Pitch invaders desperate to get close to Cristiano Ronaldo have sparked serious “intentions” concerns, with Portugal seeing Euro 2024 games disrupted.
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All-time great is a star attraction in GermanySupporters desperate to get a photo with himEntering the pitch raises security questionsWHAT HAPPENED?
CR7 is one of the biggest draws at this summer’s European Championship in Germany. He remains captain of his country at 39 years of age and is showing no sign of slowing down – despite questions being asked of his value to a cause that has another continental crown in its sights.
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Ronaldo’s latest outing saw him become the all-time leading assist-maker in Euros history – with another record added to his collection – but a 3-0 victory over Turkey was halted on several occasions as selfie-hunting supporters entered the field of play.
WHAT MARTINEZ SAID
None of those jumping the advertising hoardings meant any harm, but that may not always be the case. Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has said of the risks involved when fans chase down on-field icons: “It is a concern because today we were lucky that the intentions of the fans were good. We all love fans who recognise the big stars and the big icons in their lives. You can understand there is a very difficult moment if those intentions are wrong the players are exposed and we need to be careful.
“I don’t think it should happen on a football pitch. There is a lot of security and a lot of protection and I don’t think that should happen and we should probably give a message to the fans that it is not the right way. You are not going to get anything out of it and probably the measures get worse for the future and it’s not good to get the players so exposed when you’re running on the pitch.”
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?
Portugal’s win over Turkey has seen them safely through to the last-16 of Euro 2024 with a game to spare. That may mean Ronaldo is now given a rest, with the evergreen frontman desperate to add to his medal collection after missing out on major honours with Al-Nassr in 2023-24.
After a rare window without any major incomings, Chelsea look set to spend big once more in the summer, as they look to finally find the formula to ensure their return to the Premier League's top four, which could see one European star arrive.
Chelsea transfer news
Despite signing several fresh faces in a major summer overhaul last summer, the Blues have failed to improve on their results and currently sit as low as 10th in the Premier League – just two places above where they finished in the previous campaign. It's so far been a case of new stars, new manager but same Chelsea under Todd Boehly's ownership. From Champions League winners in 2021, the Blues, under Mauricio Pochettino, now find themselves a world away from Europe's elite.
One problem that those in London have consistently faced since the days of Diego Costa, however, is a player to lead the line and find the back of the net week in, week out. Alvaro Morata once tried, before failing. So too did academy graduate Tammy Abraham, before finding the exit door. And now the responsibility has fallen on the shoulders of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, with the former struggling with injuries and the latter remaining unconvincing in front of goal.
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So the attention turns to the summer once again and a player who could finally fill the golden boots of Costa. According to Rudy Galetti, Chelsea are prepared to trigger main target Victor Osimhen's €130m (£111m) release clause this summer and are set to speed up their plan to secure the Napoli forward over fears that Paris Saint-Germain could make their move.
The French giants will be on high alert when it comes to top strikers this summer with reports indicating that Kylian Mbappe is set to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season. If they come in for Osimhen, Chelsea may face a tough battle.
"Fantastic" Osimhen could solve Chelsea problem
The deal would cost a hefty fee, but it is one worth paying for a player of Osimhen's calibre. The Napoli man has become the star man in Italy, helping his side to win the famous Scudetto last season, whilst also earning the praise of former AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho. The former Blues man still couldn't help but aim some criticism at the forward, however, saying:
"I told him that he scored a wonderful goal and needs to stop diving so much. His goal was fantastic, he did the same thing when we met earlier this season, so he’s a fantastic player. But he mustn’t dive."
Osimhen's stats, meanwhile, show just how much of an upgrade he'd be on Jackson at Stamford Bridge:
Goals
0.64
0.40
Assists
0.18
0.12
Expected Goals
0.61
0.63
Aerial Duels Won
1.91
0.98
As Chelsea look to get back to their best, Osimhen could quickly prove to be the key if the Blues complete a deal to welcome the forward to Stamford Bridge this summer.
The three-time winners have endured some major tournament disappointments in recent years, and are looking to turn the tide on home soil
Germany have endured a difficult few years. Back-to-back World Cup group-stage exits sandwiched a last-16 loss to England at Euro 2020, and thus fans head into Euro 2024 more with hope than expectation for the hosts to make a deep run.
