I recently was given an AS2 Pro Max portable air pump from Cycplus to try out, and I just had to share my experience. It’s an electronic air pump, which can inflate a tire quickly and accurately to whatever pressure you set. I’m not a serious cyclist, just an occasional social rider and a lover of gadgets. This little gadget was a perfect fit for me. I did not even know that such devices existed! If you’re like me and value convenience and reliability on your rides, you’ll want to know all about this.
First off, the AS2 Pro Max is compact and lightweight for such a device. It’s maybe a little heavier than a simple manual hand pump, but it more than makes up for that with speed, convenience, and pressure accuracy. It’s easy to toss it in my backpack without feeling like it’s weighing me down.
It’s a solid device that feels like it is built to last. It’s made from high-strength aluminum alloy, so it feels really sturdy and durable.
One of the best features of the AS2 Pro Max is its high-precision gauge. I’m kind of a stickler for tire pressure – it makes a big difference in how the bike handles, and as a social rider I don’t want to work harder than I need to. This pump has an LED screen that shows real-time air pressure, which is super handy. I used to guess and hope for the best, but now I can get my tires to the exact pressure I want every time. It also displays the battery life, so you’re never caught off guard with a dead pump. I’ve not used it for long enough to know how long a full charge lasts, but a single change has been good for quite a few trips so far. According to Cycplus, it supports over 200 inflation cycles on a single charge.
Speaking of charging, the AS2 Pro Max has a quick charging time of just one hour. Just to be safe it’s easy to stick it on charge while you’re getting your gear ready just to be sure, and it will be good to go in no time. Plus, it’s got both Presta and Schrader valve compatibility, which means I can use it on any bike, and be ready to give a hand to any riding companion.
It is a versatile device too. It comes with a ball valve adaptor, so I have used it for pumping up my football, and being able to inflate to the ideal pressure is perfect for that situation.
Overall, the AS2 Pro Max has been a fantastic addition to my cycling gear. It’s reliable, easy to use, and incredibly efficient. If you’re a cyclist who likes to be prepared for anything, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s definitely earned a permanent spot in my riding kit. Happy cycling, everyone!
Disclaimer: This review is based on personal experience and observations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the manufacturer’s specifications and other user reviews.
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The anticipation for Roland Garros 2024 is building, and tennis enthusiasts worldwide are speculating about who will emerge victorious. Roland Garros, also known as the French Open, is one of the most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments, renowned for its challenging clay courts that test players’ endurance and skill. As the tournament approaches, we delve into the top contenders, dark horse candidates, key factors influencing the outcome, head-to-head matchups, historical context, expert predictions, and insights.
Digiportal’s Insights on Roland Garros
Analyzing the dynamics of Roland Garros 2024 reveals critical insights into career and educational opportunities in sports analytics. For detailed articles and expert opinions from Killian Smith the mind behind DigiPortal, visit Digiportal.
Predictions and Analysis of Top Contenders
The 2024 Roland Garros promises to be a thrilling competition with several top contenders vying for the title. Let’s analyze the prospects of the leading players.
Novak Djokovic at the 2016 French Open
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic remains a formidable force on the ATP tour. With multiple Grand Slam titles under his belt, including victories at Roland Garros, Djokovic’s experience and resilience make him a top contender. His recent form has been impressive, showcasing his ability to adapt to different playing conditions. However, his vaccination status has been a topic of discussion, potentially affecting his participation and preparation for the tournament. Nevertheless, if he competes, his strategic gameplay and mental toughness could give him an edge.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz, a rising star in the tennis world, has quickly climbed the rankings and made a name for himself on clay courts. Known for his agility and powerful groundstrokes, Alcaraz has the potential to challenge the established players. His recent performances have been stellar, with significant victories that highlight his readiness for the Grand Slam stage. As he continues to develop his game, Alcaraz could be a serious contender for the Roland Garros title.
Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner is another young talent who has shown remarkable progress in recent years. His consistent performances and ability to handle high-pressure situations make him a player to watch. Sinner’s aggressive baseline play and exceptional court coverage give him an advantage on clay. While he has yet to secure a Grand Slam title, his trajectory suggests that he is on the brink of a major breakthrough.
