Fans have slammed Neymar for appearing to be overweight and say that he should "retire" after returning to Al-Hilal training following his ACL injury.
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Jemimah Rodrigues sports a smile after the practice match•ESPNcricinfo/Annesha Ghosh
A 98-run stand between half-centurion Mithali Raj and Jemimah Rodrigues, followed by an inspired effort by their bowling and fielding units, helped India complete a 54-run win in the fifth T20I and seal a first-ever away-series double. Having won the ODI series 2-1, India clinched the T20I series 3-1, bowling South Africa out for 112 in 18 overs in Cape Town.Having put India in, Marizanne Kapp removed Smriti Mandhana inside the Powerplay. Mandhana’s opening partner Raj, however, pressed on to her third half-century – a 50-ball 62 studded with short-arm pulls, sweeps and cuts that brought her eight fours and three sixes. Keeping her company for 11.3 overs was the 17-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues, whose promotion to No. 3 – which has otherwise been the slot earmarked for captain Harmanpreet Kaur in this series – paid off.Having been reprieved on 15 by wicketkeeper Lizelle Lee, Rodrigues waltzed to a 34-ball 44. Raj and Rodrigues then fell in successive overs, to Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka respectively. India were 134 for 4, with 3.1 overs left. Harmanpreet partnered Veda Krishnamurthy in a brisk 32-run stand, reeling off 27 off 17 balls courtesy a four and two massive sixes that sailed into the leg-side stands. Krishnamurthy pinched eight off the six balls she faced, before being run-out off the final ball of the innings as India finished on 166 for 4.India’s momentum, gathered through the closing overs of their innings, was kept going by their quick-bowling troika of Pooja Vastrakar, Shikha Pandey and Rumeli Dhar, who reduced the hosts to 22 for 3 inside six overs. While Vastrakar opened with a maiden over, Dhar accounted for both openers – Dane van Niekerk her first wicket upon returning to international cricket after a six-year hiatus.Pandey subsequently sent back Sune Luus, followed by the wickets of Mignon du Preez and Nadine de Klerk in the space of three balls in the ninth over. Half the South African line-up had been sniped out for 44. Chloe Tryon tried resuscitating the chase, hitting two sixes, but could not go beyond a 17-ball 25 as she holed out off Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Harmanpreet completed a regulation catch at long-off and blew a kiss as a follow-up act.That three of South Africa’s partnerships ended in the twenties, the highest being a seventh-wicket stand of 29 between Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp, underlined their inability to deal with the lack of pace from the Indian attack, aided by some agile fielding. While Harmanpreet and Mandhana prevented at least three fours by throwing themselves around near the rope, Rodrigues pulled off a stunner at the deep-square leg boundary to send back Kapp for a 21-ball 27. Rodriguez’s two-handed back-arch-and-leap act gave Dhar her third wicket before Gayakwad took out the tail; both finished with identical returns of 3 for 26, though Gayakwad bowled one over less.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has "validated the profile" of Gent striker Gift Orban with Spurs now "in contact" to sign him.
Who else will Spurs sign?
Spurs have completed a plethora of transfer deals for Postecoglou as chairman Daniel Levy attempts to back his new head coach.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, youngster Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all now officially joined the north London club, but there may well be more soon.
Postecoglou, speaking to the press last night after Tottenham's entertaining friendly against Barcelona in Catalonia, claimed there may well be another defensive addition if the club can sort more outgoings.
"We've to see what happens with outgoings," explained the Spurs boss.
"But the potential is there to bring in one more centre back after van de Ven"
Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…
The north Londoners may also sign a new midfielder, as Spurs regular Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is still attracting serious interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.
Amid all of the noise surrounding Harry Kane's future, as Bayern prepare to mount yet another attempt to prise him away from Spurs, the club have been looking at possible forward options as well.
Orban, who finished the 22/23 season in electric form, is one attacker who's been linked with a move to Tottenham and journalist Sacha Tavolieri has an interesting update.
The reporter believes Spurs are now in contact over a deal for the Nigeria international, with Postecoglou giving the green-light after he "validated the profile" of Orban.
Tottenham have held verbal discussions with Gent for the player, where they have apparently disclosed their intent to go as high as €30 million (£26m), including bonuses.
"Tottenham in contact with KAA Gent for Gift Orban!," wrote Tavolieri on X.
