Setting their sights on a rising star, Manchester United are now reportedly preparing a formal move to sign an alternative to Carlos Baleba, who has a release clause worth £74m.

Ruben Amorim admits "good to hear" INEOS support

Back to domestic action following the international break, Man United travel to face Liverpool in an attempt to upset the odds and compile their rivals’ recent misery.

Victory would mark the first time that Ruben Amorim has secured back-to-back wins in the Premier League, and three points at Anfield would also see his side reach league win number 11 of the Portuguese’s reign.

While those stats are undeniably damning, the former Sporting CP boss retains the backing of INEOS and admitted in his pre-match press conference that it’s “good to hear” that support.

That support is likely to stretch to the January transfer window, in which the Red Devils could reportedly turn towards a rising star in the middle of the park, instead of the heavily-linked Baleba.

Amorim is personally very keen on the Brighton star and pushed to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, and those links remain as the Red Devils pursue an “important” midfield signing for 2026.

Man Utd preparing formal move for Froholdt

According to reports in Spain, Man United are now preparing a formal move to sign Victor Froholdt from Porto in the January transfer window, with a mid-season deal for Baleba described as very difficult by the likes of Romano.

The impressive teenager reportedly has a release clause as high as €85m (£74m), but that has not deterred INEOS, who are determined to improve Amorim’s squad.

Dubbed “fantastic” by scout Jacek Kulig, Froholdt is enjoying quite the rise. Having only just joined Porto from Copenhagen in the summer, he’s already attracting even greater interest. Whether he moves on from Portugal so quickly after arriving remains to be seen, however.

Related Forget Mainoo: Amorim has the next Pogba in "generational" Man Utd talent

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Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 18, 2025

Given United’s weakness in midfield, game time is unlikely to be an issue for the Dane despite his tender age and United should push to secure his signature if the chance comes their way in 2026.

Froholdt’s blend of youth, impressive form and physicality is turning heads at United, and he could be well-suited to the Premier League’s demands.

The teenager’s ability to break up play and quickly transition from defense to attack aligns with the fast-paced football United aim to play under Amorim, and Froholdt’s release clause means that there is even a way to bypass negotiations with Porto.

However, it would require a seismic investment from INEOs, and one that could represent a gamble considering his lack of experience.

Newcastle United have stepped away from the action zone as the October international break takes the stage. But Newcastle are anything but idle, having appointed a new technical director in Ross Wilson from Nottingham Forest.

Wilson, 41, leaves the City Ground having overseen a rise from relegation candidates in the Premier League to European contenders, having finished seventh last year after heavy spending.

In the dugout, Eddie Howe is a meticulous man. He knows every nook and every cranny of his opponents’ half, having profiled each player and grasped their strengths and their weaknesses. Wilson has a personality apt to connect with the tactician’s own bearing.

Newcastle have earned their flowers for their fast rise in the years since PIF completed their club takeover, qualifying for the Champions League in two of the last three seasons and winning the Carabao Cup last year.

But Paul Mitchell left his post less than one year after Dan Ashworth departed, and there’s no denying the Magpies recruitment drive has been knocked somewhat out of kilter. That is now anticipated to change.

Ross Wilson's recruitment record

Before Nottingham Forest, it was Rangers. While in Scotland, it was Wilson who sat behind the desk when Steven Gerrard led the club to the Premiership title, still the Gers’ sole title success since 2011.

And after moving to the Premier League, his reputation has only grown, with Wilson considered a real coup for the Tynesiders and further evidence of the fall from stability at Forest.

According to the i Paper, it is understood that Newcastle will seek to reward Sandro Tonali, Sven Botman and Tino Livramento with new deals once the transfer specialist is instated.

One of Wilson’s biggest strengths is his ability to identify and sign first-team candidates who both align with the manager’s tactical vision and the club’s wider culture.

Though this summer was one of much upheaval at Newcastle, there’s no denying Howe has eased the loss of Alexander Isak to Liverpool with a range of impactful additions, Nick Woltemade and Malick Thiaw in particular shining across the early months of the season.

Still, the direction has been at times uncertain, business taking an almost fragmented quality. Wilson, in tandem with Howe, could change that, with some exciting potential options already being discussed.

Who Ross Wilson could sign at Newcastle

Wilson signed his fair share of first-team players at Nottingham Forest, having joined from Rangers in 2023. At the time, the Midlands side were embroiled in a relegation battle in the Premier League and had not yet parted with Steve Cooper and brought in Nuno Espirito Santo.

