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International Friendly: Mbappe on target as France shrug off red card to beat Brazil 2-1

International Friendly: Mbappe on target as France shrug off red card to beat Brazil 2-1

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Kylian Mbappe moved within one goal of equalling France’s all-time scoring record with the opener in a 2-1 win over Brazil in a glamour friendly in the United States on Thursday.

Mbappe ran through to beat Ederson with a delicate chip to give France the lead just after the half-hour mark at Gillette Stadium near Boston, home of NFL side New England Patriots.

France, World Cup winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, had Dayot Upamecano sent off early in the second half but shrugged it off to double the lead through Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike in the 65th minute.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil pulled one back 12 minutes from time via a close-range finish by Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, but France held on for a victory that will boost confidence ahead of the World Cup. They face Senegal, Norway and a play-off winner in the group stage.

Mbappe’s goal will please coach Didier Deschamps. The Real Madrid forward returned from three weeks out with a knee injury just ahead of the international break.

The 27-year-old now has 56 goals in 95 appearances for France, leaving him one shy of Olivier Giroud’s record of 57. Mbappe can equal and potentially surpass it when France face Colombia in the second friendly of this tour at Northwest Stadium near Washington DC on Sunday.

France and Brazil have met four times at past World Cups, including the 1998 final won by France and the 2006 quarter-final, also won by Les Bleus. This was their first meeting of any kind since a friendly in Paris 11 years ago, won 3-1 by Brazil.

Brazil go into the World Cup, where they face Morocco, Scotland and Haiti in the group stage, hoping the appointment of Ancelotti as coach can help them contend for a record-extending sixth title.

Brazil were missing key players, including goalkeeper Alisson Becker, defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Eder Militao, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and forwards Rodrygo and Estevao. France were without Arsenal centre-back William Saliba but fielded a potent attack including Mbappe, Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and PSG’s Ousmane Dembele.

ALSO READ: FIFA World Cup 2026 playoffs: Tonali stars as Italy defeats Northern Ireland

Dembele set up Mbappe for the opener, which separated the teams at half-time. Upamecano was sent off in the 55th minute after American referee Guido Gonzales upgraded a yellow card to red following a VAR review. He had denied Wesley a clear goal-scoring opportunity on the edge of the box.

Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, a late call-up to replace Saliba, came on for Dembele to make his debut and bolster the defence. France extended their lead when Olise supplied Ekitike, who clipped the ball past Ederson for his second international goal.

Mbappe and Ekitike were then withdrawn, leaving Brazil with too much to do. Bremer converted from close range after Luiz Henrique’s assist in the 78th minute, but France held on.

Ancelotti will hope his team can bounce back when they face Croatia in Orlando on Tuesday.

Published on Mar 27, 2026

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During Giannis Antetokounmpo’s introductory press conference in Miami, Heat owner Pat Riley insinuated that the team wasn’t done taking big swings.

“We landed the plane,” Riley said in part. “There’s another one we have to land.”

Of course, the 81-year-old championship-winning owner is referring to the Heat’s pursuit of free agent superstar LeBron James. Miami is considered a finalist in LeBron’s ongoing free agent frenzy that has continued to drag on since informing the Los Angeles Lakers that he’d be moving on June 30.

Even though Riley wants to land another plane, adding arguably the greatest basketball player of all time to a roster with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, LeBron’s fit in Miami raises some major questions.

There’s only one basketball.

This offseason, Antetokounmpo was Miami’s big move.

They mortgaged their future draft pick arsenal and gutted their bench while also moving on from Tyler Herro to land the Greek Freak in South Beach. Of course, when healthy, Antetokounmpo is a top five player in the sport.

And even at age 41, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, shooting 51.5% from the field.

Antetokounmpo and James would be a formidable duo, especially in a league that’s built on athletically dominant wings.

But Antetokounmpo isn’t a spring chicken anymore. Defensively, he’s still way better than LeBron. But over the course of an 82-game season? It’s hard to see a world where Antetokounmpo, LeBron and Adebayo are enough to compete in this Eastern Conference – especially because the lack of depth Miami has been left with after the blockbuster trade.

Furthermore, where’s the shooting on this team?

Last season, LeBron’s three-point numbers dipped. Antetokounmpo has never been considered anywhere close to a lethal three-point shooter. He makes defenses pay around the rim.

Where’s the floor spacing coming from? Davion Mitchell? He’s not much of a threat. Tim Hardaway Jr.? He could definitely knock down threes, but teams aren’t necessarily fearing his long-range ability coming into each game. Andrew Wiggins? Really, that’s just more overlap on the wing.

Sure, the Heat could make another trade, especially if LeBron arrives on a team-friendly contract. They’d almost have to. Any LeBron team without ample shooting has been a failure. 

But location-wise, LeBron has played in Miami before. He’s won two championships with Riley, even though their relationship was complicated towards the end of LeBron’s tenure there.

Certainly, South Beach is a place where LeBron and his family found comfortability earlier in his career.

But do the Heat have enough to actually contend for a championship? Even if LeBron isn’t ring chasing, the Golden State Warriors are probably a better basketball fit. If he is ring chasing, the Cleveland Cavaliers present a way better opportunity in the current Eastern Conference, as they were in the conference finals with a team that was assembled in the 11th hour of the NBA season.

Riley wants to land another plane this offseason, but Antetokounmpo was their move. Even though the Heat remain in the mix, it’s hard to envision LeBron in Miami for a second time.