Dark Horse Candidates
In addition to the top contenders, there are several dark horse candidates who could surprise everyone with deep runs in the tournament.
Holger Rune
Holger Rune has been steadily improving and making waves on the ATP tour. His determination and strong work ethic have earned him impressive wins against higher-ranked opponents. Rune’s ability to adapt his game and his competitive spirit make him a potential threat in the draw.
Lorenzo Musetti
Lorenzo Musetti’s flair and creativity on the court have garnered attention. His ability to execute a variety of shots and his composure during crucial points make him a challenging opponent. Musetti’s recent performances on clay have been promising, indicating that he could make a significant impact at Roland Garros.
Key Factors That Will Influence the Outcome
Several key factors will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of Roland Garros 2024.
Weather Conditions
The weather at Roland Garros can significantly affect play, especially on clay courts. Rain can make the surface heavier and slower, favoring baseline players with powerful shots. Conversely, dry and sunny conditions can speed up the courts, benefiting aggressive players who rely on fast-paced rallies. Monitoring the weather forecast will be essential for players and their strategies.
Player Injuries
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in tennis, and their impact on the tournament cannot be underestimated. Players’ physical conditions leading up to and during the tournament will be critical. Notable injuries could sideline top contenders or hinder their performance, opening the door for other competitors.
Court Conditions
The specific conditions of the courts at Roland Garros, including court speed and surface wear, will influence matches. Players who adapt quickly to these conditions and manage their physical and mental endurance will have a better chance of advancing deep into the tournament.
Head-to-Head Matchups
Analyzing potential key matchups provides insights into how the tournament might unfold.
Djokovic vs. Alcaraz
A potential clash between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz would be a highlight of the tournament. Their contrasting styles and competitive spirits promise an exciting encounter. Djokovic’s experience and strategic play would be tested against Alcaraz’s youthful energy and powerful shots.
Sinner vs. Musetti
A matchup between Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti would showcase the talents of two emerging stars. Both players have shown great promise on clay, and their head-to-head battles could be pivotal in determining their progress in the tournament. Their previous encounters and playing styles will provide a fascinating dynamic.
Historical Context of Roland Garros Winners
Understanding the historical context of Roland Garros winners adds depth to the analysis of potential champions.
Rafael Nadal’s Dominance
Rafael Nadal‘s record at Roland Garros is unparalleled, with numerous titles that have cemented his legacy as the “King of Clay.” His dominance on the clay courts of Paris has set a high standard for current and future players. Nadal’s success has also influenced the strategies and preparations of his competitors.
Upsets and Surprise Winners
Roland Garros has witnessed several upsets and surprise winners over the years. These unexpected outcomes highlight the unpredictability of the tournament and the potential for lesser-known players to shine. Analyzing past upsets provides valuable insights into how the 2024 tournament might unfold.
Predictions from Experts
Expert predictions offer a comprehensive view of the potential outcomes of Roland Garros 2024.
Insights from Analysts
Prominent tennis analysts have weighed in on the top contenders and potential dark horses. Their predictions are based on players’ recent performances, historical data, and their understanding of the game. These insights provide valuable perspectives on who might lift the trophy this year.
Player Interviews
Interviews with current players offer firsthand insights into their expectations and preparations for the tournament. Their thoughts on potential rivals and their own form add a personal dimension to the predictions, making them more relatable and grounded.
Conclusion
As Roland Garros 2024 approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. The tournament promises thrilling matches, potential upsets, and unforgettable moments. While Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner are among the top contenders, dark horses like Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti could surprise everyone. The outcome will be influenced by weather conditions, player injuries, and court conditions, making it a truly unpredictable event. As we look forward to the action on the clay courts of Paris, we invite you to share your predictions and join the conversation. In conclusion, Roland Garros 2024 is set to be a spectacular event with a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars battling for the title. The analysis and predictions provided offer a comprehensive view of what to expect, ensuring that tennis fans are well-prepared for the exciting fortnight ahead.
