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ESPNcricinfo presents the plays of the day from the third day of the Colombo Test

Andrew Fernando in Colombo27-Nov-2012The fendAngelo Mathews warned his partner not to play the hook shot with three men on the leg-side fence, and then ignored his own advice•AFPTharanga Paranavitana showcased a skill more befitting a rugby back than a Test batsman to earn himself four bonus runs in the second over of the day, as he completed a quick single after dropping the ball into the off side. Jeetan Patel at cover swooped in and felt he had a chance of running Paranavitana out, but his throw to the bowler’s end was wild, and threatened the running batsman instead of the stumps. Paranavitana reached behind him and fended the ball away, much like a rugby fullback would when trying to shake off the last defender, and the ball ricocheted off his gloves and went even further away from the fielder who was already struggling to back up the throw. Paranavitana was not deemed to be handling the ball or obstructing the field as the batsman is allowed to use his hands in self-preservation in that context.The near-miss(es)Angelo Mathews could also have got himself and his partner out with the same shot in the third over of the morning, when he straight drove Trent Boult aerially. Boult at first felt he had a chance to take the catch, but he was too slow to react. If he had got a finger on the ball he might have effected a dismissal as the ball went on to hit the off stump with Paranavitana out of his crease. Even the umpire had a near miss as force of the shot uprooted the stump, which cartwheeled not far from him.The catchMartin Guptill has had a woeful tour of Sri Lanka so far with the bat, but his stunning reflexes and sure hands haven’t left him, which was seen in his stellar catch to dismiss Mathews at second slip. Mathews lunged at a fullish wide delivery from Southee, and the resulting outside edge flew fast and low, but Guptill leaped almost instantly to his right and plucked the ball one-handed. It was a take that would have been impressive at gully or backward point, but to move so far, so quickly at slip almost defied belief.The self-ignored adviceEarly in the day Ross Taylor put three men on the leg-side fence despite the cautious progress of Sri Lanka’s overnight pair, but Mathews spotted the men in the deep and grew wise to the trap. Almost immediately he called out to his partner at the non-striker’s end, urging him not to play the pull. But sure enough, Tim Southee pitched one short next ball, and what should Mathews do but play the pull himself. He had controlled the shot well, but it was “do as I say, not as I do” from Sri Lanka’s probable future captain.The copy catSuraj Randiv has had a mediocre series with the ball, but with Sri Lanka in danger of being dismissed before reaching the follow-on target, he seemingly impersonated the man he was batting with. Thilan Samaraweera had also been an offspinner in domestic cricket, and had turned himself into an obdurate batsman in his career’s second incarnation. Having taken only one wicket in the first innings, Randiv made 34 from 102 deliveries and contributed in the discipline he wasn’t picked for.

He was hailed as the next big thing, and persisted with through thick and thin, and now the faith invested has begun to reap results big time. Watch for Watson to be crucial at the World Cup