#LeBron #James #Isnt #Perfect #Fit #Miami #Heat #Deadspin.com">Why LeBron James Isn’t the Perfect Fit for the Miami Heat | Deadspin.com During Giannis Antetokounmpo’s introductory press conference in Miami, Heat owner Pat Riley insinuated that the team wasn’t done taking big swings.“We landed the plane,” Riley said in part. “There’s another one we have to land.”Of course, the 81-year-old championship-winning owner is referring to the Heat’s pursuit of free agent superstar LeBron James. Miami is considered a finalist in LeBron’s ongoing free agent frenzy that has continued to drag on since informing the Los Angeles Lakers that he’d be moving on June 30.Even though Riley wants to land another plane, adding arguably the greatest basketball player of all time to a roster with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, LeBron’s fit in Miami raises some major questions.There’s only one basketball.This offseason, Antetokounmpo was Miami’s big move.They mortgaged their future draft pick arsenal and gutted their bench while also moving on from Tyler Herro to land the Greek Freak in South Beach. Of course, when healthy, Antetokounmpo is a top five player in the sport.And even at age 41, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, shooting 51.5% from the field.Antetokounmpo and James would be a formidable duo, especially in a league that’s built on athletically dominant wings.But Antetokounmpo isn’t a spring chicken anymore. Defensively, he’s still way better than LeBron. But over the course of an 82-game season? It’s hard to see a world where Antetokounmpo, LeBron and Adebayo are enough to compete in this Eastern Conference – especially because the lack of depth Miami has been left with after the blockbuster trade.Furthermore, where’s the shooting on this team?Last season, LeBron’s three-point numbers dipped. Antetokounmpo has never been considered anywhere close to a lethal three-point shooter. He makes defenses pay around the rim.Where’s the floor spacing coming from? Davion Mitchell? He’s not much of a threat. Tim Hardaway Jr.? He could definitely knock down threes, but teams aren’t necessarily fearing his long-range ability coming into each game. Andrew Wiggins? Really, that’s just more overlap on the wing.Sure, the Heat could make another trade, especially if LeBron arrives on a team-friendly contract. They’d almost have to. Any LeBron team without ample shooting has been a failure. But location-wise, LeBron has played in Miami before. He’s won two championships with Riley, even though their relationship was complicated towards the end of LeBron’s tenure there.Certainly, South Beach is a place where LeBron and his family found comfortability earlier in his career.But do the Heat have enough to actually contend for a championship? Even if LeBron isn’t ring chasing, the Golden State Warriors are probably a better basketball fit. If he is ring chasing, the Cleveland Cavaliers present a way better opportunity in the current Eastern Conference, as they were in the conference finals with a team that was assembled in the 11th hour of the NBA season.Riley wants to land another plane this offseason, but Antetokounmpo was their move. Even though the Heat remain in the mix, it’s hard to envision LeBron in Miami for a second time. #LeBron #James #Isnt #Perfect #Fit #Miami #Heat #Deadspin.com

Riley said in part. “There’s another one we have to land.”

Of course, the 81-year-old championship-winning owner is referring to the Heat’s pursuit of free agent superstar LeBron James. Miami is considered a finalist in LeBron’s ongoing free agent frenzy that has continued to drag on since informing the Los Angeles Lakers that he’d be moving on June 30.

Even though Riley wants to land another plane, adding arguably the greatest basketball player of all time to a roster with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, LeBron’s fit in Miami raises some major questions.

There’s only one basketball.

This offseason, Antetokounmpo was Miami’s big move.

They mortgaged their future draft pick arsenal and gutted their bench while also moving on from Tyler Herro to land the Greek Freak in South Beach. Of course, when healthy, Antetokounmpo is a top five player in the sport.

And even at age 41, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, shooting 51.5% from the field.

Antetokounmpo and James would be a formidable duo, especially in a league that’s built on athletically dominant wings.

But Antetokounmpo isn’t a spring chicken anymore. Defensively, he’s still way better than LeBron. But over the course of an 82-game season? It’s hard to see a world where Antetokounmpo, LeBron and Adebayo are enough to compete in this Eastern Conference – especially because the lack of depth Miami has been left with after the blockbuster trade.

Furthermore, where’s the shooting on this team?

Last season, LeBron’s three-point numbers dipped. Antetokounmpo has never been considered anywhere close to a lethal three-point shooter. He makes defenses pay around the rim.

Where’s the floor spacing coming from? Davion Mitchell? He’s not much of a threat. Tim Hardaway Jr.? He could definitely knock down threes, but teams aren’t necessarily fearing his long-range ability coming into each game. Andrew Wiggins? Really, that’s just more overlap on the wing.

Sure, the Heat could make another trade, especially if LeBron arrives on a team-friendly contract. They’d almost have to. Any LeBron team without ample shooting has been a failure. 

But location-wise, LeBron has played in Miami before. He’s won two championships with Riley, even though their relationship was complicated towards the end of LeBron’s tenure there.

Certainly, South Beach is a place where LeBron and his family found comfortability earlier in his career.

But do the Heat have enough to actually contend for a championship? Even if LeBron isn’t ring chasing, the Golden State Warriors are probably a better basketball fit. If he is ring chasing, the Cleveland Cavaliers present a way better opportunity in the current Eastern Conference, as they were in the conference finals with a team that was assembled in the 11th hour of the NBA season.

Riley wants to land another plane this offseason, but Antetokounmpo was their move. Even though the Heat remain in the mix, it’s hard to envision LeBron in Miami for a second time.

#LeBron #James #Isnt #Perfect #Fit #Miami #Heat #Deadspin.com">Why LeBron James Isn’t the Perfect Fit for the Miami Heat | Deadspin.com

During Giannis Antetokounmpo’s introductory press conference in Miami, Heat owner Pat Riley insinuated that the team wasn’t done taking big swings.

“We landed the plane,” Riley said in part. “There’s another one we have to land.”

Of course, the 81-year-old championship-winning owner is referring to the Heat’s pursuit of free agent superstar LeBron James. Miami is considered a finalist in LeBron’s ongoing free agent frenzy that has continued to drag on since informing the Los Angeles Lakers that he’d be moving on June 30.

Even though Riley wants to land another plane, adding arguably the greatest basketball player of all time to a roster with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, LeBron’s fit in Miami raises some major questions.

There’s only one basketball.

This offseason, Antetokounmpo was Miami’s big move.

They mortgaged their future draft pick arsenal and gutted their bench while also moving on from Tyler Herro to land the Greek Freak in South Beach. Of course, when healthy, Antetokounmpo is a top five player in the sport.

And even at age 41, LeBron averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, shooting 51.5% from the field.

Antetokounmpo and James would be a formidable duo, especially in a league that’s built on athletically dominant wings.