"Spurs could go as high as €30M (including bonuses) according to the latest oral discussions undertaken with their Belgian counterparts.
The profile of the Nigerian striker has been validated by Ange Postecoglou. The green light to send the written offer is obviously linked to the Harry Kane affair. The English are anticipating the market by paying €30m in 2023 than have to offer the double once Orban has exploded in an intermediate league… Wait&See."
How good is Gift Orban?
The wonderkid is a player of real quality, as displayed by his numbers for Gent last term, with Orban scoring 20 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions.
Orban has also been praised by members of the press as one of Nigeria's latest dazzling talents, as journalist Ryan Taylor points out.
Gift Orban, Victor Boniface & Tolu Arokodare. Remember these names," wrote Taylor.
"Making waves in Belgium & on European stage. Throw in Victor Osimhen & Terem Moffi – future looks very bright for Nigeria. Quickly approaching a golden generation for the Super Eagles."
Meanwhile, Sport 1 reporter Patrick Berger has branded Gent's star as one of Nigeria's "very interesting" crop of new players to have emerged in the last 12 months. Orban could be a promising capture for Spurs, especially given his sky high ceiling, for just £26m.
The 20-year-old defender has just arrived at the Parc des Princes after a breakout season in Brazil's top flight
The first thing you notice about Lucas Beraldo is not the composure in possession. Or even the impressive range of passing for a centre-back. No, it's the smile, the broad, borderline maniacal grin he sports as he lines up before every game; the one that's earned him the nickname 'The Joker'.
It's certainly a little strange. But there is a method to the apparent madness. "For all those who call me crazy when I laugh and smile during the national anthem, it's a mental technique that I've been doing to get into games feeling calmer, to avoid feeling anxious," Beraldo explained in May. "And it's been working."
No arguments, there. Beraldo's work with high-performance coach Beto Ferraz has paid off big time, with the 20-year-old having just completed a €20 million (£17m/$22m) transfer to Paris Saint-Germain after a breakout season at Sao Paulo…
The left-arm spinner replaces Beth Langston in only change to the squad that clinched the
Women’s World Cup in July
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-2017Eighteen-year-old left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who made her ODI debut last year, has been named in the England women squad as they attempt to regain the Ashes, which begins in Australia on October 22. Ecclestone replaced medium-pacer Beth Langston as the only change to the squad that clinched the Women’s World Cup in July this year.”Sophie Ecclestone has finished school now and has had a great summer domestically,” England coach Mark Robinson said. “Her selection will provide another option to our attack.”England leave for Brisbane on October 7 for the multi-format series that starts with three ODIs. That will be followed by a day-night Test in Sydney, before the tour concludes with three T20Is.”Ashes tours don’t come around all too often, so it’s always a special opportunity,” England captain Heather Knight said. “Australia are going to be very strong opponents on their home soil, so we’ll have to be at our best, across all three formats.”England women squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Nat Sciver, Sarah Taylor (wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt
Tottenham Hotspur are believed to in the mix to sign AS Roma defender, Roger Ibanez, with Ange Postecoglou continuing his search to find new centre-back recruits ahead of next season.
What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?
As per recent speculation, the Lilywhites are believed to be nearing a 'conclusion' in their negotiations for Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven and Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba amid that centre-back search, with the latter man deemed to be the 'top target' at present, according to 90min.
While the north Londoners are hoping to strike a deal for less than the 24-year-old €50m (£43m) asking price, they could also be eyeing possible alternatives if a compromise cannot be met, with Italian outlet Siamolaroma reporting that Postecoglou and co are interested in the aforementioned Ibanez.
The report outlines that the likes of Fulham and Newcastle United are also showing an interest in the two-cap Brazil international, with the Serie A side said to be willing to discuss a possible exit for a fee of around €35m (£30m).
Should Tottenham sign Roger Ibanez?
Despite the ongoing focus on Tapsoba, it may prove to be a wise move if Spurs are to look to a slightly cheaper option such as Ibanez instead, with the former Atalanta man having sparkled during his time at the Stadio Olimpico thus far.
The 6 foot 1 rock was notably dubbed "outstanding" by journalist Josh Bunting last year after helping the Italian giants to Europa Conference League glory, having so far racked up 149 appearances in all competitions for the club after arriving on an initial loan deal back in 2020.
