Tag Futebol

ScorecardIt could have been over in one ball, but instead it lasted seven. In front of a crowd of about 30 spectators, it took Durham about four minutes to pick up the final Nottinghamshire wicket to claim victory over the only team that had looked likely challengers for the county championship title by an innings and 102 runs.Steve Harmison bowled three balls to complete his over to the top scorer of the Nottinghamshire second innings, Mark Ealham. Ealham did not add to his 17, nor the bowler to his six wickets, for 20 runs, in the innings. This left one of county cricket’s most renowned rabbits, Charlie Shreck, to face a full over of Ian Blackwell’s left-arm spin, and the bookmakers would not have accepted bets on his chances of survival. Somehow he blocked two balls, before lashing out at the third and slicing a boundary to point. He exceeded himself again next ball, aiming a drive back over the bowler’s head, but this time the natural order of cricket reasserted itself, as Callum Thorp ran from mid-on to take a good catch.Nottinghamshire’s total of 83 was their lowest against Durham. One hopes the home supporters who had to wend their weary way home again considered the rare spectacle of a boundary hit from local folk hero Shreck had made their time worthwhile, as they did not have to pay at the gates.One of the most disappointing features of the Nottinghamshire batting was that all of their recognized batsmen made a start. They all scored a few runs, at least four, but only three reached double figures and none much more. Having made their start, most contributed softly to their own dismissals.On their form in this match, it would appear that their role as Championship pretenders has been demolished. But one bad match, even one as bad as this, should not condemn a talented team – and the problem is almost entirely a batting one. The true measure of the Nottinghamshire team’s worth will be clear in the next two or three weeks as they attempt to recover from this catastrophe and fight back. Surely they are too good a team to implode in this manner again.

An update has emerged on Croatian international Marcelo Brozovic, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Irish Sun, the Magpies have identified the Inter midfielder as a target for next summer’s transfer window.

The report claims contact has already been made with his representatives, as the club will be able to sign him on a pre-contract deal in January unless he puts pen to paper on fresh terms with the Italian giants.

Fans would love it

PIF must ensure that they are able to get a deal over the line for the midfielder in the January window. The fans would love it if the club could strike a pre-contract agreement with Brozovic as it would leave them with the exciting prospect of watching one of the most technically gifted midfielders play for them next season.

He could be a terrific signing for the Magpies and provide a step-up in quality to the squad. In the Serie A this season, he has averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.09 in 11 starts, completing an impressive 92.6% of his passes.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise to hear him described as “special” by teammate Matias Vecino.

At Newcastle, meanwhile, Sean Longstaff has been anything but special. Although, he has been the ‘best’ performing midfielder with an average WhoScored rating of 6.53, completing 82.2% of his passes. This suggests that Brozovic would be a sizeable upgrade on what the club currently has, assuming he can translate his form in Italy over to the Premier League.

Former Inter coach Luciano Spalletti previously hailed the midfielder’s versatility and quality. He said:

“Marcelo has great quality and the characteristics to play as a trequartista on the shoulders of a centre-forward.

“I am fortunate to have different players who can occupy that role and I’m rotating them. I don’t see a problem with that.

“It is certainly an option [to play a second striker]. We might be able to score some more goals but I always need to judge what the best balance for the team is.”

It is no surprise to see such high praise for the Croatian, as he has maintained an impressive level of performance throughout his career. He has an average career WhoScored rating of 7.01 across 284 matches for club and country, including games in the Serie A, World Cup, Europa League and Champions League.

This shows that the £36m-rated gem has been able to perform at the very highest level for club and country and remain consistent in doing so. Therefore, the fans would love to see him playing in black and white as he has proven himself to be a top midfielder for Inter and Croatia, suggesting that he could have a huge impact on the Newcastle squad if he joins on a free transfer next summer and that is why PIF must get this deal done.

