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The WBBL begins this weekend in Sydney. Here’s how the eight teams shape up after a hectic lead in

Andrew McGlashan and Dan Brettig22-Oct-2020

Adelaide Strikers

Captain: Suzie BatesCoach: Luke WilliamsWBBL history: 2015-16: 7th, 2016-17: 8th, 2017-18: Semi-final, 2018-19, 6th and 2019-20: Runners-upSquad: Darcie Brown, Suzie Bates (NZ), Sarah Coyte, Ellie Falconer, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Katie Mack, Tegan McPharlin, Tahlia McGrath, Annie O’Neil, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Alex Price, Megan Schutt, Stafanie Taylor (WI), Laura Wolvaardt (SA)In Madeline Penna (Stars), Laura Wolvaardt
Out Sophie Devine (Scorchers), Tabatha SavillePre-seasonHow will last season’s runners-up cope with losing the talismanic Sophie Devine? They have brought in Laura Wolvaardt, the South Africa batter who is one of the most exciting young players in the game, but Devine’s 2019-20 haul of 769 runs and 19 wickets will require the squad to dig deep. They will hope to see far more of West Indian Stafanie Taylor than last season.Player to watchBridget Patterson had a very solid tournament last season with 319 runs – putting her fourth behind the Strikers’ big three of Devine, Suzie Bates and Tahlia McGrath – and that form was enough to earn her an Australia A call-up to face India. She is the type of player – now secured on a three-year deal – that will need to kick her game on again to help fill the void left by Devine’s exit.

Brisbane Heat

Captain: Jess JonassenCoach: Ashley NoffkeWBBL history: 2015-16: 6th, 2016-17: 3rd, 2017-18: 5th, 2018-19: Champions and 2019-20: ChampionsSquad: Maddy Green (NZ), Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Mikayla Hinkley, Jess Jonassen, Amelia Kerr (NZ), Delissa Kimmince, Nadine de Klerk (SA), Charli Knott, Lilly Mills, Georgia Prestwidge, Georgia Redmayne, Courtney Sippel, Georgia VollIn Nichola Hancock (Stars), Nadine de Klerk, Georgia Redmayne, Georgia Voll
Out Haidee Birkett, Sammy-Jo Johnson (Thunder), Beth Mooney (Scorchers), Kirby Short (retired)Pre-seasonThere has been significant change for the defending champions as they prepare to attempt the hat-trick. Captain Kirby Short has retired with Jonassen promoted to lead the side, while Beth Mooney made one of the high-profile switches by moving to the Perth Scorchers and Sammy-Jo Johnson has gone to the Sydney Thunder. Whether the Heat can replace Mooney’s runs will be key – a task that will fall in part to Georgia Redmayne who has joined from the Scorchers.Player to watchGrace Harris is entertaining in whatever she does, whether it’s with bat, ball or with microphone. However, last season’s return of 212 runs at 17.66 and six wickets at 49.66 was perhaps a little below expectation. With the loss of such a key figure in Mooney, Harris will be one of the senior players who will need to take up the slack with the bat. With two ferocious WBBL hundreds to her name – her second coming off just 42 balls – and an overall strike-rate of 137.40, it will be interesting to see where she is used in the batting order.Nicola Carey hits powerfully through the off side•Getty Images

Hobart Hurricanes

Captain: Corinne HallCoach: Salliann BriggsWBBL history: 2015-16: 2nd, 2016-17: 4th, 2017-18: 8th, 2018-19: 8th and 2019-20: 7thSquad: Nicola Carey, Maisy Gibson (injured), Corinne Hall, Brooke Hepburn, Erica Kershaw, Hayley Matthews (WI), Sasha Moloney, Rachel Priest (NZ), Chloe Rafferty, Amy Smith, Naomi Stalenberg, Emma Thompson, Chloe Tryon (SA), Tayla Vlaeminck (injured), Belinda Vakarewa; Replacements Hayley Jensen (NZ), Chloe Abel, Nell Bryson Smith, Emily SmithIn Erica Kershaw (Renegades), Rachel Priest (Thunder), Chloe Rafferty, Amy Smith, Naomi Stalenberg (Thunder), Emma Thompson
Out Stephanie Daffara, Erin Fazackerly (Renegades), Katelyn Fryett, Heather Knight, Meg Phillips, Emily SmithPre-seasonThe Hurricanes’ story has been one of steadily diminishing returns after starting out as competition finalists and then returning to the semi-finals the following year. Last season saw more inconsistency, with the distraction provided by the wicketkeeper Emily Smith’s minor integrity infraction and the extremely harsh ban that Cricket Australia chose to hand down in response. Smith is only on the fringes of the squad this time around as a replacement player, with the gloves taken by New Zealand’s combative Rachel Priest. Perhaps the biggest obstacle to the Hurricanes this time around will be the fact that Tayla Vlaeminck has already been ruled out of the entire tournament. That came due to her long and challenging recovery path from a foot fracture which had ended her T20 World Cup campaign before it began. Australia had to change their tournament plans considerably without Vlaeminck – and the Hurricanes need to do likewise.Player to watchNicola Carey is one of the national team’s more underrated contributors, offering parsimony with the ball and intelligent middle-order batting when required. She is not competing with anywhere near as many box office names at the Hurricanes and showed last season that the responsibility suited her, offering up numerous performances with both bat and ball that suggested she could step up similarly for Australia if ever required to offer something more than cameos.

