Shakib Al Hasan has said that the Bangladesh team has the ability to bounce from adversity, after their first series whitewash at home in nine years. The home side lost the Dhaka Test by 17 runs against West Indies, after already losing the game in Chattogram by three wickets.It led to stinging criticism led by BCB president Nazmul Hassan who didn’t mince his words in a press conference shortly after the Dhaka defeat.Related
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Shakib, who missed part of the first Test and the entirety of the second Test due to a thigh injury, said that Bangladesh has come out of similarly difficult situations in the past.”It is definitely a difficult time for us, but we have had such times before,” Shakib said at a private event in Dhaka on Monday. “We have worked together in the past to get out of such situations, and I believe we can do it again. I believe we have the ability. We have got out of such situations before. A couple of good results will change the scenario. We wouldn’t be talking about anything if we had scored the 17 runs yesterday.”Nobody wants to lose in any sport. We didn’t think it would turn out like this. We beat their full-strength side in the previous tour. Everything was okay till the fourth day of the first Test. Our bad phase started from the fifth day.”Shakib said that like all team managements, the Bangladesh one also takes winning decisions but it sometimes doesn’t work out. “There’s no right or wrong decision in cricket. Every decision is taking by players, captain and the team management thinking of a win,” he said. “If we would’ve won, you wouldn’t have asked these questions, but you have a job to ask questions even then. I think everyone has a responsibility,” he said.Shakib also explained why he needed the break for the tour of New Zealand, which he said was partly due to his injury and partly because his wife is giving birth to their third child.”It will take me six to eight weeks to recover from the injury, which means there’s a good chance that I will miss the New Zealand tour. If it takes me six weeks, I might make it to the T20I series, but there’s a personal reason for asking for the leave.”We are going to have our third child, which is exciting for both of us,” he said. “I must be next to my wife. More importantly, the Covid-19 situation in the US is pretty bad. Only the husband is allowed in the hospital, so I must be with her.”
The talented full-back looks destined for a switch to Europe after a remarkable rise to stardom in his homeland with Lanus
The Premier League, and more specifically Manchester United, has a strong history when it comes to Argentine players. The Red Devils have regularly raided the Albiceleste's talent pool down the years, bringing in the likes of Juan Sebastian Veron, Gabriel Heinze, Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero, while Alejandro Garnacho and Lisandro Martinez are currently representing the reigning world champions at Old Trafford.
It has been reported that the Red Devils have their eye on another promising Argentina starlet in the form of Julio Soler, who is already earning senior international recognition at the tender age of 19. Soler has been playing regular football for Lanus in Argentina's Primera Division for two years, and he looks ready to take the next step in his fledgling career.
The Premier League seemingly beckons for Soler, but it's by no means a foregone conclusion that United will win the race for his signature. That's because Liverpool are also said to be huge admirers of the teenager, and a bidding war between two of English football's biggest clubs could be on the cards next summer if he stays on his current trajectory.
It's no exaggeration to say that Soler has the potential to be a leading figure for Argentina's next generation, and GOAL is here to explain what makes him such an exciting prospect…
Where it all began
Soler was born in Paraguay on February 16, 2005, but moved to Argentina as a child and started to pursue a path towards professional football. Boosted by the guidance of his father Jose, who played in the Paraguayan top-flight for Sol de America, Soler eventually attracted the attention of Argentinos Juniors as a child.
He honed his skills in the academy best known for producing global icon Diego Maradona, but his journey took an unexpected twist when he played in a 2017 match against Lanus. Argentinos Juniors lost 1-0, but Soler's performance impressed everyone, including then-Lanus first team manager Ezequiel Carboni, who was in the stands to watch his son Valentin in action.
According to , Carboni said to reserves coach Rodrigo Acosta: "We have to go and get him now." Two days later, Soler made the swift nine-mile trip across Buenos Aires to begin his Lanus career, though Argentinos Juniors still managed to retain 40 percent of his economic rights.
