The first edition of the tournament will take place from October 1 to 15 this year

Umar Farooq29-Apr-2022The inaugural Pakistan Junior League will be played from October 1 to 15, featuring six teams and 19 games, at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. It is also understood that, after the PCB invited corporate entities to be a part of the tournament, there were as many as 24 companies that came forward with a desire to be involved in different capacities. And at least three of the six existing PSL franchises are also believed to be interested in buying teams.The PCB feels there is enough interest to attract commercial partners, and is hopeful of roping in Pakistani legends as mentors and coaches.”I am delighted, encouraged and motivated by the response we have received to the Pakistan Junior League’s Request for Expressions of Interest,” Ramiz Raja, the PCB chairman, said in a statement on Friday. “This feedback has strengthened my belief and confidence that we have a huge appetite for cricket and a strong commercial market, which is keen, eager and happy to partner with the PCB on its projects of introducing new properties so that we can strengthen ourselves financially and commercially, and the return on investments are shared with all cricketers.”Following the success of the Pakistan Super League and the ever-improving reputation of the PCB, the potential sponsors have shown excitement and expressed their interest in the city-based Pakistan Junior League in their endeavour to play an important role in helping the PCB to create an environment of brilliance by providing a clear pathway to the talented youngsters, which, in turn, will fortify our bench-strength and produce new national stars and heroes.”The plan for a franchise-based T20 league for junior cricketers – locals with a smattering of overseas players – was communicated by the PCB two weeks ago. The aim is to pick players from the 15-19 age group through a draft process. The PCB has confirmed that all overseas cricketers will be allowed to have a parent accompany them, with the cost to be footed either by the organisers or the franchises.The domestic cricket structure in Pakistan has been subject to a lot of rejigging over the years but the pathway for age-group players has mostly been structured, featuring levels between the Under-15s and the Under-19s. Historically, the age-group players have been nurtured through longer-format games, playing two- or three-day games alongside one-dayers.They have not really been exposed to the T20 format during their development phase in accordance with PCB regulations. The exception has been the PSL, where each franchise is required to field at least one emerging player in every game. That has led to quite a few new faces coming to the fore over the years.

After four straight draws in the Championship, West Bromwich Albion finally broke out of this poor run of form with a straightforward 2-0 victory over Coventry City on Wednesday night.

Subsequently, the Baggies are now occupying that final coveted playoff spot in the difficult division, knowing that their resolve in the promotion places will be significantly tested the more December drags on.

Carlos Corberan will just want more from his players in matches to come to continue tallying up victories over falling victim to more draws, with the likes of Mikey Johnston arguably needing up to their game down the left flank for the promotion hopefuls.

Johnston's return to West Brom

After an explosive loan stint last campaign, it was always going to be tricky for Johnston to return and pick back up from where he left off, after only linking back up with Corberan’s camp on a permanent deal right at the tail-end of August.

The full-throttle winger’s first spell would see him pick up a phenomenal seven strikes from 18 league contests, as his heroics enabled the Baggies to pick up a playoff position with ease, due to his devastating attacking displays turning second-tier defenders inside and out.

No such strikes like this one that was hammered home versus Queen Park Rangers last campaign have occurred this season, however, as the former Celtic man remains goalless from 16 league contests.

He has only started seven of these named games though, with Corberan hopeful that more consistent game time for the electric winger in a congested fixture period could reawaken his best for the promotion candidates.

The Spaniard will also want Fellows to reach the heights he knows he’s capable of moving forward, having started the season like a runaway train with three assists picked up from three, only to amass four after.

But, both Fellows and Johnston certainly have enough in their ongoing bank to justify their inclusions in Corberan’s main XI.

Whereas, it could be up for debate whether this soon-to-be out-of-contract face is one he should be striving to keep around, as a decision on his future becomes more paramount by the day.

Molumby's future at West Brom

A regular in the treatment room last season, Jayson Molumby will just be pleased – when thinking about his situation short-term – that he is getting way more minutes in the here and now when injury-free.

The Republic of Ireland international has started 13 contests for his playoff-chasing team so far in the Championship, with his display in the aforementioned Coventry success somewhat standing out, considering the Baggies number eight only misplaced three of his 63 passes alongside winning four duels.

Player

League games played

Contract expiry date

Semi Ajayi

12

June 2025

Kyle Bartley

14

June 2025

John Swift

19

June 2025

Jayson Molumby

17

June 2025

Grady Diangana

12

June 2025

Sourced by Transfermarkt

But, as West Brom know all too well when losing the likes of Okay Yokuslu at the end of the 2023/24 season, nobody in the Baggies ranks is irreplaceable, with a growing possibility that the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion man could just walk away for nothing this summer.

This wouldn’t be the end of the world for West Brom, who made do without their Irishman for large spells of last campaign, with Corberan also well accustomed to this situation of having to be quick on his feet when losing individuals who have had their contracts run out.

Corberan certainly values his “animal” – as he’s described him in the past – which saw him win an impressive eight duels versus Sheffield United in the middle of the month, but his excessive wage could also be a stumbling block as to whether he sticks around past this coming summer.

