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Inspired Italy Come Back from Early Blow to Stun France in Paris, 3-1

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Italy staged a remarkable comeback to defeat France 3-1 in their UEFA Nations League opener at the Parc des Princes, overcoming a record-breaking early goal by the hosts.

Bradley Barcola etched his name in French football history by scoring just 12 seconds into the match, the fastest goal ever netted by Les Bleus. The young forward capitalized on a defensive lapse by Giovanni Di Lorenzo, intercepting the ball and slotting home his first international goal.

Despite this setback, Italy quickly regained composure and nearly equalized minutes later when Davide Frattesi’s close-range header struck the crossbar following Andrea Cambiaso’s clever play at the far post.

The Azzurri’s persistence paid off on the half-hour mark with a spectacular equalizer. Federico Dimarco and Sandro Tonali combined brilliantly on the edge of the area, culminating in Dimarco’s thunderous volley that soared past goalkeeper Mike Maignan into the top corner.

Luciano Spalletti’s side maintained their momentum into the second half, taking the lead shortly after the restart. Mateo Retegui provided the assist for Frattesi, who made amends for his earlier miss by sliding the ball home at the far post.

Italy sealed their victory with a third goal, courtesy of substitutes Destiny Udogie and Giacomo Raspadori. Udogie’s precise pass found Raspadori, who calmly slotted home his first international goal on foreign soil in almost two years.

This result continues France’s recent struggles in the Nations League, with just one win in their last seven matches in the competition — a stark contrast to their triumph in the tournament’s 2021 edition.

For Italy, the victory marks their first-ever win in a Nations League opener, providing a positive start to their campaign and a significant boost for Spalletti’s tenure as national team coach. The match highlighted Italy’s resilience and tactical adaptability, while raising questions about France’s form in recent international competitions. As both teams look ahead to future fixtures, this result could prove pivotal.

British Prime Minister Starmer to Meet with Biden at the White House

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President Joe Biden is set to welcome British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the White House next Friday for high-level discussions, the White House announced. This meeting, marking Starmer’s second visit since his election earlier this summer, underscores the close alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the Oval Office talks will cover a range of pressing international issues. Key topics on the agenda include continued Western support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian invasion, ongoing efforts to secure a hostage release and cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, addressing threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea posed by the Iranian-backed Houthi group, and shared concerns regarding the Indo-Pacific region.

This meeting comes at a crucial time as Biden seeks to bolster international engagement in the final months of his current term. The talks also take place against the backdrop of heightened global attention on the U.S. presidential race between Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump.

Starmer’s visit follows his previous trip to Washington two months ago, where he held one-on-one discussions with Biden during the NATO Summit. This rapid succession of meetings highlights the importance both nations place on maintaining strong transatlantic ties.

The upcoming talks are expected to reaffirm the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom, a partnership that has been pivotal in addressing global challenges. As both leaders face domestic political pressures, this meeting provides an opportunity to demonstrate unity on the international stage.

The discussion on Ukraine is particularly timely, as Western allies continue to grapple with sustaining long-term support for Kyiv. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and its regional implications are also likely to feature prominently in the talks.

Woman Kills Her Three Children and Herself in Vehicle, Officials Report

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A tragic murder-suicide involving a mother and her three young children has been confirmed by Weber County officials in Utah. Lt. Terance Lavely announced on Friday that Maribel Ibarra, 32, shot her children before taking her own life in a vehicle parked in West Haven.

The victims, aged 4, 2, and 1, were found in the cargo area of Ibarra’s vehicle. Officials have not released the names of the children. The firearm used in the incident was recovered from the scene.

Investigators reached their conclusion based on a comprehensive analysis of video evidence, physical evidence at the scene, witness statements, and interviews with family members. However, Lt. Lavely indicated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the tragic event, though he cautioned that a definitive answer might not be found.

