All posts by h716a5.icu

Cristiano Ronaldo's brutal five-word message message to Club World Cup side revealed after Al-Nassr star snubbed chance to make shock transfer

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Cristiano Ronaldo had a brutal response after a Club World Cup side contacted him over a potential transfer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Club World Cup kicks off this weekWydad Casablanca tried to sign RonaldoAl-Nassr star rejected the chance Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Several rumours have linked Cristiano Ronaldo with a move to a Club World Cup side in recent weeks, but nothing came to fruition as the Portuguese has remained at Al Nassr. Amidst links to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and Botafogo in Brazil, Ronaldo was also linked with Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca. But representatives of the 40-year-old rejected the idea of a move to Wydad, according to club president Hicham Aït-Menna.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The fact that Ronaldo is likely not to compete at this summer's Club World Cup is a major blow to FIFA and to many of the clubs taking part, who will have been all too aware of the great impact the presence of Ronaldo would have had, not only on the club he is representing, but on the tournament as a whole.

Speaking in May, FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed there were "discussions" taking place about Ronaldo competing in the Club World Cup, suggesting that a move would have had benefits from a business sense, as football's international governing body attempt to sell their new-look tournament.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowWHAT RONALDO SAID

Wydad president Aït-Menna said: “Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t have come for the money – he doesn’t need it. I don’t know how the rumour spread, but yes, I did reach out to one of his agent friends about three and a half or four months ago, asking: ‘Would he want to play the Club World Cup?’ He replied, ‘Listen, I don’t think so.'"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO AND WYDAD?

Ronaldo recently committed his future to Al Nassr following Nations League final success with Portugal, and it is likely that he will remain in Saudi Arabia.

As for Wydad, the Moroccan side will have to do without Ronaldo when they begin the tournament against Manchester City on June 18. They then face Juventus ahead of a clash with UAE outfit Al Ain on June 26. This tournament will be a great opportunity for Wydad to increase their global profile, so they will be hoping to impress on the world stage.

Brett D'Oliveira rescues promotion-chasing Worcestershire

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Gloucestershire strike early before D’Oliveira, Roderick and Waite’s half-centuries

ECB Reporters Network26-Jul-2023Brett D’Oliveira rode to promotion-chasing Worcestershire’s rescue on the opening day of the LV County Championship Second Division match against neighbours Gloucestershire at Cheltenham.Seeking to leapfrog Sussex and move into second place in the table, Worcestershire were reduced to 182 for 7 by a Gloucestershire seam attack that acquitted themselves well to give hope to an expectant Festival crowd.Zaman Akhter and Matt Taylor claimed 3 for 61 and 2 for 65 respectively and Worcestershire were in danger of under-achieving badly when their captain stopped the rot, scoring a dogged 53 not out from 103 balls and staging an obdurate unbroken partnership of 83 with Josh Baker, who was unbeaten of 40 when rain moved in to bring a premature close to proceedings with the loss of 34 overs.Gareth Roderick and Matthew Waite may have contributed sparkling half-centuries earlier in the day, but Worcestershire were ultimately grateful to their skipper for hauling them clear of trouble against a Gloucestershire side who, at one point, must have sensed an opportunity to register a first red-ball win of the season.Related

