INSIDER
US striker Folarin Balogun sidelined two months with shoulder injury
Read full article: US striker Folarin Balogun sidelined two months with shoulder injuryUnited States striker Folarin Balogun will be sidelined for about two months with a shoulder injury, a person close to the player told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Ronaldo scores again in Nations League win for perfect Portugal. Spain finds replacement for Rodri
Read full article: Ronaldo scores again in Nations League win for perfect Portugal. Spain finds replacement for RodriCristiano Ronaldo has scored his record-extending 133rd international goal to keep Portugal perfect in the Nations League with a 3-1 win over Poland while Spain struck late to edge Denmark 1-0.
In latest-ending women's match in US Open history, Zheng beats Vekic again in Olympic rematch
Read full article: In latest-ending women's match in US Open history, Zheng beats Vekic again in Olympic rematchZheng Qinwen beat Donna Vekic in a rematch of their Olympic final, advancing to the U.S. Open quarterfinals with a 7-6 (2), 4-6, 6-2 victory in the latest finish of a women’s match in tournament history.
US Open player compensation rises to a record $75 million, with singles champs getting $3.6 million
Read full article: US Open player compensation rises to a record $75 million, with singles champs getting $3.6 millionCoco Gauff, Novak Djokovic and other players at the U.S. Open will be playing for a record total of $75 million in compensation at the year’s last Grand Slam tennis tournament.
Suspected gunman in Croatia nursing home killings charged on 11 counts, including murder
Read full article: Suspected gunman in Croatia nursing home killings charged on 11 counts, including murderCroatian police say a suspected gunman in a mass shooting in a nursing home in Croatia is facing 11 criminal charges after he was accused of killing six people, including his own mother, and wounding as many more.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece beat Luka Doncic, Slovenia to advance to Olympic qualifying final
Read full article: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece beat Luka Doncic, Slovenia to advance to Olympic qualifying finalThomas Walkup had 19 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo added 13 points in 21 minutes and Greece moved one victory from the Paris Games, eliminating Luka Doncic and Slovenia 96-68 from the semifinals of the Olympic qualifying tournament.
Antetokounmpo, Greece strong in opener; Doncic, Slovenia still have chance to qualify for Olympics
Read full article: Antetokounmpo, Greece strong in opener; Doncic, Slovenia still have chance to qualify for OlympicsGiannis Antetokounmpo was dominant with 32 points in 19 minutes during Greece's 109-82 win over the Dominican Republic in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Piraeus, Greece.
Italy advances at Euro 2024 after Zaccagni equalizer in injury time against Croatia
Read full article: Italy advances at Euro 2024 after Zaccagni equalizer in injury time against CroatiaItaly substitute Mattia Zaccagni has scored in the last minute of stoppage time for Italy to advance to the knockout stage of Euro 2024 with 1-1 draw against Croatia.
Albania player Mirlind Daku banned by UEFA for two Euro 2024 games after nationalist chants
Read full article: Albania player Mirlind Daku banned by UEFA for two Euro 2024 games after nationalist chantsThe Albanian soccer federation says UEFA banned its player Mirlind Daku on Sunday for two games at the European Championships after leading fans in nationalist chants.
Gjasula scores own goal then last-gasp equalizer for Albania in 2-2 draw with Croatia at Euro 2024
Read full article: Gjasula scores own goal then last-gasp equalizer for Albania in 2-2 draw with Croatia at Euro 2024Croatia and Albania drew 2-2 at Euro 2024 in the first-ever competitive match between the two Balkan teams.
50 years after the former Yugoslavia protected abortion rights, that legacy is under threat
Read full article: 50 years after the former Yugoslavia protected abortion rights, that legacy is under threatReligious and neo-conservative groups have been ramping up pressure to ban abortions in staunchly Catholic Croatia.