Forest now have their own issues, with Edu and Nuno’s conflict leading to a divorce which has left the club’s meteoric rise in tatters. Wilson played his part, though, and may now fancy a step-up to St. James’ Park.

Newcastle, for sure, have work to do if they wish to settle permanently alongside the Premier League elite. With Wilson and Howe working together, this could bear dividends, especially when considering Howe’s recent comments regarding Elliot Anderson, who was sold to the City Ground for about £35m in 2024 as the Toon scrambled to ease their PSR suffering.

Last week, the manager called Anderson, 22, a “precious” talent who he would “love” to welcome back to his boyhood club, and now Newcastle have landed Wilson, that potential lane of communication has very much stretched open.

It would be a costly one to engineer, to be sure, but now, it certainly seems a whole lot more likely.

And there’s more. Nick Pope is still performing at 33 years old, but he’s out of contract at the end of the season and a replacement might be required, even with Aaron Ramsdale having joined on loan in August.

James Trafford came within a whisker of signing for the Magpies this summer, and now that he’s on the fringes at Manchester City, he might recieve a call from Wilson down the line.

That should just about do it. Howe leads a complete and robust Newcastle side, but even though £55m was forked out for Forest’s Anthony Elanga this summer, there might be a desire to add another winger to the ranks.

And who better than Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who was very much on the club’s radar this summer? The Cherries fought off interest from many of the Premier League’s biggest hitters, with the Ghanaian forward signing a new contract at the club.

The vultures still circle, though, and Newcastle are among that kettle of suitors looking to strike a deal, having prepared a bid in the final weeks of the window. Liverpool are also keen, showing interest as recently as this week, and they have been met with demands of a £75m payment from the south coast club.

Semenyo would cost a pretty penny, alright, but there’s little question that he’d be a fantastic addition, having scored six goals and supplied three more across seven top-flight appearances this season.

We know already that Howe wanted to bring the prolific forward to the club, and now Wilson will help promote Howe’s vision.

GK

James Trafford

RB

Tino Livramento

CB

Malick Thiaw

CB

Sven Botman

LB

Lewis Hall

DM

Sandro Tonali

CM

Bruno Guimaraes

CM

Elliot Anderson

RW

Antoine Semenyo

LW

Anthony Gordon

ST

Nick Woltemade

It’s exciting to note that even with Isak having been sold this summer, Newcastle have a dynamic crop of players capable of hitting even loftier heights than were struck last season. But with the likes of Trafford and Anderson and Semenyo added to the fold, Newcastle would go from strength to strength.

One Premier League analyst has even claimed Semenyo is “one of the best players in the world”. These are the heights Newcastle must be striving for, and Wilson can make it happen.

Howe has found the next Saint-Maximin in "frightening" Newcastle star

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ByWill Miller Oct 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur avoided an embarrassing Carabao Cup defeat last night, subsequently claiming a 3-0 victory over League One Doncaster Rovers.

The win keeps Thomas Frank’s hopes of claiming a trophy in his first year as Lilywhites boss alive, with a trip to face current holders Newcastle United awaiting them in round four.

It may have only been against a team two divisions below them, but the Dane will have been impressed with the relentless nature of the performance, which saw the Lilywhites have 55% possession.

Such an outing gave numerous fringe players a chance to stake their claim for a regular role in the starting eleven, with the Dane having some incredible strength in depth currently at his disposal.

However, the victory also allowed one other player to finally get the opportunity he’s craved to feature in his natural position after being forced to operate in an unnatural role as of late.

Xavi Simons’ performance against Doncaster

After joining in a £52m deal from RB Leipzig during the summer transfer window, Xavi Simons became a player with huge expectations at Spurs, but he’s so far struggled to reach the levels many hoped for.

He’s mainly operated in a wide left role, but he was handed a start in a more familiar central role against Doncaster last night – taking advantage of the opportunity handed his way.

The Dutchman featured for a little over an hour, but had a huge impact on proceedings – as seen by the underlying stats that he produced in North London.

Simons created seven chances and won four fouls – with both tallies being the most of any player on the pitch – subsequently highlighting the threat he posed to Grant McCann’s side.

He also completed 97% of the passes he attempted, with four of his efforts being into the final third – allowing him to create one big chance in the process.

Whilst he was unable to register a goal or assist last night, the 22-year-old looked a constant nuisance in the number ten role, with Frank needing to stick with him in such a position.

However, one other first-team player managed to impress, now arguably being just as important as the Dutchman, given his own impressive display against Donny last night.