Lanus also employed Soler's father as a kit man for their children's team, and the family gave approval for the youngster to live in the club's boarding house. By 2021, Soler had worked his way up to the reserves squad, and the following year he was handed his senior debut at 17.
When Julian Aude went down injured in the 77th minute of a Copa de la Liga Profesional group-stage clash against Independiente on April 30, 2022, Soler was thrown on as his replacement, and made a big impact as Lanus went on to seal a 1-0 victory courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from Angel Gonzalez. Soler would also make three league appearances that year, but would have to wait for a regular role.
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The big break
Soler made 12 appearances for Lanus across all competitions in 2023 as they finished fourth in the Primera Division and qualified for the 2024 Copa Sudamericana. However, under the stewardship of Ricardo Zielinski, Lanus made a poor start to the 2024 campaign, losing two of their first three Copa de la Liga games, which led him to promote Soler into his starting XI.
The youngster shone in a 3-0 win over Platense, and has been a fixture in Zielinski's line-up ever since. Soler was one of Lanus' top performers in the first half of the year and also managed to break into Argentina's Under20 set-up. On June 10, Javier Mascherano started Soler in Argentina's final warm-up game for the Olympics, and he notched an assist in a 2-0 win against Paraguay. That impressive display convinced the ex-Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder to include Soler in his 18-man squad for the Paris Games.
Geronimo Rulli, Nicolas Otamendi and Julian Alvarez took the three over-age spots, while Thiago Almada also made the cut, giving Soler the chance to play alongside four World Cup winners. Unfortunately, their presence did not guarantee a strong start to the tournament.
Argentina were upset by Morocco 2-1 in their first group game, which lasted 116 minutes due to a ridiculously drawn-out VAR review that eventually ruled out Cristian Medina's stoppage-time equaliser. It was a crazy introduction to international tournament football for Soler, but he showed no sign of feeling the pressure in his 71 minutes on the pitch, and even set up Giuliano Simeone to score Argentina's only goal of the game.
Soler retained his place in subsequent wins over Iraq and Ukraine as Argentina bounced back to reach the quarter-finals. There would be no fairy-tale finish for Soler, though, as Mascherano decided to drop him to the bench against hosts France. Soler came on as a half-time substitute in the last-eight tie, but left the field in tears after just 30 minutes due to injury, and Les Bleus managed to close out a 1-0 victory.
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How it's going
Argentina's Olympics campaign was a huge disappointment, but Soler was able to return to South America with his head held high. He made the most of every minute he got on the pitch and put himself on the radar of top clubs across Europe.
The teenager emerged as a more mature footballer for the experience, too, and immediately picked up from where he left off at Lanus. He played a vital role in their run to the Copa Sudamericana semi-finals, even scoring one of the penalties in their shootout win over Independiente Medellin in the last eight.
Lanus ultimately crashed out against Cruzeiro, and are now destined to finish the season without silverware, but it will go down as Soler's breakout year. That was confirmed in October, when Lionel Scaloni drafted him into the Argentina senior squad for the first time, after an injury to Marcos Acuna.
Unfortunately for him, Soler was an unused substitute as Scaloni's side played out a 1-1 draw against Venezuela and a 6-0 win over Bolivia in their most recent set of World Cup qualifiers. He got to witness a Lionel Messi masterclass up close in the latter game, though, as the Inter Miami star scored a hat-trick and provided two assists.
Not many teenagers get the chance to rub shoulders with Messi; it's a testament to how far Soler has come in such a short space of time. He was understandably a little bit star struck in training, as he admitted to reporters: "I haven't spoken to Messi much. I've watched him on TV all my life and now he's right here, it's amazing. It doesn't seem real."
Soler didn't receive a call-up for Argentina's November qualifiers, but that shouldn't dishearten him. The Lanus ace is way ahead of schedule development-wise, and will remain in Scaloni's thoughts ahead of the 2026 World Cup, especially if he seals a switch to Europe next year.