The EU is worried that Israel might extend the war in Gaza to a 'pressure cooker' town near Egypt
Read full article: The EU is worried that Israel might extend the war in Gaza to a 'pressure cooker' town near EgyptThe European Union is worried about reports that the Israeli military intends to take its battle against Hamas to the town of Rafah at Gaza’s border with Egypt.
Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania qualify for Euro 2024. France crushes Gibraltar in record 14-0 win
Read full article: Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania qualify for Euro 2024. France crushes Gibraltar in record 14-0 winThe Netherlands, Switzerland and Romania have all secured places at next year’s European Championship.
Croatia withdraws some bottled drinks and urges people to drink tap water after several fall ill
Read full article: Croatia withdraws some bottled drinks and urges people to drink tap water after several fall illAuthorities in Croatia have recommended that people drink only tap water as they investigate reports of several people getting sick or suffering throat injuries allegedly after consuming bottled beverages.
Slovenia to introduce border checks with Hungary and Croatia after Italy did the same with Slovenia
Read full article: Slovenia to introduce border checks with Hungary and Croatia after Italy did the same with SloveniaSlovenia says it will introduce border checks with neighboring Hungary and Croatia following Italy’s decision to do the same with Slovenia because of security concerns due to violence in the Middle East.
Gavi goal against Norway sees Spain and Scotland qualify for European Championship
Read full article: Gavi goal against Norway sees Spain and Scotland qualify for European ChampionshipGavi’s winning goal for Spain against Norway in a European Championship qualifier will likely have been cheered as wildly in Glasgow as it was in Madrid.
Greek authorities order 105 soccer fans to be detained pending trial after fatal clash
Read full article: Greek authorities order 105 soccer fans to be detained pending trial after fatal clashAll 105 soccer fans suspected of being involved in extensive clashes in the Greek capital that ended in the death of a 29-year-old AEK Athens supporter have been ordered to be detained pending their trial.
Luka Modric penalty completes thrilling 4-2 win for Croatia over Netherlands in Nations League
Read full article: Luka Modric penalty completes thrilling 4-2 win for Croatia over Netherlands in Nations LeagueVeteran midfielder Luka Modric has scored an extra-time penalty to seal a thrilling 4-2 victory for Croatia over the Netherlands and a place in the Nations League final.
UN appeals court increases sentences for 2 Serbs convicted of crimes in Balkan wars
Read full article: UN appeals court increases sentences for 2 Serbs convicted of crimes in Balkan warsUnited Nations appeals judges have significantly expanded the convictions of two allies of late Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, holding them responsible for involvement in crimes across Bosnia and in one town in Croatia as members of a joint criminal plan to drive out non-Serbs from the areas during the Balkan wars.
Exceptional rains in drought-struck northern Italy kill 8, cancel Formula One Grand Prix
Read full article: Exceptional rains in drought-struck northern Italy kill 8, cancel Formula One Grand PrixOfficials say eight people are now confirmed dead in northern Italy following floods from rain-swollen rivers.
FIFA targets $11 billion in revenue through 2026 World Cup
Read full article: FIFA targets $11 billion in revenue through 2026 World CupFIFA expects to earn $11 billion in the 2026 World Cup cycle with a 48-team men’s tournament in North America set to deliver a big increase in revenue amid ongoing uncertainty about the exact match schedule.
FIFA head says fans 'will survive' without beer at World Cup
Read full article: FIFA head says fans 'will survive' without beer at World CupFIFA president Gianni Infantino has downplayed Qatar’s last minute ban on the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums as nothing more than a brief inconvenience to spectators.
Slovenia army starts removing Croatia border razor wire
Read full article: Slovenia army starts removing Croatia border razor wireThe Slovenian army has started removing a razor wire fence on the border with Croatia that was put up to curb migrant crossings after more than a million people fleeing violence and poverty entered Europe in a huge migration wave in 2015.
Slovenia to dismantle razor wire fence on Croatia border
Read full article: Slovenia to dismantle razor wire fence on Croatia borderSlovenian police say they have detained a Syrian man for illegally transporting migrants, as the country’s foreign minister says the dismantling of a razor wire on the border with Croatia will start soon.