But Antetokounmpo isn’t a spring chicken anymore. Defensively, he’s still way better than LeBron. But over the course of an 82-game season? It’s hard to see a world where Antetokounmpo, LeBron and Adebayo are enough to compete in this Eastern Conference – especially because the lack of depth Miami has been left with after the blockbuster trade.

Furthermore, where’s the shooting on this team?

Last season, LeBron’s three-point numbers dipped. Antetokounmpo has never been considered anywhere close to a lethal three-point shooter. He makes defenses pay around the rim.

Where’s the floor spacing coming from? Davion Mitchell? He’s not much of a threat. Tim Hardaway Jr.? He could definitely knock down threes, but teams aren’t necessarily fearing his long-range ability coming into each game. Andrew Wiggins? Really, that’s just more overlap on the wing.

Sure, the Heat could make another trade, especially if LeBron arrives on a team-friendly contract. They’d almost have to. Any LeBron team without ample shooting has been a failure. 

But location-wise, LeBron has played in Miami before. He’s won two championships with Riley, even though their relationship was complicated towards the end of LeBron’s tenure there.

Certainly, South Beach is a place where LeBron and his family found comfortability earlier in his career.

But do the Heat have enough to actually contend for a championship? Even if LeBron isn’t ring chasing, the Golden State Warriors are probably a better basketball fit. If he is ring chasing, the Cleveland Cavaliers present a way better opportunity in the current Eastern Conference, as they were in the conference finals with a team that was assembled in the 11th hour of the NBA season.

Riley wants to land another plane this offseason, but Antetokounmpo was their move. Even though the Heat remain in the mix, it’s hard to envision LeBron in Miami for a second time.

#LeBron #James #Isnt #Perfect #Fit #Miami #Heat #Deadspin.com

Major League Baseball introduced a new innovation for the 2026 season by implementing the ABS Challenge System. The All-Star break provided an opportunity to reflect on how the Automatic ball-strike system has changed the game and overall, the reception has been positive.

It is impossible to discuss the ABS system without talking about the technology behind it. T-Mobile has played a huge role in the system. Go to a baseball game or watch one from home and you will instantly see all of the T-Mobile branding throughout the ballpark. However, it is important to point out that T-Mobile’s partnership with Major League Baseball simply isn’t branding. They are powering the technology behind the ABS system.

“We have been a partner with Major League Baseball for over a decade now and I think one of the things and the reasons it’s worked so well is we’ve kept innovating together,” T-Mobile Vice President of Sponsorships Amy Azzi said during All-Star festivities at Citizens Bank Park.

Major League Baseball began testing the ABS system back in 2022 in the minor leagues. A priority was of course that it needed to be accurate but it also had to be fast so that it wouldn’t take away from the game experience. The system is powered by Hawkeye Cameras that have been installed in every Major League park. The data is transferred over a private 5G network that is provided by T-Mobile. That leads to an almost instantaneous result.

“All of that data is transmitted into a software system that we’ve developed via the T-Mobile network,” said Morgan Sword who is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations at MLB. “That software system determines whether the trajectory of the ball matches with the strike zone we’ve loaded in. Then if it’s challenged, that produces a call.”

”That’s the call you see on the big board and then also on the broadcast. It’s a lot of technology that has to happen very quickly to keep that pace and rhythm going in the game.”

So far there have been over 6,000 challenges during the first half of the regular season. Teams start with two challenges each and lose one for every unsuccessful attempt. Sword said that the number of challenges was something that the league had tested in the minors and listened to feedback from fans. Two felt like the sweet spot.

“We decided on two challenges per team because that was the overwhelming fan feedback in the minor leagues that we started out at three. Fans told us that, you know, ABS challenges are great and exciting to a point. If you have games where there’s 12, 15 challenges, then it starts to feel a little like it’s disrupting the game a little bit. So we dialed it back to two and that’s produced about four challenges per game, which we think is kind of right on the money and fans have responded well to that.”

The overwhelming reaction to ABS from fans has been positive, but what about the players? Brewers’ Cy Young candidate Jacob Misiorowski talked about the ABS system at T-Mobile’s Club Magenta. Misiorowski said that he thinks that the system gives an advantage to the hitters.

“I mean, sure, yes, there’s an advantage for pitchers to get a corner call, but I think you have a bigger advantage to get a call reversed to a ball over a strike.”

While he thinks that ABS is tipped slightly in hitters favor, he is a fan of all of the technology that has made its way into baseball.

“All the technology that you’re getting, all the information that they throw up on the scoreboard, all that stuff is really cool. The tech comes back to us and we get that information and stuff like that to tweak pitches, tweak everything around it. There’s Hawkeye, stuff like that is huge.”

Phillies legends Ryan Howard and Chase Utley both agreed that they would have benefitted from having the ABS system.

“I think we both had a pretty good knowledge of the strike zone and I think that guys now, pitchers, catchers, and hitters are starting to get a better understanding of what that strike zone is,” Howard said. “We’ve seen pitches that are this far off, that are a ball, and then just a hair on, that are strikes.”

“Yeah, I think it would have helped. I think, right now, what we’re seeing is, calls are getting right,” said Utley. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting the calls correct.

While the ABS system looks like a success, Major League Baseball is currently looking for other ways that they can use technology to improve the game. They are testing a check swing system in the minors.

“It is the same Hawkeye tracking system. It actually tracks the bat, when a hitter swings. So you can finally, for the first time in the history of baseball, decide what a swing is,” Sword said. “We actually don’t really define that for anybody. So, we’ve made up a definition for the purpose of Triple-A just to see how it goes. But, we may tweak that.”

A lot of thought has gone into developing these systems and how they would impact the fan experience.

“It’s been really fun to watch it in the stadium, and I think I was telling Morgan before this, that some of the loudest moments in the stadium, you’d think someone hit a home run,” Azzi said of the ABS system.

“It’s really fun to see the impact it’s had on getting people to engage in even more. It supports the great momentum that the sport has right now.”

