Thagard

After heroically defending , we succomb to a Casteels decisive pass.

There were close relations in the Medieval times when both countries (well Romania was split in 3 voivodeships) fought Turkye to preserve their independence. As Bulgaria fell under Ottoman rule at the end of the 14th century, Romanians finally earned their independence from Turks in 1878 while fighting them on Bulgarian soil. However after interviening in the Balkan Wars (1913) against Bulgaria and in favor of the other Balkan countries, Romania was given southern Dobrogea, which fueled Bulgarian strong feelings against Romania until 1940 when that territory was given back to Bulgaria. Apart from some rivalry that exist as between neighbours, at present day it seems the relations tend to get closer as both countries have same political objectives like successful integration in EU.

Antoni Kowalski looking to get the same achievement and reach the main tour in the final of the qualifying school 2 event today.

Kolkata Knight Riders wins this year IPL impressively beating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets: 114/2 (10.3) Vs 113/10 (18.3). Rajasthan Royals ended their road in the semifinals to the Sunrisers after defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the last team qualified for the playoffs.

So, today's final marks Switzerland 's fourth attempt to win the Championship having failed so far , a journey which started in 1935 when they were runners-up to Canada. I wonder if they write history today. Being no expert in ice hockey I sense a huge sympathy for the Czechs tough. I also wonder if YouTube let me watch it, the last match free to watch for me was in the group stage...

I dare say Aitana Bonmati is the best female player in the world at this moment.

Team sports for me this week: Football UEFA Europa League final today UEFA Women's Champions League final Romanian league system playoffs and playouts (1st to 3rd divisions) AFC Champions final 2nd leg (routing for Al Ain) I'll try to get live action also from CAF Champions League final 2nd leg Handball EHF European League final four Basketball Euro league final four Ice Hockey World Championship semis and final Cricket IPL playoffs and final - but chances to watch that is close to zero. @Josh you're an inspiration

With South Korea beating Slovenia which is a surprise for me and Hungary beating Japan (normal result) looks like Romania will once more fight for survival against Japan. If no other surprises occur. Romania is already trailing the hosts Italy 1-4 after the 2nd period.

All matches are live on YouTube.

Women Handball Olympic qualifiers and Women Basketball Euroleague Final Four semis today (both on YouTube)

Concacaf Women Gold Cup quarter finals and Pakistan Super League cricket for me this weekend. Rest of the time needed for 😴 so I pretty much missed anything else.

Concacaf Women's Gold Cup tonight. Watched Paraguay upset Costa Rica with a pace change in 2nd half and right now crowed supported El Salvador tries to get something out of their match against Canada in Group C fixture in Houston . PS: Canada only needed a few minutes while I post this, to increase its advantage to 3-0 so I guess no more a contest this match.

Did NBA switch to darts for a change? East - West 211 - 186

What a pity for Jordan. They had great chances and imagine the impact if that ball placed with the heel would have found the net! But of course the refs made more than possible that Qatar would win. One thing though I don't understand. Are Iraq and Jordan that much rivals in football? Because I suspect there is a certain amount of rivalry between every Arab nation but this as you put it it means more than that to me.

Much awaited final! These two giants have never met in a Cup of Nations final or 3rd place match. Will Nigeria prevail again as in the early group stage match? This will certainly be a lot harder for them than back on January 18th with the hosts backed by confidence and the entire nation.