What If MLB Had an NFL-Length Season? Parity Might Look a Lot Different Imagine this scenario: With two games remaining in the season, the Los Angeles Angels hold a slim half-game lead atop the AL West. A single win over second-place Texas would secure a stunning worst-to-first division title and mark their first postseason appearance since 2014. If Major League Baseball had a season as short as the NFL’s, that’s essentially where we’d be. This raises an intriguing hypothetical: What if the MLB season were only 17 games long, just like the NFL’s? It's a thought experiment worth exploring, especially amid ongoing debates about parity in professional sports. The prevailing belief is that the NFL is more competitively balanced — with teams routinely remaining in playoff contention deep into the season, and dramatic year-to-year swings in success. But how much of that perceived balance is simply due to football’s brevity? As of now, all but one MLB team has played between 15 and 17 games. And in this small sample size, baseball standings are delivering NFL-like unpredictability. The Angels, once written off as non-contenders, are leading their division. The Atlanta Braves — perennial powerhouses — are sitting in last place. The Toronto Blue Jays, who finished at the bottom of the AL East in 2024, are now leading the division. At this stage, 23 of 30 teams are within two games of a playoff spot. Shorter seasons inherently produce more surprising results and tighter standings. That’s something to keep in mind when comparing competitive balance across leagues. Vibe Shift in the AL East The rivalry between the Blue Jays and Orioles has taken another turn. From 2021 to 2023, Toronto averaged 90.7 wins, powered by a talented young core featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. But in 2023, the Orioles surged ahead, stealing the spotlight with their own wave of emerging stars. Toronto slipped to just 74 wins in 2024, raising questions about whether their window had closed and if it was time to trade Guerrero. Fast forward to this season: the Blue Jays are back on top of the AL East, and Guerrero just signed a 14-year, $500 million extension. Baltimore’s outlook, meanwhile, feels less certain than it did just two years ago. After a mediocre finish to 2024, the Orioles have started 2025 with a 6-9 record and haven’t secured long-term deals with any of their young talent. The two teams split a short series at Camden Yards over the weekend, with each squad blowing a three-run lead — a perfect encapsulation of the volatility in the early going. Trivia Time Q: Who was the last MLB team to go from worst to first in its division in consecutive seasons? A: The 2016 Boston Red Sox. They finished last in the AL East in 2015 with a 78–84 record, then won the division the following year at 93–69. Line of the Week Michael King dazzled for San Diego on Sunday, tossing a two-hit shutout with eight strikeouts in a 6–0 win over Colorado. The Padres completed a three-game sweep, shutting out the Rockies in all three games and improving to 10–0 at home. Comeback of the Week The Arizona Diamondbacks pulled off a dramatic rally against Milwaukee on Saturday night, overcoming a four-run deficit in the bottom of the ninth to win 5–4. After a walk and a triple, followed by another walk, Corbin Carroll doubled in two runs, putting the tying run on second base. Geraldo Perdomo drew a walk to load the bases, and Jake McCarthy followed with a game-tying single. After an intentional walk, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly. According to Baseball Savant, the Diamondbacks had just a 0.6% win probability earlier in the inning.