The Spurs star who is becoming as important as Simons

Given the sheer volume of competitions this season, Frank needs to have every Spurs player up to scratch to try and allow for success in various tournaments.

His side have already claimed wins in three separate competitions in 2025/26, with the side already impressing in the Premier League, Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

Simons has started all but one game since making his big-money move to join the Lilywhites, but the Dutchman has rapidly developed into a key player for the Dane as a result of his creativity.

However, he’s not the only summer addition who’s already impressed in North London, with Joao Palhinha immediately exceeding all expectations placed upon him after his loan move to the club.

The Portuguese international joined from Bayern Munich, but to the disappointment of many, with the 30-year-old not seen as the man to improve the first-team squad.

He’s already scored twice despite his deep-lying role, with his latest effort coming against Doncaster last night – producing an incredible acrobatic effort which opened the scoring.

Palhinha also featured out of position at centre-back, but still managed to thrive, producing numerous incredible figures that helped the Lilywhites claim a crucial victory.

The former Fulham star completed 63 passes, at a completion rate of 90%, with the former of the two stats the most of any player who featured during the contest on home soil.

Despite his defensive role, he also managed to complete four passes into the final third, able to provide those ahead of him with the chances to impress in front of goal.

Minutes played

90

Touches

82

Passes completed

63

Pass accuracy

90%

Tackles made

2

Clearances made

6

Interceptions

1

Passes into final third

4

However, Palhinha dominated without the ball, making two tackles, six clearances and one interception – helping the Lilywhites keep their fifth clean sheet of the 2025/26 campaign.

As a result of his showing, the loanee was handed a superb 9/10 match rating by The Standard’s journalist Matt Verri, further showcasing how impressive he was during the victory.

After such a display, Frank simply can’t afford to drop the Portuguese international from his starting eleven, with the experienced talent on a phenomenal run of form in the first team of late.

Should he continue his current impressive form for the Lilywhites, there’s no reason as to why Palhinha can’t be as undroppable as Simons, with the pair able to catapult the side to new heights in the months ahead when operating together.

Fewer touches than Kinsky: Frank must bench 5/10 Spurs star after Doncaster

Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup last night with a win over Doncaster.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 25, 2025

Frank Lampard is set to swap Halloween for Hollywood this year. The Coventry City boss, known for his spooky season enthusiasm, will miss out on trick-or-treating with his kids after dressing as the Grim Reaper last year. Instead, he’ll be leading his high-flying Sky Blues into a Friday night clash with Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s Wrexham under the lights.

• Lampard looking forward to Coventry's Wrexham duel

  Lampard’s Coventry City are set for a blockbuster Championship clash against Hollywood-owned Wrexham under the lights at the Racecourse Ground on Halloween night. The Sky Blues head into the fixture chasing a seventh consecutive league victory to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign. A win would see Lampard’s side strengthen their grip on top spot in the table, continuing their early-season momentum.

  However, the fixture means Lampard will have to skip his annual Halloween tradition — dressing up and trick-or-treating with his children around his London neighbourhood. The former Chelsea and England star is known to embrace the spooky season, having gone “full Grim Reaper” last year. But as he put it himself, work commitments come first this time around.

  Despite missing out on family fun, Lampard made it clear he has no complaints about spending Halloween night in Wales. The ex-midfielder admitted he’ll miss the laughs at home, but with Coventry’s stunning form, the “sweet treat” of three points at Wrexham would be the perfect consolation.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lampard opens up on love for Halloween

  “I normally dress up with my children and trick or treat locally, so they’re a bit disappointed that I’m not there. I’m missing out but they’ll be looked after and they’ll still do it with the rest of the family. It’s a shame to miss it but work is work,” Lampard said, smiling as he recalled his Halloween antics.

  “As for what I usually dress up as, I was the Grim Reaper last year. I’m not sure what I was the year before, I was fully covered again and I think I was like a swamp monster or something, like a green thing. Yeah, the kids get scared, that’s the point, isn’t it,” he joked.

  Lampard also reflected on how much he enjoys the anonymity Halloween offers: “I was completely Grim Reapered up, all masked up. I enjoy the anonymity of the evening. It’s something I do every year just around my local streets where it’s very popular. I loved Halloween as a kid — probably because I love sweets. I know the headline will be like, ‘I can’t believe I’m not the Grim Reaper this year,’ or something but I’m very happy to be going with Coventry to Wrexham. I’ll miss it for one year and I’ll possibly be back for it next year.”