Melbourne Renegades

Captain: Amy SatterthwaiteCoach: Lachlan StevensWBBL history: 2015-16: 8th, 2016-17: 7th, 2017-18: 6th, 2018-19: 4th and 2019-20: 4thSquad: Makinley Blows, Maitlan Brown, Josie Dooley, Jess Duffin (unavailable), Erin Fazackerley, Ella Hayward, Lizelle Lee (SA), Carly Leeson, Sophie Molineux, Courtney Neale, Amy Satterthwaite (NZ), Molly Strano, Lea Tahuhu (NZ), Georgia Wareham, Courtney WebbIn Erin Fazackerly (Hobart Hurricanes), Ella Hayward, Lizelle Lee
Out Tammy Beaumont, Erica Kershaw, Claire Koski, Danni WyattPre-seasonThe return of Amy Satterthwaite as captain looms as a major source of encouragement for the club as they seek to graduate from a pair of semi-final appearances to become the first Melbourne team to take out the title. Lizelle Lee’s arrival from South Africa will provide plenty of big hitting and still greater experience to the batting line-up – which will be missing Jess Duffin following her pregnancy – while in Molly Strano, Sophie Molineux and Georgia Wareham, the Renegades boast all but one member of the Australian team’s enviable spin bowling quartet. There remain doubts over Lea Tahuhu’s fitness though.Player to watchSatterthwaite‘s quality was on display as she acquitted herself best of all New Zealand’s players in their recent drubbing by Australia over twin T20 and ODI series in Brisbane. Her resumption as the leader of a Renegades combination that was able to maintain their league position without her in the 2019 tournament makes the club undoubtedly one of the chief obstacles for any WBBL trophy aspirants this time around.Meg Lanning will resume the captaincy of the Melbourne Stars•Getty Images

Melbourne Stars

Captain: Meg LanningCoach: Trent WoodhillWBBL history: 2015-16: 5th, 2016-17: 5th, 2017-18: 7th, 2018-19: 7th and 2019-20: 8thSquad: Katherine Brunt (Eng), Lucy Cripps, Sophie Day, Bhavi Devchand, Nicole Faltum, Holly Ferling, Tess Flintoff, Georgia Gall, Alana King, Meg Lanning, Erin Osborne, Mignon du Preez, Nat Sciver (Eng), Annabel Sutherland, Elyse VillaniIn Katherine Brunt, Sophie Day, Bhavi Devchand (Scorchers), Georgia Gall, Meg Lanning (Scorchers), Nat Sciver
Out Kristen Beams (retired), Nicola Hancock (Heat), Emma Inglis, Lizelle Lee (Renegades), Madeline Penna (Strikers), Angela Reakes (Sixers)Pre-seasonWere the Melbourne Stars’ men’s team to have maintained the sort of wretched record their women’s equivalent have managed over the WBBL’s first five seasons, little short of a Royal Commission would have been called. It remains a source of enormous frustration though that the Stars have not been able to prosper, and the return of Meg Lanning from a stint with the Perth Scorchers will undoubtedly help. Lanning performed well as the Stars began their existence as a mid-table team finishing just out of the semi-finals, and it will now be a question of whether the Stars and their new coach Trent Woodhill have been able to assemble an effective group to operate around her. The arrival of two seasoned England internationals in Katherine Brunt and Nat Sciver bode well for these plans, offering Lanning a pair of highly dependable operators with the ball and the bat, respectively. More will be expected of Annabel Sutherland, with Elyse Villani given the chance to score a little more freely without the responsibilities of captaincy.Player to watchIt’s hard to look past Lanning as key to the Stars improving their fortunes, after two impressive seasons with the Scorchers saw a strong combination with Villani in particular before she moved to the Stars the season before Lanning chose to follow. There is a sense at the Stars that the club is finally committing the kinds of resources and attention to the WBBL that it should have done long ago, and Lanning’s return is a measure of that resolve.

Perth Scorchers

Captain Sophie DevineCoach Shelley NitschkeWBBL history 2015-16: 4th, 2016-17: Runners-up, 2017-18: Runners-up, 2018-19: 5th and 2019-20: Semi-finalSquad Megan Banting, Jemma Barsby, Samantha Betts, Nicole Bolton, Mathilda Carmichael, Piepa Cleary, Sophie Devine (NZ), Sarah Glenn (Eng), Heather Graham, Amy Jones (Eng) Emma King, Beth Mooney, Taneale Peschel, Chloe Piparo, Georgia WyllieIn Megan Banting, Sophie Devine (Strikers), Sarah Glenn, Beth Mooney (Brisbane Heat), Georgia Wyllie
Out Kim Garth, Kath Hempenstall, Meg Lanning (Stars), Georgia Redmayne (Heat), Nat Sciver (Stars)Pre-seasonIt would be hard to argue that anyone did better business than the Perth Scorchers as they brought in both Devine and Beth Mooney, while also signing England legspinner Sarah Glenn who has impressed this year. They have lost Meg Lanning but with Amy Jones and Nicole Bolton also in the batting line-up, they will be confident of getting runs on the board.Player to watchYou would think the batting would look after itself, but what about the Scorchers bowling? Heather Graham was their leading wicket-taker last season with 15 and shapes as being a key component of the attack again if they want to go deep into the tournament. She had a brief taste with Australia last season but was not part of the expanded squad recently against New Zealand. She scored an unbeaten half-century against India A in the series before Christmas and took 3 for 40 to help Western Australia win the WNCL.Sammy-Jo Johnson, Sarah Aley and Hannah Darlington at Sydney Olympic Park•Cricket Australia