AND in other news, “Emery will..” – Journalist delivers crushing Newcastle update that’ll worry fans…

Shaun Marsh, the Australian opening batsman, will return home to Australia after injuring his left hamstring during the first ODI against Pakistan in Dubai on Wednesday

Cricinfo staff23-Apr-2009

Shaun Marsh, the Australian opening batsman, will return home to Australia after injuring his left hamstring during the first ODI against Pakistan in Dubai on Wednesday. Marcus North, the Western Australia batsman who is currently with Hampshire, will replace Marsh for the remainder of the series which includes four more ODIs and a Twenty20.Marsh was on 4 when he attempted a sharp single to mid-on and pulled his left hamstring while diving at the crease. He resumed his innings with Nathan Haurtiz as a runner before falling for 16. The injury was to the same troublesome hamstring that kept him out of the recent tour of South Africa.”Shaun has undergone scans this morning in Dubai which have shown a recurrence of the left hamstring injury he suffered during the Australian summer,” Trefor James, the Australian team doctor, said. “The injury means Shaun is unavailable for selection in any of the remaining games in the United Arab Emirates and therefore a decision has been made to send him home immediately in order to begin his recovery.”Shaun’s recovery process will be monitored over the next two weeks before any decision can be made on his availability for the upcoming ICC World Twenty in the United Kingdom.”Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said it was a huge setback for Marsh but a good opportunity for North, given his all-round talents. “This is very disappointing for Shaun particularly given how hard he was worked in his recovery from the previous injury. While Marcus has been chosen primarily as a top-order batsman, his offspin bowling will come in particularly handy in the conditions the team will face both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”North is currently in England as Hampshire’s overseas player but will leave the current Championship match against Warwickshire and head to Dubai. He hit the headlines when he made a hundred on Test debut in Johannesburg against South Africa in February.

Aston Villa are plotting a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, according to The Mirror, as cited by Birmingham Live.

The Lowdown: Summer interest

Villa made a number of big-money moves in the recent transfer window, but they failed to add to their central midfield ranks. They were linked with a late swoop for McKennie, but as we now know, a transfer never materialised.

It appears as if Villa still have the USA international on their radar, though, with McKennie capable of playing as a defensive or central midfielder.

The Latest: Recent report

Birmingham Live cited The Mirror’s claim in a story on Sunday morning, claiming that Villa manager Dean Smith is plotting a move for McKennie.

An offer of £25m could be enough to strike a deal, whereas The Sun suggested that the Italian giants could be open to an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy.

The Verdict: Buendia all over?

The 23-year-old, who has the same agency as Villa defender Tyrone Mings, has also been linked with Arsenal. Villa pipped Mikel Arteta’s side to a move for Emiliano Buendia in the summer, so the same could happen in the New Year with McKennie.

Hopefully that turns out to be the case, with Villa having just four senior defensive or central midfielders to choose from as well as youngsters Jacob Ramsey and Carney Chukwuemeka.

Another senior option in that role could be a shrewd move, with Smith regularly selecting three central midfielders in different formations.

In other news: ‘Unreal’ – These Villa fans erupt after ‘mad’ news emerged

Trent Johnston and William Porterfield produced outstanding displays as Ireland crushed Canada to take the ICC World Cup Qualifiers trophy

