Sports News Roundup: A year on, Mercedes return to scene of last success; NYPD plan heightened marathon security, citing global tensions and more

"Wettest game in history but job done and top of the group with the girlsss," Ireland captain Katie McCabe posted on Instagram after the match in Shkoder. Soccer-Greenwood returns to Man City for assessment after head injury with England England's Alex Greenwood was carried off the pitch on a stretcher following a clash of heads in their Women's Nations League defeat in Belgium on Tuesday, and will now return to Manchester City for assessment, her club said on Wednesday.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Soccer-Team GB Olympic qualification may rest on Scotland losing to England

England's 3-2 defeat away by Belgium on Tuesday not only meant they slipped to third in their Women's Nations League group, but put Team GB's 2024 Olympic participation in jeopardy, and now leaves Scotland in a bizarre position. Team GB is made up of players from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and as the highest ranked British team, England are the nominated nation to qualify on Britain's behalf.

NHL-Capitals' Backstrom stepping away from game due to 'injury situation'

Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom announced on Wednesday his decision to step away from ice hockey so that he can focus on his health. The 35-year-old Swede, who is the Capitals' all-time leader in assists, has struggled to regain his prior form since he underwent hip-resurfacing surgery in June 2022.

Soccer-Mainz surprised by latest El Ghazi statement on Gaza, will make legal checks

A new statement by Mainz 05 forward Anwar El Ghazi regarding the Israel-Hamas war has left his Bundesliga club perplexed considering he was sanctioned just days ago after posting another comment about the conflict on social media. The Dutch player, who was handed a warning and suspended following his previous remarks about the war, was cleared to return to training on Monday after showing remorse, the club said in a statement at the time.

Tennis-German court orders Zverev to pay fine in physical abuse case - lawyers

Alexander Zverev has been ordered by a Berlin court to pay an undisclosed fine for physically abusing the mother of his child, the German tennis player's lawyers said, adding that he would contest the court order. The former world number two "rejects the accusation made against him" by his former girlfriend Brenda Patea that she was a victim of bodily harm during an argument in 2020, his lawyers said. The pair had a daughter in 2021, though by that time they were no longer together.

Soccer-Flooded pitch fails to dampen spirits of Ireland's women

Ireland secured promotion to League A of the Women's Nations League with a 1-0 win away to Albania on Tuesday, but had to come through torrential rain, thunderstorms, and a pitch which resembled a lake. "Wettest game in history but job done and top of the group with the girlsss," Ireland captain Katie McCabe posted on Instagram after the match in Shkoder.

Soccer-Greenwood returns to Man City for assessment after head injury with England

England's Alex Greenwood was carried off the pitch on a stretcher following a clash of heads in their Women's Nations League defeat in Belgium on Tuesday, and will now return to Manchester City for assessment, her club said on Wednesday. Greenwood clashed heads with Belgium's Jassina Blom in the 19th minute of England's 3-2 loss, and was treated on the pitch for 12 minutes before her removal on a stretcher. Blom continued playing with a head bandage.

Athletics-NYPD plan heightened marathon security, citing global tensions

Local law enforcement will implement heightened security measures for Sunday's New York City Marathon due to a rise in tensions around the globe, officials said on Wednesday. The top endurance athletes as well as the 50,000-odd runners taking part in the 26.2 mile race can expect "many layers of protection" through the iconic five-borough course, New York Police Department (NYPC) Commissioner Edward Caban told reporters.

Adidas and Puma eye chances in soccer's fashion moment

Sportswear brands like Adidas and Puma are seeking to take advantage of a flirtation with soccer by the fashion world to reach a new customer base, building in part on demand created by this summer's successful Women's World Cup. With celebrities like Kim Kardashian seen attending matches and wearing soccer jerseys, clubs too spy new merchandising opportunities. One Premiership team has hired a creative director to expand its apparel offering, while Adidas in September launched an "exclusively off-pitch" apparel collection for some of the big-name teams it sponsors.

Cricket-De Kock, Van der Dussen hit tons as South Africa thump New Zealand

Quinton de Kock smashed his fourth century of the World Cup and Rassie van der Dussen also hit a ton as semi-finals-bound South Africa sealed a comprehensive 190-run victory over New Zealand on Wednesday for their sixth win in seven matches. New Zealand were left needing a rescue act after collapsing to 90-5 inside 19 overs while chasing 358, with only Will Young (33) and Daryl Mitchell (24) offering any resistance, but South Africa did not relent and dismissed them for 167 in 35.3 overs.

Motor racing-A year on, Mercedes return to scene of last success

Once-dominant Mercedes return to Brazil this weekend for a last chance to avoid going a whole year without a Formula One victory. Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, who last won a race in 2021, and team mate George Russell go into the final sprint weekend of the season with some optimism even if Red Bull's Max Verstappen is on a record roll.