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Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win again Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awardedEndrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #Cafu #World #Cup #perfect #time #Brazil #win

Cafu says 2026 World Cup is perfect time for Brazil to win again

Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.

Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.

He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.

“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.

“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”

Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.

“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.

He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.

“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”

Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.

ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awarded

Endrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.

“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.

“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.

“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.

Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#Cafu #World #Cup #perfect #time #Brazil #win

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Brazil’s two-time World Cup winner Cafu said on Monday he believes this year’s tournament is the perfect time for the five-time champion to take back the crown for the first time for 24 years.

Cafu was captain when Brazil won its fifth World Cup, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.

He was also part of the side that beat Italy on penalties to win in 1994 in Pasadena.

“Twenty-four years after the last title win, I think it’s the perfect moment for Brazil,” Cafu told reporters in Madrid, where he is attending the Laureus Awards.

“We’ve also brought in a serial winner of a coach, Carlo Ancelotti, who will add to the greatness of the Brazilian national team.”

Cafu, who was a right-back, said Brazil already had strength in midfield and attack, so Ancelotti had focused on strengthening the defence for this year’s tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.

“Because if Brazil doesn’t concede goals in a World Cup, they’re sure to score a goal per game,” Cafu said.

He said he hoped Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, a player often embroiled in controversy, would have a strong tournament, saying: “The World Cup is the best way to overcome any kind of controversy.

“In those eight matches (if they reach the final), Vinicius Junior has the potential to show the whole world his worth and what he can do in terms of football.”

Vinicius produced an assist in the 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando on April 1, which helped dispel doubts after the defeat against France in another friendly.

ALSO READ | Laureus Awards — Alcaraz, Sabalenka bag top honours; Yamal, Kroos also awarded

Endrick, 19, also shone in the the Croatia win.

“I think it’s a good time for him,” said Cafu, who believes Real Madrid’s decision to loan the forward to French club Lyon last year had been a positive move for the teenager.

“It did him a lot of good. It helped him grow, play, make his mark, and become a key player. It’s obvious that at Real Madrid, with so many stars, it’s difficult for a young player to become a key player.

“He’s a young player who can contribute a lot to Brazil, and I’m sure Ancelotti is looking at him favourably,” added Cafu.

Bookmakers have placed Brazil among the top five favourites, with reigning European champion Spain currently leading the way.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

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Deadspin | Dodgers belt 5 homers, escape Colorado with split Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Max Muncy homered twice and finished with four hits, Dalton Rushing also went deep twice, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 12-3 in Denver on Monday night. Miguel Rojas homered and singled twice to reach 1,000 career hits, Santiago Espinal had two hits and Shohei Ohtani had a hit and two walks to extend his on-base streak to 52 games, one behind Shawn Green for second on the club’s all-time list since the move to Los Angeles. Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski (3-0) allowed one run on eight hits in seven innings. He struck out three without walking a batter. TJ Rumfield homered, Jordan Beck had three hits and Willi Castro and Brett Sullivan each singled twice for Colorado. Rumfield entered the game in the bottom of the first when Tyler Freeman left with an illness. The teams split the four-game series as the Dodgers’ snapped their first two-game losing streak of the season. The Rockies took a 1-0 lead when Beck and Brenton Doyle opened the first with consecutive doubles, but Los Angeles jumped on top in the second when Muncy and Rojas hit back-to-back homers. The Dodgers padded the lead in the third. Ohtani and Alex Call hit singles, Ohtani scored on an error by third baseman Kyle Karros, and Call came home on a double play. Los Angeles made it 5-1 in the fourth when Colorado starter Jose Quintana balked with the bases loaded, bringing home Muncy. Muncy and Rojas began the sixth with singles to chase Quintana, and Muncy eventually scored when Tanner Gordon walked Call with three aboard. Quintana (0-2) allowed six runs — four earned — on eight hits in five-plus innings. He walked one and fanned one. Los Angeles added a run in the seventh when Gordon misplayed Rojas’ sacrifice bunt for Colorado’s third error of the game. Two more scored in the eighth on Rushing’s home run and an RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez. Rumfield homered in the eighth and Muncy led off the ninth with his second of the game and eighth of the season. Rushing hit a two-run homer later in the ninth, his seventh of the year. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #belt #homers #escape #Colorado #splitApr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Max Muncy homered twice and finished with four hits, Dalton Rushing also went deep twice, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 12-3 in Denver on Monday night.

Miguel Rojas homered and singled twice to reach 1,000 career hits, Santiago Espinal had two hits and Shohei Ohtani had a hit and two walks to extend his on-base streak to 52 games, one behind Shawn Green for second on the club’s all-time list since the move to Los Angeles.

Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski (3-0) allowed one run on eight hits in seven innings. He struck out three without walking a batter.

TJ Rumfield homered, Jordan Beck had three hits and Willi Castro and Brett Sullivan each singled twice for Colorado.

Rumfield entered the game in the bottom of the first when Tyler Freeman left with an illness.

The teams split the four-game series as the Dodgers’ snapped their first two-game losing streak of the season.


The Rockies took a 1-0 lead when Beck and Brenton Doyle opened the first with consecutive doubles, but Los Angeles jumped on top in the second when Muncy and Rojas hit back-to-back homers.

The Dodgers padded the lead in the third. Ohtani and Alex Call hit singles, Ohtani scored on an error by third baseman Kyle Karros, and Call came home on a double play. Los Angeles made it 5-1 in the fourth when Colorado starter Jose Quintana balked with the bases loaded, bringing home Muncy.

Muncy and Rojas began the sixth with singles to chase Quintana, and Muncy eventually scored when Tanner Gordon walked Call with three aboard.

Quintana (0-2) allowed six runs — four earned — on eight hits in five-plus innings. He walked one and fanned one.

Los Angeles added a run in the seventh when Gordon misplayed Rojas’ sacrifice bunt for Colorado’s third error of the game. Two more scored in the eighth on Rushing’s home run and an RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez.

Rumfield homered in the eighth and Muncy led off the ninth with his second of the game and eighth of the season. Rushing hit a two-run homer later in the ninth, his seventh of the year.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #belt #homers #escape #Colorado #split">Deadspin | Dodgers belt 5 homers, escape Colorado with split Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy (13) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Max Muncy homered twice and finished with four hits, Dalton Rushing also went deep twice, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 12-3 in Denver on Monday night. Miguel Rojas homered and singled twice to reach 1,000 career hits, Santiago Espinal had two hits and Shohei Ohtani had a hit and two walks to extend his on-base streak to 52 games, one behind Shawn Green for second on the club’s all-time list since the move to Los Angeles. Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski (3-0) allowed one run on eight hits in seven innings. He struck out three without walking a batter. TJ Rumfield homered, Jordan Beck had three hits and Willi Castro and Brett Sullivan each singled twice for Colorado. Rumfield entered the game in the bottom of the first when Tyler Freeman left with an illness. The teams split the four-game series as the Dodgers’ snapped their first two-game losing streak of the season. The Rockies took a 1-0 lead when Beck and Brenton Doyle opened the first with consecutive doubles, but Los Angeles jumped on top in the second when Muncy and Rojas hit back-to-back homers. The Dodgers padded the lead in the third. Ohtani and Alex Call hit singles, Ohtani scored on an error by third baseman Kyle Karros, and Call came home on a double play. Los Angeles made it 5-1 in the fourth when Colorado starter Jose Quintana balked with the bases loaded, bringing home Muncy. Muncy and Rojas began the sixth with singles to chase Quintana, and Muncy eventually scored when Tanner Gordon walked Call with three aboard. Quintana (0-2) allowed six runs — four earned — on eight hits in five-plus innings. He walked one and fanned one. Los Angeles added a run in the seventh when Gordon misplayed Rojas’ sacrifice bunt for Colorado’s third error of the game. Two more scored in the eighth on Rushing’s home run and an RBI single by Teoscar Hernandez. Rumfield homered in the eighth and Muncy led off the ninth with his second of the game and eighth of the season. Rushing hit a two-run homer later in the ninth, his seventh of the year. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #belt #homers #escape #Colorado #split

Young Mumbai Indians pacer Ashwani Kumar said he worked diligently on his yorkers and swing while waiting patiently for an opportunity, making the most of it with a four-wicket haul against Gujarat Titans.

After Tilak Varma’s 101 off 45 balls powered Mumbai Indians to 199 for 5, Ashwani, playing his first game of the season, returned figures of four for 24 as the visitors bowled out Gujarat Titans for 100 in 15.5 overs.

“I was working on my yorker, on my swing. I was just waiting. Whenever I got a chance, I would do well. Otherwise, I was going to the temple. That’s all I was doing,” the 24-year-old said during the post-match press conference.

“I had seen the batters before, how they play, but when I went in and saw them, I did what the wicket demanded. We discussed it with the captain and tried to execute accordingly.

“It’s a black-soil pitch, so we knew the ball would keep a bit low. In the first innings, the ball was moving a bit here and there. So our plan was to hit the right lengths and bowl according to what the surface demanded.”

With the 99-run victory, Mumbai Indians snapped a four-match losing streak to climb to seventh place in the standings.

“We were looking at the mistakes we had made and followed what the coaches were telling us,” Ashwani said. “Our mindset was not low, even though we were losing. The team remained very positive, even during that phase.”

