China fans have ‘no hope’, Raygun is world No 1, what happened overnight in world of sport
Defeat at home to Saudi Arabia sparks expected backlash on social media, Harry Kane hits 100 milestone, Pochettino is new US boss
The emotional turmoil of sport does raise the question of why we love it so. For every soaring high there is a heartbreaking low, tears fall with joy as well as sorrow – at least they do for those invested heavily enough in the fortunes of their favourite team or athlete.
It also sparks countless hours of debate over decisions that deny success or secure it, over who was the best, or worst, across generations, and whether the game as it is now is a shadow of what it once was.
Heavy philosophical stuff for a Tuesday morning, but all themes that cropped up while you were sleeping.
It’s the hope that kills you
The fact China fans still care enough about the team to boo after the entirely predictable loss to Saudi Arabia should be of some small source of comfort to manager Branko Ivankovic and his bosses on the mainland.
“There are still eight games left,” Ivankovic said. “This game was a little better than the previous one. We still have hope in the upcoming matches.”
How much hope there is among supporters is debatable – hashtags “Chinese football. No hope” and “Ivankovic step down” began trending on social media platform Weibo minutes after the final whistle – but at least they cared enough to post.
A golden celebration
England captain Harry Kane made his 100th senior international appearance against Finland in the Nations League – and scored both goals in a 2-0 win over pretty feeble opposition.
