Football/Soccer 24-Hour Briefing
×Premier League Results
Wolves bbc.com delivered a stunning 2-1 victory over Liverpool, with manager Rob Edwards praising his side's commitment to improvement. The result raises questions about Liverpool's current form under Arne Slot, who described the defeat as the "same old story" after bemoaning that most Premier League games are no longer a joy to watch. Sunderland bbc.com secured a crucial 1-0 win at Leeds through a controversial penalty decision, with Habib Diarra scoring from the spot. Leeds manager Daniel Farke felt it was "written in the stars" that his side would lose, while the victory helped Sunderland reach 40 points and ensure Premier League survival by early March. Everton skysports.com ended their troubling home record with a comfortable 2-0 win over Burnley, with James Tarkowski and Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall on target. In another match, Bournemouth bbc.com were frustrated by a 0-0 draw with Brentford despite hitting the post twice and having a goal disallowed.
World Cup & National Team Action
Scotland bbc.com enjoyed a comfortable victory over Luxembourg in World Cup qualifying, with captain Caroline Weir hitting a hat-trick. Meanwhile, the USWNT espn.com received positive news as Trinity Rodman is "fine" and fully training with the team, easing fears that she had reinjured her back. With 100 days until the World Cup, England bbc.com delivered a "clear win" against Ukraine in their World Cup qualifying campaign. However, England's players are worried about being turned into "political spokespeople" at the tournament, according to the Professional Footballers' Association chief. In other World Cup news, tickets for the playoffs in Mexico that will determine two of the final World Cup berths are being sold by FIFA espn.com for less than $17.
Transfer & Club News
Barcelona bbc.com are set to step up their efforts to sign Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, while the club's squad spending limit has risen by almost €100 million to €433 million, increasing their chances of being able to invest in the squad. In the US, Utah Royals espn.com have signed Mexico international forward Kiana Palacios from Liga MX Femenil side Club América. Back in Europe, Tottenham bbc.com have written to Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Howard Webb to raise their concerns over key refereeing decisions. In Brazil, ex-Chelsea defender Filipe Luis bbc.com was sacked by Flamengo just hours after the club recorded an 8-0 win. In Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo espn.com has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Brazil international Rodrygo espn.com will miss the rest of Real Madrid's season and the World Cup because of a torn ACL and meniscus.