New Zealand and South Africa meet after a year with both teams needing a pick-me-up

Both teams suffered heavy defeats in their opening games of the World Cup

Srinidhi Ramanujam05-Oct-20252:24

A case for Annerie Dercksen’s return?

Big picture – Who will bounce back?New Zealand and South Africa meet for the first time since they contested the 2024 T20 World Cup final in October last year, under rather different circumstances. Both teams began their Women’s World Cup campaigns with heavy defeats and there’s little to choose between them as they face off in Indore on Monday.New Zealand’s 89-run defeat to Australia laid bare familiar concerns with the bat; they crumbled in a chase of 327 despite a century from Sophie Devine. Since the start of 2024, they have lost ten of 15 ODIs – a result of their inconsistency with both bat and ball. To add to their challenges, they entered this World Cup without playing a single ODI in the six months leading up to it.While there have been individual performances, the batting unit will be eager to click collectively. New Zealand have scored 250-plus only twice since 2024. In the bowling department, they have a mix of youth and experience with Lea Tahuhu, the Kerr sisters – Jess and Amelia – along with Bree Illing and Eden Carson, forming a unit capable of making a difference.South Africa had a disastrous start against England in Guwahati, where they were bowled out for 69. They will look for a reset in Indore. They remain a top-heavy side, with Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp scoring the bulk of their runs. But their last two ODI defeats – including a 115 all out against Pakistan – have been due to severe batting collapses. A third in a row will be difficult to come back from in this tournament.Form guideNew Zealand LWWLL (last five completed matches)
South Africa LLWWWSophie Devine made a hundred against Australia•Getty Images

In the spotlight – Brits and BatesTazmin Brits has hit peak form in 2025. In ten ODIs this year, she has scored four centuries and one half-century, averaging 81 at a strike rate of 93.91. Known for her power game, Brits has made noticeable improvements against spin. With the in-form Laura Wolvaardt at the other end, the pair forms a strong right-hand opening combination capable of dictating terms. If they get going, South Africa could get the platform they’ve lacked in recent ODIs.Suzie Bates will make her 350th international appearance for New Zealand on Monday – a landmark in the women’s game. The veteran remains a key presence in a top order featuring Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr. Although she fell for a duck against Australia, Bates has scored three half-centuries in her last seven ODI innings. As New Zealand aim for their first win of the tournament, Bates will be eager to mark the occasion with a defining innings.Team newsSouth Africa may reconsider their XI after leaving out allrounder Annerie Dercksen – one of four batters to make a century for them since the start of 2024 – for Anneke Bosch, who has neither been a regular nor scored a fifty since December 2023.South Africa:1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3 Sune Luus, 4 Marizanne Kapp, 5 Anneke Bosch/Annerie Dercksen, 6 Sinalo Jafta (wk), 7 Chloe Tryon, 8 Nadine de Klerk, 9 Masabata Klaas, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Nonkululeko MlabaLeft-arm spinner Flora Devonshire was ruled out of the World Cup with an injury to her bowling hand and seamer Hannah Rowe was named her replacement. However, New Zealand are unlikely to change the side for their second match in Indore.New Zealand: 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Graze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Bree IllingPitch and conditionsIndore rolled out a flat track for the opening game and Australia piled on 326 batting first. A different surface will be used for the second match, but weather could be a factor. It rained heavily the day after the first game there and conditions are expected to be overcast with hazy sunshine. As Suzie Bates put it, “It’s all about who adapts the best tomorrow because it is a different wicket, and it can play differently.”Stats and trivia Suzie Bates, the third highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs, is 104 short of 6000 Marizanne Kapp is two away from breaking into the top five wicket-takers in women’s ODIs. She has 169 scalps from 154 matches.Wolvaardt and Brits have scored nine ODI hundreds between them since 2024.New Zealand have not scored a 300 in ODIs since the start of 2024.Quotes”Yeah, I think it’s a huge advantage. It’s not only playing in the same conditions, but not having to travel after that game.”
“For us as a batting unit is to just literally just knuckle down and just bat. Don’t think too much about the outcome. Just take it one ball at a time.”

He's "much better" than Sesko: Man Utd pursuing "one of the best CFs in PL"

Manchester United has been the home to so many iconic centre-forwards over the years, with the fanbase often blessed by numerous elite-level talents at Old Trafford.

Players like Wayne Rooney so often caught the eye during their time as a Red Devil, with the Englishman undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression on the club’s history.

He registered a total of 253 goals for the club, subsequently sitting at the top of their goalscoring charts and beating the record set by the great Sir Bobby Charlton.

