da bet vitoria： Depois do empate entre Magallanes e Botafogo por 2 a 2 na Sul-Americana, Marçal e Luís Castro concederam uma entrevista coletiva para imprensa. O lateral reconheceu que houve um descuido da equipe alvinegra ao longo da partida e afirmou que foi um resultado justo.
-Acho que o resultado poderia ter sido positivo para a gente, até pelas estatísticas, mas futebol é assim. Teve um momento de descuido da nossa equipe e pronto. Também não foi um resultado injusto.
+ATUAÇÕES: Tchê Tchê, Gabriel Pires e Di Plácido vão mal em empate do Botafogo
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasBotafogoCom a presença do filho de Loco Abreu, Botafogo divulga lista de inscritos para a Copa Sul-AmericanaBotafogo06/04/2023BotafogoConfira os novos benefícios dos planos de sócio do BotafogoBotafogo04/04/2023BotafogoCBF se manifesta sobre ausência de Júnior Santos no confronto do Botafogo com o MagallanesBotafogo05/04/2023
da realbet： + Eduardo lamenta empate sofrido: ‘Estávamos com um homem a mais’
O Glorioso entra em campo no próximo domingo, diante do Audax, às 16h, no Raulino de Oliveira (Volta Redonda) pelo segundo jogo da final da Taça Rio. Depois da vitória no duelo de ida por 2 a 1, os alvinegros precisam apenas de um empate para se sagrarem campeões.
The 14-member squad also includes the returning Daryl Mitchell and Scott Kuggeleijn
ESPNcricinfo staff17-Feb-2024
Tim Southee and Kane Williamson – NZ cricket royalty•Getty Images
New Zealand captain Tim Southee and his predecessor Kane Williamson are set to play their 100th Tests together during the upcoming home series against Australia. March 8 will mark the occasion, the start of the second of two matches in the series, which follows a set of three T20Is.The 14-member Test squad also includes Daryl Mitchell who has been on the sidelines recently tending to a long-term foot injury. Scott Kuggeleijn gets a look in as well, replacing Kyle Jamieson who has picked up a back problem and is looking at a year out of the game.The NZC press release with the squad which arrived on Saturday also said, “Trent Boult, who will feature in the T20I series against Australia, was not considered for Test selection due to minimal recent red ball cricket – his last Test coming in June 2022 against England in Leeds.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd
Southee and Williamson grew up playing cricket alongside each other, rising up the ranks from the Under-19 levels to become their country’s second-highest wicket-taker and leading run-scorer respectively. The two of them had also played their 50th Test together, against Zimbabwe in 2016, and will join Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor as the only other New Zealand men with 100 Tests to their name.”Their achievements at Test level speak for themselves,” head coach Gary Stead said, “And they are undoubtedly two of the greatest players to have ever worn the New Zealand Test shirt.”Southee will follow Taylor, Virat Kohli and David Warner as just the fourth player in history to have played 100 matches in each format.The first Test will begin on February 29 in Wellington and will signal the return of a vital member of this team. Mitchell has become such a dependable fixture in this Black Caps team that among those who have played 20 Tests, the only person who averages more than his 53.46 is Williamson with 55.90.”[Mitchell] is a key member of the group and has proven, with his performances over the past 12 to 18 months, how much value he adds to the Test team,” New Zealand selector Sam Wells said. “Daryl will keep focusing on his rehabilitation over the next week and will be fit and ready for the first Test in Wellington.”Kuggeleijn has been picked on the back of his performances for New Zealand A against Australia A last year, including match figures of 9-113 and an unbeaten 101 to lead the team to victory in the first four-day game. The Northern Districts seamer has continued his form in the Plunket Shield, leading the bowling charts with 22 wickets at 16 from the first four rounds.Will O’Rourke retains his place after leaving one of the more lasting first impressions – the 22-year old quick claimed the best match figures by a debutant for New Zealand when he picked up 9 for 93 against South Africa in Hamilton earlier this week.Mitchell Santner continues as the specialist spin bowling option, while recent Test double-centurion Rachin Ravindra and allrounder Glenn Phillips lending support.Meanwhile, Matt Henry and Tim Seifert have been ruled out of the T20I series. Their replacements will be Ben Sears and Will Young.Henry suffered some hip soreness following the second Test against South Africa and will undergo a short period of rest and strengthening ahead of the Test series. Seifert has been withdrawn due to a torn abductor suffered while training for Northern Districts earlier in the week.”Matt’s understandably disappointed, but a break for the T20s will ensure he’s fully fit and ready to go for the Tests against Australia later this month,” said Stead. “We’re gutted for Tim who has been a strong performer over recent series and is an important part of the squad.We’re hopeful he’ll make a swift recovery ahead of an important period of T20I cricket for the team.”New Zealand Test squad vs AustraliaTim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will YoungUpdated New Zealand T20I squadMitchell Santner (capt), Finn Allen, Trent Boult (games 2 & 3), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (game 1), Will Young
Granit Xhaka is in talks to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer as the Bundesliga club face a major overhaul.
