Despite another decent display, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz suffered their third straight defeat in the FFA Nations Cup going down 3-0 to hosts Australia on Wednesday at the Newcastle International Sports Centre.

The victory for Australia meant that Australia would win the trophy in the four-team tournament that also involved Spain and the Czech Republic.

Goals from Katrina Gorry, Alex Chidiac and Caitlin Foord settled the matter for Australia against the Caribbean team that played well enough but for the second of three matches, failed to find the net.

The Reggae Girlz started well with Jody Brown, Spence and Kayla McCoy-McKenna posing threats that Australia managed to thwart. In defence, especially in the first quarter of the match, Jamaica were organized, repelling Australia’s attacks with aplomb.

Australia, however, broke the deadlock in the 28^th minute with a 25m rocket from Gorry that flew past Rebecca Spencer in the Jamaica goal.

Growing in confidence, the hosts took a 1-0 lead into the half-time break.

Australia would double their lead in the 56^th minute after a brilliant build up that saw Gorry take the ball to the byline before pulling it back to Chidiac who beats two defenders and power the ball into the roof of the net from five metres.

Australia sealed the issue in the 69^th when Foord and Sam Kerr execute a 1-2 pass at the edge of the box around Jamaica’s defence after which Foord curled one from 20m past Spencer.

Jody Brown was denied a consolation three minutes from time when goalkeeper Arnold parried her shot from just inside the box around the upright.

Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot believes it will be "impossible" to secure Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun on a permanent deal following his breakout season.

Balogun, 21, has enjoyed a stunning campaign in Ligue 1, with his 15 goals in 23 appearances tying him with Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Lille's Jonathan David for the league's most.

It represents a big emergence for the young striker after only managing three goals in 18 appearances on loan with Championship side Middlesbrough this past season, but Caillot explained to France Bleu how the club had been monitoring Balogun for years.

"We almost signed him for the club a few years ago when he was unsure whether he would have his first professional contract at Arsenal," he said. "We clung to it, we continued to be in contact with him [and] today he is here. 

"Everyone discovers Folarin Balogun, who was an illustrious unknown for the supporters a year ago, just like Hugo Ekitike, just like Boulaye Dia. It's all the strength of the recruitment cell to always have a new player to take on."

When asked about the chances of keeping Balogun in Reims, Caillot was realistic, although hopeful of maybe one more season on loan in an environment where he is clearly thriving.

"I think [signing him permanently] is impossible," he said. "The rules of the game are clear. These are boys that, when they join us, know that they're here to improve and that it's a step for them. 

"So even if I'm not deciding for him, either Folarin will return to his club to have his chance, he's loaned out, or transferred to a very big club. He is a player that should go even higher. 

"Obviously we'll ask him if he feels good here, and at his club, but I think that now, he will need to take a step up. 

"We are already working on life after Balogun, the day when he will leave our club. But if he and the club are open to another year at Reims, we'll do everything to make it happen."

Reims sit 10th on the table, with a league-leading 13 draws in 23 matches.

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has reportedly caught the attention of LaLiga powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Bajcetic, 18, scored his first Premier League goal in a short substitute appearance against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, and after impressing in a pair of January FA Cup starts, he forced his way into the first team.

He has started their past four Premier League fixtures as well as Tuesday's Champions League Final rematch against Madrid, indicating a rapid rise in the eyes of Jurgen Klopp.

The Spaniard left Celta Vigo in 2020 to head to the Premier League, but his home country could soon come calling to bring him back.

TOP STORY – LIVERPOOL TEEN CAPTURES IMAGINATION OF EUROPE'S ELITE

According to Fichajes, both Barcelona and Madrid "have been closely following his evolution", and they believe Bajcetic possesses the qualities necessary to perform at the highest level.

Barcelona reportedly view him as "an ideal piece to form a future midfield with Pedri and Gavi", while Madrid would like him to be the successor to ageing veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

His contract ties him to Anfield until 2027, but the Spanish giants could try to test his transfer value as soon as this off-season.

ROUND-UP

– The Daily Mail is reporting Aston Villa will listen to offers for 30-year-old goalkeeper and World Cup hero Emiliano Martinez after the season with the hope that a significant transfer fee could fund a mini-rebuild.

– Leicester City will look to sell James Maddison at the end of the season if they can not convince him to sign a new contract, with Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham named as interested parties, per Football Insider.

– According to The Telegraph, 31-year-old midfielder N'Golo Kante will sign a new contract to remain at Chelsea.

– Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting Inter will look to move on from wing-backs Denzel Dumfries and Robin Gosens at the end of the season, with Dumfries a potential piece in a swap deal for Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku.

– According to the Evening Standard, Saudi Arabian clubs – including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr – are circling 30-year-old Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha with the belief he would be open to a Middle East move for the right price.

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) held a press conference on Tuesday to officially unveil the new kits to be worn by the respective national teams.

The kits are the first of a ground-breaking partnership between the Federation and apparel giants, Adidas, and were officially unveiled in the boardroom at the JFF headquarters.

“This is a very significant day for football in the history of this country,” said JFF President Michael Ricketts.

“The JFF started the process of negotiating with Adidas, arguably one of the most decorated sport apparel manufacturers in the world. These negotiations were intense and there were times when I felt helpless or that it would not work but, thereafter, came some light and the rest is history,” Ricketts added.

The agreement with Adidas is in place for the next four years.

“It is significant for the JFF to be working with Adidas. The expectation around this transaction, globally, is huge,” said JFF General Secretary Dennis Chung.

“I think that, based on feedback, the expectation and the excitement of people internationally could even be more than here. This transaction with Jamaica is more than just football and sports. It is a culture,” he added.

The Under-17 Reggae Boyz and senior Reggae Girlz are the first two national teams to sport the new kits.

The Under-17s recently competed in the CONCACAF U-17 Championship where they lost to Guatemala in the Round of 16 and the Reggae Girlz are currently in Australia taking part in the Cup of Nations, a build-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup from July 20- August 20 later this year.

The Reggae Boyz first time in the new kit will be in two friendly internationals against Trinidad & Tobago on March 4 and March 11.

MLS has altered its playoff format, introducing series for the first round similar to those seen in other American sports.

Like the NFL, the NBA, MLB and the NHL, MLS has always used a postseason format to decide its annual champions.

But from the coming season, which kicks off this weekend, it will follow in the footsteps of basketball, baseball and hockey with a further tweak.

For the first round of the playoffs – after the wild card matches – teams will play best-of-three series.

These will involve eight teams from each conference, including the winners of the wild card matches between the eighth and ninth seeds.

Again following the lead of the NBA, MLB and the NHL, every game in the series must have a winner, with penalties required if the scoreline is level at full-time.

Rather than using aggregate scores, teams must simply win two games to advance.

The postseason tournament will then return to a more standard format with single-elimination matches for the conference semifinals, conference finals and MLS Cup final.

Eddie Howe has no doubt Loris Karius is in confident mood ahead of an unexpected Newcastle United debut in the EFL Cup final.

An improbable series of events have led to Karius being in line to make his Newcastle bow against Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday.

First-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope was sent off against Liverpool last weekend, while Martin Dubravka is cup-tied having spent the first half of the season on loan at Man United. He will only get a winners' medal if his Newcastle team-mates lose.

Karl Darlow, who started Newcastle's cup campaign in goal, was also allowed to leave on loan, meaning Karius and Mark Gillespie – the fourth and fifth-choice options – will be thrust into the spotlight.

It is Newcastle's first major cup final since the 1999 FA Cup final, a loss to Man United, but Karius has rather more recent and similarly painful memories of such an occasion.

He was at fault for two goals as Liverpool lost the 2018 Champions League final to Real Madrid, albeit having suffered a concussion. He never played for Liverpool again.

But Newcastle head coach Howe said of that match: "I've never really discussed that at any length with him [Karius].

"We've all got stuff that's happened in our careers and our histories that you learn from, and I think he's no different in that respect.

"Since day one since he's come here – he started where he hadn't had a lot of work before joining us – he's trained with our goalkeeper coaches in a really, really good way.

"His general performances in training have improved as he's spent more time with us, and I think he's in a good place and he's ready to play."

Asked how talks had gone with Karius since his sudden promotion, Howe added: "Those conversations are the type of conversations I have with him on a regular basis.

"How is he? How does he feel his training's going? Are we giving him everything he needs to be the best that he can be?

"He's a very likeable, laidback character. I've got no doubts on his confidence levels. He seems very relaxed and excited – as Mark is – about what lies ahead."

Pope has kept the most clean sheets in both the Premier League (12) and EFL Cup (four) this season, but Howe himself is also still confident.

"I think we have to be very positive about our situation, about the game," he said. "Yes, it's a blow to lose Nick, but we still believe in the team and the group that we have."

Thomas Tuchel has been out of a job since being sacked by Chelsea in September but could be on the brink of a return to action. 