Brydon Coverdale12-Feb-2011Four years ago on a cruise ship docked in Grenada, Merv Hughes, part-time selector and part-time travel guide, was taking questions from his World Cup tour group when an older gentleman piped up.”Is that hugely overrated Shane Watson playing today?” the man asked in frustration.”I believe,” Merv replied, “and the other selectors believe, and Ricky Ponting believes, that Shane Watson will become Australia’s most important player within the next few years.”The answer was greeted with scepticism. Watson-bashing was a popular pastime among Australian supporters, who had seen the young allrounder spend seven years in and out of the national team – mostly out. Many Australian fans felt the selectors were so blinded by the 2005 Ashes that they wanted an Andrew Flintoff of their own, and that Watson was a poor man’s Freddie at best.Others saw him as a delicate flower, his emotions all too public. Surely anyone who cried, or a man who thought he was having a heart attack when some food disagreed with him in India, would never be hard enough for international cricket? Some liked him and wished he would live up to his promise, but were resigned to his career being cut short by injury.Whatever the fans on that cruise liner thought of Watson, few agreed with Merv’s prediction. Fast-forward to the 2011 World Cup and Hughes, now an ex-selector, has been proven right.Watson enters the tournament as the winner of the past two Allan Border Medals, the one-day team’s leading scorer of the past two years and their second-highest wicket taker in the same period.And, without question, as the team’s most important player. Among the major contenders, perhaps only Jacques Kallis is as critical to his side’s all-round success at this tournament as Watson is for Australia.His most vital role is as an opening batsman, alongside Brad Haddin. In 2007, Australia had Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist to set the tone and they did the job so well that the middle order was rarely under serious pressure. Haddin is a powerful striker but his form is moderate, and Watson is the one who should really impose himself.That’s especially significant in the current Australian outfit, where the No. 3, Ricky Ponting, is returning from injury, the No. 4, Michael Clarke, can build but won’t blast, and the reliable finisher Michael Hussey is at home in Perth nursing a tender hamstring. The situation is clear – for Australia to win their fourth consecutive World Cup, Watson have a big tournament.He’ll enjoy the slower pitches on the subcontinent, where he will have extra time for his front-foot pulls and drives, and as the Player of the Tournament in the first IPL, he is a proven performer in the conditions. He’s also shown himself to be a man for big moments: what better pedigree for a potential World Cup hero than back-to-back hundreds in a Champions Trophy semi-final and final, as Watson achieved in 2009?And his bowling in this tournament shouldn’t be underestimated. In an attack that will rely heavily on the sheer pace of Shaun Tait, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson, Ponting will look to Watson for variation, reliability and reverse swing, as he is one of the few in the attack who can claim to have it mastered.

He’ll enjoy the slower pitches on the subcontinent, where he will have extra time for his front-foot pulls and drives, and as the Player of the Tournament in the first IPL, he is a proven performer in the conditions

It is to Watson’s great credit that he did not give up bowling a few years ago, when every time he ran in to deliver the ball his team-mates held their breath and hoped a muscle wouldn’t snap. He broke down 12 times in six years, and it turned out that he was brawny. With help from the sports physio Victor Popov, Watson worked out that the gym was not the answer and that other fitness options like pilates were needed to help him become more flexible.He has transformed not only his body but also his role in the game, becoming a reliable Test opener, whose major flaw is forgivable – he makes too many fifties and not enough hundreds. That hasn’t been the case in one-day cricket, and his unbeaten 161 in the series opener against England in January will go down as one of the all-time great Australian limited-overs innings.It makes for a formidable all-round package and it seems remarkable, in hindsight, that Hughes and his fellow selectors didn’t have more supporters when they persisted with Watson, year after year, injury after injury. Watson knows he didn’t help himself with some of his behaviour. Even as recently as late 2009 fans tut-tutted at his obnoxious celebration when he bowled Chris Gayle in the Perth Test, which also brought a fine from the match referee.But finally, at 29, Watson is starting to win the Australian cricket public over. The admiration has come through a maturing approach, and more importantly, piles of runs and wickets.”It was something that I really craved, with the issues that I had with my injuries and also some of the ways I carried on in the field as well really didn’t help me out as much,” Watson said this week. “Probably one of the most satisfying things that has happened over the last couple of years has been to see people really appreciate what I’m able to do.”That respect will keep growing if Watson turns it on at the World Cup. Oh, and that match in Grenada four years ago? Merv’s words were still ringing in the ears of the Australian fans as Watson belted 65 off 32 against New Zealand.

The gameplan was to bat once and bat big, and with some sensible, yet often exciting, batting, India took a long stride towards that

