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Preview of the Recopa Sudamericana: Lanús vs. Flamengo in the Continental Champions’ Battle

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Preview of the Recopa Sudamericana: Lanús vs. Flamengo in the Continental Champions’ Battle

The 2026 Recopa Sudamericana final will take place on Thursday evening as Argentine side Lanus host Brazilian side Flamengo in the first leg of the final.

This competition is unique as it replicates the old, historical Copa Libertadores format, which featured a two-leg final.

The Recopa Sudamericana is the only competition still standing in the traditional two-legged finals format, preserving a piece of South American football history in an era that has moved towards one-off showpiece events.

The last meeting between these teams was back in 2012 in the Copa Libertadores. The first match in the group stage saw Lanus draw 1-1 against Flamengo, before the Rio de Janeiro side ran out 3-0 winners at home in the second leg.

However, despite that emphatic win, Flamengo were eliminated at the group stage and failed to make any further progress in the competition.

Lanus, meanwhile, progressed to the knockout rounds but was eventually eliminated in the next round, losing on penalties to Flamengo’s bitter rival Vasco da Gama.

Lanus

Lanús won the Copa Sudamericana and advanced to the finals of the Recopa Sudamericana. They progressed through the group stage, topping their group, before eliminating Central Córdoba, Fluminense and Universidad de Chile en route to the final.

In the final, they faced Atlético Mineiro, and after a tense and cagey contest ended 0–0, Lanus won 5-4 on penalties. It was a match that lacked quality in front of goal but was brought to life by the exciting atmosphere in Asuncion created by the Argentine and Brazilian supporters.

In 2026, Lanus played six matches, winning three, drawing two and losing one. However, their recent form has not been as strong as they had hoped, with two draws and a defeat in their last three matches.

Heading into this match, they faced Independiente and lost 2–0, with both goals coming in the second half in a disappointing performance.

Lanus have participated in the competition once before, following their Copa Sudamericana victory in 2013. On that occasion, they faced Atlético Mineiro in the Recopa Sudamericana but lost 5–3 on aggregate after extra time.

It was a hard-fought tie, but eventually the quality of the Brazilian team proved decisive, denying Lanus the chance to add another continental title to their history.

Nevertheless, Lanus will feel confident going into this final after already beating Vasco da Gama to secure top spot in their group and defeating Fluminense in the Copa Sudamericana last season. They will now hope to add Flamengo to that list and further strengthen an already historic run for the club.

LANUS TEAM NEWS

Lanus rested several key players in their recent matches, with Marcelino Moreno and Rodrigo Castillo both resting against Independiente as the club prioritised its push for silverware.

Both players are expected to return to the starting lineup, and head coach Mauricio Pellegrino has nearly a full squad.

The only absentee is Raul Loiza, who is sidelined as he recovers from a knee injury.

Flamengo

Flamengo are the current holders of the Copa Libertadores, having secured their place in the competition. They also participated in the 2025 Intercontinental Cup, but Paris Saint-Germain defeated them in a penalty shootout.

Their launch in 2026, however, did not go entirely to plan. They lost 2–0 to Corinthians in Brasilia in the Supercopa do Brasil. Their league campaign also started below expectations, with a 2–1 defeat to São Paulo in their opening match, followed by a disappointing 1–1 draw against Internazionale.

They had some redemption in their third league match, as they showed signs of improvement, winning 2-1 at Vitoria.

Most recently, Flamengo beat bitter rivals Botafogo 2-1 to book their place in the semi-finals of the Campeonato Carioca. Goals from Lucas Paqueta, the most expensive signing in Brazilian football history, and Erik Pulgar sealed an important victory and provided a timely boost of confidence ahead of the Recopa Sudamericana final.

In 2025, Rubro Negro progressed through their Copa Libertadores group stage, finishing second in Group C ahead of Argentine side Central Córdoba on goal difference.

They then reached the finals after defeating Internacional, Estudiantes, and Racing in the knockout rounds.

In the final, they faced Palmeiras and secured a 1–0 win over Lima, with a decisive header from Danilo proving the difference and seal. Flamengo once again claimed the title of South American champions.

Flamengo has a solid record against Argentinian opposition. Across 76 matches against Argentine sides, they have won 33, drawn 23 and lost 20.

Flamengo previously won the competition at the 2020 Recopa Sudamericana, defeating Independiente del Valle 5–2 on aggregate to lift the trophy.

