Sports Hot News March 6: Tran Thi Thanh Thuy Faces a Crucial Turning Point in Japan

Sports Hot News March 6: Thanh Thuy's Team Has a Chance to Advance; Tottenham Loses to Crystal Palace...

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Her Team Face a Critical Mission

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and her club, Gunma Green Wings, are entering a crucial phase of the SV League, Japan's National Volleyball League. According to analysis from Japan's J-Sports volleyball site, the women's SV League Round 18 on March 7-8 is seen as the first major turning point in the race for the Top 8, the group that qualifies for the playoffs.

After Round 17, the top three teams—NEC Kawasaki, SAGA Hisamitsu, and Osaka Marvelous—have secured playoff spots, while the competition for the 8th position remains very intense.

Tran Thi Thanh Thuy's club, Gunma Green Wings, currently ranks 7th in the women's SV League 2025/26 standings after 17 rounds, with a record of 18 wins and 16 losses. However, Gunma's position is not yet secure. In the previous round, they lost to NEC Red Rockets Kawasaki, narrowing their lead over the chasing pack to just a two-game advantage over the 8th-placed team.

According to J-Sports' assessment, Gunma will need to aim for victories against Toray Arrow on March 7 and 8 to increase their lead and secure a playoff spot early.

Tottenham Loses to Crystal Palace

Tottenham sinks deeper into the relegation battle after a 1-3 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Before the match, Spurs were just one point above the relegation zone. Dominic Solanke opened the scoring in the 34th minute, but a turning point came when Micky van de Ven fouled Ismaila Sarr in the box and was sent off. Sarr converted the penalty, then completed a brace in first-half stoppage time, with Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring in between, giving Palace a 3-1 lead.

In the second half, Tottenham, despite being a man down, pushed forward but could not score again. This loss marks Spurs' fifth consecutive defeat and extends their winless run in the Premier League to 11 games, putting manager Igor Tudor under immense pressure as the team sits 16th and faces relegation danger.

Casemiro Has a Large Bruise on His Face

Casemiro surprised Manchester United fans by appearing in the match against Newcastle with a large bruise under his eye and noticeable swelling on his left cheek. The cause was determined to be a heavy collision late in United's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace the previous weekend.

Nevertheless, the Brazilian midfielder still played and scored an equalizing header from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick, bringing his Premier League goal tally this season to six. However, United still lost 1-2 after William Osula's late goal for Newcastle, ending manager Michael Carrick's seven-match unbeaten run. Additionally, Casemiro's future at United is uncertain as the club is reportedly unwilling to trigger a one-year contract extension. The 34-year-old midfielder could leave United in June, as he wishes to continue playing in Europe, with Italy seen as a potential destination.

Figo Warns About Mbappe's Injury

Kylian Mbappe faces the risk of a long-term absence after suffering a knee injury during his prolific season with Real Madrid, where he has scored 38 goals across all competitions. Initially diagnosed as a left knee sprain, later information suggests it may involve a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament.

Although Real Madrid hopes Mbappe will recover in time for the Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Manchester City, legend Luis Figo warns the French forward not to rush his return. Figo stated that many players have paid the price for playing before fully recovering.

Figo commented: "Mbappe's injury recovery really depends on his own feeling. Whether he can accept the risk or not, and if he accepts that risk, the consequences could be even more severe. In my own case, there were times I tried to play when not fully fit and the results weren't great, but that's because I wanted to be on the pitch. Later, those sacrifices come with a cost."

Chelsea Wants to Buy Barcelona's Cast-off

Chelsea are reported to have made an offer of around £43 million (€50 million) to sign Brazilian striker Vitor Roque from Palmeiras in the summer transfer window. Roque previously disappointed at Barcelona, but after returning to Brazil in 2025, he regained his form and has become a target for the London club. If the deal is successful,

Barcelona would also benefit from a 20% sell-on clause, as they sold Roque to Palmeiras for €25.5 million plus add-ons. However, Palmeiras is currently unsatisfied with Chelsea's offer, believing it does not reflect the true value of the 21-year-old striker, who plays a key attacking role. Roque has scored 5 goals and provided 1 assist in 13 matches this season. A move to Chelsea would offer him a chance to revive his European career after a difficult spell at Barcelona.

Naturalized Malaysian Player Still Training in Spain

Malaysian national team defender Facundo Garces is still permitted to train with his Spanish club, Deportivo Alaves, despite being suspended from matches following a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). According to the ruling, Garces and six other players received 12-month bans from official matches, related to an appeal by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

The ban is effective from March 5, 2026, and includes the period from September 25, 2025, to January 26, 2026, when a previous sanction was already applied. However, the sanction applies only to matches, so Garces can still train and participate in professional activities with Alaves. The club stated it will continue to study the CAS decision carefully. Garces's absence is a significant loss for new manager Quique Sanchez Flores, who was recently appointed to replace Eduardo Coudet and is tasked with helping Alaves avoid relegation in La Liga this season.

Messi Meets President Donald Trump

Lionel Messi and his club Inter Miami were received by US President Donald Trump at the White House to honor their 2025 MLS Cup victory, the first championship in the club's history. During the ceremony, Messi presented President Donald Trump with a signature pink Inter Miami soccer ball, while co-owner Jorge Mas and manager Javier Mascherano presented team jerseys and a watch.

This marks Messi's first visit to the White House since joining Inter Miami in 2023. In his speech, Trump praised Messi as an outstanding player, even saying he "might be better than Pele." He also mentioned that his son is a big fan of the Argentine superstar.

Inter Miami won the 2025 MLS Cup after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1, with Messi winning the league's MVP award for the second consecutive season. The event continues the American sports tradition of inviting championship teams to the White House for celebration.