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Biggest strengths
Soler is a forward-thinking left-back with bags of energy and pace. He's already a very mature, technical player with a good range of passing and an aggressive streak that makes him difficult to get past or dispossess.
There are often times when Soler takes it upon himself to get Lanus up the pitch, accelerating away from his marker effortlessly even in the tightest of spaces. He has a knack for drawing fouls, can keep the ball under control at top speed and always plays with his head up, which is a sign of his general footballing intelligence.
Soler relishes one-on-one duels, too, and rarely comes off second-best. He has everything needed to make it to the very top of the game, it will just be a case of keeping his feet on the ground as the hype around him continues to grow.
يشهد اليوم الخميس الموافق 16-1-2025، إقامة عدد من المباريات الهامة ضمن منافسات الدوريات المصري والسعودي والإنجليزي، وكذلك بطولتي كأس مصر وكأس ملك إسبانيا.
وتختتم منافسات الجولة الثامنة من الدوري المصري بإقامة مباراتي الزمالك أمام حرس الحدود على استاد القاهرة، وكذلك المصري ضد فاركو في ملعب برج العرب بالإسكندرية.
ويحتل الزمالك المركز الرابع، في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 14 نقطة، بعد مرور 7 جولات، إذ فاز في 4 مباريات وتعادل في 2 وخسر في لقاء.
يحتل فريق حرس الحدود بالمركز الـ16 بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ولديه في رصيده 6 نقاط من الفوز في مباراة وحيدة والتعادل 3 مرات وتلقى 3 هزائم.
طالع | اتحاد الكرة يٌعلن حكم مباراة الزمالك وحرس الحدود في الدوري المصري
ويواجه فريق ريال مدريد نظيره سيلتا فيجو في إطار مباريات كأس ملك إسبانيا.
وتأهل ريال مدريد إلى منافسات دور الـ16، بعد أن فاز على ديبورتيفو مينيرا بخماسية نظيفة في مباريات دور الـ32 من كأس ملك إسبانيا.
كما تستكمل منافسات الجولة الـ15 من الدوري السعودي بإقامة 3 مباريات هامة أبرزها مواجهتي الاتحاد أمام الرائد وكذلك الهلال ومنافسه الفتح.
وتختتم مواجهات الجولة الـ21 من الدوري الإنجليزي بخوض مباراتين مساء اليوم، أبرزهما لقاء مانشستر يونايتد ونظيره ساوثهمبتون. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الخميس 16-1-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري المصري اليوم
الزمالك أمام حرس الحدود، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة الرابعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الخامسة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس1.
المصري ضد فاركو، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس1. مواعيد مباريات كأس مصر اليوم
الإسماعيلي أمام إنبي، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة 02:30 عصرًا بتوقيت مصر، 03:30 عصراً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس2 مواعيد مباريات الدوري السعودي اليوم
الأخدود أمام الفيحاء، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 04:55 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 05:55 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع على SSC Extra 1.
الهلال ضد الفتح، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة 05:05 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، و06:05 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع على SSC Extra 1 HD.
الاتحاد أمام الرائد، وتنطلق المباراة في الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر والثامنة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع على SSC 1 HD. مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإنجليزي اليوم
برايتون أمام إبسويتش تاون، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10:30 بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 2”.
مانشستر يونايتد ضد ساوثهمبتون، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1”. موعد مباريات كأس ملك إسبانيا اليوم
أتليتك بلباو وأوساسونا، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10:30 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC EXTRA 1 HD “.
ريال سوسيداد ضد رايو فاليكانو، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10:30 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC EXTRA 1 HD “.
ريال مدريد أمام سيلتا فيجو، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10:30 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC EXTRA 1 HD “. مواعيد مباريات بطولة كأس العالم لكرة اليد 2025
إيطاليا والجزائر، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس2.
تونس والدنمارك، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتذاع عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس2.
إسبانيا ضد تشيلي، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.
الكويت أمام فرنسا، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.