#MLBs #ABS #challenge #system #works #successful">How MLB’s ABS challenge system works, and why it’s successful Major League Baseball introduced a new innovation for the 2026 season by implementing the ABS Challenge System. The All-Star break provided an opportunity to reflect on how the Automatic ball-strike system has changed the game and overall, the reception has been positive.It is impossible to discuss the ABS system without talking about the technology behind it. T-Mobile has played a huge role in the system. Go to a baseball game or watch one from home and you will instantly see all of the T-Mobile branding throughout the ballpark. However, it is important to point out that T-Mobile’s partnership with Major League Baseball simply isn’t branding. They are powering the technology behind the ABS system.“We have been a partner with Major League Baseball for over a decade now and I think one of the things and the reasons it’s worked so well is we’ve kept innovating together,” T-Mobile Vice President of Sponsorships Amy Azzi said during All-Star festivities at Citizens Bank Park.Major League Baseball began testing the ABS system back in 2022 in the minor leagues. A priority was of course that it needed to be accurate but it also had to be fast so that it wouldn’t take away from the game experience. The system is powered by Hawkeye Cameras that have been installed in every Major League park. The data is transferred over a private 5G network that is provided by T-Mobile. That leads to an almost instantaneous result.“All of that data is transmitted into a software system that we’ve developed via the T-Mobile network,” said Morgan Sword who is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations at MLB. “That software system determines whether the trajectory of the ball matches with the strike zone we’ve loaded in. Then if it’s challenged, that produces a call.””That’s the call you see on the big board and then also on the broadcast. It’s a lot of technology that has to happen very quickly to keep that pace and rhythm going in the game.”So far there have been over 6,000 challenges during the first half of the regular season. Teams start with two challenges each and lose one for every unsuccessful attempt. Sword said that the number of challenges was something that the league had tested in the minors and listened to feedback from fans. Two felt like the sweet spot.“We decided on two challenges per team because that was the overwhelming fan feedback in the minor leagues that we started out at three. Fans told us that, you know, ABS challenges are great and exciting to a point. If you have games where there’s 12, 15 challenges, then it starts to feel a little like it’s disrupting the game a little bit. So we dialed it back to two and that’s produced about four challenges per game, which we think is kind of right on the money and fans have responded well to that.”The overwhelming reaction to ABS from fans has been positive, but what about the players? Brewers’ Cy Young candidate Jacob Misiorowski talked about the ABS system at T-Mobile’s Club Magenta. Misiorowski said that he thinks that the system gives an advantage to the hitters.“I mean, sure, yes, there’s an advantage for pitchers to get a corner call, but I think you have a bigger advantage to get a call reversed to a ball over a strike.”While he thinks that ABS is tipped slightly in hitters favor, he is a fan of all of the technology that has made its way into baseball.“All the technology that you’re getting, all the information that they throw up on the scoreboard, all that stuff is really cool. The tech comes back to us and we get that information and stuff like that to tweak pitches, tweak everything around it. There’s Hawkeye, stuff like that is huge.”Phillies legends Ryan Howard and Chase Utley both agreed that they would have benefitted from having the ABS system.“I think we both had a pretty good knowledge of the strike zone and I think that guys now, pitchers, catchers, and hitters are starting to get a better understanding of what that strike zone is,” Howard said. “We’ve seen pitches that are this far off, that are a ball, and then just a hair on, that are strikes.”“Yeah, I think it would have helped. I think, right now, what we’re seeing is, calls are getting right,” said Utley. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting the calls correct.While the ABS system looks like a success, Major League Baseball is currently looking for other ways that they can use technology to improve the game. They are testing a check swing system in the minors.“It is the same Hawkeye tracking system. It actually tracks the bat, when a hitter swings. So you can finally, for the first time in the history of baseball, decide what a swing is,” Sword said. “We actually don’t really define that for anybody. So, we’ve made up a definition for the purpose of Triple-A just to see how it goes. But, we may tweak that.”A lot of thought has gone into developing these systems and how they would impact the fan experience.“It’s been really fun to watch it in the stadium, and I think I was telling Morgan before this, that some of the loudest moments in the stadium, you’d think someone hit a home run,” Azzi said of the ABS system.“It’s really fun to see the impact it’s had on getting people to engage in even more. It supports the great momentum that the sport has right now.” #MLBs #ABS #challenge #system #works #successful

over 6,000 challenges during the first half of the regular season. Teams start with two challenges each and lose one for every unsuccessful attempt. Sword said that the number of challenges was something that the league had tested in the minors and listened to feedback from fans. Two felt like the sweet spot.

“We decided on two challenges per team because that was the overwhelming fan feedback in the minor leagues that we started out at three. Fans told us that, you know, ABS challenges are great and exciting to a point. If you have games where there’s 12, 15 challenges, then it starts to feel a little like it’s disrupting the game a little bit. So we dialed it back to two and that’s produced about four challenges per game, which we think is kind of right on the money and fans have responded well to that.”

The overwhelming reaction to ABS from fans has been positive, but what about the players? Brewers’ Cy Young candidate Jacob Misiorowski talked about the ABS system at T-Mobile’s Club Magenta. Misiorowski said that he thinks that the system gives an advantage to the hitters.

“I mean, sure, yes, there’s an advantage for pitchers to get a corner call, but I think you have a bigger advantage to get a call reversed to a ball over a strike.”

While he thinks that ABS is tipped slightly in hitters favor, he is a fan of all of the technology that has made its way into baseball.

“All the technology that you’re getting, all the information that they throw up on the scoreboard, all that stuff is really cool. The tech comes back to us and we get that information and stuff like that to tweak pitches, tweak everything around it. There’s Hawkeye, stuff like that is huge.”

Phillies legends Ryan Howard and Chase Utley both agreed that they would have benefitted from having the ABS system.

“I think we both had a pretty good knowledge of the strike zone and I think that guys now, pitchers, catchers, and hitters are starting to get a better understanding of what that strike zone is,” Howard said. “We’ve seen pitches that are this far off, that are a ball, and then just a hair on, that are strikes.”

“Yeah, I think it would have helped. I think, right now, what we’re seeing is, calls are getting right,” said Utley. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting the calls correct.

