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Andrew Cesare Richardson

Isn’t it great when you can just enjoy your Friday night without worrying about missing out on the latest news?
You can go out, stay in, watch a film or whatever you like and know that when you wake up, there will be an update just waiting for you.
I hope you enjoyed your evening and here’s a look at what happened in the world of sport while you were sleeping.
See Ju later

Paul Pogba’s second spell at Juventus is over after the club announced the France midfielder’s departure.
The 31-year-old’s four-year ban for a failed drugs test was recently reduced to 18 months, which means he is eligible to start training in January and can play again from March.
However, that won’t be in Turin as Juve are moving in a different direction, aiming to create a culture built around younger players.
Amazingly, Pogba twice joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer, both times from Manchester United.
The first led to a then world-record £89 million (US$112 million) return to Old Trafford in 2016 but his comeback was significantly less successful as he managed just eight Serie A appearances in three seasons.
It remains to be seen where he goes next, though a return to France and a sojourn to Miami to join up with Lionel Messi and co have also been mooted.
Great Scots
It’s the international break and that means Uefa Nations League action – and that inevitably means Cristiano Ronaldo shines for Portugal.
The Al Nassr forward hit two in a 5-1 victory over Poland in League A Group 1, while Spain won 2-1 in Denmark in Group 4.
Elsewhere, Scotland grabbed a famous 1-0 victory over Croatia as they secured their first-ever victory in the Uefa Nations League A thanks to John McGinn’s 86th-minute winner.
Meanwhile, Romania’s clash with Kosovo in League C was abandoned in stoppage time as the visitors walked off the pitch in protest at “Serbia” chants from the home crowd.
Ireland edge Argentina

Ireland survived a fierce second half comeback from Argentina to narrowly defeat the Pumas 22-19 at the Aviva Stadium and just about bounce back from last week’s disappointing loss to New Zealand.
Ireland led 22-9 at half-time after ruthlessly punishing an early Argentina yellow card with two tries in the first seven minutes from Jack Crowley and Mack Hansen. Joe McCarthy added a third after Tomas Albornoz had kept the visitors in touch.
A very different Argentina side emerged in the second half with Juan Cruz Mallia slicing the hosts open with the try of the game and Albornoz cutting the lead to just three points as the Irish errors of a week ago began to creep back in.
But the hosts composed themselves, in no small part thanks to an impressive debut off the bench from 21-year-old fly-half Sam Prendergast, and hung on at the death to avoid back-to-back defeats for the first time since 2021.
GB, Poland advance in BJK Cup
World No 2 Iga Swiatek defeated Paula Badosa 6-3, 6-7, 6-1 to take Poland into the Billie Jean King Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over hosts Spain.
Magda Linette put Poland ahead in the tie with a hard-fought 7-6, 2-6, 6-4 marathon victory in three hours 51 minutes against Sara Sorribes Tormo.
Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter also sent Great Britain into the last eight with a 2-0 win over Germany after they both won their singles rubbers.
Poland matched their best BJK Cup result by reaching the last eight for the first time since 2015, where they will face 11-time champions Czech Republic.
Friday’s tie had been postponed on Wednesday after a severe weather alert in the region, following devastating floods in the east of Spain.
Five-time grand slam champion Swiatek, appearing in the BJK Cup finals for the first time, was given a stern test by world number 12 Badosa, but eventually triumphed by converting her fourth match point.
Sorel bows out
Sailor Maxime Sorel became the first Vendee Globe casualty, retiring five days into the solo, non-stop round-the-world race.
The Frenchman had been battling a swollen ankle since the second day, an injury sustained while attempting to repair a broken hook and damaged mainsail track. Despite his best efforts, the mainsail issue was deemed “irreparable solo”, and his injury left him struggling to move safely on board.
“My ankle has been seriously damaged for four days,” Sorel said. “It has only swelled over time and through the manoeuvres I have carried out on board, particularly to try to resolve my major mainsail hook issues. I am suffering to the point of having difficulty moving on board my boat.”
The race also includes China’s Xu Jingkun, whose feat is made even more remarkable by the fact he lost an arm at the age of 12.
And finally …
Did you hear about Hongkonger Hansen Wong, who’s living the dream and is on first name terms with NBA royalty?
Or what about the Chinese NBA and CBA champion whose former teams have decided to retire his jersey?
Meanwhile, Hong Kong men’s national football team manager Ashley Westwood’s praise for his players after their midweek victory.


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Mohamed Salah’s ‘last’ Liverpool-Manchester United clash, Luke Littler’s crowning moment

Football derbies, rivalries and why El Clasico will never be the same as an Old Firm clash

While you were sleeping

Cristiano Ronaldo at the double, Paul Pogba leaves Juventus, while Ireland beat Argentina

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring during Portugal’s 5-1 victory over Poland in the Uefa Nations League. Photo: EPA

Paul Pogba’s contract with Juventus has been terminated, bringing an end to his second spell in Turin. Photo: AFP

Argentina’s Juan Cruz Mallia races through to score his side’s first try in a thrilling defeat to Ireland in Dublin. Photo: AP

Hong Kong ‘playing football the right way’, as head coach Westwood seeks third straight win

Everton Camargo rolls home Hong Kong’s second goal against the Philippines. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong fans have been won over by head coach Ashley Westwood and striker Matt Orr. Photo: Edmond So

Striker Orr is in a rich vein of form for his club and for the Hong Kong team. Photo: Edmond So

Meet Hongkonger Hansen Wong, the Indiana Pacer on first-name terms with NBA’s biggest stars

Hansen Wong (middle) started working for the Pacers as a video intern. Photo: Handout

Hansen Wong (fourth from left) says he see things from the coaches’ perspective too. Photo: Handout

Sport

Football

Your Friday night sports new round-up which includes Uefa Nations League, BJK Cup and a thrilling rugby union Test


Your Friday night sports new round-up which includes Uefa Nations League, BJK Cup and a thrilling rugby union Test.