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The sporting landscape has changed a lot over the last 50 years. For many of you, it is more than a lifetime ago. I was just 8 at the time and a budding sports enthusiast.
One of the most notable events of 1974 was the FIFA World Cup held in West Germany. It was the first time my home country Australia had qualified, and soccer (as we called it) was making a rare appearance in the news. West Germany emerged victorious, defeating the Netherlands in the final match to claim their second World Cup title (Australia not scoring a goal in their three matches).
1974 FIFA World Cup Netherlands v Uruguay 2-0 set piece
In tennis, the Grand Slam tournaments continued to showcase the talents of legendary players such as Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert. Connors dominated the men’s circuit, winning three out of the four Grand Slam titles, while Evert asserted her dominance in the women’s game with victories at the French Open and the US Open. It was a period of excellence and competitiveness in professional tennis.
The Commonwealth Games was held in Christchurch, New Zealand, providing a platform for athletes from across the Commonwealth to showcase their abilities. Memorable performances included Tanzanian athlete Filbert Bayi’s stunning victory in the 1500 meters, setting a new world record in the process.
Reflecting on these events, it’s evident that the sporting landscape of 1974 was characterized by intense competition, exceptional athleticism, and moments of triumph and inspiration. All without the monetary compensation and notoriety that modern athletes achieve. There are other notable changes in the world of sports. Technological advancements, increased globalization, and evolving training methods have transformed the way athletes prepare and compete.
Looking back on the world sporting events of 1974 provides valuable insights into the evolution of sports and the enduring impact of athletic achievements. The growth of women’s sports and the emphasis on inclusivity and diversity have expanded the scope of athletic participation and representation. T
This is just a sample of the highlights from 1974. On our sports timeline, you can read more details of the sporting results from 1974.
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The question is which is better to eat after a run, a fast food meal, or starving, eating nothing at all. Actually, it should be worded as “what is less bad for you”. They are both obviously bad choices.
Neither eating fast food (such as “McDonalds”) nor starving after a run is an ideal option for post-exercise nutrition. Both choices have drawbacks and may not provide the necessary nutrients for optimal recovery and performance.
Fast food options typically lack the essential nutrients needed for effective recovery. Fast food is often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium while being low in vitamins, minerals, and quality protein. Still, it might be better than eating nothing at all. Not eating after exercise deprives the body of the necessary nutrients required for recovery and energy replenishment. After exercise, the body needs to refuel with carbohydrates to replenish glycogen stores, protein to repair and build muscles, and fluids to rehydrate.
Instead of one of those choices, it’s recommended to opt for a balanced post-workout meal that includes a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to replenish energy stores, support muscle repair, and promote overall recovery. Choose nutrient-rich options such as lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and hydrating beverages to help your body recover effectively and maintain your fitness goals.
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The Toffees will be desperate for a much-needed home win to get a season of high hopes up and running.
Everton will be hoping to get their first Premier League home win of the 2023/24 season when Wolverhampton Wanderers come to town on the third matchday of the new campaign.
In what could potentially be their final season at their current home ground, Everton did not get off to the dream start they envisaged after losing 1-0 to Fulham on the opening weekend of the season.
Many believe this will be the Blues’ final campaign at Goodison Park before switching to a new ground and Everton will be hoping for a strong showing after fighting relegation until the final day of last season. Everton have lost 11 league games at home since the start of last season and they must do better if it really is a farewell campaign at Goodison.
This may be the Blues’ final campaign at Goodison Park
The Toffees were undefeated in their five pre-season games but came off with a narrow defeat to Fulham on opening day. Although there have been six wins, six draws, and six defeats each for Everton and Wolves in this fixture, the Merseysiders are winless in the last four meetings between the sides.
On the other hand, last season may have ended in timid fashion for Wolves. Still, they quietly rebuilt during pre-season yet failed to yield a positive result from an impressive opening-day performance at Old Trafford. Wolves were fantastic against Manchester United and should have got all three points but were left to rue their poor finishing once again.
