All posts by n8rngtd.top

Paulo Fonseca explains shock Christian Pulisic call as USMNT star reacts angrily to being substituted after scoring wondergoal for AC Milan in Fiorentina loss

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca explained why he substituted star player Christian Pulisic after he scored a wondergoal.

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  • Pulisic scored a wondergoal
  • Reacted angrily after being subbed off
  • Fonseca explained his decision to take off his best player
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The United States men's national team attacker netted his fourth consecutive Serie A goal as he scored the equaliser with a sensational volley in the 60th minute. Towards the end of the game, Pulisic was subbed off as Fonseca brought in Samuel Chukwueze. The USMNT star was visibly disappointed at the manager's decision as he angrily reacted after being taken off.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Thirteen minutes after Pulisic equalised, Fiorentina restored their lead as Albert Gudmundsson netted the winning goal for his side. After the match, questions were raised over Fonseca's decision to replace the team's best player on the pitch when the club was trailing. He explained that it was a prudent decision to protect the American from serious injury.

  • WHAT PAULO FONSECA SAID

    Speaking to DAZN, the manager said, "It was out of caution with Pulisic, he had a problem with his flexor during the week. Chukwueze came in well and created opportunities."

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

    The Rossoneri, who suffered their second defeat of the ongoing Serie A season, will be next seen in action after the international break against Udinese on October 19.

Michael Bracewell: 'Kiwi ingenuity is a real thing. You find a way and everyone mucks in'

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The NZ allrounder speaks about growing up in a cricketing family, the challenge of bowling offspin to right-handers, and the planning that helps the team take down bigger oppositions

Andrew Fidel Fernando08-Mar-202521:24

The evolution of New Zealand cricket – Tim Southee has the story

There are so many New Zealand cricketers and Plunket Shield cricketers from the Bracewell family. What was it like to grow up around all that?
Yeah, I think it was inspiring to know that your family members have played for New Zealand. For me, it was an interesting one. I grew up down in Dunedin which is quite far from the rest of my family. All the rest of my family were up north.We saw them for Christmas holidays or school holidays every now and again, but we were kind of removed from the family in many respects. I have a brother and sister, and we played a lot of backyard cricket and rugby and things like that. Dad [Mark Bracewell] was a school teacher, so he coached our First XI and First XV (rugby) teams.I idolised my dad growing up and he taught me a lot of the values of how he thought the game should be played. That’s probably the most inspirational part for me – he instilled the right way to play cricket, and sport in general.There must have been some epic backyard cricket games when you all got together for Christmas – some crazy ones where so many people who had played for New Zealand were involved…
I think we came together very rarely as a family but when we did, sport was obviously what brought us close. We played a lot of forceback which is a rugby-kicking game. Cricket battles were particularly intense. One thing we all like to do is be competitive and I think that shines through when you watch any of us play.We like to play as part of a team and really compete as a team. That’s one thing that as a family we pride ourselves on as being good team-mates and trying our best for the team. I guess that comes from a love of rugby and cricket.Every good backyard cricket game has one or two people who never think they’re out, who think that everything that hits the legs are lbws. Who were those kinds of people in your big family games?
I think my brother and I used to have some really good battles. We would always end in a fight at some point around a dubious lbw decision or caught behind. I swear that I used to walk when I hit it, but he would argue on the contrary.They were great games. He’s three years older than me, so he was always challenging me and a lot more skilful than I was and bigger than I was. I never really won many of the arguments as I was growing up.I think part of having to deal with an umpire’s decision and just getting on with it comes from those battles with my brother in the backyard.Related

  • New ball or old, Henry will make things happen

  • India and New Zealand, the most dominant forces in ICC events

  • Ind vs NZ: A spin cycle for Champions Trophy glory

  • Bracewell stays under the radar but soars high

You mentioned that your dad instilled some values about how he thought the game should be played. Could you just talk a little bit about that?
He always wanted me to play fair and hard, with a smile on my face, I think. He never pressured me to go play professional sports or anything like that. He just wanted me to enjoy it and have fun.I think I saw a lot of other parents growing up putting a lot of pressure on their children to perform, whereas our conversations were all around did you have fun and that sort of thing. I think that for me puts sport in perspective a little bit. At the end of the day, it’s just a game that we’re playing and it’s not life or death what we’re doing. But if you can enjoy it and accept that there’s going to be hard times and there’s going to be good times and not try and ride the highs and lows too much then hopefully your performance will stay nice and consistent. Making sure that you’re having fun and doing what you love is super important for any young kid out there.Watching this New Zealand team over the last 10 years a lot of those values that you’re talking about seem very much part of the team DNA. Did that upbringing set you up to fit into this team culture?
Absolutely. It’s definitely something that we focus on as a team is not getting too high or too low and just taking it as it comes. I think Mitch Santner, in particular in this tournament, has been amazing at keeping the team nice and calm and not getting overawed by a situation, but also understanding that there’s important moments and we need to try and win those moments. It’s been a really enjoyable team to be a part of and I think part of the reason for that is it so closely aligns with how I enjoy playing the game as well.We’ve got a special group together for this tournament and everyone’s really enjoying each other’s company and having a lot of fun out on the field. Part of the reason is you’re having a bit of success, but I think even if we weren’t having the success on the field, we’d still be having a lot of fun and enjoying each other’s company anyway.Bracewell: “We’ve got a special group together for this tournament and everyone’s really enjoying each other’s company and having a lot of fun out on the field”•ICC/Getty ImagesIf you look at the tournament history over the last 10 years, New Zealand has had an incredible run of getting to semis and finals against what you’d say are much better-resourced teams. How do you feel those values interact with the way you guys are able to take down those oppositions?
It’s almost a bit of the Kiwi way. Kiwi ingenuity is a real thing. You just try to find a way and everyone mucks in. When we shake some of the opposition’s hands and you see how many support staff, they have with them it’s quite overwhelming at times – the amount of people and staff that these opposition teams have.I think that’s a real strength of our group. Everyone has to muck in. You have to give someone throwdowns at the end of training when you’re done to make sure that they’re well prepared. I think you learn a lot about someone else’s game by doing those little things. Everyone in our team is willing to help out and make sure that we’re all ready to go. I think that creates a really great bond between the team.I guess that puts us in good stead when we’re in those tough situations as well. We really understand each other’s game. If you’ve thrown balls to someone for a number of years and then you’re in a tough situation and you understand their game, then you can offer them a little bit more advice than perhaps if you’re relying on support staff or other people to help in those situations. I think it’s actually a real strength of ours.We’re not under-resourced because we’ve got great coaches, but I guess everyone having to muck in and do their little bit gives us a really good understanding of each other’s games.It sounds like you’re saying that there’s a lot of knowledge in the way that New Zealand do things. When you’re playing a better-resourced opposition, is there a hunger to learn about their game as well and to use your strategy really effectively?