The one-time Fluminense sensation has also been the recipient of hefty praise from manager Jose Mourinho in recent times, with the former Tottenham boss lauding him as "untouchable", while also describing the defender as a player who has "given everything he has" during his time in Rome.
If Postecoglou was to firm up his interest in the Brazilian he would be acquiring a figure who is particularly adept at winning back possession at the heart of the backline, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 3% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for interceptions, as well as in the top 18% for tackles made.
That is a superior record to what Tapsoba has achieved in Germany over the past 365 days, with the Burkina Faso international ranking in just the bottom 39% for interceptions and just the top 36% for tackles.
While Ibanez is perhaps less adept at playing out from the back – as he ranks in just the bottom 21% for progressive passes, in contrast to Tapsoba (top 5%) – the in-demand ace does boast a pass accuracy rate of 87.7% as a marker of his composure on the ball, with that placing him slightly ahead of the Leverkusen man (86.4%).
Although Mourinho's prior 'untouchable' remark may ensure that it proves a difficult task trying to prise Ibanez away from Roma this summer, the £32k-per-week machine would represent an ideal option as far as Postecoglou is concerned.
With Spurs needing to improve upon last season's dismal defensive record – after shipping 63 league goals – such a signing could help to bring back some much-needed solidity at N17.
Malcolm Waller believes confidence bred by the ODI series victory has bled into the Tests as well
Andrew Fidel Fernando16-Jul-2017There is growing excitement in the Zimbabwe camp about a strong match position, which could turn into a historic win. Zimbabwe have lost 12, and never won a Test against Sri Lanka. Although the pitch is not quite as spin-friendly as was expected, a lead of 262, with four wickets in hand, translates to an excellent position.Malcolm Waller, who was involved in the unbeaten 107-run stand that helped transform Zimbabwe’s situation, said the confidence bred by the ODI series victory has bled into the Tests as well. “The guys are extremely positive after the one-day series,” Waller said. “It was great and it helped all of us mentally. We thought we’ve got a great chance here. If we can go out there tomorrow and put on another 100 runs, you never know what’s going to happen. It will give us a really good fighting chance.”Zimbabwe had earlier been 59 for 5, before Sikandar Raza struck up two long associations, first with PJ Moor, then with Waller. “It was a really shaky start and it put us under lot of pressure in the changing room,” he said. “But the batters, we sat down and talked about going out and fighting, and showing that you mean business.”It was a great partnership between Raza and PJ Moor. I think that stabilised the things and brought back the positivity. At the end of the day, we can be happy with what we have.”While Sri Lanka’s interim coach Nic Pothas believed the pitch had become easier for batting, Waller said conditions were testing, despite having maintained a strike rate in the 90s for parts of his innings. While there was turn on the pitch, only occasional deliveries leapt out, he observed.”I wouldn’t say that is really easy for batting. We saw the odd one did turn. You’re always going to get the odd one that turn and jump. I think we were concentrating on every ball and it’s never easy out there. Especially in the second innings in Sri Lanka, the pressure is always on. Graeme Cremer, being a wristspinner – there is more turn for him than the finger spinners.”Zimbabwe’s performances on this tour have been something of a surprise, not least because they had had a modest 2017 themselves. Earlier in the year, they had lost a five-match ODI series to Afghanistan, and more recently had been defeated by Scotland in an ODI. Having come to Sri Lanka immediately after tours to Scotland and the Netherlands, Zimbabwe have hit their stride as an outfit, Waller said.”We came a long way to here and we’ve had a good couple of weeks on tour now. I think we’re starting to gel really well now. Guys are getting good ideas, and it’s definitely a lot more positive in the camp. We’ve got good fighting spirits and everyone is getting on well. Everyone is helping each other and pushing on.”
Everton supporters displayed leaflets calling the Premier League 'corrupt' before facing Manchester United in defiance of their 10-point deduction.
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The Blues have found the net just five times in four games this season, with echoes of the goal-scoring woes that plagued them throughout 2022-23
There was an alarming sense of deja vu at Stamford Bridge during and after Chelsea's woeful home defeat to Nottingham Forest before the international break; confronted by an inferior opponent and dominating the ball, the Blues were bereft of creativity and blunt in attack. Their profligacy was encapsulated by an inexplicable and inexcusable miss by striker Nicolas Jackson, who ballooned the ball into row Z from all of four yards out with just seven minutes left on the clock.
