Autor do gol da vitória histórica da Chape sobre o Atlético Nacional, zagueiro celebra: 'Não tem preço'

MatériaMais Notícias

Não há a menor dúvida de que a noite da última terça-feira ficará marcada na memória de todo amante do futebol, mas principalmente de todos aqueles que vivem em Chapecó. O triunfo da Chapecoense por 2 a 1 sobre o Atlético Nacional, na partida de ida da Recopa Sul-Americana, foi apenas um detalhe em meio a tantas homenagens. No entanto, para o zagueiro Luiz Otávio, a emoção foi em dobro. Além da experiência única, marcou o gol que deu a vitória ao seu time, após sair do banco de reservas.

– Foi espetacular! Passou um filme na minha cabeça, lembrei da minha família. A explosão da torcida, isso é gratificante. Um jogo cercado por todos os ingredientes, uma recepção sensacional, partida disputada, estádio lotado. Ainda ajudei com um gol. Não tem preço – disse Luiz Otávio em entrevista ao LANCE!.

O zagueiro, que estava no Luverdense no ano passado, chegou ao clube neste ano ao lado de tantos outros reforços contratados na reformulação do time após a tragédia na Colômbia. Mesmo que não fizesse parte do grupo, Luiz Otávio, assim como seus novos companheiros, absorveram a herança daqueles que se foram. Não haveria como não ser tomado pela emoção.

– Foi uma comoção geral, a nossa chegada ao estádio, a torcida esperando nosso time… É diferente de tudo que já vivi na minha vida. Nosso grupo é muito bom, tem qualidade, todos se respeitam. A galera vem se entrosando a cada dia, o clima no vestiário é muito bom. Existe uma sintonia que é difícil explicar. É um clube diferente. No dia a dia, estamos nos fortalecendo mais – explicou.

Apesar de ter marcado um gol decisivo para história do confronto e, talvez, do clube, Luiz Otávio prefere não trazer os méritos somente para si. Segundo o zagueiro, que entrou em campo no intervalo para substituir Douglas Grolli, machucado, o gol foi de todo o conjunto.

– Dentro de uma partida desse nível, pensamos em tudo. Meu objetivo é defender, mas quando vou pra área em lances de bola parada, tudo pode acontecer. O Reinaldo fez um excelente cruzamento e fui feliz na leitura da jogada. Isso é muito treinamento. É um gol de todo o grupo – valorizou.

A amizade da Chapecoense e do Atlético Nacional, após os eventos do ano passado, é algo amplamente difundido em todo o mundo. Ficou ainda mais claro na homenagem prestada aos jogadores do clube colombiano na chegada ao Brasil. No entanto, dentro de campo, a disputa pelo objetivo deixou a amizade de lado, sem se esquecer do respeito.

– Foi uma partida franca, com muito respeito entre as equipes. Quando o juiz apita é cada um defendendo o seu. Na minha visão foi tudo normal. Um jogo digno de uma final – explicou o zagueiro.

Embora a Chapecoense tenha dado um grande passo para o título, Luiz Otávio sabe da qualidade do adversário que enfrentará na Colômbia e prega cautela, mas o assunto Recopa terá de esperar um pouco, já que a partida de volta será daqui um mês, no dia 10 de maio. Enquanto isso, o foco é no estadual e na Copa Libertadores.

– Conquistamos uma vantagem, mas não tem nada definido. Vai ser pedreira. É o atual campeão da Libertadores, um time de muita qualidade. Temos um vantagem, mas não podemos pensar nisso. Nosso grupo vem demonstrando que pode alcançar os objetivos. Em relação à viagem, a galera está tranquila, mas vamos pensar nisso mais para frente. Vamos buscar primeiro manter a liderança do estadual, contra o Metropolitano neste domingo – finalizou.

Antes da segunda partida do confronto contra o Atlético Nacional, a Chapecoense ainda terá pelo menos três compromissos pelo estadual, além de três partidas pela Copa Libertadores.

RelacionadasChapecoenseEm jogo histórico, Chape derrota o Atlético NacionalChapecoense04/04/2017ChapecoenseAlém do futebol: emoção na Arena Condá e vitória da ChapecoenseChapecoense05/04/2017

Tottenham make enquiry for Lorenzo Insigne

According to a report by Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona have made contact with Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne’s agent amid his contract dispute.