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Lampard talks about facing off against Parkinson's Wrexham

  While Halloween may be off the cards, Lampard’s enthusiasm for Friday’s match is unmistakable. Coventry’s trip to Wrexham pits the Championship’s early pace-setters against one of the most high-profile clubs in world football, backed by Hollywood actors Reynolds and Mac. For Lampard, though, the focus is purely on maintaining momentum and keeping his players grounded after a superb run of form.

  The 46-year-old praised his players’ work ethic and adaptability, pointing out that Wrexham’s direct, physical style, led by Welsh striker Kieffer Moore, will demand another disciplined defensive display. “It’s a great part of the job,” he explained in his pre-match press conference. “When you decide to be a coach, if you want to be a proper coach on the pitch in terms of analysis and how you set your team up, that’s the challenge you have to buy into.”

  Lampard added that he relishes tactical battles like the one ahead. “You learn a lot in this job, much more than as a player, and I like to prepare the players as best I can for whatever challenge we’re getting. That’s me doing my job properly and also giving the opposition problems if we can. So it’s something I really enjoy.”

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• Coventry travel to Wrexham on Halloween

  Coventry now travel to North Wales to face off against Wrexham on Friday, aiming to extend their unbeaten league start and claim a seventh straight victory. A win would not only solidify their status as promotion contenders but also highlight Lampard’s growing influence at the club. 

  For Wrexham, meanwhile, the fixture marks another test of their credentials as they look to prove they can compete with established second-tier sides. The Red Dragons will be eager to dent Coventry’s unbeaten run and remind everyone they’re not just a celebrity project.

Will Arsenal hit the ground running when they return following the international break?

Well, if they’re going to win the Premier League title, they’re going to have to.

Last time out, Mikel Arteta’s team swatted aside West Ham 2-0 at home, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

That made it four victories on the spin for the Gunners across all competitions, having conceded just three times in ten outings so far.

Next up in the Premier League, Arsenal’s next four fixtures are against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland, while also facing Atlético Madrid in Slavia Prague in the Champions League, as well as Brighton in the EFL Cup between this international break and the next.

If Arteta’s team are to be considered the serious team that they appear to be, this has to be a sequence of wins, especially in the Premier League, so he will need his big players to come to the fore, notably that man Viktor Gyökeres.

Viktor Gyökeres' miserable international break

While many football fans up and down the country bemoan the international break, another person who is probably pleased to return to club duties is Gyökeres.

This window could hardly have gone any worse for Sweden, losing both World Cup qualifiers, beaten 2-0 by Switzerland in Stockholm on Friday night, before an ignominious 1-0 defeat when Kosovo, world-ranked 91, visited Göteborg on Monday.

The Blågult are therefore rock-bottom of Group B with just a solitary point to their name after four matches, in serious danger of missing out on a third successive major tournament.

Sweden are pretty much guaranteed a play-off spot, by virtue of having won promotion to Nations League B a year ago, Gyökeres the competition’s top scorer with nine goals, but the way they’re playing at the moment, Jon Dahl Tomasson’s team don’t appear likely to make much headway in March’s play-offs.

The Swedish media were ultra-critical of strike partner Alexander Isak, frustrated by his lack of sharpness, but Gyökeres did not get off lightly, with outlet Fotbollskanalen exclaiming that he was ‘a shadow of the striker’ he was before.

In the defeat to Switzerland, Arsenal’s new big-money signing registered just 33 touches, that’s four fewer than goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, before touching the ball only 35 times at the Ullevi on Monday, ranked 20th in the match.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Across the two defeats, Gyökeres mustered four shots, only one of which found the target, and was largely ineffective, which obviously isn’t all his fault, but this won’t have helped boost his confidence, now without a goal in eight appearances for club and country.

As the centre-forward seeks to end that barren period at Craven Cottage on Saturday, should Arteta also unleash Arsenal’s “little magician” who enjoyed his international break rather more?

Arsenal's "little magician" who should start vs Fulham

While Gyökeres was not having a pleasant evening in Göteborg, just 155 miles west of North London, Leandro Trossard scored his 11th international goal for Belgium, rubber-stamping a vital 4-2 victory over Wales in Cardiff, leaving the Red Devils on the brink of World Cup qualification.

It was a classic Trossard goal, making sure he was in the right place at the right time in the penalty area before finishing crisply as if it was no effort at all.

Back at club level, already this season, the 30-year-old has scored on the road against Athletic Club and Port Vale, cementing 2-0 victories both times, as well as assisting Gabriel Martinelli’s opener at San Mamés and Martín Zubimendi’s header against Nottingham Forest.