While the ABS system looks like a success, Major League Baseball is currently looking for other ways that they can use technology to improve the game. They are testing a check swing system in the minors.

“It is the same Hawkeye tracking system. It actually tracks the bat, when a hitter swings. So you can finally, for the first time in the history of baseball, decide what a swing is,” Sword said. “We actually don’t really define that for anybody. So, we’ve made up a definition for the purpose of Triple-A just to see how it goes. But, we may tweak that.”

A lot of thought has gone into developing these systems and how they would impact the fan experience.

“It’s been really fun to watch it in the stadium, and I think I was telling Morgan before this, that some of the loudest moments in the stadium, you’d think someone hit a home run,” Azzi said of the ABS system.

“It’s really fun to see the impact it’s had on getting people to engage in even more. It supports the great momentum that the sport has right now.”

#MLBs #ABS #challenge #system #works #successful">How MLB’s ABS challenge system works, and why it’s successful

Major League Baseball introduced a new innovation for the 2026 season by implementing the ABS Challenge System. The All-Star break provided an opportunity to reflect on how the Automatic ball-strike system has changed the game and overall, the reception has been positive.

It is impossible to discuss the ABS system without talking about the technology behind it. T-Mobile has played a huge role in the system. Go to a baseball game or watch one from home and you will instantly see all of the T-Mobile branding throughout the ballpark. However, it is important to point out that T-Mobile’s partnership with Major League Baseball simply isn’t branding. They are powering the technology behind the ABS system.

“We have been a partner with Major League Baseball for over a decade now and I think one of the things and the reasons it’s worked so well is we’ve kept innovating together,” T-Mobile Vice President of Sponsorships Amy Azzi said during All-Star festivities at Citizens Bank Park.

Major League Baseball began testing the ABS system back in 2022 in the minor leagues. A priority was of course that it needed to be accurate but it also had to be fast so that it wouldn’t take away from the game experience. The system is powered by Hawkeye Cameras that have been installed in every Major League park. The data is transferred over a private 5G network that is provided by T-Mobile. That leads to an almost instantaneous result.

“All of that data is transmitted into a software system that we’ve developed via the T-Mobile network,” said Morgan Sword who is the Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations at MLB. “That software system determines whether the trajectory of the ball matches with the strike zone we’ve loaded in. Then if it’s challenged, that produces a call.”

”That’s the call you see on the big board and then also on the broadcast. It’s a lot of technology that has to happen very quickly to keep that pace and rhythm going in the game.”

So far there have been over 6,000 challenges during the first half of the regular season. Teams start with two challenges each and lose one for every unsuccessful attempt. Sword said that the number of challenges was something that the league had tested in the minors and listened to feedback from fans. Two felt like the sweet spot.

“We decided on two challenges per team because that was the overwhelming fan feedback in the minor leagues that we started out at three. Fans told us that, you know, ABS challenges are great and exciting to a point. If you have games where there’s 12, 15 challenges, then it starts to feel a little like it’s disrupting the game a little bit. So we dialed it back to two and that’s produced about four challenges per game, which we think is kind of right on the money and fans have responded well to that.”

The overwhelming reaction to ABS from fans has been positive, but what about the players? Brewers’ Cy Young candidate Jacob Misiorowski talked about the ABS system at T-Mobile’s Club Magenta. Misiorowski said that he thinks that the system gives an advantage to the hitters.

“I mean, sure, yes, there’s an advantage for pitchers to get a corner call, but I think you have a bigger advantage to get a call reversed to a ball over a strike.”

While he thinks that ABS is tipped slightly in hitters favor, he is a fan of all of the technology that has made its way into baseball.

“All the technology that you’re getting, all the information that they throw up on the scoreboard, all that stuff is really cool. The tech comes back to us and we get that information and stuff like that to tweak pitches, tweak everything around it. There’s Hawkeye, stuff like that is huge.”

Phillies legends Ryan Howard and Chase Utley both agreed that they would have benefitted from having the ABS system.

“I think we both had a pretty good knowledge of the strike zone and I think that guys now, pitchers, catchers, and hitters are starting to get a better understanding of what that strike zone is,” Howard said. “We’ve seen pitches that are this far off, that are a ball, and then just a hair on, that are strikes.”

“Yeah, I think it would have helped. I think, right now, what we’re seeing is, calls are getting right,” said Utley. “At the end of the day, it’s about getting the calls correct.

While the ABS system looks like a success, Major League Baseball is currently looking for other ways that they can use technology to improve the game. They are testing a check swing system in the minors.

“It is the same Hawkeye tracking system. It actually tracks the bat, when a hitter swings. So you can finally, for the first time in the history of baseball, decide what a swing is,” Sword said. “We actually don’t really define that for anybody. So, we’ve made up a definition for the purpose of Triple-A just to see how it goes. But, we may tweak that.”

A lot of thought has gone into developing these systems and how they would impact the fan experience.

“It’s been really fun to watch it in the stadium, and I think I was telling Morgan before this, that some of the loudest moments in the stadium, you’d think someone hit a home run,” Azzi said of the ABS system.

“It’s really fun to see the impact it’s had on getting people to engage in even more. It supports the great momentum that the sport has right now.”

#MLBs #ABS #challenge #system #works #successful

Peter Wilson knows what it takes to stand on top of the Olympic podium. The 2012 London double trap gold medallist has already etched his name into shooting history, but the decorated Brit now wants to create champions rather than just be remembered as one.

Having already guided Nathan Hales to Olympic gold for Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Games, Wilson has turned his attention to Indian trap shooting, hoping to spark a long-awaited revival in the discipline.

The first signs are already encouraging.

Under Wilson’s guidance, Neeru Dhanda recently became the first Indian woman trap shooter to win an ISSF World Cup gold medal, achieving the feat in Lonato while also setting a new National Record. For Wilson, the breakthrough is far bigger than a single medal — it could be the moment that transforms Indian trap shooting.

“What I hope is that Neeru pushes the boundaries for the rest of the squad, that they themselves must continue to push, because they want that glory, they want that success,” Wilson said.

