Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      How does injury time work in the Premier League this season?

      by

      TIME wasting has been a massive problem in football for years, with players doing everything they can to waste a bit of time for their team should they be in the position they want to be in during the game.The Premier League and EFL have taken action and launched a strict approach to cut down on time-wasting and increase ball-in-play time this season.
      Referees will be adding on more time in the 2023-24 seasonCredit: Getty
      The average ball-in-play time last season in the top flight was a staggering 54 minutes.
      This is the lowest average time in play for the Premier League since recording began in the 2012-13 season.
      VAR and additional substitutions were key factors for the eye-opening ball-in-play time last season.
      How does injury time work in the Premier League in 2023/24?
      The Premier League have added some different rules and guidelines, due to start this season.

      Most importantly, the time-wasting clampdown, with officials becoming increasingly concerned about how little the ball is actually in play during games.
      With these added rules, we will see more lengthy added time periods – very similar to the numbers at the 2022 World Cup where we saw up to 10 or more minutes added on most games.
      It’s also been announced that referees are allowed to punish players who try to complete impactful or effective ways of time wasting.
      How is injury time calculated?
      Injury time is calculated by the accumulation of every incident that has occurred which has halted or affected a match at any point, such as goals, substitutions, injuries, penalty kicks and red cards.
      Most read in Football
      Every single detail will be calculated for a more reasonable game of football and one where fans will come away getting their money’s worth.
      Has this style of injury time used in football before?
      We first saw this new injury time rule back in 2022 at the World Cup in Qatar and now at the Women’s World Cup that is currently taking place.
      These changes have definitely caused a stir within the football world and players and managers have been quick to disagree with the footballing authorities.
      Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the new rule after his side conceded a late equaliser to Arsenal during their Community Shield clash at Wembley.
      The Spaniard said: “We will have to get used to this. We were winning 1-0. I had a feeling that not much happened to extend eight minutes.
      “But it is a good question for the international board and all the people because they don’t consult with the managers, they don’t consult with the players.
      “We have to accept it. We have to do it. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that’s for sure.
      “They extend for goals. Every time you score a goal. (Imagine) a 4-3 and they put on 45 seconds for seven goals.
      “Tomorrow morning at 8am we will still be here playing. Don’t ask me my opinion, please.” More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the Africa Cup of Nations? Live stream, TV channel and all the details you need for huge tournament

      by

      THE 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations returns in January as 24 teams look to battle it out for the prestigious trophy.Defending champions Senegal are looking to complete back-to-back wins at next year’s tournament.
      Senegal star man Sadio Mane led Senegal to AFCON glory in 2022Credit: AFP
      Ivory Coast will host the AFCON for the second time, previously hosting in 1984.
      The competition was meant to be played in 2023, but due to weather concerns the president of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, postponed it to 2024.
      Some of football’s biggest stars are competing such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and many more.
      The final is on February 11th and is due to be played in the Stade National de la Cote d’Ivoire stadium.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      When is the Africa Cup of Nations?

      The tournament takes place in January 2024 through to the following month, February. The hosts are Ivory Coast.
      The final will be on Sunday, February 11.
      Clashing with the Premier League and other European / Continental competitions will mean clubs will lose some of their top players.

      Who is playing in the Africa Cup of Nations?

      Ivory Coast, Morocco, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Mali, Tunisia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Nigeria, Zambia, Egypt and Equatorial Guinea have already qualified for the competition.
      Several other teams still have to qualify, to name a few there is DR Congo, Mauritania, Cameroon, Namibia, Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, Gambia, Mozambique and more.

      What is the format of the Africa Cup of Nations?

      The 24 qualified teams were drawn into six groups of 4 teams in a single round-robin.
      The two top teams of each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the round of 16.
      The winners of the round of 16 matches will advance to the quarter-finals. Winners of the quarter-finals advance to the semi-finals. The losers of the semi-finals play in a third-place play-off match. Then the winners of the semi-finals play in the final game of the tournament to decide who will win the trophy.

      Is the Africa Cup of Nations on TV and can I live stream it?

      The Confederation of African Football, (CAF) has opened an invitation for the broadcast rights for the competition.
      CAF is searching for a broadcast partner for their tournament.

      Most read in Football More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius undercard: Who is fighting on O2 bill?