Has Tactical Overload Made the Premier League Less Entertaining? The conclusion of a dismal, goalless Manchester derby sparked sharp criticism from former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, who voiced concerns about the Premier League’s growing lack of spontaneity. Speaking after the match, Neville argued that modern football has become “robotic,” with players overly restricted by tactical micromanagement. “This robotic nature of not leaving our positions, being micro-managed within an inch of our lives, not having any freedom to take a risk to go and try and win a football match is becoming an illness in the game,” Neville lamented. “It’s becoming a disease in the game.” His remarks reflect a wider sentiment among fans and pundits this season—that the Premier League, long celebrated for its intensity and unpredictability, may be losing its edge. A Shift in Playing Style Data from Opta suggests Premier League football has indeed changed. The 2024-25 season is averaging 897 passes per match, close to the all-time high of 945 set in 2020-21. In contrast, dribbles are down to just 34.7 per game—the lowest since 2018-19—with only 46% completed. Crosses have also declined sharply, from 42 per match in 2003-04 to 24 today. This stylistic shift is often attributed to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, whose methodical, possession-based style has become the blueprint for many teams. Former City player Danilo told *The Guardian*, “It was like I was at university. I realised I played football in completely the wrong way before I arrived.” Yet, as pundit Chris Sutton argues, the line between tactical discipline and over-coaching is blurry. “When Man City were at their best, they had structure but also freedom,” Sutton said. “Guardiola doesn't put anyone in a straitjacket.” What the Numbers Say Despite the criticisms, some statistics paint a different picture. This season’s average of 2.94 goals per game is the second highest in Premier League history. The number of shots and shots on target remain among the highest in over a decade. Notably, goalkeepers are more involved in build-up play than ever. The average keeper now touches the ball over 42 times per match, with improved passing accuracy and seven assists recorded this season—up from just one a decade ago. Games are also cleaner and slightly more fluid. The ball has been in play for an average of just over 57 minutes this season, continuing a gradual improvement from the record low in 2009-10. The Bigger Picture: Are Fans Still Engaged? Beyond playing styles, some fans cite a lack of competitiveness as another reason for waning excitement. The Premier League title race has seen the lead change hands just seven times—down significantly from 24 last season. Liverpool appear set to win the league comfortably, while the bottom three (Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton) are statistically on track to become the worst relegated trio in the league’s 20-team history. Still, there’s plenty of intrigue elsewhere. Clubs like Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Fulham, and Bournemouth are challenging traditional hierarchies. In fact, the so-called “Big Six” have spent a combined 372 days in the bottom half of the table—more than any season since 2008-09. “There’s nothing boring about that,” Sutton added. “Just because the traditional giants aren’t cruising doesn’t mean the season lacks drama.” Technology’s Role in the Spectacle No discussion on entertainment value would be complete without addressing VAR. Critics argue the system, despite aiming for fairness, has disrupted the flow and intensity of matches. Bruno Fernandes blamed the Manchester derby’s dullness on VAR. “You can't be as rough as you want in duels anymore,” he said. Pundit Troy Deeney echoed that sentiment: “VAR is killing the game. The reason our product was so good was because of big tackles and intensity. If that’s the future of football, nobody’s going to enjoy it.” Conclusion So, is the Premier League boring? The answer seems to depend on perspective. For those craving raw emotion, risk-taking, and old-school drama, the modern tactical and technological evolution may feel sterile. But from a technical standpoint—more goals, improved passing, and high-stakes competition for European spots—the product remains compelling. Ultimately, it may not be that the Premier League has become boring, but that it has evolved into something different: a tactically sophisticated, technically precise league, where margins are tighter and freedom is a calculated risk. What do you think? Has modern football lost its spark, or is it simply playing a smarter game?

Amorim Faces Goalkeeper Conundrum After Bayindir Falters in Newcastle Defeat Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces a critical goalkeeping decision ahead of Thursday’s pivotal Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon, after stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir endured a torrid Premier League debut in a 4-1 defeat at Newcastle. With first-choice goalkeeper André Onana left out of the squad entirely — a move viewed by many as a bold statement amid his recent error-strewn performances — Amorim’s gamble to hand Bayindir the gloves backfired in dramatic fashion. The 26-year-old Turkish international, who joined from Fenerbahce last summer for £4.3 million, conceded four goals from six shots on target and looked nervy throughout. His performance was marred by poor distribution and uncertainty under pressure, with a crucial mistake leading directly to Newcastle’s fourth goal. Bayindir misplaced a lofted pass straight into the feet of Joelinton, who set up Bruno Guimarães to seal the rout. Amorim, visibly frustrated, admitted United’s display at St. James’ Park was riddled with errors but refused to single out any individuals. "We made too many mistakes that made it harder to win," he said. "It’s difficult to point to one specific area — it's a bit of everything. We now have to focus on the next game." The loss not only dents United’s domestic confidence but also complicates Amorim’s selection for what could be a season-defining European night. Onana, whose form has drawn increasing scrutiny following a string of high-profile blunders — including two in the 2-2 draw in Lyon last week — has made eight errors leading directly to goals since the start of last season, the most of any Premier League goalkeeper in that period. Former United captain Roy Keane suggested before kickoff that Amorim had run out of patience with the Cameroonian, while ex-England international Paul Robinson backed the decision to bench him. “There comes a time when the pressure becomes too much,” Robinson said. “Sometimes you need to protect the player from himself — give him a break, put an arm around his shoulder and tell him he's still number one, but not right now.” However, Bayindir’s underwhelming display now leaves Amorim in a bind. The manager hinted that the Newcastle decision was only for one game but offered no clarity on who will start against Lyon. "You’ll have to wait," Amorim said post-match. "We will start the new week and pick the best XI to win that game." Still, Robinson believes Onana is unlikely to return so quickly: “You don’t pull a goalkeeper out, only to throw him straight back in days later and expect a top-level performance. I don’t think we’ll see him play on Thursday.” For Amorim, the decision could define his debut season at Old Trafford. A place in the Europa League semi-finals — and with it a vital route back into the Champions League — is on the line. Whether he trusts the experienced but error-prone Onana or risks a second start for the unsettled Bayindir remains to be seen. What’s certain is that United cannot afford another goalkeeping slip-up.