The German has previously led top European clubs Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and the Blues, whom he took to the 2020-21 Champions League title.

The 49-year-old has been linked with numerous vacant posts in recent months but reportedly turned down two Premier League offers.

TOP STORY – PSG WILLING TO ADMIT TUCHEL ERROR

PSG have grown frustrated with head coach Christophe Galtier and are ready to move to re-appoint Thomas Tuchel, claims the Evening Standard.

The club sacked Tuchel in December 2020 after two and a half years in charge with the best win percentage in Ligue 1 history.

But PSG are reportedly willing to admit their mistake in letting him go as they try to convince Tuchel to return following their recent run of three straight defeats, which was ended by Sunday's 4-3 win over Lille.

The report claims Tuchel would need assurances from the club, but it is the type of role he has been waiting for, joining a top side competing for major trophies.

ROUND-UP

– Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio is being monitored by Tottenham, according to Football Insider. Spurs will need to compete with Arsenal and Manchester United for the 27-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this season.

– Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all circling for Borussia Monchengladbach's Marcus Thuram, reports Talksport. The Athletic claims Thuram will exit Gladbach in the off-season as a free agent, with Bayern Munich also interested.

– Relevo reports Bayern are weighing up a move for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann an admirer, although no contact has been made yet.

– ESPN claims Manchester United and teenage sensation Alejandro Garnacho have agreed in principle to a new five-year contract, warding off interest.

– Manchester United will need to fork out €80million (£71m) to land Tammy Abraham from Roma, reports Calciomercatoweb.

– Juventus will move for Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz after this season, claims Calciomercatoweb. Diaz is currently on loan at Milan, but the Rossoneri will not trigger their option to buy him.

Hosts France are among 34 countries to have asked the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The United States, the United Kingdom and Australia are also among those to have called for a ban to be imposed.

A joint-statement released on Monday detailed reasoning based around "Russia's unprovoked and unjustifiable war of choice [against Ukraine], facilitated by the Belarusian government."

Russia's sports minister, Oleg Matytsin, said earlier this month that it was "absolutely unacceptable" for governments to attempt to influence the IOC.

The IOC confirmed last month it intended to uphold sanctions against Russian and Belarusian state and government officials ahead of next year's Games in the French capital, but added it would explore opportunities for athletes from both nations to compete under a neutral flag.

Monday's statement from the 34 countries addressed that plan, welcoming "the IOC’s reaffirmation and reinforcement of their existing sanctions in place" while suggesting their neutrality comments raised "many questions and concerns".

"While recognising the autonomy of sports bodies, given the invasion of Ukraine and its devastation is ongoing, we agreed that the IOC's proposal on exploring a pathway back to competition for individual Russian and Belarusian athletes raises many questions and concerns," the statement read.

The signatories also referenced a lack of "clarity" around the neutrality model as a key reason why athletes from the two countries should not be present in Paris.

"We have strong concerns on how feasible it is for Russian and Belarusian Olympic athletes to compete as 'neutrals' – under the IOC's conditions of no identification with their country – when they are directly funded and supported by their states," the statement continued.

"The strong links and affiliations between Russian athletes and the Russian military are also of clear concern. Our collective approach throughout has therefore never been one of discrimination simply on the basis of nationality, but these strong concerns need to be dealt with by the IOC.

"As long as these fundamental issues and the substantial lack of clarity and concrete detail on a workable 'neutrality' model are not addressed, we do not agree that Russian and Belarusian athletes should be allowed back into competition."

The statement finished by outlining the position would be altered should the war in Ukraine be ended, saying: "We also note that Russia and Belarus have it in their own hands to pave the way for their athletes' full return to the international sports community, namely by ending the war they started."

Luka Modric has not held contract talks with Real Madrid and vowed to only stay at the club on merit.

The Croatia captain's Madrid deal is due to expire at the end of this season, but he is eager to remain with the LaLiga, European and Club World Cup champions.

Midfielder Modric revealed on the eve of the Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash at Liverpool there have been no developments over his future.

The long-serving 37-year-old reiterated he will not remain at Santiago Bernabeu if he does not feel he can make a significant contribution.

He said: "I can't say anything about the renewal because I haven't spoken to the club. I'm very calm. I always repeat the same thing. I want to continue here. I feel well and I want to continue in Madrid.

"I have to speak and know what the club thinks. I want to deserve to continue, not to be given [a new deal] as a gift. Nobody has ever given me anything. I want to continue out of merit.

"Nothing can change my relationship or my thoughts with the club. Madrid is the club of my life and nobody can break that or change it.

