Ovechkin, being given a special prize for pushing Russian soft power abroad during a propagandist pro-war celebration on Russian TV, with war veterans in attendance:
"I always remember whom I represent. Russia is the best. We are the champions. I love and support you all."
In the 1970s, displaying Ukrainian symbols in the USSR was risky.
But Ukrainians abroad kept their identity alive. The Winnipeg Cossacks proudly wore their Ukrainian heritage for all to see.
🧵 1/5 ⬇️
The anthems for the World Cup — including Canada's opener next Friday- will look different from those in the past.
The subs will be part of a much longer line in the centre of the pitch, with massive flags alongside.
#CanMNT
https://t.co/H07RZQVM1u
🇪🇪🇱🇻🇱🇹 The Baltic Cup returns this week for its 30th edition, with the Faroe Islands once again taking part as a guest nation.
The competition was created in 1928 after Estonia repeatedly declared themselves the best footballing nation in the Baltics, leading to the creation of a tournament to settle the debate.
Nearly a century later, it remains the oldest active international football tournament in the world. Only the Home Nations Championship is older, although that competition is no longer played.
Poland and Finland were originally invited to participate. Poland have never taken part, while Finland did not make their debut until 2012.
Latvia are the most successful nation with 13 titles, while Estonia enter as reigning champions after ending an 83-year wait for the trophy in 2024.
Now, just days before the World Cup begins, the Baltic Cup returns for its 30th tournament
Aryna Sabalenka in press after losing to Diana Shnaider at Roland Garros:
"No thoughts, no emotion. I want to quit tennis right now. We'll see in a few days. Hopefully I can get back on track mentally" 💔
(via @Tennis_Majors)
🚨
🏟️ UEFA decided to change the home field advantage rule in Play-offs for major tournaments!
Until now, the hosts of the Play-off finals were randomly drawn.
This ended up forcing Pot 1 teams like 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇹🇷 Türkiye to play the PO finals in WC 2026 qualifiers away from home.
🇮🇹 Italy and 🇩🇰 Denmark LOST those away games which cost them a spot at the 🌎 World Cup.
❗️ Under the new rules, Pot 1 teams will be guaranteed hosting both the Semifinal and the Final of Play-offs for major tournaments!
Trump's aim now is to get Ukraine's drone tech by withholding the Patriot air defense ammo and pass that tech to his sons' newly setup companies.
Anyone doubting that Trump's kids will immediately pass that drone tech to the Russians is smoking crack.
Having now read this article- it is absolutely diabolical. This fraudster has manufactured his position to be that of an unwavering Ukrainian patriot- EVEN in 2014. Don’t give him a platform for historical revisionism