Rhys Norrington-Davies’ stoppage-time equaliser is cancelled out by Weghorst’s dramatic header in a 2-1 defeat

Wales’ impressive unbeaten home streak was brought to a heartbreaking end in Cardiff as Wout Weghorst netted a last-minute header to give the Netherlands a 2-1 win in their Nations League clash.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Rhys Norrington-Davies’ dramatic stoppage-time header had cancelled out Teun Koopmeiners’ opener, putting Wales on the brink of extending their unbeaten home run to 20 matches. However, the Netherlands responded immediately, and Weghorst’s powerful header sealed their victory in the dying moments, inflicting Wales’ first home defeat since November 2018.

The match came just days after Wales had celebrated qualifying for their first World Cup in 64 years, and the energy of that achievement seemed to carry over into this encounter, with both teams fielding weakened line-ups. The Netherlands made a full 11 changes from their 4-1 win over Belgium, while Wales, still buoyed by their play-off victory against Ukraine, were also missing key players.

Wales’ captain for the day, Ben Davies, was one of the few survivors from the weekend’s World Cup play-off, with Gareth Bale only coming on for the final 13 minutes. Despite the squad rotation, the intensity of the game lacked the usual competitive edge, often resembling a friendly rather than a crucial Nations League tie.

The Netherlands started with a new-look team, absent from several big names, including Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who had been granted early leave to begin his summer break. However, despite the changes, the Dutch were in fine form, stretching their unbeaten run under Louis van Gaal to 10 matches. Their dominance in possession (62%) was evident, but Wales defended resolutely, with Chris Mepham and Ben Davies making vital tackles to keep the score level at half-time.

In the second half, the Netherlands came out with more purpose, and Koopmeiners’ early attempt forced a save from Wales’ substitute goalkeeper Adam Davies. However, it was the Dutch midfielder’s low strike that eventually broke the deadlock. Wales responded with Norrington-Davies’ stunning header to level things up, but Weghorst’s late intervention ensured the Netherlands maintained their perfect record in this fixture.

The defeat marked Wales’ second Nations League loss in as many games, following their earlier setback in Poland. Despite the disappointment, manager Robert Page will be hoping his side can bounce back as they continue their busy schedule, with several fixtures remaining in the space of just two weeks.

In a gripping three-hour encounter, the seven-time champion’s comeback ends in a narrow defeat to debutant Tan.

Serena Williams’ highly anticipated return to Wimbledon ended in heartache as she was defeated by French qualifier Harmony Tan in a thrilling, marathon encounter. After a year away from singles action, Williams pushed through an emotional and intense three-hour battle, only to fall 7-5 1-6 7-6 (10-7) in a tie-break after an unforgettable match on Centre Court.

A year ago, Williams’ Wimbledon campaign ended abruptly in the first round when she was forced to retire after a fall on the same hallowed court. This time, however, she appeared determined to make a statement. Despite the absence of regular match play, having partnered with Ons Jabeur in doubles at Eastbourne, the American champion found herself tested right from the start. Williams was broken early, but quickly settled into her rhythm and clawed her way back into the contest. She looked poised to take control when she broke Tan’s serve to lead 4-2 in the opening set.

However, Tan, who was playing in her first-ever main-draw Wimbledon match, wasn’t intimidated. She responded with a break back and managed to serve out the set 7-5, despite facing a break point in the final game. It was a critical turning point, and from that moment, it was clear that Williams’ road to victory was going to be a lot harder than expected.

In the second set, the match took on an increasingly dramatic tone. Williams appeared to have the upper hand, especially after a staggering 20-minute, 12-deuce game where she finally converted a break point to lead 3-2. From there, she surged to a 5-0 lead, and though Tan managed to avoid a “bagel,” the American levelled the match with a 6-1 scoreline, much to the crowd’s relief.

But the third set would prove to be the true test of endurance. Williams broke early, but Tan quickly restored parity. As the match entered its final stages, the drama intensified. With both players visibly exhausted, the momentum shifted back and forth. Tan saved a match point at 5-4 down, and the tension in the air was palpable as the match teetered on a knife-edge.

A tie-break ensued, and Williams, with her experience and champion’s mentality, led 4-0. But it was clear that her energy reserves were running low. The unforced errors started to creep in, and Tan capitalised on this, reeling off five consecutive points to win the match. With a brilliant forehand winner, Tan sealed her victory and completed an improbable upset on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

For Williams, the result raises questions about what the future holds. If this is indeed her final Wimbledon appearance, she will leave with her head held high, having given everything in a match that had the Centre Court crowd on the edge of their seats. It was not the fairytale ending she may have hoped for, but the 40-year-old American showed she still has the fight that has earned her seven Wimbledon titles.

“I’ve always kept that [retirement] in the back of my mind,” Williams said, reflecting on her forced withdrawal from last year’s tournament. “But I’m here and still playing with all my heart.”

Though this defeat may be a setback, Williams’ legacy remains firmly intact. Whether she chooses to continue or this marks her Wimbledon swansong, her return to the court showed she still possesses the fierce determination that has defined her remarkable career.

PSG star’s new contract propels his worth to £175m, ahead of Vinícius Júnior and Haaland, according to leading study

Kylian Mbappé has been named the world’s most valuable football player, according to an in-depth study by the CIES Football Observatory. The French forward, who recently signed a lucrative three-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain, now holds an estimated value of £175 million—well above his competitors in the global rankings.

The study, which factors in elements such as player performance, age, and contract length, has seen Mbappé’s worth soar following his decision to remain at PSG, rejecting a move to Real Madrid. The new contract extension has significantly boosted his market value.

Behind him in second place is Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, valued at £158 million, followed by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who is worth £129.5 million. Haaland, the Premier League’s highest-rated player, completes the top three, with his value notably exceeding the £51 million City paid to secure his services.

Barcelona’s Pedri (£115 million) and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham (£113.5 million) round out the top five. Other notable players in the top ten include Phil Foden (£105 million), Liverpool’s Luis Díaz (£93.5 million), and Manchester City’s Ruben Dias (£93 million).

The Premier League dominates the list with 41 players in the top 100, and this number is expected to rise further as clubs eye high-profile acquisitions in the upcoming transfer windows. Notably, Chelsea and Tottenham are reportedly targeting Josko Gvardiol, currently playing for RB Leipzig. Gvardiol is ranked as the second-most valuable centre-back globally, valued at £85 million, just behind Dias.