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Chua’s squad relying on experience for semifinal push – FBC News

The Fiji national U-19 Women’s football team had settled in Tahiti early last week and is prepared to begin its campaign at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship. Head coach Angeline Chua believes that the team has benefited from its early arrival, which has allowed the players to acclimatize to the environment and bond well. With Samoa’s withdrawal, Fiji’s group consists of only three teams, leaving them to face the Cook Islands and Tonga with top two teams advancing to the semifinals. Article continues after advertisement Chua says that the young players on the team have matured, thanks to the experience they gained at the Women’s Nations Cup in Fiji. “Well we can see the players are really mature in terms of all the experience they have been given but of course our main priority is to get as close as to the maximum age group of the player as possible so that we can compete in a world stage.” Chua adds that the team will not get ahead of itself and will take each match one at a time, with the main priority being to qualify for the semifinals. Fiji will play their first group match this tomorrow against Cook Islands at 1pm. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.

Fiji Futsal’s Fighting Spirit Marks a New Beginning

Despite a heavy final-match defeat to New Zealand at the OFC Men’s Futsal Cup 2025, the Extra Fiji Futsal side concluded their campaign with pride, passion, and promise for the future. Head coach Jose Gerardo commended his players for their courage and determination, asserting that the campaign represented a significant step forward for Fiji Futsal. “I am proud of the boys — they gave everything on the court. They played with their hearts, and hats off to all the players,” Gerardo stated with pride. Fiji’s journey was highlighted by two thrilling victories: a 5–4 win over Vanuatu and a commanding 4–1 triumph against Tuvalu. According to Gerardo, these results exemplify what the young team is capable of achieving. “Two wins in this tournament are a huge achievement for us. It shows we can compete. Many of these players are new and played at the arena for the very first time — that experience is priceless,” he noted. The clash with New Zealand tested Fiji, but it also revealed the team’s fighting spirit. Trailing 3–0, Fiji mounted a dramatic comeback to level the score at 3–3, igniting the Vodafone Arena before New Zealand regained control and pulled away. “To fight back against a top side like New Zealand, from three goals down, that tells you about our character. That comeback is something Fiji should be proud of,” Gerardo explained. Although individual errors contributed to New Zealand’s late surge, Gerardo emphasized that Fiji’s resilience remained the defining narrative. The coach acknowledged criticism from some fans but urged supporters to consider the broader developmental context. “I understand the frustration — fans want results right away, and that passion is good for football. But this is a young team. Many boys played for the first time at this level, and to win two matches and push New Zealand shows great progress.” He also reminded critics that the squad had only recently been assembled and emphasized the physical toll the players endured during the tournament. “We made mistakes, yes, but that is part of learning. I ask fans to support the players because they are working hard. We are building step by step, and with proper resources, Fiji can go much further. And let’s not forget — Fiji was the only team in the tournament that had to play back-to-back intensive matches. That makes their performance even more commendable.” Gerardo maintained that the positives far outweighed the negatives, pointing to the team’s potential for growth. “This is just the beginning. Fiji has the talent, the spirit, and the potential to go further. With time and support, this team will make Fiji proud.” While the Extra Fiji Futsal side did not lift the trophy, they emerged with something arguably more valuable: belief, experience, and the hearts of their supporters. On the final day today, Vanuatu will face New Zealand at 4 p.m., while the Solomon Islands will take on Tuvalu at 7 p.m. A win for New Zealand will secure a third-place finish for Fiji, and New Zealand will finish second if the Solomon Islands beat Tuvalu to clinch the title at Vodafone Arena in Suva.