Joachim Low and Hansi Flick both paid for the team's poor form with their jobs, and Julian Nagelsmann's reign also got off to a difficult start, with losses to Turkey and Austria. But things have since turned around, with Toni Kroos' return to the fold from international retirement pacing a duo of memorable friendly wins against France and the Netherlands. Suddenly, thing are looking up.
Though they will be backed by a home crowd this summer, group games against Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland are unlikely to be straightforward for Nagelsmann's side, and thus the former Bayern Munich made moves in a bid to give himself more options to choose from once the tournament rolls around.
He confirmed his 26-man squad on June 7, but who has he chosen, and who has been left out? GOAL has everything you need…
Getty ImagesGOALKEEPERS
For over a decade, Manuel Neuer has been the presumed No.1 for Germany heading into major tournaments, but after the Bayern Munich veteran suffered a potentially career-threatening leg injury in the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup, Marc-Andre ter Stegen was given the chance to step up and performed well.
Since Neuer's return, Nagelsmann had been non-committal in naming his starting goalkeeper for the Euros, but has eventually confirmed that the 38-year-old is his No.1.
Name
Club
Oliver BaumannHoffenheimManuel NeuerBayern MunichMarc-Andre ter StegenBarcelonaAdvertisementGetty ImagesDEFENDERS
A fair criticism of Germany's recent tournament struggles has been their inability to find the net consistently, but this hasn't exactly been a tight defensive unit, either.
There is, to be sure, some experience to be found with Antonio Rudiger at centre-back and Joshua Kimmich at right-back, but Nagelsmann's omission of Mats Hummels means he will not be able to rely upon one of Europe's most in-form veterans.
In Hummels' place, Jonathan Tah should partner Rudiger – and rightly so after turning in a series of top performances with Bayer Leverkusen.
Kroos' decision to come out of international retirement has naturally grabbed the headlines in Germany. The Real Madrid star has been at his metronomic best for Los Blancos this season, turning in countless superb performances to control a humming side, and will surely start this summer.
Right now, it seems like Leverkusen's Robert Andrich will join Kroos at the base of the Germany midfield. Further forward, meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan will play in one of the more advanced roles, likely alongside Jamal Musiala and Leverkusen standout Florian Wirtz.
Bayern youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic had forced his way into contention, however he was forced to withdraw due to illness in June with Emre Can replacing him.
Name
Club
Robert AndrichBayer LeverkusenEmre CanBorussia DortmundChris FuhrichStuttgartPascal GrossBrightonIlkay GundoganBarcelonaToni KroosReal MadridJamal MusialaBayern MunichFlorian WirtzBayer LeverkusenENJOYED THIS STORY?
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Getty ImagesFORWARDS
Germany have lacked a true, world-class No.9 for a number of years, and the responsibility to lead the line is likely to fall on Niclas Fullkrug's shoulders at the Euros, as the Dortmund man has been preferred to Thomas Muller in recent camps (although Muller has made the squad).
Kai Havertz could come into contention, given his performances for Arsenal have improved of late. His best position is up for debate, though, and Nagelsmann might prefer a more natural striker through the middle.
Name
Club
Maximilian BeierHoffenheimNiclas FullkrugBorussia DortmundKai HavertzArsenalThomas MullerBayern MunichLeroy SaneBayern MunichDeniz UndavStuttgart
Wolverhampton Wanderers have been on a solid run of form recently, winning three out of their last five matches in the Premier League and are currently level on points with Chelsea in the table.
Furthermore, Wolves are merely five points behind Europa Conference League champions West Ham United in the race for the final European spot so qualification to the continent's third-ranked contest certainly isn't outside the realms of possibility.
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However, if the Midlands club are to make a push for Europe for the first time since Nuno Espirito's spell in charge a few seasons back, investment will need to be made in January to bolster the squad.
Wolves transfer news – Che Adams
It was initially reported by TEAMTalk during the summer that Wolves had agreed a deal with Championship outfit Southampton to take Scotland international Che Adams on a season-long loan with the option to buy him permanently at the end of the current campaign. The Athletic added on transfer deadline day that the option-to-buy deal was worth £15m, but the move was eventually blocked by the Saints.
Southampton striker Che Adams.