However, Independiente del Valle exacted their revenge in the 2023 edition. After the tie ended 1-1, the Ecuador team won the penalty shootout.

Flamengo Team News

Flamengo received some positive injury news before the match. Pedro, who complained of discomfort after their recent Carioca game, has been ruled out of any serious injury and is available for selection by Felipe Luis.

Uruguayan full-back Guillermo Varela also returns after recovering from an ankle problem, giving the squad another boost.

Jorginho and Saul are the only unavailable players for the Rubro-Negro, as they continue their recovery.

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Paris prosecutors launch two investigations into Epstein and call on victims to come forward

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Paris prosecutors launch two investigations into Epstein and call on victims to come forward

Paris prosecutors launched two new investigations.

Paris—Paris prosecutors launched two new investigations into possible sex abuse crimes and related financial wrongdoing on Wednesday. Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of millions of files on the millionaire financier and convicted sex offender, urged additional potential victims to come forward.

Paris prosecutor Laurence Becuau said efforts were being made to use it in the investigation. The US administration’s released files, media reports, and newly filed complaints all contribute to the investigation.

“All that data … some will highlight others to be able to get a well-informed, very comprehensive, panoramic view,” Becu said on France Info news broadcaster.

One investigation will focus on sexual exploitation crimes, the other on financial irregularities, each involving a special magistrate, he said.

The move comes after the US Justice Department released more than 3 million pages of documents as well as thousands of videos and photos related to Epstein, who died behind bars in 2019.

“These publications will inevitably reactivate the trauma of some victims,” ​​he said. “We are confident that some (victims) may not necessarily be known to us, and perhaps these publications will encourage them to come forward.”

He called on victims who may have never spoken out before to file formal complaints or create witness accounts to spur French and foreign investigations.

Bekuu also said that some of the material from the old investigation should be revisited in light of new revelations.

She made reference to the ongoing investigation. As a French modelling agent, Jean-Luc Brunel was accused of rape and sex trafficking minors.

The investigation was closed in 2022 after he was found dead in a prison cell in Paris. Brunel, a frequent partner of Epstein, was considered the centrepiece of a French investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of women and girls by Epstein and his group.

Epstein travelled frequently to France and had apartments in Paris.

In France, the highest-profile individual to be affected by the recent release of the Epstein files is Jacques Lang, the 86-year-old former culture minister. Stepped down earlier this month as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris on suspicion of tax fraud.

The financial prosecutors’ office began investigating Lange and her daughter Caroline Lange’s alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein through an offshore company based in the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea.

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No. 6 Florida State softball hosts Louisiana: preview, how to watch, game thread

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No. 6 Florida State softball hosts Louisiana: preview, how to watch, game thread

Florida State softball returns to Tallahassee.

After going 2-2 in Clearwater, Florida State softball returns to Tallahassee, where they will host the Ragin’ Cajuns. Currently 6-3, they have both lost to Jacksonville State and Ole Miss.

New Ragin’ Cajuns

  • Kennedy Marceau (@Alabama): .310 BA / 9 R / 13 H / 2 HR / 9 RBI

  • Madison Manning (@LSU): .289 BA / 3 R / 11 H / 5 RBI

  • Juliana Tipton (@ Arizona State): 50 IP / 5-2 W/L / 33 SO

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Return of the Cajuns

  • Sage Hoover: 4.96 ERA / 18.1 IP / 22 H / 16 R / 10 BB / 12 SO / .301 B/AVG

  • Lexie Delbrey: 2.74 ERA / 15.1 IP / 14 H / 6 R / 9 BB / 17 SO / .255 B/AVG

main exit

  • Kayla Falterman: .388 BA/24 R/47 H/17 RBI

  • Maddie Haden: .376 BA/46 R/67 H/18 RBI

  • Mallory Wheeler: 3.48 ERA / 136.2 IP 136 H / 78 R / 63 BB / 81 SO / 6 HR / .262 B/AVG

Statistical comparison

Era: FSU (2.58), ULL (3.88

Batting Average: FSU (.355), ULL (.300)

Scoring: FSU (7.33), ULL (6.

Fielding Percentage: FSU (.983), ULL (.969)

how to watch

FSU vs. ULL will see first pitch on Tuesday, February 17th at 6pm on the ACCNX

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Sheriff says Guthrie family not suspects in the kidnapping.

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Sheriff says Guthrie family not suspects in the kidnapping.

