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New Swans recruit Walta aims to score goals

Leo Walta is poised to replicate his impressive goal-scoring record in the Championship, having made the switch from Sweden’s top division to Swansea City.

In June 2024, Leo Walta earned his first senior cap for Finland, marking the beginning of his international career.

Following his move to Swansea City from the Swedish top-flight league, Leo Walta is confident that his impressive goal-scoring abilities will translate to the Championship.

The transfer took place on deadline day, with Walta joining Swansea City from Allsvenskan club Sirius.

Although Walta acknowledges the need to adapt quickly to the English second tier, he is optimistic about his ability to score goals for his new team.

When asked if he can replicate his goal-scoring form in Wales, Walta responded affirmatively.

Walta expressed his hope of bringing his lifelong practice of goal-scoring to his new role at Swansea City.

Initially, Walta's move to Swansea City was on a loan basis, but it is expected to become permanent by July.

Towards the end of the mid-season transfer window, head coach Vitor Matos sought an attacking midfielder who could make an impact in the final third, leading to a deal with Sirius for Walta.

Walta's 17 goals in the 2025 season in Sweden had caught the attention of scouts and coaches.

Walta reflected on his successful 2025 season, stating that scoring goals has always been one of his strengths, along with making good shots and passes.

With Sirius' season concluding in November, Walta bid farewell to the club as they entered pre-season preparations for the 2026 campaign.

Walta made his Swansea City debut as a substitute in the team's recent win over Sheffield Wednesday, his first match since the November international break, when he played for Finland.

According to Walta, Vitor Matos plans to utilize him in central midfield or as a number 10.

Having previously left HJK Helsinki for Norwegian club Nordsjaelland as a teenager, Walta is accustomed to adjusting to new environments.

Before joining Sirius in 2024, Walta had spells with Danish club HB Koge and Swedish side Mjallby.

While anticipating that English football will be more fast-paced and physically demanding than his previous experiences, Walta remains unfazed.

Walta mentioned that he is familiar with the Championship, having followed it on TV in Finland, and is excited about the opportunity to play in the league.

Walta expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge ahead.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Swansea City, visit our website.

Vitor Matos believes that new signing Walta has the potential to make a significant contribution to the team.

Tune in to BBC Sounds for the latest interviews, news, and discussions about Swansea City.

Walta's recent debut for Swansea City was not his first appearance in England, having previously played for Finland.

In September 2024, Walta made a substitute appearance for Finland in a Nations League match against England at Wembley.

With 10 caps for Finland, Walta looks up to former teammate Teemu Pukki, who retired from international duty in November, as a role model.

Pukki, a 35-year-old striker, had a successful five-year stint in English football with Norwich City, scoring 89 goals in the Championship and Premier League.

Walta praised Pukki's achievements in English football, both in the Championship and the Premier League.

Walta also appreciated Pukki's kind gesture, as the veteran striker congratulated him on his move to Swansea City.

Shefki Kuqi, a former Finland player, had a notable stint in Britain, playing for teams like Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, and Crystal Palace.

Until recently, Kuqi was the only Finnish player to have represented Swansea City, having joined the team in 2010 under Paulo Sousa.

Walta is familiar with Kuqi's time at Swansea City and recalls the striker's iconic goal celebration, known as the 'Flying Finn'.

Although Walta was young when Kuqi played for Swansea, he has seen videos of the striker's celebrations and is aware of his reputation.

When asked if he would attempt to replicate Kuqi's celebration, Walta smiled and said it was possible.

Walta's response hinted at a potential nod to his Finnish predecessor's signature style.

Entertainment And Arts

Spielberg Contributes $25,000 to Van Der Beek’s $2 Million Crowdfunding Campaign

The relatives of the deceased actor, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, have expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the $2m fund.

A donation of $25,000 (£21,000) has been made by film director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, to a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $2m (£1.6m) for the family of late actor James Van Der Beek.

James Van Der Beek wearing a maroon dickie bow while smiling for the cameras on arrival at the 2019 Emmy Awards
James Van Der Beek's character Dawson was a famous fan of filmmaker Spielberg

Van Der Beek, who passed away at the age of 48, is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children, and the crowdfunding effort to support his family has now exceeded its initial target of $2m.

Other notable donors include Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldana, who contributed $2,500 (£2,108), and director Jon M Chu, who gave $10,000 (£8,432) to the cause.

A statement from the organizers of the fundraiser, Friends of the Van Der Beek family, expressed gratitude to all contributors, stating that their support is deeply appreciated.

The statement highlighted the significance of the donations, saying that the kindness shown by contributors is beyond words.

It also noted that the outpouring of support has been a source of comfort during a difficult time, serving as a reminder of the power of love, community, and the enduring legacy of James Van Der Beek.