Rooney was partnered by numerous legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Robin van Persie, subsequently helping Sir Alex Ferguson win 13 Premier League titles along the way.

However, no manager has been able to achieve such a feat since, with Ruben Amorim wanting to land another talisman to his ranks to boost any title success in the near future.

Man Utd’s hunt for a new striker in January

Over the last couple of weeks, United have been strongly touted with a potential winter deal to land Serhou Guirassy from Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.

The Guinean international has caught the eye of the last couple of years with his goalscoring exploits, subsequently registering 45 goals in just 65 appearances for the German club.

However, any deal would likely be an expensive one, as his current employers are demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with the 29-year-old frontman.

He’s not the only name currently on their shortlist, with Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta another talisman the hierarchy have set their sights on for the near future.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Red Devils’ hierarchy are considering a move to land the Frenchman and could present an offer to the Eagles in January.

The report also states that the player is understood to be frustrated over the lack of contract talks at Selhurst Park, which could lead to a £40m departure in the coming months.

Why United’s latest target is an upgrade on Sesko

The thought of talking about a new striker in December would have been a shock to many associated with United – especially after their move to land Benjamin Sesko in the summer.

Amorim and the board forked out a total of £74m, including add-ons on the Slovenian international after he netted 21 goals across all competitions for RB Leipzig last campaign.

Such a deal generated huge excitement and handed the supporters hope that they had found their new number nine, but ultimately, the move has struggled to lift off in recent months.

The 22-year-old has only managed to find the net twice for the Red Devils, with central midfielder Casemiro scoring more to date – subsequently highlighting his struggles in the Premier League.

Obviously, Sesko will need time to settle into life in England, but the early signs don’t appear to be promising, especially considering the fee paid for his services.

His lack of form has fuelled speculation over a deal for Mateta, with the Frenchman undoubtedly providing Amorim with the needed Premier League-proven star he craves.

He netted a total of 14 goals in his 37 league outings throughout 2024/25, but he’s continued his remarkable goalscoring feats into the current campaign – leading to Paul Merson labelling him “much better” than Sesko.

When comparing his stats to those of Sesko, he’s managed to outperform him in key areas, with his potential move undoubtedly an excellent pickup for United.

Mateta, who’s been dubbed “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by Ben Mattinson, has scored three times more goals than Sesko, whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate.

How Mateta & Sesko compare in the PL (2025/26)

Statistics (per 90)

Mateta

Sesko

Games played

11

11

Goals & assists

6

3

Shot on target accuracy

50%

38%

Take-on success

55%

20%

Carries into final third

0.8

0.4

Aerials won

51%

48%

Shots on target per 90

1.4

0.9

Pass accuracy

65%

63%

Stats via FBref

Such numbers showcase his clinical nature within the final third, often able to take advantage of more of the opportunities that have fallen his way in front of goal.

He’s also completed more take-ons in the Premier League, whilst completing more carries into the final third per 90, which has certainly made him a more all-round threat.

Aerially, Mateta has dominated, subsequently winning more of the battles he’s entered – making him the perfect target man in Amorim’s current system at Old Trafford.

£40m in today’s market would be an absolute steal for a striker who’s been producing incredible goalscoring numbers at the top level over multiple years.

As for Sesko, he desperately needs to find form in the Premier League to avoid losing his place in the side at Mateta’s expense ahead of January and beyond.

Sesko repeat: Wilcox plotting Man Utd move for “world-class” £70m talent

Manchester United look set to make yet another big-money transfer in January.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 21, 2025

Fora do Corinthians, Cássio revela sondagens e tem data definida para anunciar novo clube

MatériaMais Notícias

Cássio concedeu no sábado (18), no CT Joaquim Grava, sua última entrevista coletiva como jogador do Corinthians. O goleiro, que optou por encerrar seu vínculo com o clube paulista após 12 anos, admitiu que recebeu sondagens para deixar a equipe do Parque São Jorge no início do ano, mas que decidiu permanecer por entender que ainda poderia contribuir – dentro e fora de campo.

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As melhores e mais variadas ofertas para o Brasileirão estão no Lance! Betting! Abra já a sua conta!

No entanto, após perder a titularidade para Carlos Miguel e revelar que vem sofrendo com problemas psicológicos, o camisa 12 repensou sua posição e, com o decorrer da temporada, entendeu que seu ciclo no clube havia terminado.

Agora, fora do Corinthians, Cássio afirmou que anunciará sua nova equipe na próxima semana. O destino do goleiro será o Cruzeiro, onde já possui acordo verbal para assinar um contrato válido por três temporadas – até 2027.

