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South Korea redeems itself – Almost-Stuttgart player continues to impress

Jason Maverick
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South Korea redeems itself – Almost-Stuttgart player continues to impress

After the debacle against Brazil, South Korea made a comeback with a 2-0 friendly win against Paraguay. Heung-Min Son was already the center of attention before kickoff.

South Korea has already successfully qualified for the World Cup, but the friendly matches that the team around superstar Heung-Min Son has been playing since September are by no means irrelevant. As the 23rd-ranked team in the world, every international match won helps the team to land in the second pot for the World Cup draw on December 5.

When Paraguay arrived in Seoul for a friendly on Tuesday, the South Koreans were also looking to redeem themselves after their 5-0 defeat to Brazil four days earlier at the same venue. Even though only around 22,000 fans, just under a third of Friday’s crowd, turned up to watch the game, the hosts achieved their goal, beating the world number 57, who have also already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup, 2-0.

Coach Myung-Bo Hong rotated his squad heavily, with Mainz’s Jae-Sung Lee coming off the bench this time. Bayern defender Min-Jae Kim, who had made a mistake against Brazil, was allowed to start again, but his teammates were shaky once more: Han-Beom Lee of FC Midtjylland, who was allowed to start this time, made two mistakes that led to big chances before he was substituted at halftime—both of which Paraguay failed to convert. On the other hand, Ji-Sung Eom (Swansea City) took advantage of a bitter ricochet from Junior Alonso to give his team the lead at halftime (15th minute).

Oh strikes again – Castrop on the bench this time

Son, who was personally honored before the game by the previous record holder Bum-Kun Cha for his 137th international appearance against Brazil, which made him the new record holder, also had his day over after the first half. Hyeon-Gyu Oh, who came on as a substitute for him, seized his opportunity: the 24-year-old KRC Genk striker, who came close to joining VfB Stuttgart in the summer, confidently rounded keeper Orlando Gill to make it 2-0 (75′) and scored his fourth goal in his last six international appearances. In Genk, where he has recently been used as a substitute, Oh has scored twice in nine league games and four European Cup games this season, although he has also missed two penalties (from two attempts).

New international Jens Castrop, who made his third international appearance as a substitute at half-time against Brazil, remained on the bench this time. The 22-year-old will be back in Bundesliga action with Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday, when the struggling Foals open the seventh matchday of the Bundesliga at Union Berlin.

Who is currently training with FC Bayern?

Jeffrey Gooding
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Who is currently training with FC Bayern?

⁠While the national players are slowly packing their bags again, Vincent Kompany is looking at Borussia Dortmund. With a mixed bunch of players.

In his nearly 20-year career as a professional soccer player, Manuel Neuer has rarely been granted a week’s vacation in the middle of the season. But the FC Bayern captain took advantage of the past one, while Joshua Kimmich, the captain of the German national team, and twelve other teammates stayed with their national associations.

Neuer, for example, visited his former Schalke teammate Ivan Rakitic in Split, Croatia, with his former goalkeeping coach and close friend Toni Tapalovic, before returning to Säbener Straße on Monday.

There, preparations are now underway for the so-called Klassiker against Borussia Dortmund. With a home win against their archrivals, Bayern want to extend their record start of ten wins from ten competitive games and at the same time ensure what feels like a decisive victory at the top of the Bundesliga.

A 17-year-old Brazilian gets his chance to impress Kompany

Coach Vincent Kompany is used to the fact that several national team players, such as Harry Kane, who is still playing for England in Latvia on Tuesday evening, will arrive later. He knows how professional his striker and his teammates are, who have made it through the first few weeks of the season without any major injuries.

In the meantime, numerous youngsters and amateur players are filling the training ground, while veterans such as Neuer are setting the pace. The squad includes familiar talents such as Lennart Karl, Wisdom Mike, and Cassiano Kiala, but also rarer guests such as 18-year-old offensive player Adin Licina (who has already participated in training camps) and 18-year-old full-back Magnus Dalpiaz (who played for the pros for the first time in the test match against Zurich). Or Starnberg-born Max Mergner (19), who has been a permanent member of the regional league squad since this season.

Particularly exciting: Brazilian Maycon Douglas Cardozo, who earned a place in the U-19 team via the FC Bayern World Squad. Cardozoco only turned 17 on Friday and had already been allowed to train with the pros before.