Van Der Beek was perhaps best known for his starring role in the popular US teen drama series Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, although he remained associated with the show until 2023.

Although Van Der Beek and Spielberg never collaborated on a project, the late actor's character in Dawson's Creek was a fan of Spielberg's work, with posters of films like ET and Schindler's List featured in his bedroom.

At a Dawson's Creek cast reunion event last year, Spielberg paid tribute to Van Der Beek by sending a video message.

In the message, Spielberg said, "Dawson, you made it," and jokingly added that he hoped to one day have a room like Dawson's, filled with memorabilia from his films.

Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday after a battle with bowel cancer.

Steven Spielberg arrives for the 98th Oscars Nominees Luncheon at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, USA, 10 February 2026
Spielberg made a surprise video appearance at last year's Dawson's Creek reunion

He had been dealing with the diagnosis since August 2023 and publicly disclosed his condition in November 2024.

The GoFundMe campaign was launched to help the family with medical expenses, which had depleted their funds.

The statement from the organizers concluded by saying that the family is currently taking time to grieve and be together, and thanked everyone for their compassionate and generous support in honoring James Van Der Beek's life.

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Zimbabwe Shocks Australia with Muzarabani’s Exceptional Performance

Zimbabwe secured a stunning 23-run victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, with Blessing Muzarabani playing a key role by taking 4-17.

In the current T20 world rankings, Zimbabwe occupies the 12th position.

The Men's T20 World Cup is underway in Group B at Colombo.

Zimbabwe's innings concluded at 169-2 after 20 overs, with Bennett scoring an unbeaten 64 off 56 deliveries, while Green claimed 1-6.

Australia's reply ended at 146 after 19.3 overs, as Renshaw top-scored with 65 off 44 balls, and Muzarabani took 4-17.

The match resulted in a 23-run victory for Zimbabwe.

A standout performance from Blessing Muzarabani, who took 4-17, helped Zimbabwe secure a thrilling 23-run win over Australia in the T20 World Cup.

After being set a target of 170, Australia found themselves in trouble at 29-4, but a 77-run partnership between Matthew Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell for the fifth wicket gave them hope.

With 34 runs needed from the last two overs, Renshaw's dismissal for 65, caught off Muzarabani with eight balls remaining, essentially sealed the game's outcome.

The result has left Group B finely balanced after two matches each, with Australia trailing Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka by two points, ahead of their meeting with Sri Lanka on Monday.

Initially, Zimbabwe's approach to batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium appeared overly cautious.

Brian Bennett's innings of 64 not out from 56 balls, including seven fours, was played at a strike rate of 114.28, as he anchored the Zimbabwean batting.

In contrast, Tadiwanashe Marumani and Ryan Burl adopted a more aggressive approach, scoring 35 off 21 and 30 balls, respectively.

A late surge from Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza, who scored 25 off 13 balls, including the team's only six on the final ball, provided a boost to their total.

Australia's target seemed achievable, given their total of 182-6 in their previous win against Ireland.

However, the Australian batting line-up was severely dented by the loss of key wickets, including Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Tim David, courtesy of Muzarabani and Brad Evans.

A partnership between Renshaw and Maxwell offered some respite, but when Maxwell fell for 31, dragged on to Burl, the pressure mounted on Australia.

Muzarabani's return to bowl the penultimate over proved decisive, as he removed Renshaw, and Zimbabwe subsequently wrapped up the win.

There are calls for the ICC to review the rules regarding 12th men.

For more information, including notifications and social media updates, visit BBC Sport.

A blogger who participates in the FPL is also competing in the T20 World Cup.

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FA Cup Finalists Outside the Big Six Since 2008

As the FA Cup resumes this weekend, assess your understanding of past finalists that have competed from beyond the Premier League’s top six clubs.

This weekend, the FA Cup resumes with 32 teams remaining in contention for the historic trophy, which has been awarded for 155 years and will be presented to the winner in May.

Historically, the Premier League's top six clubs – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham – have dominated the FA Cup, claiming 32 titles out of the last 37.

However, in recent years, teams outside of this elite group have experienced some notable victories in the competition.

Since 2008, 10 teams from outside the traditional 'big six' have advanced to the FA Cup final – can you identify all of them?

For more quizzes, visit our Football Quizzes and Sports Quizzes sections, where you can also subscribe to receive the latest quizzes directly on your device.

We have a quiz question tailored to each Premier League team – test your knowledge and see how you score.

Can you recall every team that has won the Women's Champions League?

Which players have made the most appearances in the Premier League – can you name them all?

Explore our Sports Quizzes page for a wide range of challenging and engaging quizzes.

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