Sidharth Monga in Chittagong18-May-2007

Rahul Dravid’s attacking half-century quickly put Bangladesh on the defensive after their first-ball strike © AFP
Effective. Considering the flat wicket, easy. Importantly, counterattacking. And, given that the plan was to bat once and bat big, India’s batting on day one of this series was just what was required. Blending sensible strokes with a willingness to dig deep to overcome whatever few hurdles they were faced with, India’s batsmen gave the team a strong foundation on which to build a winning total.Of course, the plans were rudely pushed aside with the very first ball of the day, with Wasim Jaffer’s dismissal requiring Rahul Dravid to walk out, yet again, in the opening over of a Test. And just when one expected a slow, steady recovery, Dravid provided a twist by going on the attack. The wicket was flat, the bowlers, though spirited, were not persistent or disciplined enough and he dealt with it in an appropriate manner. Also, he had at the other end Dinesh Karthik, opening a Test innings only for the second time, and needed to take the lead.Was it planned? “Things like [losing] a wicket in the first ball do not happen usually,” Karthik said pithily after the day’s play. “We didn’t plan it, we just played instinctively.” Yet it was a bold approach, given that India had gone into the match with only five specialist batsmenIt took Dravid three overs to assess the situation and, when Shahadat Hossain offered one full and outside the off stump in the fourth over, he leant in and drove it through the covers for four. The next over he showed his trust in the bounce of the wicket when he essayed an aerial cut off Mashrafe Mortaza, which just about cleared a leaping backward point. He followed that up with an array of punches, drives, and flicks, but the crucial point was that no shot looked risky.Happily, and not entirely unexpectedly, Dravid’s approach caught up with Karthik too and they scored fluently enough to bring up the 100-run partnership in the 21st over. This is the fourth time [a record] Dravid has featured in a second-wicket 100-run partnership after walking in at 0 for 1.Too often over the last couple of years, India have squandered a quick start by shutting shop once a couple of quick wickets have fallen, forgetting that scoring runs is the main purpose of batting. Such a scenario seemed to be on the cards again when Dravid and Karthik fell within eight runs of each other and the score stood at 132 for 3. Mortaza and Hossain were bowling well and seemed to be benefiting from the overcast conditions. But, after grinding the fast bowlers out of the attack, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly too cut loose.They were helped by the spinners, Bangladesh’s strength, being off their game today. They bowled too many short ones to Tendulkar, who accepted with delight. Ganguly, cautious against the short-pitched bowling of Hossain, didn’t mind the short ones from the spinners. Once set, he twice conjured a sight that has become rare and much missed: stepping out to a spinner and lofting him for a six.It’s easy to dismiss the partnership in light of the quality of the attack but there was a gameplan to follow, the odd ball was keeping low and wickets at that point of time would have forced India to fall back on to a Plan B. Under those conditions, Tendulkar and Ganguly paced their innings almost perfectly.The plan for Bangladesh would have been to get quick wickets and choke the batsmen. They had the opportunity twice but each time failed to test India’s weakness. It was not easy to bowl on this unresponsive wicket and under the hot, humid conditions; that could have played a role in what looked like a tactical error to take Mortaza and Shahadat off when they were looking good in the middle session.India’s plan tomorrow will be to see off the early morning freshness and then go on to bat Bangladesh out of the game. They will have to contend with Mortaza again, and the bowler had no doubts as to where the match stood. Asked whether Bangladesh had lost their chance, his reply was quick: “No. We have time tomorrow morning. If we can take a few quick wickets tomorrow, it could be different.”Indeed it could. Considering only Mahendra Singh Dhoni stands between this partnership and the long Indian tail, Tendulkar and Ganguly’s job is only half done.

The new signing from Ipswich will wear the infamous jersey during his debut season at Stamford Bridge after completing his £30m move

So many of the greatest strikers in world football have worn the No.9 shirt for club and country – from Alan Shearer to Ronaldo, Gabriel Batistuta to Robert Lewandowski.

At Chelsea, however, the No.9 seems to carry more weight than most. Players throughout the Premier League era at Stamford Bridge having struggled while wearing the iconic number, with former manager Thomas Tuchel even going as far to agree with the assertion that "it's cursed".

Liam Delap, then, is a brave man after the new £30 million ($41m) signing chose the No.9 jersey for his first season in west London after arriving from Ipswich Town. He will become the first player since the 2022-23 season to don the jersey, so can the England Under-21 international be the man to break the curse?

So which players have worn the shirt and how bad has it really been? GOAL runs down those who have worn the infamous jersey in recent times…

GettyThe early EPL years (1992-2000)

The first player to wear the No.9 in the Premier League era for Chelsea was Tony Cascarino, between 1992-1994. He set the unfortunate precedent for players to don the jersey, though, as the Ireland international scored just six league goals across two seasons.

However the following two players enjoyed rather more success in the No.9 – Mark Stein wore it between 1994-1996, knocking in a respectable 25 goals across 63 games in Chelsea blue. This was when they were a mid-table side in the pre-Roman Abramovich era, remember.