سلوفينيا ضد كوبا، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة السابعة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.
النمسا ضد قطر، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.
أيسلندا أمام الرأس الأخضر، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.
السويد ضد اليابان، وتنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 09:30 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10:30 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.
O Taubaté faz uma campanha relativamente boa na Copa Paulista e pode figurar entre os classificados para a próxima fase da competição. Na última terça-feira, o Burro da Central visitou o Atibaia e levou um ponto fora de casa.
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Com dois gols de Matheus Devellard, o duelo terminou empatado em 2 a 2. O camisa 10 comemorou e muito seus primeiros gols no campeonato. Para ele, o Taubaté tem condições de avançar, mas prega cautela e pés no chão.
– Estamos em busca do nosso objetivo, algo que foi planejado e está sendo trabalhado por todos nós. Fico feliz de poder ajudar. Já havia contribuído com uma assistência, agora fui feliz com dois gols. Não importa como, só quero ajudar. Ainda é um pouco cedo pra falar sobre isso, mas estamos focados e vamos lutar para passar pra próxima fase.
O Burro está no grupo D, com cinco pontos. A Portuguesa é a líder, com nove, seguida do próprio Atibaia, com seis. Em quarto e quinto, estão Juventus e São Caetano, respectivamente.
A £15m player could now seal an exit away from Manchester City in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh transfer update.
Man City transfer news
Exciting transfer rumours continue to circulate at the Etihad, with Spain star Dani Olmo reportedly closing in on a move this summer, fresh off the back of a hugely successful Euro 2024 campaign with his country. He ended the tournament as joint-top scorer, having initially been behind Pedri in the pecking order, doing no harm to his reputation whatsoever.
An alternative to Olmo has also reportedly been lined up, with Crystal Palace and England ace Eberechi Eze also seen as an option to come in. The 26-year-old isn't without suitors this summer, however, and the Eagles will find it hard to keep hold of one of their most prized assets.
Adam Wharton's stock has risen greatly this year, having surprisingly made England's Euros squad, and he has been linked with a summer switch to City, too. The 20-year-old looks like a player of huge potential and could be considered a long-term replacement for Rodri in the deep-lying midfield role, even though matching the legendary Spaniard could be extremely difficult.
Then there's Joao Neves, who is also wanted by the likes of Liverpool as well as City, who could cost as much as £105m, having emerged as a massive prospect at Benfica.
£15m Man City player set to leave
According to a new report from Football Insider, Manchester City have "given the green light" for Callum Doyle to leave the club in the current window, valuing him at £15m.
The report also states that "Norwich are in talks" to sign the 20-year-old, with "other Championship clubs" also believed to be interested in snapping him up. It is the Canaries who are "close" to completing a deal, although it doesn't state if it will be a loan or a permanent transfer.
This summer feels like the natural time for Doyle to head out again, with his current contract not expiring until 2027, allowing the club to make good money for him or to gain more experience on loan. Former manager at Coventry City, Mark Robins, has lavished him with praise in the past, making it clear how highly he thinks of him:
"I think he’s a really talented player who has everything he needs to have a brilliant career in the game. Technically he’s very, very good and he’s learning the other bits and pieces. There’s clearly more work to be done and that will determine where he will end up playing the majority of his career. But he’s at a brilliant football club [in Manchester City]. They have great coaches there as well, and have done a great job with him so we have been the beneficiaries of his talents this year."
Callum Doyle's international career
Caps
Goals
England Under-21s
3
1
England Under-20s
6
0
England Under-19s
14
1
England Under-18s
1
0
The aim for Doyle will be to kick on and enjoy a fantastic career, potentially even making the leap to England's senior squad at some point, becoming a key starter in a side and fulfilling his potential.
Glasgow Rangers confirmed on Tuesday that long-serving central defender Connor Goldson has completed a permanent exit from Ibrox this summer.
The English titan has moved to Cyprus to sign for Aris Limassol and becomes the latest experienced ace to depart from Glasgow ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Jon McLaughlin, Kemar Roofe, and Ryan Jack also left the Gers earlier this summer, when their contracts expired at the end of May.