French Open updates | Arevalo, Rojer win men's doubles title
Read full article: French Open updates | Arevalo, Rojer win men's doubles titleMarcelo Arevalo of El Salvador and Jean-Julien Rojer of Netherlands won the French Open men’s doubles championship by beating Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Austin Krajicek of the U.S. 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the final.
There’s a cool cave in Croatia where you can sip wine and forget about your problems
Read full article: There’s a cool cave in Croatia where you can sip wine and forget about your problemsWhen life gets too stressful, imaging that you're on vacation at an exotic remote location while drinking copious amounts of wine can be the best medicine for getting through a rough day.
No Novak yet but rest of tennis prepares for Australian Open
Read full article: No Novak yet but rest of tennis prepares for Australian OpenWhile the “will he or won’t he” question remains for No. 1 Novak Djokovic and his participation in the Australian Open the rest of the tennis world returns to work this week to prepare for the season’s first major.
7-time champion Serena Williams won’t play Australian Open
Read full article: 7-time champion Serena Williams won’t play Australian OpenNot long after Serena Williams’ name was absent from the entry list for the Australian Open, she confirmed the obvious: the seven-time champion won’t play the 2022 edition of the season-opening major in January.
Davis Cup Finals to add hosts cities, reduce teams next year
Read full article: Davis Cup Finals to add hosts cities, reduce teams next yearThere will be more host cities and fewer nations playing in the Davis Cup Finals next season in an attempt to increase fan engagement and keep the revamped team event sustainable.
EU says economic recovery threatened by COVID-19 resurgence
Read full article: EU says economic recovery threatened by COVID-19 resurgenceThe European Union says the massive spike in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is threatening the bloc's recovery from the deep economic slump caused by last year’s onset of the pandemic.
Germany probes far-right incidents in military guard unit
Read full article: Germany probes far-right incidents in military guard unitGermany's defense ministry says a company of the military’s guard battalion has been suspended from official duty amid an investigation of initiation rituals, suspected sexual abuse and far-right activity.
Sinkovic brothers win gold in men's pair, dramatic finish in women's lightweight double sculls
Read full article: Sinkovic brothers win gold in men's pair, dramatic finish in women's lightweight double scullsThe Sinkovic brothers won gold in men's pair, and Ireland won its first Olympic rowing gold in lightweight men's double sculls.
Positive virus case disrupts Scotland, England at Euro 2020
Read full article: Positive virus case disrupts Scotland, England at Euro 2020A coronavirus infection has created disruption for two teams at the European Championship after a positive test for Scotland midfielder Billy Gilmour also led to two England players having to self-isolate.
EURO 2020: Pragmatism the key to success in pandemic soccer
Read full article: EURO 2020: Pragmatism the key to success in pandemic soccerThe European Championship is the first major international soccer tournament to take place since the coronavirus outbreak and arrives at the end of the most condensed club season in history.
Canada pauses AstraZeneca vaccine for under 55
Read full article: Canada pauses AstraZeneca vaccine for under 55(Admir Buljubasic/Pool via AP)TORONTO, ONT – Canada on Monday suspended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for people under age 55 following concerns it might be linked to rare blood clots. Health Canada said it has not received any reports of blood clots in Canada, and the department’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Supriya Sharma, said she still believes the vaccine’s benefits outweigh the risks. Last week, the department changed its label on the vaccine to warn about the rare risk of blood clots. Canada is expected to receive 1.5 million doses of AstraZeneca from the U.S. on Wednesday. Canada has placed bigger bets on Pfizer and Moderna, ordering up to 76 million doses of Pfizer and up to 44 million of Moderna, compared with up to 20 million of AstraZeneca.