Sydney Sixers

Captain Ellyse PerryCoach Ben SawyerWBBL history 2015-16: Runners up, 2016-17: Champions, 2017-18: Champions, 2018-19: Runners up and 2019-20: 5thSquad Sarah Aley, Erin Burns, Stella Campbell, Lauren Cheatle, Maddy Darke, Ashleigh Gardner, Lisa Griffith, Alyssa Healy, Jodie Hicks, Emma Hughes, Marizanne Kapp (SA), Ellyse Perry, Angela Reakes, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Dane van Niekerk (SA)In> Angela Reakes (Stars), Lisa Griffith (Thunder)
Out Alisha Bates, Lauren Smith (Thunder)Pre-seasonThe Sixers were one of the quieter teams during a hectic contracting period as they look to respond the surprising fifth-place finish last season, the first time they ended outside of the top two. Pace-bowling allrounder Lisa Griffith has jumped across down from the Thunder with Lauren Smith heading the other way, while Angela Reakes returns to her original club after a spell with the Stars which included missing the whole of last season due to an Achilles injury. There will be plenty of attention on the recovery of Ellyse Perry from the hamstring injury which has sidelined her since the T20 World Cup after she suffered a setback while training with the Australia squad in Brisbane.Player to watchIf Perry is available she will form an enviable opening pairing with Alyssa Healy, but it feels as though Ash Gardner is taking her game to a new level and could be set for a big tournament. She struck the ball very cleanly against New Zealand, especially in the well-constructed 61 in the opening T20I when Australia were in trouble, as she allies her strength and timing with the nous of building an innings – even in the short format. Coupled with her more-than-handy offspin and dynamic fielding, she is the ideal T20 all-round package.

Sydney Thunder

Captain Rachael HaynesCoach Trevor GriffinWBBL history 2015-16: Champions, 2016-17: 6th, 2017-18: Semi-final, 2018-19: Semi-final and 2019-20: 6thSquad Sam Bates, Tammy Beaumont (Eng), Hannah Darlington, Rachael Haynes, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail (SA) Sammy-Jo Johnson, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Heather Knight (Eng), Kate Peterson, Olivia Porter (injured), Lauren Smith, Rachel Trenaman, Tahlia WilsonIn Tammy Beaumont, Sammy-Jo Johnson (Heat), Heather Knight, Anika Learoyd, Olivia Porter, Lauren Smith (Sixers)
Out Alex Blackwell (retired), Nida Dar, Rene Farrell (retired), Lisa Griffith (Sixers), Rachel Priest (Hurricanes), Naomi Stalenberg (Hurricanes)Pre-seasonAfter a disappointing sixth place last season, allrounder Sammy-Jo Johnson was a significant signing as she moved from the defending champions Brisbane Heat. England pair Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont should provide a strong top order – which will have a new look this year after the retirement of Alex Blackwell and loss of Rachel Priest – alongside captain Rachael Haynes and the hugely talented Phoebe Litchfield.Player to watchNineteen-year-old Hannah Darlington was the Thunder’s leading wicket-taker last year with 16 at 21.31, which earned her the young player of the tournament title. She then headed across the Tasman and was the leading wicket-taker for Otago in their Super Smash campaign with 13 wickets in 11 matches. She will form a potentially potent seam attack alongside Shabnim Ismail and Johnson.

يواجه منتخب مصر الثاني بقيادة مديره الفني حلمي طولان، نظيره منتخب الأردن، ضمن مباريات دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس العرب 2025.

وكان منتخب مصر قد تعادل في الجولة الماضية مع منتخب الإمارات بهدف لكل فريق، ضمن مباريات الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات ببطولة كأس العرب.

ويقع منتخب مصر في المجموعة الثالثة رفقة منتخبات الأردن والإمارات والكويت.

ويسعى منتخب مصر لتحقيق الفوز أو التعادل على أقل تقدير أمام الأردن، من أجل حسم التأهل إلى دور ربع النهائي من بطولة كأس العرب.

ويحتل منتخب مصر المركز الثاني في ترتيب المجموعة الثالثة لبطولة كأس العرب، برصيد نقطتين من التعادل مع الكويت والإمارات في الجولتين الأولى والثانية. موعد مباراة مصر والأردن في كأس العرب 2025

يواجه منتخب مصر نظيره منتخب الأردن، في تمام الساعة الرابعة والنصف من مساء اليوم الثلاثاء بتوقيت القاهرة، والخامسة والنصف بتوقيت قطر والسعودية والأردن. القنوات الناقلة لمباراة مصر والأردن في كأس العرب 2025

وسوف تذاع مباراة منتخب مصر الثاني مع نظيره منتخب الأردن عبر قنوات بي إن سبورت المفتوحة، وأبو ظبي الرياضية 1، وقناة الكأس، بالإضافة إلى ذلك، ستنقل المباراة عبر قناة دبي الرياضية 2، وقناة الشارقة الرياضية، وقناة إم بي سي مصر 2.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا

A somber moment took place during the San Francisco Giants-Detroit Tigers game on Wednesday afternoon after a member of the Tigers' grounds crew at Comerica Park suddenly went down due to injury.

In between innings, the grounds crew member collapsed on the field due to what appeared to be a non-contact knee injury and was swiftly attended to by a medical trainer.

As the grounds crew member sat on the base paths swarmed by concerned onlookers from both teams, the cameras zoomed in on him to get a better look at the situation.

He didn't appreciate that, and after the cameras focused on him a second time, he shamelessly flipped the bird on live television (wait until the end of the video):

Oof. Not the best idea to do that on-air.