Amazingly, his excessive £17.3k-per-week salary seems him earn just a fraction more than Josh Maja, whilst also bettering both Johnston and Fellows on weekly income too, who earn a lesser £10k-per-week and £6k-per-week respectively.

It wouldn’t be the best-case scenario for West Brom to lose another presence for zilch, but the Baggies have been here before and managed to dress their wounds appropriately, with Molumby one that might head for the exit door very soon if talks don’t speed up.

Perhaps cashing in in January would be a wiser approach, rather than risk losing him on a free next summer…

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West Bromwich Albion will have to consider shifting on this dud soon.

1 ByKelan Sarson Dec 12, 2024

As Arne Slot continues to enjoy an extraordinary start to life at Anfield, one Liverpool star is now reportedly reaching a breakthrough in talks to finally sign a fresh deal at the club.

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ByHenry Jackson Nov 28, 2024 Liverpool transfer news

There was plenty of cautious praise when Slot first arrived and got off to an excellent start. There was a clear argument that the Dutchman simply hadn’t been tested as of yet and that he was simply achieving what was expected.

10 games later, however, and his Liverpool side have thrashed Xabi Alonso’s Bundesliga-winning Bayer Leverkusen side, beaten rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa, and held European champions Real Madrid at arm’s length to comfortably seal a 2-0 victory.

Any argument that Slot is simply yet to be tested has been well and truly put to bed. Instead, the narrative is deservedly forming that he might just have been an excellent appointment at Anfield who has the chance to take the Reds 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League against wounded champions Manchester City this afternoon.

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However, in the midst of such an outstanding start has been one concerning cloud, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all heading for the exit door as free agents this summer as it stands – but reports suggest that the Reds may be starting to weather that incoming storm.

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, Van Dijk is nearing the first breakthrough in talks to sign a new Liverpool contract. The Reds are reportedly confident that their club captain will put pen to paper on a new deal, which is now considered a matter of time from being rubber-stamped.

Those at Anfield will hope that their £220,000-a-week central defender simply leads by an example that Salah and Alexander-Arnold will follow to finally end their one growing concern.

"Leader" Van Dijk must be first of three Liverpool stars to extend

Whilst reports over Van Dijk’s likely stay should come as a relief for all Liverpool fans, it is imperative that this is only the start. The Reds must still also battle to agree new deals with Salah and Alexander-Arnold.

A club legend still at his best and a player in his prime already with a legacy in his own right at Anfield, it would be one of Michael Edwards’ greatest failures if any of the big three left as free agents this summer.

Slot will, of course, be among those most pleased if Van Dijk puts pen to paper, having been full of praise for his captain earlier this season. Slot told reporters in October (as per BBC Sport): “We all see how good he still is and how much he contributes to our offensive style. What you don’t see, and I do see, is how important he is in the training sessions.

“He is the most loud and he brings a lot of energy and quality into the sessions. What you see at the weekends is what I also see during the week and that is what you want to see. He is definitely our leader.”

Football is fickle, and Liverpool’s brace of draws in the Premier League have provided high-flying Chelsea with an in and changed the narrative about the Reds’ imperiousness.

Of course, Liverpool are still two points clear of Enzo Maresca’s outfit, and with a game in hand at that, but now need a reaction after dropping points against Fulham at Anfield.

Arne Slot has been brilliant since taking Jurgen Klopp’s place in the summer, but some backbiters have claimed that he’s running on the coattails of his predecessor’s dynasty. This is misguided criticism.

You need only dig a little deeper to understand that Liverpool are operating with a completely new tactical identity, and though points were ceded at Anfield after ground was previously slashed at Newcastle United, the ten-man Merseysiders showed title-winning resolve to claw back against Fulham.

The return of Diogo Jota proved to be the difference-maker, with the Portugal star scoring off the bench after missing 11 matches in all competitions, confirming the hard-fought draw.

Diogo Jota's importance to Liverpool

Jota has been a terrific servant for Liverpool since arriving in 2020. The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward moved to Anfield in a deal worth £41m and has since established himself as one of the most clinical players in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, there are two sides to this coin and Jota has also earned an unwanted reputation for injury issues, missing big chunks of most of his campaigns in red.

It’s something of a running gag on Merseyside that the 27-year-old’s prolificness is packaged into his time on the field because he endures many stretches in the infirmary.

24/25

11 (9)

5

2

23/24

32 (19)

15

4

22/23

28 (15)

7

8

21/22

55 (39)

21

6

20/21

30 (19)

13

1

He’s not just a sharpshooter either, as you can see from Jota’s assist tally. As per FBref, he does rank among the top 6% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90 (0.70), but he also ranks among the top 1% for assists per 90 (0.39), while also ranking well in ball-carrying and defensive areas.

He might not be the flashiest forward in Slot’s squad, not the fastest, but Jota is undoubtedly blessed with an innate attacking sense that allows him to provide repeated relief for Liverpool. That and a brilliant ball-striking ability, of course.