Football gossip: Gravenberch, Kubo, Wharton, De Jong, Bamford, Vinicus

Liverpool ready to offer midfielder Ryan Gravenberch new deal, Arsenal interested in Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo and Crystal Palace have no intention of selling Adam Wharton. Liverpool are preparing to offer 23-year-old Netherlands midfielder Ryan Gravenberch a new long-term contract. (Talksport, external) Arsenal are interested in signing 24-year-old Japan winger Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad during the January transfer window. (Fichajes – in Spanish), external Liverpool have been told they have next to no chance of persuading Crystal Palace to sell them England midfielder Adam Wharton, 21, in the January transfer window. (Teamtalk, external) Barcelona have reached a breakthrough with 28-year-old Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has agreed to extend his stay until 2029 on reduced wages. (Mundo Deportivo – in Spanish), external Getafe are closing in on signing former Leeds United and Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford, 32, who is a free agent after leaving Leeds by mutual consent in the summer after seven years at the club. (Football Espana), external Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been informed that 25-year-old Brazil winger Vinicius Junior’s future is uncertain at Real Madrid. (TBR Football, external) Fulham manager Marco Silva says Wales midfielder Harry Wilson, 28, who was targeted by Leeds over the summer, will hold talks over a contract extension. (Sky Sports), external Leeds are looking to bring in a winger and an attacking midfielder in the January transfer window. (Football Insider) , external

Ryder Cup 2025: Team Europe player-by-player guide including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more The Ryder Cup is here with Luke Donald bringing 11 of the 12 players back that guided Team Europe to victory in Rome two years ago. This time, at Bethpage Black in New York, Donald is targeting a rare away victory over Team USA. It’s been a fine year for the Europeans, with Rory McIlroy’s Masters victory and career grand slam a standout moment and Tommy Fleetwood overcoming repeated heartache to triumph at the Tour Championship and secure the FedEx Cup in his first-ever PGA Tour victory. Team USA’s Keegan Bradley resisted the chance to pick himself as a playing captain, adding Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, Ben Griffin, Sam Burns and Cameron Young as wildcards to complete a formidable home side. Donald’s side remains steady with a number of stalwarts from Rome set to return, including world class players in Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland. Here’s a look at the 12 players representing Europe at Bethpage Black: Final Team Europe standings for 2025 Ryder Cup Top six players qualify automatically for team. Standings accurate as of 25 August 1. Rory McIlroy (NIR) 3489.21 – QUALIFIED 2. Robert MacIntyre (SCO) 1709.94 – QUALIFIED 3. Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 1622.11 – QUALIFIED 4. Justin Rose (ENG) 1545.72 – QUALIFIED 5. Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN) 1283.56 – QUALIFIED 6. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 1279.33 – QUALIFIED ——————————————————————– 7. Shane Lowry (IRE) 1275.51 WILDCARD 8. Sepp Straka (AUT) 1264.27 WILDCARD 9. Ludvig Aberg (SWE) 1140.44 WILDCARD 10. Viktor Hovland (NOR) 1031.34 WILDCARD 11. Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG) 899.53 WILDCARD 12. Matt Wallace (ENG) 881.12 13. Thomas Detry (BEL) 817.19 14. Marco Penge (ENG) 810.38 15. Aaron Rai (ENG) 754.86 16. Jordan Smith (ENG) 738.84 17. Harry Hall (ENG) 703.38 18. Nicolai Højgaard (DEN) 681.26 19. Niklas Norgaard (DEN) 651.10 20. John Parry (ENG) 643.75 ——————————————————————– 24. Jon Rahm (ESP) 582.39 WILDCARD Team Europe for the 2025 Ryder Cup Rory McIlroy Ryder Cup record: 16—13—4 open image in gallery Rory McIlroy will be the beating heart of Team Europe once again (Getty Images) The Masters champion. The career grand slam. McIlroy has finally done it and looked set to enter this year’s Ryder Cup with a new aura surrounding him, although his year since fulfilling his Augusta dream has contained a loss of form, a non-conforming driver and continued bizarre bust-ups with the media. He’s on the up again now though, with a T6 at the Travelers Championship, a T2 at the Scottish Open and a T7 at a home Open at Royal Portrush. His Masters victory at Augusta followed another at the Players Championship in a three-hole play-off in an explosive start to the year and Europe will need him to be the beating heart of the team, and probably play all five sessions once again, to pull off a stunning away win. His emotions spilled over in Rome in 2023, though his record was impeccable, going 4-1 over the three days. A repeat is required. Bob MacIntyre Ryder Cup record: 2—0—1 Has consolidated himself as a genuinely world-class player since the last Ryder Cup and looks set to be a stalwart for the next decade. A near miss at the BMW Championship, as a four-shot lead slipped away, largely thanks to a rampant Scheffler, the Scot has now qualified after building on a sublime weekend performance at the US Open that saw him finish second behind JJ Spaun. He is now ninth in the world rankings, thanks to another major top 10 at the Open at Portrush and his runner-up finish at Caves Valley Golf Club. A stunning 2024 saw MacIntyre claim breakthrough victories on the PGA Tour (Canadian Open) and a home championship (Scottish Open), before partnering with one of his sporting heroes, Andy Murray, at the BMW Championships Pro-Am. A maiden Ryder Cup appearance, under the tutelage of Justin Rose, in a partnership that could be reformed at Bethpage Black, has proven a spark for the Scot, with fond memories in Rome after two-and-a-half points from three matches. open image in gallery Robert MacIntyre looks set to be a Ryder Cup stalwart (Getty Images) Tommy Fleetwood Ryder Cup record: 7—3—2 Has steadily improved year on year and is now a permanent fixture in the world’s top 10, finally has that pesky first PGA Tour win despite a series of devastating near-misses. Wonderful scenes at East Lake as Fleetwood clinched the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup showed the camaraderie between Team Europe players, with Justin Rose and Shane Lowry waiting by the green to congratulate their friend and teammate. It will now be mostly forgotten, but the heavy loss to Keegan Bradley at the Travelers Championship – when leading coming up the 18th on Sunday – could present a compelling Ryder Cup narrative. There was more heartache at the FedEx St Jude Championship when he led with a couple of holes to go, only to bogey 17 and miss out on a play-off against Rose and JJ Spaun by a stroke. Has also notched a T5 at February’s Genesis Open,