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Xhaka in talks to exit LeverkusenVeteran midfielder's contract runs until 2028Several international clubs interestedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , the 32-year-old midfielder is reportedly evaluating his options as Leverkusen undergo a wave of key departures. Talks are already underway between the player’s camp and interested clubs, with several sides, possibly from Saudi Arabia, showing serious interest.
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The former Arsenal star played a central role in Leverkusen’s double-winning campaign last season and still has three years left on his contract. However, with manager Xabi Alonso gone and midfield sensation Florian Wirtz set to depart, Xhaka could be the next big name out.
It is the latest development in a chaotic season for the German club. Notably, after leading Leverkusen to an invincible season last year, Alonso departed for Real Madrid, while defender Jonathan Tah joined Bayern Munich. Jeremie Frimpong has completed a move to Liverpool, with Wirtz also expected to join the Premier League champions. Xhaka's potential departure comes as Leverkusen undergoes a significant squad overhaul. The 32-year-old midfielder has been a key figure since joining from Arsenal in 2023, making 99 appearances.
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While there were initial assumptions that Xhaka might return to Swiss club Basel, that option appears off the table, according to . The Swiss international had expressed his desire to return to his boyhood club during his brother Taulant's appearance in final Super League match, but Basel are reportedly not considering him as part of their current plans.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR XHAKA AND LEVERKUSEN?
Xhaka is currently on international duty with Switzerland for the international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. He is expected to be in action when the Swiss take on Mexico on June 7. The midfielder is likely to make a final decision on his club future after the conclusion of Switzerland’s international fixtures. Meanwhile, Leverkusen, under new manager Erik ten Hag, have begun reshaping their squad, with Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken the first signing of the summer.
One of the advantages of a long-drawn league phase is that teams have an opportunity to make up for indifferent starts. But New Zealand are finding out the converse can be true as well. A third straight loss amid a series of injuries in the camp threatens to throw their World Cup campaign off the rails.Related
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Matt Henry joins New Zealand's mounting injury list; Jamieson called in as cover
South Africa smash England's World Cup six-hitting record
If the loss to Australia in Dharamsala was heartbreaking, this one to South Africa in Pune was outright demoralising. The bowlers were sent on a leather hunt as Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen plundered centuries, and David Miller added more salt to the wounds with a blistering 30-ball 53 not out as South Africa posted 357 for 4; the last 10 overs alone brought them 119 runs.In reply, New Zealand’s top order unraveled against South Africa’s quality pace attack under lights. Marco Jansen’s extra bounce accounted for Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, Will Young was out nicking behind off Gerald Coetzee, and Kagiso Rabada had Tom Latham chipping one to cover.Daryl Mitchell kept hope flickering, oozing class and confidence as he played a couple of gorgeous on-drives, but his dismissal while looking to hit out against Keshav Maharaj in the 19th over opened the floodgates. The game became staggeringly one-sided as New Zealand petered to 167 all out, with only Glenn Phillips offering any resistance to make 60.The defeat, and the quantum of it, was massive from a tournament’s standpoint, with New Zealand now slipping back to potentially enter a logjam for fourth place, which Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are all eyeing. Few would have expected New Zealand to cave in the manner they did, even after South Africa had set them 358.Quinton de Kock ane Rassie van der Dussen added 200 for the second wicket•ICC/Getty Images
