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O Brasil venceu a Bolívia por 5 a 0, na estreia da Seleção pelas Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo de 2022. A goleada na noite da última sexta-feira foi iniciada com um gol de quem se sentiu em casa na Neo Química Arena: Marquinhos, cria da base do Corinthians, e atualmente zagueiro do PSG, da França. O jogador relembrou seu início no clube e celebrou o tento em seu antigo lar.

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Na noite de ontem, Marquinhos estava se sentindo em casa!

Cria do Corinthians, o zagueiro balançou as redes no local onde tudo começou e, depois da partida, ele falou com a CBF TV sobre essa emoção. Confira! pic.twitter.com/T6m0Ordh3k

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) October 10, 2020

Em entrevista para a CBF TV logo após a partida, Marquinhos não escondeu a emoção de balançar a rede em um lugar tão especial que já foi literalmente sua casa por alguns anos antes de se tornar profissional. Cerca de dez anos depois, ele retorna para Itaquera, com a camisa da Seleção Brasileira e marca um gol.

-Gol em casa, realmente em casa, porque morei aqui por uns quatro ou cinco anos, desde os 13 até os 17 anos, mais ou menos. Um lugar especial.

Curiosamente, as categorias de base do Timão foram “despejadas” do local por conta do início da construção do estádio corintiano. Entre os jogadores que tiveram que se mudar estava Marquinhos, que relembrou esse momento de sua trajetória no futebol, mas destacou que valeu a pena diante do que virou a Neo Química Arena, terreno que tem dado sorte para a Seleção e para ele.

-Aqui não era o Terrão, o Terrão era lá no Tatuapé (bairro da zona leste de São Paulo), mas aqui a gente tinha nosso CT, onde ficavam todas as categorias de base do Corinthians e com uns 16, 17 anos a gente teve que se mudar e ir lá para Guarulhos, porque iria começar a construção do estádio.

-Aqui era bom até, pelas circunstâncias depois, por uma boa causa, a gente teve que sair daqui, mas a gente está vendo resultado, estádio maravilhoso, de primeiro mundo, campo bom, que traz sorte para a gente sempre que vem consegue um bom resultado e trouxe sorte para mim também, consegui fazer um gol. Bom demais – concluiu o zagueiro titular do Brasil de Tite.

A Seleção volta a campo na próxima terça-feira, às 21h, para enfrentar o Peru, fora de casa, pela segunda rodada das Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de 2022. O Brasil lidera a classificação com três pontos e saldo de cinco gols.

