, Cork nine, Waterford seven, Kilkenny five, three each for Clare and Tipperary and one each for Dublin, Laois and Wexford.

Congratulating the nominees, Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said: “I want to congratulate all of those who have been chosen among this distinguished list of nominees for the PwC All-Stars.

“To be recognised and shortlisted as being among the cream of the crop from what was yet another thrilling hurling summer is a significant achievement for all the players, and is shared by their families, clubs and the communities they represent.

“I also congratulate the contenders announced for the PwC Hurler of the Year and the PwC Young Hurler of the Year. 

“Since 1971 the All-Stars has been synonymous with excellence. Our thanks to PwC for their continuing support of this wonderful scheme.”

Feargal O’Rourke, Managing Partner, PwC, said: “For the last 50 years the All-Star Awards have marked competitiveness and success on the pitch, but also preparation, bravery and sacrifice away from it.

“On behalf of everyone at PwC, sincere congratulations to each of the 45 hurlers nominated for the 2021 PwC All-Stars.

“Despite the ongoing challenges in 2021, their outstanding individual performances throughout the season have entertained and captivated us all.

“These nominations recognise their outstanding dedication and are hugely deserved.”

Tom Parsons, Chief Executive of the GPA, said: “To be nominated for a PwC All-Star is special and congratulations to the 45 players who have had their individual performances recognised by the selection committee to whom I also want to say thanks. 

“Heartiest congratulations too, to the nominees for the PwC Hurler of the Year and the PwC Young Hurler of the Year. 

“To be on those shortlists given the many outstanding performances in 2021 is a great achievement in itself. 

“I also want to take the time to recognise all inter-county players, male and female, who provided us with much-needed entertainment against the backdrop of the pandemic this year. 

“What you have done for the morale of the country should not be underestimated.  Thank you.”

The nominations were chosen by a panel of Gaelic Games correspondents from across, print, radio, TV and digital media, chaired by Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy.

The PwC All-Star nominations in football will be released tomorrow.  The presentation of the PwC All-Star awards will take place on December 10 in a televised ceremony that will be in line with Covid-19 restrictions and will be confirmed in due course.

PwC All-Stars Hurling Nominations 2021

Goalkeepers

Patrick Collins (Cork)

Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny)

Nickie Quaid (Limerick)

Defenders

Seán Finn, Dan Morrissey, Barry Nash, Diarmaid Byrnes, Kyle Hayes, Declan Hannon (all Limerick)

Tim O’Mahony, Seán O’Donoghue, Mark Coleman, Robert Downey (all Cork)

Calum Lyons, Kieran Bennett, Conor Prunty (all Waterford)

Huw Lalor, Paddy Deegan (all Kilkenny)

Cathal Barrett, Ronan Maher (all Tipperary)

Rory Hayes (Clare)

Midfielders

Will O’Donoghue, Darragh O’Donovan (all Limerick)

Cathal Malone, Tony Kelly (all Clare)

Jamie Barron (Waterford)

Paddy Purcell (Laois)

Forwards

Gearóid Hegarty, Cian Lynch, Tom Morrissey, Peter Casey, Seamus Flanagan, Aaron Gillane (all Limerick)

Seamus Harnedy, Patrick Horgan, Shane Kingston, Jack O’Connor (all Cork)

Stephen Bennett, Austin Gleeson, Dessie Hutchinson (all Waterford)

Eoin Cody, TJ Reid (Kilkenny) 

Danny Sutcliffe (Dublin)

Jason Forde (Tipperary)

Lee Chin (Wexford)

PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year nominees

Seán Finn, Kyle Hayes, Cian Lynch (all Limerick)

PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year nominees

Eoin Cody (Kilkenny), Shane Barrett (Cork), Aidan McCarthy (Clare)

Sinead Kavanagh to get featherweight title shot at Bellator 271

Sinead Kavanagh will get a shot at Cris Cyborg’s featherweight title in the main event of Bellator 271 next month.

The event will take place on November 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida and will be available to watch on Virgin Media Two.

Bellator President Scott Coker announced the news on Wednesday’s edition of ‘The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani’ along with the news that Peter Queally and Patricky Pitbull’s rematch in Dublin has been upgraded to a title bout.

It will be Cyborg’s third title defence since her win over Julia Budd in January 2020 to earn the title in her debut for the promotion.

The 36-year-old has not lost since making the move to Bellator after a seven-fight run in the UFC.

Cyborg most recently defeated Leslie Smith via TKO in the fifth round at Bellator 259 in May.

Kavanagh will enter the fight on a winning streak of two after victories over Olga Rubin and Katharina Lehner.

The SBG Ireland athlete will fight for the first time in 13 months when she enters the ring in search of Bellator gold.

Her most recent loss comes against Smith in July 2019 – Kavanagh has also lost to Arlene Blencowe, who was Cyborg’s opponent for her first title defence.

The news follows Fight Academy Ireland prospect Paul Hughes’ win over Morgan Charriere to claim the interim featherweight championship at Cage Warriors 128.

Peter Queally to fight for vacant lightweight title at Bellator 270

Peter Queally’s Bellator 270 main event fight against Patricky ‘Pitbull’ Freire at the 3 Arena in Dublin has been upgraded to a title fight after Patricky’s brother, Patricio, vacated the lightweight belt.

The news was announced by Bellator CEO Scott Coker on ‘The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani’, which was live-streamed on YouTube on Wednesday.

The event takes place on Friday, November 5 with tickets currently available for the card – the full card will be aired live on Virgin Media Two.

Patricio, who is also nicknamed Pitbull, made the decision so that his brother could fight for the belt.

His recent loss to AJ McKee in Bellator’s Featherweight Grand Prix final, in which he lost the belt at 145 lbs was also a factor in his decision.

“If I lost at 145 pounds, I can’t be the champion at 155,” Patricio stated on The MMA Hour.

“The other side, I have my brother as No. 1 contender. If he keeps winning, he’s gonna fight for the belt and I’m not gonna fight my brother.”

Queally and Patricky will fight for the second time when they step into the circular cage in search of the lightweight belt.

Queally won their first fight in May at Bellator 258 via a doctor’s stoppage in the second round.

‘The Showstopper’ also beat Ryan Scope at Bellator 227 back in September 2019 and will earn the belt in the division if he wins a third fight in a row – a streak he has only put together once before but never at Bellator.

Scott Coker broke the news on ‘The MMA Hour’: “I think it’s the first time we’ve had a title fight in Ireland for Bellator so I think it’s going to be a big deal and these guys deserve it…we were just asking [Patricio] ‘what do you want to do next?’ and this conversation came into his thoughts and I said ‘ok, well then, we’ll fulfil your wishes and here we are.

“Now we have a great main event and the Gallagher-Mix [fight] will be the semi-main event so we have a great 1-2 punch in Ireland.”

Early tips to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar

When the Republic of Ireland head to Azerbaijan in October, much more than pride will be at stake.

The national team will be seeking its first competitive win since the EURO 2020 qualifier against Gibraltar, back in June 2019. Aside from friendly victories against New Zealand and most recently Andorra, not one single win has been achieved in either the UEFA Nations League or qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

Even if Ireland managed to win all of their three remaining games in Group A, there are still no guarantees of reaching the tournament in Qatar. They would need to finish second and to do that, Serbia would also need to lose all their games and have an inferior goal difference. Not without a small dose of irony, the Irish will host a friendly against Qatar on 12 October in Dublin, at the Aviva Stadium.

The Boys in Green haven’t qualified for a World Cup since Japan and South Korea in 2002, although they did come close twice since then. Nobody will forget the Thierry Henry play-off incident, which robbed the Irish of qualification for the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Then after holding Denmark in Copenhagen in the play-off to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the return leg in Dublin saw Ireland thrashed 5-1 by the Danes.

World Cup Contenders

Fans of Irish football will always cherish fond memories of Italy 1990, when the team led by Jack Charlton reached the quarterfinals, before bowing out against England. Then there was the 1994 World Cup in the USA, when ‘Big Jack’ masterminded a group stage win against eventual finalists Italy, prior to being eliminated in the Round of 16 by the Netherlands. But who are the early favourites to reign supreme at the 2022 World Cup?

Well, according to many of the leading bookmakers, Brazil are fancied to dominate in Qatar, despite having fallen short in their last four World Cup attempts. They reached the quarter-finals in 2006 and 2010, were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals of the tournament they hosted, then defeated by Belgium in the quarter-finals at Russia 2018.

As the reigning champions from the 2018 World Cup tournament, France are also being strongly tipped as one of the outright favourites, although they flattered to deceive at EURO 2020 held this year. Despite leading a group that also contained Germany and Portugal, the French were dumped out of the tournament in the Round of 16 by Switzerland. Nevertheless, they are unbeaten in qualification for Qatar 2022, therefore recent form is positive.

Besides the chances of Brazil and France being regarded as the two best contenders, England are also being heavily backed to perform well at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Comfortably top of their qualification group, the Three Lions are as good as there, yet for all the hype surrounding the English, they are prone to falling short at major tournaments. We only need look at the EURO 2020 final defeat against Italy, when they ultimately lost on penalties.

Good Value Outsiders

Any major tournament has the potential for surprises, although the 2022 World Cup in Qatar will present a unique set of circumstances. Rather than being held in the summer months, the tournament will be played through November and December, which could affect participating teams in any number of ways. Temperatures can still top 30ºC during the winter, so heat will be an obvious factor.

Interestingly, despite claiming the EURO 2020 title this year, Italy are cautiously being considered as outsiders for the 2022 World Cup. They are not even priced amongst the top four contenders at most of the best football betting sites, which means there could be plenty of competitive odds available. Before choosing where to bet, always check reviews for trust and reputation, along with information covering which sites offer deposit bonuses and free bets.

Another team often tipped for success is undoubtedly Spain, due to the continual production line of talented players at their disposal. However, since winning consecutive European Championship titles in 2008 and 2012, either side of triumphing at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Spaniards have largely performed poorly at major tournaments. Nevertheless, bookies believe 2022 will be the year they shine once again.

Argentina and Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be targeting the biggest international football prize, after triumphing at the Copa America this year. But never dismiss the possibilities of Portugal, especially with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the line. After smashing the international goals record against Ireland, we know all about him, so it’s hard to back against the 36-year-old setting his sights on what could be his last chance to win the World Cup.

 

Outgoing chairman says EPCR working on Club World Cup

The outgoing chairman of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), Simon Halliday has said that the organisation is working on introducing a Club World Cup, which would be held every four years.

The plans will see the Club World Cup replace the Heineken Champions Cup knockout stages in the years it would be held.

Halliday has also said that the EPCR is working to bring South African sides who are currently playing in the United Rugby Championship into the Champions Cup next year.

For now, the EPCR will use a reduced pool stage and more knockout games after deeming last season’s re-jigged format a success.

Clubs are set to play four pool games in a schedule that starts in December, and then there will be a two-legged round-of-16 tie, a quarter-final, a semi-final and a final for those who progress.

“From this new agreement, we are now working on the participation of the South African provinces and building towards a Club World Cup every four years which would replace the latter stages of the Heineken Champions Cup,” he said in a statement.

“Together with our improved formats, reduced pool matches and more knockout rugby, EPCR is in a great position to grow.

“Our newly formed Board is superbly well-equipped and structured to deliver on this growth and I wish them every success.”

Halliday will leave his role as chairman of the sporting body after six-and-a-half years at the helm.

EPCR is searching for a new chief executive after Vincent Gaillard departed earlier this year after six years as their CEO.

Anthony Lepage is currently in charge on an interim basis having previously worked as the administration and finance director.

Zimbabwe v Ireland 2nd ODI – Preview, Teams, Match Info

Ireland will play Zimbabwe in the second one-day international of a four-game series on Thursday, October 7.

Ed Joyce’s side will look to get their first win of the series after Zimbabwe emerged victorious from the first test, winning by four wickets.

Zimbabwean captain Mary-Anne Musonda scored 103 runs for her side to help them chase down Ireland’s target of 253, becoming the first woman from the country to score a century for her national team.

The captain formed healthy partnerships throughout the 50 overs and her teammates contributed positively to the chase, with Precious Marange and Josephine Nkomo posting 27 and 25 runs each during their spells at-bat.

This came after two early wickets had spelled danger for the Zimbabweans, as the Irish held them to 25/2 after just 5.2 overs.

Ireland failed to get going until it was too late when they were at-bat in the morning, racking up a rate of just 3.5 runs per over after 28 overs.

The Irish opening partnership of Leah Paul and Gaby Lewis lasted longer than the Zimbabwean’s starting duo but were much less successful as they only managed 28 runs in 8.2 overs before Paul walked.

Lewis only managed 24 runs off 51 balls before she received her marching orders when Marange removed her, having separated the opening partnership earlier.

Laura Delany was the standout for Ireland on a slow day – the captain racked up 86 in a strong push to reach 253 but she became the side’s sixth wicket in the 46th over.

Ireland added 33 more runs after Delaney’s exit to finish on 253 after 50 overs, having given up eight wickets in the process.

Ireland failed to bowl out the hosts who reached their target in the middle of the 43rd over with four wickets to spare.

Squads

Zimbabwe: Mary-Anne Musonda (C), Ashley Day, Chiedza Dhururu, Precious Marange, Esther Mbofana, Pellagia Mujaji, Modester Mupachikwa, Josephine Nkomo, Loryn Phiri, Nomvelo Sibanda, Loreen Tshuma.

Ireland: Laura Delany (C), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Sophie McMahon, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Rebecca Stokell

Match Info

The match will get underway at 7:30 am GMT and will be played Harare Sports Club in the Zimbabwean capital of the same name. Zimbabwe Cricket is expected to show the game live on YouTube.

Ireland v Malaysia – Preview, Starting Teams, Match Info

The Ireland men’s national hockey team will play Malaysia for the second time in two days on Wednesday, October 6 in Lisnagarvey.

The two teams will play on Comber Road again after Ireland emerged victorious in the first friendly on Tuesday night.

The 3-2 win was the icing on the cake for Mark Tumilty’s side who played their first capped match at home since 2019.

Debutants Conor Empey and Sam Hyland found the net for the home side as they neat the 11th-ranked side in the world.

Malaysia will be looking to avenge their loss and earn a win for themselves after Empey’s late winner stole the headlines and took the shine off an impressive Malaysian comeback.

The pacey visitors went two goals down in the first quarter but fought their way back into the game and put pressure on the hosts.

Hyland scored with his first international touch with under two minutes on the clock from Ireland’s first chance – the goal was his first for an international side at any level.

Empey made it 2-0 in the eighth minute after coming off the bench as a Shane O’Donoghue surge into the circle saw the ball pop and bounce to the forward who slotted home with glee.

After the swift start, Malaysia – coached by former Irish assistant coach Arul Anthoni – settled and had the greater control in the second quarter.

Three penalty corners were kept out while Irish goalkeeper James Milliken was in control of Abu Kamal Azrai and Azuan Hasan fired shots his way.

Malaysia’s pace caused the hosts problems as they contrived to cough up a perfect chance when Azuan Hasan’s cross was turned in by a foot rather than a stick from point blank range.

The goal did come with mere seconds to go of the third quarter when Azrai raced clear down the left and applied the perfect reverse-stick shot into the bottom corner.

Malaysia were level in contentious fashion when Razie Rahim’s drag-flick hit the backboard, Ireland arguing the ball had never left the attacking circle from the corner injection.

However, Empey saved the day for Tumilty and co., converting a golden opportunity that fell to him with minutes to spare.

Teams In First Friendly

Ireland: J Carr, T Cross, M Nelson, D Walsh, N Glassey, K Marshall, S O’Donoghue, S Murray, J Duncan, B Walker, C Harte

Subs: L Madeley, K O’Dea, P McKibbin, M Robson, C Empey, S Hyland, M Ingram

Malaysia: H Othman, M Jalil, A Hamsani, S Cholan, F Ashari, S Silverius, R Rahim, F Jali, A Hasan, A K Azrai, N Jazlan

Subs: N Hassan, N Sumantri, F Saari, A Zain, A Rozemi, H Abdul, Z P Mizan

Match Info 

The match will be held at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club and kick-off at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available to buy on the Hockey Ireland website.

Italy v Spain – Preview, Betting, Probable Starting Teams, Where to Watch

Euros champions Italy take on a young Spain team this evening in the UEFA Nations League A Championship semi-final

Italy v Spain kicks off at 19:45 tonight, Wednesday, 6th October in the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy. Russian referee Sergei Karasev will take charge of the game.

To watch the match, it will be shown live on Virgin Media Two and Virgin TV Go.

Roberto Mancini’s Italy has become the team to beat in Europe. With 25 unbeaten matches at home, they are a force to be reckoned with. Although, their form in the last international break was not as stellar as usual after drawing with Switzerland and Bulgaria before beating Lithuania.

The national team is still striving to make their team better even by the smallest margins. For this match, Puma has designed a jersey for the Azzuri that only weighs 72 grams. Maybe these tiny details could make the difference.

Spain has had an up-and-down summer. Their very young team surprised many by reaching the Euro 2020 semi-finals after not looking too convincing in the early stages of the competition.

Now, Luis Enrique and his team will want to build. Last month they won two of their three matches, beating off Kosovo and Georgia but falling to Sweden.

This has been a very even affair in recent years. In their last ten meetings, there have been five draws, while Spain was victorious on three occasions, most recently in 2017. Their most recent match was the Euro 2020 semifinal which Italy claimed the win in a penalty shootout.

Italy v Spain Probable Starting Teams

Italy

Formation

4-3-3

Probable Starting 11

Donnarumma (GK), Emerson, Chiellini, Bonucci, Di Lorenzo, Veratti, Jorginho, Insigne, Kean, Chiesa.

Injuries / Suspensions

Pessina (Hamstring injury), Immobile (Muscle injury)

 

Spain

Formation

4-3-3

Probable Starting 11

Simon (GK), Reguilon, Garcia, Laporte, Azpilicueta, Merino, Busquets, Koke, Oyarzabal, Torres, Sarabia.

Injuries / Suspensions

None

Betting

Italy 6/5

Draw 19/10

Spain 13/5

 

Score Prediction

It would be next to impossible to bet against the European Champions when they are at home. With the unbelievable record of going 37 matches and counting unbeaten, it seems that they are unstoppable and this inexperienced Spain team will not change that.

Expect this game to end 2-0 to the Italians, setting themselves up for another final this year.

To read more in-depth and up-to-date international and club football news, click here.

 

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