Vinícius Júnior found the back of the net in the 32nd minute to help Brazil secure a 1-1 tie with Morocco in their World Cup opening match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The five-time World Cup winners faced an early challenge when Morocco’s Ismael Saibari scored in the 21st minute, putting the African champions in front. Brazil, which hasn’t claimed a World Cup trophy since 2002, came into the tournament with considerable pressure and expectations. The crowd of 80,663 was filled with Brazilian supporters wearing yellow, though they grew quiet until Vinícius delivered his stunning angled strike to level the match.
In NBA action, the New York Knicks are positioned to capture their first championship in 53 years when they face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday night. The Knicks lead the series 3-1 against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. Thousands of New York supporters have traveled to Texas hoping to witness history, with the Larry O’Brien Trophy already in place at the arena and ceremony preparations completed.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto came within one out of throwing a no-hitter before Chicago White Sox batter Tristan Peters launched a leadoff home run in the ninth inning. The right-hander had retired 23 consecutive batters before Chase Meidroth reached base on a two-out error by shortstop Mookie Betts in the eighth. Peters connected on a 96.6 mph fastball for his third home run of the season, ending Yamamoto’s no-hit attempt. The Dodgers went on to win 7-1 after Alex Vesia replaced Yamamoto.
The San Francisco 49ers announced the unexpected passing of former All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith at age 36 on Saturday. The team did not reveal the cause of death. Smith was selected seventh overall in the 2011 draft from Missouri and recorded 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons, setting a record for most sacks by any player in their initial two years. His career was derailed by legal troubles, leading to his suspension in 2014 and eventual release from the 49ers. He later played for the Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.
Qatar managed to salvage a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in World Cup Group B play when Boualem Khoukhi headed home an equalizer in the fourth minute of stoppage time at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Switzerland had taken the lead through Breel Embolo’s first-half penalty kick, just over a week after the player was cleared to enter the United States following visa complications. Despite controlling possession on an unusually warm June day, Switzerland couldn’t convert their numerous scoring opportunities. The match was played in front of a partially filled stadium with many empty seats visible.
Gio Reyna delivered what may become one of the tournament’s most memorable moments with a spectacular goal that capped a 4-1 United States victory over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday. The goal came deep into stoppage time with virtually the final touch of the match, completing a brilliant team sequence that lasted 70 seconds and involved 26 passes. The performance showcased what observers called Pochettino-ball at its peak.
American defenseman Jaccob Slavin is one victory away from joining an exclusive club as only the second American to win both an Olympic gold medal and Stanley Cup in the same calendar year. That achievement could come as early as Sunday if Carolina defeats Vegas in Game 6 of the Cup final. His teammate Seth Jarvis, who represented Canada in their overtime loss in the Olympic final in Milan, would gain some redemption. Several Golden Knights players including Mitch Marner, Mark Stone, and Shea Theodore also suffered that Olympic defeat, while teammates Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin need two more wins to match the Olympic gold-Stanley Cup double that only Ken Morrow accomplished in 1980 with the “Miracle on Ice” and New York Islanders.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was taken into custody in Houston early Saturday morning on a misdemeanor weapons charge, according to Harris County District Clerk records. Harden was arrested at 3:41 a.m. and processed before 5 a.m. on charges of unlawfully carrying a weapon in a vehicle. He posted a $100 bond and was released from custody. Court documents indicate Harden had a visible handgun that was not secured in a holster. His court appearance is set for June 22, with records showing him as a Houston resident.
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal returned to the mound for his first appearance since April 29, showing expected signs of rust in the Tigers’ 3-1 defeat to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday. The two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner pitched 4 2/3 innings after undergoing a new surgical procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow. While not at his dominant best, the Tigers were pleased to have their star left-hander back in action. Skubal threw 80 pitches and surrendered a two-run homer to Daniel Schneemann in the third inning on a fastball.
Jackson Suber holds his first 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour heading into Sunday’s final round of the RBC Canadian Open in Caledon, Ontario. Suber carded a 66 with a birdie on the final hole, giving him a one-shot advantage over Bud Cauley and several other contenders. Tommy Fleetwood and Wyndham Clark are among 17 players within four shots of the lead. Weather conditions including rain and wind are expected for the final round. Brooks Koepka dropped out of contention due to a hand problem that affected his grip, while 36-hole leader Ben James struggled to a 78.