Mitchell Johnson believes England have enormous mental hurdles to overcome if they are to keep the Ashes series alive in Perth, reckoning that Alastair Cook is contemplating retirement while the England captain Joe Root will be questioning his decision to send Australia in to bat in Adelaide.As the spearhead of Australia’s 5-0 Ashes sweep of England four years ago, Johnson watched Steven Smith’s team train at the WACA Ground on Monday and said he could see major parallels between that series and this one in terms of the escalating mental battles being fought by the visitors. The 2013-14 series ended in the resignation of Andy Flower as coach, plus the withdrawal of Jonathan Trott from the tour and the retirement of Graeme Swann. Kevin Pietersen, meanwhile, never played for England again.Having been in complete control of his mental and technical sides to dominate that series, Johnson said he could see England’s players doubting themselves and their decisions. “England will struggle mentally,” Johnson said about the remainder of the series. “You’ve got guys like Alastair Cook struggling. He can’t find form. And I’d say he’s thinking about retirement. He has played 150 Test matches; it’s got to take it out of you.”Joe Root is the skipper, and there’s a lot of pressure on him with what’s happening outside the game but also winning the toss and what he did last game was debatable and that’s got to mentally take its toll on him as well. He’ll be questioning and doubting himself. We’re still talking about [Ben] Stokes and then there’s [Jonny] Bairstow who I thought was a little bit up and down, whether he was going to be their next senior player to step up, and we haven’t seen that yet. They don’t really have a lot going for them to be honest, and I can say that now sitting on the outside – its’ easier to say. That’s just what I see.”Watching the series from the sidelines, Johnson also felt that the short ball in the hands of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins was also beginning to take an accumulating toll on the English psyche. “It’s not easy coming here [to Perth]. After seeing in the first two Tests, once the wickets had quickened up a bit – Brisbane, Adelaide – the short ball was really effective and this is not going to be any easier for them,” he said. “[From] what I’ve seen now the Australian team is focused on what they need to do. Very similar to 2013-14, we just knew we needed to prepare ourselves the best way at trainings and then get ourselves physically and mentally right for the game. And it wasn’t thinking we were 2-0 up, it was just starting a new game. Seems like they’re in that sort of mind frame too.”England seem like there is a lot of stuff going on off the field at the moment for them. I think there’s a lot of distractions. Think they’ll be deflated from the last performance because it was talked about that was their best chance of winning in Adelaide: pink ball, conditions suited them more. And we saw what Jimmy Anderson did for the team: he bowled 11 overs straight when the conditions suited him and his bowling, which I found quite interesting [and] his comments after that as well.”They were on a high and then to be deflated the way that they did, probably coming into the last day thinking they were going to win, and then for the Aussies to get that early breakthrough and roll through them, that’ll be mentally hard for them to come up into this Test.”Currently in preparation for the Big Bash League with the Perth Scorchers, Johnson admitted he chose not to bowl to the Australians because he did not want to disrupt their current rhythm. “I definitely would have had a bowl, I’m in my season now,” he said. “Been bowling with a red ball at training down at my club, so would have been nice to come and have a bowl but, at the same time, I think I would have been a bit nervous if I did slip a short ball in… especially not this part of the series, we’re going along really well.”I didn’t talk to the bowlers about much, more how they’re feeling and giving a little bit of feedback on what I’ve seen. Just rhythm and lengths and stuff like that. I still think they’ll get better throughout the series. They haven’t all clicked together and, I think, once they do click, we’re going to see a pretty potent attack.”The [quicks] all bring something different and the good thing about these guys is they’ve played a lot of junior cricket together, they know each other really well – which is a huge bonus, to be able to know your mate who you’re bowling with at the other end… you could sit at mid-on or mid-off and you’re helping your mate when he’s bowling in a spell, if he’s not going so well you know what to say to him, if he’s going well you know what to say to him.”

Rangers could make one of the signings of the summer by tying down midfielder Steven Davis with a new contract, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

Michael Beale and co have been very, very busy this summer transfer window, having secured deals for nine major signings as they attempt to wrestle back Scottish football dominance from rivals Celtic.

In the last two months, Rangers have seen Abdallah Sima, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland, Leon Balogun, Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and Jose Cifuentes join the Glasgow giants.

This follows on from the mass exodus of Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Filip Helander, Mateusz Zakowski and Allan McGregor leaving Ibrox, with Beale seemingly orcherstrating an overhaul.

The Teddy Bears didn't exactly get off to a flying start under Beale in their opening Scottish Premiership game against Kilmarnock on Saturday, with Rangers losing 1-0 at Rugby Park.

One player they have missed for his experience is Davis, who was forced to miss the encounter due to still recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

"He’ll be in and around the first team as a normal player in terms of rehab and then there will be a decision," said Beale via Football Scotland.

"At this moment in time, Steven has a real burning desire to play, and we want to help him get back to that.”

The Northern Irishman has been a wonderful servant for Rangers in recent years, and that is set to be rewarded with a possible new contract.

Journalist Dean Jones, commenting on the story, has told GiveMeSport that they could make one of the best signings this summer by doing so.

It’s interesting that Rangers are talking to him about a new contract but also not a surprise, really," said Jones.

"Michael Beale really respects and admires him and for months now there has been a chance that he will stick around.