Gary O’Neil’s men will be looking to get a massive scalp at the famously tough Goodison Park and they must do so with a poor traveling record as they are winless in nine Premier League away games, including five defeats in a row. Wolves will however be encouraged by their five wins in the last ten games against Everton.
Match tickets
This important game for both clubs begins at 3 pm UK time on Saturday 26th August and Everton vs Wolves tickets for the match have been on sale via each individual club’s website.
However, the game is almost certainly going to be a sell-out with Goodison Park expected to be packed to the rafters as loyal Evertonains look on for what they hope would be a sweet home victory for Sean Dyche’s men.
The Merseysiders treat every home game like a religious gathering and demand the maximum effort of their players. A rocking Goodison is truly an unmissable spectacle.
Hence, getting a hold of Wolverhampton Wanderers tickets may be difficult so those who would love to attend the game may have some luck finding them via a ticket reselling site.
Team news
Englishmen Ashley Young and Jack Harrison, and Dutch international Arnaut Danjuma are the new arrivals who are hoping to inspire better fortunes as Dyche takes charge of his first full season.
Ex-Leeds winger Harrison is a long-term casualty as he is set to be out injured until after the season’s first international break. Dwight McNeil and Seamus Coleman are also ruled out of action against Wolves while Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a doubt given his ongoing fitness struggles.
Wolves are in the unfamiliar position of having no players on the treatment table, at the time of writing, considering their crippling injury issues last season. The West Midlanders will be pleased to have a fit and fresh squad for their new manager who was appointed only four days before his debut having replaced Julen Lopetegui who had disputes with the board.
O’Neil will have had more days to establish his ideas and preferred team ahead of this trip to Everton. Going by what we saw at Man United, there is a lot to look forward to in this game.
Line-ups
38-year-old Ashley Young seems to have won the left-back spot ahead of Vitaliy Mykolenko and at least he won’t have to mark the pacey Adama Traore who left Wolves over the summer. James Garner is another who has earned his manager’s trust but winger Lewis Dobbin will be looking to get into the lineup as much as Danjuma who seems to be Neal Maupay’s deputy in the striker role.
Elsewhere, you can expect Dyche to stick to his tried and trusted team for a game they cannot afford to lose in front of their home fans.
Wolves may feature a number of changes over the coming games as O’Neil gets to grips with his strongest line-up and builds team dynamics. You can expect another high-energy team keen to upset the Goodison crowd just as they did at Old Trafford.
Notably, Portuguese forward Pedro Neto was the most potent of the Wolves’ players as he had the most shots (three) with two being on target. The aim over the next few games clearly has to be finding a balance that allows them to score goals more often and win games.
Everton are a shrewd yet efficient unit under Dyche and against evenly-matched opponents, their counter-attacking ability and superiority from dead balls make them a devastating prospect. This has all the markings of a typical Premier League game with much-needed points on offer.
The hosts may indeed cause Wolves a lot of problems on the break and around their own penalty box but Everton must also be worried about the fact the Midlands side had 23 shots on goal against Man Utd. Although they ended that game without scoring, the Wolves are on an upward trajectory and this is the perfect moment to end a five-game losing streak in away league games.
Everton 1-1 Wolves
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We remember the gentle giant and his contribution to football throughout his life and career
On November 4, 2022, the team spokesman for the Washington Commanders verified the rumors of the passing of All-American defensive tackle legend Dave Butz. He was a star player for the Washington side from 1973. Dave was 72 at the time of his death.
Dave was one of the top 90 players in team history. He was also named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team at their 70th anniversary earlier in the year. His death was a shock to many people, and he received a flood of heartwarming messages from fans and players. The Gentle Giant was a force to be reckoned with; his name is featured on the Ring of Fame at FedExField.
Who was Dave Butz?
From 1973 to 1988, Dave Butz was among the largest players in the NFL. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing around 300 pounds for the majority of his career, he was a football giant, especially in the 1980s, when he was always the biggest man on the field. Dave’s form was impressive at his age, which was a testament to his excellent health and quick healing from injuries. In his 16-year career, he was instrumental in helping the Redskins reach the Super Bowl three times, and they won twice. The first win was in 1982, and the second time was in 1987. He retired a year later, in 1988, when he was the oldest starting player in the NFL.