New Zealand’s capitulation was a sharp contrast to how things panned out for South Africa after they were put into bat.Temba Bavuma was the early aggressor, crunching two cover drives off Matt Henry in the fourth over to kick the innings into gear. De Kock was largely subdued and fidgety early on, and even copped a blow to the shoulder from a Trent Boult bouncer in the ninth over. At that point, South Africa’s innings had barely gotten out of second gear. Having roughed up de Kock, Boult had sent Bavuma back with a sucker ball, a full one that had him nicking low to Mitchell at slip.It could have been wickets in back-to-back overs for New Zealand had Phillips latched on to a screamer at backward point off Tim Southee. That we’re even talking about it being a chance was down to his brilliance – anticipating de Kock’s cut and taking two steps to his right before flinging himself full-stretch to go one-handed. De Kock was on 12 off 24 at that point.At the other end, van der Dussen helped himself to a pull to begin proceedings as Southee, coming in for the first game of his fourth World Cup, seemed erratic and down on pace to begin with. For much of the first 100 runs in their 200-run stand, de Kock and van der Dussen were steady and calculating, playing themselves into a position from which they could tee off in the back 15. It’s a plan that worked to the T for them, and perhaps much more easily than they may have anticipated because New Zealand had a massive hole to fill midway through.Henry pulled his hamstring halfway through his sixth over, the 27th of the innings, to leave Ravindra, James Neesham and Phillips to bowl 14.3 overs between them. De Kock and van der Dussen accelerated knowing fully well that New Zealand needed to back-load their part-timers.Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj and Temba Bavuma celebrate Daryl Mitchell’s wicket•AFP/Getty Images
The first sign of de Kock breaking the shackles came in the 16th over when he got stuck into Southee. He followed an imperious pull in front of square for four by walloping a six over the bowler’s head. De Kock had another slice of luck soon after when he chipped Phillips into the leg side, with the ball falling between three fielders. De Kock soon brought up his half-century off 62 deliveries and van der Dussen followed suit, getting there off 61.New Zealand’s cup of woe was far from over. Neesham, one of the part-timers called on to make up overs, suffered a blow of his own when he was struck flush on the thumb by a de Kock straight drive. On 95, de Kock should have been run out off the same delivery when he was sent back even as the ball deflected to Mitchell Santner at cover. The batter had given up hope when Santner fired a throw at the bowler’s end, but it missed the stumps. De Kock soon brought up his hundred – his fourth of this World Cup, which left him one behind Rohit Sharma’s record of five in a single edition – by getting inside the line and helping a pull deep beyond the fine leg fence for six. He reached the century off 103 balls, and seemed to be revving up for a big finish.At the other end, the industrious van der Dussen brought out cute reverse paddles and sweeps to throw New Zealand’s spinners off gear. The second-wicket pair had added 200 at better than a run-a-ball when de Kock picked out point to give Southee a wicket in the 40th over. It’s at this point that South Africa pulled out a surprise move, pushing Miller up the order, seemingly to keep the left-right combination going, and he tore into the bowling at the death to get to his half-century in 29 balls. Neesham went for 69 off his 5.3 overs, and conceded 18 in the 50th.While New Zealand walked off knowing they had a big chase, there was a sense that the game was still in the balance given how well they had batted in big chases against England and Australia. But their hopes were dashed by a South African attack that made you wonder if this was the same surface New Zealand had bowled on.After the top order was blown away, Phillips delayed the inevitable, getting in some batting time amid a lower-order collapse. By the end, New Zealand were so desperate to minimise the damage to their net run rate that an injured Henry hobbled out to bat and gave Phillips company for 5.1 overs, in the process adding 34 for the final wicket. However, even that didn’t quite diminish the magnitude of the defeat, which, all told, was a proper pasting.
