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Jose Breton / The Associated Press files Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos (right) is considered one of the all-time greatest ball distributors.

Individual accolades have eluded all-time great Kroos

Jerrad Peters 4 minute read Yesterday at 6:51 PM CDT

The Champions League Final on Saturday will be a club football curtain call for one of the best, and among the least appreciated, midfielders of his generation.

He’ll be expecting, and expected, to dictate the tempo of a match after which he’ll lift the European Cup – his sixth, equalling Paco Gento’s all-time record.

Winning, after all, is something that comes naturally to Toni Kroos. Almost as naturally as the 30,000 passes he’s completed, give or take, over the course of a glittering career that, should Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund at Wembley (2 p.m., DAZN), will see him become the most decorated German footballer ever.

Even that won’t be the end. Not quite, as the 34-year-old will play in the upcoming European Championship, which Germany will host later this month. An international career that yielded a World Cup in 2014 appeared to be finished after an early exit at Euro 2020, but in late March he returned to Die Mannschaft for a friendly in France. He set up Florian Wirtz’s opening goal inside the first 10 seconds.

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Ryan Sun / The Associated Press files Has Nikolaj Ehlers played his last game for the Winnipeg Jets? Only time will tell.

No off-season for Jets management

Plenty of decisions to be made regarding players and staff

Ken Wiebe and Mike McIntyre 9 minute read Yesterday at 5:57 PM CDT

Bombers’ Chris Smith emerges as top contender for return specialist role

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Preview

Bombers’ Chris Smith emerges as top contender for return specialist role

Jeff Hamilton 5 minute read Updated: 10:04 AM CDT

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers may have found the man they’ve been looking for.

Chris Smith made his presence known in a big way in the Bombers’ second and final preseason game, with a performance that no doubt has sling-shotted the 24-year-old rookie to the front of the race for the club’s next kick returner.

Smith was far and away Winnipeg’s most prolific returner on the night, and never did he look more dangerous than when he returned a punt 109 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter. The TD gave the Bombers their first lead of the night, only for the home-side to lose grip as the game went on, eventually falling to the Calgary Stampeders, 31-10, at Princess Auto Stadium Friday night.

“All week, all camp I’ve just been waiting for an opportunity, and the Lord finally blessed me with it,” Smith said after the game. “That was my first punt return for a touchdown since high school. So, that definitely felt amazing.”

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Updated: 10:04 AM CDT

Winnipeg Blue BombersÕ Chris Smith (24) fumbles the handoff from quarterback Darren Grainger (9) in his own end zone during first half CFL pre-season action against the Calgary Stampeders in Winnipeg Friday, May 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Winnipeg Blue BombersÕ Chris Smith (24) fumbles the handoff from quarterback Darren Grainger (9) in his own end zone during first half CFL pre-season action against the Calgary Stampeders in Winnipeg Friday, May 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Champions League final halted inside a minute due to pitch invaders

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Champions League final halted inside a minute due to pitch invaders

The Associated Press 1 minute read 2:19 PM CDT

LONDON (AP) — The Champions League final was halted inside the first minute because of pitch invaders, with one taking a selfie with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior on Saturday.

The final between Madrid and Borussia Dortmund was stopped almost immediately after kickoff.

Two invaders were quickly removed by Wembley Stadium security staff, but then another person ran onto field to the visible annoyance of some players. It took four security staff to apprehend the last invader.

Madrid was aiming to win a record-extending 15th European Cup, while Borussia Dortmund was going for its second Champions League title.

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2:19 PM CDT

Dortmund's Marcel Sabitzer, center, and stewards chase a pitch invader during the Champions League final soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, June 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Dortmund's Marcel Sabitzer, center, and stewards chase a pitch invader during the Champions League final soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, June 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Blue Bombers’ preseason ends with loss, focuses on prospects’ performance

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Blue Bombers’ preseason ends with loss, focuses on prospects’ performance

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Updated: 9:19 AM CDT

It was a glorified tryout at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday night.

The Blue Bombers, led by backups and pro football hopefuls, closed out the preseason with a 31-10 loss to the visiting Calgary Stampeders.

The numbers on the scoreboard weren’t important, it was about giving prospects and newcomers one last chance to show what they can do under the bright lights before final cuts are made Saturday.