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#working #yorker #swing #pacer #Ashwani #fourwicket #haul">I was working on my yorker, swing: MI pacer Ashwani after four-wicket haul Young Mumbai Indians pacer Ashwani Kumar said he worked diligently on his yorkers and swing while waiting patiently for an opportunity, making the most of it with a four-wicket haul against Gujarat Titans.After Tilak Varma’s 101 off 45 balls powered Mumbai Indians to 199 for 5, Ashwani, playing his first game of the season, returned figures of four for 24 as the visitors bowled out Gujarat Titans for 100 in 15.5 overs.“I was working on my yorker, on my swing. I was just waiting. Whenever I got a chance, I would do well. Otherwise, I was going to the temple. That’s all I was doing,” the 24-year-old said during the post-match press conference.“I had seen the batters before, how they play, but when I went in and saw them, I did what the wicket demanded. We discussed it with the captain and tried to execute accordingly.“It’s a black-soil pitch, so we knew the ball would keep a bit low. In the first innings, the ball was moving a bit here and there. So our plan was to hit the right lengths and bowl according to what the surface demanded.”With the 99-run victory, Mumbai Indians snapped a four-match losing streak to climb to seventh place in the standings.“We were looking at the mistakes we had made and followed what the coaches were telling us,” Ashwani said. “Our mindset was not low, even though we were losing. The team remained very positive, even during that phase.”Published on Apr 21, 2026 #working #yorker #swing #pacer #Ashwani #fourwicket #haul

Deadspin | Longtime Raiders LB Rod Martin dies at 72 Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Linebacker Rod Martin, who spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Raiders and was part of two Super Bowl championships, died at age 72, the team announced on Monday. No cause of death was stated. Martin might be best remembered for his performance in Oakland’s title-winning victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 25, 1981, when he grabbed a still-standing Super Bowl-record three interceptions. The Raiders moved to Los Angeles ahead of the 1982 season, and they won another Super Bowl title to conclude the 1983 campaign. Martin had five tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in his team’s 38-9 rout of Washington on Jan. 22, 1984. Martin was Oakland’s 12th-round pick out of the University of Southern California in 1977. After appearing in just one game as a rookie, Martin became a mainstay in the Raiders’ lineup, starting 147 of his 165 career games. He made the Pro Bowl after 1983 and 1984 seasons, and he was selected first-time All-Pro in 1984, when he had career highs of 11 sacks and three forced fumbles. Martin wound up credited with 14 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and 56.5 sacks, though sacks weren’t compiled as an official stat until 1982. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Longtime #Raiders #Rod #Martin #diesAug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Linebacker Rod Martin, who spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Raiders and was part of two Super Bowl championships, died at age 72, the team announced on Monday.

No cause of death was stated.

Martin might be best remembered for his performance in Oakland’s title-winning victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 25, 1981, when he grabbed a still-standing Super Bowl-record three interceptions.


The Raiders moved to Los Angeles ahead of the 1982 season, and they won another Super Bowl title to conclude the 1983 campaign. Martin had five tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in his team’s 38-9 rout of Washington on Jan. 22, 1984.

Martin was Oakland’s 12th-round pick out of the University of Southern California in 1977. After appearing in just one game as a rookie, Martin became a mainstay in the Raiders’ lineup, starting 147 of his 165 career games.

He made the Pro Bowl after 1983 and 1984 seasons, and he was selected first-time All-Pro in 1984, when he had career highs of 11 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Martin wound up credited with 14 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and 56.5 sacks, though sacks weren’t compiled as an official stat until 1982.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Longtime #Raiders #Rod #Martin #dies">Deadspin | Longtime Raiders LB Rod Martin dies at 72 Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Linebacker Rod Martin, who spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Raiders and was part of two Super Bowl championships, died at age 72, the team announced on Monday. No cause of death was stated. Martin might be best remembered for his performance in Oakland’s title-winning victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 25, 1981, when he grabbed a still-standing Super Bowl-record three interceptions. The Raiders moved to Los Angeles ahead of the 1982 season, and they won another Super Bowl title to conclude the 1983 campaign. Martin had five tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in his team’s 38-9 rout of Washington on Jan. 22, 1984. Martin was Oakland’s 12th-round pick out of the University of Southern California in 1977. After appearing in just one game as a rookie, Martin became a mainstay in the Raiders’ lineup, starting 147 of his 165 career games. He made the Pro Bowl after 1983 and 1984 seasons, and he was selected first-time All-Pro in 1984, when he had career highs of 11 sacks and three forced fumbles. Martin wound up credited with 14 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and 56.5 sacks, though sacks weren’t compiled as an official stat until 1982. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Longtime #Raiders #Rod #Martin #dies

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