Tom Hartley, Gus Atkinson also receive first call-ups for five-Test tour starting in January
Matt Roller11-Dec-2023
Shoaib Bashir has played six first-class games for Somerset•Getty Images
Shoaib Bashir, the 20-year-old Somerset offspinner with 10 wickets in his first-class career, has been named in England’s 16-man squad to tour India for a five-match Test series in early 2024. He is one of three uncapped players included along with left-arm spinner Tom Hartley and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who have both represented England in limited-overs cricket.England’s captain Ben Stokes, who underwent surgery on his left knee last month, is included in the squad as expected, though will not be fit to bowl. Ben Foakes is also recalled after he was dropped for the Ashes, while Jack Leach and Ollie Pope both return to the squad after back and shoulder injuries during the English summer.Related
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Hartley in the right place as England opportunities beckon
Rehan Ahmed, who took seven wickets on Test debut in Karachi a year ago, is one of four specialist spin options alongside Leach, Hartley and Bashir. There are only four frontline seamers in the squad, with James Anderson and Ollie Robinson complemented by the pace of Atkinson and Mark Wood – meaning no place for Chris Woakes.But it is Bashir’s inclusion that stands out. He made his professional debut in June after signing a professional contract with Somerset and has played only six first-class matches, but was the outstanding spinner on England Lions’ recent training camp in the UAE, taking match figures of 6 for 42 in a three-day fixture against Afghanistan’s A team.Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, said that Bashir’s natural attributes, including a high release point, had encouraged the selectors to look beyond his modest first-class figures, and added that the upbeat environment fostered by Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes would help bring out the very best in his abilities.”I think we focus more on what style of cricket we want to play and what do we think is going to go out there and win,” Key said. “It’s about ‘what is someone’s upside?’ It’s very hard, especially for spinners in English cricket, to judge them on their numbers as such. You’re not going to expect your spinner to average 24 with the ball in county cricket, you’re trying to see something else and back their character.”You want to see how the ball comes out of their hand – you’re going more to the art of selection, rather than the science of selection – and you back that environment that Stokes and McCullum have created with all the other players, to get the best out of these people. With Stokesy’s captaincy in particular, your bet is often that he’ll be the one who can get something out of these players. You just want to create an environment where you think they can thrive, which is no mean feat when you’re talking about a Test tour of India.”Hartley has a modest first-class record for Lancashire, with 40 career wickets at 36.57. But England believe that he also possesses attributes – he is 6ft 4in, and regularly bowls at speeds of 60mph/97kph or more – which will make him well-suited to replicate the role that Axar Patel has performed in Indian conditions.ESPNcricinfo Ltd
With Stokes unlikely to bowl a ball – “we never had him down to be bowling in India,” Key said – England will have difficult decisions to make over the balance of their side, not least over the identity of their wicketkeeper. Key hinted at the end of the World Cup that Bairstow had been told to work on his fitness – “he needs to actually get himself into a position where he can go and take on an Indian Test” – but insisted that they have not made a call.”[It is a] decision to be made and it hasn’t been made yet,” Key said. “A bit like the Ashes, we will get to the point where we feel like we have to make that decision. A lot can happen between now and then. That will come down to Brendon [McCullum] and Ben balancing the side, all kind of things. It’s a different place to keep than England. That decision will be made nearer the time.”Along with Woakes, who hinted at his likely non-inclusion earlier this year, other notable omissions include Dan Lawrence, Liam Dawson and Will Jacks. Lawrence was the spare batter throughout the Ashes but has been squeezed out of the squad, while Dawson and Jacks both have contracts to play in South Africa’s SA20, which clashes directly with the tour.Liam Livingstone, who made his Test debut in Pakistan a year ago, was not included and will instead play franchise cricket, while Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue – who picked up an injury on the Lions’ training camp in the UAE last month – are among the seamers on the periphery.England’s squad will travel to the UAE for a preparatory camp in mid-January and will arrive in India shortly before the first Test in Hyderabad on January 25. An England Lions squad, which is yet to be named, will also travel to India to shadow the main tour.England Test squad: Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (captain), Mark Wood
Still looking to replace John Eustace, who controversially chose to take the Derby County job, Blackburn Rovers are reportedly set to hold talks with a former Premier League manager this week.