“He’s invaluable in terms of the team’s identity and character and even in a non-playing role would have benefits to Rangers moving forward. That’s something they will pursue at some point, but firstly he obviously wants to see if he can get back to playing.

“If they could get him back again it could be one of their best signings of the summer.”

How good is Steven Davis?

The 38-year-old could only feature over a handful of top-flight matches for Beale's side last season, but in that time, he averaged a cool 90.2% passing accuracy with only Ryan Jack bettering that number.

A veteran, Davis's presence in the dressing room could be crucial as Rangers look to bounce back from their opening-day defeat and worry Celtic with a title challenge.

Northern Ireland icon Chris Brunt even called Davis one of his country's greatest-ever players, putting him in elite company alongside the likes of George Best.

"Without a doubt, I think he is probably the greatest we've had," said Brunt on Davis.

"I know that's a big call considering some of the players we've had in the past in our history. I think his record speaks for himself.

"The number of caps he has, the way he conducts himself around the place, the way he conducts himself at his club, the way he looks after himself professionally. He keeps grinding it out doesn't he?"

The Ashes may have been lost but England have an opportunity to inflict a fifth successive T20I series loss on Australia at home

Daniel Brettig19-Nov-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:13

We’re going to fight till the end – Gunn

The Ashes may have been lost but England gave themselves a chance of salvaging a Twenty20 series victory with a comprehensive defeat of Australia in the second match at Manuka Oval in Canberra, driven largely by the efforts of Nat Sciver, Katherine Brunt and Jenny Gunn.Australia’s power in the shortest format had been emphasised by Beth Mooney’s innings in their thrashing of the visitors in the first T20 at North Sydney Oval, the result that ensured they would retain the urn. But England’s busy approach with the bat was followed up by a sharp display in the field, which absorbed a swift opening by Mooney and Alyssa Healy then ushered the collapse of the rest.Brunt’s allround display was outstanding, adding 2 for 10 from four immaculate overs to an unbeaten 32 that featured a pair of sixes. But she had plenty of assistance, notably in the form of Sciver’s top order contribution, and Gunn’s persistent line and changes of pace that gave her four wickets. Sarah Taylor, too, was useful with the bat and then typically polished behind the stumps.Batting first in the Sunday afternoon fixture, England looked to be stuttering slightly when Dannelle Wyatt and Tammy Beaumont were both out inside the first seven overs while scoring at little more than six an over. However Sciver and Taylor were able to not only form a partnership but also advance the scoring rate in a manner that put pressure back on Australia’s bowlers.After the captain Heather Knight could stay in the middle only briefly, it was Brunt who dominated the closing overs, combining plenty of hustle between the wickets with the occasional meaty blow. Megan Schutt returned to claim a second wicket in the final over, finishing wiht excellent analysis of 2 for 16 to maintain her outstanding series, but England were comfortably able to pass the 150 mark.Mooney and Healy began as though they intended to make short work of the target, rattling along to 45 inside six overs before a run out turned the game. Mooney chanced a quick single to mid off, but Gunn was able to aim and throw with pinpoint accuracy to hit the stumps and send the left-hander on her way.Next over Elyse Villani was brilliantly stumped by Taylor off Brunt, and when Healy failed to clear long on the Australians were in free-fall. Ellyse Perry’s innings was ended by a drag onto the stumps, and from there it was more or less a case of mopping up operations for England’s bowlers, a task completed with two overs to spare.The final match of the series takes place at Manuka under lights on Tuesday.

Moises Caicedo's camp are pushing for the Chelsea offer to be accepted by Brighton and Hove Albion, according to journalist Ben Jacobs who told FootballFanCast.

What is the latest Chelsea news regarding Moises Caicedo?

The Ecuadorian has been the subject of heavy interest from Chelsea all summer long.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues submitted another bid for the midfielder yesterday evening said to be worth £80m, and the South Coast club immediately rejected the offer, with the Italian journalist stating that negotiations "remain ongoing" however nothing has been agreed as of yet.