I think there’s no secret that we leave no stone unturned. The homework that we do and the preparation that we do leading into games is really important. The communication around how the conditions are on that game is a huge focus for us. I’m sure other teams do that as well. But for us it’s trying to understand how the wicket’s playing and then playing accordingly.We’ve got guys who have played all around the world in different conditions. We rely heavily on guys like Kane [Williamson] and Mitch and Matt Henry to pass on their knowledge of playing in these different conditions, to help us figure out a way to particularly bowl on these surfaces. We’ve got a sprinkle of youth and experience throughout the batting order.Those conversations don’t stop with the batters either. We’re constantly talking about how we can attack different things. I think the value of friendship-based cricket is what we’re seeing in our team as well where guys have played all around the world and with and against high quality international players. You sort of pick their brains around what they’re doing and then try to take that back to the New Zealand team as well.

“We rely heavily on guys like Kane and Mitch and Matt Henry to pass on their knowledge of playing in these different conditions”Bracewell on the knowledge sharing that happens in the New Zealand dressing room

Have there been any plans or strategies that you’ve come up with as a group that you can’t believe worked as well as they did?
I wouldn’t say they’re ground-breakingly different strategies to what any other team is using. I think there’s one thing having the strategy and that’s having the ability to be able to execute on that strategy.I guess Matt Henry’s a really good example of that. We’ve obviously played on wickets in Pakistan and Dubai that aren’t super seamer-friendly, but he always seems to find a way to exploit a batsman’s technique or whatever it is. He just has a funny knack of picking up key wickets at key times.I think he’s one in particular that’s led our bowling attack in this campaign. His ability to get the ball to move sideways off unresponsive wickets is pretty amazing. You look at the way he got Shubman Gill out in Dubai in our last game when bowlers weren’t really getting a lot of movement off the wicket as one example.1:07

What makes New Zealand handle emotions better than other teams?

You came to spin bowling fairly late in life. Did you have any advice from your uncle John or any of the Bracewell clan around making that move?

I speak quite regularly with John around bowling and the philosophy of it. I think a lot of what we talk about is how you can train to improve. I don’t have the years of experience of bowling in a lot of games, so it’s about how can I keep learning even when I’m at training. It’s about how you can maximise your learning opportunities in any situation. That’s been hugely beneficial for me. Whether it’s a net session or things like that, seeing where the ball is going and understanding how different balls are played and how the ball reacts on different surfaces and just trying to learn from every moment that you can has been huge advice for me from John. He’s been hugely helpful.It’s extremely unusual for New Zealand to have as many spin options in an XI. It probably never has happened in a New Zealand team. What is it like to have all these guys, Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips – everybody able to contribute and have a big spin-bowling core?
It’s been awesome. We bounce heaps of ideas off each other. We’re all keen to keep improving and we lean on Mitch Santner a lot for that. He’s obviously the most experienced and the best bowler out of us. We’re all trying to pick his brains and he’s done it for a number of years.The way that he does it – he’s a different style. He tends to take the pace off the ball. Glenn and I both bowl offspin but we’re quite different offspinners. I’m a bit taller and get a bit more bounce whereas he brings the stumps into play a lot more. Rachin and Mitch are left-arm orthodox spinners but also very different in the way they approach things.Even though we’ve got two left-arm orthodox and two offspinners, we’re all very different. I think that really helps. We definitely talk a lot about what the conditions are like and what ball is hardest to hit but we also approach the game quite differently in the way that we play. We all have that batting element as well which is hugely beneficial to the balance of our side too.Michael Bracewell began his career as a batter and back-up wicketkeeper before he reinvented himself as an offspinner•ICC via Getty ImagesIs there something specifically that you’ve learnt from any of the other three guys that you can point to and say I wouldn’t have learnt that if it wasn’t for picking this person’s brain?