Ever since he arrived from Brighton in January 2023, Arsenal very much thankful they ended up with the Belgian rather than Mykhailo Mudryk, he has consistently produced end product, as the table below documents.

Bukayo Saka

42

35

Leandro Trossard

30

25

Kai Havertz

29

13

Gabriel Martinelli

29

16

Martin Ødegaard

24

28

Gabriel Jesus

21

13

Declan Rice

17

23

Since Trossard’s debut in late January 2023, only Bukayo Saka has scored more goals for the club than the Belgian, with only Saka and Martin Ødegaard ahead of him in terms of assists too.

This is despite the fact that he has not always been a guaranteed starter, with 55 of his 132 appearances for the club coming off the bench, while 11 of his 30 goals have been scored as a substitute, including both this season.

Following a win at Wolves in April 2024, Arteta labelled Trossard a “little magician”, adding that he is “so composed, so cool… it’s just a joy to have him in the team”.

Meantime, Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who scored 185 goals for the club, asserted that the Belgian is Arsenal’s “best finisher and most clinical finisher of chances”, praising his movement and suggesting he deserves to start on a more regular basis.

Thus, at Fulham on Saturday, with Ødegaard sidelined, Eberechi Eze is likely to be deployed centrally in the number ten role.

This leaves the left-wing position up for grabs, and Trossard’s form probably warrants a start, even if Martinelli himself scored for Brazil against Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday; he isn’t a bad alternative.

Nevertheless, Trossard’s goal-scoring prowess will help alleviate the pressure on Gyökeres’ shoulders, aiming to bag the goals that the Gunners need if they’re to land the Premier League title.

Forget Odegaard: Arsenal can get Gyokeres firing by starting "explosive" star

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ByBen Gray Oct 13, 2025

يلعب منتخب السعودية تحت 17 عامًا، مباراته الأولى في بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين، مساء اليوم الأربعاء، ضد منتخب النمسا.

منتخب السعودية يلاقي النمسا، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الأولى من عمر منافسات المجموعة الثانية عشر لبطولة كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا.

ويتواجد منتخب السعودية في المجموعة الثانية عشر من بطولة كأس العالم، بجانب منتخبات النمسا ومالي ونيوزيلندا.

وتقام بطولة كأس العالم للناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، في دولة قطر، حيث انطلقت منافستها يوم 3 نوفمبر الحالي وتسمر حتى 27 نوفمبر 2025. موعد مباراة السعودية والنمسا اليوم في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا

تقام مباراة السعودية والنمسا، اليوم الأربعاء 5 نوفمبر، في تمام الساعة 3:30 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 4:30 بتوقيت السعودية.

طالع.. فيديو | منتخب مصر يسحق هايتي برباعية في افتتاح مشواره بكأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا القنوات الناقلة لمباراة السعودية والنمسا اليوم في كأس العالم للناشئين

تنقل مباراة السعودية والنمسا، عبر قنوات بي إن سبورت المفتوحة على النايل سات، بالإضافة إلي قناة الكأس 3.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

MatériaMais Notícias

Está chegando a hora! Flamengo e São Paulo se alinham os últimos detalhes da preparação para o primeiro jogo da grande final da Copa do Brasil, que será disputado no dia 17 de setembro, no Maracanã. De olho no duelo que promete uma enorme mobilização de ambos os lados, o Lance! preparou um especial com o resumo das temporadas de cada equipe, e explica como Rubro-Negro e Tricolor chegam para a finalíssima.

ANO DO FLAMENGO É MARCADO POR VEXAMES, E COPA DO BRASIL PODE SER ‘SALVADORA DA PÁTRIA’

Atual campeão da Copa do Brasil, o Flamengo vê na conquista do pentacampeonato do torneio nacional o afago necessário para uma temporada marcada por vexames. Em 2023, o Rubro-Negro disputou cinco decisões e perdeu todas. Mundial, Recopa Sul-Americana, Supercopa do Brasil, Carioca e Libertadores. De Vitor Pereira a Jorge Sampaoli, o Fla perdeu seu DNA, colecionou fracassos, endossou discursos ‘passadores de pano’ e se afastou do caminho de glórias que vinha sendo percorrido nos últimos anos.

Apesar dos pesares, o Flamengo fez valer o poder de seu elenco, as individualidades se sobressaíram em momentos de crise, e a vaga para mais uma final foi carimbada. Para chegar até a decisão, o Rubro-Negro deixou para trás o Fluminense, o Athletico e o Grêmio.