Another piece of good news for Bayern: goalkeeper Jonas Urbig has returned after suffering a torn muscle fiber in his adductor. He is set to play in the DFB Cup against his former club Cologne in around two weeks’ time, as Neuer will then have to serve the last game of his red card suspension from last season.

3:2 after 0:2 – Japan punishes Brazil’s mistake in just 19 minutes

Phil Laffertey
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3:2 after 0:2 – Japan punishes Brazil’s mistake in just 19 minutes

Brazil looked like the sure winner in Tokyo for a long time, before a hair-raising mistake brought the Japanese back on track. The Selecao was then literally overwhelmed within a few minutes.

Compared to last Friday’s 5-0 win in South Korea, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti made some lively changes: Hugo Souza replaced goalkeeper Bento, and the back four around Real Madrid player Eder Militao was completely replaced. Vinicius Junior was the only player remaining in attack, with Luiz Henrique, Lucas Paqueta, and Gabriel Martinelli replacing double goalscorers Estevao and Rodrygo as well as center forward Matheus Cunha.

The Japanese, who started with Bundesliga players Sano (Mainz) and Doan (Frankfurt), initially created a little more danger in front of goal and had their first big chance in the 20th minute when Minamino fired in a shot from a tight angle. Brazil started the game rather slowly – and then struck coldly. A fine combination on the right put Paulo Henrique in position, and his shot with the outside of his foot ended up in the far corner (26′).

The build-up to the 2-0 just six minutes later was also impressive: an outstanding lobbed pass from Lucas Paqueta over the back four found Martinelli, and the Arsenal player made no mistake with the chance in front of the Japanese goal.

Fabricio Bruno’s blackout turns the game around

However, the second half in Tokyo was to prove eventful. A hair-raising mistake by Fabricio Bruno initially brought Japan back within striking distance. The center back lost his nerve while building up play in his own penalty area and played the ball into the feet of Minamino, who slotted home from close range (52′). Fabricio Bruno also cut a poor figure when the equalizer came in the 62nd minute, deflecting a volley from Nakamura into his own goal to make it 2-2. Things got even worse for Ancelotti, who made six substitutions in the second half. After a corner from Ito, Ueda headed the ball from very close range at keeper Hugo Souza, who was unable to deflect the ball past the post – and from the 71st minute onwards, Brazil suddenly found themselves trailing.

Ultimately, the Selecao were unable to turn the tide in the duel between the two World Cup participants. With the help of Gladbach striker Shuto Machino, Japan held on to their lead and celebrated a historic victory, the first ever for the “Blue Samurai” in their 14th match against Brazil. For Ancelotti, on the other hand, the fatal collapse and lack of response are likely to have raised a few questions. It was already the second defeat under the long-time Real coach since he took office at the beginning of June.

Lewandowski out for Barca due to injury – will he miss El Clásico too?

Phil Laffertey
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Lewandowski out for Barca due to injury – will he miss El Clásico too?

FC Barcelona continues to be plagued by injuries. Now Robert Lewandowski has also been struck down.

Robert Lewandowski is in danger of missing the Clasico. On Tuesday afternoon, FC Barcelona announced that the striker had suffered a torn muscle in his left hamstring. The Catalans did not specify how long he would be out of action, stating only that it would depend on “how the injury develops.” However, it is feared that Lewandowski will not be fit in time for the away game against archrivals Real Madrid on October 26. Lewandowski had played 90 minutes for Poland in the World Cup qualifier in Lithuania on Sunday evening, scoring his 87th goal in 161 international appearances to make it 2-0. Afterwards, however, he complained of discomfort, which was examined more closely after his return to Barcelona and has now led to a diagnosis that Hansi Flick will not be happy about. Lewandowski had even been rested in the previous friendly against New Zealand (1-0).

The Barca coach is currently plagued by new injury problems with his players on an almost daily basis. Just on Monday, his employer announced diagnoses for Ferran Torres (muscle problems) and Dani Olmo (calf injury), both of which were less serious than Lewandowski’s. With goalkeepers Marc-André ter Stegen and Joan Garcia, as well as Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal, Flick had six other players unavailable.

Barca returns from the international break on Saturday with a home game against FC Girona. Three days later, they will be looking to secure their second win in their third Champions League game against Olympiacos Piraeus, before the Clasico, in which the Catalans will take to the field wearing special Ed Sheeran jerseys. After eight matchdays, Real Madrid leads the La Liga table, two points ahead of defending champions Barca. Flick’s team lost the top spot on the last matchday with a 1-4 defeat at Sevilla FC.