However, on Boxing Day, The Athletic provided another update to this ongoing transfer saga, revealing that Wolves are set to reignite their interest in the Scottish striker once the January transfer window opens. It has been confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that Fabio Silva will be sent out on loan to Rangers for the remainder of the season, leaving Wolves' attacking department a little bare.
Furthermore, journalist Dean Jones has admitted that Adams "might leave" the St. Mary's Stadium over the coming weeks, with there being interest from other Premier League clubs, including Everton, but Wolves seem to be leading the race thus far.
Che Adams' stats this season
Having once been described as "dynamite" by sports reporter Jamie Borthwick, Adams is not enjoying his most prolific campaign as a player but has still chipped in with five goals in 21 appearances for Southampton. In fact, he is the joint-second-highest goalscorer at the club with only Adam Armstrong finding the net more for the Saints this season.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old has been more potent in previous campaigns for Southampton but the striker has already matched his tally of five from last season, although the quality level of the Premier League compared to the Championship has played a helping hand with this. Regardless, in half a season, Adams has scored five times whereas, in his 72 appearances with Wolves, Silva has scored just five goals.
Since joining from Porto back in 2020 for a whopping £36m, the Portuguese centre-forward has really struggled to make any impact at all. This season alone, the frontman has one goal from 12 appearances in all competitions which came in a 5-0 win against League One outfit Blackpool in the EFL Cup.
Fabio Silva's Stats At Wolves
Season
Appearances
Minutes Played
Goals
Assists
2020/21
36
1,675
4
3
2021/22
26
852
0
3
2022/23
0
0
0
0
2023/24
10
373
1
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
While Adams may not be as prolific as Armstrong this term on the south coast, the duo have built up a really nice partnership when leading the line and have combined to score 39.5% of Southampton's goals this season in the Championship as Russell Martin's side are currently the third-highest scorers in England's second tier. Wolves boss Gary O'Neil will be hoping Adams can build up this type of partnership with his side's star centre-forward Hwang Hee-chan.
Hwang has found the net 11 times in 20 appearances while registering two assists in the meantime. Together, the pairing could be a force to be reckoned with in O'Neil's 3-5-2.
Per 90 Metrics
Che Adams
Hwang Hee-chan
Goals
0.43
0.7
Expected Goals
0.37
0.38
Assists
0.17
0.13
Expected Assists
0.19
0.13
Shots
2.17
2.02
Shots On Target
0.96
0.7
Goals Per Shot
0.2
0.31
Key Passes
1.02
0.86
Progressive Passes
2.69
1.66
Stats via FBref
Wolves are quite reliant on Hwang to find the net lately as Wolves' second-most prolific player has just five in total. The addition of Adams could help alleviate the pressure off of the South Korean forward to put the ball away and may make Wolves an all-around better attack.
It's safe to say Sunderland have experienced a whirlwind year, making it to the Championship playoff semi-finals under Tony Mowbray last season and then sacking him this campaign in an attempt to acquire fresh blood in the dug-out to take the Black Cats to the next level.
It will be intriguing to see how 2024 pans out for new boss Michael Beale, hoping to add a promotion to his managerial CV with the Tyne and Wear side from the second tier up to the Premier League.
He could well have his work cut out for him based on Sunderland's display in his debut match in charge however, the Black Cats were hopeless at the Stadium of Light in a shocking 3-0 loss.
A number of players have sparkled this season for Sunderland, the Black Cats aiming to secure a comfortable playoff spot without any nerves attached and not leave their fate in the playoffs hanging in the balance until the very end of the 46-game season slog.
We at Football FanCast have decided to rank every player (out of 10) currently in the Sunderland camp as we reach the midpoint of this enthralling Championship season already – albeit only those who have at least started five games in the league.
Goalkeeper
Anthony Patterson
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
7 – Patterson has started every game in the second tier this season, putting in consistent competent displays in goal for the Black Cats with six clean sheets accumulated.
The 23-year-old has struggled in some games this season however, meaning he's behind the likes of rival shot-stoppers Alex Palmer and Mads Hermansen in the league when it comes to total of clean sheets.
Full-backs
Trai Hume
8 – Subject to transfer interest this January from the likes of promotion rivals Leeds United, Trai Hume has enhanced his game even more this season after bursting onto the scene at the Stadium of Light relocating from his native Northern Ireland in 2021.
Dennis Cirkin
6 – Cirkin's time as Sunderland's main left-back this season has been derailed by two serious hamstring injury setbacks, not featuring for the Tyne and Wear outfit since the start of November.
Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin.
The 21-year-old had picked up one assist from the eight games he played when fully fit, but his absence hasn't necessarily been felt owing to other players stepping up to fill in for him adequately.
Niall Huggins
7 – Huggins is the player in question who has managed to fill the Cirkin void effectively, played slightly out of position in defence as a natural winger pushed back to a left-back.
Cirkin will find it hard to displace the Welshman when he does finally make his return, a settled member of the Black Cats' defence now.
Centre-backs
Daniel Ballard
9 – The ex-Arsenal centre-back has been a star at the back for Sunderland this campaign, looking more and more like a leader in defence even with partner Luke O'Nien wearing the captain's armband.
Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard.
Ballard has been invaluable scoring goals coming up from the back too, chipping in with crucial strikes when his team need him to step up to the mark in finely balanced contests.
It's why Mowbray was so complimentary of the former Gunners man when he was boss, labelling Ballard as a "diamond" and a "warrior" for his relentless energy and determination.
Luke O'Nien
8 – O'Nien has been equally solid in the heart of defence this campaign, forming an intimidating centre-back duo with Ballard in the process.
The 29-year-old is a loyal Black Cats servant and will want to give everything and more in the remainder of the campaign to the cause, hopefully securing promotion to the promised land of the top-flight as captain.
Jenson Seelt
6 – The summer signing from PSV Eindhoven has been used sparingly here and there this season when O'Nien and Ballard have missed out, Jenson Seelt starting a handful of games this season and performing admirably under pressure at just 20 years of age.
Midfielders
Jobe Bellingham
8 – The Bellingham family have another starboy in the making with this Black Cats teenage sensation, Jobe Bellingham showing no signs of immaturity or nerves when selected with accomplished displays.
Taking the second tier by storm, it's no surprise to see the 18-year-old already being lined up for a big move away from the Stadium of Light in the not-so-distant future to follow in his esteemed brother's footsteps at Real Madrid.
Dan Neil
8 – Bellingham's midfield counterpart in Dan Neil has also been crucial at points this season, providing the Black Cats with a goalscoring presence from further back when the advanced attackers are off the pace.
Rising through the youth ranks to be a cemented first-team option, the 24-year-old will hope he can reach even loftier heights in 2024 by becoming a Premier League player for his boyhood club.
Pierre Ekwah
7 – Pierre Ekwah's performances this season have alerted Premier League clubs to his services if rumours are true, the former West Ham United midfielder impressive for the Black Cats in the Championship to date.
Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
Scoring two goals this season – both strikes coming in an emphatic 5-0 win over Southampton in August – Ekwah has been used both as a holding option and as a more free central midfielder when necessary.
Adil Aouchiche
6 – The former Paris St. Germain man has shown in flashes that he can be a top talent when utilised effectively – scoring in a 3-1 win against Birmingham City in November a matter of minutes after being introduced into the game off the bench.
Yet, his impactful performances to date haven't demanded that he's regular on the teamsheet from the start and so the 21-year-old midfielder has been reduced to just making the most of his limited time on the pitch when thrown on late into matches instead of being truly valued.
Chris Rigg
6 – Much like Aouchiche, Chris Rigg has come into the side and done a job when called upon to do so. The 16-year-old has plenty to work on as a raw talent still learning the ropes, however, not featuring in the Championship since October. Can Beale get more out of the sprightly Black Cats teenager given time in the job?
Alex Pritchard
7 – If it wasn't for his mini rejuvenation under interim boss Mike Dodds recently, Alex Pritchard would be staring at a far lower rating next to his name. However, the former Huddersfield Town man has revived his stuttering Sunderland career by picking up three assists under Dodds in as many games before Beale came in.
It remains to be seen however whether he continues to thrive or fades away into the background under Beale, the 30-year-old a hard-to-contain creative force on his day from midfield when firing on all cylinders.
Bradley Dack
6 – Signed by Mowbray – who managed Bradley Dack at previous club Blackburn Rovers – in the summer, it's a transfer reunion that hasn't worked out for either party involved especially with Mowbray now gone.
Recurring injury problems that saw his time with the Riversiders become tainted have reared their ugly head again in his new surroundings, killing any momentum Dack was beginning to create to really make his mark on the first team.