Long-time mayor of Croatian capital of Zagreb dies at 65
Read full article: Long-time mayor of Croatian capital of Zagreb dies at 65FILE - This Monday, Dec. 28, 2009 file photo shows Zagreb's mayor Milan Bandic reacting at his campaign headquarters in during presidential elections in Zagreb, Croatia. Bandic, the controversial long-serving mayor of Croatias capital of Zagreb, has died from a heart attack, his office said Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021. Bandic felt unwell late Saturday and was swiftly taken to a hospital but nothing could be done, the state HRT television reported. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File)ZAGREB – Milan Bandic, the controversial long-serving mayor of Croatia’s capital of Zagreb, has died from a heart attack, his office said Sunday. Bandic felt unwell around midnight Saturday and was swiftly taken to a hospital but nothing could be done, the state HRT television reported.
Serbian rape charges spur cross-region #MeToo-like response
Read full article: Serbian rape charges spur cross-region #MeToo-like responseIt started with a chilling account of alleged rape and abuse at a high-end acting school in Serbia. Further west, in Slovenia, a young actress spoke to local media about two years of alleged sexual harassment by a professor at the Ljubljana drama academy. A student survey has shown that one in 10 students reported exposure to sexual harassment, the official STA news agency said. In North Macedonia — also once a part of what used to be Yugoslavia — a protest against sexual harassment on social networks gathered several hundred people on Wednesday. “(Sexual) harassment is a taboo topic in a traditional society.”AdTwo years ago, another Serbian woman was at the center of a high-profile sexual harassment case: Marija Lukic defied threats to her safety to take her powerful boss to court.
EU lashes Bosnia for failing to properly care for migrants
Read full article: EU lashes Bosnia for failing to properly care for migrantsA migrant walks during a snowfall at the Lipa camp, outside Bihac, Bosnia, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. “As a country with a perspective of EU accession, we expect Bosnia-Herzegovina to work on sustainable, long-term solutions, to set up facilities evenly distributed across the full territory of the country,” Johansson said. Migrants come to Bosnia with the aim of reaching Croatia before moving on into Western Europe. The Lipa camp was only ever set up as a temporary measure to cope with the impact of the coronavirus over the summer. Bosnian central authorities wanted to move some migrants to a nearby facility at Bira, but local authorities blocked the move as protests erupted.
Snow, heavy rain in Balkans cause floods, disrupt traffic
Read full article: Snow, heavy rain in Balkans cause floods, disrupt trafficStranded residents try to reach their cars in the flooded street, following heavy rain and snowfall in Fushe Kosove, Kosovo on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)BELGRADE – Days of heavy rain and snow across the Balkans left homes and fields flooded Monday, disrupted traffic on highways and at ports and caused power outages. In central and eastern Serbia, thousands of people were left without electricity as heavy snow collapsed distribution lines. Authorities urged drivers not to take to the road unless absolutely necessary because of heavy snow. Floods were reported in Albania and Kosovo, where days of heavy rain mixed with snowy weather.
Migrants in burnt Bosnia camp wait for new tents in blizzard
Read full article: Migrants in burnt Bosnia camp wait for new tents in blizzardMigrants cook inside a makeshift shelter at the Lipa camp, outside Bihac, Bosnia, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. A fresh spate of snowy and very cold winter weather on has brought more misery for hundreds of migrants who have been stuck for days in a burnt out camp in northwest Bosnia waiting for heating and other facilities. Hundreds of Lipa camp residents tried to warm up around fires during a blizzard at the the facility in northwest Bosnia as authorities rushed to equip some 20 new tents meant to accommodate them. “We have too much trouble here in Lipa camp." There are thousands of migrants in Bosnia who are trying to reach Western Europe.
Seeking speed: Shiffrin eyes return to super-G training
Read full article: Seeking speed: Shiffrin eyes return to super-G training(AP Photo/Giovanni Auletta)Since her return to Alpine skiing's World Cup six weeks ago, Mikaela Shiffrin has been solely focusing on her strongest events: slalom and GS. Shiffrin won a record fourth straight slalom title, but also a super-G gold at the worlds in Sweden two years ago. “That would be ideal — that’s the plan.”Picking up super-G training again in the third week of January could enable Shiffrin to compete in the speed events at the world championships. But with Shiffrin as the 2019 gold medalist, the U.S. ski team gets an additional starting berth for the Feb. 9 super-G race. Still, she won’t start in a speed race in Cortina d'Ampezzo next month just for the sake of racing it.