Hard-fought victory against Milan: Bayern wins reunion with Booker

Phil Laffertey
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Hard-fought victory against Milan: Bayern wins reunion with Booker

The FC Bayern basketball team showed a reaction in the EuroLeague after their embarrassing defeat against Zalgiris Kaunas. Against Milan and former Munich player Devin Booker, they once again failed to shine offensively, but were able to make their mark defensively.

After a disappointing first half with only 28 points and eleven rebounds under their own board, Bayern showed improvement after the break. Milan struggled significantly more in the half court and ultimately lost touch. FCBB captain Vladimir Lucic became the match winner with 13 points.

Munich had had a difficult few days. They had suffered a heavy defeat against Zalgiris Kaunas just four days earlier, and on Sunday Stefan Jovic, their next point guard, was injured. Bayern’s reaction was therefore eagerly awaited. There was to be no offensive fireworks against Emporio Milan either. Nevertheless, the ball moved much better through their own ranks this time than in the days before. But they couldn’t quite reward themselves. The good news, however, was that the same was true for the visitors from Italy. Seconds before the end of the first half, Niels Giffey (8, 4/7) put Munich four points ahead (16:12) with a mid-range shot.

Improved performance after the break

The visitors got off to a better start in the second quarter. Mannion first tied the score, then the strong Brooks put his team in front (16:19). Bayern continued to struggle offensively, but was able to rely on returnee Wenyen Gabriel several times defensively. The center, who was making his comeback after a short injury, dueled several times under the board with former Munich player Devin Booker (11 points, 12 rebounds) during this phase. However, the latter made clever use of his physical advantage. Shortly before the break, the 34-year-old increased Milan’s lead to +4. The teams ultimately went into the locker rooms with a +5 lead.

After the break, it initially looked as if Bayern would continue to pose little offensive threat. However, a three-pointer by Andi Obst (14 points, 3/10) after three minutes was to mark the turning point. A quick 7-0 run initially brought the score level (35-35). Kamar Baldwin even regained the lead shortly afterwards. Nothing seemed to be working for Milan anymore. The Italians ended the third quarter with only seven points. In the final quarter, the game went back and forth, with Bayern managing to defend their narrow lead.

Munich will be back in action on Thursday when they visit EuroLeague title holders Fenerbahce Istanbul. However, the Turks are in a huge crisis. They have won only one of their first four games in the top flight, most recently suffering a heavy defeat against Dubai.

MotoGP 2026: LCR Honda signs Diogo Moreira as Chantra’s successor

admin3r
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MotoGP 2026: LCR Honda signs Diogo Moreira as Chantra’s successor

LCR Honda fills the last remaining spot on the 2026 MotoGP grid by officially announcing the signing of Moto2 rider Diogo Moreira from Brazil.

The field for the 2026 MotoGP season is complete.
On Tuesday, the last remaining spot was filled, and it comes as no surprise who got it. Diogo Moreira is joining LCR Honda. The Brazilian is replacing Somkiat Chantra, who is moving to the Superbike World Championship. Moreira’s signing confirms what our colleagues at Motorsport.com Spain reported back in August.

Moreira is currently competing in the Moto2 class, where he is fighting for the world championship title (2025 Moto2 overall standings). The 21-year-old has agreed a multi-year contract with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC). Moreira will complete his rookie season in the MotoGP class next year as Johann Zarco’s teammate.

Multi-year contract directly with Honda

According to information from our colleagues at Motorsport.com Spain, HRC has drawn up a three-year factory contract for Moreira. This is designed as a so-called 2+1 contract. This means it is a two-year contract with an option for a third year. Whether the option for the third year (2028) will be exercised will depend on his performance in the 2027 season.
“Entering the MotoGP World Championship with LCR-Honda is a dream come true for me,” says Moreira. I would like to thank both Honda and the team for their trust and for giving me this incredible opportunity. I am looking forward to learning, growing, and fighting for strong results in the premier class of motorcycle racing,” said the 21-year-old from Sao Paulo.
LCR team boss Lucio Cecchinello added: “We are very pleased to announce that Diogo Moreira is joining our team. Diogo undoubtedly has all the qualities to become one of the greats in MotoGP. He has undeniable talent and a deep passion for racing. He has proven his speed on all types of motorcycles and in all disciplines.”