Blackburn seeking Eustace replacement
Whilst Eustace was suffering a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Queens Park Rangers on his Derby debut, Blackburn were rubbing salt in his wounds by simply picking up where they left off – securing a 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.
The credit for that result deserves to go the way of David Lowe, who has stepped up to take interim charge and continued Blackburn’s push to finish inside the Championship’s top six.
Whilst it’s certainly not a case of no Eustace no party for Blackburn, they’re still in need of a replacement and that search has already seen various names mentioned, including Lowe’s.
The interim boss has undeniably made a solid first impression and may well be considered a candidate should those at Ewood Park fail to land a former Premier League manager.
Blackburn learn compensation fee to appoint 44 y/o as Eustace's replacement
Blackburn could be close to finding a replacement for John Eustace.
ByBrett Worthington Feb 16, 2025
According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn are now set to hold talks with Gary O’Neil this week. The manager was sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers back in December and has been out of work ever since, perhaps leaving the door ajar for a Championship move.
Going from Eustace to O’Neil would certainly be quite the move. The former Wolves and Bournemouth boss is a manager of Premier League quality and guided those in the Midlands into the top half at his best. Now, by stepping down to the Championship, he could take a historic club back to the top flight at long last.
In a crucial week for their managerial search, Blackburn should go all out to secure O’Neil’s signature.
"Great" O'Neil would be impressive coup
By appointing O’Neil, not only would Blackburn be taking a key step towards promotion but they’d also be preparing for life in the Premier League. The former Portsmouth player kept Bournemouth up when not many, if any expected him to do so then took Wolves back into the top half before ultimately struggling in the current campaign amid a lack of reinforcements and a frustrating list of injury concerns.
Previously praised by Jamie Carragher for the “great” job he did at Bournemouth, O’Neil could arrive at a Blackburn side ready to earn a place in the play-offs. Sat as high as fifth and inside the top six by four points, those in Lancashire have 13 games to keep hold of their place and grab their chance to eventually set a date at Wembley come May.
It won’t be a routine job and following Eustace will take some doing, but a former Premier League manager should be more than capable of creating history. Blackburn belong in the Premier League and many will say the same for O’Neil to create a match made in heaven as talks commence this week.
In-form Paige Scholfield adds half-century in hosts’ 107-run win over table-toppers
ECB Reporters Network10-Sep-2023Alice Davidson-Richards celebrated her latest England call-up with a century as South-East Stars thrashed table toppers The Blaze by 107 runs at Beckenham to boost their prospects of a place in the end-of-season playoffs.The 29-year-old Kent batter, who will link up with England tomorrow in place of the ill Lauren Bell, struck 101 with a six and 11 fours in an innings of 128 balls.Davidson-Richards shared a stand of 119 for the fifth wicket with in-form Paige Scholfield as the hosts posted a daunting 278, Grace Ballinger returning 4 for 54 and Lucy Higham 2 for 32 for the visitors.Blaze, who dropped Davidson-Richards twice and Scholfield once in an uncharacteristically sloppy display in the field were no better bat in hand, Kirstie Gordon top scoring with 40 in an underwhelming reply of 171. Alexa Stonehouse’s opening spell of 1 for 4 put them on the back foot before Dani Gregory’s 3 for 32 cleaned up the tail.Ballinger ensured an explosive start to the encounter, trapping Jemima Spence lbw for a golden duck with her third delivery and when Kira Chathli inside edged one into her middle stump two balls later Stars were 1 for 2.Skipper Bryony Smith retaliated with a trio of boundaries off Cassidy McCarthy and Davidson-Richards caught the mood to cream one from Ballinger through the covers. Successive fours by Davidson-Richards off spinner Kirstie Gordon raised the 50 partnership in 42 balls, but Ballinger concluded her initial spell by removing Smith for 34.Davidson-Richards drilled the game’s first six over bowler Gordon’s head, before being given a life on 32, the spinner failing to hold on to a tough caught and bowled. She would make the most of the reprieve, her seventh four carrying her to 50 in 61 balls.Scholfield was also given an early reprieve, Ella Claridge shelling a routine catch at midwicket and the South African-born all-rounder’s response was to unfurl a series of cover drives as she sped to 50 from 55 balls.The pair raised the 100-stand and were sitting pretty at 180 for 4 at the second drinks interval. Scholfield departed soon afterwards and while Davidson-Richards reached her century, she was stumped almost immediately. However, a huge six from Stonehouse and a polished 33 from Bethan Miles meant stars had 278 to defend.Lizelle Lee soon showed her power, pulling one from Ryana Macdonald-Gay for six, but the bowler gained revenge when the former South African opener drilled a fuller ball straight to Scholfield at cover.Stonehouse was bowling superbly from the other end, yet ironically her worst ball got a wicket, Georgie Boyce tickling one down leg-side through to Chathli and when Macdonald-Gay flattened Teresa Graves’s off-stump with the first ball of the next over The Blaze were 41 for 3.As the clouds rolled in and the rate required rose, the expected onslaught from a team who’d won seven out of eight completed games never materialised. Miles, inspired by her batting cameo bowled Michaela Kirk for a painstaking seven and Munro was caught short in her bid to scamper back for two by Chloe Hill’s throw.Claridge chewed up 50 balls for 33 before falling lbw to Smith’s first delivery and only Gordon’s late resistance gave the score a more respectable look.