The Lowdown: Italian job?

Tottenham have been linked with a plethora of Italian players since managing director Fabio Paratici was appointed as the club’s managing director.

Indeed, the likes of Manuel Locatelli and Domenico Berardi have both been mentioned, while Leonardo Bonucci is also said be on Spurs’ radar.

The Latest: Spurs make Insigne contact…

As per Corriere dello Sport, Spurs have made contact with Insigne’s agent over a possible swoop to sign him this summer.

La Liga giants Barcelona are also said to have reached out to the Italy star’s representatives amid his sensational form for Roberto Mancini’s side at Euro 2020.

Insigne has been a mainstay in the Azzurri’s starting XI throughout the tournament and has dazzled with some memorable displays, most recently bagging a sumptuous finish in the quarter-finals against Belgium.

Back at his club, things are less rosy, with the 3o-year-old said to be in the middle of a contract dispute. The winger is allegedly set for complicated discussions and wants a pay rise on his current €5m-a-year (£4.2m) wages.

His deal at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona expires in 2022 and Napoli are keen to extend Insigne’s stay, but both Spurs and Barca have reached out to his entourage amid these talks.

The Verdict: Amazing, but unlikely…

Tottenham securing Insigne this summer would be an unbelievable coup.

The attacker, once likened to Lionel Messi for his dribbling by Goran Pandev (Radio Marte via ESPN), has also been on fire at club level, scoring 19 goals and setting up seven others in 33 Serie A starts over 2020/21 (WhoScored).

Valued at around £43.2m by Transfermarkt, we believe a move for him this summer could be unlikely due to Spurs’ financial difficulties and their need for a centre-back. However, with his deal set to run out at the end of next season as it stands, this could be one for January.

In other news: ‘Understand’…Alasdair Gold backs reports of big news coming out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Tottenham preparing Ings bid

An update has emerged on Southampton striker Danny Ings, regarding Tottenham’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Dean Jones of Eurosport, Tottenham are preparing to make their opening offer for Southampton number nine Danny Ings.

Spurs are said to have made him a priority target and are now on the cusp of submitting their first bid for his services. However, they are planning to offer below Southampton’s £20m valuation before negotiating with them further.

Fans would be livid

Martin Semmens must avoid a Southampton nightmare by rejecting Tottenham’s offer for Ings. He cannot allow the club’s star forward to leave the club, especially for a fee that is said to be below the £20m valuation set by the Saints this summer.

Speaking of which, the £20m fee mentioned in this report is a concerning one.

Southampton reportedly paid £20m to sign Ings on a permanent deal from Liverpool and has been prolific over the past two seasons. He has scored 34 goals since the start of the 2019/20 campaign, which shows that he can find the back of the net consistently at Premier League level – a rare commodity.

Therefore, his value should have increased because he has proven himself at the top level.

His contract is up at the end of next season, but the cost of being relegated far exceeds the £20m loss Southampton would seemingly take if they allow him to leave on a free transfer.

A report in 2018 explained that relegation can cost a club at least £50m, which emphasises the point that £20m is too cheap to sell your best goalscorer. Losing his goals could increase the chances of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side going down, simply because the fewer goals you score the fewer points you are likely to rack up.

Former Premier League forward Clinton Morrison once called Ings “first-class” and compared him to Spurs legend Robbie Keane.

He said:

“Yes, I would say Danny Ings is top-four quality, most definitely. The season he’s had at Southampton, if you put him in one of the teams at the top four, he’d easily score goals like that.

“I used to play with a striker who used to play like Danny Ings – Robbie Keane.

“I look at the way Ings plays at the moment, his movement is first class and I used to say to Robbie Keane, ‘how do you get in behind defenders when you’re not rapid?’ His movement was first-class and Danny Ings is like that.”

So, why should Southampton sell a player who is top-four quality and has proven that with his goal record for £20m, let alone under £20m?

Semmens must avoid making a major error with Ings this summer by either upping his price tag or doing everything he can to keep hold of the England international.

AND in other news, Semmens could find Mane 2.0 in £35m “exceptional talent”, Saints fans would adore him…

Sun Bank signs three-year sponsorship deal with the ECB for the National Under 15 Club Cricket Championship

Sun Bank has signed a six-figure deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to sponsor its National Under 15 Club Cricket Championship for the next three years.