Will Luke at Centurion Park19-Apr-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentaryTrent Johnston produced a captain’s performance with 5 for 14 to set up Ireland’s huge victory•Gallo ImagesIf there was any doubt that Ireland might take their foot off thepedal in an essentially meaningless final, Trent Johnston and hiscaptain, William Porterfield, ensured they were focussed on the trophyas they thrashed Canada in the final of the ICC World Cup Qualifiers atCenturion Park. Johnston, whose nagging seamers cut through Canada with career-best figures, and Porterfield, who made an unbeaten 104, justified Ireland’s standing as the No.1Associate and the team to beat, as they have been all tournament.With the rest of his squad roaring , an understandably elated Porterfield was delighted with his and the team’s performances. “Obviously we qualified a few days ago, but tocome here and win the final – which was our objective – is absolutely amazing,” he told Cricinfo. “And the way we did it was fantastic. I’ve been feeling in fantastic nick.”The way we’ve bowled in the last ten overs, bar today, has been fantastic. We’ve improved game to game and our fielding has improved, and the first ten overs in our batting has been excellent.”Eighteen days ago Porterfield stamped his and Ireland’s mark on thetournament with a brutal 101 to beat Scotland. A little under threeweeks later, he finished with another beautifully craftedand dominant innings. Chasing a meagre 186, he and Gary Wilson weresolid and assured, laying down a base on which to launch their chaselater in the innings. Wilson took advantage of anything short – therewas plenty – smiting Henry Osinde over the top for six. He fell for awell-made 38, spooning to third-man, but Porterfield and Niall O’Brienthen took total command.Ireland’s captain has impressed many in this tournament, not justthrough his assured batting but his calm leadership. With O’Brien forcompany, he took apart Canada whose fielding regressed from reasonablyproficient to, at times, hopelessly average. A fierce slap past pointbrought up Porterfield’s fifty from 80 balls and the milestone prompted hischarge against Sunil Dhaniram, who bowled far too short. The firmestof off-drives brought him a boundary, followed by an elegant pick-upover long-on as Ireland reduced the chase to nothing more than strollin the park against a tired team already thinking of flying home.Porterfield aside, it was Johnston who really set up Ireland’sconvincing win with an outstanding display of swing and seam. Hisintroduction in the ninth over from the West Lane end completelyturned the match around and, with his sixth ball, he had Rizwan Cheemaedging to Kevin O’Brien at first slip. In his next over, he trappedAshish Mulla leg-before with one that skidded through low and Canadawere tottering on 69 for 3 after wasting a positive opening stand.Alex Cusack kept things tight from the other end, but Johnston was apersistent threat and found a beauty which cut back on Ian Billcliffto bowl him through the gate. He then followed it up with two wicketsin consecutive balls to record his first five-wicket haul in ODIs -and Ireland’s best figures – leaving Canada in the hopeless position of88 for 6.Ireland were well on top, though Umar Bhatti added 46 to at least helpCanada post a total resembling competitiveness. Nudging singles offhis pads and working the ball cleverly into the gaps at midwicket, hegradually began to build partnerships, putting on an entertainingninth-wicket stand of 51 from 80 deliveries which at least made the total respectable. Ireland, however, came to South Africanot just to qualify for the World Cup but to get their hands on thetrophy and, when O’ Brien hit the winning runs with 7.3 overs to spare, atlast they could truly celebrate their outstanding performance inAssociate cricket’s showcase event.The coaching staff imposed an alcohol ban on the Irish at the start ofthe tournament, even randomly breathalysing some of the players.Suffice to say, tonight’s party will be very long, very hard andrichly deserved.

Leeds United star Patrick Bamford could reportedly make his England debut on Sunday afternoon, a hugely exciting moment for the once journeyman striker.

The Lowdown: Bamford transformation complete

The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the Whites’ key men in the Marcelo Bielsa era, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in the Premier League last season and coming a long way from an endless spell of loans at Chelsea.

Bamford’s incredible rise has been rewarded with an England call-up, but he didn’t feature in the Three Lions’ 4-0 win away to Hungary on Thursday night.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Striker set for debut

According to The Daily Mail, the Leeds man will likely feature in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier at home to Andorra.

Gareth Southgate could potentially ring the changes, allowing Bamford to win the first of what is hopefully many caps for his country.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-15/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Richly deserved

Bamford was unfortunate to miss out on a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad, but his call-up was fully deserved after such an impressive 12 months or so, during which time he has been described as ‘exceptional’ by Jurgen Klopp.

The striker hasn’t always been the most popular player – some Leeds fans used to be critical of him – but he has silenced the doubters and will be desperate to shine against Andorra.

Whites supporters everywhere will no doubt be willing him on, as he looks to strengthen his hopes of playing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In other news, Leeds have been tipped to sign a player in January – find out who it is here.

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Lewis O’Brien is reportedly in talks with Huddersfield Town over a new contract at the Championship club.

The Lowdown: Constant summer target

The Whites were continually linked with a move for the midfielder throughout the summer transfer window, but it never came to fruition.