Brevis reprieve helps table-topping MICT to get out of sight in Qualifier 1
Firdose Moonda04-Feb-2025Mumbai Indians Cape Town will play in their first SA20 final after beating Paarl Royals by 39 runs in Qualifier 1 and turning around their fortunes from finishing last in both previous editions of the tournament. MICT have won five matches in a row and are running hot ahead of Saturday’s final at the Wanderers.Their yet-to-determined opposition will all be in action over the next two days with two-time defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape to play Joburg Super Kings in Wednesday’s Eliminator and the winner to take on Royals in Qualifier 2 on Thursday.While MICT’s win was comprehensive, and set up by them asking Royals to complete the highest successful chase at St George’s Park, it was not without controversy. They were 133 for 4 with a ball left in the 16th over when Dayyaan Galiem thought he had Dewald Brevis out for 16. Brevis pulled a full toss to deep backward square and an umpire review ruled the delivery a waist-high no-ball.Law 47.1 states that “any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is unfair. Whenever such a delivery is bowled, the umpire shall call and signal no ball.”Brevis’ front foot was outside the popping crease and he was not standing upright at the time of the shot but despite Paarl captain David Miller’s protests, the call stood. Brevis hit the next ball, a free-hit for six and Galiem was taken out of the attack in his next over after delivering another waist-high full toss which was judged a no-ball. That delivery also went for four. Mitch Owen completed the over, which ultimately cost 27 runs. MICT scored 60 runs in their last four overs and Brevis finished unbeaten on 44. After 15.5 overs in Paarl’s chase, their score was 136 for 6 which illustrates how impactful the no-ball and what followed was on the result.Miller was visibly upset on-field and when Galiem addressed at the post-match press conference, he confirmed that Royals did not feel the ball was high enough to be judged a no-ball. “That is obviously tight but that’s the match officials, they have to make the decisions,” he said. “it could have gone either way. We did feel like he was in a bent position and the shot was out in front of him as well, so potentially if that ball carried on going and it was in line with his body it perhaps could have been a touch lower. It was a touch and go and on another day that’s given and everything changes from there, but again I think we could have still been better in certain situations of the game.”One of those situations was Galiem’s no-ball in his next over, and he did not hesitate to acknowledge that. “I just misexecuted those two deliveries,” he said. “Such fine margins as well. I felt really confident after my first over as well and I just wanted to hit a yorker and I just didn’t want to miss on the short side. I misplaced the ball a little bit.”Rassie Van Der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton lifted MI Cape Town in the powerplay•SA20
He wasn’t the only one to misstep. Another tactical question arose when Galiem was taken out of the attack and Royals, despite having what Miller called “enough bowlers to pick from” in the post-match television interview chose not to use Andile Phehlulwayo. On the slower St George’s Park surface, his medium-pace may have been handy, but Phehlukwayo has not bowled at all in the tournament, even though two of his three appearances have come in the absence of Lungi Ngidi.All that suggests Royals have a few selection issues to deal with as they head into the Eliminator, including how they are going to find runs with Joe Root no longer part of the squad. Root left for national duty last week and though Owen is a promising replacement, he has done more with ball than bat so far. “He is obviously just adjusting to South African conditions but he’s an amazing player, we saw what he did in Australia and we know he’s got that about him, so it’s only a matter of time,” Galiem said.The team that has time now is MICT. Victory in the qualifier means they have three days to prepare for the final, albeit one of those will be a travel day, while the other team that qualifies will only have one. They recognise that as an obvious advantage. “It would have been first prize not to play another game heading into the final. We are glad that we ticked that off,” Kagiso Rabada said. “We are not taking anything for granted.”While Paarl have lost their last three games, MICT have not lost in seven matches, including a no-result, and are living up to their hype as the franchise with some of the biggest signings. “We have always had the players, but now I think we got together.” Rabada said. “The senior group had a lot to do with it in terms of pulling everyone together. There is also a familiarity between the players. That hunger is there. The hunger has always been there, but I think we just got together more as a team to put in those crucial performances at crucial times. I think that is what is getting us over the line.”Given the run of form they’ve had, they go into Saturday’s final as favourites, irrespective of who they play, and some would say the trophy looks like theirs to lose.