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David Butz was born on a farm in LaFayette, Alabama, on June 23, 1950. He moved to the suburbs of Chicago, where he played football at Maine South High School in Illinois. There, he was a two-time high school All-American champion. He was a well-rounded sportsman and often received recognition for his skills. Dave was also a record-setting Illinois High School discus champion and an outstanding basketball player. His basketball skills even landed him scholarship offers as well. Ultimately, he chose to follow his passion for football and played college football for Purdue University, where he was named a 1972 finalist for the Lombardi Award. He was also a first-team “All-Big Ten” member, which then allowed him to participate in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl, where he was named the defensive MVP.
His Career
Butz was drafted as the fifth overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft’s first round. He went to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played for two seasons until 1975. A mistake in his contract granted him free-agent status, and George Allen, who was the Redskins coach at the time, quickly signed him. This was controversial since the NFL mandated that the Redskins provided the Cardinals with two first-round draft picks each in 1977 and 1978, as well as a second-round pick in 1978, as recompense. Dave’s career saw him play 16 seasons, record 64 sacks, and play in 216 regular-season games, only missing 4 games.
His reluctance to miss games led him to a famous and interesting story. In October 1987, he checked out of the hospital to participate in the Redskins’ game with the New York Jets. Even though he wasn’t yet back to peak health, he made a game-saving sack of Ken O’Brien, which stopped the Jets’ drive towards the end of the game and saw him receive the game ball. As soon as the game was over, he checked himself back into the hospital.
Dave Butz Accomplishments
NFL defensive player for the year 1983
Inducted into the St Louis Hall of Fame in 2017
2 Super Bowl rings XVII and XXII, 1982 and 1987 and 1 runner up award
Elected as one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in franchise history
A part of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
Purdue Boilermakers’ Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame – 2004,
Purdue’s All-Time Football team in 2004
2014 election to the College Football Hall of Fame.
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World Cup is the biggest and most-watched sports event in the world, and it’s the only showcase event, drawing massive global attention. No matter what everyone calls it, no other sporting event comes close to equating the extreme passion for the beautiful game.
Nothing beats the feeling of being the best in the most sought-after sport in the world, and getting crowned champion with a beautiful trophy! What else does a nation want, this tournament has a way of enabling people to puff out their chest by giving them license to say ‘this is our team’ and having some pride in their nation,
This time around, spectacular moments like these will be witnessed from the ‘Land of Arabs’ for the first time in the history of the world cup. The tournament commences on November 20 and will continue till December 18, 2022.
If you want to watch the FIFA World Cup live online and don’t know how to go about it, we have you covered. In this blog, we will teach you how to watch the FIFA world cup Qatar 2022 live stream from anywhere in the world:
football fans around the world are eagerly waiting for the next World Cup
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 live stream
Sling TV
Sling TV is the best option to stream the FIFA world cup inside the US if you don’t have cable. The streaming service offers you the cheapest subscription with a 7 days free trial, so you can’t miss any moment of the exciting tournament live without worrying about the cable. The best part is you could even use Sling TV from outside UK, by using a VPN to connect to a US server and directly stream FIFA World Cup
BBCi iPlayer
BBC iPlayer is the official broadcaster in the UK for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and will broadcast every fixture from the tournament. However, the in-demand streaming service only works inside the UK due to certain geo-restrictions.
Fortunately, to access BBC iPlayer from anywhere, you need to have a UK IP address and this is where a high-speed VPN can help. Just follow these simple steps to stream the FIFA World Cup live on BBC iPlayer:
Get a VPN subscription.
Download the app for your device and connect to a UK server.
Go to BBC iPlayer and log into your account or sign up.
Enjoy live streaming the FIFA World Cup 2022 for free from anywhere!