Carlos Alcaraz Triumphs in Monte Carlo, Overcomes Tough Month to Win Sixth Masters 1000 Title Carlos Alcaraz expressed pride and relief after overcoming a challenging month both on and off the court to secure the Monte Carlo Masters title, his first ATP Masters 1000 win since Indian Wells in 2023. The 21-year-old Spaniard defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in a hard-fought 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory on clay, marking the 18th title of his career and reinforcing his form ahead of his French Open title defense in May. Alcaraz had a rocky start, struggling with accuracy and committing 14 unforced errors—11 from his forehand—in the first set. Musetti capitalized, producing sharp shots and an audacious drop-shot winner to take the opening set. However, the Italian began to show signs of physical distress midway through the second set, eventually battling a visible **right thigh injury** that affected his movement. Seizing the momentum, Alcaraz turned the match around with increased aggression and cleaner shot-making. A crucial turning point came when he saved **five break points** during a tense, eight-minute game while serving for the second set. That resilience shifted the tide entirely. Musetti, visibly hindered, required medical treatment early in the final set and could barely compete, allowing Alcaraz to cruise to victory. After sealing the win, Alcaraz celebrated modestly and showed great sportsmanship by consoling his opponent at the net. "It’s been a really difficult week with a lot of tough moments," said Alcaraz. "I’m really proud of how I’ve dealt with everything. It’s been a hard month on and off the court, so to see my hard work pay off here is incredibly rewarding." The victory not only earns Alcaraz another prestigious title but also sees him rise to world number two in the ATP rankings, overtaking Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Later in the day, British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool were narrowly defeated in the men’s doubles final, losing 1-6, 7-6 (10-8), 10-8 to Romain Arneodo of Monaco and Manuel Guinard of France. With clay season heating up and Roland-Garros on the horizon, Alcaraz’s resurgence could not come at a better time.

De Bruyne Rolls Back the Years as Man City Farewell Nears With only three more matches left at the Etihad Stadium—should he be selected—Kevin De Bruyne’s illustrious Manchester City journey appears to be nearing its final chapter. As he exited the field to a standing ovation during City's 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace, replaced in the 87th minute by Jeremy Doku, fans rose in tribute. De Bruyne responded, waving to the crowd and sharing a tender moment with his children in the stands—an echo of gratitude after a decade of brilliance. Though the curtain is beginning to fall on his time at City, the 33-year-old Belgian maestro is determined to bow out in style. > “I want to leave with a Champions League place for this team—they deserve it,” De Bruyne told *Match of the Day*. “We’ve qualified every year I’ve been here, and I hope that continues next season. My focus is still just playing good football, like I always have.” A Frustrating Season, a Timely Reminder By his own admission, this season hasn’t showcased De Bruyne at his best. Persistent injuries have interrupted his rhythm, limiting his influence on the pitch and prompting the club's hierarchy—including manager Pep Guardiola and departing technical director Txiki Begiristain—to opt against extending his contract, which expires on June 30. Whether De Bruyne will be involved in Manchester City's Club World Cup campaign, potentially extending into July, remains uncertain. His future is very much up in the air. But on Saturday, De Bruyne gave a timely reminder of what he still brings to the table, rolling back the years with a match-winning display against Crystal Palace. With City trailing 2-0 and staring at an unlikely defeat, it was De Bruyne who sparked the turnaround. He hit the post before scoring a stunning goal from a free-kick, curling the ball in off the upright and leaving Palace keeper Dean Henderson rooted. Though Ilkay Gündoğan was credited with the assist for Omar Marmoush's equaliser, it was De Bruyne’s clever header that set it up. Moments later, he registered a definitive assist with a composed pass for Mateo Kovačić to slot home City’s third. It was vintage De Bruyne—vision, timing, precision—and even opposition manager Oliver Glasner was moved to praise his brilliance. > “Every manager wants a player like him,” Glasner said. “His intelligence, movement, and ability to create space make him so dangerous.” A Quiet Leader, A Singular Talent Unlike some of the Premier League’s most iconic captains—Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard—De Bruyne doesn’t lead with his voice or sheer physical presence. He leads with