Depleted Kent gain foothold through on-loan batters

Gubbins rearguard keeps Hampshire's title hopes alive

Latham, Jacks 99s leave Somerset attack flaking

Stone ruled out of Hundred with hamstring injury

Lyth's unbeaten fifty puts Durham under early pressure

Put into bat on a pitch that served up uneven bounce and a degree of lateral movement during the first hour, Worcestershire lost early wickets. Opening up from the Chapel End, Taylor struck with his fourth ball, tempting the in-form Jake Libby to push at a delivery outside off stump and nick off to third slip, where Miles Hammond held on at the second attempt.Taylor removed Azhar Ali in his next over, the right hander falling lbw to late movement despite taking a reasonably big stride forwards. When Kashif Ali prodded tentatively at a length ball from Tom Price and Ollie Price took a fine catch low down at second slip, Worcestershire were 18 for 3 in the sixth over and three out of their top four had failed to score.Yet Roderick and Adam Hose encountered no such problems, both appearing perfectly at home in a revitalising fourth-wicket stand of 77 in 14 overs. Fresh from signing a new contract, Roderick scored fluently either side of the wicket against his former club. He raised 50 from 62 deliveries, reaching that landmark courtesy of his ninth boundary, a square cut off Paul van Meekeren.Much to his chagrin, he then pushed at a straight one from van Meekeren, deflecting an inside edge onto leg stump and departing for 53 when a really substantial score appeared to be his for the asking.File: Gareth Roderick made a gritty half-century•Getty ImagesHaving adopted the role of chief support in an innings of 32 from 45 balls, Hose went in the next over, Akhter pinning him lbw as Worcestershire subsided from the relative security of 95 for 3 to 99 for 5. Although D’Oliveira and Waite ushered the visitors to lunch without further mishap, it was Gloucestershire who had a spring in their step at the interval.But the game entered an altogether different phase during the afternoon session: Waite re-emerged with all guns blazing, plundering six boundaries in eight balls as the first four overs of the session yielded 42 runs.He drove and cut Matt Taylor for four and then found the leg-side boundary on four occasions during one van Meekeren over to force Gloucestershire onto the back foot. Continuing to play positively, the sixth wicket pair raised a 50 partnership from 58 balls and Waite, buoyed by 10 fours, rushed to a half century from just 40 deliveries.But Waite suffered a rush of blood to the head, driving expansively at Akhter and edging to second slip. He had contributed 64 from 54 balls, struck 12 fours and helped add 83 in 15 overs for the sixth wicket with D’Oliveira. Akhter struck again in his next over as 182 for 6 became 182 for 7, Joe Leach playing across the line to a straight one without scoring.It was now incumbent upon D’Oliveira to play a responsible innings. The rate of scoring necessarily slowed, but Worcestershire’s captain ground out a valuable half-century from 87 balls, his first since the opening game of the season against Derbyshire.He found a willing ally in Baker, who initially rode his luck in a testing examination at the hands of Akhter, before settling into the part of second fiddle to his captain. By the time heavy rain forced the players off, he was 10 runs short of a half-century.

'He's a phenomenon!' – Gabriel Magalhaes urges Arsenal to sign Real Madrid outcast Rodrygo as Brazil winger faces uncertain future

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Gabriel Magalhaes has urged Arsenal to bring in fellow Brazilian Rodrygo, with the Real Madrid outcast considered to be a "phenomenon".

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Brazilian faces fierce competition for placesExit door could open up at the BernabeuGunners drawing up summer transfer plansFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Brazil international Rodrygo is seeing questions asked of his future at Santiago Bernabeu amid fierce competition for places in the Blancos’ attacking unit. He is said to have grown frustrated at operating in the shadow of ‘Galactico’ team-mates such as Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

A Premier League transfer for the 24-year-old forward has been speculated on for some time, with Manchester United and Chelsea being credited with interest in the past. He is now being linked with a switch to Emirates Stadium.

DID YOU KNOW?

Arsenal are in the market for more firepower, with the acquisition of a proven No.9 considered to be their top priority. Gabriel is, however, of the opinion that they should also be looking to add more creativity out wide.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT GABRIEL SAID

Commanding centre-half Gabriel told when asked about the Gunners’ links to Rodrygo: "I don’t know, but I’d like, obviously. He’s a phenomenon. I’ve told people already, he’s a phenomenon! If it was up to me, of course."

Juventus eye Spurs wonderkid Mikey Moore! Serie A giants consider approach to sign 17-year-old Europa League winner as Old Lady look for injection of youth

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Juventus are reportedly eyeing a move for Tottenham wonderkid Mikey Moore this summer, on the back of his spectacular breakthrough season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Mikey Moore attracts interest from JuventusBianconeri also interested in Monaco's Ben SeghirTottenham unlikely to let Moore leave this summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Moore was one of the few bright spots in what was a sheerly disappointing season for Tottenham despite their Europa League-winning campaign. The 17-year-old made his debut under Ange Postecoglou in the Carabao Cup before being a presence off the bench in a number of Premier League and Europa League clashes. Moore has drawn attention from a number of clubs since, however, Spurs have managed to fend off all interest in the teenager.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Juventus have now shown an interest in signing Moore this summer as they are keen on injecting young blood into their side and following a similar plan as they had previously executed with Kenan Yildiz.

DID YOU KNOW?

Juventus are also chasing the signing of Monaco star Eliesse Ben Seghir this summer, who has already established himself as one of the brightest prospects in Ligue 1 this season. The 20-year-old winger made a total of 46 appearances for Monaco in all competitions.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MOORE?

Tottenham will be wholeheartedly against the possibility of Moore leaving them this summer as they believe that the 17-year-old could be the next best thing in England. Spurs want to prioritise Moore's stay, and it is possible that an extension could be on the horizon despite him having signed a three-year deal last summer.