David Ornstein revealed that the £80m offer, which was structured as £75m guaranteed and £5m in add-ons was the Blues fourth unsuccessful bid, with the previous three being £60m, £65m and £70m as Brighton hold firm in the stance that they will not sell for less than £100m. The report also states that the player's desire is to move to the London club and that personal terms will not be an issue as positive discussions have already taken place regarding the matter.

Due to Brighton's unwillingness to move from their £100m asking price for the Ecuadorian, Chelsea are considering other options, with Football Insider reporting that the club are attempting to hijack Liverpool's deal to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, with the Blues willing to offer more money than the Reds. However, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the player still has his heart set on a move to Liverpool, with the player and his entourage convinced by the Liverpool project, plus the chance to play European football this season.

Caicedo attempted to force through a move in January to Arsenal, even going as far as to release a statement on his Instagram asking Brighton owner Tony Bloom to accept the club record offer from the Gunners of £70m. Ultimately the move never occurred and the Ecuadorian ended up signing a new deal at the Amex that runs until the summer of 2027 and has a club option for an extra year.

What has Ben Jacobs said about the Caicedo situation?

Speaking with FootballFanCast, journalist Jacobs revealed that Caicedo's camp believes that the offers from Chelsea have been more than fair, and are using Aurelien Tchouameni's move to Real Madrid last summer as a benchmark.

He stated: "Those close to Caicedo believe that the numbers offered already more than fair, and that he shouldn't be sold for significantly more than the Tchouameni fee to Real Madrid from Monaco, which was, I think, 68 million pounds or around 80 million euros. So Chelsea are already higher than that.

It's the Caicedo Camp of pushing, and now we have to wait and see who effectively is bluffing. And I think that's why it's gone a little bit quiet. Are Chelsea bluffing? And will they actually come back in above 80 million, or are Brighton bluffing and knowing the player wants to leave, will they come significantly below 100 million?"

Is Moises Caicedo the right signing for Chelsea?

Caicedo could be an incredible signing for Chelsea.

The midfielder was an integral part in the Brighton squad that secured Europa League football for the first time in the clubs history, with the Ecuadorian recording an average Sofascore rating of 7.08 in the Premier League, which made him the fourth-best performer behind winger Solly March and midfielder partners Pascal Gross and Alexis Mac Allister.

The midfielder is a defensive engine, recording 156 combined tackles and interceptions in the Premier League last season, with only Fulham's Joao Palhinha completing more with an astonishing 193. This style of play could make the Ecuadorian the perfect partner for the Blues January acquisition Enzo Fernandez, whose best qualities are passing and on-the-ball creativity. Adding in a Caicedo should take some of the defensive workload off of the World Cup winner, and allow him to focus on dictating play and creating from deep.

The Brighton man is no slouch on the ball however, ranking in the top 10 of all Premier League players for touches last season, whilst also averaging 65 passes a game, with 6.28 of those being classed as progressive. The midfielder is also strong at retaining the ball, with a pass completion rate of 88.5%, ranking him in the top six percent of all midfielders across Europe's top five leagues in that category.

Arsenal have slowly been building towards the level they finally attained last season, and yet Mikel Arteta will see this as just one more step towards the domination he seeks to maintain.

His busy summer window should emphasise that, with continuing links to Ferran Torres suggesting it is far from over.

How much would Ferran Torres cost?

With Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber's announcements supplementing the earlier signing of Kai Havertz, the Gunners boast a squad massively improved upon after failing to win the title last term.

Coming so close, it is no surprise that the hierarchy has been incensed to invest heavily in order to back the starring management team.

However, one area of the squad that is yet to receive a facelift is out wide, likely explaining the emerging report from late last week that suggests a few potential targets for the north London outfit.

Torres, having spent the last 18 months at Barcelona, could boast the requisite skillset to thrive within Arteta's system as a new addition, with his €25m (£22m) price tag surprisingly attainable too.

How many goals does Ferran Torres have for Barcelona?