FIFA World Cup 2022 – Groups
Group A. Qatar. Ecuador. Senegal. Netherlands
Group B. England, Iran, USA, Wales
Group C. Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
Group D. France, Australia, Denmark, Tunisia
Group E. Spain, New Zealand OR Costa Rica, Germany, Japan
Group F. Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Group G. Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Group H. Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
Final Words
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 live without any worry, no matter where you are in the world by accessing BBC iPlayer or SlingTV with the help of VPN. By switching your virtual location to the UK or US, you can access BBC iPlayer or SlingTV hassle-free to stream your favorite FIFA World Cup matches live online. Over 140+ broadcasters will cover the FIFA World Cup 2022 in different countries. For instance, BBC and ITV are going to show the tournament in the UK, while MatchTV and Channel One are the official broadcasters in Russia. However, the end goal is to enjoy and cherish the thrilling moments of the world cup by supporting your national team.
There is a group of teams that basically don’t have a nickname, they just have a variation of the term ‘the national team‘ in their respective language (e.g. Germany, Iran, Switzerland). Equally uninspiring, many nicknames are derived from national colors – such as the Blues (France), Blue (Serbia), the Crimsons (Qatar), Orange (Netherlands) and the Tri-Colors (Ecuador, Mexico). At least some add a bit of spice to the color name game, such as the Red Fury (Spain), Red Devils (Belgium), and the Black Stars (Ghana).
Not all the names are so bland. If you could create a nickname, wouldn’t you want one that would strike fear in the opposition, like the Fiery Boys of Croatia, Danish Dynamite (Denmark) and Samurai Blues (Japan).
If animals strike fear in you, look out for the Eagles of Carthage from Tunisia, the Green Hawks of Saudi Arabia, the Asian Tigers of South Korea, and the Dragons of Wales.
There are also lions to contend with the Three Lions of England, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the Lions of Teranga from Senegal, and the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
However, a fearsome team nickname does not necessarily equate to success, as one of the most successful teams is commonly known as the Little Canaries (Brazil). Watch out for them!
With Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Paris, the curtain has been drawn on the 21/22 season. But the glory of sport is that there’s always next season. The Premier League will be back, the Champions League will return, and we’ve got the novelty of a winter World Cup to look forward to. And even though it’s a year until we’ll discover who’ll be the champions of England and of Europe, there are still five absolutely amazing matches to look forward to before we say goodbye to 2022.
#5: The Community Shield (July 31)
Yes, you read that right. The Community Shield is one of the biggest matches left this year. Yes, it’s a glorified friendly, and yes it doesn’t count as a trophy, but this year’s Wembley curtain-raiser has something very important. Narrative.
FA Cup winners Liverpool took Premier League champions down to the wire on the last day of the 21/22 season. So this game will raise all sorts of questions ahead of the 22/23 contest. Will Mane remain at Liverpool? Will Klopp be able to reinvigorate a team that went from quadruple hopefuls to double losers in the space of a week? Will Erling Haaland prove to be the game-breaker that takes City to an absolutely uncatchable level?
We’ll learn a lot from this game. If Liverpool seems weaker and City stronger, we might learn that the Premier League title is almost a foregone conclusion.
#4: The North London Derby (TBC)
For decades, Arsenal fans celebrated a unique holiday. St. Totteringham’s Day. The day of the season that it was mathematically impossible for the Gunners to be caught by their North London rivals. But for the past six seasons, it’s Spurs who’ve finished above their rivals in the league. It’s Spurs fans who’ve needed Champions League tickets while Arsenal has been making do with the Europa League.
Can Tottenham secure a seven-year streak of finishing above Arsenal? Or is it time for an Arsenal resurgence? The first North London Derby of the season will give us some indication, even though form and history suggest the home side usually triumphs. Arsenal hasn’t won an away derby since 2014, and Spurs need to go back to 2010. Will that change in 2022?
#3: The Women’s European Final (July 31)
Women’s Euros tickets have been selling in record numbers, and the final at Wembley is expected to host a capacity crowd. Defending European champions the Netherlands have dropped in the world rankings of late, and pundits are tipping Spain and France for the title. But England’s Lionesses aren’t far behind in the odds, and they’re comfortably ranked as one of the ten best teams in the world.