Zak Crawley keen for chance to test Bazball in India

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

England opener says tour in early 2024 will be “amazing opportunity” for Brendon McCullum’s side

Matt Roller03-Aug-20232:26

Will James Anderson be involved in India next year?

A five-match series in India presents England with “an amazing opportunity” to test themselves – and their swashbuckling approach with the bat – in different conditions, according to Zak Crawley.England have a six-month break until their next Test match, which starts in Hyderabad on January 25. They struggled badly against India’s spinners on their most recent tour in early 2021, losing three consecutive Tests by heavy margins on turning pitches after winning the first game of the series.Crawley, who played two Tests in the 2021 series and made 67 runs, said that the unexpected choice of venues for the tour meant England were journeying into the unknown – but said that they will be equipped for any challenge, whether the ball seams or spins.Related

McCullum: Crawley's success against Australia validates England's approach to Test cricket

England lose 19 WTC points and Australia ten for slow over-rates during the Ashes

'That's me done' – Moeen says no to McCullum's request to stay on

Moeen Ali, England's silent warrior, gloriously walks into sunset once more

“I don’t really know much about their grounds,” Crawley said, after England’s win in the fifth Ashes Test. “Sometimes in India it seams and swings a bit – and they’ve got unbelievable seamers – so hopefully there are a couple of pitches there that are like that as well, that will suit us a bit more.”But if it’s spinning, I feel like we play spin really well as well. We’ll just have to adapt, see what we get. But they are pretty unknown grounds – I don’t know if they’re going to be raggers like Ahmedabad and Chennai, where we were last time.”Ben Stokes laughed off a question about whether England’s attacking style could work in India during his post-match press conference at The Oval, listing off all the previous occasions that his side had overcome doubts about their ability against other teams. “Who knows if we can do it against India?” he said, suppressing a laugh. “Only time will tell.”

Brendon McCullum, England’s Test coach, expects players and management to face “different challenges” over the next six months, with some involved in World Cup plans and others trying to keep themselves busy during a prolonged period of downtime. “Everyone will do it different,” McCullum said.”That’s just the nature of having split formats, I guess. For us, what will be really important for the time India comes will be trying to dial back into what we’ve achieved in the last 14-15 months, and to try and make sure the team turns up with the same clarity of thought when we go about things.”Crawley himself hopes to play some white-ball cricket over the break. He is due to represent London Spirit at some stage of the Hundred over the next four weeks, and will come into contention for England’s tour to the Caribbean in December.”I can’t remember having six months off [between Tests] before,” he said. “I’ll tick off a bit of T20 and hopefully a bit of white-ball stuff somewhere, but then [getting] back into it in India will be an amazing opportunity for our team to see how we go in those conditions.”He finished the Ashes as England’s leading run-scorer, and his aggregate of 480 runs was the highest by an England opener in a home Ashes series since Mike Atherton in 1993, who played six Tests. “I’m pleased with that stat,” Crawley said. “That’s a good one.”ESPNcricinfo LtdHe admitted that he would have considered it “quite unlikely” that he would have led England’s run charts before the series. “I’ve always believed in myself, so I knew I had some good knocks in me – but I’d say it was unlikely.”Crawley’s inclusion was scrutinised incessantly before the series. “I’ve never really paid much attention to that,” he insisted. “All I care about is what the coach thinks… as long as he keeps backing me, then that’s the only opinion I care about.”He made some minor adjustments through the summer – “I’ve narrowed my stance slightly, got my head slightly [further] forward” – but Crawley’s main focus has been “looking to be positive – which is something I haven’t quite done as well.” He added: “I haven’t quite committed to that in the past; I’m fully committed to that at the moment.”Perhaps the defining moment of Crawley’s series was the first ball he faced, crashing Pat Cummins’ opening delivery at Edgbaston through cover for four. He hit three boundaries off the first ball of an innings across the series. “A couple of them, I was trying to hit for four. I was trying to leave a statement,” he said.”The one second innings [at The Oval], for sure, wherever that was, I was going to try to hit that one. I just like to get off to a good start. Other times, I think it’s not quite there and I’ll get those singles which were on offer. I just want to get off to a good start and put them under pressure.”

