Winnipeg Sea Bears 97:93 Edmonton Stingers 
Atlanta Dream W 89:78 Seattle Storm W 
Capitanes de Arecibo 101:98 Aguada Santeros 
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Portland Fire W 80:88 Las Vegas Aces W 
Los Angeles Clippers 85:91 Sacramento Kings 
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Cairns W 83:91 Logan Thunder W 
South West Metro Pirates W 62:73 Gold Coast Rollers W 
Sydney Comets W 67:59 Hornsby S. W 
Penrith P. W 67:93 Hills Hornets W 
Norths Bears W 77:66 Manly W. W 
Northern Tasmania W 64:86 Waverley W 
Knox W 90:61 Eltham W 
Mt. Gambier W 57:83 Keilor Thunder W 
Casey Cavaliers W 66:98 Dandenong Rangers W 
Bosnia & Herzegovina U20 69:84 Portugal U20 
Terrafirma Dyip 113:100 Titan Ultra Giant Risers 
Cairns Marlins 93:82 Logan Thunder 
South West Metro Pirates 86:126 Gold Coast Rollers 
Sydney Comets 94:89 Hornsby S. 
Norths Bears 91:74 Manly W. 
Penrith P. 75:72 Hills Hornets 
Kalamunda Eastern Suns W 68:64 Perth Redbacks W 
Mandurah Magic W 116:68 Willetton Tigers W 
South West Slammers W 70:98 Cockburn Cougars W 
Rafa Benitez, a well-known football manager, has hinted that he would be interested in coaching Scotland’s national team. Fans and experts are now wondering if this could really happen. Let’s take a closer look at what Benitez could bring to the role and whether the Scottish FA can afford him.
What Would Benitez Bring to Scotland?
Benitez has a long history of coaching top clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle. He is famous for his strong defensive tactics and ability to organize teams. Here are some things he could offer:
- Experience: He has managed in big leagues and won major trophies, including the Champions League.
- Tactical knowledge: He knows how to set up a team to defend well and hit on the counterattack.
- Big-game experience: He has coached in finals and high-pressure matches.
These skills could help Scotland compete against stronger teams in qualifying tournaments.
Is He Affordable for the Scottish FA?
Benitez usually earns a high salary — likely over £4 million per year. Scotland’s national team has a much smaller budget. Here are the key financial points to consider:
- Salary demands: Benitez would probably need to take a big pay cut to fit Scotland’s budget.
- Budget constraints: The Scottish FA has limited money, especially after the pandemic.
- Possible compromise: Some sponsors or fundraising could help make a deal.
Affordability remains a major question mark.
Challenges and Benefits of Hiring Him
Hiring a foreign coach like Benitez could bring fresh ideas to Scottish football. He is used to working with players from many countries. But international coaching is different from club management — there is less training time and fewer matches. Here are possible pros and cons:
- Pro: New tactics and discipline that Scotland has not tried before.
- Con: High cost and risk of not fitting into the team’s culture.
- Pro: Benitez’s reputation could attract better players and media attention.
These factors will influence the decision.
What’s Next for Scotland’s Coaching Search?
The search for a new head coach continues. Rafa Benitez is an exciting option, but money is the biggest hurdle. Only time will tell if the Scottish FA can find a way to bring him on board or if they will look for a more affordable choice.