I’ve spoken to Mitch a lot about varying pace and how he does it. The subtleties of that is one thing that sets him apart in world cricket. His ability to change his pace without changing his action at all – it’s just in the subtleties of his wrist and I think that’s something that I’ve learnt from, trying to be a bit more unpredictable.Growing up in New Zealand you have to be able to beat guys in the air because the wickets don’t offer a lot of assistance in terms of sideways movement, so we’re usually pretty good at being able to change our pace but I guess trying to make it as hard for the batters to read it as possible is the challenge.In this tournament specifically is there a spell or a wicket you’re especially fond of?

I’ve enjoyed bowling in Pakistan to be honest. I think the difference is that because I’m quite tall I get quite a lot of bounce and often I’m over top of the stumps or the ball sits in the wicket a little bit whereas the wickets over there seem to not bounce quite as much so I’m bringing the stumps into play a lot more. That’s something that I’m going to have to be able to adapt to [for the final in Dubai] is the different length that you have to bowl over here that the ball sits in the wicket a little bit more, so you have to be slightly fuller and bring the stumps into play a bit more.I think that’s the great challenge of international cricket – you play in different parts of the world, and it can even be in the same tournament that you’re playing in two quite different places to bowl, so you have to be quick to learn. I think the experience that we had playing here against India a week ago will certainly put us in good stead for that. We’re the lucky team that’s had to play them already, so you get an idea of what the conditions are like in Dubai.Michael Bracewell: “I think the value of friendship-based cricket is what we’re seeing in our team”•Getty ImagesA lot’s been said about your economy rates and your ability to bowl dots. What do you attribute that to?
I think I’ve just tried to keep it really simple – just try to keep the stumps in play and not let the batters free their arms.I guess a lot’s made of right-handers wanting to target offspin, so it’s been a cool challenge bowling to a lot of right handers and trying to keep them quiet. I feel like I’ve got a pretty decent method of trying to get a couple of dot balls in an over and maybe that means you go for a few more boundaries if you’re a bit loose.I don’t have a lot of variation. I can’t spin the ball the other way or things like that, so I think that keeps my gameplan pretty simple. I can’t imagine how these mystery spinners stand at the top of their mark and decide what ball to bowl because they’ve got so many good balls to bowl. The simplicity probably helps me in a way. I can either try to bowl it fast or slow but it’s all going the same way so there’s not too many options at the top of my mark to figure out what I’m trying to do. Maybe that’s super helpful.You mentioned all four of you have a slightly different style, do you have quite well-defined roles in terms of what you’re trying to do at which stage of an innings?
Yeah, I think one thing we’re all trying to do is find a way to take wickets. We’ve seen that if teams in one-day cricket have wickets coming at the back end it’s very hard to stop teams.A lot of that for me, and I guess for Rachin and Glenn, is if we can build pressure then hopefully the wickets will come, whereas I think Mitch is probably a bit more adept at being able to take those wicket-taking balls. He bowls spectacular balls that get really good batters out, so his style of taking wickets is a little bit different to ours but as a unit if we can build pressure then hopefully we can lure some batters into some false shots and make it easier for the fast bowlers coming into the back end.

“Mitch Santner, in particular in this tournament, has been amazing at keeping the team nice and calm”Bracewell on his captain

Is it strange for you that in this tournament especially there has been a lot of focus on your offspin, when offspin is the last thing you picked up in your cricket? Is it something you’d ever have expected a few years back?
Absolutely not. If you told me that I was going to be an offspinning allrounder even three years ago, I would have said you were crazy. But I really enjoy bowling, and I enjoy the challenge of learning and trying to get better and I think it’s definitely helped. I’ve always thought of myself as a batsman, so I’ve never really put too much pressure on my bowling.Whether I have a good day or a bad day with the ball I’ll get annoyed if I don’t score runs. Maybe it helps to take the pressure off my batting a little bit, but I still very much see myself as a batter who bowls and I think that mindset has helped my bowling. If I’m getting hit around, I don’t find it to be the end of the world, though I take it very seriously and take pride in my performance.I don’t think it’s something that will change as well. It’s a funny situation – being a batter my whole life. It’s just hard to shake that feeling of you hang your hat on whether you score runs or not.I don’t really know how to describe it. I completely understand that I’m playing as a bowler and my batting is a bonus, but it’s still what I hold dear to my heart is my batting. I wouldn’t have it any other way to be honest.It’s your first big final with the New Zealand team. Is it the biggest game of your life so far?
Yeah, it definitely is. It’s a funny feeling. In the days leading up to the semi-final, I was a little bit nervous. But then when I got into the game it was just another game of cricket. I was just completely trying to immerse myself in the process of playing the game and doing what I do and what I love. I think that certainly helped. After the game I thought that experience was amazing and it’s very cool to look back on. I was very proud that I didn’t overthink the situation.2:40

What explains New Zealand’s consistency in ICC events?

I think if you can get into that frame of mind where you’re just really excited about trying to do the simple things well then that’s going to put us in good stead and hopefully the years of mental skills and things like that that we’ve practised over and over again kick in tomorrow. It does just become another game with a little bit more on the line. It does sound really boring, but it’s just doing that process over and over again. The final is just another distraction that tries to take you away from that process so if you cannot let the distractions get in the way and focus on the right things, then you should be able to put in a good performance.Have you had conversations with your dad through the course of the tournament?
We always exchange a few messages and he’s super proud of watching me play and I think the one thing that he enjoys is seeing the smile on my face when I’m out there playing. It’s very cool to get those messages from him, and how much he’s enjoying watching from home.I think the time difference isn’t great so they’re sleeping in quite a bit and staying up quite late, but I don’t think they’d have it any other way. It’s super cool having them follow my career and it’s great that they’re so proud of me and I guess the thing that I enjoy is trying to play the game in the right way and hopefully they can see that through the TV.Has there been any advice or does he leave you to your own devices now?
No no, he’s always been really good at that. He won’t offer too much but he’ll know the right time to say something. He’s been awesome.

