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

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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Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.

Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.

Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.

The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.

Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.

Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.

The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw">ISL 2025-26: Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw  Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of seasonMohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.Published on Apr 17, 2026  #ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw

ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.

The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.

Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.

Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.

The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw">ISL 2025-26: Mohammedan SC secures first point of season after holding Odisha FC to 1-1 draw

Mohammedan Sporting Club secured its first point of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Odisha FC at the Kalinga Stadium on Friday.

Suhair VP gave the host the lead just before halftime, but Adison Singh’s close-range finish early in the second half ensured the points were shared.

Mohammedan remains at the bottom of the table with one point from eight matches, while Odisha FC moves to 12th with six points from seven outings.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides looking to find rhythm in midfield. Odisha enjoyed spells of possession, while Mohammedan looked to threaten on the break, but clear-cut chances were few in the first quarter of the game.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the break, through a swift counter-attacking move. Isak Vanlalruatfela initiated the move from deep before linking up with midfielder Lalrinfela Khiangte, whose perfectly weighted through ball released Suhair down the left. The forward surged into the box and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike past Padam Chettri to give Odisha a 1-0 lead.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC battles past Sporting Club Delhi for first home win of season

Mohammedan nearly responded immediately, with Adison Singh forcing a save from Amrinder Singh just before the interval, as Odisha carried a slender advantage into half-time.

The visitor came out with renewed intent in the second half and created early opportunities. Lalremsanga Fanai and Mahitosh Roy both saw efforts go wide, with the latter missing a gilt-edged chance after a loose clearance from the Odisha goalkeeper.

Mohammedan’s persistence paid off in the 56th minute after Hira Mondal made an overlapping run down the right and delivered a low cross into the box, where Adison arrived at the perfect moment to guide the ball into the top corner, levelling the scores at 1-1.

The match opened up thereafter, with both sides pushing for a winner. Mohammedan looked dangerous on the counter, with Adison and Llangaihsaka combining well, while Odisha controlled possession and probed through Isak and Lalthathanga.

Odisha came close to regaining the lead in the latter stages, with Rahim Ali almost capitalising on a goalkeeping error and Isak forcing a fine save from Padam Chettri with a curling effort. Carlos Delgado also went narrowly wide with a header from a set-piece.

The final whistle meant that Mohammedan earned its first point of the campaign, while Odisha was left to settle for a share of the spoils after a competitive encounter.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#ISL #Mohammedan #secures #point #season #holding #Odisha #draw
Deadspin | White Sox eager to halt woes in opener of road trip vs. A’s  Apr 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) watches his solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images   The Chicago White Sox possess the worst record in the majors as they head out on a six-game road trip.  The first three games will be against the Athletics, beginning Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif.  Chicago has won just six of 19 games this season and has dropped eight of its past 10. The trip will conclude with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.  The White Sox were outscored 21-11 while being swept in a three-game home set by the Tampa Bay Rays, ending with Thursday’s 5-3 setback.  “We haven’t had a ton to show for it, but hitting the ball hard,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the latest loss. “Too much on the ground or at guys. They made a ton of plays, but stringing some good things for the offense.  “Still just missing that big hit and putting some of these crooked numbers up there. Have to keep going.”  Chicago has scored three runs or less 13 times this season and has the second-fewest runs in the majors (60). Only the San Francisco Giants (58) have fewer.  Among players with at least 30 at-bats, Chase Meidroth is the club’s leading hitter at a meager .222. Former Japanese star Munetaka Murakami has five homers through 19 games in the majors but is batting just .167 with 26 strikeouts in 60 at-bats.  Catcher Edgar Quero said he thinks it’s just a matter of time before the White Sox get their attack moving.  “Good contact makes you feel a little bit better and a little bit more confident,” he said. “Yeah, we are frustrated. We’ve been hitting the ball pretty well those three games (against Tampa Bay). “The last couple of games we’ve hit it pretty well. The ball is not going in the hole, but it’s part of the game, too. We need to keep fighting.”  The Athletics have been faring well and have won seven of their past nine games, counting Thursday’s 9-6 home loss to the Texas Rangers.   The Athletics had taken a one-run lead on Nick Kurtz’s wind-blown, three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before Texas scored four in the ninth.  In the seventh inning, the heavy wind gusts turned Josh Jung’s fly to right into a two-run homer for the Rangers.  “Probably one of the more difficult games that I’ve been a part of in terms of the elements,” said Athletics fifth-year manager Mark Kotsay, who played 17 seasons in the majors.  The disappointing ninth-inning collapse gave the A’s a four-game split with the Rangers.  “I think we’ll be OK,” said A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez, who gave up two runs in five innings on Thursday. “This team has a lot of heart, as you’ve seen based on the times when myself or the rest of the staff, they give up some runs and the offense picks up right away. But it’s a long season and we’ve got a good team.”  Right-hander Aaron Civale (2-0, 1.72 ERA) will start for the Athletics on Friday. Civale, 30, beat the New York Mets on Sunday when he allowed four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 triumph.  Civale is 5-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 12 career outings against the White Sox. Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-13 with two homers off him.  Right-hander Davis Martin (2-1, 2.50 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. Martin, 29, most recently lost to the Kansas City Royals 2-0 last Friday, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings.  Martin is 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the A’s. Lawrence Butler (2-for-8) has homered off him.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #White #Sox #eager #halt #woes #opener #road #tripApr 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) watches his solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Chicago White Sox possess the worst record in the majors as they head out on a six-game road trip.

The first three games will be against the Athletics, beginning Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif.

Chicago has won just six of 19 games this season and has dropped eight of its past 10. The trip will conclude with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.

The White Sox were outscored 21-11 while being swept in a three-game home set by the Tampa Bay Rays, ending with Thursday’s 5-3 setback.