his mind and his feet. He’s not a vocal enforcer but an intuitive creator, capable of delivering passes others wouldn’t even see. It’s that rare blend of football intelligence and technique that has earned him a place among the league’s all-time greats. Guardiola didn’t hold back in his praise, particularly when asked whether James McAtee—who scored on his first Premier League start—could one day fill De Bruyne’s shoes. > “No one can do what Kevin does,” Guardiola said. “He has a unique vision and precision in his passing. Our forwards know they can always make the run—Kevin will find them. He’s not loud, but he’s been there every three days for nine years. That says it all.” What Comes Next? Though De Bruyne’s next destination is unconfirmed, speculation swirls. A move to Major League Soccer (MLS) has been heavily rumored, with Inter Miami frequently linked. Yet, the thought of De Bruyne playing a secondary role to Lionel Messi may feel like a mismatch—De Bruyne is still a leading man in his own right. > “It’s been a tough year, but I’ve been pain-free for six weeks now, and that makes all the difference,” De Bruyne told *TNT Sports*. “I don’t know how I’ll feel in my last game. My kids were born in Manchester, they’ve spent their whole lives here—it’ll be hard for them.” > “But as long as I can still play and my family is happy, I’m happy. I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I want to keep playing. So let’s see.” Whatever happens next, City fans will remember the Belgian as one of the most elegant, intelligent, and effective players to ever wear the sky blue. And over the next three games at the Etihad, they’ll have a few more chances to say thank you.

Nuno Urges Nottingham Forest to Regroup After Late Everton Defeat Threatens Champions League Dreams Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has called on his team to regroup and “bounce back” after a dramatic late defeat to Everton dealt a blow to their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in over four decades. Forest, who have enjoyed a stunning campaign, remain third in the Premier League with six matches left. However, Sunday’s 94th-minute winner by Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré handed Forest their second consecutive defeat and raised concerns about their ability to maintain their top-four position during the season's critical run-in. Speaking after the match at the City Ground, Nuno did not hold back in his assessment. > “The performance was not good,” he told *Match of the Day*. “We conceded from our own offensive corner in the final minute, which is very disappointing. Throughout the match, we were uncomfortable, and it showed—our fans could see that we were struggling.” > “We’re entering the most decisive part of the season, and we cannot afford to be anything less than focused. We have to take responsibility and give it everything.” A Season of Surprises Now Under Threat This season has marked a remarkable turnaround for Forest, who only narrowly avoided relegation last year. Few expected them to be involved in the Champions League conversation, especially while also reaching the FA Cup semi-finals. However, back-to-back defeats at this late stage have cast doubt over whether they can complete the fairytale and secure a historic top-four finish. Forest’s next six fixtures include high-stakes clashes against Manchester City, Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Chelsea—challenges that could define the outcome of their season. Saturday’s defeat was only their third loss at home this season, and Doucouré’s last-gasp goal also ended Forest’s impressive run of 449 minutes without conceding at the City Ground. Calls to Reset and Rally Former England defender Stephen Warnock sympathized with Forest’s plight and urged the squad to regroup. > “It would be heartbreaking for Forest to miss out on Champions League football at this stage given all they’ve achieved,” Warnock said on *Final Score*. “They need to treat this as a bad day at the office, go again, and refocus. They've overcome adversity before—this is no different.” Everton manager David Moyes also praised Forest’s performance this season despite the result. > “If you had offered Forest European football at the start of the season, they’d have taken it immediately,” Moyes said. “It’s been an incredible journey. Now we wait to see whether they can get over the line for the Champions League.” Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi echoed the need to keep perspective and move forward. > “It’s in our hands,” he told *Sky Sports*. “We need to make sure we hold onto our position. Football can be cruel, and this is one of those moments. But we have to stay positive and move on.” With everything still to play for, Forest’s response over the next few weeks will be crucial. The dream of Champions League football is still alive—but the pressure has never been higher.