'We won't go crazy' – Antony signing a 'very complex operation' as Betis promise to get 'creative' in bid to convince Man Utd to sell star at lower price

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Betis say they will have to be "creative" if they are to succeed in signing Antony from Manchester United.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Betis must find creative way to sign AntonyLa Liga side won't lose track of long-term goalsCall it a "very complex operation"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Betis president Angel Haro and sporting director Manu Fajardo have opened up on the possibility of signing Antony on a permanent transfer, calling it a "very complex" process that will require them to be "creative" to get the deal done. Fajardo, however, makes it clear that the club won't be ruining its stability in the process of acquiring Antony from United.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Antony's resurgence at Betis was nothing short of a fairytale for both the club and the player. The Brazilian winger scored nine goals and provided five assists in 26 matches, which took the club to their first-ever European final. The winger's impact is recognised by the president and the sporting director, but they say they are not willing to jeopardise the club by overpaying for the Brazilian. Antony has reportedly even agreed to take a 30% pay-cut for the move to go ahead.

WHAT FAJARDO SAID

Speaking on why Antony's transfer is complex, Fajardo said: "We all have to be aware that it's a very complex operation. Given the player's level, and his most recent career at Real Betis, it's not an easy operation. Despite being a complex operation, we will try to carry it out in different ways without mortgaging the club. In the end, the most important thing is also the sustainability of the entity. We will try to be creative, as we have been in the past, so that Antony can be here. Today the market is open, as I said before, it's very dynamic and we are part of that game."

Meanwhile, the club's president added: "We have to maintain the same financial rigor we've had up until now. Sporting sustainability is very important to us, of course, but also economic sustainability. We won't go crazy; we'll have a similar squad expenditure, perhaps a little higher than last year, and we'll be able to make some high-profile signings. But yes, something that has characterized Betis in recent years is that we sell well, and we also buy well, and at affordable prices."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BETIS?

Betis will tread carefully when it comes to signing Antony but are hopeful given the player is willing to stay.

Phil Salt, Will Jacks await audition to be England's new Roy and Hales

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Salt admits disappointment to slipping down pecking order but keen to seize opportunity

Matt Roller21-Sep-2023A sodden Headingley outfield delayed its arrival by three days, but England’s latest white-ball opening partnership will stride out to the middle together at Trent Bridge on Saturday with an opportunity to show that they are not just a stop-gap, but a viable long-term option at the top of the order.Phil Salt and Will Jacks were due to open the batting against Ireland before Wednesday’s ODI was abandoned without a ball bowled and both men know that this series is about much more than results. Instead, it represents a chance for them to show that they should be part of a regenerated England side after this World Cup.Salt and Jacks have batted together before, though only six times and all in T20s, rather than 50-over games. They opened together in one of England’s seven T20Is in Pakistan this time last year, and were also opening partners for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 in January. That they were due to open, with Zak Crawley in the middle order, confirms their status as the next men in.In style, they are similar to the Jason Roy-Alex Hales prototype, the opening pair that launched England’s white-ball revolution. Jacks, like Hales, is the taller of the two, and particularly strong through the covers; Salt, like Roy, is slightly shorter, but a powerful, leg-side dominant player. Unlike Roy and Hales, they both offer secondary skills: Jacks bowls useful offbreaks, while Salt can keep wicket.After England’s humiliating group-stage exit at the 2015 World Cup and ahead of their next full series against New Zealand, Roy and Hales were given an extended run at the top of the order, given licence to fail as long as they played in the team’s new attacking style. Salt and Jacks could be in a similar position – even if England’s white-ball teams are now in a very different place.There is healthy competition between Salt and Jacks. Salt turned 27 last month, Jacks’ 25th birthday is in November, while Salt has 30 international caps and a T20 World Cup winners’ medal to Jacks’ 10. But Jacks was picked ahead of Salt to open the batting in last month’s T20I series against New Zealand, with England keen to give him a run of games.”I was disappointed, I can’t lie to you,” Salt said. “I had a good IPL, but I didn’t do myself justice when I came back for the Blast. Playing for England is where I want to be… if anything, it’s given me motivation to get back in the team and reclaim my place.” He sought feedback from Matthew Mott and Jos Buttler, who explained there had been “a little shift around in the pecking order.”With Hales now retired from international cricket and Roy’s World Cup omission likely to draw a line under his England career, there will soon be spots up for grabs. “I’d like to think so, yeah,” Salt said when asked if he saw himself taking one of them. “There’s a lot of guys in my position also thinking the same thing.”Will Jacks made his T20I debut as Salt’s opening partner•Getty ImagesOf course, there is no guarantee that there will be dual vacancies at the top of the order. Buttler recently cautioned against what he sees as an English obsession with age, saying: “We are always looking for the next thing… If people are still performing, age is irrelevant.” After all, England will likely head into next year’s T20 World Cup with Buttler and Jonny Bairstow as their openers.But in ODIs, England will start building towards the 2027 World Cup – and the 2025 Champions Trophy – when they travel to the Caribbean in December. Their fringe players have lined up that tour for further potential opportunities and will make themselves available even if it means limiting their time for franchise cricket; both Salt and Jacks are in demand worldwide, and are likely to be retained for next year’s IPL.”Playing for England is a priority,” Salt said. “There’s a lot of franchise opportunities out there, but every game I can get in an England shirt, I want to take the opportunity with both hands. Some people are at the stage of their career where they are prioritising earning money… [but] right now, I just want to play as many games as I can for England.”After those three fixtures against West Indies, which are followed by five T20Is, England will not play another ODI until September 2024, when they host Australia at the end of the summer. With the country’s leading white-ball cricketers involved in the Hundred rather than the One-Day Cup, the ongoing Ireland series provides rare exposure to 50-over cricket.”It is slightly strange: you’ve got to remember the rules,” Jacks joked on Wednesday. “I’ve barely played [50-over cricket]: I’ve played two games in the last five years.” Salt believes that most players are able to adapt: “The fundamentals and the basics are very, very similar. It’s just spread out over a bigger period of time.”More immediately, they will just hope to get on the pitch: mercifully, Saturday’s forecast for Nottingham suggests they should at least manage that.