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA is back in action this weekend against new opponent Robert Helenius – but the undercard remains unchanged. AJ’s original clash with Dillian Whyte is off after the Body Snatcher failed a drugs test.
      Anthony Joshua will take on Robert Helenius this weekendCredit: Getty
      So in steps Helenius, who only fought last weekend, stopping his opponent in three rounds.
      Joshua hasn’t been in action since he beat Jermaine Franklin in April earlier this year.
      On the undercard, there are more big heavyweight fights for fans to get their teeth stuck into.
      Derek Chisora is in action, as is fellow Brit heavyweight Johnny Fisher and contender Filip Hrgovic.
      Who is on the Joshua vs Helenius undercard?
      Joshua vs Helenius isn’t the only heavyweight fight to take place this weekend at the O2.
      Derek Chisora is also in action in a clash against Gerald Washington, with both men having previously been in the ring with Helenius themselves.
      Filip Hrgovic returns to the ring as well as he takes on Australian Demsey McKean.
      And Brit Johnny Fisher, who is known for bringing a legion of fans to every fight, continues his professional journey with another step-up.
      Most read in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius
      Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington
      Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean
      Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong
      George Liddard vs. Radek Rousal
      Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg
      Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell

      🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius: How to watch, UK start time, live stream details 🥊
      When is Joshua vs Helenius?
      The fight takes place this weekend on Saturday, August 12 at the O2 Arena.
      The main card will get going from 7pm BST while the main event should start at around 10.30pm BST. More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Boxing

      Who is Anthony Joshua’s opponent Robert Helenius and what is his boxing record?

      by

      ROBERT HELENIUS has been confirmed to take on Anthony Joshua at the O2 Arena in London.The Finnish boxing star, known as “The Nordic Nightmare”, has stepped in last-minute after Joshua’s original opponent was forced to cancel.
      Robert Helenius is scheduled to take on Anthony Joshua on August 12, 2023Credit: Michael Owens/Getty Images
      Who is Robert Helenius?
      Robert Helenius is a Finnish professional boxer.
      He was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but moved to Finland when he was a child.
      Helenius’ father began training him in boxing when he was just five years old.
      He went on to win bronze at the 2000 European under-17 championships and the 2001 European Championships.
      Read More on Robert Helenius
      The sportsman finished second at the 2006 European Amateur Boxing Championships and then turned professional in 2008.
      Helenius won the European Championship title in 2011, an accolade he would win for a second time in 2016.
      Other notable wins for Helenius include the IBF Inter-Continental heavyweight belt, which he won in 2018, and the WBA Gold heavyweight title, which he claimed in 2020.
      When will Robert Helenius fight Anthony Joshua?
      Helenius will take on Joshua on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
      Most read in Boxing
      He stepped in last minute to replace Dillain Whyte after the boxer, who had been scheduled to take on rival Joshua, failed a drug test.
      Ahead of the bout Helenius said: “I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12.
      “I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moment’s notice.
      “This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!”
      Joshua, meanwhile, said: “I am laser focused on the win.
      “I can make steps forward to bigger and better things but the road map has a checkpoint, Saturday night.
      “May the best man win.”

      🥊 Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius: How to watch, UK start time, live stream details 🥊
      What is Robert Helenius’ boxing record?
      Helenius’ boxing record at the time of writing is 32 wins and four losses.
      The fighter’s first loss came in 2016 when Helenius took on Johann Duhaupas.
      He was also defeated by Dillian Whyte in 2017, Gerald Washington in 2019, and Deontay Wilder in 2022.
      Prior to taking on Joshua, Helenius’ last win was against Mika Mielonen in August 2023.
      When did Robert Helenius fight Deontay Wilder?
      The Helenius and Wilder bought took place in October 2022.
      On the night, Wilder won with a first-round knockout.
      The fight marked the first time Wilder had returned to the ring since being KO’d by Tyson Fury 12 months prior.
      Who is Robert Helenius’ wife?
      Robert is married to his wife Sandra Helenius.
      Sandra largely keeps out of the spotlight but is often seen supporting her husband at his boxing matches.
      Read More on The Sun
      Does Robert Helenius have any children?
      Robert and his wife Sandra have three children together.
      The family lead a private life and the names of the kids are unknown. More

    • 263 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the Carabao Cup second round draw 2023? Stream FREE, TV channel and teams as Premier League sides enter hat

      by

      CARABAO CUP action has returned to the big screens – and nothing beats the suspense of a late-night draw to see who your team will face in the next round.Manchester United put a slight blip on Newcastle’s season after beating Eddie Howe’s team 2-0 in the 2022/23 final.
      Manchester United won the Carabao Cup last seasonCredit: Alamy
      However, only the 12 Premier League clubs that are not in Europe enter at round two which gives the lower league teams less to worry about in terms of progressing for now.
      And SunSport has all the information on when the second round draw is along with who can make it there.
      When is the Carabao Cup second round draw?