The Olympic champion, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport, believes champions inspire champions.

ALSO READ | Neeru Dhanda wins women’s trap gold at ISSF World Cup in Lonato

Before arriving in India, Wilson scripted a remarkable success story by coaching Hales to Olympic glory. Now, he hopes to revive an Indian trap programme that has struggled to consistently produce world-class results since Manavjit Sandhu became world champion in 2006.

Wilson believes Neeru has “broken the mould.” “I sincerely hope that with more hard work and more time, everyone else can do the same. It’s been bubbling away for some time. I’ve seen the progress, we’ve mapped the progress in the squad as a whole,” he said.

The Richard Faulds effect

Wilson knows firsthand how one athlete’s success can inspire an entire generation.

He recalled watching fellow Briton Richard Faulds dominate double trap after winning Olympic gold at the Sydney 2000 Games — a success that motivated young shooters, including Wilson himself, to raise their own standards.

“What I think this shows — and I used Richard as an example back in the UK — is that he excelled, he pushed the boundaries, and we either sat back and watched him in the final, or we ourselves chose to raise the bar, to push ourselves mentally and physically to be the best versions we could be.

“I was fed up watching Richard shoot every final, and what I hope is that Neeru pushes the boundaries for the rest of the squad, that they themselves must continue to push, because they want that glory, they want that success.”

A medal that was coming

Wilson says Neeru’s breakthrough did not surprise him.

ALSO READ | NRAI announces elite national shooting camp ahead of Asian Games

He had seen the signs after she won mixed team bronze alongside Vivaan Kapoor at the ISSF World Cup in Almaty earlier this year, adding to the Asian Championship gold she secured in Kazakhstan last year.

“Yeah, I felt that it was coming. She shot very well only a few months earlier with Vivaan in the mixed team, winning bronze. Again, it’s about stepping stones.

“Even this success that she’s had in Lonato is a stepping stone towards the Asian Games.”

For Wilson, the road stretches much further than this year’s Asian Games.

Those performances, he says, “are stepping stones towards Olympic quota places… those illustrious golden tickets, and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

“She’s young, so beyond that, she has the ability to go and go and go. India’s Olympic trap team now is very young, and I think it has a very bright future.”

The four-quota mission

While Wilson believes Neeru is capable of securing an Olympic quota this year, he is careful not to burden her with expectations.

“I hope so. But I don’t want to pin anything on Neeru. She’s a wonderful talent. India is very lucky to have her. She works incredibly hard. She’s very diligent. But there’s a long qualification process starting in Doha at the end of this year through to just before the Olympic Games.” Instead, Wilson has set himself a broader target.

“My goal as the foreign coach here in India is to win four quota places — two in women’s trap and two in men’s trap — and to get the very best out of every individual athlete.”

ALSO READ | ‘Father’s sacrifice helped me pursue dreams’: Sonam Maskar

He also stressed that Neeru’s World Cup triumph carried extra significance because it came against the strongest field in world shooting.

“That’s high pressure, high stakes, and that’s what you want it to be. This is what we all strive for.”

Wilson’s coaching philosophy centres on treating every athlete differently.

“Every individual athlete has their quirks in training, the way they think, the way they operate. It’s my job to work with all of them individually and figure out how to get the most out of them.”

With Neeru, his focus has been on refining both the technical and mental aspects of her shooting.

“There were a handful of technical aspects I personally have been working on with Neeru. The goal is to keep her stable mentally, work one target at a time, which is easier said than done…and make sure she’s technically sound in every area, from how she stands, her hips, her shoulders, even her mouth. It sounds easy, but it’s about doing it over and over again.”

Wilson then breaks into a smile while admitting the one challenge he has yet to master.

“I suppose the only area that I’ve struggled with is my Hindi.” To overcome the language barrier, he often relies on India’s support staff to ensure every technical detail is clearly communicated.

“I try to make sure that the intricacies of the technique are relayed through the help of the other coaches so that she fully understands what I expect of her. And she’s been delivering.”