Chelsea now enter talks to sign £53m speedster, bid to be made within weeks

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Chelsea have now entered negotiations over a deal to sign a rapid new centre-back, and an opening offer is set to be made within weeks.

Blues looking to sign new centre-back despite Cahill comments

With Levi Colwill suffering an ACL injury back in August, the Blues’ offer centre-back options have had to step up to the plate this season, and Gary Cahill has been very impressed with their performances, so much so that he believes his former club don’t need to sign a new defender.

Cahill said: “There has been a lot of noise around this for a long time, but I think the lads that are there are doing a very good job of proving that they don’t need to add to this position,”

“I’ve been very impressed with Wesley Fofana since he’s come back. Touch wood that he stays fit.

“Trevoh Chalobah: look at the job he’s been doing – he’s a bit of an unsung hero. Trevoh is probably the most underappreciated player at Chelsea.

However, while a senior centre-back may not be required, BlueCo are always keen to bring in exciting up-and-coming prospects, and they have now entered negotiations over a deal for Gremio defender Luis Eduardo.

That is according to a report from AS (via Sport Witness), which states Chelsea have now entered talks to sign Eduardo, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United, with opening offers set to be made in the coming weeks.

The Blues are now trying to ‘accelerate’ their pursuit of the centre-back, given that scouts have been left impressed with his performances, with the 17-year-old well-known for his pace, having reached 38 km/h for Gremio earlier this year.

The speedster has a €60m (£53m) release clause included in his contract with the Brazilian club, although it is unclear whether BlueCo would be willing to shell out such a big fee on a very young player.

Chelsea now ready to trigger £44m release clause for "unstoppable" striker

The Blues are looking to sign a new centre-forward, who has been in fantastic form so far this season.

By
Dominic Lund

Nov 30, 2025

Luis Eduardo impressing at youth level

The teenager is yet to establish himself as a regular starter for Gremio, having made just one appearance for the senior team, but he has put in some eye-catching performances for both club and country at youth level.

Despite being a centre-back, the Corrente-born ace managed to score two goals in seven appearances for Gremio U20s in 2025, while he has also netted three goals in 13 appearances for Brazil U17s.

Eduardo could be one for the future, but Cahill is correct in his assessment that Chelsea don’t need to worry about bringing in a new centre-back anytime soon, given Chalobah’s recent form, most recently netting the opening goal in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Enzo Maresca also has Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile at his disposal as back-up options, and with Colwill still to return, the manager is well-stocked at centre-back.

Man Utd youngster James Scanlon bags four goals as Red Devils' Under-18s run riot in 9-0 rout of Blackburn

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Manchester United youngster James Scanlon caught the eye on Saturday by scoring four goals in a 9-0 demolition of Blackburn on his 18th birthday.

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  • Scanlon stars in big Man Utd win
  • Bags four goals for Red Devils
  • Also celebrating his 18th birthday
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Red Devils' Under-18 team romped to an emphatic 9-0 win over Blackburn with Scanlon catching the eye on his 18th birthday. United's teenage star celebrated in style by scoring four of his team's goals, with Gabriele Biancheri, Zachary Baymann, Dante Plunkett and Godweill Kukonki the other scorers for the hosts.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Scanlon is certainly one to keep an eye on at Manchester United and was part of the Under-18 squad that enjoyed a stunning season last time out by winning the Premier League North, Premier League Cup and the national title. The team appear to have picked up where they loft off in the current campaign, as they have won all five league games so far and netted 22 goals along the way.

  • Getty Images Sport

    DID YOU KNOW?

    Scanlon is already a full international for Gibraltar. The Manchester United youngster made his international debut back in February in a 1-0 defeat to Lithuania.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD

    Scanlon will be hoping to continue his form with the ultimate aim of attempting to convince Erik ten Hag he deserves some first-team minutes. Meanwhile, Manchester United's youth ranks have been boosted this week by the arrival of highly-rated talent Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal.

Switch Hit: Turkey with extra stuffing

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

England ended their tour of New Zealand with a heavy defeat in Hamilton. Alan Gardner spoke to Vithushan Ehantharajah, Andrew Miller and Matt Roller about how their year in Tests has gone

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Dec-2024England ended their tour of New Zealand by suffering a 423-run blowout, but still went home with the Crowe-Thorpe Trophy in their luggage. On Switch Hit, Alan Gardner spoke to Vithushan Ehantharajah in Hamilton about how the final Test played out, and then was joined by Andrew Miller and Matt Roller to discuss England’s year in Tests – from the the arrivals of Shoaib Bashir, Gus Atkinson and Jacob Bethell, to Zak Crawley’s woes and what it all means for next winter’s Ashes.

