Peter Handscomb reminded Test selectors of his talents, scoring another Sheffield Shield century against South Australia.After the Victoria captain top scored with 103 on Monday at Adelaide Oval and declared seven runs behind the home side, a crucial sixth-wicket stand rescued the day for SA.Related
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Daniel Drew (42 not out) and Harry Nielsen (41 not out) took SA from a precarious 82 for 5 to 169 for 5 at stumps, a lead of 176 going into the last day.Resuming on 38 with the score 167 for 3, Handscomb anchored the Victorian innings on day three. In reply to SA’s 350, they were in trouble at 199 for 6 before Handscomb combined with Fergus O’Neill for a seventh-wicket stand of 125.Spinner Lloyd Pope had O’Neill caught-and-bowled for 64 and Pope dismissed Handscomb, caught by Jordan Buckingham in the deep for the eighth wicket.Handscomb, whose most recent Test was in March 2023, faced 180 balls and hit seven fours and two sixes. Half of his 18 Shield tons have been against SA.SA steadily lost early wickets in their second innings. After a duck on the opening day, No.3 and Test hopeful Nathan McSweeney was dismissed for 6 when he edged a pull against David Moody.Opener Henry Hunt and Jake Lehmann starred with centuries in SA’s first innings. But when impressive Victorian left-arm spinner Doug Warren dismissed them in successive overs – Hunt top-edging a sweep and Lehmann bowled through the gate on the drive – the home side was five down for not nearly enough.That brought together Drew and Nielsen, who grew in confidence as they batted through to stumps.
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.”
Former Manchester United player Zidane Iqbal has been banished from the Utrecht squad and will be absent for the game against Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday. Utrecht coach Ron Jans has publicly criticised the midfielder following his return from international duty with Iraq, saying that he needs "a reset" before he will be brought back into the team.
Iqbal's dismal time at Utrecht
Iqbal, after an unsatisfactory tenure at United, left the club in 2023 to join Eredivisie outfit Utrecht. To date, he has featured 47 times for them across all competitions, recording just a single goal. This season, the central midfielder has made five Eredivisie appearances, having returned to the senior team after a brief stint with the reserves as he recovered from a knee operation. His last appearance came against AZ on October 26, and now the player, who started both of the recent World Cup qualifying games against United Arab Emirates, has been removed from the squad ahead of their crucial away game in the Europa League against La Liga side Betis on Thursday.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportUtrecht boss outlines why Iqbal has been left out
Speaking to , Utrecht coach Jans has clarified on his stance about the midfielder. He said: "Zidane then had a bad training week. He has shown little dedication, also around and after the matches. He was in disappointment all the time. You can have that for a day, sometimes for two days, but not longer. It needs to be reset."
The 67-year-old has not identified a potential return date for the youngster, but it is reportedly said that he might be suspended for more games than the Betis one.
Iqbal was frustrated at United too
Last season, Iqbal had revealed that he was not satisfied at United as well. He secured 35 appearances for the U-21 side but just one for the senior team – a one-minute cameo against Young Boys in the Champions League. He wanted to show his prowess to then-head coach Erik Ten Hag. However, opportunities were hard to come by and he soon opted to accept the Dutch side's offer.
"I was supposed to start a cup game against Charlton," he later lamented. "I was in all the shapes and patterns in pre-match training. I was starting as a 10 and Lisandro Martinez came up to me and said: 'Now's your chance'. He talked to me and said: 'All of us are supporting you. Just show yourself, you're a good player. We're going to fight for you, make sure you're ready to fight'. It motivated me and it was nice from him, an aggressive leader in the team, a big player. I got tickets for family and friends to see me. Finally, my chance. Then I got to the stadium, looked at the whiteboard and didn't see my name. I was gutted. Then I thought I'd come off the bench. Nothing. That was the turning point for me. I didn't feel the manager respected me enough to play me."
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Getty Images SportIqbal feels respected at the national team
Despite his struggles at club level, Iqbal has enjoyed a more prosperous national team career so far. He has 22 caps to his name and could even secure a place at the World Cup, with Iraq set to face either Bolivia or Suriname in an inter-confederation play-off tie in March to decide whether or not they will be at the tournament in Canada, United States and Mexico.
