Eddie Howe labelled Newcastle United's latest FA Cup failure "a huge disappointment" after third-tier Sheffield Wednesday shocked the Premier League high-flyers.
Head coach Howe has taken Newcastle into the Champions League places after huge investment at St James' Park, but the Magpies were knocked out of their stride at Hillsborough.
Josh Windass scored twice to put Wednesday two goals to the good, and although Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back, the Owls hung on for a 2-1 victory.
The result means that for a third season in a row, Newcastle have failed to get past the third round of the FA Cup, while Wednesday become the first team to beat them since Liverpool on August 31.
Newcastle lost at this stage of the cup to Arsenal in 2021, before being victims of a giant-killing when they slipped up at home to Cambridge United last season.
Howe made passing reference to having wanted to atone for the Cambridge defeat, and questioned the finishing of his players, who had 22 shots to Wednesday's nine but could not make them count.
Howe told NUFC TV: "It was a tough night for us, a really difficult game. We knew it was going to be. We created enough chances to win. I thought we had some really presentable moments. We didn't take them.
"Once they got their noses in front, it's very difficult to come back. We tried our best to do that and right to the end we were pushing, but it wasn't to be."
Howe gave League One outfit Wednesday "a lot of credit" for pulling off the upset, with the lack of precision finishing from Newcastle, who sit third in the Premier League, proving costly.
"Bruno scored, and we had numerous chances and players in positions where you'd expect them to do better, just with their quality," Howe said. "But it was a night where their goalkeeper made a number of great saves, and we missed that clinical edge that we normally have.
"It hurts because it's a cup competition, and we're out at the first round – a huge disappointment for us; especially after last year it's doubly painful.
"The intention of the lads and myself and the coaching team was to come here and win. We haven't experienced losing for a long time, and sometimes that can be a positive thing on reflection, but at the moment it's too raw to feel that way."
Newcastle still have a second chance of cup silverware, with an EFL Cup quarter-final home tie against Leicester City coming up on Tuesday.
"We're determined to try and put it right on Tuesday," Howe said.
Matildas captain Kerr to miss Olympic Games
Australia captain Sam Kerr will miss the Olympic Games in Paris after failing to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury in time for the team's upcoming friendlies.
The Chelsea forward suffered the injury during a mid-season training camp in January, leaving her participation in serious doubt.
Kerr represented the Matildas at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, also playing at four World Cups and four Asian Cups during her international career.
On Tuesday, Football Australia confirmed Kerr will not make the Olympic tournament – which begins on July 25 and ends on August 10 – while announcing the squad for two matches against China this month.
"Attacker Amy Sayer (ACL) and forward Sam Kerr (ACL) remain on the sidelines with long-term injuries," a statement from the governing body said.
"Kerr and Sayer will continue their rehabilitation programmes in their home club environments and subsequently will not be available for selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."
Kerr, who is Australia's record scorer with 69 goals, was limited to just seven starts in the 2023-24 Women's Super League, contributing four goals and three assists for the eventual champions.
Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Kroos to retire after Euro 2024
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos will retire from football after representing Germany at Euro 2024.
The 34-year-old was thought likely to sign a new contract with Los Blancos, but he announced on Tuesday that he will hang up his boots after representing his country on home soil at the Euros.
Kroos has enjoyed a distinguished 10-year spell with Madrid, who he joined from Bayern Munich in 2014, winning LaLiga and the Champions League four times apiece with the Spanish giants.
He played a crucial role as Carlo Ancelotti's men regained their domestic title in 2023-24, but next week's Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund will be the final game of his club career before his Euros swansong.
He initially quit international football after the delayed Euro 2020 three years ago, only to agree to return to the fold under Julian Nagelsmann earlier this year.
In an open letter to Madrid's fans, Kroos wrote: "As I have always said, Real Madrid is and will be my last club.
"After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget this successful time! I would like to thank everyone that welcomed me with an open heart and trusted me.
"But especially I would like to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and your love from the first day until the last one.
"At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship."
Kroos also issued a rallying cry as Madrid target a record-extending 15th European crown, adding: "I am happy and proud that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it myself.
"My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance levels. From now on there is only one leading thought, la 15! Hala Madrid!"
Earps seeking answers before making decision on Man Utd future
Mary Earps will seek answers from Manchester United regarding the club's direction before making a decision on her future, saying she has felt like a "punching bag" this season.
Earps' contract with the Women's FA Cup winners is set to expire in June, and there have been few signs of progress concerning a new deal.
Last year, United rejected a world-record bid for Earps, who starred as England won Euro 2022 and finished as runners-up at the 2023 World Cup.
Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and other clubs have been linked with Earps, and she is biding her time after enduring a difficult campaign in which her commitment to United was called into question.
"The honest reality is that conversations are still ongoing," Earps told Sky Sports on Tuesday. "I've been clear I don't want to make an emotional decision.
"The beginning of the season was really tough, I felt really upset about things that were being said about me and things that came out that weren't true.
"I've tried to be professional, keep my head down, work hard, get on with my job and that's been hard. I've been a punching bag at times.
"I know I've given my heart and soul for the whole season. It's a tough situation.
"I've asked the club for some confirmation on what they're trying to achieve and when I have those answers I'll be able to make a decision. It's up to the club."
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