Forwards
Patrick Roberts
6 – Patrick Roberts has also failed to string together consistent displays for Sunderland this season, only amassing one assist from 21 appearances to date.
Beale will hope his new presence in the dugout can breathe life back into Roberts, who has been passive this campaign down the right-hand side.
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Jack Clarke
9 – Whilst Roberts has let games pass him by this season, Jack Clarke has given his all in every game this season with devastatingly effective displays becoming second nature for the left winger.
Hitting double figures for goals already this campaign, the 23-year-old attacker will hope he can continue being the star man Sunderland craves as their pursuit of promotion becomes trickier next year.
Abdoullah Ba
6 – Starting the season at a breakneck pace with two goals and an assist from his first nine games, Abdoullah Ba has since fizzled out and has found his game time cut recently.
Nazariy Rusyn
5 – Nazariy Rusyn comes in with the lowest rating of the camp so far, still goalless this season after joining the Black Cats from his native Ukraine this summer.
Beale could well unearth a potent striker in Rusyn – helping himself to an assist at least for his troubles – but he's been largely underwhelming meaning players such as Clarke have had to be as impactful as they have been to make up for other misfiring teammates.
Mason Burstow
Former Charlton loanee Mason Burstow.
5 – Mason Burstow has been as ineffective as Rusyn up top, the former Charlton man wanting to forget about his stint at the Stadium of Light so far on loan from Chelsea with zero goals notched up.
Eliezer Mayenda
4 – Sunderland's recruitment in the striker positions this summer has proven to be misstep after misstep, Eliezer Mayenda another dud purchased in the off-season.
Injured for the first three months of his Sunderland career, Mayenda's time on the pitch for the Championship side when fully fit has been unmemorable to date with the 18-year-old also yet to break his goalscoring duck.
Luis Semedo
4 – Sunderland must be experiencing heavy deja vu currently when it comes to their conveyor belt of poor strikers, Luis Semedo also failing to find the back of the net from 13 games in the league to date.
This striker crisis could see Beale go in for a new forward this January, a position that clearly needs strengthening.
Manager
Tony Mowbray
7 – The recently departed Black Cats boss will have felt harshly treated by the club when news transpired of his sacking, Mowbray steering an inexperienced Sunderland squad to within touching distance of a playoff spot before his surprise axing.
Sunderland's former manager Tony Mowbray.
Those with connections to the Championship club will just hope the gamble of getting rid of Mowbray pays off, entering the unknown somewhat with Beale who has been uninspiring recently notably with Rangers in Scotland.
Steve Rixon is likely to fill-in as interim head coach for the T20Is in South Africa
Madushka Balasuriya 14-Mar-2019Sri Lanka Cricket is once again moving to remove a head coach, with CEO Ashley de Silva headed to South Africa for crisis talks with Chandika Hathurusingha.An SLC release also confirmed that Hathurusingha will be required to return to Sri Lanka following the ongoing ODI series in order to “discuss the Sri Lanka team’s preparation for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup”. Fielding coach Steve Rixon will be the acting head coach of the side during the three-match T20I series.Although the board wants to remove Hathurusingha, its hands are somewhat tied by Hathurusingha’s contract, which runs up until the end of 2020, and requires a substantial compensation to be paid in the event of early termination. As such, de Silva and the boards are expected to broach the possibility of Hathurusingha working for SLC in a limited capacity back in Sri Lanka in the short term.”[The board is] trying to give Hathuru a break to see how Rixon fares in the team,” an SLC official told ESPNcricnfo.Since taking over at the beginning of 2018, Hathurusingha has overseen a modest string of results, winning just 16 of 49 international matches in charge. His predecessors, however, had fared worse. In fact, Sri Lanka’s win rate in 2018 was better than it had been in 2017, if only marginally.While the historic Test series win over South Africa last month did buy him a short reprieve, the ensuing succession of ODI defeats, in what is Sri Lanka’s final series before the World Cup, has seen the board become emboldened to move against Hathurusingha.The board’s concerns are also thought to be only partially performance-related. According to the SLC source, Hathurusingha is said to have uneasy relations with some players and staff, while it was a prolonged spat with the new selection committee that culminated in him being removed from the role of selector-on-tour last month.Ahead of the South Africa tour, Hathurusingha had voiced concerns over the wholesale changes being made to the limited-overs squad just months out from a World Cup, one of which was the axing of Dinesh Chandimal – someone he had earmarked as central to his limited-overs squad. Hathurusingha is also said to have been unhappy