Lionesses, Leaderboards & Late Moves

👋 Happy Friday All – This Week’s Grind Packs a Serious Punch

From heroic comebacks to summer shakeups, this week’s Game-Day Grind is full of edge, energy, and unexpected drama.

We’ve got:
💪 A Lionesses comeback that rewrote Euros history
💸 A £65 million bid to supercharge United’s attack
⛳ A five-way tie lighting up Royal Portrush

Plus...
🎟 Three sizzling Zikkitt alerts you won’t want to miss
☕ A vibrant filter brew to match the drama
🧠 And a trivia stumper that’s all about golfing greatness

Let’s Brew It 👇

Table of Contents

• 1. The Perfect Pour

• 2. 🔥☕ Espresso Express – A quick, bold shot of sp …

• 3. 🎟 Ticket Radar – powered by Zikkitt

• 4. 🤔 Extra Shot: Your Weekly Dose of Sports Trivi …

1. The Perfect Pour

☕ Cafruci, Mio by Girls Who Grind Coffee

This week’s sport was full of flair and fight - a fearless Lionesses comeback, bold transfer bids from United, and an unpredictable Open leaderboard that’s as tightly packed as ever. You need a coffee that captures all that drama, energy, and elegance in one cup.

Flavour Notes:
🍓 Dried Strawberry
🍊 Blood Orange
🍯 Honey
🌺 Floral

Why it pairs with this week’s edition:
Like England’s second-half spark, Cafruci, Mio bursts with brightness and subtle intensity. The dried strawberry and blood orange notes mirror the surprise and sharpness of late goals and leaderboard shake-ups, while the honey and floral undertones bring balance - just like the cool heads that delivered a penalty shootout win.

It’s expressive, energising, and layered - the ideal brew for a week where nothing stayed predictable.

Where to get it:
From Girls Who Grind Coffee, Cafruci, Mio is grown in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil by the all-women Cafruci collective - a coffee that celebrates precision, community, and bold flavour.

2. 🔥☕ Espresso Express – A quick, bold shot of sports headlines, served hot and fast! 

🦁 Lionesses Roar Back to Reach Euros Semi-Finals

England pulled off one of their greatest comebacks in Zurich, fighting from two goals down to beat Sweden on penalties and reach the Euro 2025 semi-finals.

Things couldn’t have started worse for the Lionesses. Sweden took the lead inside two minutes through Kosovare Asllani, before Stina Blackstenius doubled it before the half-hour mark. At 2–0 down, England looked rattled and on the brink of an early exit.

But Sarina Wiegman’s side showed serious mettle. A triple substitution in the 70th minute changed the game’s rhythm and within minutes, England were back in it. Chloe Kelly delivered a pinpoint cross that Lucy Bronze headed in with authority. Just two minutes later, 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang bundled home the equaliser, turning the tide completely.

Extra time was tense, with both sides tiring and England nursing a few knocks - including a worrying knock to Leah Williamson. When the 120 minutes were up, it came down to penalties.

Despite missing four of their own spot-kicks, England held on thanks to goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, who made crucial saves and played through a bloodied nose. Sweden’s final penalty sailed over the bar, sealing a nerve-shredding 3–2 shootout victory for the Lionesses.

Why it matters:
🧠 Wiegman’s tactical changes made the difference - calm heads and bold subs flipped the momentum.
1️⃣ This is the first time any side has come back from two down in a knockout round at the Women’s Euros.
🧤 Hannah Hampton’s heroics in goal wrote her name into Lionesses folklore.

Bottom line:
It wasn’t pretty, but it was unforgettable. England are into the semi-finals - after this comeback, they’ll believe they can go all the way.

🔴 United Turn Up the Heat for Mbeumo

Manchester United have submitted a third bid for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with the latest offer worth a reported £65 million plus £5 million in performance-related add-ons.

It comes after two previous bids were swiftly rejected, but this latest move signals how serious United are about landing the versatile attacker and how high Mbeumo ranks on their summer wish list.

At 24, the Cameroonian international has quietly become one of the Premier League’s most consistent wide forwards, racking up goals, assists, and relentless energy down the right for Brentford. He offers pace, pressing, and proven Premier League output - a combination Reuben Amorim’s side desperately need after a stuttering 2024/25 campaign.

Sources close to the deal suggest Mbeumo is keen on the move, with personal terms unlikely to be a problem. United are pushing to finalise the transfer before their pre-season tour of the US kicks off next week.

Why it matters:
💥 This would be United’s second major attacking signing of the window following the capture of Matheus Cunha.
🔁 Mbeumo’s arrival could spell the end for Antony or Sancho at Old Trafford.
📈 A front line of Cunha, Mbeumo and Højlund gives United a younger, quicker and more fluid attack than last season.

Bottom line:
United have finally found their accelerator. With Mbeumo potentially inbound, it’s the clearest sign yet that the club are done hesitating and ready to reshape their attack with pace and purpose.

⛳ The Open – Five Leaders and a Homegrown Chase

Round 1 of The Open at Royal Portrush delivered everything we hoped for - tight margins, underdog fireworks, and a bit of Northern Irish redemption.

We’ve got a five-way tie at the top of the leaderboard, with Matt Fitzpatrick, Jacob Skov Olesen, Haotong Li, Harris English, and Christiaan Bezuidenhout all finishing four under par (67).