da premier bet： Tottenham Hotspur’s success in Europe this campaign is evidence that they are capable of achieving incredible things, needing to build on their recent trophy lift.
da bet sport： The Europa League triumph ended the club’s generational wait for silverware, handing Thomas Frank the platform to build on ahead of his first season in charge.
He was appointed as the club’s new boss after Ange Postecoglou was given the boot despite beating Manchester United in Bilbao at the end of May.
Brentford managerThomasFrankapplauds fans after the match
However, the Premier League needs to be the main focus for the Dane, looking to push the side in the right direction and building towards a title push during his tenure in North London.
Any success he could achieve is hugely dependent on how much business the hierarchy conducts in the summer, needing to back the new boss in his quest after making the leap across the capital.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of days, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has emerged as a key target once again for Spurs, which could lead to them triggering his £68m release clause.
He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus also another potential option, with Frank evidently wanting to strengthen his options within the final third.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
However, either of the options could be joined by Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, after the Brazilian was labelled as a player on their radar as per GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.
They claim that the Lilywhites are preparing an approach for the 24-year-old this summer, after he registered eight goals in the Premier League throughout 2024/25 – with his current employers demanding £50m for his signature.
It also states that the forward would be keen on a move to North London this summer, after Marco Silva’s side rejected a £32m bid from newly-promoted Leeds United last week.
Why Spurs’ £50m target would be a better signing than Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo is another attacker who has appeared on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of weeks, with the Ghanaian seen as a key target this summer.
Antoine Semenyo scores for Bournemouth
It’s been reported in recent days that Frank’s side are set to make a £65m bid to land the 25-year-old this window after registering 11 goals and five assists in the league this campaign.
It’s likely that Bournemouth won’t want to lose another star player after Dean Huijsen departed and Milos Kerkez moved one step closer to securing a move to join Liverpool this summer.
However, the Lilywhites remain confident over a deal for the attacker, but as previously mentioned, it would cost the hierarchy a pretty penny during the off-season.
The winger would be a superb addition; however, Frank and Co should be prioritising a move for Muniz as a result, with the striker able to fulfil a key position in the squad.
Within the current squad, the wingers contributed to 27 goals scored in the Premier League this season, but the strikers only registered 13 – highlighting the need for added reinforcements in such an area.
When comparing Muniz’s stats to those of Semenyo, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, offering the side the added threat they need in the final third.
How Muniz compares to Semenyo in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Muniz
Semenyo
Games played
31
37
Goals & assists
9
16
Minutes per goal
120
291
Shot on target accuracy
49%
32%
Shots on target per 90
1.8
1.1
Aerials won
52%
48%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.2
Stats via FBref
The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “clinical” by one analyst, may have scored fewer goals, but has posted a better minute per goal ratio, demonstrating his finishing ability in attacking areas.