      The Carabao Cup second round draw will take place TOMORROW – Wednesday, August 9.
      It is scheduled to get underway at approximately a late time of 10:15pm BST.
      Only 12 Premier League teams enter at this stage while the remaining eight join in round three.

      What TV channel is it on can it be live streamed?

      Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football will broadcast the Carabao Cup second round draw LIVE.
      The draw will commence after the conclusion of Burton Albion vs Leicester City.
      Alternatively, SunSport will have the entire coverage of the second round draw through our live blog.

      Read more on Carabao Cup draw
      How can I watch it for FREE?
      Fans can watch the Carabao Cup second round draw for FREE on Sky Sports Football’s official YouTube channel.
      What teams could be involved?
      Here are the fixtures for the first round and the winners will be in the hat for the second round.
      The ball numbers are yet to be confirmed.

      Notts County v Lincoln City
      Bolton Wanderers v Barrow AFC
      Hull City v Doncaster Rovers
      Mansfield Town v Grimsby Town
      Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion
      Sheffield Wednesday v Stockport County
      Leeds United v Shrewsbury Town
      Preston North End v Salford City
      Rotherham United v Morecambe
      Harrogate Town v Carlisle United
      Burton Albion v Leicester City
      Accrington Stanley v Bradford City
      Derby County v Blackpool
      Port Vale v Fleetwood Town
      Barnsley v Tranmere Rovers
      Blackburn Rovers v Walsall
      Huddersfield Town v Middlesbrough
      Wrexham AFC v Wigan Athletic
      Sunderland AFC v Crewe Alexandra
      Plymouth Argyle v Leyton Orient
      Forest Green Rovers v Portsmouth
      Swansea City v Northampton Town
      Exeter City v Crawley Town
      Ipswich Town v Bristol Rovers
      Newport County v Charlton Athletic
      Stevenage v Watford
      Cheltenham Town v Birmingham City
      Sutton United v Cambridge United
      Milton Keynes Dons v Wycombe Wanderers
      Millwall v Reading
      AFC Wimbledon v Coventry City
      Bristol City v Oxford United
      Gillingham v Southampton
      Queens Park Rangers v Norwich City
      Peterborough United v Swindon Town
      Cardiff City v Colchester United

      Most read in EFL More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England vs Colombia: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for Women’s World Cup quarter-final

      by

      ENGLAND face a huge Women’s World Cup quarter-final against Colombia this weekend. The Lionesses beat Nigeria on penalties on Monday morning to advance to the last eight.
      England beat Nigeria on penalties at the World Cup on MondayCredit: Getty
      Colombia beat Jamaica 1-0 in the World Cup round of 16Credit: Getty
      But their win came at a price as Lauren James was sent off for a stamp on an opposing player deep into the second half.
      James is suspended for the quarter-final but FIFA may still choose to extend her ban to two or three games.
      Colombia beat Jamaica 1-0 in their quarter-final clash on Tuesday morning.
      England will be hoping for a much easier game than the Nigeria one, which ended 0-0 after a tense 120 minutes, but Colombia have proved themselves very tricky opposition so far in the tournament.
      Women’s World Cup
      When is England vs Colombia?

      England’s clash with Colombia will take place on Saturday, August 12.
      The game will be held at the Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
      England vs Colombia will kick off at 11.30am BST in the UK.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      England vs Colombia will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
      Coverage will begin at 10.45am BST.
      You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Can I watch for FREE?
      Yes, England vs Colombia is available to watch for FREE in the UK, so long as you have a TV licence.
      You can stream the action for free on the ITV X app as well.
      Most read in Football
      Team news
      The big news for England is that Lauren James is suspended following her red card for a stamp in the last 16 clash against Nigeria.
      Keira Walsh returned to the side but came off late in the game, though it’s unclear if that was due to injury.
      Otherwise England are set to have close to a full squad available for the game. More

    • 100 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      What did Roy Keane say about prawn sandwiches?