The standout? Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen, world number 354, who stole the spotlight with an eagle on the 12th and a nerveless birdie at 18. Harris English shrugged off pre-tournament drama including a visa hiccup for his caddie to roll in seven birdies and share the lead.

Haotong Li played one of the cleanest rounds of the day with a flawless bogey-free card, while South Africa’s Bezuidenhout kept up his impressive summer form with a sharp, composed performance.

Behind the leaders, world number one Scottie Scheffler sits ominously close at three under (68), despite some ropey tee shots. He’ll fancy his chances heading into the weekend.

As for Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irishman bounced back from an erratic middle stretch to finish one under (70), closing with two birdies and a wave of home crowd energy behind him. It wasn’t perfect, but he’s well in the hunt. Jon Rahm joins him on the same score, despite a tense moment involving a distracting spectator mid-swing.

Why it matters:
🏌️ With five players tied at the top and major names breathing down their necks, this year’s Open is wide open.
🌬 The Portrush conditions have already caused swings in momentum - expect more volatility as the wind picks up.
👀 Local eyes will be fixed on Rory, chasing his first Open win on home soil after heartbreak here in 2019.

Bottom line:
It’s a proper Open. A packed leaderboard, surprise contenders, and all to play for. With McIlroy and Scheffler lurking and underdogs flying, this could shape into a classic weekend in Northern Ireland.

3. 🎟 Ticket Radar – powered by Zikkitt

We’ve partnered with Zikkitt, a new sports ticket alert platform, to make sure you never miss a chance to see your team live.

Here’s what’s hot this week:

🎟 HOT Zikkitt #1: UK Athletics Championships

Track fans - the Novuna UK Athletics Championships at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium (2–3 August 2025) is officially on general sale now!

This is one of the biggest weekends in British athletics - national titles, World Championship qualification, and the country’s top talent battling it out on home soil. Demand will be strong, and the best seats won’t hang around for long.

If you’re looking to experience world-class competition up close - without facing inflated resale prices later - this is your moment.

🟣 Zikkitt Alert:
Zikkitt was built for moments like this. When major sporting events go on general sale, we fire instant alerts - no waiting, no fluff. Whether you’re a seasoned athletics fan or just want a family day out at a high-energy summer event, we’ve got your back.

Want in?
Join the Zikkitt waitlist and never miss a ticket drop again. Real-time alerts. Zero stress.

🎟 HOT Zikkitt #2: Jacksonville Jaguars London Game – Autumn 25

Gridiron fans, this is not a drill - Jacksonville Jaguars tickets for their 2025 London fixture are now on general sale! 🏈

Set to take place at Wembley Stadium, this is one of the biggest NFL matchups to hit UK soil this year. Whether you're a die-hard Jags fan or just keen to catch the live spectacle of American football in London, now’s your chance to secure seats at face value.

Tickets are expected to move fast, with thousands of fans eager to lock in their spot.

🟣 Zikkitt Alert:
This is a textbook Zikkitt moment - general sale goes live, fans rush in, resale prices spike. But if you’re signed up, you’re ahead of the pack. Zikkitt keeps you in the loop for drops like this, with real-time alerts and no faff.

Want in?
Join the Zikkitt waitlist and get instant alerts for NFL London tickets and other high-demand sporting events — no bots, no mark-ups, just straight-up access.

🎟 HOT Zikkitt #3: Criterium du Silverstone – Sportive Entry Now Open

Cycling fans - this one’s extra special. The Criterium du Silverstone Sportive is now open for general entry! 🚴‍♀️ A premium endurance event on the legendary Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, it’s your chance to race, ride, and revel in the thrill of one of motorsport’s most iconic venues this summer.

Whether you're chasing a PB, riding with friends, or just craving that unforgettable circuit buzz - this is more than just another sportive. It’s a weekend packed with atmosphere, achievement, and memories that stick.

🟣 Zikkitt Alert:
Zikkitt isn’t just about live sport it’s about experiences you’ll tell your grandkids about. From cycling epics to pitch-side moments, we capture entries, ticket drops, and registration windows on the early so you don’t miss out.

Want in?
Join the Zikkitt waitlist now. Whether it’s this sportive or the next bucket-list event, you’ll get real-time, no-fluff alerts. NOW’s the moment!

4. 🤔 Extra Shot: Your Weekly Dose of Sports Trivia

With The Open wide open (see what we did there) after a dramatic first round at Royal Portrush and five players tied for the lead - it’s got us thinking about those rare moments of dominance on golf’s biggest stages.

So here’s your trivia challenge this week:

Who was the last golfer to win both The Masters and The Open in the same calendar year?

A) Rory McIlroy
B) Tiger Woods
C) Phil Mickelson
D) Jordan Spieth

The answer will be announced in next week’s newsletter! Respond to this email with your answers to be in with a chance of a shout in next week’s edition.

🧠 Last Week’s Answer
Last week we asked: What was Red Bull Racing’s first-ever F1 win under Christian Horner’s leadership?

Answer: B) 2009 Chinese Grand Prix

🏁 Did you get it right? Red Bull Racing’s first-ever Formula 1 win came at the 2009 Chinese Grand Prix, with Sebastian Vettel taking victory in wet conditions. It was also the team’s first 1–2 finish, with Mark Webber coming in second.

A historic turning point and the start of Red Bull’s rise to dominance under Christian Horner.

That's full-time on this week's brew! Got a juicy sports story we missed or a coffee blend we need to try? Don't be shy - hit reply and spill the beans