Whilst it could be argued that his career has somewhat stagnated since leaving Manchester City, the 23-year-old still remains young, lethal and an asset worth having around if a club is seeking a player to improve alongside them.

Last season saw the Spain international notch just seven goals in all competitions, bringing his tally since moving to the Nou Camp up to 14 in 71 games.

This was a figure nearly equalled during his final full year in England, posting 13 goals and three assists as his side would claim yet another Premier League title.

However, it is not just his goalscoring that earns praise, although it was once a truly starring asset. Xavi sought to outline this, initially praising his new signing: "Perhaps Ferran has surprised me the most. He's a player on another level, he's spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn't lose the ball, his defensive work… he's world-class. He's a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer."

When compared against other wingers in Europe, it is clear that he acts as a catalyst that also starts attacks, as someone willing to accept possession and progress the play. As such, he ranks in the top 8% for progressive passes received per 90 and the top 12% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90, via FBref.

This ability to accept the ball and drive the play forward, eventually being the one to finish the chances, unsurprisingly draws parallels with Gabriel Martinelli.

He was far from the finished article when he moved to the Emirates, and yet Arteta has moulded him into a consistent scoring machine from the left flank.

Perhaps by signing Torres, he could reignite his clinical nature and recapture that lethal form of old.

After all, the Spanish boss did help his Brazilian flyer notch 15 goals in all competitions last campaign, building upon his six goals and six assists in the league from the year prior.

FBref seeks to emphasise this comparison further by also noting the 22-year-old on the former Valencia star's 'similar players' list.

As such, Arteta could seek to repeat the masterclass earned when moulding Martinelli into the player he is today, by taking a similar talent and helping him down the same path to success.

Aston Villa are plotting a swoop to bring Sevilla star Yassine Bounou to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Yassine Bounou?

Bounou or 'Bono' is a goalkeeper who currently plays his football at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, having permanently moved there back in 2020 following a successful loan spell from Girona, as per Transfermarkt, and despite not being Jose Luis Mendilibar’s official number one, he’s a regular feature of his first-team.

In La Liga last season, the 32-year-old started 26 out of the 38 games so was his largely manager’s first-choice between the sticks, but it’s not just his consistent and impressive performances for his club that have attracted interest, more so on the international stage.

Back at the 2022 World Cup, the Morrocan was one of the standout stars for his nation and he helped to guide them all the way to the semi-finals of the major tournament, most notably with his heroics in the decisive penalty shootout against Spain, where he saved two spot-kicks, and this form has grabbed the attention of Unai Emery in the Midlands.

Are Aston Villa signing Bounou?

According to Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), Bounou “could end up” at Aston Villa this summer. Sevilla’s shot-stopper “has said no” to a “rich offer” from Saudi Arabia as there could be a “crossover” with his side’s former boss.

Emery himself would personally “like to sign” the goalkeeper as a potential successor for Emiliano Martinez, who won't be short of suitors should he leave, but how much it would cost to prise him away from his club or if he would be open to the switch yet remains to be seen.

Where would Bounou fit in under Emery?

Ever since Argentina were crowned World Cup winners last year, Martinez has been heavily linked with a departure to more high-profile clubs in the Premier League – including Manchester United and Chelsea – so Emery will need a replacement should he depart, and Bono could be the perfect successor.

Sevilla’s 6 foot 4 colossus, who pockets £49k-per-week, kept five clean sheets from 25 La Liga outings last season and made a total of 66 saves from 106 shots on target against, so he isn’t afraid to come out on the net and put his body on the line to clear the danger for his side.

He's also shone on the European stage, making “monster” saves, as dubbed by CBS reporter Ives Galarcep, on route to a Europa League winners medal, and that experience could be vital for Villa this season.

The Montreal native has an extremely strong range of passing having successfully completed 100% of his short-length dispatches and 97.7% of his medium-length attempts last season, so he clearly has an eye for picking out balls to his outfield players and attempting to start off moves from the back in the hope of creating chances.