The sheriff has confirmed that Nancy Guthrie’s family is not a suspect in her kidnapping.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said her family, including “all the siblings and spouses”, have been cooperative and compassionate as authorities investigate the kidnapping.

Mr Nanos said, “To suggest otherwise is not only wrong but cruel. The Guthrie family is enduring immense suffering.

This news comes as the case involving the mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie enters its third week.

On Sunday, investigators said they had obtained a DNA sample from a glove found near Arizona 84-year-old Nancy’s home, which appears to match a pair worn by a masked stalker seen in doorbell camera footage before her abduction.

Nancy’s family last saw her on January 31, when they dropped her off at her home near Tucson after dinner.

Officials said relatives reported him missing the next day.

Mr Nanos said Nancy, who has a pacemaker, had extremely limited physical mobility and could not leave her home without assistance, leading investigators to believe she was taken against her will.

The FBI releases new details of a masked stalker painted outside Nancy's home Image: FBI
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The FBI releases new details of a masked stalker painted outside Nancy’s home. Image: FBI

Since his disappearance, at least two alleged ransom notes have surfaced.

Both were initially handed over to media outlets, but there was no direct contact between Ms Guthrie’s alleged captors and her family or authorities.

Read more:
FBI releases details about the suspect. Nancy Guthrie
America remains silent as the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its third week.

Blood stains on her front porch were later confirmed by DNA tests on Ms Guthrie, authorities said last week.

Law enforcement and family members have described him as in poor health, requiring daily medication to survive.

TV host Savannah Guthrie and her mother Nancy. Image: NBC/TODAY/Reuters
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TV host Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy. Image: NBC/TODAY/ Reuters

Savannah, 54, co-anchors the popular NBC show and has shared several video messages with her brother, Cameron Guthrie, and sister, Annie Guthrie.

Together, both are pleading for the return of their mother and appealing to the public to provide information.

Mr Nanos said there had been no evidence of survival since the abduction but added that “there is also no evidence of death”.

He said his working assumption is that he is alive.

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Unemployment reached the highest rate in almost five years.

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Unemployment reached the highest rate in almost five years.

Britain’s unemployment rate has risen again – to the highest level in almost five years, according to new official figures.

The unemployment rate rose to 5.2% in December, the highest in the three months to January 2021, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed.

When Labour took power in 2024, promising economic growth, the figure was 4.1%.

chart visualization

The ONS said more people out of work are now actively looking for a job, while the number of unemployed people per job vacancy is at a new high since the pandemic. However, there has been a slight change in the number of jobs in the last few months.

Redundancies are also increasing, according to ONS data.

Money Blog: ‘I booked an emergency plumber and canceled after a few minutes but was still charged.’

Not everyone has the same unemployment rate; unemployment among those aged 18 to 24 increased from 13.7% to 14%.

However, the ONS continues to advise caution when interpreting changes in the monthly unemployment rate and the number of job vacancies over concerns about the reliability of the data.

Why is unemployment increasing?

The new figures come as more than a third of employers say they are cutting hiring because of new workers’ rights, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The Employment Rights Act, which became law in December, guarantees workers’ rights, including parental leave and sick pay, from the first day on the job.

Employing staff has become even more expensive due to an increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions in April.

Millions of minimum wage earners got pay hike

Catherine Mann, a senior economist and interest rate setter at the Bank of England, said over the weekend that the higher minimum wage for young workers contributed to the rise in unemployment among that group.

Gulf in salary hike in private and public sector

The rate of wage growth has also declined and the gap between private and public sector wage growth remains.

Average annual income grew by 7.2% for the public sector and 3.4% for the private sector. This higher public sector figure is due to some salary increases being issued earlier in 2025 than in 2024.

Overall, wages rose 4.2% in the three months to December, down from 4.4% seen a month earlier.

What does this mean for interest rates

Slower wage growth could be welcome news for interest rate setters at the Bank of England, as higher wage growth could push up overall prices and make it harder to reduce inflation.

Interest rates have been kept relatively high at 3.75%, as the bank attempts to reduce inflation to 2%.

Traders now think there is an 81% chance of a rate cut in March.

Now another cut is likely to be seen in September, which will bring the cost of borrowing down to 3.25%.

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Non-league Macclesfield almost had FA Cup chances denied again

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Non-league Macclesfield almost had FA Cup chances denied again

“I really couldn’t be more proud of the team. I’m incredibly proud that we went head-to-head with two Premier League teams and only lost by an own goal.