“We haven’t had a ton to show for it, but hitting the ball hard,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the latest loss. “Too much on the ground or at guys. They made a ton of plays, but stringing some good things for the offense.

“Still just missing that big hit and putting some of these crooked numbers up there. Have to keep going.”

Chicago has scored three runs or less 13 times this season and has the second-fewest runs in the majors (60). Only the San Francisco Giants (58) have fewer.

Among players with at least 30 at-bats, Chase Meidroth is the club’s leading hitter at a meager .222. Former Japanese star Munetaka Murakami has five homers through 19 games in the majors but is batting just .167 with 26 strikeouts in 60 at-bats.

Catcher Edgar Quero said he thinks it’s just a matter of time before the White Sox get their attack moving.

“Good contact makes you feel a little bit better and a little bit more confident,” he said. “Yeah, we are frustrated. We’ve been hitting the ball pretty well those three games (against Tampa Bay). “The last couple of games we’ve hit it pretty well. The ball is not going in the hole, but it’s part of the game, too. We need to keep fighting.”


The Athletics have been faring well and have won seven of their past nine games, counting Thursday’s 9-6 home loss to the Texas Rangers.

The Athletics had taken a one-run lead on Nick Kurtz’s wind-blown, three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before Texas scored four in the ninth.

In the seventh inning, the heavy wind gusts turned Josh Jung’s fly to right into a two-run homer for the Rangers.

“Probably one of the more difficult games that I’ve been a part of in terms of the elements,” said Athletics fifth-year manager Mark Kotsay, who played 17 seasons in the majors.

The disappointing ninth-inning collapse gave the A’s a four-game split with the Rangers.

“I think we’ll be OK,” said A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez, who gave up two runs in five innings on Thursday. “This team has a lot of heart, as you’ve seen based on the times when myself or the rest of the staff, they give up some runs and the offense picks up right away. But it’s a long season and we’ve got a good team.”

Right-hander Aaron Civale (2-0, 1.72 ERA) will start for the Athletics on Friday. Civale, 30, beat the New York Mets on Sunday when he allowed four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 triumph.

Civale is 5-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 12 career outings against the White Sox. Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-13 with two homers off him.

Right-hander Davis Martin (2-1, 2.50 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. Martin, 29, most recently lost to the Kansas City Royals 2-0 last Friday, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings.

Martin is 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the A’s. Lawrence Butler (2-for-8) has homered off him.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #White #Sox #eager #halt #woes #opener #road #trip">Deadspin | White Sox eager to halt woes in opener of road trip vs. A’s  Apr 16, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Everson Pereira (28) watches his solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the eight inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images   The Chicago White Sox possess the worst record in the majors as they head out on a six-game road trip.  The first three games will be against the Athletics, beginning Friday night in West Sacramento, Calif.  Chicago has won just six of 19 games this season and has dropped eight of its past 10. The trip will conclude with three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix.  The White Sox were outscored 21-11 while being swept in a three-game home set by the Tampa Bay Rays, ending with Thursday’s 5-3 setback.  “We haven’t had a ton to show for it, but hitting the ball hard,” White Sox manager Will Venable said after the latest loss. “Too much on the ground or at guys. They made a ton of plays, but stringing some good things for the offense.  “Still just missing that big hit and putting some of these crooked numbers up there. Have to keep going.”  Chicago has scored three runs or less 13 times this season and has the second-fewest runs in the majors (60). Only the San Francisco Giants (58) have fewer.  Among players with at least 30 at-bats, Chase Meidroth is the club’s leading hitter at a meager .222. Former Japanese star Munetaka Murakami has five homers through 19 games in the majors but is batting just .167 with 26 strikeouts in 60 at-bats.  Catcher Edgar Quero said he thinks it’s just a matter of time before the White Sox get their attack moving.  “Good contact makes you feel a little bit better and a little bit more confident,” he said. “Yeah, we are frustrated. We’ve been hitting the ball pretty well those three games (against Tampa Bay). “The last couple of games we’ve hit it pretty well. The ball is not going in the hole, but it’s part of the game, too. We need to keep fighting.”  The Athletics have been faring well and have won seven of their past nine games, counting Thursday’s 9-6 home loss to the Texas Rangers.   The Athletics had taken a one-run lead on Nick Kurtz’s wind-blown, three-run double with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning before Texas scored four in the ninth.  In the seventh inning, the heavy wind gusts turned Josh Jung’s fly to right into a two-run homer for the Rangers.  “Probably one of the more difficult games that I’ve been a part of in terms of the elements,” said Athletics fifth-year manager Mark Kotsay, who played 17 seasons in the majors.  The disappointing ninth-inning collapse gave the A’s a four-game split with the Rangers.  “I think we’ll be OK,” said A’s left-hander Jacob Lopez, who gave up two runs in five innings on Thursday. “This team has a lot of heart, as you’ve seen based on the times when myself or the rest of the staff, they give up some runs and the offense picks up right away. But it’s a long season and we’ve got a good team.”  Right-hander Aaron Civale (2-0, 1.72 ERA) will start for the Athletics on Friday. Civale, 30, beat the New York Mets on Sunday when he allowed four hits in 5 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 triumph.  Civale is 5-4 with a 4.82 ERA in 12 career outings against the White Sox. Andrew Benintendi is 5-for-13 with two homers off him.  Right-hander Davis Martin (2-1, 2.50 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. Martin, 29, most recently lost to the Kansas City Royals 2-0 last Friday, allowing two runs and seven hits over seven innings.  Martin is 0-1 with a 2.61 ERA in four career appearances (two starts) against the A’s. Lawrence Butler (2-for-8) has homered off him.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #White #Sox #eager #halt #woes #opener #road #trip

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