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O principal motivo que levou o atleta a trocar o Corinthians pelo Cruzeiro foi a proposta de cada instituição. A equipe mineira ofereceu três anos de contrato e um salário elevado. O Timão, por sua vez, “esticou a corda” após a primeira oferta e ofereceu uma renovação válida até 2026. Cássio, porém, admitiu que a intenção de sair não foi motivada por questões financeiras ou contratuais.

Com a saída do jogador, o Corinthians vai economizar entre salários, direitos de imagem e outros encargos, cerca de R$ 6 milhões até o fim do ano.

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No clube desde o fim de 2011, Cássio deixa o Corinthians como o segundo jogador com mais partidas disputadas, com 712, atrás apenas de Wladimir. No período, conquistou quatro vezes o Paulistão (2013, 2017, 2018 e 2019), dois Campeonatos Brasileiro (2015 e 2017), um Mundial (2012), uma Libertadores (2012) e uma Recopa (2013).

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Cássio Roberto RamosCorinthiansCruzeiroFutebol Nacional

حلمي طولان يعتذر لـ الكويت.. ويؤكد: تصريحات مدرب الإمارات لن تخدرنا

علق حلمي طولان، المدير الفني لـ منتخب مصر، على حديثه عن الكويت بعد نهاية المباراة التي جمعت بينهما في الجولة الأولي من بطولة كأس العرب، مشددا على أنه لم يقصد أي إساءة لهم نهائيًا.

وكان حلمي طولان، قال في تصريحات عقب مباراة مصر والكويت، أن المنتخب كان قادرًا على الفوز بـ 4 أو 5 أهداف في الشوط الأول والثاني لكن كان غير موفقا.

وقال طولان خلال المؤتمر الصحفي اليوم قبل مباراة الإمارات: “لم أقصد أي اساءة للكويت، كل الاحترام لهم، أنا حديثي فقط عن إحصائيات حجم الوصول لمرمى الكويت”.

وأضاف: “تحدثت عن عدد الفرص لمنتخب مصر في الشوط الأول الاستحواذ كان 75 % لنا، الفرص الضائعة 31 فرصة، هذا كان عددًا كبيرًا لنا وهذا القصد من حديثي، كان من الممكن أن أخسر من الفرصة الأخيرة لمنتخب الكويت كثيرة”.

طالع | محمد النني: أعرف لاعبي منتخب الإمارات.. وأخبرت زملائي بنقاط قوتهم وضعفهم

وأكمل: “منتخب الكويت له كل الاحترام، إذا هم اعتقدوا أي إساءة من حديثي فلهم كل الاعتذار”.

وعن مباراة الإمارات غدًا، أوضح: “جاهزون ومستعدون للمباراة، حيث نسعى للفوز من أجل الاقتراب من التأهل إلى الدور المقبل”.

وأضاف: “درسنا منتخب الإمارات، فريق جيد ولديه عناصر تمتاز بالسرعة خاصة الرباعى الهجومي”.

وأستمر: “حزين لإصابة كريم فؤاد في مران الأمس، ولكن لدي الثقة في باقي اللاعبين لتقديم أداء يليق باسم الكرة المصرية”.

وعن تصريح مدرب الإمارات، بالإشادة بمنتخب مصر، قال طولان: “أشكره على الإشادة بمنتخب مصر، لكن لا نكون مخدرين بهذا التصريح”.

وأتم: “سنجعل من هذا التصريح تحفيزا لنا، وأن يرى مدرب الإمارات أن الإشادة في محلها وجدرين للتقدم والفوز بالبطولة”.

ويلتقي منتخب مصر مع الإمارات، مساء غد السبت، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثانية لمواجهات المجموعة الثالثة من بطولة كأس العرب 2025 بقطر.

منتخب مصر كان قد تعادل أمام الكويت في مباراة الجولة الأولي 1-1، وسيختتم دور المجموعات بمواجهة الأردن يوم الثلاثاء المقبل.

Mainoo 2.0: Man Utd can axe Ugarte for one of England's "best young players"

In an ever more globalised game, and one obsessed with transfer activity, it’s easy to forget that there is perhaps even greater pleasure for supporters at seeing a homegrown talent emerge – not least at a club like Manchester United.

The modern, post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has been a rocky one, but arguably the brightest lights have emerged from Carrington, be it Marcus Rashford under Louis van Gaal, Scott McTominay under Jose Mourinho and Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo under Erik ten Hag.

The debate over whether it was right to move them on or not will continue to rage, but it is telling that three of that notable list of four are no longer part of the first-team ranks at Old Trafford, with Mainoo also now on the periphery under Ruben Amorim.