Finally, Bono has not only previously been named the Goalkeeper of the Season but he will know exactly what it takes to compete and be successful at the required level having twice won the Europa League, so he could help to create the mentality needed to come out on top against more difficult opponents overseas.

Kieran Powell hit a second consecutive century and Alzarri Joseph took 6 for 31 as Leeward Islands completed a big win, while Kent registered a five-wicket win over Trinidad & Tobago

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jan-2017

Kieran Powell’s return to the West Indies professional circuit following a brief attempt at playing Major League Baseball continued to pay off for Leeward Islands. Powell struck a career-best 135, which was followed by fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s 6 for 31 as they completed a 184-run victory over Windward Islands at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. It was Powell’s second List A century in the span of three days – and overall.Powell put on 97 for the opening wicket with Montcin Hodge (54) after losing the toss. He then dominated a 75-run stand for the second wicket with Jermaine Otto (21) before Windward captain Liam Sebastien (3-42) inflicted a mini-collapse. The offspinner took three wickets in consecutive overs as Leewards fell from 172 for 1 to 189 for 4. But his offspinning counterpart, Rahkeem Cornwall, then combined with Powell for a fifth-wicket stand of 99 from 91, and eventually took them to 333 for 6 with an unbeaten 70 off 58 balls.Windward could not establish a base to chase the score down as Joseph took two wickets each in consecutive overs, reducing them to 12 for 4. Darren Sammy (33), Kyle Mayers (45) and Shane Shillingford (27) made contributions from the lower-middle order, but were the only batsmen who got into double figures as Windward Islands folded for 149 at the start of the 29th over, with Joseph completing his maiden List A five-for to pick up the Player-of-the-Match award.A career-best 4 for 51 from medium-pacer Ivan Thomas helped Kent bowl out Trinidad & Tobago for 191, before a couple of half-century stands help them chase down the target with 95 balls to spare at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.T&T’s openers Evin Lewis and Kyle Hope put on 38 after they were put in, but were soon reduced to 43 for 3 as Darren Stevens (2-39) dismissed Kjorn Ottley and Jason Mohammed for ducks. Hope scored 43 off 83 as he steadied the innings with a 45-run stand with Roshon Primus, before the latter put on 65 with Nicholas Alexis (28). However, his dismissal for 60 brought another collapse – they fell from 153 for 4 to 157 for 8, with Thomas taking two of those wickets. A late alliance between Imran Khan (16) and Ravi Rampaul (13) took T&T to 191.Kent’s chase was led by Sean Dickson’s 56 and his opening stand of 85 with Daniel Bell-Drummond. Sam Northeast (31) then put on 66 with Stevens (43) to take them to 170 for 2, before Rampaul (3-46) took three wickets to reduce them to 176 for 5. The collapse was inconsequential as Alex Blake’s unbeaten 22 off 12 balls took them across the line with five wickets in hand.

Afghanistan brushed aside a target of 150 with eight wickets to spare, for their fifth consecutive win against Oman in T20 internationals

The Report by Peter Della Penna in Dubai20-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAfghanistan stormed into the final of the Desert T20 Challenge after beating Oman by eight wickets, their fifth consecutive win over the team in T20 internationals. Afghanistan chased down a target of 150 with nine balls to spare and now await the winner of the Scotland v Ireland semi-final, before the final match later today.Oman fought bravely through the first innings, coming back to the ground to take on the tournament favourites less than 12 hours after their final Group B match against Scotland. Afghanistan gave Oman a few chances to stay afloat. However, by the start of the chase, Oman struggled to keep their heads above water as Afghanistan commenced a cruise toward the target riding on a 91-run opening stand between Nawroz Mangal and Mohammad Shahzad.Shahzad reached 50 off 35 balls at the start of the 10th over, and added another 45 with Asghar Stanikzai, before falling for 80 with only 14 required for victory. Stanikzai and Samiullah Shenwari knocked off the remaining runs, and clinched the match after a bouncer down leg side was signaled a wide.Poking the bear
Oman were scrapping their way through their innings, desperate to claim any runs on offer. Off the final ball of the 13th over, bowled by Amir Hamza, when Khurram Nawaz pushed toward point for a sharp run. The throw came to the non-striker’s end and hit Nawaz in the legs before it caromed past mid-off. Nawaz didn’t hesitate to come back for a second run on the overthrow and, when he arrived back at the striker’s end, Shahzad didn’t hesitate to give him an earful from behind the stumps.Afghanistan hadn’t been fully engaged until that point, with Dawlat Zadran in particular bowling poorly with the new ball. But after that extra run, Afghanistan flipped a switch. Rashid Khan beat an attempted sweep by Nawaz with a googly, to rattle the stumps in the 19th over, and then gave the batsman a send-off, pointing him off the field to the dugout.Rashid Khan gives Khurram Nawaz a send-off. The batsman’s extra run off an overthrow, after the ball had hit him, flipped a switch in the Afghanistan side•Peter Della Penna

Big-match Mo
Shahzad seemed especially offended at Nawaz’s transgression. He used his bat in the second innings as if it were a principal’s paddle for spanking naughty school kids. Shahzad’s batting record in the knockout stages of Associate tournaments in the UAE is superb and he extended that trend today against Oman.Left-arm fast bowler Bilal Khan, Oman’s most incisive bowler in this tournament, was clubbed over mid-on for four in the opening over to set the tone for the rest of Shahzad’s innings. Kaleemullah was brought on in the third over so that Bilal could switch ends and Shahzad went on to flick the tall right-arm quick over mid-off in his second over. The next ball was a disdainful flick over midwicket for six to leave Kaleemullah slack-jawed.Shahzad almost never misses an opportunity to animatedly celebrate even the smallest milestones, but upon bringing up his half-century on this day, he didn’t even raise his bat. When he was finally dismissed, though, he made sure to recognise the fans, gesturing his appreciation with a flick and wave to the western stand where most of them had congregated. They are hoping it’s not the last time he raises his bat on finals day.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani is yet to hear back from Manchester United following his latest takeover bid, according to The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson.

What’s the latest on a Man United takeover?

An Old Trafford takeover saga has dragged on over recent months, with Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe seemingly the frontrunners to take control from the Glazers.

Ratcliffe was thought to be closing in on purchasing United earlier this month in a deal that would have kept the Glazers on as minority stakeholders. However, Jassim went on to launch an 11th-hour bid in a final take-it-or-leave-it offer.

His latest offer, submitted two weeks ago, was a significant increase over the initial proposal and was once again for 100% of Manchester United and would clear all the debt at Old Trafford. However, since then, it has gone quiet, and it seems as if the Qatari group are none the wiser as well.

Jackson took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share what he’s heard on Jassim and United. He said that the prospective new owner is yet to hear back from those at Old Trafford.

“As I understand it, Sheikh Jassim is still waiting to hear back from Glazers regarding his last bid for Man Utd…”

Time is ticking…

The Red Devils’ season comes to a close on Saturday in an FA Cup final showdown with rivals Manchester City at Wembley. After that, you’d expect that Erik ten Hag and co will be focusing on the summer transfer window, looking at various incomings and outgoings.

There were previous reports that those at Old Trafford were concerned the ongoing takeover saga could derail the club’s transfer plans, so hopefully, there will be further developments over a deal involving Ratcliffe or Jassim.

Despite the process not being resolved, United are already working on possible additions, with personal terms thought to be agreed with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount. Meanwhile, a new forward is also on the agenda with discussions held for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani.

Should Jassim win the race to take control in Manchester, he appears to have big transfer plans, with PSG star Neymar thought to be a player of interest to the Qatar group. It could well be a busy few months in regards to a takeover and transfers, and it will be interesting to see what the Glazers finally decide to do and when Jassim will be made aware if his bid is successful.