Media Release15-May-2002Sun Bank has signed a six-figure deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to sponsor its National Under 15 Club Cricket Championship for the next three years.Sun Bank has been associated with the competition for many years, making SunBank one of the ECB’s longest standing partners. The number of clubs competing has grown from an entry of 817 clubs in 1985, to a record number of 1479 last year. This year’s tournament started in April with more than 1500 clubs taking part which means many thousands of young cricketers participating throughout the British Isles.The Championship has featured in the development of a number of Englandcricketers such as Nasser Hussain, Marcus Trescothick, Graham Thorpe and Andrew Flintoff. One of the first ECB National Cricket Academy students and now drafted into the current England Squad, Flintoff is often remembered for hisextraordinary feat in the 1993 competition of scoring 234 not out in 20 overs.Tim Lamb, ECB’s Chief Executive, said, “I am delighted that Sun Bank hasdecided to continue it’s association with the tournament with the signing ofthis three year sponsorship deal.. Grass roots development is vital for thefuture of the game, and this competition in particular has played an important role in the development of some of England’s best cricketers. I am certain it will continue to do so.”The Sun Bank Under 15 National Club Cricket Championship provides a focalpoint for Under 15 club cricket, giving the players something to aim for intheir season. Club cricket in England and Wales would be poorer without it.”Despite a challenging market for sponsorship, this deal proves that cricketcontinues to appeal to investors, and we look forward to making furtherannouncements during this summer.”Commenting on the deal, Sun Bank’s Chief Executive, Peter Lucas, said: “SunBank is pleased to be playing a part in the ECB’s objectives of encouragingthe widest possible participation and interest in the game. Cricketprovides a marvellous opportunity for young people to play sport within ateam environment with all the positive benefits that can bring. We knowthat team work is crucial in today’s business world and at this excitingtime in Sun Bank’s history we are actively pursuing a larger share of themortgage market through team work with Independent Financial Advisors toprovide relevant specialist products and continuing excellent service forour clients.The Under 15 National Club Cricket Championship has been in existence since1972, when it was initiated by the Lord’s Taverners.

Sunderland: Fans react to Aiden McGeady contract extension

Aiden McGeady has signed a one-year contract extension at Sunderland, keeping him at the Stadium of Light for the 2021-22 season [Sunderland AFC Official].

Enjoying a sparkling 2020/21 campaign, the Irishman chipped in with an unbelievable 23 goal contributions from 36 encounters; six goals and 17 assists [Transfermarkt].

Spending a fourth consecutive season in Sky Bet League One, the Black Cats will be hoping to count on his quality and experience as they vie to rise up the pyramid once again.

The embodiment of consistency, across his time in the North East the former Celtic man has been a pivotal fixture; scoring 33 goals and laying on a further 30 for his teammates [Transfermarkt].

In light of this contractual news, no wonder loads of Sunderland diehards took to Twitter to revel in these latest developments.

Sunderland fans react:

Replying to the Sunderland AFC official Twitter account, here is what some ecstatic supporters had to say upon hearing the ‘fantastic news’:

“Absolutely delighted with this news now add some quality to help him”

Credit: @mackem49000″Get us out of this league u beautiful man”Credit: @joe_112233″The last dance”Credit: @CarlDorward”Fantastic news!!”Credit: @bobbyspout”Brilliant news”Credit: @GavinEvs”Good start, hopefully gets the ball rolling #safc”Credit: @ParkersafcIn other news, Sunderland are set to sign a highly-rated defender.

محمد صلاح عن تجديد عقده: الأمر لا يتعلق بالمال.. وعندما أغادر ليفربول سأكون حزينًا

اعترف الدولي المصري، محمد صلاح، جناح ليفربول، أنه لم يتوصل لاتفاق مع ناديه بالتوقيع على عقد جديد، مع بقاء أقل من سنة ونصف على نهاية عقده مع الريدز.

وتوجد شكوك حول إمكانية استمرار محمد صلاح في ليفربول، حيث يمتلك المصري عقدًا ينتهي بعد عام ونصف، في 30 يونيو 2023، والدولي المصري لم يتوصل إلى اتفاق حتى الآن بشأن التوقيع على عقد جديد.