In an era of PSR and pure profit, academy sales have remarkably almost become incentivised, with the INEOS regime likely to be tempted to sell the 20-year-old sensation should his bit-part role continue.

For all the question marks over his suitability to Amorim’s system, it would be a crying shame if Mainoo were to depart in 2026 or beyond, with the 2024 FA Cup final hero surely deserving of a prime place as the centre-piece of the club’s long-term project.

The only saving grace, thankfully, is that the Stockport-born starlet isn’t the only rising star currently on the books – the Red Devils do at least have another talent on the conveyor belt to turn to.

Why Man Utd’s midfield could be completely overhauled in 2026

It is not hyperbole to suggest that there are question marks surrounding every senior midfielder in Amorim’s side right now, with drastic change likely to occur in that department, be it in January or next summer.

As already alluded too, Mainoo – in the short-term at least – looks destined to move on, amid talk of a loan move, with the ten-cap England international yet to even start a Premier League game this season.

The man he is directly competing with – as suggested by Amorim in the past – is Bruno Fernandes, albeit with the Portuguese genius’ own future up for debate, having come close to joining Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer.

At 31, the former Sporting CP certainly has plenty left in the tank, although he did hint that he will consider his situation again following next year’s World Cup, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2027.

Speaking of expiring contracts, there has been little news regarding the future of Casemiro, with the resurgent Brazilian’s current deal coming to a climax in June.

Currently raking in a reported £350k-per-week, the 33-year-old would seemingly have to take a significant pay cut to stay put in Manchester, with United and Amorim in need of a long-term replacement regardless, considering his age.

Manuel Ugarte was meant to be that defensive-minded, ball-winning successor, although the Uruguayan – starter in just two league games in 2025/26 – is also running out of rope at Old Trafford, in what is his second season at the club.

Ugarte – PL Record

Stat (*per game)

24/25

25/26

Games (starts)

29 (22)

9 (2)

Goals

1

0

Assists

2

0

Big chances created

3

0

Key passes*

0.3

0.1

Pass accuracy*

89%

86%

Total duels won*

53%

59%

Balls recovered*

4.2

2.2

Dribbled past*

1.3

0.4

Possession lost*

6.2

3.4

Stats via Sofascore

Having been given a dressing down by Amorim in front of his teammates following the Europa League final – in which he played no part – the former Sporting man is getting no favouritism right now, far from it, having yet to convince he is of United quality.

The 24-year-old is the de facto third-choice midfielder at present, although that is not a status he has warranted, with club legend Gary Neville putting it best when describing him as “not good enough” after the Manchester derby.

In truth, an in-house replacement is needed, both this season and beyond.

Man Utd’s new Mainoo can replace Ugarte

Ten Hag has become a figure of ridicule for many, but it’s easy to forget the initial progress he had made in the United dugout, setting a sinking ship back on course again following that initial calamity at Brentford.

In February 2023, for instance, United reached their apex under the Dutchman, memorably seeing off Barcelona in the Europa League, while also securing a deserved 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

In the aftermath of that triumph, Ten Hag turned from short-term celebrations to long-term thinking, making a beeline for a 17-year-old Mainoo amid the jubilation, seemingly outlining that the teenager would have a part to play in such scenes later down the line.

While injury ensured it took until November 2023 for a first-team role to truly emerge – after making just three appearances in 2022/23 – Ten Hag’s faith in Mainoo was more than warranted, following his Man of the Match Premier League debut at Goodison.

Almost exactly two years on, and with Everton again the opponent, Amorim might well consider unleashing the next Mainoo-shaped figure into the midfield, in the form of Carrington sensation, Jack Fletcher.

The man who kept the club’s matchday academy record alive against Spurs, having been named on the bench in the absence of Mainoo, Fletcher – son of Darren and brother of fellow youth-team star, Tyler – is inching ever closer to a senior bow, with midfield evidently an area to address for Amorim.

Described as among the “best young players in England”, in the view of analyst and Como scout Ben Mattinson, the left-footed Fletcher looks primed for a left-sided central midfield role, having also been trialled at left-back in recent times in the youth ranks.

In the view of Mattinson, the 18-year-old is “one of the most technical of the lot” in the academy set-up, with his elegance and athleticism also ensuring he has “everything you’d want” from a left-sided number eight.

An England youth international, the former Manchester City starlet has enjoyed a promising 2025/26 thus far with three goals and one assist from ten recorded games, as per Transfermarkt, notably netting in the EFL Trophy defeat to Barnsley, prior to seeing red.

Oakwell was previously the scene for the standout moment of his United journey to date, as the Englishman netted twice to claim a comeback 3-2 win in the same competition last season, including an outrageous, long-range half volley at the death.