In a written statement provided to reporters, Ibarra’s family expressed their “deep sorrow” for the loss of those they described as “the light of our lives.” The family’s statement revealed their shock at the incident, stating, “As a family, we unfortunately knew nothing about her mental health. We always saw her as a loving mother, which makes this so shocking for us.”

The family’s statement continued, “This pain is something we wish no one would ever have to go through,” highlighting the devastating impact of the tragedy on the extended family and community.

A neighbor, Darren King, told local news station KSL-TV that Ibarra had recently moved back in with her father, who had lost his wife of 50 years this summer. King emphasized the close relationship between Ibarra’s father and his grandchildren, stating, “His grandkids were his life.”

This incident has sent shockwaves through the West Haven community and raised concerns about mental health awareness and support for families. Local authorities are expected to provide resources and counseling services to those affected by this tragedy.

As the investigation continues, officials urge anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in understanding the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event.

Prince Hisahito Becomes First Male Japanese Royal to Reach Adulthood in Four Decades

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Prince Hisahito, nephew of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, marked a significant milestone for the imperial family on Friday as he turned 18, becoming the first male royal to reach adulthood in nearly 40 years. This event highlights both the traditions and challenges facing Japan’s 1,500-year-old monarchy.

Prince Hisahito

Hisahito’s coming of age is particularly noteworthy as he is currently the only male heir of his generation in the imperial family. His father, Crown Prince Akishino, was the last male royal to reach adulthood in 1985.

The prince’s birthday underscores the succession issues confronting the world’s oldest continuing hereditary monarchy. Japan’s imperial family now consists of just 17 adult members, with only four men. This demographic challenge mirrors Japan’s broader societal issues of an aging and shrinking population.

Under the Imperial House Law of 1947, which largely preserves pre-war conservative family values, only males can ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne. This law also requires female royals who marry commoners to forfeit their imperial status, further reducing the family’s numbers.

Prince Hisahito as child

The succession issue has sparked debate in Japan. Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is popular among the public as a potential future empress. However, the current law prohibits her succession despite her direct lineage.

The succession line places Emperor Naruhito first, followed by his brother Crown Prince Akishino, with Prince Hisahito third in line. This situation has prompted discussions about potential changes to the succession laws.

In his birthday statement, Prince Hisahito expressed a desire to “cherish my remaining time in high school.” The young prince has shown a keen interest in science, particularly entomology, and has co-authored an academic paper on dragonflies found on the grounds of his Tokyo residence.

Prince Hisahito as a baby

The Japanese government has been grappling with ways to ensure stable imperial succession. A panel of experts recommended in January 2022 that female royals be allowed to retain their status after marriage to commoners. They also suggested adopting male descendants from former branches of the imperial family to maintain the male lineage.

Critics argue that these measures would have limited impact as long as male-only succession is maintained, pointing out that the system was historically sustained through the use of concubines in pre-modern times.

As Japan’s royal family faces these succession challenges, Prince Hisahito’s 18th birthday serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving tradition and adapting to modern realities in one of the world’s most enduring monarchies.

apnews.com

USMNT Set for Fan Appreciation Match Against Canada in Kansas City

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The U.S. Men’s National Team is preparing to host Canada in a Fan Appreciation Match on Saturday, September 7, at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The friendly encounter, kicking off at 4 p.m. ET, marks the first non-competitive meeting between these North American rivals since 2016.

Broadcast coverage of the match will be extensive, with TBS, Telemundo, Universo, Max, Peacock, and Fútbol de Primera Radio all carrying the game. Fans can also follow the action through U.S. Soccer’s official social media channels and mobile app.

As part of the Fan Appreciation theme, the event will feature interactive fan activations, opportunities to win prizes, and food and drink specials, including the “Dollar Delights” promotion. These efforts aim to enhance the fan experience and showcase the USMNT’s gratitude for supporter loyalty.

U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter has assembled a 24-man roster with an average age of 24 years and 180 days, reflecting a blend of youth and experience. The squad averages 20 caps per player and represents clubs from 11 different countries, highlighting the global reach of American soccer talent.