Stein was followed by Gianluca Vialli, who achieved legendary status at Chelsea in his time as the No.9 from 1996-1999. He won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup – before becoming manager in 1998.

However the No.9 curse was firmly re-established in the 1999-2000 season by Chris Sutton, who scored only one league goal all campaign after arriving in a £10 million move from Blackburn Rovers.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportJimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (2000-04)

Before the stinkers, let us salute a Chelsea great and arguably the greatest No.9 for the club in the Premier League era.

A club-record signing for £15m from Atletico Madrid, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink scored on his debut on his way to bagging 26 goals in his first Blues season, and 29 in 2001-02. His goal tally fell slightly in his final two Stamford Bridge campaigns, but he formed a key part of the final pre-Abramovich era team, before being sold to Middlesbrough in 2004.

GettyMateja Kezman (2004-05)

The 2004-05 season was historic for Chelsea fans, as they swept to the Premier League title under Jose Mourinho, on the back of several star signings.

However, for every Frank Lampard, there was a Mateja Kezman. The Serbian arrived with a big reputation from his time at PSV, but scored just four goals in 25 games and was sold on to Atletico Madrid at season's end.

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Getty Images SportHernan Crespo (2005-06)

Hernan Crespo took over the vacant No.9 after Kezman left – and despite those who claim Crespo was an underwhelming Chelsea player, he was actually integral in their second-straight league crown.

Crespo scored 13 goals in all competitions – however he and his family never settled in England, which meant Blues fans never saw him at his peak. He was loaned to Inter the following season and saw out his Chelsea contract in Italy.

Tottenham and Aston Villa could move for Adrien Rabiot while AC Milan explore a move following the French midfielder's exile at Marseille.

Milan exploring reunion with Rabiot under AllegriSpurs and Villa also showing interestMarseille value the Frenchman at €15mFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder has been frozen out after a clash with Jonathan Rowe in the dressing room and the French club are looking to sell him. Marseille are demanding €15 million (£13m/$16m) for him, with multiple clubs circling, reports . Tottenham and Villa are both in talks with his representatives, Fabrice Hawkins reports, with Spurs particularly keen if Yves Bissouma completes his expected move to Galatasaray. 

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Meanwhile, Milan are exploring a reunion between Rabiot and Massimiliano Allegri, under whom he flourished at Juventus, after being turned down in their pursuit of Bologna's Giovanni Fabbian, reports. However, the 30-year-old has not indicated that he is open to a move to San Siro.

Marseille are already preparing for life without the former Paris Saint-Germain star, identifying Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos and Benfica’s Florentino Luis as potential replacements. With the window closing in days, Rabiot’s future may depend on which club moves fastest and whether his mother and agent, Veronique Rabiot, gives her approval.

TELL ME MORE…

Rabiot has reportedly not given up on staying and repairing his relationship with Marseille. Coach Roberto De Zerbi has attempted to downplay tensions, but an interview given by his mother has angered the club as the president Pablo Longoria and sporting director Medhi Benatia are refusing to back down on their decision to banish and sell him.

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

Spurs' next step hinges on finalising Bissouma’s sale, while Villa are weighing whether to submit a formal offer before deadline day. Milan, though keen, must find common ground with Marseille’s €15m demand and overcome Veronique Rabiot’s firm stance in negotiations.

With two washed-out games out of three in their series against Pakistan, England’s preparation for the T20 World Cup has been some way short of ideal. Mark Wood said they were “deflated” by Tuesday night’s abandonment and with less than a week until their opening match against Scotland in Barbados, his own fitness remains something of an unknown.Wood was due to replace the rested Jofra Archer in Cardiff and was hoping to “test out” his left knee after bowling off his full run-up in training, albeit with heavy strapping. He has not bowled in a competitive match since England’s fifth Test in India in early March, and has not played a T20 fixture since featuring for Lucknow Super Giants at the IPL over a year ago.While Wood believes it is “important” for him to get some match practice before flying to the Caribbean, the final match of the series at The Oval on Thursday is also under threat from the weather. England will fly out on Friday morning. “The lads were itching to get out at Cardiff,” Wood said. “I don’t want a repeat of that tomorrow: hopefully, the rain stays away and we get some practice ready for the World Cup.”Obviously, it’s not ideal when you schedule four games and we might only get one or two. It was great we got a run-out the other day [at Edgbaston]… that’s why these games are important. Yes, we have got experience, but warm-up games always give you a sense of different things you can tinker with; who’s in good form, who needs to work on other things.”Related