After a brief delay, the Tigers went on to win, 4-3. Prayers up for the injured grounds crew member—hopefully, he recovers from his injury soon and still has his job afterward.

Phil Foden spared Manchester City's blushes as he struck late to snatch a 3-2 win after his side had chucked away a two-goal advantage at half-time. Foden scored in the very first and last minutes of the game, rescuing all three points for Pep Guardiola's side which could prove vital at the end of the season. Josko Gvardiol bundled in a second goal in a dominant first half from the hosts.

But everything changed after the break as relegation-threatened Leeds put up a fight for their under-pressure boss Daniel Farke. They produced a spirited comeback and even believed in victory themselves but Foden diminished that, deciding the game with a brilliant finish from outside the area in the first of the 10 minutes of additional time. 

The England forward scored the fastest Premier League goal of the season to give City the lead after 59 seconds, firing in first time after a cross from Matheus Nunes. The midfielder was denied a second goal by a brave block from James Justin, who threw himself in front of the ball from close range, and then by a super save from Lucas Perri. 

Leeds could only resist the City dominance for so long, though, and the second eventually arrived from a corner, Gvardiol sliding in to stab home following Nico O'Reilly's knockdown, helped by some abject goalkeeping from Perri.

City had the bit between their teeth and pushed for a third before half-time but to no avail, with Bernardo Silva and Tijjani Reijnders having shots blocked and Perri repelling a strike from Nico Gonzalez, while O'Reilly headed wide.

Leeds came out for the second half with a double substitution and a totally different mindset and they immediately pegged City back. They fired out a warning minutes after the restart when Donnarumma patted a free-kick away only for it to land at the feet of Ethan Ampadu, with Reijnders making the block. One minute later Dominic Calvert-Lewin halved the deficit, losing the ball on the turn then snaffling it back off Nunes to strike. City's nerves began to set in and Leeds then won a penalty when Gvardiol rushed into a tackle on Calvert-Lewin and sent him flying.

Donnarumma guessed right to parry Nmecha's penalty but the rebound fell straight back to the German forward for him to tap in the leveller. The Etihad fell silent but when Foden buried the ball in the bottom corner after dribbling across the outside of the box, the stadium erupted and secured a valuable three points for Guardiola and his troops.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Gianluigi Donnarumma (5/10):

  After a placid first half he didn't transmit much confidence under pressure. Flapped at a free-kick, did the hard part saving the penalty but sent the ball to the worst place possible.

  Matheus Nunes (4/10):

  His bright forward play which led to the lightning-quick opening goal was cancelled out by his clumsy defending gifting Calvert-Lewin the goal that made Leeds believe. His botched clearance gave Leeds possession again and then after tackling Calvert-Lewin he surrendered the ball to him.

  Ruben Dias (5/10):

  Had a flawless first-half display but couldn't show the necessary leadership when Leeds grew in confidence.

  Josko Gvardiol (4/10):

  Like Nunes, his poor defending undid his good work in doubling the lead. Couldn't communicate with Nunes for the first goal and then produced an awful tackle for the penalty.

  Nico O'Reilly (6/10):

  A strong physical display, showing his hunger by attacking Perri from the corner and setting up Gvardiol. 

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  Midfield

  Bernardo Silva (5/10):

  Didn't really put his usual stamp on the game.

  Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

  Dominated the first half, barely giving Leeds any glimpses behind him. Struggled to adapt to the visitors' changes.

  Tijjani Reijnders (6/10):

  Contributed his share in defence and attack although was the first to come off when Guardiola wanted a reaction.

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  Attack

  Phil Foden (9/10):

  Dangerous and decisive from start to finish. Could have had a hat-trick in the first half and when everyone else had lost belief he grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck and won it.

  Erling Haaland (5/10):

  Failed to score for the third game in a row, barely getting a chance in front of goal. He obediently did his defensive work, though, and was a useful presence nullifying Leeds' ariel threat.

  Jeremy Doku (5/10):

  Couldn't do his useful damage and struggled to prise Leeds' defence open down his left flank.

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  Subs & Manager

  Rayan Cherki (6/10):

  Gave City a bit more guile going forward and gave the ball to Foden for the crucial strike.

  Omar Marmoush (N/A):

  Saw a header saved by Perri one minute after coming on.

  John Stones (N/A):

  Brought on in the 95th minute to run the clock down.

  Pep Guardiola (6/10):

  A very strange game for the coach to digest, pure dominance followed by a loss of composure and belief. To his credit, his changes helped swing the game back in City's favour, even though he owes Foden a massive pat on the back for digging him out of the hole.

Enzo Maresca has urged Chelsea wonderkid Estevao Willian to ignore comparisons with Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, insisting the Brazilian should focus solely on improving himself. Ahead of a huge Champions League clash between two of Europe’s brightest teenagers, the Blues boss backed Estevao to become a “top player” if he keeps developing at his own pace.

• Maresca opens up on Estevao's comparison with Yamal

  Chelsea head coach Maresca has moved to calm comparisons between 18-year-old sensation Estevao and Barcelona prodigy Yamal as the pair prepare to share the pitch in a blockbuster Champions League encounter. Estevao has made an impressive start to his debut season in England, contributing goals and assists in limited minutes as Chelsea carefully manage his adaptation to Premier League football. His explosive dribbling and natural flair have made him a fan favourite already, and the youngster heads into the Barcelona match in strong form after impressing for both club and country.