Injury Crisis, Missed Opportunities & Squad Depth: What’s Gone Wrong for Manchester City Women? With Champions League hopes fading, no silverware in the cabinet, and an interim manager at the helm, Manchester City Women are facing a season that has fallen far short of expectations. Just a year ago, City were locked in an electrifying Women's Super League (WSL) title race with Chelsea, finishing second only on goal difference. Fast forward to now, and the outlook could hardly be more different. Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to local rivals Manchester United at the Joie Stadium—City’s last remaining chance at silverware—was a harsh reminder of how far things have slipped. As United celebrated a third consecutive FA Cup final appearance following their 2-0 victory, City were left to confront the realities of a season gone awry. Key Injuries Have Exposed Fragile Squad Depth City’s misfortunes can largely be traced back to an extensive injury list that has derailed their campaign and left their squad stretched to the limit. Missing star names like Khadija Shaw, Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp, and Alex Greenwood would severely impact any team’s performance—and City have felt that loss more than most. In addition, long-term absentees such as Jill Roord, Aoba Fujino, Rebecca Knaak, Laura Coombs, Naomi Layzell, and goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita have made it nearly impossible for City to maintain consistency. The result? A place in fourth in the WSL table, trailing Manchester United by seven points with just four matches remaining, and with Champions League qualification looking increasingly unlikely. During their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea—where they squandered a 2-0 first-leg advantage—City could only name four outfield substitutes. Academy products Gracie Prior and Lily Murphy, both just 20, have been thrust into regular starting roles, further highlighting the depth issues within the squad. Interim Manager Calls for Full Review Interim boss Nick Cushing has been candid about the situation, acknowledging the need for a thorough post-season review. “The injury crisis absolutely needs to be examined,” Cushing said. “With so many players sidelined, it’s not just bad luck. We need to ask why we’re sitting fourth in the league, why we haven’t won a trophy, and why we couldn’t keep our best players on the pitch.” Cushing added that the club would evaluate every aspect of the operation: “We need to be competing in every competition until the end. That’s the standard we expect at Manchester City.” Rivals Acted—City Didn't While City have been plagued by injuries, their lack of response in the transfer market has also drawn criticism—especially when compared to how rivals reacted to similar challenges. Chelsea, for example, responded swiftly when star forward Sam Kerr suffered an ACL injury, breaking the then-British transfer record to sign Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez. Later, they splashed out again in a world-record deal for American defender Naomi Girma after losing Kadeisha Buchanan to another ACL injury. In contrast, City made just four signings in the January window—one of whom was 20-year-old midfielder Aemu Oyama—and allowed England international Chloe Kelly to leave on loan to Arsenal, a move that raised eyebrows given the ongoing injury crisis. Former Captain Highlights Lack of Depth Former City and England captain Steph Houghton, speaking on BBC Two, underlined the importance of experienced players and how their absence has been a turning point in City’s season. “Take Shaw, Miedema, and Greenwood out of any side, and it affects the spine of the team,” said Houghton. “You’ve got academy players like Gracie Prior, who has done well, but should she be starting so many games at this stage of her development?” “This isn’t about individual performances—it’s about squad depth and long-term planning. If City want to win trophies, they need to build a team capable of coping when injuries hit. Right now, the depth just isn’t there, and that has made all the difference.”

Salah Shines in Record-Breaking Display as Van Dijk Hints at Contract Decision While a footballer's true value extends beyond statistics, Mohamed Salah continues to prove why he’s worth every penny to Liverpool. With an assist for Luis Díaz's opener against West Ham on Sunday, Salah has now been directly involved in 45 Premier League goals this season—27 goals and 18 assists—setting a new record for a 38-game campaign. This surpasses previous highs from Thierry Henry in 2002–03 and Erling Haaland two seasons ago. In fact, no player across Europe’s top five leagues has come close to Salah’s attacking output in 2024–25. He is currently 15 goal involvements ahead of any other player. Sunday's performance not only showcased Salah’s brilliance but also underlined the importance of goalkeeper Alisson and captain Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool edge closer to clinching their second Premier League title of the modern era. Though Liverpool have looked to have the title wrapped up for weeks, attention in recent weeks has shifted to the futures of three key players out of contract this summer: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah. While Alexander-Arnold appears bound for Real Madrid, Salah committed his future to the Reds earlier this week—a move that thrilled supporters at Anfield. His performance against West Ham demonstrated why the club was so eager to secure his signature, and why fans greeted him with resounding cheers when his name was read out before