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• Buttler backs England to learn from 50-over World Cup debacle

• England bring back Manchester City psychologist for T20 World Cup

The washouts have been particularly frustrating for England after the ECB decided to bring their players home early from the IPL, a move which caused some disquiet in India. Wood said the squad have still benefitted from spending time together, and specifically with psychologist David Young who has returned on a short-term basis.”It was great to have a session with David Young… it felt very similar to a session we had with him in 2019,” Wood said. “Jos [Buttler] spoke really well in that session about what we’re looking for as a team, and went over a few old things that strike hard with our team. Most teams around the world will say the same things, and Jos wants to get away from that and be really specific.”England’s build-up has been in stark contrast to their preparation for the 2022 T20 World Cup, which they won, after playing seven T20Is in Pakistan and three more in Australia, one of which was a no-result due to rain. “Whatever preparation we get, that’s what we’re going to have to go with,” Wood said. “There were plenty of games before the last one, but who’s to say it won’t work the other way around?”You can look at both sides: some lads have been playing at the IPL, and they’re match-ready… the lads that haven’t, is there a freshness? At the IPL, you’re playing all the time: other lads have seen your tricks, they’ve seen what you’re doing. Of course, it’s different conditions, and you have to adapt. But in terms of fresh legs, I might be going into that tournament feeling fresh.”Wood on Jofra Archer: “I don’t see why we can’t play in the same team”•Getty Images

Wood arrived in India for last year’s 50-over World Cup short on match practice and struggled: he conceded 55 runs in five wicketless overs in England’s opening match against New Zealand, and finished the tournament with six wickets at 58.16. Perhaps that is why he is so keen to play at The Oval: “I was in a position to bowl quickly and test [my knee] out,” he said. “I’m really happy with where I’ve managed to get to, after a little bit of a speed bump.”He appears unlikely to start the tournament – England picked what they consider to be their strongest XI at Edgbaston – but recent experience suggests that they will have to dip into their squad. In Australia, 18 months ago, they were without five players through injury by the final, including Wood himself. “As a group, we’ve all got to be ready to go and not be caught cold,” he said.Wood believes he will have to be flexible if he does play: “In Twenty20, you’ve got to try to be able to bowl in all phases. I usually bowl one at the top, a couple in the middle and one at the end. I was really happy with how things went in Australia: I know it’s a different surface, but the last World Cup, I was pleased with how I came out there. I’ll be trying to repeat that.”He also believes that he can feature in the same side as the returning Jofra Archer, as he did during the 2019 50-over World Cup. “That’s a question for the management, but I’ve played with Jofra before and I don’t see it like ‘me or him’. I don’t see why we can’t play in the same team, but maybe it’s up to the management to manage our bodies and see how we get through the tournament.”

Australia fall eight runs short after a defiant 91 not out from Steven Smith

Tristan Lavalette28-Jan-2024
Shamar Joseph defied his injured toe and sprinted around the Gabba in jubilation after his remarkable seven-wicket haul powered West Indies to a monumental upset of Australia in a pulsating eight-run victory in the second Test.Shortly after dinner, Joseph knocked over Josh Hazlewod to cap his heroic performance and end West Indies’ two-decade Test drought against Australia.Steven Smith was the only batter who was able to thwart Joseph and struck his first half-century as an opener to finish unbeaten on 91 not out. He had a riveting battle with Joseph, who summoned speeds around 150kmh and bowled 11.5 overs straight before and after dinner.Australia resumed after dinner at 187 for 8 and still 29 runs short. In the first over after the resumption, Alzarri Joseph dropped Nathan Lyon in his follow through only to produce a thin edge off the next delivery to put West Indies on the brink of a famous victory.Related

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Technique is the greatest weapon against the short-pitched delivery