The same can’t really be said for Darwin Nunez, who is perhaps Jota’s inverse in some ways. All prancing and wild energy and havoc-wreaking output, the Uruguay international lacks that fundamental element that makes or breaks a first-class striker: finishing.

It means that Liverpool struggle to provide incision in some moments. It means that Nunez, for all his qualities, his prancing and energy and so on, still languishes below the reputation that his potential suggests he can achieve.

With just three goals from 20 appearances in all competitions this season, things need to improve, and you wouldn’t be surprised to see FSG dip into the market for a number nine in 2025, should things fail to improve.

Jota, after all, is injury-prone. Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres are possibly the names that would spring to most Liverpool minds, but Dominic Solanke would have been perfect, a counterpoint to Jota’s sharpshooting skill.

Why Dominic Solanke would be perfect for Liverpool

Proper centre-forward. That’s what they’ll tell you down at N17. And they are right. Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been smooth sailing through the 2024/25 campaign but do boast one of the most exciting frontlines in the Premier League, and Solanke is the focal frontman.

Solanke has spent most of the past six years on the south coast with Bournemouth, making gain after gain before being purchased by Spurs for a club-record (in both directions) £65m figure.

Seven goals and four assists across 21 matches isn’t the most awe-inspiring of hauls, but Solanke has been consistent and, importantly, effective in the striking area.

Described as a “pressing monster” by reporter George Sessions, Solanke is a monstrous mass of energy and power and physicality, all wrapped into the mould of a multi-faceted centre-forward who is capable of leading the line at the highest level.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 14% of strikers in the Premier League this season for successful take-ons per 90 (1.10), emphasising that point.

Could certain Liverpool figures regret Solanke’s sale several years ago? Solanke left Liverpool for Bournemouth in January 2019 after a worthwhile but ultimately unsuccessful stint at Anfield during his maiden days as a pro.

The £19m fee that Liverpool recouped for their young forward washed away any kind of sadness. Solanke only scored one goal across 27 senior showings for the Reds.

But even so, given that Jurgen Klopp thought it was the “absolute right” decision for Solanke to go and hone his craft as the main man elsewhere, before rebounding back to European competition, Liverpool can’t feel too hard done by.

It’s just that Solanke is now fully fledged and one of the most interesting strikers in the Premier League, with the physicality and mobility to shine alongside his impressive strike rate. Equally, as per Football Transfers, Solanke’s worth currently stands at around €57m (£47m), while Jota is deemed to be worth ‘just’ €37m (£31m).

​​​​​​In all honesty, it’s hard to argue that Nunez is bringing more to Slot’s table than Solanke right now, ​and even though the England international’s numbers aren’t the very best, Liverpool have Jota to enjoy too – and perhaps just need something a bit more robust and refined than what they’ve typically got at number nine.

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ByAngus Sinclair Dec 12, 2024

GOAL selected the 10 best talents in women’s football born on or after January 1, 2001 – but are they living up to their potential?

Since the first NXGN list centred around women’s football back in 2020, GOAL has profiled the best wonderkids in the world on an annual basis. Some of those recognised have gone on and justified all of the hype, while others are still working hard to make their way to the top.

And so after the NXGN 2025 list was revealed, let’s take a look at where the stars of 2020 are now:

Every NXGN list

Dembele, Tielemans & 2016's best wonderkids

Mbappe, Donnarumma & 2017's best wonderkids

De Ligt, Kluivert & 2018's best wonderkids

Haaland, Sancho & 2019's best wonderkids

Saka, Rodrygo & 2020's best wonderkids

Pedri, Ansu Fati & 2021's best wonderkids

Le Tissier, Bennison & 2021's best women's wonderkids

Bellingham, Musiala & 2022's best wonderkids

Dumornay, Fowler & 2022's best women's wonderkids

Gavi, Garnacho & 2023's best wonderkids

Shaw, Thompson & 2023's best women's wonderkids

Yamal, Mainoo & 2024's best wonderkids

Caicedo, Moultrie & 2024's best women's wonderkids

10Linda Caicedo (Deportivo Cali)

2020: Having made her senior Colombia debut in 2019, Caicedo made a controversial transfer later the following year when she switched from America de Cali to rivals Deportivo Cali, after leading the former to their first-ever Championship title.

2021: Unable to make her Copa Libertadores debut the year before with America due to age restrictions, Caicedo did so in 2021, scoring four goals in four games. She helped Deportivo win the league, too, and netted her first senior international goal in a 2-0 win over Chile.

2022: The busiest year of her young career saw Caicedo star as Colombia were Copa America runners-up, winning the tournament’s Golden Ball award while also being named Player of the Match in the final. She also helped fire her country to the U17 World Cup final a few months later, scoring four goals in six games.

2023: Just days after her 18th birthday, Caicedo joined Real Madrid and played in the club's first major final a few months later. She then starred at the Women's World Cup as Colombia enjoyed a best-ever run to the quarter-finals, winning Goal of the Tournament for her strike against Germany.