Another experienced first-team player who could yet move on from Ibrox before the summer transfer window slams shut is centre-forward Cyriel Dessers.
Cyriel Dessers
The Daily Record recently reported that Italian side Cagliari have a concrete interest in the Nigerian attacker and that it would take a bid of more than £4m to secure his services.
Dessers scored 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership in his first season in Glasgow. However, the 29-year-old dud also missed a staggering 27 'big chances' in front of goal, which shows that he did not make the most of the high-quality opportunities that were created for him.
With this in mind, it makes sense why Rangers are now reportedly weighing up a move to sign a new centre-forward to bolster the squad this summer.
Rangers eyeing up Premiership star
According to the Daily Record, Philippe Clement is considering a swoop to sign Hearts number nine Lawrence Shankland to improve his options at the top end of the pitch.
The report claims that the Scottish giants are 'locked' in internal talks over a potential deal to sign the Scotland international, as they debate the pros and cons to moving for him.
It states that the board have made it clear to Clement that the funds are available to him if he wants to press ahead with a bid for the Premiership star, after the club banked £2.8m from the sale of Sam Lammers.
The Daily Record adds that the Light Blues are hoping that an offer of £3m will be enough to tempt the Jam Tarts to cash in on their skipper, whose contract is due to expire at the end of next season.
It is not straightforward, though, as Clement is said to have had previous doubts over whether or not Shankland has the athleticism to lead a team that wants to press high. However, the manager is reconsidering his doubts after watching his team fail to win the league or the SFA Cup at the end of last term.
If Rangers do eventually decide to pursue a deal for the Scottish marksman then they could land an exciting partner for new signing Vaclav Cerny in the final third.
What Vaclav Cerny could bring to Rangers
The Czechia international is a talented right-sided attacker who has the potential to provide plenty of quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Gers.
He is on loan at Ibrox until the end of the 2024/25 campaign and will be hoping to get back to his best at the top end of the pitch after a slightly disappointing year in the Bundesliga.
Cerny joined Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023 and ended last season with a return of four goals and zero assists in 22 appearances in the German top-flight.
The 26-year-old whiz failed to showcase the best of his attacking qualities on a regular basis in Germany, after his superb exploits in the Netherlands during the 2022/23 campaign.
Cerny played for FC Twente in the Eredivisie before his move to Wolfsburg and produced consistent quality in the final third, as both a scorer and a creator.
Appearances
32
Goals
13
Assists
11
Big chances created
17
Key passes per game
2.4
Dribbles completed per game
2.0
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed star hit double figures for both goals and assists from a right wing position in the 2022/23 season.
These statistics suggest that the potential is there for him to be a prolific scorer who can also consistently unpick opposition defences to create high-quality chances for his teammates to find the back of the net.
No Rangers midfielder or winger made more than 1.7 key passes per game in the Premiership last term, which indicates that Cerny could improve the level of creativity Clement gets from his options in midfield and out wide.
Why Shankland would thrive with Cerny
Shankland, who was once lauded as "clinical" by journalist Euan Robertson, is an exceptional finisher who could make the most of the winger's creativity.
The Scotland international would come in as a player with the ability to hit the ground running as he has already proven himself in the Premiership.
He won the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award for the 2023/24 campaign, thanks to his terrific performances on the pitch, and this speaks to the quality the forward can offer at that level.
Appearances
37
35
Goals
24
16
Big chances missed
9
27
Conversion rate
18%
16%
As you can see in the table above, Shankland could be far more impressive than Dessers when it comes to finishing off chances that are created for him.
The Hearts star scored eight more goals than the Nigerian striker whilst missing a staggering 18 fewer 'big chances' in front of goal for his side.
Dessers and Shankland
These statistics suggest that Rangers would immediately improve their starting number nine by ditching Dessers to Cagliari, or elsewhere, and swooping to sign Shankland from their Premiership rivals.