Orobulu Leads Golden Boot Race as Final Round Looms

The stage is set for a thrilling finale to the 2025 Extra Premier League season, with Rewa FC’s star striker John Orobulu leading the race for the coveted Golden Boot. Orobulu has been in sensational form, netting 18 goals so far, and he will look to extend his tally when Rewa face Nasinu FC in the final round this weekend. His closest challenger is Ba FC’s rising sensation Francis Catorogo, who sits on 12 goals and will have his last chance to close the gap against Tavua FC on Saturday. Nasinu’s Paul Francis follows in third with 10 goals, while the chasing pack includes Rusiate Doidoi of Labasa, Suva’s Gagame Feni, and Nadi’s Rusiate Matarerega on 8 goals apiece. The seven-goal club is led by Jimson Abana of Labasa and Mohammed Shazil Ali of Lautoka, while Etonia Dogalau, Penisoni Tirau (both Ba FC), and Christopher Wasasala of Labasa are tied on six. A host of players have struck five times, including Siotame Kubu (Nadroga), Emmanuel Etim (Nasinu), Ali Mekawir (Navua), Apolosi Seru (Nadi), and Rewa’s Epeli Valevou. Four-goal contributors include Setareki Hughes, Gabiriele Matanisiga, Josaia Sela, and Iosefo Verevou of Rewa, Joe Moses of Suva, Peceli Sukabula of Ba, and Nadroga’s Jack Tokaki and William Valentine. The three-goal scorers’ list is just as competitive, featuring Faazil Faizul Ali and Penaia Nagatalevu (Ba), Ilisoni Lolaivalu (Labasa), Sairusi Nalaubu (Navua), Zibraaz Sahib, Sitiveni Cavuilagi, Simione Nabenu, and Shiva Pillay (Lautoka), Ronish Singh and Jone Rupeni (Nasinu), Ratu Arane and Anish Khem (Labasa), Junior Albert (Nasinu), and Sanaila Waqanicakau (Tavua). Those with two goals include Tuiba Batiratu (Nadi), Remueru Tekiata (Suva), Bruce Hughes, Ivan Kumar, Iowane Matanisiga, Tevita Waranaivalu, Kavaia Rawaqa, and Mosese Namumu (Rewa), Ratu Tulivou and Eneriko Matau (Nadi), Rahul Krishna (Navua), Rodney Lava, Gulam Razool, Taniela Raubula, Isikeli Ratucava, Simione Nabenu, Shiva Pillay, and Apisalome Ravouvou (Lautoka), Anish Khem (Labasa), and many more across the league. Finally, dozens of players have contributed with a single strike this season, spreading the scoring widely across all teams. Among them are Savenaca Adronu, John Ali, Ratu Dau, Vilitati Kautoga, Atunaisa Livanalagi, Savenaca Nakalevu, Josaia Tuwai, and Waisake Soga (Tavua), Zainal Ali, Filipe Baravilala, Peniame Drova, Kolinio Sivoki, and Isake Naduvu (Navua), Madhwan Gounder, Patrick Joseph, Mosese Namumu, and Iowane Matanisiga (Rewa), Nabil Begg, Ryan Naresh, Joeli Navalawa, and Leandro Ruiz Varas (Ba), Sekove Luma, Manasa Nawakula, Esala Raloka, Veleni Rasorewa, Isikeli Ratucava, Apisalome Ravouvou, and Saula Waqa (Lautoka), as well as contributors from Labasa, Suva, Nadi, and Nasinu. Even own goals have played a part, credited to Emori Ragata (Nasinu), Geary Kubu (Suva), Isiveli Waqa (Tavua), Siotame Kubu (Nadroga), and Tuiba Batiratu (Nadi). 🔥 Final Round Fixtures Saturday, 27 September 2025 Labasa FC vs Nadroga FC – Subrail Park, 1:30pm Ba FC vs Tavua FC – Garvey Park, 3:00pm Sunday, 28 September 2025 Rewa FC vs Nasinu FC – Ratu Cakobau Park, 1:00pm Navua FC vs Nadi FC – Uprising Sports Ground, 1:00pm Lautoka FC vs Suva FC – Churchill Park, 1:00pm