  Maresca has repeatedly praised the winger’s maturity and willingness to learn but stressed that comparisons to more established players could add pressure at a stage where Estevao is still adjusting to European football. With four goals and one assist in 16 appearances, the Brazilian has already demonstrated he can influence high-level matches when used correctly. Chelsea consider him one of the cornerstones of their long-term project, but Maresca insists development must be gradual.

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  Maresca urges Estevao to enjoy football without pressure

  “Estevao is already playing at a high level and is starting games for Brazil,” Maresca told reporters ahead of the Barcelona clash. “He is very young and for sure can do many things better, but we are very happy with him. It’s nice for people who love football to watch players like Estevao, Lamine Yamal, Pedri. We are happy that Estevao is with us.”

  “Estevao is going to be an important player for this club in the future, no doubt. The most important thing for Estevao now is that he has to enjoy his football, he has to be happy, and not think about being better than this player or that player.” Maresca stressed the need to avoid external pressure. “He just has to be better than himself day by day, work hard and improve, and for sure he will be a top player for this club.”

  The Chelsea manager also warned that comparisons to Yamal are unfair and premature given their different trajectories. Yamal’s 31 goals and 42 assists in 118 Barcelona appearances place him in a more advanced career phase, while Estevao is only months into his European journey. Maresca finished by reiterating that enjoyment, learning and steady improvement remain the keys to Estevao’s development.

• Estevao's promising start at Chelsea after move from Palmeiras

  Estevao has been one of the breakout stories of Chelsea’s season, arriving from Palmeiras with enormous hype but immediately demonstrating he can handle the demands of elite football. His four goals and one assist only tell part of the story, as his speed, creativity and fearlessness have added a much-needed spark to the Blues’ attack. His international form strengthens his profile further, with five goals in his last six matches for Brazil signalling the rise of a future Selecao star.

  The winger’s journey from Palmeiras to England shows why Maresca is urging patience. At his former club, he registered 27 goals and 15 assists in 83 appearances, developing into one of South America’s top young prospects before Chelsea secured him. Despite the excitement, Maresca is aware of the challenges faced by young wingers entering the Premier League and wants to protect Estevao from comparisons that could hinder his growth.

  On the other side of the pitch is Yamal, whose prodigious emergence at Barcelona has set new standards for teenage talents. Having broken multiple age records and already established himself as a decisive force in La Liga and the Champions League, Yamal’s trajectory is unique even among elite prospects.

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  Chelsea take on Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday

  Estevao is expected to feature in some capacity against Barcelona, though Maresca may continue to manage his minutes carefully given the intensity of the fixture. The club’s long-term plan is to gradually increase his influence as he adapts physically and tactically to English and European football. A strong performance on the Champions League stage would further elevate his status but Chelsea remain focused on steady, sustainable development.

  Meanwhile, Yamal will be the first name on Hansi Flick's team list as the Catalan side finally start to receive players back from injury ahead of the packed winter schedule.

Germany's new star forward Nick Woltemade finally broke his silence on the 'idiots' Newcastle claim made by Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after the Bundesliga champions lost the transfer race to sign the striker from Stuttgart for £65m. After selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool on deadline day, the Magpies brought Woltemade as the Swede's replacement.

• Rummenigge called Newcastle 'idiots' after losing Woltemade race

  After missing out on one of their key transfer target for the summer, Bayern board member Rummenigge branded the Magpies 'idiots' for spending a massive transfer fee and even sarcastically congratulated Stuttgart for cashing in. The Bundesliga champions made several attempts to bring the German striker to the club over the summer, with their final bid reportedly touching €60m (£52m/$70m). Stuttgart, however, refused to let the player leave below their asking price of €75m (£65m/$87m).Ultimately, a desperate Newcastle made a club-record £69m bid and got the deal done.

  Speaking to , Rummenigge said: "I can only congratulate them in Stuttgart for finding, so to speak, an idiot who would pay that much money, because we certainly wouldn't have done that. I said: We're coming in on a scale that I no longer find acceptable. We shouldn't meet all of their demands. 

  "The players and their agents must also be careful not to trap themselves. The money has to come from somewhere, and that comes from expanding competitions or creating new ones."

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  Woltemade reacts to Rummenigge's comments

  The Magpies star has now finally reacted to Rummenigge's comments as he told : "My team-mates commented on it, I didn't. I think that was the right thing to do. A lot was made of my name, Bayern, and transfer fee during the summer; that was the story of the summer. To answer your question: the headlines everywhere said 'idiots.' But I read Mr Rummenigge's entire statement – it was certainly somewhat unfortunate, but not quite so dramatic.

  "When I arrived at the national team, everyone congratulated me. Bayern players also congratulated me. When they see a player taking a step forward, you get congratulations. That was the case for me too. There were no negative comments, especially since my circumstances were special."

• Ex-Newcastle star hit back at Rummenigge

  Reacting to the Bayern chief's harsh comments, former Newcastle winger Chris Waddle told : "They probably thought they had him at a lower price. Newcastle have obviously looked for a centre-forward after the saga with Isak. They've looked around and thought who's available? They've looked at Woltemade because he's a good player. He's a tall guy. He's quite mobile. Technically he's all right. 

  "Bayern Munich thought, 'he’s a player we can snap up who could replace Harry Kane in a couple of years.' They probably thought they had a deal done. But Newcastle came in and I think it's a little bit of sour grapes. I think Newcastle's offered a better contract, better wages, better everything. Bayern Munich would probably think they would get him at the price that they think he's worth. They think Newcastle's paid over the top. Time will tell on that."