His incredible goalscoring statistics also indicate that he would be the perfect player to play alongside Cerny at the top end of the pitch at Ibrox next term.
The Czechia winger has the potential to consistently create high-quality chances for his teammates and Shankland has the finishing quality to make the most of that, which could make them a deadly duo for Clement in the top-flight next term.
Rangers have genuine interest in move for huge McCausland upgrade
The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the English forward.
ByDan Emery Jul 30, 2024
Therefore, the Belgian boss should decide to press ahead with a deal for the Scottish forward, as he could be an excellent and much-needed addition to the forward line.
CSA has written to the ICC asking it to consider means of redress for less wealthy nations to make up for financial losses when tours do not take place as scheduled. The communication came as a response to Cricket Australia’s decision to indefinitely postpone a three-Test series that was due to be played in South Africa in March citing an “unacceptable” level of risk because of the coronavirus pandemic.The letter, seen by ESPNcricinfo, called Australia’s unilateral decision to pull out of the series “against the spirit of sportsmanship”, with implications for the credibility of the World Test Championship (WTC), and raises concerns it will have a “serious impact on the financial well-being of less-wealthy” ICC members.”There’s got to be some understanding of how we manage the impact to less-wealthy nations,” Stavros Nicolaou, the chairman of CSA’s interim board told ESPNcricinfo. “Unilateral decisions of this nature are punitive to less-wealthy cricket-playing nations and there has to be some discussion around redress.”ESPNcricinfo understands that in order for the ICC to take action, it would first need to establish there was a dispute between CSA and CA and if that could be brought before its dispute resolutions committee. However, CSA has not lodged a formal complaint and sent its letter as a means of opening the door to communication about how best to manage the international cricket schedule during the pandemic, especially in the light of the WTC.Related
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CSA believes that as the Australia series was part of the competition it falls under WTC terms, and that if members “can unilaterally decide whether to fulfil their obligations or not” it will put the integrity of the WTC into question. Australia will now need certain results to go their way if they need to qualify for the WTC final.CSA was left extremely disappointed by CA deciding not to send its men’s team to South Africa after CSA went to every length to create a strict biosecure environment (BSE) for the series. That included obtaining government permission for Australia to receive VVIP treatment at the airport, which would not require them to even step into the terminal but proceed as diplomats would on to a bus, and additional assurances from the country’s health minister. Private hospitals also indicated they would make beds available to the Australian touring party if required.Despite that, and evidence that South Africa has passed the second-wave of the pandemic, the variant of the virus prevalent in the country saw CA receive medical advice against traveling. It communicated this to CSA last Tuesday, a little over three weeks before the touring party was meant to arrive in South Africa, and a day after the restrictions in the country were eased.”The reasons Australia cited seemed out of kilter with where the pandemic is,” Nicalaou said. “If we had got this communication from them in December it might be justified. The downward trajectory, even with the so-called South African strain, has shown a 75% reduction from the peak. Our preference would have been to ask for a consultation and we would have got the necessary experts on the call and explained the downward trajectory and we could have given assurances about the biosecure base. The decision should have been consultative and we would have seen what other measures we could have taken.”CSA has also written to CA, detailing its concerns and saying it will “lose much needed revenue but will also result in wasted costs which CSA can ill afford”, and that it “cannot over-emphasise the loss of revenue caused by your unfortunate decision as well as the reputational damage that is certain to follow.” It is expected that CSA’s costs and losses will run into the millions of Rands.Positive Covid-19 tests saw the curtailment of England’s tour in December•Getty Images