2024: Caicedo's stock continued to rise in a year where she became an Olympian for the first time and her Colombia team came so close to eliminating Spain, the world champions, in the quarter-finals, only to lose on penalties.

2025: It's another big year for Caicedo, who looks set to play in a fourth senior major tournament in four years this summer at the 2025 edition of Copa America. Club success remains on the cards too, with Real Madrid into the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League for just the second time.

Advertisement9Yuzuki Yamamoto (Tokyo Verdy Beleza)

2020: After an excellent showing at the 2019 AFC U19 Championship, it felt like 2020 could be a great year for Yamamoto to build on that. However, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the lack of football that took place as a result, largely limited her opportunities.

2021: Yamamoto made her first appearance in a league match for Tokyo Verdy Beleza in late 2021, in the newly-formed WE League. It would go on to be an excellent season for her, in which she played 20 games in all competitions for the senior team, scoring four goals.

2022: After scoring her first goal for Tokyo Verdy Beleza in March, Yamamoto had an excellent U20 Women’s World Cup in 2022, scoring three goals and registering three assists in six games as Japan reached the final. Those numbers won her the Bronze Boot.

2023:Yamamoto was a regular at Tokyo Verdy Beleza, either as a starter or from the bench, and played for Japan at the Women's Asian Games, helping her nation to win the gold medal.

2024: Now a key player in her club's starting XI, Yamamoto had a fantastic 2023-24 season and was one of her team's top players for goals and assists in the WE League.

2025: Yamamoto has continued that form into the 2024-25 as Tokyo Verdy Beleza look to make up for last year's trophy-less season, something they are in a strong position to do right now.

8Kate Wiesner (Penn State)

2020: The college programme in the U.S. was hit heavily by the Covid-19 pandemic, with Wiesner seeing little action as a result.

2021: Wiesner didn’t see any action in the spring due to injury, but returned for the fall, starting nine of her 19 appearances for Penn State.

2022: The following year, for her senior season, Wiesner started 22 games and led the Big Ten in assists, with 11 in her 23 appearances. She also netted two goals.

2023:Wiesner started the year with an U23 camp with the national team and completed her final season at Penn State, going out strong by being selected for the Third Team All-Big Ten squad.

2024: With the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, Wiesner was chosen by the Washington Spirit and helped the team reach the Championship game in her rookie year in the top league in the United States. She was also called up as a training player to Emma Hayes' first USWNT roster.

2025: Wiesner will be looking to establish herself more firmly in the Spirit's starting XI in her second year in the NWSL, while hoping that can help her USWNT chances.

7Gift Monday (FC Robo)

2020: After making her senior international debut in 2019, Monday continued to excel in Nigeria with FC Robo, named Player of the Month twice in succession in the 2020-21 season.

2021: Monday left Robo in 2021, for Bayelsa Queens, and would fire them to the 2021-22 league title, top-scoring in the league and winning the Player of the Season award.

2022: The forward would soon earn a big move abroad, signing for Tenerife in the summer of 2022 to play her football in the top-flight in Spain. She was part of Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, too, as the Super Falcons finished fourth.

2023: In her first season outside of her home country, Monday became a regular starter in Tenerife’s team and finished her first Liga F campaign with three goals and three assists. She also earned a place in Nigeria's Women's World Cup squad.

2024: Monday registered a team-best and individual-best tally of goals in the 2023-24 season, though her goal-scoring form sadly could not help Nigeria qualify for the Olympic Games in the summer.

2025: Monday has started 2025 in an explosive manner, scoring six times in her first league five games of the calendar year, and will hope to keep that up ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in July.

Marcus Trescothick, England’s batting coach, insists that “one bad day” cannot undermine the progress that has been made in the Caribbean, as the squad faces up to the near-inevitability of humiliating defeat in the third and final Test in Grenada.England claimed the upper hand in two drawn Tests at Antigua and Barbados, scoring five centuries in the process and a highest total of 507 for 9 in Bridgetown, after which Joe Root claimed the result as “another step forward” for a team that has won one Test out of 16 since February last year.However, the veneer of England’s batting competence has been wiped out by their twin failings in St George’s, with the team disintegrating twice in the first helpful bowling conditions of series, and leading by just ten runs in the second innings with two wickets remaining.Though the batting dominated the narrative, as England followed up their first-innings collapse of 90 for 8 by reaching 103 for 8 by stumps, their bowling was scarcely any less culpable for the situation the team found itself in.With a notable lack of penetration from England’s seamers, West Indies themselves recovered from 128 for 7 to reach 297, thanks to Joshua Da Silva’s maiden Test hundred, and a tenth-wicket stand of 52 with Jayden Seales which spanned two hours of the morning session.”It’s disappointing,” Trescothick said. “We’re obviously immensely disappointed about what’s happened over the course of the day. We’ve not got it right in both departments. We’ve been better than that over the course of the series but we’ve not turned up and made it work as we have done in previous games.”They got more runs than we wanted them to, 28 ahead overnight and we wanted to knock them over as quickly as possible. Credit to Da Silva getting his first hundred and the other two dug in. We could have been better than what we’ve shown over the course of the day.”England’s impending defeat follows hot on the heels of a humiliating Ashes campaign, in which only a tenth-wicket rearguard in Sydney prevented them from slumping to their third 5-0 whitewash in five visits. A raft of changes were made to the set-up in the aftermath, including the removal of Ashley Giles and Chris Silverwood as director of cricket and head coach, and the dropping of England’s veteran new-ball pairing, James Anderson and Stuart Broad.Related