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  How is it going for Woltemade?

  Woltemade has made an instant impact since moving to the Premier League from the Bundesliga in the summer. He has appeared in 14 matches for the Magpies thus far across all competitions and scored seven goals, including four in eight league appearances. 

  He has also performed consistently for his national team and he recently starred with a brace in Germany's close win over Luxembourg, which kept their hopes alive of securing a direct berth at the World Cup next year. The 23-year-old will be back in action for Germany on Monday as the four-time world champions face Slovakia.

Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved why he remains football’s ultimate clutch performer, dragging Al-Nassr from the brink of frustration to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Al-Feiha on Saturday night. After being knocked out by Al-Ettihad from the King's Cup, their weekend could have been spoiled, but their Portuguese talisman decided otherwise. They are now leading the domestic standings after getting off to a perfect start with seven wins from seven matches, and on Saturday evening, the men in yellow once again showed why they are more determined than ever to be crowned as Saudi champions during their comeback victory.

• Nassr's comeback

  The hosts were dominating proceedings right from the first whistle, and Joao Felix came close to opening the scoring in the sixth minute but saw his effort tipped over the crossbar. However, almost against the run of play, Al-Feiha drew first blood after Jason was put through on goal. The goal came from a tactical misfire. Jorge Jesus’ high defensive line, designed to suffocate space, backfired horribly. Jason latched onto a simple long ball, broke free of the sluggish backline, and slotted calmly past Nawaf Alaqidi. It was a sucker punch that left the hosts stunned and briefly scrambling for rhythm.

  Despite going behind, Al-Nassr refused to panic. With Ronaldo barking instructions and Sadio Mane buzzing around the left flank, the home side resumed their onslaught. The equaliser appeared imminent when Mane squared for Kingsley Coman, who smashed the ball home, only for VAR to intervene. After a painstaking review, the goal was chalked off. Mane had strayed offside by a matter of inches when Ronaldo released him down the wing. The decision left Ronaldo visibly fuming, throwing his arms in the air in disbelief.

  A frustrated Ronaldo rallied his teammates again, and in the 37th minute, the Portuguese icon produced the goods to bring his side back on level terms. It was a perfect team goal, which was started off by Felix as he played a cheeky through ball to Coman. The French star split Al-Feiha's defence, and Ronaldo kept his calm to finish the move with a clinical finish. 

  As the second half unfolded, Ronaldo led the charge for a breakthrough. He saw two efforts fly agonisingly wide, while Felix’s long-range strike was parried brilliantly by Mosquera. With every passing minute, it felt as though time was slipping away. Al-Feiha’s players began to sense they could escape with a draw, until fate intervened deep in stoppage time. Fortune smiled on the hosts, and after a lengthy VAR check, a penalty was awarded to Al-Nassr.

  Up stepped Ronaldo, calm and collected. As the whistle blew, he took his familiar stance, stuttered in his run-up, and smashed the ball into the net. He wheeled away in celebration, pounding his chest as the crowd erupted. Three more points!

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  The MVP

  Ronaldo popped up at the right time, at the right place, to once again save Al-Nassr's blushes. His numbers this season have been mind-boggling. The winner was his eighth league goal and number 36 in the calendar year. He is currently 48 goals away from the 1000-milestone, and the forward will back him to create more history after signing a two-year deal in the summer, which will keep him at the club until 2027. 

• The big loser

  While his side walked away with all three points, Jesus’s tactics left much to be desired. His defensive strategy gifted Al-Feiha their goal, and his inability to chalk up a Plan B could have cost them a perfect start to the season. If not for Ronaldo’s late intervention, this could easily have been the night Al-Nassr’s flawless run ended.

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  Match rating (out of five): ⭐⭐⭐

Reyna had a chance to build bridges with U.S. teammates and staff, but declined 'to take all the blame' for 2022 antics

Gio Reyna just had to speak. 

The smart move, in the Reyna cinematic universe – one of opinions, ego, controversy yet undeniable talent – is generally to keep quiet. In fact, given Reyna's recent record of injury, underperformance and selected absence, it would be rather prudent of the American to keep his head down, play soccer and not say anything controversial.

Interviews should be tame and full of platitudes. Reyna's brand, at this point in his career, should be that of the guy who wants another chance, who knows that he is good enough to deserve one.

He should take responsibility for his well-documented 2022 World Cup antics. Ultimately, Reyna should disappoint the hungry Twitter merchants, just be a stream of agreeable cliches and let his game do the talking. 

So much for that. Reyna, in a quite remarkable display of poor PR, took the opposite approach earlier this week. His interview with the Associated Press was pretty short, all said. But he did offer a glorious sound bite. When asked to explain the temper tantrum at the 2022 World Cup and subsequent benching, Reyna distanced himself from responsibility.

"I'm not just going to sort of sit here and take all the blame for something that was made out to be completely my fault, which I believe it wasn't, and also my family's, too," he said.

Well done, Gio. There are hundreds of better replies. Most of them would probably start with some version of "I'm sorry." Or at least don't take the bait, pass on the answer. But once again, he pinned the blame elsewhere. This was a chance to close a chapter of sorts, to look towards the future, for a great talent of U.S. soccer to rebuild his image.

Instead, Reyna only reinforced the public perception – fair or not – that this is a character who lacks the maturity and accountability. Not the spot to be in with the 2026 World Cup less than eight months away.

GettyVery few words that say a lot

This may seem like an awful lot of extrapolation from very few words. And that's a fair point. After all, this is American soccer, a world often constructed on tension and insecurity, with a need to make the most out of very little. There have been times – especially in recent memory – in which many have read into things too much (just ask Christian Pulisic what he was up to last summer). 