South Africa are further concerned that Australia’s decision creates the impression that it is unable to maintain a BSE, despite doing so successfully on three occasions. South Africa hosted Sri Lanka for festive Tests on the Highveld (at the same venue where Australia were due to stay), the Pakistan women’s team for three ODIs and three T20s in Durban, and have held the domestic one-day cup in a bubble in Potchefstroom.Their first attempt at creating a BSE, hosting England in Cape Town, did not go well after three South African players, two hotel staff and two members of the England touring party tested positive for Covid-19 (though the England tests were later confirmed negative); England pulled out of the tour before playing any of the three scheduled ODIs. However, that BSE was more lenient than any of the others, on the request of the ECB, and made allowances for players to leave the hotel to play golf at various different courses.The Australia bubble was due to be strictest yet, and would have included all staff staying at the hotel for a three-week quarantine period before Australia arrived. Australia’s demands exceeded globally accepted norms, which ask for a quarantine period of two weeks in most cases, but CSA was willing to accommodate it in a bid to make the series happen.Ultimately, CSA is also concerned that this postponed series will further entrench cricketing inequalities that see wealth and fixtures shared between India, England and Australia and which leaves the other nine Full Members behind. As an example, India have just returned from a tour to Australia and are hosting England. They will then travel to England in the northern hemisphere summer before England head to Australia for the Ashes. While these three teams will play several more Tests in 2021, South Africa do not have a single fixture confirmed.”The cancellation of our tour sends a hurtful message to the less-wealthy cricket-playing nations of the world,” CSA’s letter to CA said. “Our considered view is that it will have a deleterious impact on the stability of global cricket, its growth and its future.”
Cole Palmer has admitted he was left bemused by ex-England boss Gareth Southgate's decision to overlook him at Euro 2024 despite his fine form.
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Palmer was a benchwarmer in England's first two matchesDenied start by Southgate despite sensational club campaignForward shone in semi-final and final cameosFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Despite his prolific debut season for Chelsea, where he netted 25 goals across all competitions following his transfer from Manchester City, Palmer found himself warming the bench during England's first two matches at the European Championship. Although he was later introduced from the bench as the tournament wore on, the 21-year-old remained out of the starting line-up for the duration.
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Nonetheless, Palmer made most of the limited opportunities as he assisted Ollie Watkins in scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final against the Netherlands. He also left his mark by netting in the final against Spain, although England ultimately fell short in their pursuit of silverware.
WHAT PALMER SAID
Palmer's recent interview with highlighted his frustration and hinted at a desire for more consideration from former England manager Southgate.
"It was frustrating at England, to be fair," he said. "Not to say that the players aren't good. But just coming off the back of the season I had, the form I was in, everything I was doing was coming off…So I'm not playing in the first two games even when the team was struggling, it was a bit like 'Why?' Do you know what I mean?
"If you bring me on [in] the third game and I don't do anything, then I can't really say anything. I just had to try and force my way in. I remember Watkins coming on [in the final], and I was thinking 'Why not me?'"
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AFPWHAT NEXT?
Palmer is among the eight players who have withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. He was already carrying a knock into the London derby against Arsenal last weekend and was caught on camera limping away after the match at Stamford Bridge that ended in a 1-1 draw. It remains to be seen if he can achieve match fitness when the Blues face Leicester City after the international break on November 23.
UEFA has launched an inquiry into suspended Premier League referee David Coote after a new video allegedly showing drug use at Euro 2024 emerged.
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Video allegedly shows Coote snorting 'white powder'
UEFA opens investigation into incdent
Coote already suspended after leaked Klopp video
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The PGMOL suspended Premier League referee Coote earlier this week after a video surfaced showing him calling former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a 'German c**t'. The 42-year-old is now facing a separate probe as another leaked video has allegedly shown the referee snorting what appears to be cocaine during Euro 2024.
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The video appears to show Coote ingesting a 'white powder' from a rolled-up United States bank note during the European Championship in Germany earlier this year. The Premier League referee had been working as a video review specialist at the tournament. UEFA has now revealed that they have launched an investigation into Coote and confirmed the appointment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to assess whether Coote has breached the Disciplinary Regulations.
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WHAT UEFA'S STATEMENT READ
In a statement made on Thursday afternoon, the UEFA said: “A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee, Mr. David Coote”.
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WHAT NEXT FOR COOTE?
