226. That’s how many matches it took for Cristiano Ronaldo to receive a red card in an international fixture.

The 40-year-old football star was sent off in Portugal’s shock 2-0 loss to Ireland after an elbow to the back of Irish defender Dara O'Shea. Despite the result, Portugal still lead their European World Cup Qualifying group, while Ireland’s hopes of heading to the tournament for the first time since 2002 are still alive.

Ok, so it seems not everyone’s perfect.

But does that mean those stories of family friends who’ve never had a parking ticket aren’t true either?

🎾 Alex de Minaur has advanced to the knockout stages of the ATP Finals after defeating American Taylor Fritz in straight sets in his final group stage match. De Minaur’s victory, his first ever at the event, did not automatically secure his place in the semi-finals. Instead, his progression relied on Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the other group match this morning. Alcaraz not only cruised past Musetti in straight sets (6-4, 6-1) but also claimed the ATP’s Year-End No.1 honours ahead of Italian Jannik Sinner. In the semi-final, De Minaur will play Sinner. Alcaraz’s semi-final opponent will be determined by the remaining group stage matches tonight.

🏏 The Hobart Hurricanes remain unbeaten after two matches in the Women’s Big Bash League after a dominant six-wicket win over the Sydney Sixers at North Sydney Oval. Hurricanes fast bowler Hayley Silver-Holmes tore through her former side with a stunning triple-wicket over, finishing with career-best figures of 3-18. Chasing 153 runs, Hurricanes opening batters Lizelle Lee and Danni Wyatt-Hodge hit a record 95-run partnership to seal the win with 19 balls to spare. The Hurricanes now sit on top of the ladder, with the Melbourne Renegades also undefeated so far.

🏀 Serbian NBA star Nikola Jokić delivered one of the best performances of the season so far, scoring 55 points in the Denver Nuggets’ 130–116 win over the LA Clippers. The three-time league MVP is averaging a triple-double this season and is now the first player in NBA history to average 35 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists over a six-game stretch while shooting above 60%. The Nuggets' latest win puts them on a six-game winning streak. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai-Gilgeous Alexander (and last year’s MVP) has also produced a league-leading 55-point game this season. 

🏏 England fast bowler Mark Wood has had a hamstring scare just a week out from the first Ashes Test in Perth. The 35-year-old left the field during England’s tour match against a Lions XI after bowling eight overs, with scans confirming hamstring stiffness. Wood, returning from knee surgery, is expected to bowl again in two days, but his fitness remains uncertain. It’s another concern for England’s pace stocks, although captain Ben Stokes returned strongly with four wickets and Jofra Archer bowled his first 10 overs since July.

Talking points: The Socceroos face Venezuela in Houston on Saturday afternoon (AEDT) in the first of two friendlies designed to prepare for next year’s World Cup. With qualification already secured, coach Tony Popovic is using the matches to test new combinations and expose players to South American opposition. Teenager James Overy and attacker Al Hassan Toure could make their debuts, while injuries to key defenders open the door for others to impress. Venezuela, ranked 50th in the world, are rebuilding under an interim coach, and this will be the first meeting between the two sides since a 1-1 draw in 2004. The Socceroos will want to get things right against Venezuela before they face world No.13 Colombia next Wednesday.

How to watch: The match kicks off at 1:30pm. You can watch it on Channel 10 and Paramount+.

Talking points: Hawthorn and Carlton will meet at Ikon Park on Saturday night in a semi-final that’s set to be fast and physical. The Hawks have won both previous matchups, but come in under pressure after consecutive losses, while the Blues are flying after three straight wins. When they met earlier this season, Hawthorn edged an eight-point win in a scrappy contest, but Carlton’s attack has since found rhythm. The winner of this match will advance to a preliminary final against the Brisbane Lions. The other semi-final earlier in the day between Melbourne and Adelaide will determine who takes on the North Melbourne Kangaroos in the other preliminary final.

How to watch: The match begins at 7:15pm on Saturday. You can watch the AFLW Finals on Channel 7, Foxtel, and Kayo.

Talking points: The Irish, ranked No.3 in the world, present a tough task for the Wallabies, who come into the match off the back of consecutive losses to England and Italy. Ireland have won six of the last seven matches between the two sides, the last four in a row. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt, who led Ireland to three Six Nations titles, says the Wallabies are embracing the challenge against one of the world’s top teams. The match is being played in Dublin. Inside centre Len Ikitau and fly-half James O’Connor headline Australia’s lineup as two experienced players set to make an impact upon their return.

How to watch: The match kicks off at 7:10am on Sunday. You can watch international rugby union on Stan Sport. 

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