'My blood is boiling' – Vincent Kompany rages after Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala suffers severe injury at Club World Cup

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Bayern Munich’s hopes at the Club World Cup were dealt a devastating blow on Saturday as young star Jamal Musiala sustained a severe leg injury during their quarterfinal defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. The incident, which occurred just before halftime at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, left players and staff in visible distress as Musiala was forced off the pitch and transported to a nearby hospital for immediate medical care.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Bayern lost 2-0 to PSGMusiala injured in the first halfTwisted his ankle while chasing a 50-50 ballFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Musiala was injured following a 50-50 challenge involving PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The impact was significant, prompting medical staff to rush onto the field as the 22-year-old lay writhing in pain.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

As the referee blew for half-time, concern loomed large over the German camp. Serge Gnabry was brought on as Musiala’s replacement for the second half, with the match still goalless at that point.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowWHAT KOMPANY SAID

Kompany did not hide his emotions when addressing the situation. Speaking candidly after the match, Kompany described his fury, not at his team, but at the cruel misfortune that befell one of his brightest talents.

"I've rarely been so angry at half time, not against my players – I know there are much more important things in life, but for these guys it's their life," he said. "Someone like Jamal lives for this. He just came back from a setback, and now this happens. You feel powerless. My blood is still boiling right now, not because of the result, that's football. But because it happened to someone who enjoys the game so much."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Kompany was also asked whether the recurring injuries within his squad were impacting his strategy for pre-season. While acknowledging the frustration, he remained composed and reflective: "I'm not someone who complains about that. It's a fact, and it happened, but our fight is to make sure, before the season, that it doesn't happen. We need to stay calm and objective. To be honest, you also need luck. We couldn't do anything about Musiala's injury today. You can't always have everything under control. It's a pity."

ODI World Cup digest: Mathews embroiled in timed out drama; Australia face spin threat

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

An international first took place in a heated contest between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka while Afghanistan look to boost semi-final hopes

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Nov-20233:41

Harmison: ‘I’m disappointed that Mathews was given out in that way’

–Fixtures | Squads | Points table | Tournament IndexTop Story: Bangladesh trump Sri Lanka amid timed-out drama in DelhiYet another chapter was written into the story of subcontinental cricket’s most engrossing rivalry, in which Bangladesh came away deserved winners against Sri Lanka, winning by three wickets and, crucially, 53 deliveries in Delhi. The margin of victory means Bangladesh have leapfrogged Sri Lanka on the points table on net run rate, while Bangladesh, Netherlands and Sri Lanka are all on four points and all three – and England – are still vying for the two remaining spots at the 2025 Champions Trophy.This, though, was a game where a solitary incident overshadowed all else. The now customary controversy associated with the “Naagin Derby” was this time a historic first, as Angelo Mathews was dismissed timed out – the first instance of the rare dismissal in international cricket.Click here for the full reportExplainer: The Mathews timed out – what happened Angelo Mathews argues with the umpires after being timed out•AFP/Getty ImagesAngelo Mathews became the first player ever to be timed out in international cricket after a helmet malfunction in Sri Lanka’s World Cup group match against Bangladesh in Delhi, adding further drama to a rivalry not short of it.Mathews was already on the pitch and in his final preparations before taking strike against Shakib Al Hasan. His helmet strap broke just as he was tightening it around his chin. He called for a replacement helmet, which was run out to him by Chamika Karunaratne. Shakib then appeared to initiate a discussion with umpire Marais Erasmus, after which Mathews, as he was not ready to face his first ball within the two minutes to do so as allowed in the ICC playing conditions, was informed he was timed out.Read the full piece from Andrew Fidel FernandoMust Watch: Shakib Al Hasan explains his actions2:00