Iqbal feels he is valued by the manager, telling : "For Iraq, the manager Graeme Arnold and his assistant, Rene Meulensteen, told me of my importance to the team. They told me to be ready and as soon as we conceded the first goal, the gaffer just pointed at me and said: 'You're coming on'."
The 22-year-old also reflected on his struggles with injuries that spilled over from last season into this one, adding: "Having no pre-season was tough as that’s where you gain your fitness. So I came back and everyone else had a pre-season and rhythm, while I was trying to pick up minutes. It's tough coming back from injury but I think I'm coming back to myself more. And I think I had a positive impact on the game. I'm just ready to give 100 per cent, whether they need me in the first minute, the last minute, whether I start or I'm off the bench making an impact."
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.
Manchester United fans have reacted to another Emiliano Martinez mistake as the Aston Villa goalkeeper committed an error to gift Leeds the lead at Elland Road. The Argentina number one was heavily linked with a move away from Villa to Old Trafford over the summer, but United opted to instead pursue their interest in Belgian youngster Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.
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Martinez spills high ball that results in Leeds goal
Lammens has slotted into this United side seamlessly since usurping Altay Bayindir as first choice at Old Trafford. Indeed, United are now unbeaten in the five games the 23-year-old has started, which includes a memorable 2-1 win at rivals and defending Premier League champions Liverpool.
Martinez, meanwhile, has struggled to match the heights of previous years. The 2022 World Cup winner failed to deal with a high ball after Gabriel Gudmundsson had got on the end of Sean Longstaff's free-kick to the back post.
Anton Stach pressured the Villa goalkeeper before the ball fell to the feet of Lukas Nmecha, who had an easy finish to put Leeds ahead. After a VAR review, referee Robert Jones awarded what could prove a priceless goal for Leeds in their battle to beat the drop.
On the VAR check, the Premier League Match Centre X account also posted: "The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Gudmundsson in an onside position in the build-up. The VAR also checked the decision of no offside offence against Nmecha – with it deemed that he did not impact Martinez after Stach played the ball. Contact on Martinez prior to the goal was also deemed to not be a foul."
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Fans revel in latest Martinez mistake
United fans took to social media to revel in Martinez's gaffe, and are evidently thrilled they opted for Lammens instead of the former Arsenal shot-stopper.
"Thank God we got Lammens instead of this 'Dibu' Martinez man. More like 'Di bum.'" @MannyUTFR posted.
"Another Martinez howler, I was convinced United fans who wanted him in the summer didn’t watch him for one second last season" @RonaldoBrown_98 added.
"Emi Martinez should never be in the chat for best GK in the world. He’s good for a honker a game" @jonnyupt posted, while @FidgeyCent said: "We dodged a missile in not signing Martinez, he’s so bad"
"Rare weekly error from dibu Martinez" @tinscognito__ sarcastically said. A Leeds supporter, @Maverick2405, was critical of Martinez and they way he went down, writing: "Looks like Martinez has been assaulted judging by his reactions. What a helmet"
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Martinez may yet leave in January
Martinez has been heavily linked with a move away from Villa once more as the club consider whether to cash in on the Argentine. The 33-year-old has looked well below the standards expected of the West Midlands side, who travelled to Leeds on Sunday on a run of five wins in their last six league games.
Italian giants Inter have been credited with an interest in Martinez as they consider a replacement for current number one Yann Sommer. The Swiss star was key as Inter progressed to the Champions League final, only to lose to PSG in Munich in May.
Sommer's current contract expires at the end of the season and there have been no hint of talks about extending the 36-year-old's stay in Milan.
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Villa see out November with games against Young Boys & Wolves
Villa will hope for a positive result at Leeds as they gear up for a huge end to November. Unai Emery's side welcome Swiss side Young Boys to Villa Park in the Europa League next week as they look to make it four wins from five in European competition.
They then face rivals Wolves on home turf to round off November. Villa have a decent recent home record against basement boys Wolves having won their last two welcomes of Rob Edwards' side.
Wolves will make the short trip across the West Midlands on a six-game losing run following their 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday in Edwards' first game at the Molineux helm.