+ Jogadores do Flamengo têm reunião de ‘portões fechados’ e sem presença de Sampaoli

Nas oitavas de final, Flamengo e Fluminense escreveram mais um capítulo na história do clássico mais charmoso do Brasil. A partida de ida, com mando de campo Tricolor, terminou em 0 a 0. No jogo de volta, o Fla fez valer o ‘fator casa’, venceu o confronto por 2 a 0 e garantiu a classificação.

Nas quartas de final, o Flamengo enfrentou o já conhecido Athletico PR – pelo quinto ano consecutivo no torneio nacional. No Maracanã, o Fla venceu a primeira partida por 2 a 1, e conquistou uma singela vantagem para decidir a vaga fora de casa. Na Ligga Arena da Baixada, o Furacão não conseguiu se impor, o Rubro-Negro carioca aplicou um 2 a 0 e carimbou o passaporte para a semifinal.

Na última etapa antes da grande decisão, o Flamengo reencontrou Renato Gaúcho e eliminou o Grêmio do torneio. O primeiro duelo foi disputado na Arena do Grêmio, e o Rubro-Negro venceu por 2 a 0. No confronto da volta, no Maracanã, o Fla administrou a vantagem, venceu por 1 a 0 e se garantiu na grande final.

Agora, em busca do pentacampeonato, o Flamengo encontra pelo caminho uma das peças principais do título da Copa do Brasil 2022: Dorival Júnior. O técnico campeão nacional com o Rubro-Negro na última temporada, hoje comanda o São Paulo, e vai tentar superar a antiga equipe em busca do título inédito para o Tricolor.

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

COM CAMPANHA HISTÓRICA, ANO DE SÃO PAULO ESTÁ BASEADO EM BUSCA DE TÍTULO INÉDITO

Seis Campeonatos Brasileiros, uma Copa Sul-Americana, três Copa Libertadores e três Mundiais. No entanto, um título ainda falta na prateleira de troféus do São Paulo: a tão sonhada Copa do Brasil. E sem dúvida, a campanha pode ser considerada até mesmo histórica.

O começo do ano do Tricolor foi turbulento. Nas quartas de final do Campeonato Paulista, caiu após ser derrotado pelo Água Santa nas penalidades. Pouco tempo depois, Rogério Ceni deixou o comando e Dorival Júnior chegou. Na Copa Sul-Americana, o Tricolor chegou até as quartas de final também, eliminado pela LDU. Mas é na Copa do Brasil que o time quer fazer história. Na expectativa da decisão, o grande destaque foi para um feito que, caso aconteça novamente, pode ser até mesmo considerado um ‘milagre’.

O São Paulo carimbou sua vaga na etapa final eliminando dois dos seus maiores rivais: Palmeiras e Corinthians. O Palmeiras, inclusive, foi eliminado nas quartas de final no Allianz Parque, na frente de um mar verde nas arquibancadas, que se viram caladas após os gols de Caio Paulista e David. Contra o Corinthians, na semifinal, conseguiu o resultado no Morumbi, diante dos 62 mil torcedores presentes e com uma das maiores festas vistas nos arredores. Por este motivo, a conquista da competição com esta campanha seria histórica.

Mas não apenas o foco total no campeonato marcou o ano do São Paulo em 2023. Além dos recordes de torcida, que se tornaram tão frequentes na temporada, e da chegada de Dorival Júnior – que logo encantou o Morumbi -, o Tricolor contou com a vinda de diversos reforços, com um destaque especial para três personalidades: Pato, James Rodríguez e Lucas Moura – todos com experiência de Europa, e principalmente o primeiro e o último, retornando ao time que os mesmos consideram como “casa”.

+ São Paulo pode ‘zerar’ galeria de troféus com título da Copa do Brasil

COMO O FLAMENGO CHEGA PARA A FINAL?

Pressionado, o Flamengo chega para a grande final com uma responsabilidade duplicada. A primeira, de fazer valer o título de atual campeão do torneio e brigar pelo pentacampeonato, e a segunda, de superar a crise interna, erguer a taça e salvar a temporada 2023.

O clima nos bastidores do Rubro-Negro não é dos melhores, mas o elenco mais que vitorioso sabe que tem uma nobre missão a cumprir: dar um afago aos corações dos mais de 45 milhões de apaixonados.