Bosnia: Uncertainty persists for migrants from burnt camp
Read full article: Bosnia: Uncertainty persists for migrants from burnt campMigrants warm themselves around a fire at the Lipa camp outside Bihac, Bosnia, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 202, after hundreds failed to be relocated from the burnt-out tent camp in the northwest of the country. The migrants were supposed to move on Tuesday from the much-criticized Lipa camp in northwest Bosnia to a former army barracks in the central part of the country. The tent camp, located near the border with Croatia, lacked basic facilities such as running water and heating. European Union officials and aid groups warned of a humanitarian disaster and increased pressure on Bosnia to move the migrants away from the camp. To get to Croatia, migrants use mountainous illegal routes and often encounter pushbacks and alleged violence at the hands of Croatian police.
Hundreds of migrants freezing in heavy snow in Bosnia camp
Read full article: Hundreds of migrants freezing in heavy snow in Bosnia campA migrant walks through the snow wrapped in a blanket at the Lipa camp northwestern Bosnia, near the border with Croatia, Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Kemal Softic)BIHAC – BIHAC, Bosnia-Hundreds of migrants were stranded Saturday in a squalid, burnt-out tent camp in Bosnia as heavy snow fell in the country and winter temperatures suddenly dropped. Migrants at the Lipa camp in northwest Bosnia wrapped themselves in blankets and sleeping bags to protect against the biting winds in the region, which borders European Union member Croatia. "Snow has fallen, sub-zero temperatures, no heating, nothing," the International Organization for Migration’s chief of mission in Bosnia, Peter Van Der Auweraert, tweeted. Left without a solution, migrants put down carboard on the floor and set up improvised barriers for privacy inside the only standing tent at the Lipa camp.
Many world leaders express hope, relief after Biden win
Read full article: Many world leaders express hope, relief after Biden winA passer-by takes a selfie with an extra newspaper reporting on President-elect Joe Biden's win in the U.S. presidential election, in Tokyo Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. Other leaders who sent congratulations included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Prime Minister Janez Jansa was the only world leader who congratulated Trump even before all the votes were counted, and showed support after Biden’s win was announced. Many people, particularly in nations with turbulent politics, took Biden's win as improving the outlook for respect of democracy. In Egypt, where the government is cracking down on dissent, pro-democracy activists welcomed Biden’s win.
The Latest: Federer congratulates Nadal on 20th Slam title
Read full article: The Latest: Federer congratulates Nadal on 20th Slam title(AP Photo/Christophe Ena)PARIS – The Latest from the French Open (all times local):___7 p.m.Roger Federer has congratulated rival Rafael Nadal on pulling even at 20 Grand Slam titles. ___ 6 p.m.Rafael Nadal has matched Roger Federer with his 20th Grand Slam singles title. ___5:52 p.m.Rafael Nadal beat Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to win a record-extending 13th French Open and match Roger Federer with his 20th Grand Slam title. Nadal is seeking a record-extending 13th trophy at Roland Garros and can match Roger Federer with his 20th Grand Slam title. “To be a Grand Slam is to be a pillar of the game,” he said.
The Latest: Female doubles player dropped due to virus
Read full article: The Latest: Female doubles player dropped due to virusThe 2009 French Open champion was beaten by Russian countrywoman Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 2-6, 6-1. But the 2016 French Open champion held firm to beat Tamara Zidansek 7-5, 4-6, 8-6. He beat Reilly Opelka 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. The new roof over Court Philippe Chatrier is again proving its worth on Day 2 of the French Open. The court is hosting the only play as rain thwarted the start of all other matches at Roland Garros.