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However, the one senior figure who received the backing of the interim director, Andrew Strauss, was Joe Root – who has been England’s Test captain since 2017, in which time he has gone on lead England in more Tests than anyone in history (64), and oversee more wins (27) and losses (25) than anyone else too.However, Root’s captaincy has been under scrutiny for some time for its lack of imagination, while his dismissals for 0 and 5 to the medium pace of Kyle Mayers completed his least successful match with the bat since 2015, and gave the impression of a player who was at the end of this tether in the role.Trescothick, however, came out in support of his beleaguered captain. “Everyone will regret what happened today because we haven’t been good enough as a team,” he said. “I don’t think you can pinpoint the captain and say it’s his fault. I think it’s the group.”It’s easy, over the course of what we’ve had over the winter, to throw the baby out with the bath water. It’s all gone wrong, yes, we’ve had a really bad day and we’re really disappointed. We believe as coaching staff and players in that dressing room that we’ve made strides as a team over the course of the Test matches we’ve had. We’ll lick our wounds and try to come back from it but it’s been a really tough day and we’ve put the series in jeopardy.”We haven’t performed to the level we’ve put our standards at in the previous two Tests. So we have to look at that and say ‘why have we put in that performance today? What is the reason?’ We’ll try to find a solution and try to make it better going forward. We’re working at those solutions. I think we’ve made improvements but it was disappointing today.”The wider concern for England, however, is the culpability of the batting when the conditions are even moderately in favour of the bowlers. Before they turned their fortunes around in Antigua, England slumped to 48 for 4 on the first morning of the series, while in Grenada, their top seven have so far contributed 127 runs in 14 innings at an average of 9.07 – and 62 of those have come from Alex Lees at the top of the order.”We’ve had one bad day today and over the course of the series this is the first bad day we’ve had,” Trescothick insisted. “Day one in Antigua we had a challenging day but fought back really well, Barbados we were really strong and controlled most of the game and today it’s gone wrong. It’s one bad day among 13 other days.””There’s no questioning their hunger, absolutely not,” he added. “I just think their decision-making over the course of the day has not been as good as in the previous couple of games. I don’t think we should ever question their hunger to play for their country and do well. We just have to make sure they make the right decisions at the right moments. That’s the crux of it and we haven’t done that well enough today.”

أعرب خوان لابورتا، رئيس نادي برشلونة، عن سعادته الكبيرة بمستوى الفريق وأداء اللاعبين هذا الموسم، مشيرًا إلى التزامهم وموهبتهم التي تظهر بوضوح في المباريات.

ونجح برشلونة في تخطي عقبة بوروسيا دورتموند في الدور ربع النهائي رغم الخسارة 3-1 يوم أمس، الثلاثاء، في ملعب “سيجنال إيدونا بارك”، خاصة وأن نتيجة الذهاب كانت لصالح الفريق الكتالوني 4-0.

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وقال لابورتا في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية: “أنا سعيد جدًا بالتزام لاعبي برشلونة، وموهبتهم، والطريقة التي يلعبون بها”.

وتابع: “بدنيًا نحن قويون جدًا، كل شيء مُعدٍ بشكل جيد ومدار بشكل ممتاز، ومن هذه الناحية نحن راضون جدًا عن هذا الموسم”.

وتطرق لابورتا إلى تحسن أداء الفريق في بعض الجوانب الفنية، وأضاف: “كانت هناك بعض الأمور التي يجب تحسينها مع بداية الموسم، وهي أحد العوامل التي جعلتنا نظهر بشكل أفضل، نحن نلعب بشكل جيد، وبأسلوب يستمتع به الناس، مع الحفاظ على هوية برشلونة وفلسفته”.

ورفض لابورتا التعليق على موقف ريال مدريد في دوري أبطال أوروبا بعد خسارته 3-0 في لندن أمام آرسنال في مباراة الذهاب من نصف النهائي، وقال: “دعني أستمتع بتأهلي إلى نصف النهائي، الفريق يؤدي بشكل جيد ونحن على المسار الصحيح مع جميع الأهداف المطلوبة لهذا الموسم، أنا سعيد جدًا”.

تصريحات لابورتا تأتي في وقت يتألق فيه برشلونة على مختلف الأصعدة، حيث يواصل النادي تقديم عروض قوية في الدوري الإسباني ودوري أبطال أوروبا، مما يضعه في موقف جيد للمنافسة على الألقاب هذا الموسم.