Much like there was an appetite for transfers over the summer, there is a real desire among the United faithful to see the next Mainoo, the next McTominay emerge in the coming weeks and months.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

With Mainoo, unfortunately, on the fringes, and Ugarte simply not up to scratch, Fletcher might well be primed to sneak into the mix as a genuine challenger to Casemiro before too long.

He's "much better" than Sesko: Man Utd pursuing "one of the best CFs in PL"

Manchester United could land a new centre-forward just months after landing Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 21, 2025

Rehan, Cox and Fisher in England Lions squad for Australia

Seven seamers included in Lions group to shadow England during first two Ashes Tests

Matt Roller30-Sep-2025

Rehan Ahmed will be part of the England Lions squad in Australia•Getty Images

England will bring Rehan Ahmed, Jordan Cox, and seven fast bowlers to Australia this winter as part of an 18-man Lions squad. Andrew Flintoff’s team will shadow England’s main touring party for the first two Ashes Tests, providing a stable of potential reinforcements at close quarters.The Lions will provide England with their only competitive match practice ahead of November’s first Test in Perth and will then face a Cricket Australia XI (also in Perth) and Australia A (in Brisbane) alongside the first and second Tests. They are also expected to provide the bulk of the England XI to face the Prime Minister’s XI in a pink-ball tour match.Rehan and Cox were both overlooked for the main Ashes squad but will both be on standby at the start of the tour in the event of injury. Will Jacks was preferred to Rehan as the back-up spinner, while Cox’s omission came after England opted against taking a second specialist wicketkeeper, reasoning that Ollie Pope can take the gloves from Jamie Smith if required.Related

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Wildcard Jacks pick for Ashes is England's latest Bazball call

Switch Hit: Ashes optimism department

Cox, who also features in England’s T20I squad to play New Zealand in October is expected to miss the final Lions match in order to play in the ILT20 after signing a lucrative replacement deal at Dubai Capitals.Raw seamers Sonny Baker, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack and Mitchell Stanley have all featured regularly in the Lions programme before, while Matthew Fisher – who won his only Test cap three years ago – is rewarded for his strong finish to the County Championship season with Surrey. Fisher’s county team-mate Tom Lawes and Nathan Gilchrist, who is joining Warwickshire from Kent, complete a seven-man pace battery.Thomas Rew, the England Under-19s captain, is one of four new Lions call-ups after impressing for Somerset in the Metro Bank Cup this summer and is named alongside his older brother James. Yorkshire’s Matthew Revis and Glamorgan’s Ben Kellaway and Asa Tribe – who has five ODI and 26 T20I caps for Jersey – are the other new names.Sussex’s James Coles is a notable absentee, but is understood to be prioritising short-form cricket this winter after encouragement from the ECB; he has a contract at the SA20 in early 2026, and is also hoping to line up deals in the Abu Dhabi T10 and the ILT20. Saif Zaib, the leading Championship run-scorer this season, is another curious omission.Sam Cook, who struggled in his maiden Test against Zimbabwe earlier this summer, has also missed out on the Lions tour with England already aware of what he offers them as a medium-fast new-ball option. He could yet come into contention as an injury replacement in the event one of their six Ashes seamers goes down.”There are some unbelievably talented players in this squad, and this is a fantastic opportunity for them to go to Australia, excel in the conditions, and thrive against quality players,” Flintoff said. “At the same time, these players will get a sense of what an away Ashes series is all about.”Meanwhile, Rehan’s youngest brother Farhan Ahmed will captain England’s Under-19s on their tour to the Caribbean in November, following Rew’s Lions call-up. They are due to play seven ODIs – two against USA, five against West Indies – as part of their preparation for the Under-19 World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe early next year.”Farhan has been exceptional whenever he has been with the U19s squad and he deservedly gets the opportunity to captain the team for this tour and show his leadership qualities,” Michael Yardy, their head coach, said. “These will be important matches as we begin to fine-tune our plans for the U19s World Cup early next year.”England Lions in AustraliaSquad: Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Jordan Cox, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Nathan Gilchrist, Tom Hartley, Tom Haines, Josh Hull, Eddie Jack, Ben Kellaway, Tom Lawes, Ben McKinney, Matthew Revis, James Rew, Tom Rew, Mitchell Stanley, Asa TribeFixtures:
November 13-15: England vs England Lions (Lilac Hill, Perth)
November 21-24: Cricket Australia XI vs England Lions (Lilac Hill, Perth)
November 29-30: Prime Minister’s XI vs England XI (Manuka Oval, Canberra)
December 5-8: Australia A vs England Lions (Allan Border Field, Brisbane)England Under-19s in West IndiesSquad: Farhan Ahmed (capt), Ralphie Albert, Will Bennison, Ben Dawkins, Caleb Falconer, Jamie Feldman, Matthew Firbank, Alex French, Alex Green, Manny Lumsden, Ben Mayes, James Minto, Isaac Mohammad, Sebastian Morgan, Joe Moores, Jack Nelson, Charlie TaylorFixtures:
November 13 and 19 – Youth ODIs vs United States (both St Vincent)
November 16, 22, 25, 28 and December 1 – Youth ODIs vs West Indies (all St Vincent)