Chelsea's struggles in front of goal became infamous throughout a nightmarish 2022-23 season. The campaign was characterised by agonising home losses to relatively weaker opposition, and failing to put the ball in the back of the net was as much to blame as a leaky defence.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has a huge job on his hands to get the attacking formula right, with the pressure already mounting after two defeats in just four league games. GOAL assesses his options before domestic action resumes…
GettyTime for a change of shape
Pochettino has built his reputation on playing a fluid, attacking 4-2-3-1 formation throughout his managerial career to date, but since arriving at Chelsea he has discarded that shape in favour of a defensive 3-4-2-1.
Although this Chelsea squad will have grown accustomed to playing three at the back under the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, it's a decision that has almost certainly been motivated by an untimely pre-season knee injury to new signing Christopher Nkunku, who would have been earmarked for the No.10 role behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1.
It's already evident that the west Londoners are sorely missing the Frenchman, who was a goal-contribution machine in his time with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, but the £42.5 million ($53m) capture of Cole Palmer from Manchester City represents a more-than adequate mitigation.
He looked sharp on his debut floating about between the lines, suggesting a change of shape to a 4-2-3-1 with him in the hole could help to unlock the Chelsea attack.
AdvertisementGettyLess caution in the midfield
A defensive set-up and a lack of creativity from the midfield has been a big part of the problem for the Blues, with Pochettino most recently opting to deploy Enzo Fernandez alongside £115m ($143m) signing Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher – none of whom are known for their attacking output.
Enzo has started the season in fine form, but he is perhaps better suited to the role of the midfield orchestrator in Pochettino's fluid system, ahead of a defensive midfielder like Caicedo and behind a would-be goal-scoring No.10 such as Palmer.
A change of personnel would lend itself to that new formation, with Gallagher – who has toiled during Chelsea's early-season struggles – dropping to the bench.
GettyOnus on the wingers
Chelsea rely heavily on their wide players to supply goals and assists, but only Raheem Sterling has looked anything close to his best since the start of the new campaign. Carney Chukwuemeka was getting better with every game, but a knee injury of his own has ruled him out of contention.
Pochettino will require and demand more, then, of both Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk – both of whom have made somewhat understated starts to the season. The former has been eased back in after a busy but successful summer with England at the Under-21 Euros, while Mudryk still looks bereft of confidence in competitive action despite an encouraging pre-season during which he finally registered his first goal.
The best course of action may be to launch them into the deep end and let them play their way into form. Chukwuemeka's injury has freed up space on the left-wing, and a formational tweak could be what it takes to get the best out of the pair of tricky wide men.
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GettyArmando Broja's moment?
Another option for Pochettino is Chelsea's forgotten man: Armando Broja.
The young striker has returned to partial full training as he enters the final stages of his recovery from an ACL injury picked up during the World Cup break in late 2022, before which he was getting regular minutes under Tuchel and Potter.
Although he wasn't prolific in that brief period in and around the first-team, Broja should feel like a new signing when he eventually makes his comeback, and he provides much-needed depth and competition behind Jackson.
The academy product showed that he can cut it in the Premier League on loan at Southampton in 2021-22, and if he can build some confidence and momentum he could become a very useful weapon.
Speaking recently, Pochettino said of the striker: "He’s close but sometimes you are close but still the last step is always difficult after the injury that he suffered. He is training well, we have hope also."
England Under-19s will be without Matt Fisher for their four-day series against India in Nagpur which starts on Monday as they take a protective attitude to a fast bowler in whom they have invested considerable expectations
ESPNcricinfo staff12-Feb-2017England Under-19s will be without Matt Fisher for their four-day series against India in Nagpur which starts on Monday as they take a protective attitude to a fast bowler in whom they have invested considerable expectations.The Yorkshire fast bowler is still struggling with the groin problem he picked up during the one-day series in Mumbai – although England privately stress that he has not suffered a recurrence of the hamstring problems that bedevilled him last seasonFisher will stay with the Under-19 squad for another week to make the most of his first sub-continental experience as a member of England’s leadership group, while continuing to receive treatment from the medical staff. He will then return to Yorkshire to join their pre-season preparations at Headingley.Max Holden, the Middlesex batsman who has been loaned out to Northants for the start of the season, will take over the captaincy as planned for the four-day series.