Johann Zarco looks forward to working with Diogo Moreira

Moreira’s future teammate Johann Zarco says: “Moreira is one of the good riders. I think he will be able to hold his own. He is one of those who know how to ride a new motorcycle. However, it could be difficult for him that he has to learn everything in 2026 and then has to adjust again in 2027.”

Zarco is referring to the new MotoGP regulations that will come into force in 2027. In this context, however, the Frenchman also sees an advantage. This is because Moreira currently rides on Pirelli tires in the Moto2 World Championship. And this brand will be the exclusive tire supplier in the MotoGP class from 2027. “He will be able to tell us about his experiences with Pirelli tires. That could be particularly interesting with a view to 2027,” says Zarco.

In addition to Diogo Moreira, there will be a second rookie in the 2026 MotoGP season. This is Superbike star Toprak Razgatlioglu, who has signed with Pramac-Yamaha and will be Jack Miller’s new teammate there (MotoGP 2026: Overview of riders, teams, and contract terms).

Incidentally, Moreira will have a home race on the calendar right from the start of his first MotoGP season. This is because the Brazilian Grand Prix is returning to the MotoGP calendar after a long break. On March 22, the race will take place in Goiania, where the Motorcycle World Championship last visited in 1989. The last MotoGP race in Brazil to date took place in Rio de Janeiro in the 2004 season (MotoGP calendar 2026).

Hyundai brings in FIA insider: What’s behind Wheatley’s move

Jason Maverick
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Hyundai brings in FIA insider: What’s behind Wheatley’s move

Hyundai is strengthening its WRC team with FIA veteran Andrew Wheatley, who will take on the role of sporting director with immediate effect and set the course for new successes. Share:

Hyundai is strengthening its World Rally Championship team with a true industry expert: former FIA Rally Director Andrew Wheatley is taking on the newly created role of “WRC Sporting Director” with immediate effect.

The Briton brings with him almost three decades of experience in rallying. Before joining the World Automobile Federation, Wheatley worked as a manager at M-Sport and later as WRC category manager. Now he will help Hyundai to further improve its performance and pave the way for new successes.

Wheatley reports directly to Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. Together with Technical Director Francois-Xavier Demaison, Team Manager Pablo Marcos, and Head of WRC Development Jan de Jongh, he will optimize team processes and master complex sporting challenges.

Wheatley’s responsibilities at Hyundai

According to Hyundai, Wheatley will “support the management team, work closely with the technical staff and further advance the team’s sporting performance.” Wheatley will make his first official appearance this weekend at the Central Europe Rally.

“I am thrilled to be joining Hyundai Motorsport,” said Wheatley in an initial reaction. “The team has the potential to win world championships. My job is to support our experienced team in all areas and contribute my knowledge to improve our performance. All the ingredients for success are there, now it’s a matter of making the best use of them.”

Team principal Abiteboul praised the appointment as an important step in the team’s development. “Andrew’s appointment is a significant reinforcement of Hyundai Motorsport’s management structure. As we expand our motorsport involvement, it is crucial to strengthen the management focus in every area.”

Hyundai to pursue two-pronged approach from 2026

Abiteboul is referring to the fact that Hyundai is currently working on entering the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in parallel with its WRC program. The company plans to compete in the Hypercar class with the Genesis from 2026.

This makes Wheatley’s expertise in the WRC team all the more important. “Andrew brings a wealth of experience and passion for rallying, which will further advance our WRC activities and strategic direction,” Abiteboul is certain.

Aston Martin: Why the rumors about Max Verstappen were “flattering”

Jason Maverick
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Aston Martin: Why the rumors about Max Verstappen were “flattering”

Max Verstappen was linked with Aston Martin in early 2025 – why the rumors were even “flattering” for CEO and team boss Andy Cowell

At the beginning of this year, a wild rumor about Max Verstappen caused a stir: Aston Martin was said to have tried to lure the world champion to Silverstone with a billion-dollar offer. The supposed interest of the 28-year-old Dutchman even made the British smile.

“The fact that Max is showing interest in the media—I don’t know how to put it exactly, but the fact that Max is showing interest in the media is flattering,” CEO and team principal Andy Cowell told Motorsport.com.

“He sees in his eyes that this is a team that is determined and taking the right steps,” believes the Briton, who is convinced that Aston Martin is on the right track. “Since Lawrence took over the team, his words have been backed up by actions.”