Fortaleza atropela Sport e está na final da Copa do Nordeste

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fortaleza venceu o Sport por 4 a 1 neste domingo (26), na Arena Perbambuco, pela semifinal da Copa do Nordeste. Os gols do Leão do Pici foram marcados por Moisés, três vezes, e Hércules, ainda no primeiro tempo; Gustavo Coutinho diminuiu para o Leão da Ilha. Com o resultado, o Tricolor está classificado para a decisão e encara o CRB em dois jogos.

➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta!

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⚽ COMO FOI A PARTIDA?
O Fortaleza atropelou o Sport, sobretudo no primeiro tempo. Logo aos oito minutos, Moisés abriu o placar em chute rasteiro de fora da área. O atacante do Leão do Pici ainda marcou outros dois gols antes do intervalo, além de dar assistência para Hércules também balançar as redes.

No segundo tempo, o Tricolor diminuiu o ritmo e, apesar seguir criadondo as melhores chances, não conseguiu amplicar o placar. Nos minutos finais do duelo, Gustavo Coutinho descontou para o Leão da Ilha e deu números finais à partida.

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➡️ CRB derrota o Bahia nos pênaltis e está na final da Copa do Nordeste

📅 O QUE VEM POR AÍ?
O Sport visita o Goiás na Serrinha na sexta-feira (31), às 21h30, pela oitava rodada da Série B. Por sua vez, o Fortaleza recebe Sportivo Trinidense na quarta-feira (29), às 21h, pela rodada final da fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana.

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Copa do NordesteFortalezaSport

بيل يعترف: تعرض لانتقادات كثيرة في ريال مدريد.. وكنت ساذجًأ لعدم الدفاع عن نفسي

اعترف جاريث بيل، أسطورة نادي ريال مدريد، بأنه قد تعرض إلى انتقادات كثيرة في الفريق الملكي، موضحًا أنه كان ساذجًا حقًا لعدم دفاعه عن نفسه والرد.

بيل وقع مع ريال مدريد خلال عام 2013 قادمًا من صفوف توتنهام هوتسبير مقابل 100 مليون يورو، قبل أن يرحل بشكل نهائي عن الفريق الملكي عقب نهاية موسم 2022.

وقدم بيل مستويات رائعة مع ريال مدريد، وحقق العديد من الألقاب مع الفريق الملكي قبل الرحيل بعد ذلك متجهًا إلى لوس أنجلوس الأمريكي، ومن ثم الاعتزال.

لكن بيل تلقى انتقادات هائلة بالفعل في مواسمه الأخيرة رفقة ريال مدريد، في ظل هبوط مستواه مع النادي الإسباني.

وازدادت حدة الانتقادات تجاه بيل، بعدما تصور مع بقية لاعبي منتخب ويلز بشعار مكتوب عليه ”ويلز، الجولف، مدريد، بهذا الترتيب” مما أثار غضب جماهير ريال مدريد.

وأفاد بيل في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة موندو ديبورتيفو، أن الانتقادات التي تعرض لها غير عادلة، حيث قال عن حادثة التصور مع العلم: “كنت أحتفل مع زملائي في الفريق وفجأة وضع أحدهم العلم أمامنا، ماذا كان علي أن أفعل؟ لم يكن بإمكاني رميه على الأرض، إنه علم بلادي، لقد شنت علي وسائل الإعلام الإسبانية حملة تشويه شرسة”.

اقرأ أيضًا .. قائمة ريال مدريد لمباراة مانشستر سيتي في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. موقف مبابي

وأوضح الجناح الأيمن السابق: “لم ألعب الجولف بالقدر الذي زعموه ولقد رسم الناس صورةً لي لم تكن حقيقية، الناس يصدقون ما يقرأون، وربما كنت ساذجًا لعدم دفاعي عن نفسي”.

وذكر بيل أنه قد تعرض لصافرات استهجان كثيرة من ريال مدريد، وذلك خلال مباراة ريال سوسيداد بعد أربعة أيام من حادثة علم ويلز.