Shakib: ‘In a battle, I’ll do whatever is needed to win’

News headlinesSteven Smith is in doubt for Australia’s game against Afghanistan after revealing he had been suffering from vertigo.
Netherlands captain Scott Edwards knows there’s plenty riding on next World Cup match against England.Match previewAfghanistan vs Australia, Mumbai (2pm IST; 8.30am GMT; 7.30pm AEDT)4:18

Kumble: Spin can trouble Australia at Wankhede

There was a time when facing Afghanistan in a World Cup held no fears for Australia. The five-time World Champions have been nothing short of ruthless in the two previous ODI World Cup meetings. In 2015, in Perth, Australia piled up 417 for 6 with David Warner cracking 178, on their way to a 275-run win. In 2019, in Bristol, Australia romped home to a seven-wicket win with 91 balls to spare having bowled Afghanistan out for 207 before Warner again made 89 not out.But there is no chance the 2023 Australians are heading to the Wankhede Stadium assuming they will win again at a canter. Afghanistan poses an enormous threat, despite Australia’s five-game winning streak. Afghanistan have won three in a row themselves and have already taken down England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Netherlands as they push for a maiden semi-final berth.Full previewTeam newsAfghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 5 Azmatullah Omarzai, 6 Ikram Alikhil (wk), 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10 Naveen-ul-Haq/Noor Ahmad, 11 Fazalhaq FarooqiAustralia (probable): 1 David Warner, 2 Travis Head, 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Steven Smith/Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Josh Inglis (wk), 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 Pat Cummins (capt), 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh HazlewoodFeature: Maxwell prepares to take on Afghanistan’s spinnersGlenn Maxwell is standing diagonally behind the Australia team nets. Arms folded, his body straight, the cap worn backwards on the head, dark shades covering the eyes which are presumably fixed on what’s going on in the nets.He has watched Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis smash the ball around. He has seen enough of Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne take throwdowns. And the way he is holding his pose only a few steps away from the nets with a dead-pan straight face, it would seem as if he is barred from batting and has been punished further by watching his team-mates smother the ball in the nets, especially given the amount of runs that could again be on offer at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.

Newcastle go for Hugo Ekitike! Magpies join Arsenal and Man Utd in race to land €100m Eintracht Frankfurt striker

by h716a5.icu Uncategorized

Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, joining Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea in the hunt for the prolific French striker. The 23-year-old is hot property after a breakout season with the Bundesliga campaign, but Frankfurt’s €100 million (£86.2m) price tag remains a major hurdle for potential suitors.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Newcastle join race for €100-rated striker EkitikeFrenchman scored 22 goals, 12 assists last seasonFrankfurt holding firm on €100m valuation amid interestFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Newcastle United have made initial contact with Eintracht Frankfurt regarding Ekitike as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Magpies are seeking a new striker following Callum Wilson’s departure. Despite strong Premier League interest with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United said to be keen on a move, Frankfurt remain firm on their €100m valuation for the French striker.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ekitike enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 season, notching 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. He helped fire Eintracht Frankfurt to Champions League qualification and has emerged as one of Europe’s top young forwards. Newcastle potentially see him as a future replacement for Alexander Isak, who is attracting interest from elite European sides.

TELL ME MORE…

Newcastle had been interested in signing Joao Pedro; however, with the Brazilian forward now off the market, Ekitike has moved to the top of Newcastle’s wishlist. Saudi Pro League sides Al Hilal and Al Qadsiah have also shown interest in the Frenchman, but the striker wants to stay in Europe and may have a preference for Premier League football.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR NEWCASTLE?

No formal bid has been submitted yet, but Newcastle are expected to open talks soon. Frankfurt are reluctant to sell unless their €100 million valuation is met. The Magpies may explore creative deal structures to bring the Frenchman to St James’ Park.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus