Manchester City are reportedly unlikely to receive a verdict on the 115 financial fair play charges levied against them before the summer.
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Man City hit with 115 FFP chargesCase complexity causes delayVerdict timeline revealedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to The Telegraph, due to the number of charges and the complexities involved in City's alleged financial breaches, an outcome is unlikely to happen for a couple of months at the very least.
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This is one of the biggest footballing stories in modern times, and if City lose this case, they could face a huge points deduction – though trophies being stripped and relegation seems unlikely. But these are criminal charges they are facing, and a lot is on the line for Pep Guardiola's City, the Premier League, and many other teams, too.
DID YOU KNOW?
City boss Pep Guardiola said back in February that he thought a verdict would happen by the end of March but here we are in April and no such thing has occurred.
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It remains to be seen if this verdict will come out before the 2025/26 Premier League season, which begins on August 16.
Na 5ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Corinthians venceu o Red Bull Bragantino por 1 a 0, ampliando a vantagem na liderança do torneio. O resultado fez Gil, Rafael Ramos, Du Queiroz, Renato Augusto e o técnico Vítor Pereira figurarem na seleção da rodada do campeonato. A votação foi feita através de voto popular no perfil do Brasileirão no Twitter.
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> GALERIA – Veja todos os técnicos estrangeiros do Corinthians
Gil, que completou 350 jogos pelo Timão contra o Massa Bruta, foi o zagueiro mais votado, com47,6% dos votos.
Ainda no setor defensivo, Rafael Ramos desbancou Daniel Borges, do Botafogo, Raúl Cáceres, do América-MG, e Dieguinho, do Goiás, sendo eleito o melhor da rodada na lateral-direita, com52,8% dos votos.
> TABELA – Confira a tabela e simule os jogos do Timão no Brasileirão
No meio-campo, Du Queiroz, que deu o passe para o gol do clube alvinegro na partida, foi o volante com maior porcentagem dos votos, 65,2%. Ele também ganhou o prêmio de melhor assistência da rodada.
Renato Augusto, autor do gol, recebeu69,6% dos votos, sendo o melhor meia na opinião dos internautas.
Vítor Pereira também foi prestigiado pelos torcedores, sendo eleito o treinador da rodada. Ele superou Fabián Bustos, do Santos, Luís Castro, do Botafogo, e Vagner Mancini, do América-MG. O lusitano recebeu45,9% dos votos.
A seleção da 5ª rodada ficou: Gatito Fernández; Rafael Ramos, Gil,Víctor Cuesta e Abner Vinícis; Du Queiroz, Rodrigo Fernández, Renato Augusto e Brayan Angulo; Erison e Léo Baptistão. Técnico: Vítor Pereira.
O resultado diante do Bragantino deixou o Timão na liderança do Brasileirão, com 12 pontos. Na próxima rodada, no sábado (14), o time de Vítor Pereira visita o Internacional, às 19h (de Brasília), no Beira-Rio.
Antes disso, o Timão tem o duelo de volta pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil na quarta-feira (11), às 21h (de Brasília), contra a Portuguesa-RJ.
Liverpool could look to use this January as a way to bolster their squad ahead of a Premier League title run-in, with positive incomings then balancing out talk of damaging outgoings.
Of course, it’s understandable that both bits of news involving Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially leaving for Real Madrid and Mohamed Salah’s issues surrounding a new contract would dominate the conversation, but Arne Slot will hope a few new faces here and there see his team confidently soar to a top-flight triumph.
Liverpool haven’t always been notorious spenders in the winter market, however, but when they have forked out a pretty penny in the past, it has worked wonders.
Liverpool's best winter buys
Although this time last year saw no purchases come through the door across the window, the Reds have been proactive previously.
Mid-way through the 2022/23 campaign, Jurgen Klopp managed to tempt Cody Gakpo away from PSV Eindhoven, with the 25-year-old now blowing teams away down the left wing under Slot by picking up 11 goals in all competitions this season.
Cody Gakpo celebrates for Liverpool
The top additions in attack don’t stop there either, with Luis Diaz another bumper January buy all the way back in 2022, having cost the Anfield giants £37m to obtain.
He has justified that lavish price tag since, as the Colombian has been explosive under Slot much like Gakpo, with 12 strikes picked up from 24 total contests in 2024/25.
The Dutchman will hope this ongoing trend of successes in the market continues with this January pick-up, as the table-toppers remain on the hunt for some new central midfield options.
Liverpool interested in "world class" star
As per reports from Spain, it looks as if Real Madrid are willing to offload Aurelien Tchouaméni this January as they prioritise more bodies in the middle themselves.
That has resulted in Liverpool – alongside Chelsea and Manchester United – reportedly wanting a slice of the Frenchman, with Tchouaméni perhaps viewed as an upgrade on Martin Zubimendi, who has been long linked with a switch to England from La Liga.
This does feel like a strange set of circumstances on the end of the Spanish giants, considering Tchouaméni has been largely everpresent under Carlo Ancelotti this campaign when he hasn’t suffered from injury setbacks, with 21 appearances coming his way in all competitions.
In total, the 36-time France international has also picked up three goals and five assists donning the famous Madrid white from 110 games, with one shout from football journalist Stefan Bienkowski even declaring the 24-year-old as “world-class” last year.
Real Madrid's AurelienTchouameniin action with Pachuca's Bryan Gonzalez
Whilst many a face has also showered Zubimendi with praise, Tchouameni has been on the end of glowing reviews too, with analyst Raj Chohan suggesting the French star is “one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet”.
That said, across Madrid’s last four games in La Liga, the adaptable number 14 has played further back in a centre-back role, which will be music to the ex-Feyenoord manager’s ears presumably, when you consider Ibrahima Konate has had injury troubles with Joe Gomez also in the treatment room.
Minutes played
90
Touches
94
Accurate passes
76/86 (88%)
Key passes
1
Shots on goal
2
Total duels won
6/8
Tchouaméni showed off his well-rounded game last time out when Madrid dramatically beat Valencia 2-1, with 76 accurate passes tallied up displaying his calmness on the ball, whilst six duels being won ensured his team weren’t breached time after time.
One telling stat suggests why the Madrid star could be a better option than Zubimendi too. Indeed, this season, the Tchouameni has managed more accurate passes per league clash, with a 93% pass accuracy in comparison to his counterpart’s 84%, setting the tone in a more effective manner from deeper midfield positions.
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Vinicius Junior has called for Brazil to "rethink everything" after their humiliating loss to Argentina, with one eye on the 2026 World Cup.
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Vini Jr concerned one year out from World Cup
Brazil lost 4-1 against Argentina
Madrid star wants global crown
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The Real Madrid star called for a change in Brazil's strategy after the Selecao suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Argentina on Tuesday in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match. Vinicius was kept silent throughout the 90 minutes as the world champions dominated proceedings. After the match, the winger issued a World Cup rallying cry towards his colleagues.
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WHAT VINICIUS JR SAID
Speaking to reporters, the Los Blancos forward said: "Today we arrive at the locker room and there is not much to say. We played very poorly and Argentina played a great match in front of their fans. We have to rethink everything we do. There is only a year left until the World Cup. I have already played in one World Cup, and I do not want to lose again.
"We have to do a lot of different things to create a great team. Everyone knows the weight of this jersey, how difficult everything is. We have to improve, keep our heads up, and never give up. Let's qualify for the World Cup."
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The 24-year-old added: "I think Argentina has been working together for a long time, there are many players who have been playing together for a long time, they won the last World Cup. We're trying to find our own way of playing and building trust with the fans. It's a long process, and we have to keep improving."
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WHAT NEXT FOR VINCIUS JR?
Vinicius Jr will now focus on ending the 2024-25 campaign on a high with his club, who are still in contention to win the treble. He will be next seen in action for Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid side on Saturday as they face Leganes in La Liga.
Enzo Maresca has had a brilliant start to life at Chelsea, guiding them to third in the Premier League after 12 games played, and first in the UEFA Conference League after three games played.
The Blues have averaged 55.4% possession so far this season in the top-flight which happens to be the fourth-best record. Furthermore, they have taken 14.2 shots per game (8th highest in the division), scoring 23 goals in 12 games. Meanwhile, defensively, Maresca’s side have only conceded 12.1 shots per match which is the sixth lowest in the league.
In contrast, Chelsea averaged 59% of the ball last season (5th highest), took 14.4 shots per game (8th most), scoring 77 goals in 38 games. However, this came at a defensive cost, conceding 14.6 shots per match (7th highest), and conceding 63 goals in 38 games.
Chelsea have already won both of the other European trophies, winning the Champions League and Europa League, but winning the newly established Conference League would complete the trio for the Blues, and they look right on track for that this season.
Chelsea's Conference League run so far
In their opening game of the competition, Maresca’s side took on Gent at Stamford Bridge, winning the game 4-2, with goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Next up was Panathinaikos, playing away in Greece, and returning with a 4-1 victory. Goalscorers on this occasion were João Félix (x2), Mykhailo Mudryk and Nkunku.
In their last Conference League game, Chelsea beat Noah 8-0, putting on a real show at Stamford Bridge with goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Axel Disasi, Felix (x2), Mudryk and Nkunku (x2).
On Thursday, Chelsea will face Heidenheim, who currently sit sixth in the Conference League, also winning their opening three games, as this shapes up to be the Blues’ toughest task in this competition to date.
Maresca’s side will travel to Germany for this game, before returning and preparing for their clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, just three days apart.
The manager may well look to make plenty of changes, as he has done throughout this competition, especially with one eye on the Aston Villa game this weekend, and one player, in particular, could be rested after his excellent performance last weekend.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Enzo Fernández's season in numbers
Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernández has been in brilliant form in recent weeks after finding himself on the bench for multiple games in the place of Roméo Lavia.
The 23-year-old scored and assisted goals against Leicester in their 2-1 victory last weekend, and this recent upturn in form could mean Maresca looks to rest the Argentinian, keeping him fresh for this weekend’s Premier League clash.
Of their core midfield trio, Fernandez is the most creative, looking to dictate play from deep with his expansive passing range, bringing others into the game, and looking to arrive in the box to get the odd shot away, something he did well for his goal against Leicester, arriving just on time to nod it home.
Goals + Assists
0.69
0.26
0.26
Progressive Carries
1.10
0.85
0.51
Progressive Passes
5.27
5.04
2.82
Shots Total
1.09
0.60
0.00
Key Passes
2.09
0.77
1.28
Passes into Final Third
5.05
5.81
4.87
Shot-Creating Actions
3.85
2.56
1.54
Tackles
3.19
3.50
2.82
Blocks
1.32
1.37
1.03
Interceptions
0.50
1.62
1.79
Caicedo and Lavia, on the other hand, are the more defensive midfield archetypes, winning more tackles, blocks and interceptions per 90, often covering more ground, and adding more physicality in midfield out of possession, something Maresca eluded to himself recently.
The aforementioned Lavia is unavailable for this Conference League game, as he was not registered for the group stage of this competition due to injury issues last season, and the club wanted to protect him. This is a similar precaution the Blues have taken with Wesley Fofana, who also suffered from a big injury last season, and therefore they want to ensure his minutes are managed appropriately.
That leaves Caicedo as the only other first team holding midfielder, and given his importance for the Blues this season, the likelihood of Maresca deciding to rest the Ecuador international is fairly high, which could see some minutes for a certain academy graduate.
Chelsea's teenage solution
17-year-old Kiano Dyer has been described as a player who will be “world-class” in the future by some in the know, making ten appearances for Chelsea U21 this season, providing three assists in 849 minutes played.
The young midfielder is known for his quality passing range, mixed with his tenacity and ability to anticipate where the ball will land, allowing him to hoover things up in the middle, whilst also dictating the tempo.
Dyer has been playing as the number 6 for the academy, playing a role very similar to Caicedo, where he picks up the ball from the defensive line, looks to penetrate with balls forward into the final third, and is ready to counter-press if the ball is lost.
But the youngster’s passing range is seen as his biggest strength, much like Fernandez, which could make Dyer the perfect combination of the pair, especially to take the reins in this second unit and gain experience at such a young age.
Enzo Fernandez for Chelsea
Maresca could view this as the perfect time to test Dyer in the first team, resting Fernandez and Caicedo for the weekend, whilst keeping the qualities the Italian wants in his team in this area of the pitch, meaning the team doesn’t lose that sense of rhythm in build-up.
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Measuring the greatest players to play for any given club is no mean feat, especially for a club the size of Glasgow Rangers.
The Ibrox side have enjoyed plenty of success since their formation in 1872, capturing 55 Scottish Premiership titles alongside a plethora of domestic cups and the 1972 European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Each successful era has produced a handful of players that have taken the club to new heights, from the early 1960s to the trophy-laden spell in the 90s. While it is difficult to rank the greatest players for any given club, especially as there are so many different factors to take into consideration, here is our attempt at listing the best to wear a Rangers shirt.
Ranking factors Impact at the club Appearances Goals scored Trophies won
Football FanCast takes a look at the ten greatest Rangers players of all time. Some may only have stayed a few years, yet they are still being talked about today.
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ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025 10 Davie Cooper Winger, 1977-1989
Davie Cooper is one of the last great Scottish wingers. Signing for Rangers in 1977 from Clydebank, Cooper made a total of 376 appearances for the Gers, scoring 49 goals in the process.
13 major honours were won by the Scot in those 12 years, including seven League Cups, but it was his ability to simply ghost past people that made supporters stand up and take notice.
From his wonderful solo effort against Celtic in 1979 to his stunning freekick against Aberdeen in 1987, Cooper’s genius was unrivalled. Indeed, Dutch legend Ruud Gullit said Cooper “was one of the best football players I have ever seen”. High praise from one of the finest midfielders of his generation.
Sadly, Cooper died aged just 39, suffering a brain haemorrhage while filming a children’s coaching video. He won’t be forgotten by the Ibrox faithful.
9 Paul Gascoigne Midfielder, 1995-1998
Of all the players on this list, Paul Gascoigne’s time at the club is the shortest, lasting only three years and compiling just 104 matches, but boy, what an impact he made.
The 1995/96 campaign saw Gazza at his very best, taking games by the scruff of the neck and leading the Gers towards their eighth successive league title.
His crowning glory came against Aberdeen. He netted a hat-trick at Ibrox with a stunning solo goal among one the finest efforts of his career which sealed the league title.
The next two seasons saw the Englishman create fleeting moments of joy, but there is no doubting he was exactly the signing required by Walter Smith to give the Gers that added edge as they chased immortality.
8 Brian Laudrup Winger, 1994-1998
Brian Laudrup spent just four seasons at Rangers, yet he won six major trophies and gave the club the spark they needed after a difficult 1993/94 season.
The Dane would go on to make 150 appearances, netting 44 goals, which included five goals against Celtic, further endearing himself to the supporters.
There is no doubt he is arguably one of the best foreign players to feature in Scotland, if not the best. How Smith managed to lure him to Glasgow is anyone’s guess, but it was the greatest signing he would ever make.
7 Jim Baxter Winger, 1960-1965, 1969-1970
Jim Baxter was signed by Rangers in 1960 for a fee of just £17,500. It was a Scottish record at the time – but it was money well spent.
Between 1960 and 1965, “Slim Jim”, as he was known to the supporters, won three league titles, three Scottish Cups and four League Cups, as Rangers became the dominant force in Scotland. Baxter’s impact was impressive, especially in ties against Celtic.
Indeed, across 18 Old Firm games, the winger lost just twice, showcasing how good the squad was in the early-to-mid-60s.
He left in 1965, spending time with Sunderland and Nottingham Forest before returning to Rangers in 1969. His second spell wasn’t as kind as the first, but his impact on that wonderful Rangers side was simply excellent.
6 Andy Goram Goalkeeper, 1991-98
Andy Goram was voted the club’s greatest goalkeeper in 2001, and it is hard to argue. Over seven years at Ibrox, Goram’s shot-stopping ability undoubtedly helped Smith and his team fend off Celtic to win nine league titles in a row.
His save against Pierre van Hooijdonk in 1995 has to be seen to be believed, as he kept out a goal-bound effort from just yards away to prevent the Dutchman from scoring.
Such was his stature for the Gers, former Celtic manager Tommy Burns stated that “Andy Goram broke my heart” would appear on his gravestone.
Nicknamed ‘the goalie’ by those at Ibrox, Goram passed away in July 2022 after a short battle with cancer. There hasn’t been a ‘keeper like him since.
5 Barry Ferguson Midfielder, 1997-2003, 2005-2009
Barry Ferguson
Reared from the academy, Barry Ferguson made his senior debut on the final day of the 1996/97 season and didn’t look back.
He slowly became a key figure in the club’s recent history, helping the Gers to trebles in 1998/99 and 2002/03, captaining the side during the latter.
A £7.5m move to Blackburn Rovers didn’t exactly work out and Ferguson was back at Ibrox 18 months later. His second spell wasn’t as productive, yet he still led the club to the UEFA Cup final in 2008 and won another six major trophies.
Some say the Light Blues have never produced another academy talent like him, with Ferguson among the greatest players to adorn the shirt.
4 Richard Gough Defender, 1987-1997, 1997-1998
Richard Gough is one of only three players to have played a part in every single one of the nine-in-a-row title wins, establishing himself among the greatest players in the club’s history in the process.
Gough was a no-nonsense centre-back who was a commanding presence at the heart of the defence. He often played through the pain barrier for the club, further endearing himself to the Ibrox faithful. Across 11 years at the Light Blues, Gough won 18 major honours.
He left in the summer of 1997, just weeks after lifting the coveted ninth league title in succession, moving to America. Such is the mark of the man, Gough returned to Rangers a few months later to help Smith as an injury crisis engulfed the squad, showing his true passion for the club.
3 Sandy Jardine 1966-1982
Sandy Jardine ranks second in the list of all-time appearances for Rangers, just behind John Greig, demonstrating how much of an impact he had across several generations.
Jardine’s 674 games came over a 16-year period, taking in three decades and five different managers. During this spell, he won 14 trophies, including the 1972 Cup Winners’ Cup, as the club battled for domestic supremacy with Celtic during his spell.
Jardine passed away in 2014, with his lasting legacy having a stand named after him, with the Govan Stand renamed the Sandy Jardine Stand in his honour.
2 Ally McCoist Forward, 1983-1998
Ally McCoist is Rangers’ greatest-ever goalscorer. Across 581 competitive matches, ‘Super Ally’ scored a staggering 355 goals for the Gers.
The impact of some of his goals is also legendary. Take the winner in the 1993 League Cup final, for example. Returning from a broken leg, McCoist netted a stunning acrobatic effort to claim the cup for the Gers.
His header against Leeds United in 1992 helped the club secure a place in the Champions League group stages, while few can forget his final Old Firm goal in the 1998 Scottish Cup semi-final and the emotional celebration that followed.
McCoist could score from anywhere, such were his finishing skills. His legacy stretched into coaching and management with the Ibrox side too, assisting Smith between 2007 and 2011 before managing Rangers from 2011 to 2014.
The Light Blues will never have another striker like him.
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ByCharlie Smith Jan 4, 2025 1 John Greig Defender, 1961-1978
John Greig
John Greig is the epitome of Rangers Football Club. Making his debut in 1961, Greig amassed a club-record 755 appearances over the next 17 years, leading the club to three domestic trebles while captaining the team to their only major European honour in 1972.
Greig’s impact stretched way beyond his playing days. He managed Rangers for five years between 1978 and 1983, winning two Scottish Cups and two League Cups, although he wasn’t able to win a league title in that spell.
Greig was named the ‘Greatest ever Ranger’ in 1999 before being named the club’s honorary life president in 2015.
Senior seamer considering future after decision to omit him and James Anderson for West Indies tour
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Feb-2022Stuart Broad has described how the “five-minute phone call” to tell him he had been dropped from England’s squad for the West Indies tour had left him feeling “confused and angry”, and uncertain about his future as a Test cricketer.Writing in his newspaper column, Broad said the decision had “hit me pretty hard”, as well as affected his sleep. He also confirmed he would seek discussions with England’s new managing director and head coach, once they are appointed, before deciding about a potential return this summer.”I always try to find a positive in the hand that has been dealt to me,” he wrote in the . “To be honest, though, that’s been quite tricky this time because the decision to leave me out of the tour of West Indies has hit me pretty hard.”Not to big it up too much but it has affected my sleep. I said to my partner Mollie one morning that my body felt sore. She suggested that would be stress. No, I can’t pretend I am as good as gold, because I am not. It would be wrong to act like everything’s OK.”Broad and James Anderson, England’s leading wicket-takers in Test cricket, were left out after discussions between a newly formed selection panel of Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood and James Taylor. Although Strauss stressed that it was not necessarily “the end of the road” for the pair, Broad said they had both been blindsided by the move.”From a personal perspective, the only positive I can cling to is that my form – and you could add Jimmy Anderson’s recent performances to this too – has been good,” he said. “I took 11 wickets in the final two Ashes matches, I have been Test match standard for a long time and, for the last eight years, you would say world class.Related
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“And so, it makes it even more upsetting that they don’t see me part of their immediate plans, especially with a view to looking at a way of winning away from home, which was briefly explained to me.”Broad denied that there had been any falling out in the dressing room in Australia, saying the atmosphere in the team was good despite another 4-0 Ashes defeat.Although he indicated that he wants to meet with England’s new management team as soon as they are installed – Strauss is currently interim director of men’s cricket, Collingwood interim head coach – and said “their opinions are now everything to me”, he also suggested he would have to reassess his motivation to carry on.”So, has this episode changed the way I think about my career? I just can’t answer that at the moment. I spoke to my mum Carole on Friday because I am waking up more confused and angrier with each passing day, and she just advised me to take time, step away from the game for a bit and figure things out.”Time can be a great healer, she says. But right now, I feel gutted. Do I need to prove myself again? In my mind, I’ve nothing to prove. I am a proven performer, so it is now about the English cricketing summer and mentally and physically targeting the home series against New Zealand in June.”What I would say is there have been times when I have been able to answer such questions with ease. But as things stand, feeling as though I’ve performed well and deserve to be in the side makes it hard.”Understandably, people will ask if there has therefore been some fall-out behind the scenes, a bit of a rumble during the Ashes, but I can categorically say that is not the case. Hence, neither Jimmy nor I saw this coming. We were blindsided.”Broad added that while England’s recent record in Tests had been poor and he agreed with the need to change things, he still saw himself as deserving a spot in their first-choice XI.”Do I believe I warrant a place in England’s best team in Antigua on March 8? Of course, I do. That is why it is so difficult to comprehend.”If I was averaging 100 with the ball recently and had a terrible record in the Caribbean, then OK, try someone else. But I’ve bowled well there in the past and West Indies are a team I’ve had pretty good success against.”Yes, this England team have lost a lot of cricket matches in recent times and I am not against different mindsets and making changes. Yes, we do need to question a lot of things, but surely you must play your best players to win Test matches.”Broad also revealed he had been in regular contact with Anderson, “mainly planning golf trips because we’ve suddenly had some unexpected time free up”. He said his focus would turn back to cricket only when he had decided whether to pick up the gauntlet thrown down by Strauss and the selectors.”And one thing I have made a conscious effort to avoid is shutting myself away. I’ve got out for little runs, and they have made me feel better. What I don’t want to do, though, is pick up a cricket ball for a couple of weeks. I will do so when I have decided whether to jump at the latest challenge set for me.”
Demorou, mas o Fluminense reagiu no segundo tempo, foi arrasador e deixou o Botafogo perdido, conquistando a virada por 2 a 1 na noite desta quinta-feira, no Estádio Nilton Santos. Em clássico válido pela quinta rodada do Campeonato Carioca, o Alvinegro saiu na frente com Kanu, mas Willian e Luccas Claro garantiram a quarta vitória do Tricolor na competição.
>>> Veja a tabela de classificação do Campeonato Carioca
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Com o resultado, o Fluminense assume a segunda colocação do Cariocão, com 12 pontos, um a menos que o Vasco, atual líder. Já o Botafogo fica em terceiro, com 10. Na sexta rodada, o Tricolor terá a Portuguesa pela frente, às 16h, também no Estádio Nilton Santos. Já o Alvinegro viaja ao Maranhão para, às 20h do mesmo dia, enfrentar o Vasco.
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FOGÃO NA FRENTE
O jogo começou bem estudado entre as equipes. Enquanto o Fluminense precisava propor o jogo, mas tinha enorme dificuldade, o Botafogo tentava aproveitar os contra-ataques para chegar com mais perigo. Willian e Diego Gonçalves chegaram a soltar dois bons chutes, mas não balançaram a rede. Aos 21 minutos, porém, a figura mudou. Logo depois da parada técnica, Kanu chegou com velocidade e subiu entre Fred e Felipe Melo após cobrança de escanteio. O zagueiro cabeceou e marcou seu segundo gol seguido pelo Alvinegro.
TRICOLOR COM DIFICULDADES
Uma das grandes chances do Flu foi apenas aos 40 minutos, quando Willian obrigou Gatito a fazer a defesa. Com mais posse de bola e finalizando mais, o time de Abel Braga apareceu mal no ataque. Desorganizado e previsível, coube aos defensores armarem as jogadas com lançamentos, já que o treinador novamente optou por não jogar com um meia. Os laterais tomaram decisões erradas e Samuel Xavier acabou vaiado pela torcida. Priorizando sair na transição e velocidade, o Botafogo teve problemas com os meias, que prenderam demais a bola.
VALEU A PRESSÃO
O Fluminense voltou do intervalo com Jhon Arias e Germán Cano para a segunda etapa e rapidamente viu o efeito. Fred e Samuel Xavier deixaram o campo. Pressionando desde o início, o Tricolor sufocou o rival e chegou ao empate aos oito minutos. David Braz dividiu com Carli no alto, a bola bateu em Nino e sobrou para Willian Bigode só completar, fazendo o primeiro dele pelo Flu. Vale destacar um cartão amarelo para Barreto, do Alvinegro, que entrou forte em Arias e correu risco do vermelho.
CLARO QUE É ELE
O jogo mudou completamente de cenário. O Fluminense ganhou mais confiança, enquanto o Botafogo tentava retomar o ritmo sem muito sucesso. David Braz precisou ser substituído após sentir, dando vaga a Luccas Claro, que logo se mostrou decisivo. Apenas três minutos depois de ter entrado, aos 18, o zagueiro aproveitou o vacilo de Kanu para cabecear com tranquilidade, sozinho, virando a clássico para o Fluminense.
RECLAMAÇÃO E EXPULSÃO
Os últimos minutos foram de um Botafogo desesperado por um gol e que tentava ter nas mudanças o mesmo efeito que o Fluminense teve, mas sem sucesso. O Tricolor, por outro lado, seguiu controlando o jogo e foi melhor em todos os setores do campo. Já nos minutos finais, o Alvinegro reclamou muito de um pênalti e Enderson Moreira acabou expulso no bate boca com o árbitro. Germán Cano ainda perdeu um gol na cara nos acréscimos.
PREOCUPANTE
Vitinho, do Botafogo, caiu sentindo muitas dores, aparentemente no joelho. Ele precisou sair de campo carregado já nos minutos finais.
FICHA TÉCNICA FLUMINENSE 2X1 BOTAFOGO
Data/Hora: 10/02/2022, às 20h Local: Estádio Nilton Santos, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) Árbitro: Rodrigo Carvalhaes de Miranda Assistentes: Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Corrêa e Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima Filho VAR: Rodrigo Nunes de Sá
FLUMINENSE (Técnico: Abel Braga) Marcos Felipe; Nino, Felipe Melo e David Braz (Luccas Claro – 15’/2ºT); Samuel Xavier (Arias – intervalo), André, Yago Felipe e Cristiano; Willian (Caio Paulista – 41’/2ºT), Luiz Henrique (Martinelli – 37’/2ºT) e Fred (Cano – intervalo).
BOTAFOGO (Técnico: Enderson Moreira) Gatito Fernández; Daniel Borges, Joel Carli, Kanu, Hugo (Jonathan Silva – 20’/2ºT); Fabinho, Barrreto; Luiz Fernando, Diego Gonçalves; Erison e Matheus Nascimento (Gabriel Conceição – 36’/2ºT).
The ECB has been forced to postpone the publication of its plan to improve diversity in English cricket, amid the abrupt departure on Thursday of one of the only two non-white chairs of a first-class county.Mehmooda Duke, who was also the only female in such a high-profile county role, and one of only three female board members from black or minority ethnic backgrounds, had been due to step down at the end of March to take up a new role as High Sheriff for Leicestershire.However, she has now chosen to depart with immediate effect, stating that “cricket had been torn apart by recent events”, and calling for “fresh leadership at national level” – a choice of words that places further pressure on the ECB chief executive Tom Harrison, following his unconvincing display at last week’s parliamentary hearing into the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal.Leicestershire’s vice-chairman, Jonathan Duckworth, is set to become interim chairman until a long-term replacement is identified.”Cricket has been torn apart by recent events and I am deeply saddened by the hurt felt by individuals within our game,” Duke said in her statement. “With fresh leadership at national level and with a determination to learn from the recent past and move forward, I hope that racism and discrimination will be expunged from the dressing rooms, the fields, and the game as a whole, allowing us to celebrate the diversity which makes cricket and sport in this country so great.”I wish all of my colleagues on the board and across the network, the players, staff and the community teams, all the very best for the future,” she added. “I thank the Members, supporters, and sponsors for their unwavering loyalty to the club and especially during some difficult times.”The news emerged as the ECB were forced to concede that their response to cricket’s racism allegations, drafted at an all-stakeholders meeting at the Kia Oval last Friday, was “not quite there”, having originally been expected to be finalised by Wednesday.Once the final wording of the plan has been agreed, it is expected to include a commitment to a 30 percent boardroom representation for women and “representative ethnicities” at all first-class and national county clubs, as well as ongoing diversity training for all players, staff, umpires and coaches.Meanwhile, Azeem Rafiq has met with a Holocaust survivor at the Jewish Museum in London, in the wake of his apology for anti-Semitic messages that he sent as a 19-year-old in 2011.Rafiq, who is facing an ECB investigation for his comments – which included the suggestion that the Derbyshire player, Atif Sheikh, had been unwilling to spend money on a meal out because “he is a jew” – met with Ruth Barnett, who escaped Nazi Germany in 1939, as well as Steve Silverman from the Campaign Against Antisemitism.In his apology, Rafiq had said: “I am incredibly angry at myself and I apologise to the Jewish community and everyone who is rightly offended by this,” and has committed himself to education on the issue of anti-Semitism.