"I've been here for 11 years and I know that the demand is maximum. Many things are said from outside, it's normal because it's the best club in the world. Toni [Kroos] and I played together before the World Cup and now it seems that we can't.

"We've won a lot. It doesn't bother me, I'm used to it. We have to do well."

This club makes me happy. HALA MADRID!!  pic.twitter.com/Fav5wiebYA

— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10) February 12, 2023

Liverpool have endured a difficult season, but will face Los Blancos on a high from back-to-back Premier League wins over neighbours Everton and Newcastle United.

Modric is well aware of the task Madrid face on Merseyside.

He said: "A very important, very tough game awaits us, against a very good opponent in a historic stadium with tremendous fans and it's a lot of pressure.

"We have to play well to get a positive result for the second leg. We have to be at the highest level, being together and helping each other."

Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi looks likely to miss the second leg of their Champions League tie against Chelsea after sustaining torn muscle fibres.

Adeyemi raced clear on the break to score a memorable winner as Dortmund claimed a 1-0 victory over the beleaguered Blues in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.

At the age of 21 years and 28 days, that strike made Adeyemi the youngest player to net against Chelsea in the Champions League since Victor Osimhen did so for Lille in October 2019 (20 years, 277 days).

Adeyemi followed up that effort by opening the scoring in BVB's 4-1 Bundesliga win over Hertha Berlin on Sunday, while he also recorded an assist for Donyell Malen.

However, Adeyemi was forced off before the interval after suffering an injury in the move that led to his cross for Malen's goal, and was seen clutching his left thigh before being helped from the field.

Dortmund revealed the Germany international is expected to miss around three weeks of action on Monday, which would rule him out of their trip to Stamford Bridge on March 7.

"Borussia Dortmund's attacking player Karim Adeyemi sustained torn muscle fibres in the home game against Hertha BSC on Sunday," read an update from the club. "He will be unavailable to play for the team for approximately three weeks."

Adeyemi's injury comes at an unfortunate time, with the former Salzburg man having scored on each of his last four BVB appearances, after only netting twice in his first 20 outings for the club.

Trinidad & Tobago bowed out of the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship at the Round of 16 stage after suffering an agonizing 2-3 defeat to El Salvador at Estadio Pensativo in Guatemala on Sunday.

El Salvador had the best possible start to the encounter, taking the lead in the third minute as Bryan Vasquez slotted home a powerful shot from just outside the box after a failed clearance from T&T.

The young Soca Warriors levelled proceedings in the 33^rd minute through Rio Cardines and the teams went into the half-time interval locked at 1-1.

Twenty minutes into the second half, El Salvador once again found themselves in the lead when Captain Walter Menjivar scored from close range.

The Trinidadians kept fighting, however, and their persistence was rewarded in the 79^th minute when Malachi Webb latched on to a Derrel Garcia through pass before calmly finishing past El Salvador goalkeeper Alexander Aguilar to make it 2-2.

The teams would remain deadlocked after 90 minutes, meaning extra time was needed to determine who would advance to the quarter-finals.

Both teams got chances throughout the first half of extra time but the game-winning goal came in the 107^th minute when Michael Ventura unleashed a vicious right-footed shot from 30 yards out that gave T&T goalkeeper Ailan Panton no chance.

El Salvador will play Mexico in the quarters on Tuesday.

Stefano Pioli believes Milan could have ridden out their recent slump and still won the Serie A title if not for Napoli's "exceptional" season.

Milan are fourth in the table, having gone a costly five league matches without a win across January and the start of February.

Still, the Rossoneri were not in a dissimilar position at this stage of last season, in third place before rallying to win the Scudetto.

Pioli received the top honour at the Panchina d'Oro – Italian football's coaching awards – on Monday in recognition of that stunning Milan triumph.

But the coach knows there will be no repeat this year as leaders Napoli are 18 points ahead.

Although Milan are five points down on where they were after 23 games of 2021-22, they still only trail Inter in second by three points. Napoli are the clear outliers.

"We were in position until the 'famous' period of decline," Pioli told reporters at Coverciano. "And then anyway we would still be in position if Napoli were not having the season they are having.

"We must be honest in saying that Napoli are doing something exceptional, we must congratulate them.

"Otherwise all the other teams of our level would be there to play for the title within a few points – as it was last season."

Angel Di Maria's time in Europe may be winding down, with his Juventus contract expiring at the end of this season.

The winger, who turned 35 last week, is yet to agree an extension with the Bianconeri, sparking talk he may opt to return to his homeland.