South Africa look for Super League points against Ireland

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

William Porterfield’s injury could mean the home side change the combination they had in mind

Firdose Moonda10-Jul-2021

Big Picture

“You could say it’s David and Goliath, but David beat Goliath and hopefully that can work for us.”Andy Balbirnie has probably rehearsed that line hundreds of times and knows he will need to bring it out hundreds more but showed no sign of being worn down by the inevitable question of whether the match-up between Ireland and South Africa is a foregone conclusion. One of the intentions of the World Cup Super League is that there aren’t supposed to be any dead-rubbers because teams are always playing for points. And in South Africa’s case, they need plenty.South Africa lie in last place on the league table but, along with Zimbabwe, have played the fewest number of games. That is set to change over the next few months. After these Ireland matches, South Africa are due to make up postponed fixtures against Sri Lanka later in the year and hope to have both India and England in the calendar, after matches have been pushed back. For them, Ireland is a chance to start climbing the points’ ladder and setting on combinations under a relatively new captain in Temba Bavuma.Since taking over as white-ball captain in March, Bavuma has only led in one ODI series, against Pakistan, which came almost a year after South Africa last played the format, against Australia in March 2020. South Africa swept that series 3-0 and until their recent tour of the Caribbean, it was the format where they had enjoyed the most success under Mark Boucher and arguably, the format on which they are placing the most importance. Boucher and Bavuma have both been appointed until the 2023 World Cup.Ireland also put a lot of emphasis on the fifty-over game but did themselves no favours when they were beaten by Netherlands. They know they have much more in the tank though, and began their World Cup Super League campaign by taking points off England. They will have to summon that spirit to avoid falling into the stereotype of being the weaker team against South Africa. At least, they will have a small home crowd to cheer them on. Cricket Ireland have approved a limited number of fans – 560 – to be in attendance in Malahide.

Form guide

Ireland LWLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa LWLWWCurtis Campher leaps into his delivery stride•Getty Images

In the spotlight

South Africa run into former countrymen against several countries but this will be their first meeting with Curtis Campher, who is also among their most recent leavers. Campher played for the South African under-19 team as recently as 2018 and made his debut for Ireland two years later. In eight ODIs, he has scored three half-centuries, batting at No.7, bowled a full quota of 10 overs twice and is playing the role of a lower-order allrounder that South Africa currently lacks. But there’s unlikely to be any time or inclinations for what could have been from Campher’s side. He will be concentrating on making the best comeback he can, after undergoing ankle surgery in May and missing the series against Netherlands as a result.Temba Bavuma made his ODI debut against Ireland five years ago and scored a century to defy perceptions that he was a long-format specialist. He had to wait almost a year to play a second match and then two-and-half more years before getting a regular in the team and has since had two scores in the 90s in seven innings, as well as been named permanent captain. Bavuma has yet to make a definitive score as skipper after a middling tour of the Caribbean and may see an opportunity to do so in this Ireland series.

Team news

Ireland will make at least one change from their last outing, with Balbirnie confirming that William Porterfield will return to open the batting after being dropped for the third ODI in the Netherlands for Kevin O’Brien, who has since retired from 50-over cricket. Porterfield sustained an injury to his finger on match eve, prompting the selectors to add Jeremy Lawlor to the squad, but late in the evening, the veteran was deemed fit enough to take the field on the morrow. Conditions may demand an extra seamer but offspinning allrounders Simi Singh and Andy McBrine have been successful throughout the year bowling in the middle overs, meaning Mark Adair may start the series on the bench. Campher is expected to replace George Dockrell as the batting allrounder in the middle order.Ireland: (possible) 1 Paul Stirling, 2 William Porterfield, 3 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 4 Harry Tector, 5 Curtis Campher, 6 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7 Simi Singh, 8 Andy McBrine, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Josh Little, 11 Craig YoungThe XI that last won an ODI for South Africa are all in the squad and if they play, that will mean a first appearance for Andile Phehlukwayo on this tour. He did not feature in the T20Is in the Caribbean as South Africa dispensed with the seam-bowling allrounder in favour of a spin-bowling one, but are likely to return to more pace-friendly conditions. South Africa may also want to start strongly by returning to their first-choice pack back in action after Anrich Nortje missed the final T20I in Grenada as a precaution after being hit on the knee.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Temba Bavuma (capt), 4 Rassie van der Dussen, 5 David Miller, 6 Heinrich Klaasen, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi

Pitch and conditions

South Africa are expecting run-scoring to be more free-flowing than it was in the Caribbean, although they will be wary of the moving ball in the early stages of their innings. There is some grass on the surface which should aid seam movement, but if the top-order batters can negotiate that and get in, there’s every chance of a score in excess of 300 on a ground with small boundaries. That’s if they get much opportunity to bat at all. There’s a more than 70% chance of rain expected throughout the day on Sunday.

Stats and trivia

  • Ireland and South Africa have played five ODIs against each other, three at World Cups, and South Africa have won all five.
  • Paul Stirling is Ireland’s highest-ranked ODI batter, at No.20 on the ICC’s ODI rankings. Only two South Africans, Faf du Plessis (8), and Quinton de Kock (11) are ranked above him and of those, only de Kock will be playing in this series.

Quotes

“The ODIs are hugely important, more so maybe than the T20Is because of what the points carry, as opposed to the T20Is. But all games you play for Ireland are important but certainly a lot of our focus for the last two or three weeks – albeit we’ve had those festivals – has been on one-day cricket and how we can get the best out of these three games and the three following. The T20s are a good chance to express ourselves and go out all guns blazing against them, and try to produce results.””There are similarities. The style, the philosophy and the thinking is generally quite the same. We would like to continue that same type language and feel throughout both formats. We are quite fortunate that we have a majority of guys that play fifty-over as well as T20 so when you talk about a culture, it becomes easier to allow that to flow. It allows us to speak the same type of language through the different formats.”Temba Bavuma hopes for continuity in the white-ball formats for South Africa. *This preview was amended at 4.30pm GMT to reflect that William Porterfield was back with the squad despite his finger injury.