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
Back in the spring, if you asked Major League Baseball fans who would win the American League's Rookie of the Year award, most would've tabbed an Athletic—shortstop Jacob Wilson.
Over the course of recent months, Wilson has remained potent. However, he has been dramatically overshadowed by a teammate.
First baseman Nick Kurtz was already gaining ground on Wilson in the AL race when he became the first rookie ever to bash four home runs in one game on July 25. In the span of one 15–3 win over the Astros, he raised his average 17 points, on-base percentage 14 points, and slugging percentage an astonishing 64 points.
The most famous Kurtz in popular culture was a madman feared by all. Fortunately for the sports world, this Kurtz is using his awe-inspiring ability for good. Welcome to this week's edition of MLB Rookie Watch.
American League
1. Nick Kurtz, first baseman, Athletics
If Kurtz and Marlon Brando's character can be said to have anything in common, it is their shared devotion to power. How many home runs has the first baseman hit since the most recent publication of this column? "Just" the four—and yet Kurtz is still pacing for over a 162-game span. It's enough to make fans forget the 22-year-old is also hitting .304 as one of the 10 youngest players in the American League.
2. Noah Cameron, pitcher, Kansas City Royals
The lefty jumps up to the No. 2 spot after a mixed bag in his last two starts. He dominated the Guardians in five shutout innings on July 27, but gave up four earned runs in a loss to the Blue Jays on Saturday. The Royals, having lost ace Kris Bubic for the season, will almost certainly continue to ask Cameron to carry their flagging playoff hopes. If he's up for the task, he towers over every other AL rookie pitcher and could win significant award support.
3. Jacob Wilson, shortstop, Athletics
On Tuesday, the Athletics put Wilson on the injured list as he deals with the effects of a left forearm fracture. That absence, combined with Kurtz's dominance, has ground the shortstop's once-thriving Rookie of the Year campaign to a screeching halt. He's played just three games since the last column, going 1-for-11 against the Rangers and Astros. Still, despite nearly a month of injury (he was hit in the hand with a pitch on July 8), his .312/.354/.439 slash line demands respect.
Honorable Mention
Roman Anthony, outfielder, Red Sox; Carlos Narvaez, catcher, Red Sox
National League
1. Caleb Durbin, third baseman, Milwaukee Brewers
Contact has been the order of the day for Durbin over the past two weeks as his Brewers have adjusted to their new lives as NL pennant contenders. He's slashed .300/.353/.333 to raise his average seven points while his on-base and slugging numbers hold steady. With 2.4 bWAR (most in the NL among rookies) and a 1.5 WPA (tied for best with Colorado Rockies pitcher Seth Halvorsen), he's impacting winning in a way his peers are not. Durbin raised minor alarm by starting two straight games on the bench this weekend, but delivered two hits in relief of fellow rookie Anthony Seigler Sunday.
2. Drake Baldwin, catcher, Atlanta Braves
Braves catcher Sean Murphy is the only 30-year-old to get regular run in this column as a frustratingly competent roadblock to the Age of Baldwin. Both catchers have largely underwhelmed over the last two weeks—Baldwin slightly less so (.235/.297/.324 against Murphy's .160/.333/.280). In the period between the submission and publication of the last Rookie Watch, Baldwin (hilariously) managed to drive in six runs in a 3-for-5 outing against the Giants. Objects in Durbin's rearview mirror are closer than they appear.
3. Heriberto Hernandez, left fielder, Miami Marlins
Here comes another obscure Marlin to replace Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo, who bows out after a .130/.167/.217 dud over the past two weeks. The May 30 (!) debutant has played just 40 games, but owns a .291/.352/.473 slash line with five home runs and 18 RBIs. FanGraphs in particular loves the Dominican Republic native, as his .357 wOBA and 128 wRC+ attest. If you don't like the second- or third-place rookie in a given week of this year's NL race, don't worry; there'll be another one along shortly.
Honorable Mention
Isaac Collins, left fielder, Brewers; Jack Dreyer, pitcher, Dodgers; Agustin Ramirez, catcher, Marlins
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.
The Nationals reportedly have hired their new face of the front office.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Wednesday, citing sources, that Washington plans to hire Paul Toboni as its new head of baseball operations.