Instead, O’Brien stayed put at Huddersfield, where he could continue to be a key presence during their 2021/22 Championship campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: O’Brien could sign new deal

According to Yorkshire Live, the 22-year-old is now in talks with the Terriers over a new deal as they seek to tie him down for the foreseeable future.

It is stated that ‘both parties would now like to ensure O’Brien’s deal is reflective of his value’, potentially allowing Huddersfield to receive a hefty fee if the player does move on in the coming years.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-15/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: No great blow

While O’Brien is a young player with plenty of ability – he has been hailed as ‘excellent’ by former Huddersfield defender Calum Woods and lies second in WhoScored’s rankings of the Terriers’ squad with 7.12 – Leeds may not see it as a massive blow if he extends his contract at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Granted, it means they may now have to spend more if they still want to sign him, but if they feel he is overpriced, it may be that Marcelo Bielsa looks at alternative options with greater top-level experience than what O’Brien can boast.

In other news, Phil Hay has made a key prediction ahead of Leeds’ Premier League clash with Liverpool. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur could yet bring in a new striker before tomorrow’s transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

According to the Sunday Mail (via Sky Sports), Spurs are keeping an eye on Odsonne Edouard’s situation ahead of a potential move, with no fewer than three Premier League teams vying for his signature, including Everton and Crystal Palace.

The 23-year-old has been long linked with an exit from Parkhead throughout the summer and with his contract due to expire at the end of the season, it could be the last chance for the Scottish giants to generate a transfer fee for his signature.

Per Football Insider, the Hoops could accept an offer of below £20m due to his contractual situation, having set a £40m bar last summer.

Imagine him & Kane

The possible arrival of a new striker has been on Spurs’ agenda for much of the summer – regardless of whether Harry Kane was staying or going. And now that the England international has committed to the club for the season, head coach Nuno Santo can push ahead with his plans to deploy a two-man attack.

Last month, the Telegraph suggested that the Portuguese was keen to find a striker to partner Kane up top, with names like Danny Ings (who has since joined Aston Villa), Dusan Vlahovic and Adama Traore all linked throughout the window.

Given the drastic drop-off in his asking price, it could be quite the smart and low-risk signing to make. It remains to be seen how the Frenchman will operate outside of Scotland but his goalscoring record north of the border cannot be disputed.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs team and injury news, transfer rumours, gossip and much, much more!”]

He’s already found the net three times and provided two assists this season despite all the speculation, meaning his total for Celtic has risen to 86 goals and 39 assists in 179 appearances. That’s a direct contribution every 97 minutes, via Transfermarkt, which is better than Kane’s record at Spurs (118 minutes).

Edouard’s explosive pace and movement off the ball could hand Nuno one hell of an attack, considering Kane’s playmaking ability from deep. That’s perhaps why Nuno wants to have two strikers in his system, rather than one.

“He had the confidence and the obsession with scoring all great strikers need. He never doubts his qualities. But this behaviour can create panic – for the opposition defenders,” claimed his old France youth coach Jean-Claude Giuntini to the BBC.

“He had an excellent sense of anticipation which gave him a remarkable ability to read play. And he had a considerable skill for shooting – his efforts were targeted, precise and powerful.”

Whilst ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon has previously lauded him as “talismanic”, with Barry Ferguson also describing his quality as “unstoppable” to the Daily Record.

These are just further signs that the 23-year-old could be worth a punt before tomorrow’s deadline, particularly as the Englishman is still Spurs’ only out-and-out striker.

The £15.3m-rated talisman must be looked at by Fabio Paratici and co before it’s too late.

AND in other news, Paratici can seal huge Sissoko upgrade in Spurs swoop for “unique” £22.5m-rated dynamo…

Many Manchester City fans were angered on Twitter despite their rampant win over Arsenal, following a near disastrous first-half performance by goalkeeper Ederson.

Taking the game to the faltering Londoners, the Blues ran out 5-0 victors courtesy of strikes from İlkay Gündoğan, Gabriel Jesus, Rodri and a brace from Ferran Torres [BBC].