However, the 2022 World Cup winner recently said he was "happy" in Turin, and in Europe, without committing to any direction beyond this season.

TOP STORY – BARCELONA PLOT BID FOR FREE AGENT DI MARIA

Barcelona are weighing up a shock bid to land Angel Di Maria as a free agent at the end of this season, claims Tuttomercatoweb.

Di Maria has previously expressed his desire to one day join hometown club Rosario Central but, at 35, may be tempted by another stint at the top level.

Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris-Saint-Germain winger.

ROUND-UP

– Bayern Munich will provide opposition to Paris Saint-Germain and attempt to sign Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, claims Fichajes.

– PSG are keen to bring in Manchester United starlet Alejandro Garnacho, according to Mundo Deportivo. United are trying to extend the 18-year-old Argentinian's contract, which expires in 2024.

– Real Madrid are interested in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Napoli will not sell him for a price lower than €100m, claims Diario AS.

– Newcastle United are monitoring the status of Arsenal's Kiernan Tierney, who has fallen behind Oleksandr Zinchenko as their preferred left-back, according to Football Insider.

– Arsenal are front-runners in the pursuit to sign Inter defender Denzel Dumfries, reports Tuttosport. The Gunners have moved ahead of both Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for the Dutchman's signature.

– Fichajes reports that Zinedine Zidane, Mauricio Pochettino, Diego Simeone and Luis Enrique are all on Chelsea's shortlist to replace under-pressure manager Graham Potter, although The Mirror claims owner Todd Boehly has no intention of sacking him yet.

Xavi saluted Ferran Torres and Sergi Roberto as Barcelona racked up a seventh consecutive LaLiga win to go eight points clear of Real Madrid again.

Head coach Xavi made sweeping changes to his line-up but saw Barcelona grind out a 2-0 win over Cadiz at Camp Nou.

The recalled Sergi Roberto got the opener, after Robert Lewandowski's header was cleared off the line, with Lewandowski then striking the second.

Both goals came in the closing stages of the first half, with Barcelona then doing enough to see out the win over their lowly visitors, albeit riding their luck to keep another clean sheet.

It was their 17th shutout in 22 domestic league games this season, a record number at this stage of a season, with two disallowed goals for Cadiz piling on frustration for the visitors, who Xavi agreed deserved to score.

Torres and Sergi Roberto were among those who came into the team, for a Sunday game falling between midweek Europa League play-off clashes with Manchester United.

Both impressed, Torres on the right of the attack and stalwart Sergi Roberto in midfield.

Xavi said Torres had "taken a step forward to gain confidence" and would be important for the rest of the season if he maintains his level, but his highest compliments were for Sergi Roberto.

"He is a player who can play various positions and he is fantastic," Xavi said of his former team-mate.

The versatile 31-year-old, who has entered the last six months of his contract, has been characterised in some quarters as a player with little to offer this incarnation of Barcelona, but Xavi sees it differently.

"The criticism of him is very unfair," Xavi said. "Of course I want him to renew, for me he offers a guarantee. I see him train and how he gives the performance and he is always criticised. It's one of the most unfair situations I've ever seen in my life."

Xavi said Barcelona were "very good" in the first half, but less so after the break, when goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was kept busy.

"We have given away a lot and I didn't like it. Cadiz deserved a goal and Marc had to make extraordinary saves," Xavi said.

"But the team met its goal and is maintaining its good run of results. I like the dynamic we have, we have kept a clean sheet and we continue to be eight points clear."

Marcus Thuram is poised to leave Borussia Monchengladbach on a free transfer at the end of the season amid reported interest from Chelsea and Inter.

Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus gave the clearest indication yet on Sunday that Gladbach stand to lose the France international when his contract expires at the end of June.

Numerous clubs from Europe's elite have been credited with an interest in Thuram, with Inter reportedly leading the chase alongside competition from Chelsea and Gladbach's Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich.

The 25-year-old has scored 11 goals and assisted three more in the Bundesliga this season, with only five players bettering his 14 goal involvements among German top-flight players.

Virkus, speaking to Sport1, appeared to acknowledge likely defeat in Gladbach's attempts to keep the son of France great Lilian Thuram.

He said: "With Marcus Thuram we stretched. We have to accept that when there are even bigger clubs where Marcus might go."

Virkus added: "The fact that players will leave us for free is not a positive situation and I can't sugarcoat it."

Gladbach sit eighth in the Bundesliga after Thuram scored in a 3-2 victory over 10-man Bayern on Saturday.