“All the players are gutted and obviously Sam is the same; he scored an own goal. Every player knows what they have done for this club, so we should all be proud.

We are now returning to our primary focus in the league. We train twice a week and we had that performance against a Premier League team. You should be proud of that achievement.

“I started my football career at this club and I also started my managerial career there. We want to progress and get promoted. We want to try and go to the playoffs.”

Macclesfield fans arrived with a storm of optimism; after a storm two hours before kick-off, a rainbow appeared over this compact, atmospheric stadium, offering an omen that they could claim another pot of gold.

And how he enjoyed another visit to the Premier League team, chanting “West Ham away” after hearing of the fifth-round draw, then “Are you Palace in disguise?” as he tore into Brentford – physically and with his football – in the opening exchanges.

Paul Dawson, the captain of Macclesfield and the hero of the 2-1 victory against Palace, narrowly missed a rematch with a 20-yard shot.

the non-league team shook up the elite opposition.

The mix included every classic FA Cup element. With the added factor of Moss Rose’s 4G artificial surface, the non-league side shook up the elite opposition, with a group of PE teachers, podcasters, and property developers in their squad.

There was nothing artificial about the atmosphere and every Macclesfield fan felt another whiff of the cool night air.

Few other competitions could deliver such a spectacular performance and the FA Cup was reorganised.

In some cases, the half-time whistle came at a bad time for Macclesfield, as it disrupted their momentum and allowed Brentford to breathe and regroup.

Brentford head coach Andrews made seven changes, leaving out his big attacking weapon Igor Thiago altogether. It was a high-risk strategy and there were moments in the first 45 minutes that looked like it might backfire.

And even after Heathcote suffered the devastating blow of an own goal, Macclesfield refused to allow Brentford to close out the game, forcing several tough clearances in the area before referee Darren England blew the final whistle on this FA Cup odyssey.

Macclesfield will now return to their real-world existence against King’s Lynn Town on Saturday – but they have made FA Cup memories that will live forever with the players and fans of one club.

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Britain faces a risk of more flooding in the coming months after record-breaking January weather, according to UK news.

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Britain faces a risk of more flooding in the coming months after record-breaking January weather, according to UK news.
Britain faces a risk of more flooding in the coming months after record-breaking January weather, according to UK news.

Parts of the UK could be at risk of further flooding in the coming months

because of so much rainfall so far this year, according to new analysis.

The latest official data from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) shows that rivers in the south and south-west of England reached exceptionally high levels in January, with some breaking records.

And in areas prone to flooding, the soil has become so saturated that water is rising from the ground – an invisible threat that can suddenly occur. flood Home.

Flooding in Salisbury, Wiltshire
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Flooding in Salisbury, Wiltshire

The Environment Agency (EA) has also warned of a significant risk of so-called groundwater flooding, which could last for months.

Mark Garrett, flood charge manager at the agency, said, “Significant groundwater flood impacts are possible in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, with minor groundwater impacts possible in Hampshire and West Sussex.

“Due to continued rising levels, minor impacts of groundwater flooding are possible in Kent and East Sussex.”

Check the weather forecast in your area

UKCEH monthly figures confirm that Northern Ireland and the southwest of England had the wettest January on record, with 170% of their normal rainfall.

Northern Ireland and parts of England have their wettest January on record
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Northern Ireland and parts of England have their wettest January on record

It was one of the five wettest Januarys since 1890 for the southern counties of England.

River levels rose in affected areas as a result, with three reaching their highest flows of January and two setting records.

Why is Britain flooding?

Borehole monitoring in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Sussex and Kent also revealed that groundwater levels were above normal at 29 locations.

The level was so high at 28 sites that there was a risk of flooding due to water rising from under people’s homes.

And levels at 10 sites had reached their highest level on record.

Groundwater flooding ‘may surprise people’

Professor Hannah Cloke, a world-leading hydrologist at the University of Reading, told Sky News, “Groundwater flooding is invisible. It comes up through the floorboards. It leaks in the middle of the night, and people don’t expect it.

“You can’t expect flooding just because you live close to a river. So it could be very serious. It could surprise people.

“And it’s very persistent. It can persist for a long time. So in some of these places it can persist for months.”

Read more from Sky News:
Prime Minister abandons plan to delay council elections
Police are using drones to catch phone thieves

According to the Met Office, the jet stream is further south than usual for the time of year.