ليفربول يريد الإبقاء على صلاح في “آنفيلد”، وكذلك مو حريص على البقاء، ولكن يوجد خلاف بين الطرفين حول الراتب، إذ يرفض النادي طلبات اللاعب المصري لعدم كسر سقف الرواتب داخل النادي، إلا أن مو نفى ذلك.

اقرأ أيضًا.. محمد صلاح يستشهد بـ ميسي ورونالدو ويعترف: آمل أن أكون الهداف التاريخي لـ ليفربول

وقال صلاح في حواره مع مجلة “فور فور تو” البريطانية، وسينشر كاملًا في وقتٍ لاحق: “لا أعرف ما إذا كنت سأبقى لسنوات عديدة في ليفربول، يتبقى في عقدي عام واحد”.

وأضاف: “أعتقد أن الجماهير تعرف ما أريد، لكن في العقد لا يتعلق الأمر بالمال على الإطلاق، لذلك لا أعرف ما إذا كنت سأظل لسنوات عديدة، لا أستطيع أن أخبرك بالضبط، بقي لدي عام واحد والجماهير تعرف ما أريد”.

وتابع: “رغبتي كانت دائمًا البقاء في ليفربول، هذا النادي يعني الكثير بالنسبة، لقد استمتعت بلعب كرة القدم هُنا أكثر من أي من نادٍ آخر، وأعطيت النادي كل شيء والجميع رأى ذلك، لقد مررت بالكثير من اللحظات الرائعة هنا، الفوز بالبطولات والأهداف الفردية والألقاب الفردية نحن هُنا مثل العائلة”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | محمد صلاح يشارك في حملة للرفق بالحيوان: زيه زينا

وأصر صلاح أيضًا على أنه ليس قلقًا بشأن الدخول في الأشهر الـ 12 الأخيرة من عقده دون حل، حيث قال: “أنا لست قلقا، لا أدع نفسي أقلق بشأن شيء ما، الموسم لم ينته بعد، لذلك دعونا نُنهي الموسم بأفضل طريقة ممكنة؛ هذا هو أهم شيء ثم في العام الأخير من عقدي، سنرى ما سيحدث”.

وأردف متحدثًا عن التقارير التي زعمت بأن ليفربول قد يبيعه حال عدم التوصل لاتفاق بشأن التجديد: “إذا كان يريدونني أن أرحل، فهذا شيء مُختلف!، ولكن ليفربول أوضح دائمًا أنهم يريدون بقاء صلاح”.

وأتم تصريحاته بالحديث عن إمكانية الرحيل عن آنفيلد: “الرحيل سيكون عاطفيًا بالتأكيد، أن تلعب في هذا الجو الرائع وترى المشجعين دائمًا يساندونني، لدىّ لافتات في الملعب ويغنون أغنيتي دائمًا، ستكون لحظة حزينة حقًا”.

Atuações: Hernández faz de bicicleta, dá assistência e fica como o destaque

MatériaMais Notícias

O meia colombiano Vladimir Hernández estreou no segundo tempo do amistoso contra o Kenitra e terminou como o melhor em campo ao fazer um gol de bicicleta e dar passe para outro. Vitor Bueno também vai bem ao marcar outras duas vezes na goleada. Confira as atuações do Peixe:

6,0
Vanderlei
Como não foi exigido, não conseguiu trabalhar debaixo das traves. Manteve a participação frequente na saída de bola com os pés.

6,0
Victor Ferraz
Com o tanto de espaço disponível em seu setor, agrediu pouco. Quando subiu, criou a jogada do segundo gol. Cometeu alguns vacilos defensivos.
6,0
Lucas Veríssimo
Assim como Vanderlei, não teve muito o que fazer enquanto esteve em campo. Mostra mais confiança do que na última temporada para jogar.

6,5
Yuri
A leitura de jogo é impressionante. Parceria com Renato faz o time mudar o sistema o tempo todo e aumenta a qualidade na origem dos lances.

6,5
Zeca
O melhor do sistema defensivo, disparado. Desarmou fácil, apoiou com força e por pouco não marcou golaço em chute de fora da área.

6,5
Renato
O “coordenador” do time do Santos fez a bola girar com simplicidade e fluidez, mas pecou por não tornar as jogadas mais verticais.

6,0
Thiago Maia
No meio de campo, foi a peça que destoou. Esforço para reforçar o ataque, mas muitos erros técnicos que frearam a criação do time.