at Lasith Malinga’s installation as ODI captain, a player who had until then only been at the periphery of his plans.”The board is not happy, not only with his performance, but his attitude as well. This has been coming for a while, to be honest,” the SLC official said.The current set of administrators at SLC, however, are largely the same people who had hired Hathurusingha in the first place, pursuing him for at least several months before finally convincing Hathurusingha to leave his job in Bangladesh early, in order to join the Sri Lanka team. Roughly the same group of administrators had also hired Graham Ford at the start of 2016, then elbowed him out of the job in mid-2017.No Sri Lanka coach has lasted more than two years this decade. Sri Lanka have had nine head coaches (including interim appointments), since 2011 – Ford serving the longest, across two different stints.In terms of preparation for the World Cup, this is far from ideal for Sri Lanka, with neither the selectors, the board, Hathurusingha nor the fans any closer to identifying a final squad. As a final throw of the dice, SLC are expected to hold a provincial tournament next month, consisting of four teams comprising all the players vying for a World Cup spot.”We want every player to play in each game to ensure they are fit enough to go for the World Cup. The teams will be captained by Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo [Mathews], Upul Tharanga, and maybe Malinga or Chandimal. They will have to prove themselves to be in contention for the World Cup,” the source confirmed.
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski could be sold this summer, with the Blaugrana needing to move players on to raise funds.
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Barca expected to be forced to sell this summerLewandowski will be club's highest-paid player next yearInsisted that he will not leave the club on MondayWHAT HAPPENED?
It is expected to be a busy summer in Catalonia, will Barca needing to undergo a significant clearout to balance the books. And Lewandowski is among those who could be moved on, with senior club officials advocating for his sale, according to .
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Lewandowski moved from Bayern Munich to Barcelona in 2022, the Blaugrana shelling out €50 million (£42.6m/$53.4m) for his services. After winning the Pichichi in his first season for Barca, his form has dropped off. He is currently tied for third in the hunt for Spain's golden boot, and the Blaugrana's hopes of defending the La Liga crown have disintegrated.
WHAT LEWANDOWSKI SAID
The Polish striker has made it clear that he has no plans to leave the club after the season: "Leaving Barca this summer is definitely not possible, it’s not a topic. I physically feel good. This is the case for at least two more years. When I’m physically no longer at a top level, I’d start thinking."
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LEWANDOWSKI?
The striker insists that he will still be playing in Catalonia come August – but the decision may be out of his hands. Barca's next fixture is a La Liga clash with Girona this Saturday, where they can secure a second-placed finish in the league with a win over their local rivals.
He last played an ODI in 2010, but he could be the man Australia turn to for the death overs
Andrew McGlashan11-Jan-2019Last October, Peter Siddle played his first Test in two years. But that’s nothing. The same month he was added to Australia’s T20I squad, a format he has played just twice for his country, and now he will play his first ODI in eight years. He has a chance at being part of a World Cup and Ashes double tour to England.What if someone had told him that 12 months ago? “I would have laughed at them,” he said.There has been a lot of recrimination around the Australia men’s teams this season amid continued upheaval, and Siddle’s story feels like an uplifting tale.The Test return is the least surprising development. Siddle has remained a very consistent red-ball bowler, having overcome a back injury he suffered in 2016. However, his rise to prominence in the limited-overs game is the result of a cricketer reinventing himself towards the latter part of his career.”I’m getting on in my years so haven’t got a hell of a lot of cricket left, especially at the international stage, so just knew I had to get fit and see how things went,” he said. “It hadn’t even crossed my mind playing white-ball cricket for Australia again. In the UAE, I stayed as back-up after [Mitchell] Starc got rested for the T20Is, but didn’t think much of it. I feel like a young kid getting his first opportunity.”By playing at the SCG on Saturday he will comfortably set a new record for the longest gap between appearances for an Australia player, beating the six years and 282 days of Tim Zoehrer between 1986 and 1994. It is also at the ground of his last appearance in limited-overs international cricket: from that match against Sri Lanka, he is one of just four of the Australians still playing, along with Shane Watson, Cameron White and Steven Smith. ALSO READ: Australia make wholesale changes, bring back Siddle and Lyon for ODIs His return to Australia’s coloured