West Ham tipped to meet asking price for 93-goal striker likened to Julian Alvarez

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

West Ham have been tipped to match one club’s asking price to sign a striker who’s been compared to former Man City star Julian Alvarez.

West Ham battle to Man United draw as Nuno makes January plans

West Ham battled back to claim a precious point at Old Trafford on Thursday night, with Soungoutou Magassa’s late strike cancelling out Diogo Dalot’s opener in a 1-1 draw.

Their stalemate away to Man United keeps the Hammers’ survival hopes well and truly alive heading into the festive period, as the east Londoners battle to make up ground on Leeds United and Nottingham Forest above them.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side spent much of the evening defending resolutely, absorbing sustained United pressure before Dalot found the breakthrough in the 58th minute.

The Portuguese wing-back reacted quickest after Casemiro’s deflected effort fell invitingly inside the penalty area, composing himself before drilling his finish beyond Alphonse Areola.

The lead appeared safe until seven minutes from time, when substitute Andy Irving’s corner caused chaos in the United box. Jarrod Bowen flicked the delivery goalwards at the near post, Noussair Mazraoui cleared desperately off the line, but Magassa pounced to fire home his first West Ham goal from close range.

Ex-West Ham chief shares the "big" changes Nuno "wants to make" to his squad

Nuno wants to transform them.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 4, 2025

The finish sparked jubilation among the travelling supporters and left United fans booing at the final whistle.

West Ham’s results in the Premier League so far

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

Man United 1-1 West Ham

Yet, West Ham’s attacking struggles remain glaring.

With 36-year-old Callum Wilson their only reliable striking option right now following Niclas Fullkrug’s disastrous spell in east London, January reinforcements have become essential.

The German wants out after an 18-month West Ham career marred by injuries and a lack of goals, scoring zero this season, with Nuno poised to be left desperately thin in the final third if they don’t sign another number nine next month.

Reports suggest West Ham are leading the race for Union Saint-Gilloise’s towering striker Promise David, but he is by no means their only target.

West Ham tipped to meet Santiago Gimenez asking price

AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Irons ahead of January, with Milan reportedly open to selling following his underwhelming spell at the San Siro overall.

The Mexico international fired ex-club Feyenoord to an Eredivisie title in 2023 and built upon that by scoring 26 goals in all competitions the following campaign.

This excellent form in the Netherlands culminated in a £28 million move to Milan last January, but Gimenez has failed to live up to expectations, despite former teammate Kyle Walker likening him to Alvarez, who is thriving for Atlético Madrid right now.

Walker also said that Gimenez is capable of producing ‘magic’ whilst being a hard-worker for the team.

According to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero and reporter Salvatore Riggio, West Ham could bid £26 million for Gimenez in January, which would in fact match the Rossoneri’s asking price.

The 24-year-old, who has scored 93 career goals to date, is apparently ‘destined’ for England with Sunderland also very interested.

The outlet adds that Gimenez simply hasn’t settled in Milan, so perhaps a move to London could reignite his best.

India's early setback set to raise the temperature of Pakistan clash

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The rivalry has seldom lived up to its billing in women’s cricket, but Sunday promises to be different

Shashank Kishore05-Oct-20241:25

Are India in danger of a group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup?

India vs Pakistan has never quite cut it as rivalry in women’s cricket. But it seems poised to heat up significantly on Sunday, much to the delight of fans, organisers and the broadcasters.It’s not that the rivalry – which, in women’s cricket, often turns into an exhibition of bonhomie, unstained by geopolitical frictions – has suddenly gained an edge. On the face of it, this match, between an India line-up studded with superstars emboldened by the success of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and a Pakistan side weighed down by systemic apathy, shouldn’t even be a contest.But the ground reality is this: the twin shockwaves from Pakistan’s opening-night upset of a more fancied Sri Lanka side and India’s sensational unravelling against New Zealand have added a significant dash of spice to Sunday afternoon’s primetime blockbuster.Related

  • India left fuming after Amelia Kerr run-out-that-wasn't drama

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  • October 6 at the T20 World Cup: India meet Pakistan; Scotland take on injury-affected West Indies