7,5
Lucas Lima
Começou nervoso, errando lances fáceis. Até que chamou o jogo e destruiu os marroquinos com arrancadas e assistências.

7,5
Vitor Bueno
A discrição ao longo do primeiro tempo foi compensada por gol de oportunismo. No segundo, marcou belo tento antes de sair.

7,0
Copete
A eficiência do colombiano é impressionante. Teve espaço em um lance e o concluiu com cruzamento perfeito para Rodrigão abrir o placar.

7,0
Rodrigão
O centroavante estava inspirado. Foi quem mais buscou espaço, tentou finalizar e tabelar. Cabeçada com estilo iniciou a vitória santista.

6,5
Matheus Ribeiro
Mostra muita força ofensiva e capacidade de recomposição. Arma que deve ser muito aproveitada por Dorival Júnior na temporada.

6,5
Léo Cittadini
Entrou para ser o elo da defesa com o ataque e cumpriu a função com maestria na enfiada a Arthur Gomes, no gol de Hernández.

5,5
Noguera
Erro de posicionamento absurdo logo no primeiro lance após entrar em campo. Marcou a bola e o Kenitra margou o gol de honra.

6,0
Rafael Longuine
Na função que foi de Yuri no primeiro tempo, manteve a saída de bola mais segura, mas sem tanta profundidade quanto o antecessor.

6,0
João Paulo
Conseguiu a proeza de trabalhar menos do que Vanderlei, mesmo tendo sofrido o gol do Kenitra, em falha grave de Noguera.

5,5
Caju
O gol marroquino saiu em seu setor, quando havia recuado demais e não voltou a subir a marcação. Atuação apenas regular.

6,5
Thiago Ribeiro
Recomeçou a vida no Santos levando caneta no lance do gol do Kenitra, mas se recuperou com bonita finalização no quinto tento do Peixe.

5,0
Jean Mota
Foi o único a entrar e sair no segundo tempo. Com poucos minutos, não conseguiu mostrar nada, ainda mais em comparação a Lucas Lima.

6,5
Arthur Gomes
Garoto mostrou força e inteligência para dar a assistência para Vladimir Hernández no quarto gol santista. Infernizou pelas pontas.

8,0
Hernández
Menos de meia hora em campo para ser o dono do jogo no Pacaembu. Golaço de bicicleta e assistência de calcanhar para Thiago Ribeiro.

6,5
Kayke
Correria e força devem colocá-lo em briga interessante com Rodrigão. Pode levar vantagem pela facilidade em tabelar com os companheiros.


Thaciano
Pouco tempo em campo.

7,0
Dorival Júnior
Conseguiu corrigir os problemas no primeiro tempo, mesmo sem alterações no intervalo. Depois, viu o time deslanchar.

RelacionadasSantosCom bicicleta de Hernández, Santos passeia sobre o Kenitra no PacaembuSantos28/01/2017SantosSantos apresenta novo manto para 2017 antes de amistoso no PacaembuSantos28/01/2017

Ex-Spurs ace on Alli reaction to Poch hire

Former Tottenham Hotspur ace Paul Stewart believes that Dele Alli would be enthused by the prospect of the club appointing Mauricio Pochettino as manager once again.

Spurs have been linked with a sensational reunion with the Argentine in recent days.

Goal reported over the weekend that Pochettino, who is also a target for Real Madrid after Zinedine Zidane’s departure, has asked to leave PSG this summer.

The Athletic reported last week that Spurs had entered into talks with Pochettino over a move that would see him return to north London just 18 months after his sacking.

Alli, of course, was one of the chief beneficiaries of Pochettino’s first reign at the club, as he moved to the club from MK Dons and became an integral member of the first-team, while also earning England recognition.

In total, Alli made 194 appearances under Pochettino, scoring 55 goals and laying on 52 assists.

This season, under Jose Mourinho, the 25-year-old was marginalised, though, making just seven starts in the Premier League.

And Stewart has told The Transfer Tavern exclusively that Alli would surely be delighted if Pochettino did choose to return.

He said: “I’m sure Dele Alli would be smiling from ear to ear because he hasn’t really hit it off with the managers that proceeded Poch.

“Poch seemed to play him a lot.”