Manager Sarina Wiegman will be looking to her men’s team counterpart for inspiration. Gareth Southgate took a mostly unfancied England’s men’s team to the final of the 2020 Euros, so the women must be hoping to go one better. Football may just be coming home – and from a slightly unexpected direction.
#2: The Manchester Derby (TBC)
If the Community Shield will tell us a lot about the eventual destination of the title, the season’s first Manchester Derby might tell us something about the long-term prospects of a team who expects to be perennial challengers.
City is the finished article. An established manager, a settled team, and one of Europe’s most promising – and effective – young strikers. They expect to win the league. They expect to win the Champions League. They’ll expect to win the season’s first derby.
If ten Hag’s Red Devils can make sure that expectation comes to nothing, we’ll have some idea of how his much-needed rebuild is progressing. City strolled through an uninterested United midfield as they strolled to a 4-1 win last time out. A committed, professional – and perhaps victorious – performance from the red half of Manchester would be a massive statement.
And with Erling Haaland out for revenge against a team whose volatile ex-captain crippled his dad, there’s a hefty dose of personal narrative in play too. Definitely worth getting your hands on Manchester United tickets.
It had to be. Everyone wants World Cup tickets, and everyone wants to see their team in the final. This year’s competition is incredibly hard to call. Defending champions France were shambolic at the Euros, while Euro runners-up England can call on even more young talent than two years ago. Brazil will always fancy their chances, while Argentina and Portugal know this is the last chance for Messi or Ronaldo to win the ultimate prize.
And then of course there are the unknowns, the dark horses. Hosts Qatar will benefit from a home advantage in very difficult conditions, Senegal has a team that’s quietly packed with top-level talent, and Denmark will rally around their returning talisman Christian Eriksen.
No matter which two teams are fighting for glory, the World Cup Final will be a must-watch, can’t-miss affair. It’s the biggest match left this year.
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In a controversial move, the Australian Football League (AFL) have removed skinfold testing from the annual combine test battery, over mental health and body image concerns.
The skinfold test is a body composition assessment that is used throughout the world, and has been performed at the annual Draft Combine for over 20 years. It forms an important part of the player’s overall assessment at the combine, which includes testing in areas such as medical, physical, psychological and skills.
The test determines the player’s body fat percentage by measuring the thickness of a pinch of skin at multiple sites of the body. It is very useful to know the level of excess fat a player is carrying because excess body fat would affect the AFL player’s ability to jump vertically, move freely around the ground, and the extra weight can increase fatigue, which are all important aspects of the game of AFL. The sports science staff at a football club would like to know if a player is carrying extra weight that he could potentially lose, a worthwhile and often an easily achievable task.
A low body fat level enhances a player’s jumping ability
The decision to remove skinfold testing at the combine has been widely criticised by both players and AFL club officials. If the players are being body-shamed based on their skinfold test results, then that is a problem. The answer? Stop the body shaming, don’t stop this important part of the player assessment.
It seems like a case of blaming the tool. It may just be the way that the test results are presented to the players. Tell the players why it is important to measure this (and it is). Educate the players on the personal benefits of having skinfolds measured, and how it can enhance their physical performance and consequently the team’s performance.
Skinfold testing should be considered the same as any other component of fitness testing, as a chance to identify which areas they can improve to become a better player. If their 2km time trial is slow, extra work on the track is required, if their vertical jump score is low, a bit of extra leg work in the gym, if they are carrying a bit too much extra body fat, the sports dietitian can guide them to make changes to improve their diet. The aim of all of this is to improve the player, not to shame them. It is an opportunity to improve, not an opportunity to put them down.
I don’t think there is any chance of the test being put back on the combine tests list. It is going to leave the clubs to use other methods to estimate body fat of their potential draft picks, such as using the height and weight measurements to calculate BMI, and we know how badly that works as a measure of body fat in muscular individuals (like football players!). If the clubs see value in the skinfold test, it will probably stay as one of their assessments within the club for the time being, they just won’t have that information at hand when they are looking for new recruits.