The 42-year-old Premier League referee has already been disciplined by UEFA, who have removed him from their roster of officials for the forthcoming international matches, and it is understood that he will not take to the field until both the investigations are completed.
Sunderland will have everything crossed this off-season that they can somehow keep hold of Jack Clarke ahead of the coming campaign, valiantly fending off any suitors interested in their star-man's services as a positive Championship term awaits.
Regis Le Bris will know, even if Clarke does stay put, that the Black Cats need a sprinkling of firepower in the forward positions, having been far too goal-shy last campaign away from the exploits of the ex-Leeds United winger.
Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.
That much-needed quality to lead the line looked to be arriving into the building in the form of SM Caen sharp shooter Alexandre Mendy, but that move has gone somewhat awry, as other options are now eyed up this summer by the Wearside outfit.
Sunderland looking at cheap Mendy alternative
As per a report by Slovenian outlet Planet Nogomet, with this development being further relayed by the Roker Report, Sunderland are one of a number of clubs expected to pounce on Bordeaux's unfortunate bankruptcy as a move for Slovenian striker Zan Vipotnik is considered.
Whoever does end up winning his services, with Hadjuk Split, FC Twente and VFL Bochum named as other interested parties from across Europe, the lucky winner would be gaining Vipotnik for free after his contract with the ex-Ligue 2 team was torn up after the club went out of business.
Slovenia striker Zan Vipotnik.
The Slovenia international will be on the hunt for a new place to call home, therefore, with Sunderland hopeful he will pick England over the other array of potential next onward destinations.
With Mendy's move to the Stadium of Light stuck on hold at this moment in time, the Black Cats might see this swoop as an easier one to get over the line, owing to the 22-year-old's new free agent status.
Starring for Bordeaux before their recent demise, Vipotnik had also managed to garner a reputation for being a reliable striker in the same league as Mendy, but could be snapped up for £0 away from his fellow attacker's bold £4.2m price-tag.
What Vipotnik can offer Sunderland
Le Bris clearly wants to add in top talents from his native country this summer, having come up against these stars in the flesh when he was still Lorient manager, allowing him to get a flavour for how they perform before now swooping in.
Vipotnik managed to bag ten goals last season in all competitions for his now-defunct club, taking his overall career goal tally to 44 strikes from 122 games playing in his home country of Slovenia and beyond.
Stat – per 90 mins*
Vipotnik
Games played
37
Games started
25
Goals scored
10
Assists
3
Shots*
2.3
Big chances missed
16
Big chances created
5
Touches*
14.2
Stats by Sofascore
There is definitely room for the in-demand 22-year-old to develop further and hone in on his skills in front of goal too, with 16 big chances missed for Vipotnik last season, with ten goals an impressive tally overall from just 25 starts.
Only needing 14.2 touches per clash in order to regularly make an impact, the free agent forward could live more up to his billing as a "poacher" – as was handed to him by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – surrounded by the likes of Clarke feeding him chances on Wearside.
The goal above from Nazariy Rusyn last campaign showcases Clarke at his explosive best darting forward for the Black Cats, twisting and turning shirts attempting to shut him out, before finding his Ukrainian teammate to tap home.
Vipotnik could well excel playing in a similar manner, with Rusyn only finding the back of the net a meagre two times last campaign in the second tier, which has left Sunderland hunting for a potent striker.
Sunderland linked striker Alexandre Mendy in action for Guingamp.
This means that Clarke could help Vipotnik to shine by creating high-quality chances for the forward to find the back of the net, which is backed up by his 12 'big chances' created in the division last term.
Mendy's 22 goals in Ligue 2 could well have filled that gap, but with that move taking an age to get over the line, seeking out a cheap alternative in Vipotnik could prove to be a shrewd move to ensure that the Black Cats bolster their strike force before the window slams shut.
Move over Mendy: Sunderland could reignite interest in exciting attacker
Sunderland could well have other striker targets in mind away from Alexandre Mendy.