Published on Jul 17, 2026

#India #coach #Wilson #Neeru #Dhandas #gold #quest #Olympic #quotas #trap #shooting #greater #heights">India coach Wilson on Neeru Dhanda’s gold, quest for four Olympic quotas, and taking trap shooting to greater heights Peter Wilson knows what it takes to stand on top of the Olympic podium. The 2012 London double trap gold medallist has already etched his name into shooting history, but the decorated Brit now wants to create champions rather than just be remembered as one.Having already guided Nathan Hales to Olympic gold for Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Games, Wilson has turned his attention to Indian trap shooting, hoping to spark a long-awaited revival in the discipline.The first signs are already encouraging.Under Wilson’s guidance, Neeru Dhanda recently became the first Indian woman trap shooter to win an ISSF World Cup gold medal, achieving the feat in Lonato while also setting a new National Record. For Wilson, the breakthrough is far bigger than a single medal — it could be the moment that transforms Indian trap shooting.“What I hope is that Neeru pushes the boundaries for the rest of the squad, that they themselves must continue to push, because they want that glory, they want that success,” Wilson said.The Olympic champion, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport, believes champions inspire champions.ALSO READ | Neeru Dhanda wins women’s trap gold at ISSF World Cup in LonatoBefore arriving in India, Wilson scripted a remarkable success story by coaching Hales to Olympic glory. Now, he hopes to revive an Indian trap programme that has struggled to consistently produce world-class results since Manavjit Sandhu became world champion in 2006.Wilson believes Neeru has “broken the mould.” “I sincerely hope that with more hard work and more time, everyone else can do the same. It’s been bubbling away for some time. I’ve seen the progress, we’ve mapped the progress in the squad as a whole,” he said.The Richard Faulds effectWilson knows firsthand how one athlete’s success can inspire an entire generation.He recalled watching fellow Briton Richard Faulds dominate double trap after winning Olympic gold at the Sydney 2000 Games — a success that motivated young shooters, including Wilson himself, to raise their own standards.“What I think this shows — and I used Richard as an example back in the UK — is that he excelled, he pushed the boundaries, and we either sat back and watched him in the final, or we ourselves chose to raise the bar, to push ourselves mentally and physically to be the best versions we could be.“I was fed up watching Richard shoot every final, and what I hope is that Neeru pushes the boundaries for the rest of the squad, that they themselves must continue to push, because they want that glory, they want that success.”A medal that was comingWilson says Neeru’s breakthrough did not surprise him.ALSO READ | NRAI announces elite national shooting camp ahead of Asian GamesHe had seen the signs after she won mixed team bronze alongside Vivaan Kapoor at the ISSF World Cup in Almaty earlier this year, adding to the Asian Championship gold she secured in Kazakhstan last year.“Yeah, I felt that it was coming. She shot very well only a few months earlier with Vivaan in the mixed team, winning bronze. Again, it’s about stepping stones.“Even this success that she’s had in Lonato is a stepping stone towards the Asian Games.”For Wilson, the road stretches much further than this year’s Asian Games.Those performances, he says, “are stepping stones towards Olympic quota places… those illustrious golden tickets, and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.“She’s young, so beyond that, she has the ability to go and go and go. India’s Olympic trap team now is very young, and I think it has a very bright future.”The four-quota missionWhile Wilson believes Neeru is capable of securing an Olympic quota this year, he is careful not to burden her with expectations.“I hope so. But I don’t want to pin anything on Neeru. She’s a wonderful talent. India is very lucky to have her. She works incredibly hard. She’s very diligent. But there’s a long qualification process starting in Doha at the end of this year through to just before the Olympic Games.” Instead, Wilson has set himself a broader target.“My goal as the foreign coach here in India is to win four quota places — two in women’s trap and two in men’s trap — and to get the very best out of every individual athlete.”ALSO READ | ‘Father’s sacrifice helped me pursue dreams’: Sonam MaskarHe also stressed that Neeru’s World Cup triumph carried extra significance because it came against the strongest field in world shooting.“That’s high pressure, high stakes, and that’s what you want it to be. This is what we all strive for.”Wilson’s coaching philosophy centres on treating every athlete differently.“Every individual athlete has their quirks in training, the way they think, the way they operate. It’s my job to work with all of them individually and figure out how to get the most out of them.”With Neeru, his focus has been on refining both the technical and mental aspects of her shooting.“There were a handful of technical aspects I personally have been working on with Neeru. The goal is to keep her stable mentally, work one target at a time, which is easier said than done…and make sure she’s technically sound in every area, from how she stands, her hips, her shoulders, even her mouth. It sounds easy, but it’s about doing it over and over again.”Wilson then breaks into a smile while admitting the one challenge he has yet to master.“I suppose the only area that I’ve struggled with is my Hindi.” To overcome the language barrier, he often relies on India’s support staff to ensure every technical detail is clearly communicated.“I try to make sure that the intricacies of the technique are relayed through the help of the other coaches so that she fully understands what I expect of her. And she’s been delivering.”Published on Jul 17, 2026 #India #coach #Wilson #Neeru #Dhandas #gold #quest #Olympic #quotas #trap #shooting #greater #heights

Neeru Dhanda wins women’s trap gold at ISSF World Cup in Lonato

Before arriving in India, Wilson scripted a remarkable success story by coaching Hales to Olympic glory. Now, he hopes to revive an Indian trap programme that has struggled to consistently produce world-class results since Manavjit Sandhu became world champion in 2006.

Wilson believes Neeru has “broken the mould.” “I sincerely hope that with more hard work and more time, everyone else can do the same. It’s been bubbling away for some time. I’ve seen the progress, we’ve mapped the progress in the squad as a whole,” he said.

The Richard Faulds effect

Wilson knows firsthand how one athlete’s success can inspire an entire generation.

He recalled watching fellow Briton Richard Faulds dominate double trap after winning Olympic gold at the Sydney 2000 Games — a success that motivated young shooters, including Wilson himself, to raise their own standards.

“What I think this shows — and I used Richard as an example back in the UK — is that he excelled, he pushed the boundaries, and we either sat back and watched him in the final, or we ourselves chose to raise the bar, to push ourselves mentally and physically to be the best versions we could be.

“I was fed up watching Richard shoot every final, and what I hope is that Neeru pushes the boundaries for the rest of the squad, that they themselves must continue to push, because they want that glory, they want that success.”

A medal that was coming

Wilson says Neeru’s breakthrough did not surprise him.

ALSO READ | NRAI announces elite national shooting camp ahead of Asian Games

He had seen the signs after she won mixed team bronze alongside Vivaan Kapoor at the ISSF World Cup in Almaty earlier this year, adding to the Asian Championship gold she secured in Kazakhstan last year.

“Yeah, I felt that it was coming. She shot very well only a few months earlier with Vivaan in the mixed team, winning bronze. Again, it’s about stepping stones.

“Even this success that she’s had in Lonato is a stepping stone towards the Asian Games.”

For Wilson, the road stretches much further than this year’s Asian Games.

Those performances, he says, “are stepping stones towards Olympic quota places… those illustrious golden tickets, and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

“She’s young, so beyond that, she has the ability to go and go and go. India’s Olympic trap team now is very young, and I think it has a very bright future.”

The four-quota mission

While Wilson believes Neeru is capable of securing an Olympic quota this year, he is careful not to burden her with expectations.

“I hope so. But I don’t want to pin anything on Neeru. She’s a wonderful talent. India is very lucky to have her. She works incredibly hard. She’s very diligent. But there’s a long qualification process starting in Doha at the end of this year through to just before the Olympic Games.” Instead, Wilson has set himself a broader target.

“My goal as the foreign coach here in India is to win four quota places — two in women’s trap and two in men’s trap — and to get the very best out of every individual athlete.”

ALSO READ | ‘Father’s sacrifice helped me pursue dreams’: Sonam Maskar

He also stressed that Neeru’s World Cup triumph carried extra significance because it came against the strongest field in world shooting.

“That’s high pressure, high stakes, and that’s what you want it to be. This is what we all strive for.”

Wilson’s coaching philosophy centres on treating every athlete differently.

“Every individual athlete has their quirks in training, the way they think, the way they operate. It’s my job to work with all of them individually and figure out how to get the most out of them.”