clothes is down mostly to his outstanding BBL campaign in 2017-18 – form he has carried into this year’s tournament. Last season, he was a key part of Adelaide Strikers’ tournament-winning run, conceding just 5.94 runs per over across 11 matches, which was easily the best for any quick who played more than a single match. It was also the best economy in Big Bash history for a pace bowler playing at least 10 matches a season.Having found life tougher in the T20 Blast where he played for Essex, taking three wickets at an economy of 9.50 from five innings, this season he currently has a BBL economy of 4.88 across his three matches which have brought four wickets. Against Sydney Thunder, on New Year’s Eve, he claimed 3 for 20, but having started to hear a few suggestions an ODI call-up might come, he admitted feeling the nerves that night.”I went away before the selection meeting and played the New Year’s game. I was a bit more nervous than I was previously because I knew if I put in a good performance, it could mean a lot.”It was being away from the international scene that gave him time to work a new – or updated – set of skills which have now caught the eye of the selectors. Having played just seven BBL matches for Melbourne Renegades in 2014 and 2015 before being sidelined by the back injury in 2016, he found a new home with the Strikers.Peter Siddle was picked in the Australia Test squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan•Getty Images”Getting the chance to play a full season of the Big Bash, if there’s ever a good way to learn fast, how to develop skills in white-ball cricket, it’s definitely the T20 format. You have to learn quickly, learn on your feet and if you don’t execute the deliveries, you obviously cop it a lot in the shortest format. That’s definitely helped my 50-over form.””For him to go away and work on the skills that he’s brought to the table over the last couple of years in Big Bash cricket is outstanding,” Australia’s one-day captain, Aaron Finch, said after confirming him in the XI. “He probably went with a real red-ball focus for a long time there and probably neglected the one-day skills and then to come back and have an eight-week period last year where he just focused on skills for the white ball, how quickly he learnt, how quickly he improved was unbelievable and he’s kept doing that.”Siddle is still waiting to see what role he is given in the ODI side – and T20 form does not guarantee success over the longer duration – but given his role in the BBL, it would not be a surprise to see him have the responsibility of the closing overs. “Obviously the death bowling, yorkers and change-ups, I think my skills I’ve been able to execute pretty consistently. That will play a big role in my set-up, but I’ll find out more in the next couple of days. The focus over the last couple of weeks has been on that death bowling and working on trying to perfect that.”And if he is asked to bowl at the India batsmen when they are in full flight in the latter stages of an innings, he’ll be keeping it pretty simple.”Sometimes people do get caught up a little bit in trying to have too many options, not just having the few good options they can fall back on and that they know they’ve perfected under pressure. So for me that’s what it has been. Getting everything perfected as best as I can, so when it comes to the heat of the battle that I can back up my skills.”The only other global tournament Siddle has played was the 2009 Champions Trophy. He took 3 for 55 in the semi-final victory over England before nabbing 1 for 30 off his 10 in the final against New Zealand to help secure the title. Nine years on and Siddle could be a few good performances away from booking a World Cup trip.
Tottenham have now entered pole position to sign a European club's star attacker as the north Londoners look to January in search of more options.
Spurs hit by injury crisis
It's been seven days of turmoil at Spurs, and this international break couldn't have come soon enough for popular new boss Ange Postecoglou. Losing both star playmaker James Maddison and defender Micky van de Ven is a huge blow to Spurs, with both summer signings looking set to be out until 2024.
Tottenham must make do without the electric pace of van de Ven and the creative spark of Maddison, with both men being sorely missed last Saturday as Postecoglou suffered his second consecutive Premier League defeat. Spurs' bitterly disappointing and dramatic 2-1 loss to Wolves at Molineux highlighted just how pivotal the duo are to Postecoglou, as replacements Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg just couldn't come anywhere near to replicating their influence.
Spurs struggled to assert themselves often enough in the final third, thanks partly to the absence of Maddison's ingenuity in midfield, with the Lilywhites looking nowhere near their imperious best going forward.
Tottenham enter pole position for Gudmundsson
While Postecoglou should have the England star back by January, this past week has exposed Tottenham's glaring lack of depth in key areas, and the winter transfer window represents an opportunity for new sporting director Johan Lange to sign much-needed alternatives to star men.