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan leads the team with 71 caps, while 14 players aged 23 or younger have been included, signaling a focus on the future. Notable young talents such as Yunus Musah (AC Milan) and Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven) are expected to play key roles. The roster also features two uncapped players: defender Marlon Fossey from Standard Liege and goalkeeper Diego Kochen from FC Barcelona II.

A late change to the roster saw Chivas midfielder Cade Cowell, 20, added to replace Gio Reyna, who departed due to a left groin strain. Cowell brings additional attacking depth, having scored three goals and provided three assists in six matches for Chivas in the Apertura campaign.

Historically, the U.S. holds a 17-11-12 all-time record against Canada. Their last friendly encounter in 2016 resulted in a 1-0 U.S. victory in Carson, California. More recently, the teams clashed twice in 2023 Concacaf competitions, with the USMNT securing victories in both the Nations League final and Gold Cup semifinal.

Children’s Mercy Park has been a stronghold for the USMNT, where they boast an unbeaten 8-0-2 record. Over 13 years, the team has scored 20 goals while conceding only two at this venue, making it one of their most successful home grounds.

For Canada, this match represents their first outing since finishing fourth at the 2023 Copa América. Under new manager Jesse Marsch, appointed in May 2024, Canada will look to build on their recent international performances. Marsch, formerly of Leeds United and RB Leipzig, brings high-level club experience to the national team setup.

Key players to watch for the U.S. include Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Folarin Balogun, who have all started the European club season in good form. Canada’s attack will likely feature Jonathan David of Lille and veteran Cyle Larin of Mallorca, who have netted 28 and 29 international goals respectively.

This friendly serves as crucial preparation for both sides ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. It provides an opportunity for coaches to assess their squads in a high-profile setting and for players to stake their claims for regular starting positions.

The match also underscores the growing rivalry between these Concacaf nations, both of whom are looking to assert themselves as regional powerhouses in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which they will co-host along with Mexico.

France and Italy Set to Clash in UEFA Nations League Opener

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European football giants France and Italy are poised to face off in their UEFA Nations League opener on Friday night at Parc des Princes, as both teams look to rebound from disappointing Euro 2024 campaigns.

France, who exited the Euros in the semi-finals against eventual champions Spain, will be eager to reassert their dominance under long-serving coach Didier Deschamps. The 2018 World Cup winners and 2021 Nations League champions finished a surprising third in their group during the last Nations League campaign, a performance they can ill afford to repeat.

Italy, meanwhile, enters the match still smarting from their lackluster title defense at Euro 2024, where they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Switzerland. Coach Luciano Spalletti has spoken of bringing “clarity and consistency” to the squad, signaling potential changes in personnel and tactics.

Team News:

France’s squad sees some notable changes, with Adrien Rabiot and Benjamin Pavard dropped. Rising star Michael Olise receives his first call-up after an impressive showing at the Olympics. Manu Kone could make his senior debut, while Loic Bade replaces the withdrawn Wesley Fofana. Lucas Digne and Matteo Guendouzi have been added as late replacements for Ferland Mendy and midfield cover, respectively.

Italy faces the absence of striker Gianluca Scamacca due to an ACL injury and midfielder Nicolo Barella following sinus surgery. Eight players from the Euro 2024 squad have been omitted, including Gianluca Mancini and Jorginho. Marco Brescianini and Caleb Okoli receive their first call-ups, while Destiny Udogie, Moise Kean, and Sandro Tonali return to the fold.

Tactical Considerations:

Deschamps is likely to maintain his preferred 4-3-3 formation, potentially featuring an attacking trident of Ousmane Dembele, Marcus Thuram, and captain Kylian Mbappe.

Spalletti has indicated a preference for a back three system, possibly deploying a 3-5-2 with Giacomo Raspadori and in-form Mateo Retegui leading the line.