As India arrived at the ICC Academy to train shortly after 2pm on Saturday, welcomed by a gust of hot desert air, the aftereffects of their physically and emotionally exhausting loss from a little over 12 hours earlier seemed to linger. There was a grimness to their demeanour, a reflection of how tricky their passage to the semi-finals now appears.However, the sight of the open field and a session of fun and games changed the mood, with every member of the squad present. The training session began with a session of football, with Jemimah Rodrigues and S Sajana doubling up as strikers and scorekeepers. As the competitive energy spread through the group, stony faces gave way to banter and leg-pulling.As such, the short turnaround may have left India with little time to brood over what went wrong against New Zealand, but they’ll be aware of the flip side: another slip-up and they could be booted out of a party they were expected to liven up until the end. Inadvertently, though, they may have given this tournament, which has witnessed four one-sided games over its first two days, a welcome dose of energy thanks to the element of jeopardy that this otherwise regulation group fixture has gained.Pakistan’s opening-night upset of Sri Lanka has completely opened up Group A•ICC/Getty ImagesIndia’s players now moved from football to foot volley, and the afternoon lull around the training session, partly fueled by the heat and sapping humidity, was broken by choruses of “Messi” when Richa Ghosh nailed a perfect header and “Ronaldo” when Sajana, who hails from football-mad Kerala, attempted a backheel.Head coach Amol Muzumdar and Smriti Mandhana were involved in a long discussion, while Harmanpreet Kaur did some stretching by the side, all on her own, followed by some visualisation. Muzumdar then joined the foot volley group, and was immediately ribbed for “poor passing”, before Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma exchanged thunderous high-fives after kicking a winner to groans from the opposite camp.Once the regular sessions began, the first act was a fielding drill to replicate catches similar to the skier Richa Ghosh put down against New Zealand, a swirler that had her back-pedalling. The attention to detail lay in her practicing these drills with a helmet on – it seemed apparent that the grille may have come in her way of a clear sighter during the match. The players then proceeded to have a sharp net session before dispersing to the sound of laughter.On Sunday, the scene will change. From the relaxed vibe around the training center to the cauldron that the Dubai International Stadium will be. As many as 12,000 tickets have been sold, and fans, who in other matches could troop as late as five minutes before the first ball, have been advised to reach the venue early to avoid traffic snarls and queues with security personnel at all entry gates having been subject to meticulous briefings.It’s India vs Pakistan, after all, a rivalry that will draw in crowds just by the sheer weight of those two words. On the field, these contests have seldom lived up to the hype, with India boasting a 12-3 overall record in women’s T20Is, and a 5-2 record at T20 World Cups. Despite those numbers making India favourites, they go into this match with the pressure of a must-win game.In a way, the tournament from here will be a test of India’s resolve and belief. While one result can’t and shouldn’t define how a team is perceived, Harmanpreet’s proclamation that this is the strongest India side to play in a T20 World Cup will come under more and more scrutiny if India fail to walk the talk.

Signing of the summer? Michael Olise's world-class potential is becoming clear at Bayern Munich

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

The ex-Crystal Palace winger doesn't say much, but he's letting his feet do the talking ahead of his return to England to face Aston Villa

Whenever a top young talent joins an elite European club, there's always a question mark over how they'll cope with the pressure. The spotlight shines so much brighter on the game's grandest stages and some players – no matter how much ability they have – simply can't handle the increased scrutiny.

There was, thus, some mild concern at the Allianz Arena when Michael Olise barely strung two sentences together during his official unveiling as a Bayern Munich player in August. When asked whether he preferred creating or scoring goals, the former Crystal Palace shook his head, smiled politely and said, "Whatever… Both." On the differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga, he could only say, "I think, probably it will be a bit different but, I don't know…"

As first impressions go, it really wasn't great. Olise looked like he wanted to be anywhere else in the world at that moment. However, as relieved Bayern fans have quickly come to realise, this is a player who much prefers to express himself on the pitch rather than in the press room.

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  • Getty

    'Shot. Scored.'

    Those who have been following Olise's progress closely over the past few years – from his professional breakthrough at Reading, after making a name for himself at under-age level at Chelsea and Manchester City, to his emergence as a Premier League star at Crystal Palace – are already familiar with Olise's monosyllabic response to reporters' questions.

    During one infamous interview after a victory over West Ham, he was asked to describe his 94th-minute winner. Olise replied, "I think Wilf (Zaha) passed me the ball. Shot. Scored."

    His amusingly taciturn nature didn't prevent him becoming one of the most coveted youngsters in world football, though. Chelsea tried desperately to re-sign him last year, while Manchester United were heavily linked during the summer before Bayern eventually won the race for his signature.

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  • Getty

    Choosing France over England

    It's also worth remembering that he was also the subject of a tug-of-war at international level, on account of the fact that he was born in London to a Nigerian father and a French-Algerian mother. However, in Olise's mind, France was only country he ever wanted to represent – much to the delight of Thierry Henry, who included the 22-year-old in his squad for this year's Olympics in Paris.

    "I got goosebumps when I talked to him about it," Henry admitted. "He preferred to play for France rather than England – why? Because it's his dream and when someone has a dream, you can put anything you like in their way, they're still going to make it come true."

  • AFP

    'Haven't seen anything yet!'

    France's hopes of winning a gold medal on home soil were ultimately dashed in the men's football final by Spain, who triumphed 5-3 after extra-time in an epic encounter at the Parc des Princes. However, Olise had been one of the stars of the show, involved in seven goals in total, scoring two himself.

    Henry was immensely proud of the versatile attacking midfielder's performances but not in the least bit surprised by them. "This is just the beginning," the striking icon declared. "I hope so for his sake anyway. Of course, we don't want to jinx him. But you don't often get players like this.

    "He has enormous quality – and you haven't seen anything yet." Henry was spot on.

  • Getty Images

    'Like a young Ribery or Robben'

    Olise may not have impressed in his first press conference as a Bayern player, but he wasted little time becoming a fan favourite at the Allianz Arena. As coach Vincent Kompany conceded, "Michel's start at FC Bayern couldn't be much better."

    He's already scored five goals in seven appearances in all competitions for his new club – only Harry Kane has more so far this season – while he's also chipped in with three assists.

    Hardly surprising, therefore, that Bayern's board are feeling pretty pleased with themselves right now, as it's already looking like they've landed themselves a €60 million (£50m/$66m) bargain and a strong early contender for signing of the season.

    Indeed, sporting director Max Eberl has already felt compelled to compare Olise to two of the finest attackers to ever grace the Allianz Arena.