With the field spread, a nerveless Smith unfurled an outrageous scoop for six that was more reminiscent of T20 cricket and reduced Australia’s target to 14 runs. But Joseph proved unstoppable as he finished his all-time great performance in style and with the figures of 7 for 68.It meant the series finished 1-1 and brought the curtains down on the Australian Test summer with the hosts surprisingly challenged by inexperienced Pakistan and West Indies teams on tough surfaces with none of the five matches going into the fifth day.Australia tasted defeat on home soil for the first time since losing to India at the Gabba in January 2021.Like Pakistan earlier in the summer, a youthful West Indies became a crowd favourite through their entertaining style of play and vivaciousness led by Joseph, who single-handedly hauled his team back in the contest.Australia appeared to be cruising towards the target of 216 at 113 for 2 until Joseph turned the match on its head with the wickets of Cameron Green and Travis Head in consecutive balls. He then dismissed Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey as Australia lost 4 for 23 and were still 80 runs short of victory.Joseph claimed his second five-wicket haul in as many matches by dismissing Mitchell Starc, who had briefly counterattacked, just before dinner as he sunk to his knees with his head on the ground.But he pushed through the pain barrier and exhaustion to nick off Pat Cummins.Shamar Joseph led the celebrations for West Indies•Getty ImagesThere had been grave doubt over whether Joseph could bowl after he was struck on the toe by an inswinging delivery by Starc late on day three that forced him to retire hurt.But he was cleared of a fracture and produced a spell in overcast and humid conditions that rocked Australia and set up a grandstand finish after dinner.There were fears of the day’s play being majorly interrupted after heavy showers lashed Brisbane overnight and in the morning. But the bad weather cleared and play resumed on schedule with Australia resuming at 60 for 2 and needing a further 156 runs.After starting aggressively late on day three, with his driving a standout, Smith focused on picking off the bowling for singles. But Green was anchored to the crease and intent on survival as Kemar Roach and Alzarri Joseph bowled on a dangerous length outside off stump.Green scored just 13 off his first 54 deliveries before he pounced on a rare Roach delivery that strayed on the pads to notch his first boundary. He was gifted three runs in the next over after a hash of a fielding attempt at mid-off from skipepr Kraigg Brathwaite.Smith looked comfortable until being squared up by a menacing delivery from Alzarri Joseph that flew through the vacant third slip to bring up the 50-run partnership.West Indies needed a spark and Shamar Joseph made an immediate impact when he came into the attack by producing a thick edge from Green that flew over the slips.Green started to settle until Joseph produced a rearing delivery that hit his back elbow and fell onto the stumps. He then on the next delivery delivered a scintillating yorker that clean bowled Head and left Australia stunned.It completed a king pair for Head, who suffered his third golden duck in his last six innings. Joseph was unable to complete a hat-trick, but soon had Marsh edging to second slip and clean bowled Alex Carey with another gem of a yorker.Starc decided to take on the bowling and it proved effective until he holed out. Play was extended by 20 minutes after Joseph dismissed Cummins, but he could not get through Smith and Lyon.But Joseph was not to be denied as he finished with one last epic celebration to wrap an astonishing debut series.

Chelsea's star midfielder Enzo Fernandez believes the Blues can win the Club World Cup by beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final. The Blues will start as underdogs against a PSG side who have won every trophy on offer in the 2024-25 campaign and have displayed fiery form in the Club World Cup thus far. Yet, the Argentine feels that they can upset the European champions.

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Fernandez confident of beating PSG PSG are favourites to win the Club World CupBlues face PSG in CWC final on SundayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 2024-25 season undoubtedly belongs to Luis Enrique's PSG, who won their record 13th Ligue 1 title and lifted their maiden Champions Trophy this summer. They have now set their eyes on the Club World Cup after scoring eight goals against Inter Miami and Real Madrid in the quarter-final and semi-final, respectively.

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PSG will start Sunday's final in New Jersey as overwhelming favourites; however, World Cup-winning Argentine midfielder Fernandez firmly believes that the Blues can stun the Champions League winners and clinch their second trophy of the season.