However, one huge source of frustration for City supporters in the rout was the lack of care in possession from goalkeeper Ederson, who nearly gifted goals to the visitors on multiple occasions.

Needlessly causing anxiety amongst the Manchester City backline, the Brazilian hesitated with the ball before skewing a wayward pass off of Emile Smith-Rowe’s shin, with the ball rolling agonisingly close to the post.

Not long after that, the 28-year-old then scuffed a routine clearance straight into the Gunners’ midfield, which eventually lead to a one-on-one opportunity for the opposition – although that resulted in a narrow offside decision.

Discussing the one cloud in an otherwise shining team performance, loads of Manchester City diehards took to Twitter to blast Ederson owing to his less than convincing exploits.

Manchester City fans react:

Replying to multiple different outlets on Twitter, here is what some fans had to say about the shot-stopper:

“There’s something wrong with Ederson and Walker”

Credit: @MckCarlo

“I think he actually enjoys the stress/nerves at this point”

Credit: @DiasProp”EDERSON!? TRYING TO SAVE ARTETA HIS JOB”Credit: @AarxnMCFC”It makes so much nervous when Ederson comes out of the box !!”Credit: @jazzy_mcfc”Ederson is drunk”Credit: @RealTalkMCFC”He tries so hard just to give Arsenal their first of the season.”Credit: @Jweiss4221″I can’t do 70 minutes of bored Eddy. I’ll have a stroke”Credit: @garfydayaIn other news, a journalist has questioned a City signing. Find out more here.

Ricky Ponting has defended himself against claims that he put himself above the team on the fourth day in Nagpur

Cricinfo staff10-Nov-2008
Ricky Ponting: “I’d like to think as far as team players go, that there haven’t been many more that have ever played for Australia that would do more than I have for the team” © Getty Images
Ricky Ponting has defended himself against claims that he put himself above the team on the fourth day in Nagpur and voiced his disappointment over criticism from Allan Border, the former Australian captain. India won the match by 172 runs, giving them a 2-0 series victory, after their chances improved dramatically on Sunday afternoon when Ponting employed part-time bowlers to lift the flagging over-rate.The move saved Ponting from a possible suspension for next week’s first Test against New Zealand, although he was fined 20% of his match fee and his players were docked 10% by the match referee Chris Broad. Ponting’s decision also eased the pressure for the batsmen after India had slipped to 166 for 6 and they quickly increased their lead from 252 and eventually set the visitors a victory target of 382.The tactics frustrated Border, whose name is on the series trophy with Sunil Gavaskar, and he said during the television commentary “I’m glad Ricky can’t read my mind right know, because he’s not going to like it”. Border captained the team in 93 Tests in the 1980s and 90s and is a current Cricket Australia director.”To tell you the truth I’m a little bit disappointed with some of the criticism, particularly from former Australian captains and CA [Cricket Australia] board members,” Ponting said. “I had Jason Krejza bowling at one end, who ended up taking 12 wickets in the game, and Cameron White – he’d been the No. 1-picked spinner in the first three Test matches – operating from the other end for a couple of overs.”That didn’t work out the way I’d have liked, Michael Clarke was the next choice, but he’d been off the field ill and couldn’t bowl until 3.10pm. And in the situation we were nine overs down.” If a team is six overs behind schedule the captain faces the possibility of a suspension.Ponting was upset by suggestions in the Australia media that he was more concerned about the possibility of a ban than a quick end to the India innings. “The thing I’m most disappointed about is there seems to be this inference out there that I’ve put myself totally ahead of the team,” he said.”Anybody that knows me, or knows the way I play my cricket or operate around the Australian team, or any team, would hopefully not say that’s the case. I’d like to think as far as team players go, that there haven’t been many more that have ever played for Australia that would do more than I have for the team.”Ponting said he had an obligation “to play the game in the right spirit” and try to bowl 90 overs in the day. “We speak about it at every team meeting,” he said. “I’ve told the bowlers, the whole team, for a couple of years now that if we keep going the way we are there’s going to be some time or moment where it’s really going to come back and hurt us. I’m not saying that’s right now, but there have been other times where we’ve had to do that.”