“When you see the campus, the investments being made there, when you see how he goes about recruiting people like Adrian [Newey]—he is determined. And at this moment, the entire paddock can see that this is a team that is moving from a survival strategy to a team that wants to win.”

Aston Martin wants to be “a natural choice”

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff once said that every team boss in Formula 1 would “do a handstand” to sign Verstappen. “I’m not particularly good at handstands! Even in the swimming pool, I struggle,” laughs Cowell.

Aston Martin’s main goal right now is to build a car that is so competitive that it becomes a natural choice for all the top drivers in Formula 1. “We are really lucky to have Lance [Stroll] and Fernando [Alonso], who have a wealth of experience, at least until the end of 2026.”

“That means we have drivers we can talk openly with about next year,” says the team boss. “When I talk to Adrian and all the engineers, we want to develop a really fast race car. And then we want every driver with a super license to want to drive our car.”

Will Alonso still be driving for Aston Martin in 2027?

Although Aston Martin’s drivers are not up for discussion for next season, the driver market could become an issue again with a view to 2027. Alonso recently announced that 2026 could be his last Formula 1 season if the new car is good enough to end his career on a high note.

However, if Aston Martin’s 2026 car is not competitive, the Spaniard also hinted that he could potentially drive longer. “I haven’t had any conversations with him about that,” Cowell reveals. “His conversations with me last year were exclusively about 2026.”

“I think Fernando is already thinking about the end of 2026 and what comes after that, but we are working hard to ensure that we are in the best possible position for 2026, 2027, and beyond,” says the team boss. “Fernando has shown that he is a phenomenal competitor. Age doesn’t seem to matter to him. His age seems to be a strength!”

2025 Formula 1 World Championship: Why McLaren still fears Max Verstappen

Jason Maverick
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2025 Formula 1 World Championship: Why McLaren still fears Max Verstappen

The World Championship seems to be decided, but McLaren remains cautious: Zak Brown warns against writing off Verstappen too soon

A 63-point lead over Max Verstappen is no reason for McLaren to stop taking the Red Bull driver seriously in the 2025 Formula 1 title race. McLaren boss Zak Brown made that clear ahead of the US Grand Prix in Austin.

Brown said: “Even though we would like to see it decided between our two drivers alone, Max is still very much in the game.”

Verstappen is one of five drivers who still have a mathematical chance of winning the title, alongside McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Mercedes driver George Russell and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc. Realistically, however, the world championship battle is likely to be limited to Piastri and Norris, with Verstappen as the outsider.

McLaren remains true to its current course

That’s why McLaren is staying true to its current course, says Brown: “We’ll just carry on as before. Our strategy isn’t changing just because we’ve won the constructors’ championship. We’re approaching the remaining race weekends just like any other before.“

Because that’s what the 2025 season has proven: McLaren won the constructors’ championship so early ”because the team remained focused and humble,” says Brown. That should continue in the remaining race weekends until the end of the season.

“Because that’s why we’re here,” says Brown. “We want to win races and championships. And we couldn’t be hungrier for it.”

First successful title defense since 1990/91

With its tenth title win in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, McLaren now ranks second in the “all-time rankings” behind Ferrari—and ahead of Williams, with whom the team had previously shared second place. 2025 marks McLaren’s first successful title defense since 1990/91.

Another first-round exit for Topo

T0m@dmin1
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Another first-round exit for Topo

Marko Topo will have to wait a little longer for his first win on the ATP Tour.

Professional tennis player Marko Topo missed out on his first win on the ATP Tour for the sixth time.

The 22-year-old from Munich, who had made it through the qualifiers, lost 4-6, 6-3, 1-6 to Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic in the first round in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Topo, ranked 277th in the world, tends to compete on the second-tier Challenger Tour. At ATP level, he previously played in the main draw at tournaments in Munich (2022, 2023, 2024) and Hamburg (2022) as well as in Belgrade (2021), but was always eliminated in the first round.

Struff faces challenge on Wednesday

After Topo’s exit, Jan-Lennard Struff is the only German left in the field at the $1.055 million tournament.

The Davis Cup player from Warstein will play Mackenzie McDonald (USA) in his opening match on Wednesday. The top two seeds are Russian players Karen Khachanov and Daniil Medvedev. Both have a bye in the first round.

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