The Latest: Men's singles semis, women's doubles at US Open
Read full article: The Latest: Men's singles semis, women's doubles at US OpenAlexander Zverev, of Germany, reacts during a match against Borna Coric, of Croatia, during the quarterfinals of the US Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)NEW YORK – The Latest on the U.S. Open tennis tournament (all times EDT):___12:30 p.m. The men's semifinal matches will be played after the women's doubles championship is awarded at the U.S. Open. They were to be followed by Alexander Zverev against Pablo Carreno Busta, along with 2019 runner-up Daniil Medvedev facing No. ___More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/apf-Tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Croatia's opposition leader stepping down after vote defeat
Read full article: Croatia's opposition leader stepping down after vote defeatOpposition leader Davor Bernardic of the liberal-left Restart coalition addresses his supporters in Zagreb, Croatia, Sunday, July 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Daniel Kasap)ZAGREB The leader of Croatias main liberal opposition party announced his resignation Monday, a day after a crushing defeat in the countrys parliamentary election held amid a coronavirus spike. Davor Bernardic said he is stepping down as president of the Social Democratic Party after the vote which was convincingly won by Croatias ruling conservatives. He said he wont run for the party president in an upcoming internal party election. The Restart Coalition, led by Bernardics left-wing SDP party, won 41 seats, 15 seats less than in the previous parliament.
Croats vote in close parliamentary race as virus spikes
Read full article: Croats vote in close parliamentary race as virus spikesAndrej Plenkovic, Croatia's Prime Minister incumbent smiles as he addresses the media in Zagreb, Croatia, Thursday, April 9, 2020. (AP Photo)ZAGREB Amid a spike of new coronavirus cases, voters in Croatia cast ballots on Sunday in what is expected be a close parliamentary race that could push the latest European Union member state further to the right. This means that a newcomer right-wing party led by a popular folk singer could play a key role in the future government. Plenkovic's main opponents are Restart coalition led by the center-left Social Democratic Party, the main liberal group. Some 3.8 million people are eligible to vote but analysts say virus fears could keep many at home.
Thiem apologizes for playing in Djokovic's tennis event
Read full article: Thiem apologizes for playing in Djokovic's tennis eventNovak Djokovic has tested positive for the coronavirus after taking part in a tennis exhibition series he organized in Serbia and Croatia. Grigor Dimitrov, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist from Bulgaria, said Sunday he tested positive. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)VIENNA Third-ranked tennis player Dominic Thiem apologized Thursday for taking part in an exhibition series hosted by Novak Djokovic in which four players tested positive for the coronavirus. I am extremely sorry.The top-ranked Djokovic tested positive on Tuesday. Djokovic said on Tuesday that he and his wife tested positive and admitted it was too soon to host such an event.
The Latest: Another tennis player tests positive for virus
Read full article: The Latest: Another tennis player tests positive for virusThe Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___Another tennis player has tested positive for the coronavirus after taking part in an exhibition series organized by Novak Djokovic in Serbia and Croatia. Viktor Troicki says he and his pregnant wife have both been diagnosed with the virus. The former top-20 player from Serbia played against Djokovic in Belgrade during the first part of the two-leg tour. Three-time Grand Slam semifinalist Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria said Sunday he has tested positive for the virus. Borna Coric played Dimitrov on Saturday in Zadar and said Monday he has also tested positive.
Dimitrov positive for COVID-19, exhibition event canceled
Read full article: Dimitrov positive for COVID-19, exhibition event canceledGrigor Dimitrov said Sunday he has tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of an exhibition event in Croatia where top-ranked Novak Djokovic was scheduled to play. The Bulgarian player featured last week in the Serbia leg of the Adria Tour exhibition event organized by Djokovic. There was criticism that there was no social distancing at the exhibition, which took place before packed stands in Serbia, where the government lifted most virus restrictions last month. Dimitrov played a match against Borna Coric in Croatia on Saturday in the second leg of the exhibition series. Broadcaster Eurosport said Sunday the exhibition has now been canceled.