Qualification process for women’s 2024 T20 WC and 2025 ODI WC announced; first women’s U-19 WC to be in South Africa in January 2023

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Apr-2022Twelve teams will qualify automatically for the 2024 men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. The qualification process for the two other marquee events, the women’s T20 World Cup in 2024 and the women’s ODI World Cup in 2025, have also been finalised by the ICC, which concluded its meetings in Dubai on Sunday.For the 2024 men’s T20 World Cup, which will comprise 20 teams for the first time, the qualification process is that the top-eight teams from the 2022 edition (to be hosted in Australia this October-November) along with the two hosts – West Indies and the USA – will get automatic berths for the league phase. The remaining two slots, via the automatic-qualification route, will be taken by the next-highest-ranked teams on the ICC T20 rankings as of November 14 this year.In case West Indies finish in the top eight in this year’s World Cup, then the top-three teams based on their ICC rankings on the cut-off date will make the grade. If West Indies fail to finish in the top eight at the T20 World Cup this year, then the top-two teams in the rankings table will qualify for the 2024 edition. The eight remaining slots will be filled via the ICC’s regional qualifiers comprising the top-two teams from Africa, Asia and Europe, along with one team each from the Americas and the East Asia Pacific groups.Eight teams to get direct entry for 2024 women’s T20 WC
A similar qualification process will be adopted for the women’s T20 World Cup in 2024, which will comprise ten teams. Eight teams will take the automatic route: the top-three teams from each of the two groups in the 2023 edition, scheduled in South Africa, along with the tournament host and the next-highest-ranked team on the ICC women’s T20 rankings on a pre-determined cut-off date. If the hosts are among this group of top-six teams, the next two highest-ranked teams on the table will qualify automatically. The remaining two teams will emerge from a global qualifier.Women’s Championship key to entry for 2025 World Cup
The 2022-25 cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship will play a key role in determining the teams for the next Women’s World Cup, which will be an eight-team tournament. The ICC is yet to finalise the venue for this event, but it will be played in 2025 and is part of the next cycle of global tournaments between 2024 and 2031.The top five at the end of the Women’s Championship cycle, along with the hosts, will gain automatic qualification for the ODI World Cup. For the remaining two spots, a qualifying event will be held, which will have the four teams that finished at the bottom of the championship cycle along with two more sides based on the ICC ODI rankings at a pre-determined cut-off date.A key update to the process, however, came at the meeting as the board approved a recommendation for ODI status to be extended to a number of Associate Member women’s teams to allow them to progress to global qualifying events based on ODI rankings. Hosts New Zealand had qualified automatically for the 2022 event along with Australia, South Africa, England and India after finishing in the top five of the 2017-21 Women’s Championship. Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh qualified by virtue of their rankings after the qualifier in November 2021 was cancelled after the Omicron variant of Covid-19 hit Southern Africa. Thailand missed out on qualification because of that cancellation in heart-breaking circumstances: they were top of their group when it was called off and because they didn’t have ODI status, had no way of making it to the World Cup.Meanwhile, it was also decided that the inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Cup would be held in South Africa in January 2023, with 16 teams participating in it. It will be held before the Women’s T20 World Cup that South Africa is slated to host from February 9 to 26.

Ruben Amorim has done an excellent job during his opening weeks in charge of Manchester United, transforming the club’s forward line in a short period of time.

In the four matches during his spell at the helm, the Red Devils have scored eight goals, including four in the demolition against Everton in the Premier League last weekend.

Joshua Zirkzee had only managed one goal before the 39-year-old’s arrival, but scored a double in the meeting with the Toffees, looking a completely different prospect under his guidance.

Marcus Rashford is another player who has massively struggled with confidence over recent months, but the Englishman has already found the back of the net three times in just two starts since Amorim took control.

However, despite the aforementioned duo’s recent form, the new United boss looks set to dip into the transfer market in January and further strengthen his forward line.

Man Utd targeting £50m talent in January

According to reports in Spain – via Football365 – Amorim has made a request to the United hierarchy for them to make a move to land Porto striker Samuel Omorodion next month.

It remains to be seen how much money the new manager will have at his disposal in his first window, but the report claims that the Spaniard is his top target in the coming weeks.

The Portuguese outfit are said to be holding out for a fee in the region of €60m (£50m) for his signature, looking to make a quick profit after forking out £12.7m for his services in the summer.

Omorodion would be a solid option, providing that focal point that Amorim desperately wants, especially if the club are to gain Champions League football come the end of May.

Any deal for the 20-year-old would undoubtedly be another huge investment from the hierarchy after their £200m spend in the summer, but it would allow the former Sporting CP boss to have a new version of a player who impressed in Portugal.

Why Omorodion could be Amorim’s next Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres is a name that has been mentioned all around Europe over the last 12 months, with his goalscoring exploits catching the eye since the start of the year.

The Sweden international has registered a mammoth 60 goals this calendar year, already notching 25 goals in just 22 matches throughout 2024/25, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

However, it’s been widely reported that the 26-year-old has a €100m (£83m) release clause in his contract which has put numerous clubs off despite his phenomenal goal return.

As a result, Amorim may turn down a reunion with his former talisman, targeting a move for Omorodion – who has netted 13 times in all competitions this season – instead.