Cold weather in North America has also caused high-altitude winds to become highly active, causing persistent rain in parts of the UK.

Further rainfall is forecast and the EA has urged people to remain vigilant to flood warnings.

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After “stabbing several people,” one person died and two were critically injured.

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After “stabbing several people,” one person died and two were critically injured.

Police said they received reports that ‘a man had stabbing several people before leaving the area on foot’ and officers have now arrested a man following the incident

01:02, 17 February 2026 Updated 01:04, 17 February 2026

File image of New South Wales (NSW) police tape in Sydney on September 1, 2025.

New South Wales police say three people have been stabbed in Sydney’s west (file image). (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Police said one person died from stab wounds and two others were in critical condition.

On Tuesday, February 17, New South Wales (NSW) Police reported the stabbing of three individuals west of Sydney, Australia. Emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing in Maryland, about 30 kilometres outside Sydney’s city center, at about 10 a.m.

Officers attached to Cumberland Police Area Command attended the scene and were told that a man had stabbed several people before leaving the area on foot.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated three people with serious injuries.

A New South Wales Police spokesman said, “The deceased has not yet been formally identified.

“Police have established the crime scene and started the investigation.

“Following enquiries, a man was arrested in Smyth Street, Maryland, and taken to Granville Police Station.

“As enquiries continue, anyone with information is asked to contact Cumberland Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

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As Russia launches a major attack

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As Russia launches a major attack

NATO state Poland was forced to scramble with fighters today as Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine, hours before peace talks begin in Geneva. The scale of the attacks indicates that Vladimir Putin has no interest in ending the war, despite sending a 20-strong negotiating team to Switzerland.

Russia deployed its powerful Tu-95MS strategic bombers to attack targets with cruise missiles.

It comes amid reports that frontline Western F-16 pilots – veterans from the US and the Netherlands – are actively defending Ukraine’s skies against Putin’s drones and missiles for the first time.

According to the French publication Intelligence Online, an F-16 squadron of experienced NATO pilots was created in strict secrecy and is currently patrolling the skies of the Kiev region under temporary contract with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

They are reportedly using a Lockheed Martin sniper to target incoming Russian drones.

Putin’s missiles attack the Ivano-Frankivsk region.

In the west of Ukraine, near NATO territory, Putin missiles struck the Ivano-Frankivsk region and explosions were heard in Burshtin, the site of a major coal-fired power station.

According to reports, there were also sustained attacks on Stryi, a major rail and energy hub in the Lviv region, close to the Polish border.

Cities affected included Kryvyi Rih, the birthplace of Volodymyr Zelensky, and the port of Odessa, which are currently under daily bombardment. Dramatic footage showed how Ukraine used a Patriot to shoot down two Russian hypersonic Tsirkon – or Zircon – missiles on the night of February 16.

Despite the scale of the Russian attacks, the pressure once again came on Mr Zelensky rather than Mr Putin to make concessions ahead of the Geneva talks, which will include US officials. Impatient with Kiev, the US president demanded, “Ukraine needs to expedite its negotiations.” “That’s all I’m saying to you.”

Putin’s team, led by Ukraine-hating hardline historian and Kremlin official Vladimir Medinsky, was forced to take a nine-hour circuitous flight from Moscow to Geneva for the talks because of Western sanctions on Russian aircraft. Italy opened its airspace so the team could reach Geneva.

Ukraine launched overnight attacks on military targets. A Ukrainian drone strike caused an explosion at a major oil refinery in Ilski, Krasnodar region. The facility is a key supplier to Putin’s military forces in the war zone.

Major airports in southern Russia, including Krasnodar and Gelendzhik – where Putin has a huge palace – were closed.

The explosions also hit the city of Izhevsk, home to several large military-linked plants, including gunmaker Kalashnikov. School classes were suspended due to incoming drones, which appeared to be attacking energy facilities.

Mr Zelensky’s forces were also accused of a long-range attack on the Metafrax chemical plant in the Perm region, more than 1,000 miles from the nearest Ukrainian territory. This plant makes components for explosives and weapons used in war.

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Ryan Porteous: defender for Los Angeles FC

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Ryan Porteous: defender for Los Angeles FC

Ryan Porteous is determined to return to the Scotland squad for this summer’s World Cup in the USA.

The 26-year-old centerback, who currently plays for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, has not played for his country since moving stateside.