    "Michael is a player who, like a young (Franck) Ribery or a young (Arjen) Robben, can achieve extraordinary things," he recently enthused.

Spurs star who's like "Barcola & Aaron Lennon" could end Johnson's stay

by n8rngtd.top Uncategorized

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have often been blessed with numerous elite-level wingers, many of whom have given the supporters memories to last a lifetime in the final third.

Heung-min Son joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen way back in the summer of 2015, making himself a cult hero in North London – after racking up over 400 appearances in North London.

The South Korean international captained the Lilywhites last season, leading them to European glory and subsequently helping them end their near-two-decade wait for silverware.

Gareth Bale was another, scoring countless strikes off the right-hand flank, even leaving in a club-record £85m deal to join Real Madrid back in the summer of 2013.

The Welshman is arguably one of the most talented players to ever grace the Premier League, with current boss Thomas Frank no doubt wishing he had a player of his calibre at his disposal.

However, one of Bale’s compatriots has ultimately failed to reach the levels many expected, which has brought his long-term future in North London into huge question.

Brennan Johnson’s decline at Spurs in the last 12 months

Brennan Johnson has endured somewhat of a rollercoaster spell in his two years at Spurs, with many being taken by surprise by his performances in North London.

The winger originally joined in a £47.5m deal from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, with many supporters raising eyebrows at the nature of the transfer fee.

His spell at the club certainly didn’t get off to the best start in 2023/24, with the 24-year-old only scoring five times in his 32 appearances during his debut year.

The early stages of 2024/25 weren’t much better for the youngster, with his dismal displays leading to unacceptable abuse from a selection of supporters on social media.

In turn, Johnson deactivated all of his accounts, allowing him to focus on his football and subsequently shutting up his doubters – ending the year on 18 goals across all competitions.

He was also responsible for the biggest goal in the Lilywhites’ recent history, as he poked home the winning goal in the Europa League triumph against Manchester United back in May.

Frank’s arrival during the same period should have handed the winger the perfect chance to build on his success, but so far, he’s endured a huge drop-off in form, with his numbers massively suffering as a result.

Johnson averaged a superb 2.2 shots per 90 in the Premier League last season, but in the first 11 outings of the new campaign, he’s only been able to post an average of 0.96 per 90.

Such a drop is a 56% decline in the space of just a matter of months, showcasing that the player is currently suffering from a huge lack of confidence in North London.

He’s also seen a significant drop in terms of his touches in the opposition box per 90, with the Welshman also unable to get himself into threatening positions on a consistent basis.

Last season, the 24-year-old averaged a total of 5.9 touches in the 18-yard box per 90, but at present, he’s only notching a total of 2.6 – a drop of around 57%.

The Spurs star who can end Johnson’s Spurs career

After Son’s departure to join LAFC in the summer window, Spurs and Frank have massively lacked the depth and quality needed on the left-hand side of the attack.

Over the last few weeks, the Dane has utilised various players in such a role to try and bridge the gap between now and the upcoming January transfer window.

Richarlison operated in such a role in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United, with the Brazilian struggling to adapt to operating in a somewhat unfamiliar position.

Johnson himself has even filled the void over the last couple of months, but like the aforementioned star, he’s been unable to nail such a role down as his own.

His performances in such an area will no doubt have contributed to his recent slump in form, with the Welshman being kicked out of his right-sided role after Mohammed Kudus’ arrival.

However, the 24-year-old could find his career in North London over the coming months, especially if winger Wilson Odobert is able to build up a strong run of starts in the first team.

The Frenchman joined the Lilywhites in a £25m deal from Burnley last summer, but has often had to bide his time for an impact in the first-team over the last 18 months.

The 20-year-old only made a total of 16 Premier League appearances for the Lilywhites last season, but still managed to net his first top-flight goal against West Ham United.

Odobert, who’s been described as “a mixture of Barcola and Aaron Lennon” by one Sky Sports analyst, also managed to net two goals during the Europa League-winning campaign, managing to provide the goods when called upon by Ange Postecoglou.

However, since Frank’s arrival during the off-season, he’s only made three starts in the Premier League, whilst also making just seven appearances off the bench.

He’s only appeared for a total of 379 league minutes to date, with the manager desperately needing to show more faith in the youngster in the months ahead.

Frank did allow Odobert the chance to shine against United on Saturday, with the Frenchman taking full advantage of the chance handed his way by the manager.

He registered an assist for Richarlison after coming on at the break to replace compatriot Randal Kolo Muani, who was replaced at the break after fracturing his jaw.

Wilson Odobert – stats against Man Utd

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

45

Touches

25

Passes completed

100%

Chances created

3

Dribbles completed

2

Crosses completed

2

Duels won

100%

Fouls drawn

1

Stats via FotMob

Despite only featuring for 45 minutes, Odobert did manage to complete the most dribbles of any player on the pitch (2), whilst also creating the most chances (3).

He also managed to complete 100% of the passes he attempted, with such a cameo showcasing to the manager why he should he starting in North London on a regular basis.

As a result, Johnson will certainly be lucky to maintain his starting role, with the Welshman now extremely likely to drop down to the substitutes bench in the coming games.

Given his mammoth sum, the hierarchy may now look to cash in on his services in the winter to try and avoid losing a whole heap on their £47.5m investment for his signature.

Frank can end Bentancur's Spurs career by unleashing "future £100m" talent

Tottenham Hotspur have a huge talent on their hands, but his progress is being halted by Rodrigo Bentancur.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 12, 2025