It's Waqar again – Pakistan finally win one over Australia

Article: Rafi Nasim Report on Pak v Aus Match, NWS ODI8

Rafi Nasim19-Jun-2001It was a thundering victory for Waqar Younis led Pakistan, in the last league match, over Australia at Trent Bridge. Although Australia faced a huge victory target of 291, it was in no way beyond reach. Except, in the way stood Waqar, the one-man demolition squad to devastate Australia’s strong batting line for 254, hoisting a 36 run victory for Pakistan.Although there were a couple of encounters in this tournament that extended thrills till the last ball, the excitement that this match generated will also be remembered by cricket lovers for a long time. There were some magnificent feats of batting from both sides.
Saleem plays to the off in his half century
Photo © CricInfo
While Saleem Elahi (79), Yousuf Youhana (44), Adam Gilchrist (70) and Steve Waugh (56) will be remembered for their tenacity in facing heavy odds, Waqar Younis will find a place in the annals of cricket for his magical haul of 6 for 59 just two days after his record 7 for 36 against England.Earlier in the game, Pakistan elected to bat on a pitch seemingly designed to favor batsmen. The track, however, proved so marginally. Saeed Anwar and Salem Elahi started shakily but collected runs through fluent shots all over the field. Punishing Jason Gillespie for a blistering drive to point boundary Saeed hoisted 50 of the innings in the 12th over.For the first time in this tournament Pakistan crossed the half-century mark without losing an opener. Australia struck back for a vital breakthrough when Saeed Anwar was trapped lbw by Brett Lee after scoring a brilliant 34 when Pakistan were at 61. Soon followed Abdur Razzaq (5) making his way back at the total of 71.
Yousuf Youhana cracks a ball over cover from Shane Warne as Adam Gilchrist looks on
Photo © AFP
With Saleem Elahi going strong at 38, Pakistan reached 100 of the innings in 20 overs. Playing all round the wicket with growing confidence Elahi completed his 50 in 67 balls with the help of 7 fours. He received tremendous support from Yousuf Youhana who, with a sizzling cover drive off Shane Warne hoisted Pakistan’s 150 in 30 overs.Continuing to bowl his deceptive leg breaks and googlies, Shane Warne eventually succeeded in drawing a solid looking Yousuf Youhana (44), out of the crease and Adam Gilchrist did the rest. The Elahi – Youhana partnership yielded invaluable 93 runs in 101 balls.Shane Warne played magic again when he trapped Elahi lbw after a back-in-form innings of 79 bringing Pakistan to 190 for 4. Younis Khan was the next to depart after scoring 22. Pakistan was nicely poised for a big total at 207 for 5 in 39 overs. But the 6th wicket fell at 233 when Faisal Iqbal (12) was run out and the scoring slowed down.
The good natured section of a mixed crowd on the Parr Stand
Photo © CricInfo
When Pakistan was 250 with 5 overs remaining, the game was suspended due to crowd problems again, this time a firecracker thrown into the ground and Steve Waugh decided to take his team off. He had announced already that player safety must be ensured. After about 15 minutes of disruption play started but the tempo of scoring was broken. Extremely controlled and tight bowling restricted stroke play. While Azhar Mahmood contributed 15 runs, Rashid Latif played an aggressive innings of 26. Some cricket fireworks were seen when Wasim Akram contributed an unbeaten 28 in 15 balls.The batsmen going all out for runs, the last 10 overs conceded 80 runs. Pakistan thus ended the innings with 290 for 9, setting Australia a challenging target of 291. Brett Lee, Shane Warne and Andy Symonds shared 2 wickets each. Interestingly, and not taking any credit away from Pakistani batsmen, it was unusual to see Australia’s fielding not as good as in previous encounters.
Waqar Younis celebrates the wicket of Mark Waugh
Photo © AFP
Against all expectations, Australia made a disastrous start at the hands of a giant like Waqar Younis. He made short work of Mark Waugh and Mathew Hayden both earning ducks followed by Michael Bevan (5), bringing Australia down to what looked like a hopeless 35 for 3.But there came skipper Steve Waugh to join an aggressive Adam Gilchrist to not only stem the rot but jointly punish the bowlers with a flurry of shots to the boundary raising the score to 50 in the 7th over. Gilchrist, playing some attacking cricket hoisted his individual 50 in just 29 balls. They took the score to 100 in 12 overs and the situation was now well under their control.
Gilchrist is bowled by Saqlain for 70
Photo © CricInfo
The introduction of spin worked wonders when Saqlain Mushtaq clean bowled Adam Gilchrist after he had almost neutralized the loss of the first 3 wickets by playing a marvelous innings of 70 in 43 balls. Gilchrist brought Australia out of crisis and for Pakistan was a highly prized wicket.Saqlain struck again when he made Damien Martin (2) offer an outside edge to Azhar Mahmood in the slips, rendering Australia to 113 for 5. But led by Steve Waugh with Symonds as his partner Australia reached 150 in 21 overs and Pakistan appeared to have lost its grip on the match. The fielding had become loose with unchecked drives to the boundary becoming routine plus too many wides and no balls being bowled.Once again, playing a captain’s innings, Steve Waugh completed his 50 in 63 balls. But immediately after, got a life, when he was given not out on a ball from Azhar Mahmood. The electronic indicator confirmed it. Luck did not favor him any further when Waqar bowling his 2nd spell, held one back and had him caught out for a resolute 56.After scoring a valuable 35 Andy Symonds became Waqar’s next victim reducing Australia to 190 for 7. With Pakistan back in the game, Australia came under tremendous pressure and a stiff battle between bat and ball ensued. The spectator stands were enthralled and excitement rose further when Waqar clean bowled Brett Lee (10) with a straight delivery. Australia was 208 for 8, looking for the tail to prevent the inevitable.Shane Warne who held the crease for quite long for his 14 runs was the next to go and with Australia on 223 for 9, Pakistan was almost on the edge of a grand victory. While defeat for Australia was written on the wall, the last pair Damien Fleming and Jason Gillepsie defied well, with skill and courage to delay the passage of fate.The long wait by Pakistan to win one against Australia came to an end when Abdur Razzaq bowled Jason Gillepsie at 254 after 46.3 overs. Pakistan won the thrilling encounter by 36 runs. With a match-winning haul of 6 for 59, Waqar Younis was the chief wrecker while Saqlain Mushtaq accounted for 2 important scalps along with Azhar and Razzaq sharing one apiece.Defeating the world champions and the team fancied by all and sundry has provided Pakistan a fresh impetus to face them again in the final. With this changed scenario, Australia’s victory cannot now be taken for granted. Pakistan will be a tough opponent and both teams have an even chance to carry off the NatWest Trophy at Lord’s on the 23rd. So let fans of both teams keep their keep their fingers crossed.