With Neeru, his focus has been on refining both the technical and mental aspects of her shooting.

“There were a handful of technical aspects I personally have been working on with Neeru. The goal is to keep her stable mentally, work one target at a time, which is easier said than done…and make sure she’s technically sound in every area, from how she stands, her hips, her shoulders, even her mouth. It sounds easy, but it’s about doing it over and over again.”

Wilson then breaks into a smile while admitting the one challenge he has yet to master.

“I suppose the only area that I’ve struggled with is my Hindi.” To overcome the language barrier, he often relies on India’s support staff to ensure every technical detail is clearly communicated.

“I try to make sure that the intricacies of the technique are relayed through the help of the other coaches so that she fully understands what I expect of her. And she’s been delivering.”

Published on Jul 17, 2026

#India #coach #Wilson #Neeru #Dhandas #gold #quest #Olympic #quotas #trap #shooting #greater #heights">India coach Wilson on Neeru Dhanda’s gold, quest for four Olympic quotas, and taking trap shooting to greater heights

Peter Wilson knows what it takes to stand on top of the Olympic podium. The 2012 London double trap gold medallist has already etched his name into shooting history, but the decorated Brit now wants to create champions rather than just be remembered as one.

Having already guided Nathan Hales to Olympic gold for Great Britain at the Paris 2024 Games, Wilson has turned his attention to Indian trap shooting, hoping to spark a long-awaited revival in the discipline.

The first signs are already encouraging.

Under Wilson’s guidance, Neeru Dhanda recently became the first Indian woman trap shooter to win an ISSF World Cup gold medal, achieving the feat in Lonato while also setting a new National Record. For Wilson, the breakthrough is far bigger than a single medal — it could be the moment that transforms Indian trap shooting.

“What I hope is that Neeru pushes the boundaries for the rest of the squad, that they themselves must continue to push, because they want that glory, they want that success,” Wilson said.

The Olympic champion, who was awarded an MBE for his services to the sport, believes champions inspire champions.

ALSO READ | Neeru Dhanda wins women’s trap gold at ISSF World Cup in Lonato

Before arriving in India, Wilson scripted a remarkable success story by coaching Hales to Olympic glory. Now, he hopes to revive an Indian trap programme that has struggled to consistently produce world-class results since Manavjit Sandhu became world champion in 2006.

Wilson believes Neeru has “broken the mould.” “I sincerely hope that with more hard work and more time, everyone else can do the same. It’s been bubbling away for some time. I’ve seen the progress, we’ve mapped the progress in the squad as a whole,” he said.

The Richard Faulds effect

Wilson knows firsthand how one athlete’s success can inspire an entire generation.

He recalled watching fellow Briton Richard Faulds dominate double trap after winning Olympic gold at the Sydney 2000 Games — a success that motivated young shooters, including Wilson himself, to raise their own standards.

“What I think this shows — and I used Richard as an example back in the UK — is that he excelled, he pushed the boundaries, and we either sat back and watched him in the final, or we ourselves chose to raise the bar, to push ourselves mentally and physically to be the best versions we could be.

“I was fed up watching Richard shoot every final, and what I hope is that Neeru pushes the boundaries for the rest of the squad, that they themselves must continue to push, because they want that glory, they want that success.”

A medal that was coming

Wilson says Neeru’s breakthrough did not surprise him.

ALSO READ | NRAI announces elite national shooting camp ahead of Asian Games

He had seen the signs after she won mixed team bronze alongside Vivaan Kapoor at the ISSF World Cup in Almaty earlier this year, adding to the Asian Championship gold she secured in Kazakhstan last year.

“Yeah, I felt that it was coming. She shot very well only a few months earlier with Vivaan in the mixed team, winning bronze. Again, it’s about stepping stones.

“Even this success that she’s had in Lonato is a stepping stone towards the Asian Games.”

For Wilson, the road stretches much further than this year’s Asian Games.

Those performances, he says, “are stepping stones towards Olympic quota places… those illustrious golden tickets, and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

“She’s young, so beyond that, she has the ability to go and go and go. India’s Olympic trap team now is very young, and I think it has a very bright future.”

The four-quota mission

While Wilson believes Neeru is capable of securing an Olympic quota this year, he is careful not to burden her with expectations.

“I hope so. But I don’t want to pin anything on Neeru. She’s a wonderful talent. India is very lucky to have her. She works incredibly hard. She’s very diligent. But there’s a long qualification process starting in Doha at the end of this year through to just before the Olympic Games.” Instead, Wilson has set himself a broader target.

“My goal as the foreign coach here in India is to win four quota places — two in women’s trap and two in men’s trap — and to get the very best out of every individual athlete.”

ALSO READ | ‘Father’s sacrifice helped me pursue dreams’: Sonam Maskar

He also stressed that Neeru’s World Cup triumph carried extra significance because it came against the strongest field in world shooting.

“That’s high pressure, high stakes, and that’s what you want it to be. This is what we all strive for.”

Wilson’s coaching philosophy centres on treating every athlete differently.

“Every individual athlete has their quirks in training, the way they think, the way they operate. It’s my job to work with all of them individually and figure out how to get the most out of them.”

With Neeru, his focus has been on refining both the technical and mental aspects of her shooting.

“There were a handful of technical aspects I personally have been working on with Neeru. The goal is to keep her stable mentally, work one target at a time, which is easier said than done…and make sure she’s technically sound in every area, from how she stands, her hips, her shoulders, even her mouth. It sounds easy, but it’s about doing it over and over again.”

Wilson then breaks into a smile while admitting the one challenge he has yet to master.

“I suppose the only area that I’ve struggled with is my Hindi.” To overcome the language barrier, he often relies on India’s support staff to ensure every technical detail is clearly communicated.

“I try to make sure that the intricacies of the technique are relayed through the help of the other coaches so that she fully understands what I expect of her. And she’s been delivering.”

Published on Jul 17, 2026

#India #coach #Wilson #Neeru #Dhandas #gold #quest #Olympic #quotas #trap #shooting #greater #heights

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