With Zach Collaros and Chris Streveler sitting out to prepare for the June 6 season opener at home against Montreal, the Bombers rolled with two rookie passers fighting for the No.3 quarterback spot: Terry Wilson and Darren Grainger.

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Updated: 9:19 AM CDT

Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Myron Mitchell (29) gets tackled by Calgary Stampeders’ Tyler Richardson (35) during second half CFL pre-season action in Winnipeg Friday, May 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Myron Mitchell (29) gets tackled by Calgary Stampeders’ Tyler Richardson (35) during second half CFL pre-season action in Winnipeg Friday, May 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Bottom feeders in November, Oilers sit one win away from Stanley Cup final

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Bottom feeders in November, Oilers sit one win away from Stanley Cup final

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 5 minute read 2:31 PM CDT

DALLAS - Kris Knoblauch arrived to find a locker room in turmoil.

The Edmonton Oilers — among the Stanley Cup favourites when training camp opened — had got off to a disastrous start to the NHL season.

The club was in a tailspin, languishing near the bottom of the standings despite a roster led by superstar forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

There were plenty of questions, and not many answers, when Knoblauch took over for the fired Jay Woodcroft in November with the Oilers sitting a stunning 3-9-1 through 13 mostly cringeworthy games.

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2:31 PM CDT

Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch, top, looks on during the third period in Game 1 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Dallas. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Tony Gutierrez
Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch, top, looks on during the third period in Game 1 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars, Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Dallas. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Tony Gutierrez

B.C. Lions close out pre-season with dominant 26-9 victory over Edmonton Elks

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

B.C. Lions close out pre-season with dominant 26-9 victory over Edmonton Elks

Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: 1:00 AM CDT

VANCOUVER - The B.C. Lions' brass weren't expecting to get a lot of sleep Friday night.

A decisive 29-6 win over the Edmonton Elks in pre-season play had just made some looming cuts to the team's roster all the more complicated.

“There’s going to be hard decisions. It’s not all cut and dry," head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell said after the game.

"And from my experience of doing that, the decision’s hard and it’s not fun to tell someone they don’t have a job, but it’s exciting that you’re choosing between two good things."

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Updated: 1:00 AM CDT

B.C. Lions' Stanley Berryhill III, top, is upended by Edmonton Elks kicker Jake Julien as he returns a punt during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game, in Vancouver, on Friday, May 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
B.C. Lions' Stanley Berryhill III, top, is upended by Edmonton Elks kicker Jake Julien as he returns a punt during the first half of a pre-season CFL football game, in Vancouver, on Friday, May 31, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Sports Editor's Picks

Joshua Frey-Sam:

Valour on upswing heading into home opener

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Valour captain Raphael Ohin will play his first home game in more than two years Sunday when Vancouver FC is in town.

Ken Wiebe:

Lessons can be learned from final four in chase for Stanley Cup

Jason Franson / The Canadian Press Dallas Stars’ Thomas Harley (55), Jason Robertson (21), Roope Hintz (24) and Christopher Tanev (3) celebrate a goal against the Edmonton Oilers during second period third-round NHL playoff action in Edmonton on Monday May 27, 2024.THE CANADIAN PRESS/

Jeff Hamilton:

Lawler ready to set the CFL, and the record book, on fire

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Kenny Lawler (89) during training camp at Princess Auto Stadium Tuesday. 240514 - Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

Ken Wiebe:

Jets new head coach Scott Arniel has paid his dues and earned the opportunity to lead team

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff and Scott Arniel during the announcement that Arniel is the new head coach of the team, Monday morning at Canada Life Centre. 240527 - Monday, May 27, 2024.

Jeff Hamilton:

Experience teaches Bombers’ kicker there’s more to life than football

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS Blue Bombers’ kicker Sergio Castillo knew he had to be there for his wife when her grandmother died while he was in the middle of training camp.

Taylor Allen:

CFL is fighting for U.S. talent

RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Willie Jefferson (5) practice at IG Field for their upcoming game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders Sunday.

More Sports

French Open 2024: Here’s how to watch on TV, betting odds and more you should know

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

French Open 2024: Here’s how to watch on TV, betting odds and more you should know

The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 2:16 PM CDT

PARIS (AP) — Catch up on the French Open with a guide that tells you everything you need to know about what happened at the clay-court Grand Slam tennis tournament, what the upcoming schedule is, how to watch, what the betting odds are and more:

Who is Playing on Sunday?