Whilst the Spaniard may have registered significantly fewer goals so far this campaign, he has matched or bettered Gyokeres in numerous key areas – potentially being a superb fit for the Red Devils in the present day and the future.

The “outrageous” star, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to direct more of his efforts on target, averaging a higher goal per shot-on-target rate – taking advantage of his chances more often than the Swede.

Games played

9

12

Goals & assists

10

17

Shot-on-target accuracy

48%

41%

Goals per shot on target

0.9

0.5

Pass completion rate

81%

75%

Aerials won

2.1

0.9

Omorodion has also won more aerials per 90, giving United that direct option at the top end of the pitch they’ve desperately been crying out for over the last couple of years.

Both would be superb options for Amorim, undoubtedly offering an upgrade on the current players at his disposal at Old Trafford.

Should they complete a deal for former Atlético Madrid striker Omorodion, it would be a signal of intent from the board, handing the club a huge advantage in their top four Premier League ambitions despite the below-par start to the season.

Man Utd sold their original Yoro for £10m, now he's struggling big time

The former Manchester United ace has failed to make an impact away from Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 6, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

A vitória do Corinthians nos pênaltis sobre o Guarani, após empate em 1 a 1 durante o tempo normal, marcou a volta do atendimento dos jogadores após a partida na zona mista da Neo Química Arena.

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Destaques do jogo como o goleiro Cássio, que defendeu o pênalti decisivo, e o meia Renato Augusto, que foi eleito o craque da partida, falaram com a empresa na saída do estádio.

Lideranças como Fagner, Willian e Paulinho também parara para atender a imprensa, assim como atletas mais jovens, como Du Queiroz.

O estreante Júnior Moraes, que entrou no segundo tempo, e converteu uma das cobranças de pênaltis, foi outro atleta que concedeu entrevista.

Confira o que falaram na íntegra os atletas que passaram pela primeira zona mista corintiana em dois anos.

> TABELA – Confira os jogos da reta final do Paulistão
> GALERIA -Veja o retrospecto do Timão no novo formato do Paulistão

CASSIO SOBRE APOIO DA TORCIDA NA DISPUTA POR PÊNALTIS

– Feliz, a gente fica feliz porque passa um filme. Não tem como lembrar o quando você trabalhou e se dedicou par achegar. Poucos conseguiram chegar a esse tempo de clube. A gente sabe como é o Corinthians, sabe como é a pressão, mas sabe quanto a torcida empurra e ajuda, e você poder vestir essa camisa, lógico que a gente fica feliz, mas não pode se empolgar, ficar focado.

CASSIO SOBRE MAIS UM GOL SOFRIDO PELO CORINTHIANS EM LANCE DE BOLA PARADA

– Ele (João Victor, autor do gol do Guarani) foi muito feliz, saiu muito do chão e acabou sendo feliz na cabeçada. Nós temos que melhorar, a gente é forte na bola ofensiva e temos que tomar menos gol possível, porque uma bola parada pode decidir o jogou, então vamos ver vídeos, e trabalhar para corrigir esses erros e eles não acontecerem nos próximos jogos.

RENATO AUGUSTO SOBRE O QUE FALTOU PARA O CORINTHIANS FAZER MAIS GOLS NO PRIMEIRO TEMPO

– Faltou realmente só o gol, porque criamos bastante. Mas isso é do futebol, quantas vezes fizemos um jogo não tão bom e ganhamos de um a zero. Importante é que estamos criando, se dedicando bastante para poder melhorar. Não temos muito tempo para trabalhar, infelizmente, uma coisa que o mister fala muito, então procuramos ajustar na base da conversa e do vídeo.

RENATO AUGUSTO SOBRE O QUE FALTOU PARA O CORINTHIANS MANTER O NÍVEL DO PRIMEIRO TEMPO NO SEGUNDO

– O adversário também mudou a forma de jogar. Tentamos de tudo, fizemos mudanças, mas infelizmente o gol não saiu.

RENATO AUGUSTO SOBRE O CORINTHIANS NÃO CONSEGUIUR LEVAR A SEMIFINAL PARA ITAQUERA E DIFERENÇA FÍSICA COM O SÃO PAULO NA SEMIFINAL

– Perdemos o mando, o que pesa bastante, porque aqui jogamos com um a mais. Vamos ter dois dias a menos de descanso que o São Paulo. Esses dois dias temos que procurar ao máximo descansar, comer bem e se preparar para domingo. Na hora que começa o jogo a gente esquece que tivemos dois dias a menos de descanso. Temos que estar preparados, quando a gente veste essa camisa, a responsabilidade é grande.

RENATO AUGUSTO SOBRE A SEMIFINAL

– Cada jogo tem sua história, não podemos ficar usando o último jogo. Muita coisa mudou. Precisamos melhorar, claro, um monte de coisa, mas não temos tempo para ajeitar muita coisa. Temos que entrar ligados desde o primeiro segundo para não tomar gol no início, isso muda muito o jogo. É muito importante entrar bem.