WHAT ENZO FERNANDEZ SAID

Speaking to reporters, the 24-year-old said: "The key, I think, is that in finals you play very focused. We know that we can’t give them space and we know that we can't give them chances, because they have very good players. Winning this Club World Cup would be very important for the club. Obviously, Chelsea have won it in the past, but a second wouldn’t be a bad thing!

"So we’ve been preparing for the match in the best possible way. We know we are facing a great team, but we are confident in ourselves and are also a great team. So we have prepared well and now we will go out onto the pitch and give our best."

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Enzo Fernandez's side will be taking a break following the conclusion of the Club World Cup and will be back in action next month. They are scheduled to play two pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan at home on August 8 and 10, respectively, before they kick off a brand new season of the Premier League.

MatériaMais Notícias

Um casal de torcedores do ABC foram vítimas de homofobia na internet após uma foto de um beijo na arquibancada, durante o jogo que garantiu o time potiguar na próxima Série B, viralizar.

RelacionadasFora de CampoAna Thaís ‘tieta’ Fernando Diniz e mostra apoio sobre Seleção BrasileiraFora de Campo20/09/2022Fora de CampoFlamengo x Corinthians: onde assistir ao sorteio dos mandos da final da Copa do BrasilFora de Campo20/09/2022Fora de CampoApós término com Militão, Karoline Lima abre o jogo sobre futuros relacionamentosFora de Campo19/09/2022

+ Jornalista da ESPN recusa proposta da Globo: veja as movimentações da imprensa esportiva em 2022

O consultor Dioges Junior postou a foto nas redes sociais e comemorou o acesso da equipe.

– Aqui é o clube do povo, um time gigante, meu ABC é maior que qualquer preconceito. A frasqueira é de todos e para todos os alvinegros! Te amo, ABC. Foi lindo acompanhar toda essa temporada, e agora vamos rumo ao Bicampeão Brasileiro série C após 12 anos – destacou o torcedor.

Dioges ainda compartilhou a capa do jornal ‘Tribuna do Norte’, que noticiou o caso, e mandou um recado provocativo a quem discorda do relacionamento do casal.

-Estou na @tribunadonorte e capa na coluna esporte do site da globo. Aos homofóbicos, esperem sobre vocês no @globorural – cutucou.

-> AO VIVO E DE GRAÇA: LANCE! está transmitindo ao vivo e de graça jogos da Bundesliga. Confira todas as informações sobre o torneio e transmissão aqui.

Dioges compartilhou, nos stories do Instagram, dezenas de mensagens marcando o casal e desejando força e apoio ao relacionamento dos dois. Outros perfis também compartilharam a história e prestaram solidariedade:

Nosso único preconceito é com quem não canta! 👊🏼🖤🤍 https://t.co/injeKe9OKL

— Movimento 90 (@m90oficial) September 19, 2022

Rio Ferdinand has said Manchester United should aim to finish between sixth and eighth in the Premier League next season.

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• Red Devils finished 15th in 24/25
• Rio: "it's a big come-down" from his time at the club
• INEOS had hoped to win league title by 2028

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ferdinand was speaking to Mirror Sport when he was asked where the Red Devils should finish in next season's Premier League. The United legend suggested that despite this season's failures, Ruben Amorim should be aiming for no less that eighth place, with hopes of snatching a berth in the top six.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United were dismal in the 2024/25 season, finishing 15th in the Premier League, their lowest finish in the history of the competition. Even so, to hear an Old Trafford hero talk about mid-table finishes as a realistic goal will rankle with the red half of Manchester. It was not long ago that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was planning for a league title win by 2028, a goal that looks increasingly farcical.

• WHAT FERDINAND SAID

  Ferdinand told Mirror Sport: "I think if you finish 15th this year, United have got to be looking to finish in at least the top eight, top six.

  "I don't think you should be looking outside of that. And that's from someone who only thought about winning the league at United. So it's a big come-down in that sense."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  United are discovering their once all-powerful brand does not carry quite the same weight as it used to. It would appear their two main targets this summer, Bryan Mbeumo and Viktor Gyokeres, may not end up at Old Trafford. Without serious reinforcements to the squad, maybe even Ferdinand's realistic goal of finishing in the top 8 might appear outlandish come the start of the season.