Rangers: Douglas Park given Gerrard boost

Steven Gerrard was always likely to be a man in demand this summer after delivering Rangers’ 55th league title this season and there were some concerns recently that the 41-year-old could leave Ibrox to join Wolves following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Athletic confirmed earlier this week that, whilst the Old Gold were close to appointing Benfica’s Bruno Lage as their new manager, there were doubts over whether or not he would be eligible for a work permit, which could have seen the Molineux outfit turn to Gerrard as the next best option.

Fortunately for Rangers fans, Lage’s work permit has now been approved and it seems that an announcement will be made imminently, which should hopefully ensure that Gerrard remains with the Gers next season ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Although Everton have also recently been touted as a potential destination for the 41-year-old, it seems highly unlikely that he would join Liverpool’s closest rivals, so Rangers fans may be able to rest easy for now.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Rangers transfer rumours and news!”]

Considering the incredible impact Gerrard has had during his time with Rangers, their fans and chairman Douglas Park will surely be delighted that the manager won’t be leaving to join Wolves this summer. That should give them a great chance of retaining the Premiership title next season, whilst also giving a good account of themselves in Europe.

Since being appointed at Ibrox in May 2018, the Liverpool legend has taken charge of 170 matches, winning 112, drawing 36 and losing just 22 games, which is a superb record when you consider that this is his first job as a manager of a senior side.

The Premiership title win this season also saw Rangers finish the campaign unbeaten and earn more than 100 points, whilst also ensuring that their Old Firm rivals were denied a historic 10th title in a row, so it seems clear that Gerrard will go down as an Ibrox legend.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

The “amazing” manager – as hailed by Harry Redknapp – may well see his future in the Premier League, but Rangers fans will surely be desperate to keep hold of him for as long as possible, so it is a huge boost for the club that Gerrard looks like he won’t be joining Wolves this summer.

In other news… Wilson should reignite Rangers interest in “super-tactical” gem this summer

Game
Register
Service
Bonus