Iceland become smallest country to qualify for World Cup; Aussie officials expecting Serena to defend title

Not in the mood to go through the sports news in detail, but can’t quite get yourself to do away with it either? Here’s what we have to offer: read on to get a summary of all the main sports events that have been covered.

Iceland added to its incredible European Championship campaign by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup on Monday. Gylfi Sigurdsson and Johann Gudmundsson scored in their 2-0 victory over Kosovo.

Cricket

Khawaja opens up about racism in Australia

Australia batsman Usman Khawaja, the country’s first Pakistan-born national player, has revealed that he was racially abused as a youngster and had a tough time growing up playing the sport he loves.

While Khawaja made it clear that his journey wasn’t in any way easy, he does believe that times have changed and that it is much easier now for cricketers from all backgrounds to make it through the system.

Football

Iceland qualify for WC for the first time

Goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Johann Gudmundsson gave Iceland a 2-0 win in their World Cup qualifier against Kosovo, enough to see them through to the World Cup – the first time in their history.

Serbia defeated Georgia 1-0 to book their passage to Russia, while Republic of Ireland beat Wales by the same margin to make it through to the play-offs at the expense of Wales.

Tennis

Australia Open organisers hopeful of Serena’s return

Organisers of Australia Open, while announcing a raise in the winners’ prize money on Tuesday, also added that they were hopeful of a stunning comeback by defending champion and new mum, Serena Williams.

The tournament director made it clear that the top 100 men and women have confirmed their intent to be present at Melbourne for the year’s first Grand Slam.