وأردف بيل: “ما زلت أتذكر تلك المباراة التي شاركت فيها في آخر 30 دقيقة، أطلقوا علي صيحات الاستهجان بلا توقف، ثم في النهاية صفقوا لي لأنني لعبت بشكل رائع”.

وتابع: ”اتصل بي وكيل أعمالي وقال لي أنت مجنون، حرفيًا، لا أحد يستطيع تحمل هذا الضغط والقيام بكل هذه الأشياء؛ أنت غريب الأطوار، قلت له إن قوتي الذهنية كانت ميزة، لأنني لم أكن أعرف ما إذا كان بإمكان الآخرين تحمل ذلك”.

واستكمل بيل في حديثه: “يذهب الكثير من اللاعبين إلى مدريد ليصبحوا نجومًا عالميين، لكنني ذهبت لألعب كرة القدم، ما حققته كلاعب ويلزي في الخارج كان مذهلاً”.

واختتم بيل: “الناس لا يعرفون ما يمر به المرء في المنزل، وصلت إلى مرحلة أدركت فيها أن الحياة أوسع من مجرد كرة القدم، مرض والدي وكان لذلك تأثير كبير علي”.

Red Bull now want Leeds to hire 4-4-2 manager who’s worked at Chelsea & PSG

Minority owners Red Bull have reportedly told Leeds United to replace Daniel Farke with a manager who has worked with Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Leeds set fresh Farke sack timeline

The pressure is on Farke, who’s looking to avoid his very own Groundhog Day in the Premier League. The German is yet to achieve survival in the Premier League, despite previous attempts with Norwich City, and will be desperate to silence any doubters at Elland Road this season.

It looked for a moment as though the Leeds boss was about to do exactly that against Manchester City last time out, to his credit, only for Pep Guardiola’s side to turn on the style and secure a late 3-2 victory. A point at the Etihad would have been invaluable for those in Yorkshire, but they now play host to Chelsea this Wednesday with Farke under increasing pressure.

According to The Guardian, defeat against both Chelsea and Liverpool could spell the end for Farke at Elland Road. On paper, that may seem harsh. After all, Leeds are facing the world champions who just earned a point against Arsenal with 10 men and the Premier League champions, albeit during a tumultuous period for the Reds.

That is the harsh reality of the Premier League, though, and Leeds are seemingly willing to act as early as possible in an attempt to avoid the drop. As such, names like Ange Postecoglou have already been mentioned as potential candidates recently, but Red Bull have reportedly recommended Zsolt Low instead.

Red Bull tell Leeds to hire Zsolt Low

As reported by TeamTalk, Red Bull have told Leeds to hire Low to replace Farke if they decide to part ways with the German. The minority owners don’t have a say on sporting matters but are there for the 49ers to lean on, should they please.

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The Whites are struggling for form in the Premier League and could now change tact in the dugout.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 28, 2025

It seems that, if they choose to do exactly that, then Low could be an option. The 46-year-old won’t be a name that many are familiar with at Elland Road, but he is someone that PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea know well.

Low was Tuchel’s assistant at all three clubs and is known by Red Bull thanks to his time as the interim boss at RB Leipzig at the end of last season and his time as Adi Hutter’s assistant at Red Bull Salzburg.

Zsolt Low at Leipzig

Record

Games

8

Wins

2

Draws

3

Defeats

3

Goals scored

13

Goals conceded

17

Out of the options available, Low would arguably be the greatest gamble. He’s had just eight games as a manager and won just two of those games at Leipzig last season – using a 4-4-2 system.

His work as an assistant is admirable, but Leeds must replace Farke with a far more experienced candidate.

Leeds lining up January spending spree for "phenomenal" Farke replacement

Hardik's 77* on comeback seals Baroda's win; Shaw's rapid 66 trumps Suryavanshi ton

Highlights from round four of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26

Shashank Kishore02-Dec-2025

Hardik Pandya last played for India in the Asia Cup final in September•AFP/Getty Images