kickoff. In the 18th minute, he delivered a sublime assist with the outside of his boot, setting up Díaz’s goal after clever movement from Diogo Jota. “It was a record-breaking assist that helped push Liverpool within six points of the title—their first to be won in front of fans since the COVID-impacted 2020 season,” Salah told Sky Sports post-match. “When we won it, we did so in lockdown. So let’s go for it and win it now.” The match unfolded in three distinct phases: the first belonged to Salah, whose first-half performance lit up the contest. The second phase saw Alisson dominate, with crucial saves that proved decisive. Having missed the defeat at Fulham due to concussion, the Brazilian’s return made a significant difference. Then came Van Dijk’s moment. In his 100th match as Liverpool captain, he rose highest to head home the 89th-minute winner, sealing a vital three points and sending the home crowd—and manager Arne Slot—into raptures. “In matches like these, the big names must step up,” Slot said after the game. “Alisson had his best performance of the season. Virgil delivered the winner, and Mo was back to his best—we saw the Salah from the first half of the season.” With Salah’s future now settled and Alexander-Arnold seemingly departing, attention turns to Van Dijk. After the match, Salah expressed hope that his captain will follow suit. “I’m glad we got mine done before the season ends,” Salah said. “Hopefully Virgil will be next. He can do what he wants, but I’d love to see him stay.” Van Dijk himself offered a subtle hint about his future. “Everyone knows how much I love this club,” he said. “Let’s see what next week looks like.” Asked to clarify Van Dijk’s comment, Slot kept his cards close to his chest: “I think he meant next week’s game against Leicester City,” he said with a smile, drawing laughter from the press room. “Our full focus is on those two wins we still need. That’s what matters now.” While Liverpool were far from flawless against West Ham—who hit the woodwork twice and enjoyed more of the second-half momentum—the win moves them one step closer to the title. Liverpool could clinch the trophy as early as next weekend if Arsenal lose at Ipswich and the Reds defeat Leicester. Otherwise, it could be decided in their next home game against Tottenham. Slot, for his part, is focused only on finishing the job. “Whether we win it here or 50 kilometres away doesn’t matter,” he said. “We just need two more wins.” But with Salah now locked in and Van Dijk potentially next, the future at Anfield looks as promising as the present.

Janne Andersson Announces Retirement After Decades of Coaching Former Sweden national team coach Janne Andersson has announced his retirement from football, bringing an end to a storied 40-year career on the touchline. The 62-year-old coach stepped down from his role as Sweden's national team manager at the end of 2023 after failing to qualify the country for UEFA Euro 2024. A Storied Career Andersson was widely praised for guiding Sweden to its most successful FIFA World Cup campaign since 1994. In the 2018 edition held in Russia, Sweden topped a group containing South Korea, Mexico, and defending champions Germany. They went on to eliminate Switzerland in the Round of 16 before falling to England in the quarter-finals. Close Call with Super Eagles In a surprising revelation, Andersson confirmed that he had come close to managing Nigeria's Super Eagles. He revealed that he had been in talks with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and had even considered taking the job. However, he ultimately decided against it, citing that the contract terms didn't feel right. Four Conditions Andersson explained that he had four conditions for accepting a new job: it had to be something new, sporty, he wanted to bring someone or a few people he had worked with before, and it had to be financially sound. While Nigeria met some of these criteria, Andersson felt that it wasn't enough to convince him to take the job. Legacy Andersson's retirement marks the end of an era in Swedish football. He leaves behind a legacy of success, including guiding Sweden to UEFA Nations League A promotion and a quarter-final finish in the 2018 World Cup.

Felipe Melo Goes Wild Over Osimhen's Goal in Galatasaray Win Former Brazil and Inter Milan star Felipe Melo couldn't contain his excitement as he watched Victor Osimhen score a crucial goal for Galatasaray in their 2-0 win over Samsunspor. Melo, who played for Galatasaray between 2011 and 2013, has been a long-time supporter of the club and has often shown his affection by wearing Galatasaray jerseys. Osimhen's Brilliance Osimhen's 21st league goal of the season sealed the win for Galatasaray, extending their lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig table to six points. Although Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, have a game in hand and are closing in on the title contenders. Melo's Reaction Melo's enthusiasm was palpable as he celebrated Osimhen's goal. The former Brazil defender seems to be a big fan of the Nigerian striker, and his reaction went viral on social media. Melo's love for Galatasaray and Osimhen is evident, and he's clearly thrilled to see the team performing well. With about 10 games left in the season, Galatasaray will look to maintain their lead and secure the title. Osimhen's goals have been crucial to the team's success, and he'll need to continue his impressive form to help Galatasaray win their first league title under his contribution. The race for the Turkish Super Lig title is heating up, and every point will count in the final stretch.