Toboni, 35, is currently the assistant general manager of the Red Sox. He was one of the favorites to become Boston's general manager, the No. 2 position in the Red Sox' front office behind chief baseball officer Craig Breslow.
According to Passan, Toboni ran the draft for Boston when it selected highly touted prospects such as Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell.
The Nationals fired president of baseball operations Mike Rizzo and manager Dave Martinez in July.
Washington, despite a young core consisting of James Wood, CJ Abrams and Dylan Crews, has struggled to a 64–94 record this season. The Nationals last made the playoffs in 2019—the year they entered the postseason as a wild-card team and won the World Series over the Astros in seven games.
Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton in the Premier League on Monday night highlights the job Ruben Amorim still has on his hands at Old Trafford.
Kiernan Drewsbury-Hall’s effort in the first half was enough to secure all three points for David Moyes’ men, which will no doubt leave the Red Devils boss scratching his head.
His men spent 77 minutes with a one-man advantage, but none of his first-team squad could pop up with the goods to extend their unbeaten run in England’s top-flight.
Despite spending £200m on a new attacking trio over the summer, the Red Devils looked largely toothless in front of goal, as seen by their tally of 100% big chances missed.
However, the manager will desperately want added reinforcements in the upcoming January window to aid him in his quest for success during his time at Old Trafford.
United’s hunt for added attacking signings in January
Over the last couple of weeks, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has been identified as just one player whom United are targeting for the January transfer window.
The Ghanaian international has been in remarkable form during the early stages of 2025/26, with the winger already netting six goals and three assists in just 11 appearances for the Cherries.
However, Amorim’s men aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Arsenal and Liverpool just two other top-flight clubs seeking a £65m move for his signature.
He’s not the only player on the Red Devils’ shortlist, with Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior a player who INEOS are potentially considering a move for in the coming months.
According to The Mirror, the Brazilian international could leave the LaLiga giants in the coming months, with the forward having just 19 months left on his current deal – leading to keen interest from the Red Devils.
It also states his recent bust-up with senior members at the Bernabeu could see them cash in on his services to avoid losing him for nothing in the near future.
How Vinicius Junior compares to Bryan Mbeumo
As part of their £200m spending spree in the summer, United forked out a reported £71m on the services of forward Bryan Mbeumo from fellow Premier League side Brentford.
The Cameroonian generated huge excitement within the Red Devils fanbase after netting 20 times in the league last season, with the 26-year-old already making an excellent start to life at Old Trafford.
He’s already netted five goals in his first 12 league outings for the club, with such a tally currently making him the top goalscorer within Amorim’s squad.
However, his showing against Everton yesterday was one to forget, with the attacker struggling to provide the goods amid the absence of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.
Mbeumo was only able to register a single effort on target whilst also failing to complete any of his three attempted dribbles – further highlighting his lack of impact in the final third.
There’s no doubt he’s been a shrewd addition to date, but ultimately, he hasn’t been able to get near the levels produced by Vinicius during his opening matches in LaLiga.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats this campaign, the Brazilian has massively outperformed Mbeumo – showcasing why he’d be a better addition for the Red Devils.
Vinicius, who’s been dubbed the “best in the world” by Thierry Henry, has racked up more combined goals and assists this season – subsequently handing Amorim a more threatening option in front of goal.
He’s also registered more key passes and more passes into the final third per 90, with such numbers allowing those around him to be on the end of more chances in attacking areas.
Games played
13
12
Goals & assists
9
6
Progressive carries
8.9
2.8
Progressive passes
4.8
2.7
Pass accuracy
80%
73%
Key passes
2.9
1.7
Passes into final third
1.9
1.5
Take-on success
38%
33%
Carries into final third
2.9
1.9
The Brazilian’s all-round dominance over Mbeumo is further highlighted in his higher take-on success and greater tally of carries into the final third per 90, which showcases his ability to go alone when needed.
A player of Vini Jr’s quality would cost a small fortune in today’s market, with such a move likely to break the club’s current transfer record of £89m paid for Paul Pogba.
However, it would be a deal worth every penny, with the winger having all of the tools to take the United frontline to the next level for many years to come under Amorim’s guidance.
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