Hardik returns from injury in styleReturning to competitive cricket for the first time since injuring (left quadricep) himself ahead of the Asia Cup final in September, Hardik Pandya struck an unbeaten 77 off 42 balls to power Baroda home in a tall chase of 223 against Punjab.Hardik put together a crucial third-wicket partnership of 101 with Shivalik Sharma, who was tactically retired out on 47 off 32. This allowed Jitesh Sharma, Baroda’s new recruit, to join Hardik with the side needing 30 off 15 balls. Baroda needed just nine more balls to seal victory.Hardik’s batting performance somewhat made up for his underwhelming returns with the ball. He finished with figures of 4-0-52-1, with much of his early damage caused by Punjab captain Abhishek Sharma who waltzed to an 18-ball 50, before being dismissed off the following delivery.Punjab’s innings went into overdrive courtesy Anmolpreet Singh (69 off 32) and Naman Dhir (39 off 28). Yet, they found the target easily razed down in the end, with Baroda winning by seven wickets.Both sides have two wins in as many matches in Group C, which is currently led by Gujarat, who have three wins in four matches.Shaw’s rapid 66 trumps Suryavanshi tonAfter scores of 14, 13 and 5 in his first three knocks, Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi, set to be India’s opener at next month’s Under-19 World Cup, made heads turn with an unbeaten 61-ball 108. In the process, he became the youngest player (14 years) to hit a ton in the tournament.Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest batter to score a century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy•PTI

Suryavanshi hit seven fours and seven sixes in Bihar’s 176 for 3. Suryavanshi’s three centuries are the joint-most by an Indian in 2025, along with Abhishek Sharma. Ayush Mhatre and Ishan Kishan have two hundreds each.Suryavanshi’s knock, however, wasn’t enough in the face of an opening onslaught from Maharashtra captain Prithvi Shaw. Hoping to attract the attention of IPL franchises after going unsold for IPL 2025, Shaw laid the foundation of Maharashtra’s chase with a 30-ball 66 at the top of the order. Maharashtra eventually got home by three wickets in hand with one over to spare.This was Maharashtra’s second win in four games, while Bihar continued to remain winless.Sarfaraz slams maiden ton as Mumbai remain unbeatenSarfaraz Khan slammed his maiden T20 century, an unbeaten 47-ball 100, in Mumbai’s 98-run win over Assam. This was their fourth win, which puts them at the top of Group A.The other contributions in Mumbai’s 220 for 4 were Ajinkya Rahane, who made a 33-ball 42 opening the innings; Ayush Mhatre made 21, fresh off two consecutive centuries; the end of the innings also received a finishing kick courtesy Sairaj Patil, who slammed an unbeaten 9-ball 25. In response, Assam were bundled out for 120; Riyan Parag, the captain, bagged a two-ball duck. Shardul Thakur, the Mumbai captain, picked 5 for 23Padikkal century crushes TNDevdutt Padikkal struck his fourth T20 century – an unbeaten 46-ball 102 – as Karnataka bounced back from two back-to-back losses to trounce Tamil Nadu by 145 runs. This is their second win in four matches that keeps their chances of making the Super Fours alive.Sent in to bat, Karnataka raced to a 69-run opening stand between Mayank Agarwal and BR Sharath (53 off 23), before Padikkal took centrestage. He hit 10 fours and six sixes in his innings. The in-form R Smaran, who has made quite an impression so far this season, made 46 not out. TN captain Varun Chakravarthy conceded 47 off four wicketless overs.TN’s chase never got going; they were eventually bowled out for 100 in 14.2 overs with N Jagadeesan’s 21 being the top score. B Sai Sudharsan managed just 8. Karnataka’s legspinning duo of Shreyas Gopal and Pravin Dubey picked up three wickets apiece.Related

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The result puts TN in the bottom half of Group D, with their domestic season going from bad to worse. After finishing the first half of the Ranji season winless and going through a coaching reshuffle for the white-ball leg, they’ve now managed just one win in four matches and are in danger of not progressing beyond the group stages.Bishnoi, Tendulkar make an impressionReleased by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026, Ravi Bishnoi offered a timely reminder of his quality with a three-for in Gujarat’s emphatic win over Puducherry. The result – their third in four games – keeps Gujarat well-placed for a Super Four berth. Bishnoi now has six wickets in four outings, at an economy of 7.62.File photo: Ravi Bishnoi goes through his bowling drills•PTI

Choosing to bowl first, Gujarat skittled Puducherry for just 83 in 13.1 overs before cantering to the target in nine overs. Opener Aarya Desai sealed the chase with an unbeaten 53 off 30 balls. The defeat was Puducherry’s second in four matches.Freshly traded to LSG, Arjun Tendulkar starred in Goa’s impressive win over a formidable Madhya Pradesh side. Tendulkar returned figures of 3 for 36, including the late wicket of Venkatesh Iyer for 5 to restrict MP to 170 for 6.Goa then cruised through the chase, sealing victory with seven wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. Abhinav Tejrana’s brisk 55 off 33 and Suyash Prabhudessai’s composed, unbeaten 75 off 50 ensured there were no hiccups along the way.Both MP and Goa have two wins in four games in Group B.

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