According to La Repubblica, as relayed by Genova Today and Sport Witness, Spurs are now "in the front row" to sign Albert Gudmundsson from Genoa as one option. The Serie A side are well aware of growing interest from London, Roma and Inter Milan – as they aim to tie Gudmundsson down with a new deal and fend off growing suitors.
This comes after reports that Postecoglou is keen to sign a left-winger, but most interestingly, the Iceland international can also slot into Maddison's position as a central attacking midfielder. Gudmundsson has often been deployed in a central role for Genoa this season too, playing as the supporting striker behind number nine Mateo Retegui.
The 26-year-old has five goals in 12 Serie A appearances so far under manager Alberto Gilardino, with his form attracting real praise from teammate Kevin Strootman.
Crossing
Passing
Dribbling
Long shots
Taking set pieces
Defensive contribution
“If he keeps improving, he won’t stay at Genoa for long,” Strootman told Il Secolo XIX newspaper (via Football Italia).
“He reminds me of Salah when he was at Roma, in that every now and then he disappears. Much like Salah then, he would have four or five chances per match and only score at most one.
“They used to say that if Salah was more clinical, he would be playing for Liverpool, and that is exactly what happened. All joking aside, Gudmundsson is a devastating player and also an exemplary professional.”
Gudmundsson could come as an excellent potential signing for Spurs, with his ability to play in a variety of positions being a particularly huge draw.
Six major venues across South Africa will host the competition which is set to start in November
Liam Brickhill11-Oct-2018Wanderers, Kingsmead, Newlands, SuperSport Park, St. George’s Park and Boland Park will be the host venues for the six teams in Cricket South Africa’s new-look T20 league.CSA announced the venues following an assessment by Nielsen Sport, a sports industry data analysis firm. While CSA has asserted that they own all the teams, the chief executives at the various bodies that run South Africa’s cricket grounds – Cricket Boland, Western Province Cricket Association, Eastern Province Cricket Board, Gauteng Cricket Board, Northerns Cricket Union and KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union – will essentially be the team managers, appointing coaches.”The key mandate given to all our Members in applying to be a host venue was the primary goal of luring new and traditional fans, other sports fans and the wider general public to our stadia,” said CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe. “This process was, in fact, started some time ago when CSA embarked on a National Stadium Grading Process of all our first-class venues.”The various CEOs who have been running those stadiums will act as managers for these various teams. They will come out and announce the new names of the teams, the logos of what the teams will look like, and they are the ones who will then appoint the coaches, and the coaches will appoint their own support staff.”The league itself has not yet been named, but Moroe explained during a pitch-side interview at South Africa’s T20I against Zimbabwe in East London that it would have a “uniquely South African” name.”It won’t be called the Global T20,” he said. “I hope it’s a name that South Africans will be proud of. We just thought of a uniquely South African name.”Moroe’s interview during the game was aired on SABC 3, the same channel that the T20 league games will be shown on after CSA’s announced a partnership with SABC, South Africa’s public broadcaster. That deal reportedly gave the SABC exclusive official broadcast rights for the Sub-Saharan regionThe new league is set to launch on November 9, with the player draft scheduled for October 17. While the details of the draft are yet to be divulged, team names are expected to be announced in the next few days. But with under a month to go, the timeline to market and deliver the event is shrinking, especially as CSA and SABC are still yet to agree to the specifics of their deal and sign a full contract.”We’re working very hard with SABC in terms of drafting the contract, we just want to wrap up the long-form agreement between us, the SABC as well as our other partners then we can make all the necessary announcements,” Moroe said at Buffalo Park.”This is purely a step that we need to follow from a risk point of view, giving the disappointment of us having to postpone the league last year. The board has given me a strict mandate that before we announce anything, we have all the necessary agreements in place and they’re signed.”Despite losses of over R200 million following the failure of the inaugural GLT20, CSA has said that its annual financial statements would still show “substantial reserves”. They will have to dig a little deeper into those reserves in their new league’s first season, for which they are budgeting for a R40 million loss.While those sorts of costs are nothing unusual – it took years for IPL teams to start making a profit, the Big Bash League made a AUD33 million loss over its first five years, and the ECB’s new competition, The Hundred, is facing spiralling costs – CSA is also facing the threat of legal action from several owners of the initial GLT20. That may necessitate further costs before the new T20 league gets underway.