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FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Thomas Muller was sad his Vancouver Whitecaps side couldn't get past Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the MLS Cup, but he wasn't disappointed. The German legend insisted this defeat was the start of a journey, rather than the end of one. He pointed to the team's young core and the fact the team converted a hockey city into one passionate about soccer as reasons why.

Getty Images Sport'We will come back stronger'

Muller, for his part, asserted that the Whitecaps will contend next season – even if they fell just short this time:

 "It hurts, but in the best way it could hurt," he said. "We will come back stronger next season, even stronger. Jesper is in now for one year. It's only one year. I think nobody expected a season like that one year ago," he said. "And I think maybe it's not the right moment to talk about next year, but I still feel that our process is not at the top. At the moment, we are on our way up. We have a very young group, a very talented group, and a very hungry group. And you know how it is with the big losses, that gains a lot of energy for the future," he told reporters after the game." 

He also acknowledged a hungry core of young players ready to push for more. 

"We have a young group, a very young group, a very talented group, and a very hungry group," he said. "And you know how it is with the big losses that gain a lot of energy for the future. So I try to focus my emotions a little bit more on these upcoming months." 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTurning Vancouver into a soccer town

Muller also acknowledged the impact of the Whitecaps' steps forward this season for the city of Vancouver, which currently faces an uncertain future. 

"Yeah, that was it's so nice to hear that we created in a city like Vancouver, the hockey city, we created the buzz," he said. "We wanted to create that when we talked about it two or three months ago [when I considered joining], and that this happened. It was very nice to experience that by myself and with the group.

"So we were happy for every support, and I hope the buzz continues next season." 

Getty Images Sport'Today we cry'

Vancouver Whitecaps manager Jesper Sorensen also mentioned this loss was a important moment for the club. He asserted that he was proud of his team despite their 3-1 loss to Inter Miami in MLS Cup final Saturday night. The Whitecaps were in the game at 1-1, but conceded two second-half goals – both off Leo Messi assists – to see their dream season fall short. The first-year head coach has led the Canadian side to three finals in 2025.

Sorensen admitted that his side was devastated after failing to win the final fixture of the season in their 3-1 MLS Cup loss – but in a postmatch press conference asserted that they could have few regrets after a fine campaign: 

"We are a very strong group. And I think today, obviously, we cry, but I think what is important is that it is proud, tears, because I know that we have excited a lot of people in Vancouver," he said. "We have created something around us that people want to see and watch. And I also think that the behavior of our players throughout the season, both on and off the pitch, has been masterful. It's important you can be you can be a champion on the pitch, but you also have to be a champion outside the pitch."

Still, for all of Vancouver's efforts, they failed to get Muller involved in the game. Sorensen believes Inter Miami were effective in denying the Whitecaps star from being able to play in his comfort zone. 

"With that focus they had on Thomas, it was also about playing past him. But yeah, when you play against the team, they also have a plan for playing against you. It's obviously how football works," he added.

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Getty Images Sport'It means everything'

The loss comes among talk that the Whitecaps might find a new home next year. Their lease at BC Place is up, while their ownership made moves to undergo the process of selling the team 12 months ago. Sorensen insisted, though, that the Whitecaps will fight for the city.

"We will play in the same style again. Next year, we will work hard and see if we can continue this great run together with the fans. And it means everything. It means everything, because football, this game, the beautiful game, is not just for the players. It's for the fans to interact [with]. It's for the atmosphere, it's for the tension, it's for the excitement, it's for everything. And the fact that we've been able to create that together with our fans in Vancouver, I think it's, it's the most important thing." 

A former Saudi Arabian sports minister has unleashed a withering assessment of the Saudi Pro League, claiming Cristiano Ronaldo is the only foreign player in the competition justifying their wages. Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad lauded Ronaldo's unparalleled ability to bring global exposure to the league. The 40-year-old extended his stay in the country when he signed a new two-year deal with Al-Nassr in the summer.

• Former minister claims Ronaldo only player to justify wage

  Bin Mosaad served as the country's sports minister between 2014 and 2017, before Mohamed Bin Salman's administration began heavily investing in sports projects including the SPL.

  The politician was speaking on Arab-language channel Al-Arabiya, when he was asked about his opinion on record-chasing striker Ronaldo. Bin Mosaad was effusive in his praise of the 40-year-old Portugal star, while also taking a swipe at his well-paid peers. 

  Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, after his second spell with Manchester United ended in acrimony. His high-profile switch to the Gulf state paved the way for a host of prominent players such as Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez to leave European football for the promise of higher wages.

  The former Real Madrid and Juventus star's stay in the kingdom was extended earlier this year, with Ronaldo signing an improved deal worth a reported $211m-per-year.

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  Ronaldo's global impact for Saudi Pro League praised

  "Ronaldo is the only foreign player worth what he earns because of the global exposure he brings to the league and the country. Many others are paid far more than they deserve," said Bin Mosaad.

  "The international renown that Ronaldo brings is unparalleled. He is the only foreign player whose impact justifies the level of his salary. No one else has done that for the league."

  Prince Abdullah's words reflect the fact that Ronaldo is more than simply a footballer in Saudi Arabia, he is a sporting icon and an ambassador for the SPL and the nation's push for sporting excellence as a whole. The levels of sponsorship and commercial revenue that the Portuguese frontman brings to the country are impossible to match, and, on top of all of that, he continues to do the business and justify his salary on the pitch, too.

• Ronaldo continues to star in Saudi in twilight of career

  The 40-year-old stunned fans once again last weekend as he scored a stunning bicycle kick to put Al-Nassr 4-1 up on Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League. He has already struck 11 goals in 12 matches this campaign, backing up Prince Abdullah's claims. But even the great man Ronaldo himself concedes that he is reaching the latter stages of his illustrious career.

  He recently said: "I'm really enjoying the moment right now. As you know, in football, when you reach some age, you count the months very quick. I feel very good in this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp. I'm enjoying my game in the national team. But of course, let's be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years."

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  Ronaldo counting down to World Cup

  Bin Mosaad's comments reflect the fact that Ronaldo is a global icon of the sort that the Saudi Pro League has never seen before and might never see again. He continues to appear head and shoulders above opponents and will hope to show his world-class ability again for what could be the last-ever time at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

  The Portugal captain has avoided a ban for the start of the competition, following the confirmation that his red card against the Republic of Ireland during the most recent international break will not carry over into the tournament. Next summer's edition is set to be Ronaldo's sixth World Cup, with the trophy representing the elusive major honour that the great man has failed to secure in his career to date. His red-hot form in Saudi will stand him in good stead as he aims to make a massive impact on the tournament.

Diego Simeone has fuelled speculation about his long-term future after openly admitting he can “imagine coaching Inter one day." The Atletico Madrid boss, now in his 14th season, made the confession ahead of a crucial Champions League meeting with the Nerazzurri – a moment that has reignited old ties and sparked fresh questions about what comes after his successful era in Spain.

• Simeone stirs future talk before high-stakes Inter clash

  The build-up to Atletico's Champions League showdown with Inter was already intense but Simeone turned it into global headline material. Speaking on the eve of the match at the Metropolitano, the Argentine coach revisited his emotional bond with the Nerazzurri, where he spent two seasons as a player between 1997 and 1999.

  His comments arrive during a turbulent European campaign for Atletico, marked by strong wins against Eintracht Frankfurt and Union Saint-Gilloise but also damaging defeats to Liverpool and Arsenal. With qualification still uncertain, the club’s margin for error is slim, making the Nerazzurri's visit a defining moment in their season.

  And yet, instead of cooling the atmosphere, Simeone chose to heat it up, hinting at what could be his next chapter. That set the stage for his most eye-catching admission of the night.

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  Simeone admits he imagines coaching Inter

  Before addressing tactical matters, Simeone was asked directly about rumours linking him to Inter. The 55-year-old didn’t hide behind diplomacy and gave one of the clearest answers of his managerial career.

  Introducing his remarks with calm assurance, Simeone acknowledged both his past at the club and his long-term ambition. “It doesn’t depend on just me, but in my coaching career I can imagine myself managing Inter one day. I think it will happen one day,” he said.

  The statement echoed a sentiment he has carried privately for years, but rarely expressed aloud. In Madrid, it landed like a bombshell; in Milan, it was heard like a promise.

• Praise for Inter and deeper implications for Atletico

  The Argentine didn’t stop at expressing affection he went on to shower praise on Inter’s current squad and project. He highlighted how strongly the San Siro side have developed, stressing their consistency, structure and attacking clarity. “They play very well, they have personality and they have a clear idea of how to attack. The squad is incredible. Against Milan they were proactive. They didn't finish, but they could have won. They deserved it. We have to take the game to a place where we know we can beat them.”

  He then underlined their recent pedigree in Europe, placing them at the top of the continent’s contenders, adding: “In the Champions League, the numbers speak for themselves. They've played two finals. They're one of the favorites to win and demonstrate their strength, as they have done so far.”

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  Long contract at Atletico, but a future with Inter remains open

  On paper, there is no immediate drama. Simeone is tied to Atletico until 2027, and Inter are thriving under their current manager. No short-term change is expected. But sentiment matters and Simeone has now publicly outlined what could be his next step after closing his long chapter with the Rojiblancos. 

  The Spanish side have spent big on transfers in recent years and those above Simeone believe it is time to deliver trophies, having failed to do so since 2021, with the club's president saying in the summer that they are aiming to win the Champions League. Failure to beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to another domestic title, at least, could see pressure build on the Argentine as the season wears on.

  For the time being, though, he remains the undisputed leader of Atletico’s most successful era. He has coached the club for nearly 15 consecutive years, delivering league titles, Champions League finals, and a modern identity built on emotional intensity and structure. Yet after this press conference, one thing feels clearer than ever: whenever the Inter bench becomes available, Simeone already sees himself there.

European champions Spain have all-but qualified for next summer's World Cup after crushing Georgia 4-0 on Saturday evening. Two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and strikes from Martin Zubimendi and Ferran Torres saw Luis de la Fuente's side maintain their 100 per cent record in Group E, on an evening when second-placed Turkey also defeated Bulgaria 2-0.

Controlling possession from the get-go, Spain – without star forward Lamine Yamal and defender Dean Huijsen through injury – were awarded an early penalty when Georgia defender Giorgi Gocholeishvili was adjudged to have handled Torres’ cross by VAR. On his 50th cap for La Roja, Real Sociedad striker Oyarzabal subsequently stepped up to send Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili the wrong way.

And after midfielder Alex Baena hit the post, Spain soon made it 2-0 when Zubimendi latched onto Fabian Ruiz’s lovely through ball to dink the ball home. Completing what was a dominant opening 45 minutes, De la Fuente’s men made it 3-0 when Torres tapped home from Oyarzabal’s low cross.

Looking for an early reply in the second half, Georgia carved out a decent chance when midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili stung the palms of Spain shot-stopper Unai Simon with a long-range effort. But the visitors soon extended their lead when Oyarzabal headed home from Torres’ lovely cross. 

Pushing and probing for a fifth which did not arrive, Spain saw out a comprehensive victory which all-but seals their spot at the World Cup, with next week’s opponents Turkey highly unlikely to overturn their 14-goal deficit when the two sides meet on Tuesday.

GOAL rates Spain's players from Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Unai Simon (6/10):

  Wearing the captain's armband on a fruitful night for his country, the Athletic Club goalkeeper had little to do.

  Pedro Porro (6/10):

  Looked destined to record an assist when Oyarzabal met his delightful cross but the forward was denied by Georgia 'keeper Mamardashvili. Replaced at half-time by Marcos Llorente.

  Pau Cubarsi (6/10):

  Handed a start following Huijsen's absence, the Barcelona youngster was cool and calm in possession.

  Aymeric Laporte (7/10):

  Like Cubarsi, the centre-back was comfortable on the ball, helping Spain build from the back.

  Marc Cucurella (7/10):

  As you would expect, he was tenacious without the ball, pressing high to stop Georgia's would-be attacks at source.

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  Midfield

  Mikel Merino (6/10):

  Neat and tidy on the ball, he was unable to add to his six goals in qualifying, despite Spain's dominance.

  Martin Zubimendi (8/10):

  Instrumental in both defence and attack, the Arsenal ace doubled Spain's lead with a beautiful dinked finish.

  Fabian Ruiz (7/10):

  Brilliant as always at reading the game, the midfielder registered the assist for Zubimendi's goal thanks to a crisp through ball.

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  Attack

  Ferran Torres (8/10):

  After winning the penalty which brought about Spain's opener, the Barcelona forward soon got on the scoresheet himself, latching onto Oyarzabal's cross to tap home. He then returned the favour by playing in the cross for the Sociedad legend's header.

  Mikel Oyazarbal (9/10):

  Marked his 50th appearance for La Roja with a coolly-converted penalty, before teeing up Torres for Spain's third. He then rounded off an impressive display with a fantastic header in the second half.

  Alex Baena (7/10):

  Injecting plenty of guile into Spain's play going forward, the midfielder hit the post before getting a pre-assist for Torres' strike.

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  Subs & Manager

  Marcos Llorente (7/10):

  Replacing Pedro Porro at half-time, the Atletico Madrid man was solid defensively, making a crucial clearance late on to ensure Spain are yet to concede in qualifying.

  Fermin Lopez (7/10):

  Introduced just after the hour mark, he was involved in the build-up to Spain's fourth, playing in Torres with a cute pass.

  Pablo Barrios (6/10):

  A second-half substitute, the midfielder didn't put a foot wrong in a low-key performance.

  Borja Iglesias (5/10):

  Replacing man-of-the-match Oyarzabal, he passed up a golden opportunity to score late on, blazing over from close range.

  Yeremy Pino (N/A):

  Unable to make an impact as a late substitute.

  Luis de la Fuente (7/10):

  His pre-match team talk certainly worked as Spain were rampant in the opening 45 minutes. His substitutions were good, too, maintaining his side's dominance over proceedings.

Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 64 sets up hosts before three wickets apiece for Sonny Baker, Josh Tongue take Superchargers down

ECB Media17-Aug-2025

Originals are right back in the shake-up of the Hundred men’s competition after an ultimately emphatic victory against in-form Northern Superchargers.Jos Buttler’s rich vein of form continued, registering his seventh fifty in the history of tournament to go top of this year’s run-scorers chart.He was ably supported by the classy New Zealander Rachin Ravindra, playing his first match for this year’s edition and striking 31 from just 14 balls, and then Heinrich Klaasen, who roared back into nick with a savage 25-ball 50.Only Matthew Potts offered much counter-thrust, picking up two wickets; but even he was helpless to halt the carnage at the death as Buttler and Klaasen combined for 27 runs from the final 11 balls. In all the Superchargers gave up nine sixes.Much then hinged on the Superchargers getting off to a flyer. Zak Crawley clattered two cover drives from the first set bowled by Sonny Baker, and then smashed a six off his England team-mate Josh Tongue. But a sharp catch at backward point from Matty Hurst saw Crawley depart for a nine-ball 16, and thereafter their chase flatlined.The key moment was the dismissal of Harry Brook, who top-edged an attempted sweep for 11 to give Ravindra his first wicket of this year’s competition.Originals have an enviably varied attack, with Tongue, Scott Currie and the effervescent Baker – last week called into England’s white-ball squads – providing the cutting edge and the Afghan mystery spinner Noor Ahmad offering the sparkle.Tongue and Baker shared three wickets apiece – Baker taking a hat-trick after bowling Dawid Malan for 19 off the 50th ball before returning to claim the final two dismissals, Tom Lawes caught by Lewis Gregory at deep midwicket and yorking Jacob Duffy next ball to wrap up victory.Tongue is now top of the wicket-takers’ list with nine, one ahead of his teammate Currie – while Ahmad was irresistible, taking two wickets and conceding less than a run a ball. Ravindra, with his left-arm spin, offered further control in the middle sets.For the Superchargers it was an afternoon to forget. Only David Miller, with 38, managed to make it past 19. They nonetheless remain in the mix, in a three-way tie at the top, ahead of a crucial week in this intriguing tournament.Meerkat Match Hero Buttler said: “It was hard work but I tried not to get frustrated. We built some partnerships and having guys set was crucial. We’ve played a couple of games here, and seen how the wicket can be. We tried to keep it simple and not to put pressure on our bowlers.”There’s nice variety in our attack, Josh and Sonny complement each other, and adding someone like Noor is a trump card. To put together a performance like that with bat and ball is very exciting.”Phil Salt, Originals skipper, was thrilled with the performance. “It’s been a chasing competition so far, so we’re really pleased with what the top order did today, batting first. Bowling-wise we’ve been pretty strong, with Sonny [Baker] and Scottie [Currie] and the rest doing really well.”Sonny’s brilliant as always, mad as a box of frogs. You just wind him up and let him go! In the last couple of weeks, he’s executed more often than not. It’s now about picking up momentum.”

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