      by

      ROY Keane is one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He’s also known for his famous saying about prawn sandwiches – read more to find out what his comments about prawn sandwiches were.
      Roy Keane is one of the most successful Irish footballers of all time.
      Who is Roy Keane?
      Roy Keane is a football pundit, coach and former player.
      He is the joint most successful Irish footballer of all time alongside Denis Irwin.
      He was born on August 10, 1971 and came from a working class family.
      He has won 19 major trophies in his club career, 17 of which he earned during his time at Manchester United.
      Read more on Roy Keane
      He’s regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation and was named by Pele in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players in 2004.
      He was ranked No 11 on The Times’ list of the 50 “hardest” footballers in history in 2007.
      He was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021.
      What has Roy Keane said on prawn sandwiches?
      In 2000, Roy took aim at the club’s match-going home supporters before a Champions League group stage tie against Dyanmo Kyiv.
      Most read in Football
      He stated they were too busy eating prawn sandwiches rather than creating an atmosphere inside the Theatre of Dreams.
      The Manchester United legend helped the club announce the launch their new third kit in a video released August 8, 2023.
      The clip narrated by Roy ends with him shaking his head at a table of prawn sandwiches inside Old Trafford.
      Fans loved the video promotion with one stating:
      “That video promo was so sleek. Amazing third kit and Roy Keane with those prawn sandwiches at the end had me on the floor #mufc.”
      A second simply wrote:  “This is genius”.
      A third stated:
      “That video promo was so sleek. Amazing third kit and Roy Keane with those prawn sandwiches at the end had me on the floor (crying face emoji)”.
      What does prawn sandwich brigade mean?
      The term “prawn sandwich brigade” is a derogatory term who for those who attend football matches but use luxury amenities such as boxes and corporate hospitality.
      Read More on The Sun
      They do this instead of going to support a team or enjoy the sport.
      They may also attend the game to enjoy the food and buy merchandise. More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Boxing

      Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, undercard details for O2 fight this weekend

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA has a new opponent in Robert Helenius for his fight this weekend at the O2 Arena. AJ was originally scheduled to face Dillian Whyte on Saturday night but the fight was cancelled after the Body Snatcher failed a drugs test.
      Anthony Joshua beat Jermaine Franklin back in AprilCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Robert Helenius was knocked out by Deontay Wilder in a round last yearCredit: Getty
      Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has been scrambling since to find an opponent to replace Whyte.
      Heavyweight fighters Filip Hrgovic, Derek Chisora, Demsey McKean and Gerald Washington, who are all fighting on the same card, were all considered.
      But Helenius, who was fought both Whyte and Chisora before too, was eventually chosen.
      Helenius was knocked out by Deontay Wilder last year in just one round but bounced back with a win just last weekend.

      The Finnish veteran stopped his opponent in three rounds in what was his first win since his victory over Adam Kownacki on the Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 undercard.
      Joshua is coming off an uninspiring points win over Jermaine Franklin in April, but he’ll be hoping he can get a KO win here.
      Joshua hasn’t won by knockout since his 9th-round destruction of Kubrat Pulev in December 2020, before he lost two title bouts with Oleksandr Usyk.
      Providing Joshua beats Helenius, he’s all set to face Wilder in a clash that will likely take place in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
      Most read in Boxing

      When is Joshua vs Helenius?

      Joshua’s clash with Helenius will take place on Saturday, August 12.
      The fight will be held at the O2 Arena in London.
      The main card is set to start at 7pm BST.
      Ring-walks for the main event will likely get underway from around 10.30pm BST.

      Why was the Dillian Whyte fight cancelled?
      Joshua vs Whyte won’t be happening because Whyte has failed a drugs test.
      Matchroom released a statement which read: “Today, the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) informed Matchroom, the Association of Boxing Commissions and the British Boxing Board of Control that Dillian Whyte had returned adverse analytical findings as part of a random anti-doping protocol.
      “In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted. Further information on the event will follow.”
      SunSport understands TWO failed tests came back from Vada.
      Dillian Whyte has been pulled from the Anthony Joshua fight after failing a drugs testCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      How can I watch Joshua vs Helenius?

      Joshua vs Helenius will be shown on DAZN in the UK.
      AJ’s fight with Whyte was originally going to be shown on DAZN PPV, but the decision has been made to make the Helenius fight part of your standard subscription.
      DAZN offer a monthly subscription for £9.99 which commits you to an entire year of action.
      Or, fans can pay an upfront fee of £99.99 and that will cover you for the whole year – plus it is the lowest cost option.
      Alternatively, there is a flexible pass worth £19.99 a month which can be canceled at any time.
      The event is available to live stream via your mobile or any tablet device where the DAZN app can be downloaded.
      Sky will also have fight coverage through channel 429 – the DAZN channel.

      Joshua vs Helenius full card

      Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius
      Derek Chisora vs Gerald Washington
      Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean
      Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong
      George Liddard vs. Radek Rousal
      Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg
      Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Ansell

      What has been said?
      “This wasn’t in the script,” said Joshua.
      “I respect Helenius and may I say, I respect any male or female who steps into the ring. I am laser focused on the win.
      “I can make steps forward to bigger and better things but the road map has a check point, Saturday night. May the best man win.”
      Read More on The Sun
      “I am excited about fighting Anthony Joshua on August 12,” said Helenius.
      “I am a true Viking that is willing to face any challenge at a moments notice. This is not an opportunity I was going to let slip away. I plan to make the most of it!” More