His dominance in such a department is reflected in his shot on target accuracy and his better goal per shot on target rate – taking advantage of more chances that fall his way in front of goal.
Muniz has also won more of the aerials that he’s entered, handing Frank the focal point he needs if he is to be a success during his time in the role in North London.
£50m may appear to be a hefty fee for a player who’s often been an impact option, but he’s showcased that he’s capable of thriving given the stats posted this campaign.
Whilst Semenyo would be a superb signing, the need for a new striker is evident this summer, with the Fulham star potentially the perfect option to fill the void in Frank’s side.
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da bet7： West Bromwich Albion fans will want to see their team break free of their tag of nearly-men in the Championship promotion race this coming season.
da realbet： The Baggies have now been outside the luxuries of the Premier League for four seasons on the spin, with Carlos Corberan clinching a playoff spot for the West Midlands side during the 2023/24 season, only for a semi-final exit to crush their promotion dreams.
It will be up to rookie manager Ryan Mason to finally guide West Brom back up to the Premier League, with the powers that be at the Hawthorns going down a brave, new route in offering the inexperienced 33-year-old the reins.
He might well look to utilise his former Tottenham Hotspur connections when attempting to land gems in the transfer market, with Mikey Moore one North London prodigy that continues to stick out.
Latest on West Brom's pursuit of Moore
It has been a long-standing rumour at the Hawthorns this summer that West Brom are interested in bringing the 17-year-old sensation to the Championship.
After all, the teenage attacker does boast an astounding return of 19 goals from 24 appearances for Spurs’ U19s, on top of also showing off his class in senior action when powering home his first-ever men’s goal for Thomas Frank’s men last season in the Europa League.
But, it could be argued that West Brom are already strong down both the left wing and right wing – where Moore regularly roams – with Tom Fellows, Jed Wallace, and Mikey Johnston all at Mason’s disposal. Between them last season in the second tier, the entertaining trio would tally up a hefty 27 goal contributions.
Moreover, with experience perhaps preferred when looking for fresh recruits down the wing as ex-Derby forward Tom Lawrence continues to be linked, the Baggies might look to other faces in the Spurs academy to bolster their squad, with a loan return for this striker potentially on the menu as a better pick-up than Moore.
How Mason could seal a better signing than Moore
If there was an area on the pitch that fills West Brom with anxiety, it would be up top in the centre-forward position.
West Brom haven’t been blessed with lady luck in this department, considering Josh Maja found himself out of action from January onwards last campaign when picking up an unfortunate injury, away from Daryl Dike also being a regular member of the Hawthorns treatment room.
West Brom’s striker options last season
Player
Games played
Goals scored
Games missed through injury (overall)
Josh Maja
26
12
44
Karlan Grant
44
7
4
Devante Cole
16
0
0
Daryl Dike
11
1
133
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Therefore, to ensure they don’t leave themselves short on numbers in attack, West Brom could soon welcome back former loan face Will Lankshear to Mason’s camp, with Football London reporting earlier this week that the Baggies want to secure the temporary signature of the 20-year-old once more, alongside other Championship suitors sniffing around.
Lankshear did endure a testing loan stint with the club last season, with zero goals picked up across 11 appearances, but he was shoved into the deep-end arguably, considering he joined the building right in the midst of West Brom’s promotion push falling flat.
He only started four of those league clashes too, and with such a glowing track record in youth circles at Spurs – much like Moore – Mason might well be the perfect manager to get the most out of Lankshear in a senior set-up, having worked with him closely in North London.
Amazingly, the “phenomenal” forward – as he was labelled by journalist John Wenham – has an even sturdier goal tally next to his name for the Spurs U21s than Moore has managed in his age bracket, with a venomous 26 strikes amassed from just 35 contests.
Even if Maja is back to full fitness this coming season, adding in Lankshear wouldn’t hurt, with the 20-year-old hotshot no doubt able to enhance his game bouncing off of such an experienced EFL head.
With their highest average age across the lineup coming in at 28.7 last season, adding in stars of the future, such as the England U20 international, could be a worthwhile move, as Mason attempts to leave his mark on the Baggies to try and push his new employers up the league.
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