PAULINHO SOBRE O MOTIVO DE NÃO TER BATIDO PÊNALTI

– Foram escolhidos outros jogadores. Foi alternando, quando chegasse na minha vez bateria o pênalti tranquilamente.

PAULINHO SOBRE A ATUAÇÃO DO CORINTHIANS NO SEGUNDO TEMPO

– Acho que na segunda parte, talvez, a gente acelerou no início da partida. Acho que era o momento de trabalhar a bola, segurar, esperar o Guarani vir também. Fizeram uma marcação individual na partida inteira praticamente. Na segunda parte, aceleramos mais quando devíamos ficar mais com a bola e chamar a equipe deles. Por isso que houve mais desgaste. Talvez a gente, não digo que errou, se perdeu um pouco no sentido de cair no jogo deles. Mas é como eu falei, faz parte do jogo, não tem como prever como vai ser. Ao mesmo tempo que temos que melhorar, já temos que pensar no clássico que temos pela frente.

PAULINHO SOBRE CONDIÇÃO FÍSICA

– De conquistar, óbvio que eu não posso garantir. De me entregar, se vai ser o mesmo de 2012 ou não, não sei. Sei que venho trabalhando, fazendo de tudo para que eu sempre consiga jogar bem, consiga me entregar aos companheiros, ajudar coletivamente. Não tem nem comparação. Não temos que comparar, muito menos eu. Óbvio que o torcedor espera, e eu entendo, mas sempre deixei claro quando voltei é que entrega não ia falar. Venho trabalhando e me entregando dentro de campo.

PAULINHO SOBRE VANTAGEM FÍSICA DO SÃO PAULO NA SEMIFINAL

– Ter um tempo a mais de recuperação influencia, faz bem para a equipe que tem mais tempo. Mas não vamos questionar aqui. Acho que temos que, pelo contrário, passar por cima disso. Faz parte, é um jogo, é o calendário. Eles têm uma recuperação maior, mas não temos que pensar nos outros, temos que pensar em nós, recuperar e entrar em campo para buscar a classificação.

PAULINHO SOBRE REENCONTRO COM O SÃO PAULO ESTANDO MAIS ENTROSADO

– Acho que não. É um clássico. Rogério está fazendo um grande trabalho, Vítor Pereira chegou agora, está colocando sua forma, sua filosofia, e estamos tentando nos adaptar o mais rápido possível. Mas clássico, em semifinal, é relativo dizer. Tudo pode acontecer.

JUNIOR MORAES SOBRE PRESSÃO NA COBRANÇA DE PÊNALTI

-Momento decisivo, sei que podemos viver num pênalti a possibilidade de ser vilão ou herói, mas acho que foi importante chamar a responsabilidade, começar com o pé direito e, graças a Deus, deu tudo certo.

JUNIOR MORAES SOBRE JOGAR NA NEO QUÍMICA ARENA

-Joguei em vários estádios diferentes na minha carreira, mas acho que nunca vi a torcida jogando desse jeito como foi aqui.

JUNIOR MORAES SOBRE CONDIÇÃO DE TITULARIDADE

-Deixo a decisão para o treinador e a comissão técnica. A minha parte física com certeza preciso melhorar por tudo o que passei no passado, totalmente parado. Preciso melhorar e preciso de um tempo para desempenhar o meu melhor futebol. Mas estou à disposição do treinador para jogar o quanto tempo ele precisar. Fica com o mister.

FAGNER SOBRE JOGO CONTRA O GUARANI

-Não sofremos, Cássio não fez uma defesa. A dificuldade que tivemos no segundo tempo foi por erros nossos, de repente de acelerar muito no último terço, poderíamos ter mais tranquilidade. São coisas que vamos melhorando. Mas o mais importante foi a classificação.

MOSQUITO SOBRE EVOLUÇÃO COM VÍTOR PEREIRA

-Estou evoluindo. Vou aprender muito com o Vítor ainda, já estou. Eu não estou voltando tanto para marcar. Essa pressão ele quer que faça mais em cima do zagueiro. Vamos evoluir muito, fazer um grande ano.

MOSQUITO PROJETA SEMIFINAL CONTRA O SÃO PAULO

-É clássico, é semifinal, então é 50/50. Vamos tentar corrigir o máximo de erros possíveis para entrar lá focados e conseguir a classificação, que é tão importante para nós, além de dar confiança para o resto da temporada.

DU QUEIROZ SOBRE CORRER POR RENATO AUGUSTO E PAULINHO

-Eu sei que minha função é essa, esse trabalho sujo. Quando temos caras como Paulinho e Renato Augusto, não tem nem o que fazer, tenho que correr o máximo para eles. São absurdos tecnicamente. Sei que minha função é essa, e vou dar o máximo possível nela.

DU QUEIROZ SOBRE TER 48 HORAS PARA A SEMIFINAL

-A gente não pode usar isso como escada, nossa vida é essa, sabemos que jogamos de dois em dois dias. Agora é recuperar o máximo para chegar no domingo e fazer um grande jogo.