Apoio não irá faltar. Para a partida deste 17 de setembro, uma enorme mobilização foi criada pela torcida, que arrecadou mais de R$ 130 mil em vaquinha. A festa está sendo prepara com promessa de caos visual para relembrar o ‘tempo de ouro’. Nas arquibancadas, o empenho está garantido. Agora, é com vocês. Vai pra cima deles, Mengo!

E O SÃO PAULO?

Foco total. Esta é a palavra que define como o Tricolor chega para uma das finais mais aguardadas de todos os tempos. Após 23 anos, o clube finalmente volta a enfrentar uma decisão assim por uma competição que ainda não conseguiu vencer.

O clima interno no elenco é de otimismo e foco. Todos tem noção da importância que seria este feito. Por parte da torcida, clima de apoio máximo. Para a final no Morumbi, as vendas dos ingressos se esgotaram rapidamente – tamanha a ansiedade.

*Izabella Giannola colaborou com supervisão de Paula Mattos

Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma played key roles as SA won their first world title

Andrew McGlashan14-Jun-20253:35

Markram: ‘Important to keep Test cricket No.1 in SA’

Temba Bavuma heard the references as Australia tried to get into South Africa’s heads on the fourth day at Lord’s, but the ‘chokers’ tag can now be banished to history.When Bavuma and Aiden Markram resumed on day four needing 69 to win, the Australians reminded them that the job wasn’t done. The tension was palpable in the middle, especially when Bavuma edged Pat Cummins behind with 65 needed and Tristan Stubbs had his bail trimmed by a beauty from Mitchell Starc with the target 41 away.But in the end, there were no major alarms as Markram took them within touching distance of the target with an innings for the ages.Bavuma was quick to say how facing the current Australian team is a different experience than in the past – a clear reference to the infamous 2018 series – but that didn’t mean there weren’t a few words.Related

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“Playing against Australia is a bit different in the last couple of years,” he said. “They’re not as vocal out on the field. They’re still aggressive through their body language, through obviously their skill, but there’s not a lot of chatter.”Of course, the tag of us being chokers, that came about this morning. One of their players threw out the fact that we could lose our eight wickets in less than 60 runs. I definitely heard that.”Aiden kept using the [words] lock in after every over, let’s keep locking in. Let’s give them nothing. So yeah, not a lot of chatter, just one or two things that were, that were said.”1:53

Steyn on SA’s WTC win: ‘We saw the biggest of the biggest come through’

Australia stretched the game as long as they could and in the end were able to take the second new ball, but by then only 14 runs were needed and Markram dispatched the first delivery of it emphatically through midwicket.”It was kind of just draw it out as long as we can, try and for the pace bowlers, just try and go for two runs an over,” Cummins said. “[Nathan] Lyon was looking really likely and you never know, maybe some clouds come over, maybe a new ball does something different, just try to string it out as more and more nerves play into it as well.”Markram, who had been emotional when reaching his century on the third evening and referenced his own feelings when falling short in last year’s T20 World Cup, hoped talk of the past had been permanently put to bed.”It would be great to not have to hear it again, that’s for sure,” he said. “In terms of it motivating you, I mean, there’s always going to be external things that can motivate you, but it’s not your sole purpose for playing. To have got the job done and to literally have got the job done and to get rid of that is quite a big thing for this team.”Cummins was gracious in his assessment of Markram’s performance and South Africa overall after the frequent debates about their route to the final.”A few of us have played alongside him as well in IPL and [he’s] very well respected,” he said. “He’s a good man, Aidan. Unfortunately for us, he kind of made it look pretty easy out there and just built a big innings. We threw a fair bit at him, but [he] had an answer for everything.””Everyone has a slightly different route to make the final, but they absolutely deserved to make the final and showed why I think they’re very deserving champions.”

Opening the batting may not be Marnus Labuschagne’s preferred option, but Usman Khawaja has said that sometimes players need to take a role that is best for the team rather than the individual and backed him to make a success of it should that be the selectors’ call at Lord’s.Labuschagne is firming as the likely option to walk out alongside Khawaja in the World Test Championship final as Australia juggle their batting order. When it was suggested last year that Labuschagne could be an option at the top of the order after David Warner’s retirement, Khawaja said he had “opening-itis” and on Monday joked again that he wasn’t really over it.Related

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However, it appears the selectors will opt for Labuschagne’s experience and Test record – which includes 11 centuries – over dropping him in favour of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who was handed a debut against India when Australia wanted someone to take the game on. Should that transpire, it shapes as a key moment as Labuschagne fights to secure his Test spot with the selectors keen to settle down an opening combination ahead of the Ashes later this year.”You don’t always get to choose in Australia. You’ve got six of the best batsmen in the country,” Khawaja said while promoting Prime Video who will broadcast the final in Australia. “Like I’ve said in the past, there are plenty of times where I prefer to bat in other positions. But beggars can’t be choosers. You just have to be humble that you’re playing for Australia.”Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne could be Australia’s new opening pair at the WTC final•ICC/Getty Images

Labuschagne has previously opened 15 times in first-class cricket although only once since 2016, but as a regular No.3 knows there is a chance he could be in for the second ball of an innings.”You take what you get and you make the best out of it. At the end of the day, it’s a team game,” said Khawaja, who moved permanently into the opening role in early 2022 after returning to the side with twin hundreds against England at No. 5. “The best place for me to bat for the team is to open. So I’m very happy to open and do my role for the team. I’m sure if it’s the same for Marnus, I’m 100%. I know he’ll take that role.”[When] you bat three, I think the opening is an easier transition. The only time it’s hard is when you bat second. You have to run off and change [into] your pads. Usually when I was at three, I just put my feet up. You don’t get to do that anymore. That’s the biggest difference. But Marnus is a terrific player. If he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”From a personal point of view, Khawaja played down any issues with what has become a revolving door of opening partners since Warner retired. Since then, Australia have cycled through Steven Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Konstas and latterly Travis Head who was used as a conditions-specific selection in Sri Lanka.”An opener can get out first ball and you’re batting with number three anyway,” Khawaja said. “So it’s not that big of a deal. All the guys that are in this team I’ve batted with. Opening has been a revolving door for a long time. But I think it just shows you how hard opening is. It’s not an easy place to bat.”I’ve had a few partners since Davey’s gone. It’s just a tough place to bat. You can’t hide in Test cricket. I think whoever’s going to come in will do a good job. But for me, it’s no different.”The other selection questions Australia had to ponder where whether to continue with an allrounder at No. 6 and the call between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland. Hazlewood looks primed to return to the bowling line-up, while during training on Monday, the catching cordon was Khawaja, Smith, Beau Webster and Cameron Green. Webster, who has never played at Lord’s, spoke the previous day about having to factor in the slope when standing in the slips.Meanwhile, Australia believe that spin could play a significant role in the match. Two days out the pitch was already quite straw-coloured and the forecast is for warm weather during the Test and a good amount of sunshine.”I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on,” Smith said. “It is dry. We only came here a week ago, but I think it’s been pretty dry to start the season over here. I think the footmarks will definitely come into play as the game wears on.”Two years ago, during the 2023 Ashes, Australia lost Nathan Lyon to a calf injury during England’s first innings but were able to secure victory through their fast bowlers.”He’s keen to get back here and I guess put those negative memories out of his mind,” Alex Carey said. “But it probably proved in that series how big a role he does play in all conditions, especially here in England.”

Rashid, who plays for MI New York, has opted out of the tournament to take a break

Nagraj Gollapudi11-Jun-2025Afghanistan allrounder Rashid Khan will be absent from the 2025 edition of Major League Cricket (MLC). ESPNcricinfo has learned that Rashid, who plays for MI New York, has opted out of the tournament, which gets underway on Friday, to take a break.Rashid’s absence is bound to hurt MINY as he was their best bowler in the last MLC season, picking up ten wickets at 6.15, even though his team finished fourth with just two wins in seven matches. Rashid was last in action in IPL 2025 for Gujarat Titans, who lost in the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians. It was Rashid’s poorest IPL season as he got just nine wickets at an economy rate of 9.34 and average of 57.11. It was the first time his wickets column had failed register double-digits since his IPL debut in 2017.Batters dominated Rashid throughout the season as he conceded 33 sixes, the most by any bowler in a single edition of the IPL.Related

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In a further jolt to MINY’s plans, another Afghanistan allrounder – Azmatullah Omarzai – is also set to miss MLC as he, too, is learned to have taken a break from playing. Like Rashid, Omarzai, too, last played in the IPL where he was part of Punjab Kings, who finished runners-up.In some good news for the MLC, though, Naveen-ul-Haq (MINY), Noor Ahmed (Texas Super Kings) and Waqar Salamkheil (Seattle Orcas) have joined their respective teams after doubts emerged over the participation of Afghanistan players owing to the travel ban imposed by the US government on entry of citizens from 12 countries.The ban became effective this week with Afghanistan among the 12 countries in the list. The others are: Burma, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.Two other Afghanistan players – Gulbadin Naib and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who play for Orcas – are understood to be awaiting visas to travel to play in MLC.