But Reyna isa special case. To understand that quote, it is worth examining Reyna, the character. It isn't particularly outlandish to suggest that the attacking midfielder is the most naturally gifted player in the pool at the moment. He was thrust into the Borussia Dortmund side at a young age, and after a series of impressive performances, held in high regard.

It helped, of course, that he was the son of Claudio, a U.S. legend in his own right. But Gio was . And for a while, for both club and country, he proved it. 

However, 2022, was a strange year. He was performing effectively for Dortmund, but his relationship with then-U.S. manager Gregg Berhalter was difficult. At the time, with no context, it was a puzzling thing. Reyna was an immense talent. But Berhalter largely froze him out at the 2022 World Cup, allowing the Dortmund player just two appearances, both of which came off the bench.

It was later revealed that Reyna was nearly sent home from camp due to fractious relationships with his teammates and a poor attitude in training. Put simply: Reyna had all the talent in the world. But he rather got in his own way. And Berhalter knew it.

AdvertisementAFPA subsequent scandal

And after the World Cup, as has been well chronicled, things got even worse. The Reyna and Berhalter families fell out publicly and in quite unhealthy terms. There were allegations and denials and decisions about the coach's standing with US Soccer.

The bad blood stemmed from Berhalter's handling of Reyna at the 2022 World Cup, Reyna's response – for which he was nearly sent home – Berhalter's role in revealing the incident and the subsequent disclosure of a decades-old domestic violence allegation to US Soccer by Reyna's mother, Danielle. Berhalter was rehired by U.S. Soccer following an investigation.

After the World Cup, Berhalter – speaking at what was presumed to be an off-the-record leadership summit – was later quoted as saying, “We had a player that was clearly not meeting expectations on and off the field. One of 26 players, so it stood out. As a staff, we sat together for hours deliberating what we were going to do with this player…

"We were ready to book a plane ticket home, that's how extreme it was. And what it came down to was, we're going to have one more conversation with him, and part of the conversation was how we're going to behave from here out. There aren't going to be any more infractions."

The day after Berhalter's comments went public, Reyna posted a message on social media calling the reports of nearly being sent home from the World Cup "highly fictionalized," adding he was disappointed that details regarding his participation in Qatar were not kept "in house."

Three years on, Reyna had the chance to set the record straight. He was given the chance to perhaps outline why he was almost removed from the camp. 

Getty ImagesA misguided interview

His comments to AP have made the rounds on social media, and don't read kindly for Reyna's image.

"At the end of the day, I was just upset that, you know, I wasn’t really playing," he said. "I was playing at Dortmund. I thought that I wanted to play at the World Cup and ultimately in the end, I didn’t do that, and that’s really what it stemmed from. I guess the frustration and the disappointment was just wanting to play and help my country."

Lack of apology notwithstanding, there isn't much accountability, either. Berhalter was a limited coach, but he was by all accounts a vibes guy who created a strong culture. Reyna's actions tainted the harmony. His words, published on this week, could have at least acknowledged that he was part of the problem.

And even if he didn't do that, Reyna must, deep down, know that he has bridges to build with people inside US Soccer.

Sure, he has been injured, absent, and unavailable for selection. But almost getting kicked out of a World Cup camp takes some flagrant effort. And yes, this is soccer, where everyone reads everything. Reyna, we are safe to assume, still has teammates to deal with.

This was as much about symbolism as sincerity. Even if Reyna didn't mean it, he could have, at least, offered a casual "my bad." 

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Getty Images SportMauricio Pochettino, the culture guy

When the U.S. hired Mauricio Pochettino last fall, they thought they were getting a masterful tactician with a certain aura – a man manager, yes, but mostly a head coach who would earn the respect of his players on resume alone. Pochettino isn't a soccer nerd. But he wasn't supposed to be hardline, authoritarian, Jose Mourinho-lite.

And while he hasn't followed "the special one" with quite the same vigor, Pochettino has proved to be far more of a culture guy than many might have expected. 

The tactics here are what they are – and may yet develop. But Pochettino's calling card with the USMNT, so far, can best be summed up by a lengthy soliloquy given after being peppered with questions about Pulisic's absence from the Gold Cup squad. It was a wonderful thing, Shakespearean, even.

But the quote that has stuck is a simple: "I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin.” And that sums it up nicely. You will not walk all over him. You won't really question him, either. He doesn't like excuses, and he certainly doesn't feel the need to offer explanations.

It is in that light, then, that Reyna's comments look even more misguided. He has pointed out repeatedly that he wants to be on the World Cup roster next June. He has even been selected by Pochettino before (managing little more than a forgettable cameo in a Nations League third place match dead rubber in March).

But his recent comments suggest he just doesn't understand the vibe of the new manager. Of course, Pochettino wasn't head coach three years ago. The news may well have passed him by (he was probably more focused on his beloved Argentina than the state of a U.S. team that got knocked out in the last 16). 

But in the here and now, Reyna – already struggling for playing time at the club level in Germany – did himself no favors with the new coach.

Tottenham Hotspur have come on leaps and bounds over the last couple of years, as seen by some of the achievements on the field under various managers.

Ange Postecoglou may have been handed his marching orders over the summer window, but he managed to achieve something which various managers have failed to do in North London.

The Aussie claimed the Europa League title with a victory over fellow Premier League side Manchester United in Bilbao, subsequently ending the 17-year trophy drought.