Possible Starting Lineups:

France (4-3-3): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Konate, T. Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Thuram, Mbappe

Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Ricci, Tonali, Frattesi, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui

Historical Context:

This match marks the first competitive encounter between these footballing powerhouses in 16 years, rekindling memories of their iconic 2006 World Cup final. France has won the last three friendly meetings, but competitive fixtures often bring out the best in the Azzurri.

The Nations League Context:

Both teams are keenly aware of the stakes in this new Nations League campaign. The bottom-placed team in each group faces automatic relegation, while third-placed teams must navigate a playoff to avoid dropping to League B. The top two finishers will qualify for the newly introduced quarter-final round.

With Belgium and Israel completing Group 2, both France and Italy will be eager to start their campaigns on a positive note, setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive group stage.

Preview of Brazil vs. Ecuador Crucial World Cup Qualifier

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Brazil and Ecuador are set to clash in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier, with both teams grappling with significant roster challenges due to injuries and suspensions.

The five-time World Cup champions, Brazil, face a notable void in their attack with the absence of Neymar. The Al-Hilal forward continues his recovery from a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in October 2023, leaving a significant gap in the Seleção’s offensive lineup.

Brazil’s squad has been further depleted by the withdrawals of Borussia Dortmund’s Yan Couto and Manchester City’s Savinho. Both players, who were teammates at Girona last season, have been forced to pull out of coach Dorival’s squad due to undisclosed injuries.

In a bold move, Dorival has called up 17-year-old Palmeiras sensation Estevao Willian. The young attacker, already set for a high-profile move to Chelsea next summer, could make his international debut in this crucial qualifier.

With Barcelona winger Raphinha sidelined due to suspension, Dorival is considering an all-Real Madrid forward line. This potent attacking trio could feature Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, and the highly-touted Endrick, showcasing the depth of Brazil’s offensive talent pool.

Ecuador, meanwhile, faces its own set of challenges. The team will be without defender Christian Ramirez, who was forced to withdraw after sustaining an ankle injury during Ferencvaros’ Europa League qualifying match against Borac. This loss in the backline could prove significant against Brazil’s formidable attack.

However, Ecuador receives a timely boost with the return of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Pervis Estupinan. The dynamic fullback, who has been absent from international duty since March 2023 due to injury, is expected to slot directly into the starting lineup, providing both defensive stability and attacking impetus from the left flank.

Leading Ecuador’s offensive charge will be their all-time top scorer, Enner Valencia. The veteran striker, with an impressive tally of 41 international goals, will look to exploit any weaknesses in Brazil’s defense and add to his record-breaking goal count.

Possible starting lineups:

Brazil (4-3-3): Alisson; Danilo, Militao, Gabriel, Arana; Andre, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Endrick

Ecuador (4-3-3): Galindez; Preciado, Hincapie, Pacho, Estupinan; Caicedo, Franco, Gruezo; Paez, Sarmiento, Valencia

This World Cup qualifier not only carries significant implications for both teams’ paths to the tournament but also serves as a litmus test for their depth and tactical flexibility. Brazil’s star-studded squad will aim to overcome the absence of Neymar and assert their dominance, while Ecuador, buoyed by home advantage and the return of key players, will look to cause an upset against the South American giants.

The match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle, with both coaches forced to adapt their strategies in light of the personnel changes. As the road to the World Cup intensifies, this fixture could prove pivotal in shaping the qualifying landscape in South America.

US-Turkish Citizen Dies After Being Shot at West Bank Protest

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A dual U.S.-Turkish citizen participating in a protest against Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank died Friday after being shot in the head by Israeli troops, according to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

The U.S. State Department and Turkey’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi. Turkey’s ministry described the incident as a “murder carried out by the Netanyahu government.”

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, “We are aware of the tragic death of an American citizen, Aysenur Eygi, today in the West Bank. We are urgently gathering more information about the circumstances of her death.”

The Israeli military stated it was investigating the report.

Fouad Nafaa, head of Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, told Reuters that Eygi arrived at the hospital in critical condition with a serious head injury. Despite resuscitation attempts, she did not survive.