Last Sunday, Shaheen Shah Afridi did the star turn in Dubai, his (in)swing and seam ripping out India’s top order. New Zealand’s left-arm swing bowler Trent Boult is now licking his lips at the prospect of doing an Afridi on India this Sunday in Dubai.Boult comes in armed with 71 wickets in 26 games against India across formats. In particular, he has a strong head-to-head against opening batter Rohit Sharma, having taken him out three times in seven T20 innings while giving up only 29 runs off 24 balls.Related
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“It depends when I get to bowl,” Boult said on the eve of the match against India. “Not too sure what the plan is with what overs certain bowlers are bowling, but yeah the way Shaheen bowled the other night was… from a left-armer watching on I thought it was amazing. But, yeah, there’s qualify batsmen in that Indian line-up. Early wickets are definitely the focus for us as a bowling group. But, here, we just need to be nice and clear and nice and accurate where we are trying to put the ball. But, hopefully from my point of view, it swings around a little bit and I can mirror what Shaheen did the other night (laughs).”Toss has been a significant factor in this T20 World Cup, with the teams chasing winning all but two games in the Super 12s so far in the UAE. Boult was wary of it, and the threat posed by dew, but backed New Zealand to find a way, if they are asked to defend a total in Dubai.Tearaway Lockie Ferguson has been sidelined from the rest of the tournament with a calf tear, but New Zealand have had a ready-made replacement in Adam Milne who has been upgraded from the reserves. Milne could well be one of New Zealand’s options to counter India in the middle and end overs.”Whatever we do first, we need to do it extremely well,” Bout said. “India brings a lot of challenges – quality batting line-up, but with the ball we just need to be clear about the options on how to shut these guys down and obviously give them a bigger chase as possible, but it’s going to be a good challenge. Our first game in Dubai, but the wicket looks pretty good there. Yeah, really look forward to taking them on.”It’s a hard one to understand how much dew is going to come in. But, from the one game we’ve experienced so far [in Sharjah], there hasn’t been too much of it. The overhead conditions have cooled down a lot nicely, so yeah just got to take your time and make sure you got a good grip on the ball and try to be as accurate as you can.”New Zealand have won seven of their ten World Cup matches against India and more recently they toppled them in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton. Boult, however, denied that New Zealand had the wood over India in the lead-up to Sunday’s clash.”I wouldn’t say we have an extra edge,” Boult said. “Both sides are stacked with quality players. In terms of our team, we’re definitely excited about the opportunity that lies ahead for us. Few guys have been here in the UAE, playing the IPL, have relationships and have played with a lot of these Indian guys a lot. Here’s hoping we can put it all together tomorrow afternoon and get our ball rolling.”Boult was hopeful of New Zealand having a fit-again Martin Guptill at their disposal against India after Pakistan quick Haris Rauf smacked his toe with a near-150-kph yorker on Tuesday. Guptill’s left toe was badly bruised after that blow, but he has since returned to training.”Gup is pretty good,” Boult said. “He trained fully yesterday and didn’t see too many issues with him. So, he’s definitely a big piece of puzzle for us at the top of the innings. So, from what I know, he’s good to go.”