Despite being a regular for Steve Clarke in Euro 2024 qualifying, the 13-time cap has only played once since being sent off in Scotland’s tournament opener against hosts Germany.

However, former Hibernian and Watford player Dr Sky Sports He hopes to put things right after coming up against some big-name players in the US…

Back from the Munich nightmare

Scotland's Ryan Porteous is shown a red card by referee Clement Turpin after a challenge on Germany's Ilkay Gundogan during a Group A match between Germany and Scotland at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Munich, Germany, Friday, June 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthias Schroeder)
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Porteous was sent off during Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against Germany

During Scotland’s Euro 2024 opener against hosts Germany, Porteous received a red card for a foul in the box on Ilkay Gundogan.

Since then he has played just once for his country. “It was always going to be difficult after the Euros,” he said.

“But after the first few months, maybe feeling a bit sorry for myself, every training session, every gym session, every game, it was always, ‘How do I get back into that team?’ How do I get back into that squad?

“That’s always been my goal. It’s always been my drive to play for Scotland because that’s the top spot and there’s no better feeling in football.

Ryan Porteous was sent off in Scotland's Euro 2024 opener
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Porteous was sent off for a first-half tackle on Ilkay Gundogan

“It’s in the past now and it’s been a long time.

“I’ve played a lot of football matches since then and I’ve had a lot of time to reflect, think and grow as a person and a player.

“Every negative in life comes with a positive. Every mistake comes with a learning curve.

This is a common occurrence in the world of football. It was always tough to take, but as a person and a player, I’ve always had that drive and determination to come back from adversity.

“I’ve done it pretty well with the performances I’ve had in the last six months. I just have to focus on myself, keep working hard and keep trying and I’ll do my best.”

Scotland boss Clarke praised

Ryan Porteous made his Scotland debut in 2022 against Ukraine
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Porteous made his Scotland debut in 2022 against Ukraine

All of Porteous’ 13 caps for Scotland have come under boss Clarke, Scotland’s most successful and longest-serving men’s head coach.

Clarke took over in 2019 and has managed the most matches of any boss, also becoming the first to lead the team to three consecutive major finals: Euro 2020, Euro 2024 and this summer’s World Cup.

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Scotland head coach Steve Clarke reflects on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and talks about his future with his current deal in the summer
Despite not featuring recently for the 62-year-old, Porteous was full of praise for the national team boss.

 

“The gopher went on the back four [in World Cup qualifying]. And again, he found a way to win games and qualify,” he said.

“He never takes credit for it. He consistently credits the players, but I believe it’s time for him to receive some recognition as well.

“He’s brilliant. He’s someone who’s always believed in me. He’s always stuck up for me when others haven’t. He’s always been someone who’s been there for me throughout my career, and I owe a lot to him.”

Could MLS experience help at the World Cup?

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Porteous explains his move to Los Angeles FC, playing alongside Heung-min Son and Hugo Lloris in MLS and facing Lionel Messi

After leaving Watford in 2025, Porteous moved to Los Angeles and had an impressive debut campaign in MLS.

“I wanted to try something new, something that people at my age don’t usually do,” he explained.

“I was at the point in my career where it was either another step up to the championship, back on the road, or trying to do something else, and so far I’m loving it.

Will Ferrell is part owner of LAFC
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Will Ferrell is part owner of LAFC

“Dalkeith is small, so it was hard to adjust to the heat at first.”

After his first season in MLS, Porteous believes his time in the United States will help him impress for Scotland, should he make the World Cup squad.

He added, “I think I’ll get used to the heat. I know Scotland has a great setup, and the team managers who run the team will prepare them well.

“But yes, the heat is intense and playing against the South American boys can also play in my favour.

You can exert your utmost effort knowing that you will be competing against elite players.

“I was playing against Chucky Lozano, Miguel Almiron and Thomas Muller and I’ll come up against them. [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suárez.

Ryan Porteous made 13 appearances in MLS last season
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Porteous made 13 appearances in MLS last season

“It doesn’t look like the stereotype of the league four or five years ago. These are world-class players who can still play.

“We’ve got Heung-min Son, who could be at the peak of his career at the age of 32. The standards and levels of the game are extremely intense.

“These players have done everything in the game. Having a goalkeeper like Hugo Lloris behind you, who has won the World Cup, is fantastic. You always want to learn from these guys.

“The most impressive thing is how good they are as people off the park. These are world-class players.”

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