WAFA reported that the incident occurred during a regular protest march by activists in Beita, a town near Nablus that has experienced repeated attacks by nationalist Jewish settlers.

The shooting comes amid rising tensions in the West Bank, with increasing violent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian villages drawing criticism from Western allies, including the United States, which has imposed sanctions on several individuals.

The Israeli government recently promised swift action against anyone found guilty of violence following a settler attack on the village of Jit. Palestinians and human rights groups frequently accuse Israeli forces of failing to prevent or even participating in such attacks.

Kenya Suffers Second Major Blackout in Week, 70% of Power Restored

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Kenya experienced its second major power outage in a week on Friday, with electricity restored to 70% of customers by late afternoon, according to national distributor Kenya Power and Energy Minister Opiyo Wandayi.

The blackout, which affected several regions of East Africa’s biggest economy, was caused by a series of technical failures in the power grid. Wandayi explained in a statement that a transmission line tripped at a substation, followed by a second trip on the Ethiopia-Kenya high voltage transmission line.

“The loss of 488MW, accounting for 27.3% of the total generation, resulted in cascade failure and a partial collapse of the grid,” Wandayi said. He acknowledged long-standing infrastructure issues, stating, “What we are witnessing today has built up over time and is a result of sub-optimal investment in infrastructure.”

This outage follows another hours-long blackout on Aug. 30. Kenya has suffered a series of power cuts over the last year, including one that plunged Nairobi’s main airport into darkness.

The recurring nature of these blackouts highlights ongoing challenges in Kenya’s power sector, raising concerns about the country’s energy security and the need for infrastructure improvements.

China Not Pushing Africa into Debt Trap, South African President Says

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rejected claims that Chinese investments are driving African nations into a “debt trap,” describing the relationship instead as mutually beneficial. Ramaphosa made these remarks on Thursday on the sidelines of a major China-Africa summit in Beijing, which brought together delegates from over 50 African countries.

“I don’t necessarily buy the notion that when China (invests), it is with an intention of, in the end, ensuring that those countries end up in a debt trap or in a debt crisis,” Ramaphosa stated when questioned about China’s new $51 billion funding pledge for Africa announced at the summit.

The summit saw China commit to this substantial financial support over a three-year period, along with a promise to triple its infrastructure projects across the resource-rich African continent. This increased engagement comes as Africa has become a focal point of intense geopolitical competition among global powers, including China, Europe, and the United States in recent years.

Ramaphosa’s comments seek to address concerns raised by some Western countries and international financial institutions about the sustainability of Chinese loans to African nations. Critics have argued that China’s lending practices could lead to unsustainable debt levels in some African countries, potentially giving Beijing undue influence over these nations.

The South African leader also revealed that his country had reached an agreement with China on aspects of energy security, though he did not provide specific details. Ramaphosa expressed interest in learning from China’s experience in reforming its energy sector, stating, “They already have done exactly what we are seeking to do. So there are lessons for us to learn from China and how to do it.”

This interest in Chinese expertise comes as South Africa grapples with persistent rolling power blackouts that have significantly hampered economic growth. The country’s state-owned power utility, Eskom, has struggled to meet electricity demand, leading to frequent load-shedding that has negatively impacted businesses and households alike.

In addition to energy cooperation, Ramaphosa indicated South Africa’s intention to attract Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, including BYD, China’s largest electric vehicle producer. “We had good exchanges with BYD, which has shown a great interest to come and invest in South Africa,” he said. This potential investment aligns with South Africa’s efforts to modernize its automotive industry and reduce carbon emissions.

The summit and Ramaphosa’s comments highlight the growing economic ties between China and African nations. China has become Africa’s largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign direct investment in recent years. Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure development strategy, has further deepened Chinese engagement across the continent.

While Ramaphosa’s statements reflect a positive view of China-Africa relations, the topic remains contentious in international discourse. As African nations continue to seek development financing and infrastructure investments, the debate over the long-term implications of Chinese involvement in Africa is likely to persist.

Reuters

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