However, it wasn’t enough to keep his job, with the 60-year-old replaced by Thomas Frank, with the Dane tasked with the responsibility of taking the Lilywhites to the next level.

Their ability to win the Europa League has allowed the club to feature in the Champions League, whilst also recruiting some top-level talent in the process.

How Spurs struck gold in Daniel Levy's final window

During the recent summer window, Frank made a beeline to improve his forward line, subsequently making a move to land Mohammed Kudus from rivals West Ham United.

The Ghanaian cost a reported £55m during the off-season, but he’s already shown glimpses of being a shrewd addition for the Lilywhites in 2025/26 and beyond.

He’s registered five assists in his first ten outings in North London, as per Transfermarkt, with the forward also getting off the mark during the recent 2-1 win over Leeds United, lashing home from just outside the box.

Kudus wasn’t the only big-money addition during the off-season, with the hierarchy also forking out £52m for the signature of attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

A new number ten was on the agenda all summer long, subsequently landing the Dutchman after missing out on the likes of Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White prior to his arrival.

The 22-year-old has so far made seven outings across all competitions, but unlike Kudus, he’s failed to find the net and has also only registered one assist in the process.

Despite the aforementioned additions, one other player in the first-team is rapidly becoming a better signing than the pair after establishing himself in Frank’s plans.

The Spurs star who’s becoming a better signing than Kudus & Simons

Over the last couple of years, Spurs haven’t been afraid to splash the cash to help them achieve their goals on the pitch, with the hierarchy spending well over £400m in the last three years.

Numerous areas of the pitch have been subject to investment, as seen by the additions within the final third, but the defensive unit has also been bolstered in recent years.

The partnership of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero at the heart of the backline has already contributed to Frank’s side keeping five clean sheets in 2025/26 to date.

However, the middle of the park is arguably one of the most important, with Lucas Bergvall already making huge strides after the Dane took the reins during the off-season.

The Swede was an unknown quantity to many a little over 12 months ago, when the hierarchy forked out a fee in the region of £8.5m for his services from Djurgarden.

Yet, swiftly said to possess “a first touch like Modric” by the Athletic’s JJ Bull, at the age of just 18 when he moved to England, the midfielder made an immediate impact during his debut campaign – racking up 45 appearances across all competitions.

Whilst he’s primarily a deep-lying option, he managed to net his first goal for the club in the Carabao Cup semi-final over Liverpool – but it was unable to catapult the side to the final.

The 2025/26 campaign has seen the youngster go from strength to strength, already featuring in ten outings under Frank and leading to Squawka describing him as “incredible”.

Bergvall has already added to his goalscoring tally, netting his first English top-flight effort in the recent 3-0 triumph over West Ham at the London Stadium.

Games played

6

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

84%

Dribble success

70%

Tackles won

2.2

Duels won

5.2

Recoveries made

3.9

Shots taken

1.5

His underlying stats this season are just as impressive, making 2.2 tackles per 90 and winning 5.2 duels per 90 – subsequently showcasing his excellent ability to regain possession for the side, before transferring the ball into attacking areas for the likes of Kudus and Simons.

The Swede has also achieved an 84% pass completion rate, whilst also completing 70% of the dribbles he’s attempted – arguably being the perfect box-to-box option at the heart of the team.

At just 19, it’s scary to think about how impressive Bergvall can become in the years ahead, especially if he continues on the trajectory he’s put himself on in recent months.

There’s no disputing that Kudus and Simons will be excellent additions in the near future, but the move for Bergvall was a bargain and one that could go down as one of the best in their history if he reaches his full potential.

It's not Kudus: Spurs talent could now steal the #10 shirt from Maddison

Tottenham Hotspur have a star who looks set for a huge future at the club in the years ahead.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Camisa 10 da Seleção Brasileira, Marta não é titular na Copa do Mundo Feminina. Aos 37 anos, esta deve ser a última Copa do Mundo da jogadora. A sua ‘não titularidade’ pode ser explicada por alguns motivos. Recentemente, Marta se recuperou de uma lesão no joelho e ficou cerca de onze meses sem jogar. Voltou a ativa somente em fevereiro deste ano, nos amistosos disputados.

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Mas não para por aí. Para o ataque brasileiro, a treinadora Pia Sundhage selecionou: Andressa Alves (Roma), Geyse (Barcelona), Nycole (Benfica), Bia Zaneratto (Palmeiras), Debinha (Kansas City Current), Gabi Nunes (Madrid CFF) e Marta (Orlando Pride). Com exceção de Marta, maior jogadora da história da Amarelinha, as demais atletas apresentam características específicas que agradam a comandante: velocidade e, principalmente, polivalência, ou seja, são capazes de atuar em mais de uma posição.

Torça pela nossa Seleção Feminina com camisas a partir de R$ 29,90

Após a convocação, Pia também falou sobre esta questão envolvendo a titularidade da Marta. De acordo com as palavras da treinadora, já foi posto em dúvida a presença da jogadora no elenco titular.

– Parece música para os meus ouvidos quando uma jogadora fala sobre outras. A Marta é uma rainha. Estar perto dela é maravilhoso. Ela tem muita energia e no passe final é uma das melhores. Estar perto dela e ter a chance de treiná-la, é ótimo. Se ela estará no time titular, não sei. Mas terá o nosso apoio – explicou.

Marta é a maior artilheira das histórias da Copa do Mundo – tanto pelo futebol masculino quanto feminino. Ao todo, são 17 gols, marcados nos torneios de 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 e 2019.