No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 3 Coco Gauff try to get closer to a semifinal showdown by winning fourth-round matches against unseeded opponents. Swiatek, seeking her fourth French Open title and third in a row, gets things started in Court Philippe Chatrier against Anastasia Potapova at 11 a.m. local time (0900 GMT, 5 a.m. EDT) — an hour earlier than the main stadium usually opens. That will be followed by Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion, against Elisabetta Cocciaretto. Another major champion, 2023 Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova, meets qualifier Olga Danilovic at 11 a.m. in Court Suzanne Lenglen. Two top men, No. 2 Jannik Sinner and No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, are in Chatrier. Alcaraz plays No. 21 Felix Auger-Aliassime in a match that will not begin before 2 p.m. (1200 GMT, 8 a.m. EDT), and Sinner faces unseeded Frenchman Corentin Moutet in the night sessions at 8:15 p.m. (1815 GMT, 2:15 p.m. EDT).

What Happened on Saturday?

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Updated: 2:16 PM CDT

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz slides to play shot against Jeffrey John Wolf of the U.S. during their first round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
Spain's Carlos Alcaraz slides to play shot against Jeffrey John Wolf of the U.S. during their first round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Simpson eyes redemption as Knights set to take on host Spirit in Memorial Cup final

Abdulhamid Ibrahim, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Simpson eyes redemption as Knights set to take on host Spirit in Memorial Cup final

Abdulhamid Ibrahim, The Canadian Press 4 minute read 10:59 AM CDT

SAGINAW, Mich. - Last season's failure fuels Michael Simpson as a shot at redemption approaches.

The London Knights goaltender was previously with the Peterborough Petes, who fell 4-1 to the Seattle Thunderbirds in last year's Memorial Cup semifinal. Simpson earned playoff MVP honours after the Petes defeated the Knights in the Ontario Hockey League championship series.

Simpson was traded to London in September, where he helped the Knights win the OHL title this year. Now he looks ahead to Sunday's Memorial Cup final against the host Saginaw Spirit.

"That first goal that I let in against Seattle in the semifinal kind of haunts me pretty good," he said. "Because of the time of the game and how the game was going, I think when that went in, it definitely changed the tides for them.

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10:59 AM CDT

London Knights goalie Michael Simpson (31) stops a shot by Saginaw Spirit's Alex Christopoulos (48) during second period Memorial Cup hockey action in Saginaw, Mich., Wednesday, May 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Duane Burleson
London Knights goalie Michael Simpson (31) stops a shot by Saginaw Spirit's Alex Christopoulos (48) during second period Memorial Cup hockey action in Saginaw, Mich., Wednesday, May 29, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Duane Burleson

Wembley Stadium beefs up security for Champions League final

Ken Maguire, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Wembley Stadium beefs up security for Champions League final

Ken Maguire, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 7:27 AM CDT

LONDON (AP) — Wembley Stadium has significantly beefed up its security operation for the Champions League final on Saturday, intent on avoiding a repeat of the lawlessness that tarnished the Euro 2020 showpiece.

Real Madrid faces Borussia Dortmund at England's national stadium, where three years ago 2,000 ticketless English fans violently stormed past stewards to get inside to watch their men's national team play Italy in the European Championship final.

The past two Champions League finals have also been marred by problems. UEFA was primarily blamed for security failures in 2022 in Paris when Liverpool and Madrid fans were held in crushed queues. Last year, fans complained of transportation problems accessing the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, where Manchester City beat Inter Milan.

Saturday's final will feature the largest deployment of stewards — 2,500 — in Wembley Stadium history and follows 5 million pounds ($6.3 million) of security upgrades including new gates and perimeter fencing, improved locks on doors, and an internal control room to better monitor fan behavior. Stewards will be wearing body cams.

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Updated: 7:27 AM CDT

Real Madrid fans gather in a fan zone in Regent Street, in London, Friday, May 31, 2024, ahead of tomorrow's UEFA Champions League final at Wembley stadium between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)
Real Madrid fans gather in a fan zone in Regent Street, in London, Friday, May 31, 2024, ahead of tomorrow's UEFA Champions League final at Wembley stadium between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

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