Are Aberdeen at ‘rock bottom’ or can it get worse?

Matthew: We keep with the same formation that has failed us consistently since November. Five wins in 32 league games is the sort of form that doesn’t give you any leeway. You can change personnel but it’s the formation that needs to change. Which he’s shown he won’t. Thanks for the cup, Jimmy, but times up I’m afraid. Graham: The message is simple now. Thelin is not good enough for AFC. Must go unfortunately. Aldo: Thelin has to go. The tactics are terrible, a squad of supposedly creative players create no chances whatsoever. Beating a few lower division teams and a terrible Hearts, then a flukey win over Celtic on pens should not keep him in the job. SPB: The rather bizarre Scottish Cup final gave him a stay of execution. He won’t see out the year I’m afraid. His purple patch last year – when he blew a fantastic start – is all he has achieved in his tenure. He’s not the only one who should be walking at the club. Ally: Awful! Lazy and slow. No passion, no heart. I’m afraid the bell tolls for the Aberdeen manager. Faith in your shape has failed! Thanks for the cup, Jimmy, but fare thee well! Denis: Board must act now. Give Leven a few games as he was up for it last year when acted as interim manager. Neil: Can someone tell Thelin that performing the same experiment (formation) over and over again, and expecting different results, is the definition of insanity! Adapt, or go! Andy: There’s something much more wrong at Aberdeen than managers. Changing again will solve nothing. These players need to get honest.

Valetini ruled out of Wallabies test against New Zealand – FBC News

Rob Valetini. [Photo Credit: News.com.au] Wallabies star flanker Rob Valetini has been ruled out of Australia’s upcoming test match against New Zealand at Eden Park due to a calf injury, the team confirmed. The 27-year-old, who has claimed the John Eales Medal as Australia’s best test player for the past two years, will miss the trans-Tasman clash with the All Blacks this Saturday. Valetini, who has battled injuries throughout the season, featured in only one test during the recent British & Irish Lions series and missed the warm-up game against Fiji due to calf trouble. Pete Samu has been named as Valetini’s replacement for the match at Eden Park, a venue where Australia have not won since 1986. The Wallabies are already without towering lock Will Skelton as they prepare to face New Zealand in one of the season’s most anticipated fixtures. Following the Eden Park test, Australia will host Scott Robertson’s All Blacks in Perth a week later. Both tests form part of the fiercely contested Bledisloe Cup series. Currently, the Wallabies lead the Rugby Championship standings on 11 points, narrowly ahead of South Africa and New Zealand, with just two rounds remaining in the competition. Valetini’s absence represents a significant blow to Australia’s hopes of reclaiming the Bledisloe Cup and maintaining their strong position in the Rugby Championship. The All Blacks host the Wallabies at 5.50pm Saturday at Eden Park. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot fumes at Hugo Ekitike over ‘stupid’ red card

Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was not happy with match-winner Hugo Ekitike’s “stupid” red card in the 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The 23-year-old replaced Alexander Isak, after the £125million British record signing opened his account, at half-time, but his first involvement was to be booked for punching the ball away in frustration. And when he slid home Federico Chiesa’s pass five minutes from time to put Liverpool ahead again after Shea Charles had equalised, he wheeled away to the corner flag and removed his shirt before holding it up for the cameras. It left referee Thomas Bramall with option but to issue a second caution followed by the red card, meaning the Frenchman will be suspended for the Premier League leaders’ trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday. “Needless? Yes. And it was stupid. The first one was already needless and to a certain extent, stupid, as you have got to control your emotions,” said Slot. “I told him that if you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it in the top corner I can maybe understand. He is like, ‘This is all about me, what did I do’. “But I am old-fashioned, I’m 47 and old. I never played at this level but did score a few goals and if I scored a goal like this, I’d have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and said, ‘This goal is all about you, this is not about me’. “It’s always the best to control your emotions. If you can’t, do it in a way that doesn’t lead to a yellow card.” Ekitike apologised for his dismissal, saying emotion got the better of him. He posted on Instagram: “I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match… The emotion got the better of me tonight. My apologies to all the Red family.” The red card was the second low point as 18-year-old debutant Giovanni Leoni, who had enjoyed a trouble-free night, was carried off on a stretcher with a serious-looking knee injury and will undergo a scan to determine the damage. “He is down because, for him, it didn’t feel good immediately. Normally the emotions of a player tell you a lot,” added Slot. Amid all the late mayhem Isak’s expertly-taken maiden goal just before the break was almost forgotten. “I should have scored earlier as well. It is part of being a striker, you miss some and score some,” the Swede told ITV. “I feel confident in myself that things will work out and when I get chances I will put them away.” Slot, joking that no-one mentions Isak’s transfer fee, added: “It is only six or seven days ago he made his debut so time goes so fast, but we got him not in the best circumstances in terms of match fitness (as he missed Newcastle’s pre-season). “So the best moments will hopefully start when he comes back from the Sweden national team (next month) – then we can expect even more from him, but until now I’m very happy.” Southampton boss Will Still at least saw the funny side of the red card for Ekitike, whom he had as a player at Reims. “Hugo cracks me up. We caught up before the game and he said he would come on and score and give me his shirt and b****r off,” he said. Still was frustrated his side did not help themselves. “We had a massive chance, hit the crossbar, somehow not put the ball in the back of the net and 30-40 seconds they have gone up the other end and we have put it on a plate for them,” he said. “It sums up our season so far. We seem to keep shooting ourselves in the foot.”

County Championship: Two divisions remain after counties reject reform

The County Championship is to remain a two-division structure of 14 matches per team after a vote rejected proposed changes. Eighteen first-class counties were asked to choose between the status quo and a new system of a 12-team top flight, six in the bottom tier, with each team playing 13 matches. The ballot returned a result on Tuesday, one day before the final round of this season’s County Championship matches begin. A majority of 12 counties were required to vote for change in order to push through the reform, a figure that was not met. The result of the vote means the County Championship retains its current structure of 10 teams in Division One and eight in Division Two, with two teams promoted and relegated between each. It brings to an end a lengthy examination of the domestic schedule, conducted by the counties. A revamp of the Twenty20 Blast, cutting the number of group games from 14 to 12 and bringing finals day earlier in the season, was agreed in August. However, differing opinions among the counties about the way forward for the Championship have resulted in retaining the current set-up. A number of proposals were put forward, including reducing the number of first-class matches to 12, a number favoured by the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA). When it became clear the shift from 14 to 12 was dead in the water, the 12-team top flight with a 13-match structure was proposed. The idea involved the 12 teams being split into two groups of six, playing each other twice for an initial 10 games. At that point, the two groups would be split in half to create two further groups of six that would play for the Championship and relegation places.

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