Raphinha has seen his “very bad” behaviour questioned by a former Brazil star, with the Barcelona forward accused of “disrespecting” Argentina.
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Barcelona star ready for crunch clashComments have attracted criticismNo Messi or Neymar on showFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Two old adversaries are set to lock horns in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. The current holders of a global crown will be without eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi for that contest, as the Inter Miami talisman was forced to withdraw through injury.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Raphinha has stated that Messi’s absence gives Brazil more of a chance in a crucial contest, with the 2025 Golden Ball contender saying that he will be giving “everything” to score against arch-rivals. He signed off a conversation with Romario with a “f*ck them” quip as the Selecao ready themselves for battle.
WHAT PAULO SILAS SAID
The 28-year-old is understandably fired up for another grudge match, but has been told that he needs to think carefully about what he says in public. Ex-Brazil international Paulo Silas has told when asked for his take on Raphinha’s comments: “It was disrespectful of that kid. He should have seen Messi here when he won the Copa America and didn't let his team-mates sing against Brazil because of the friendship he has with Neymar and the respect.”
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
Silas, who won 34 caps for his country and represented them at the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals, added: “Raphinha was very bad. Brazil should not do it if they were above Argentina and now that they are not either. Football does not look the way he said it. I don't know what message he wanted to pass, but you don't win before you play a game.”
Visitors put down key chances before wrapping up Notts for 302
ECB Reporters Network14-Apr-2022Glamorgan 33 for 0 trail Nottinghamshire 302 (Duckett 122) by 269 runsOpener Ben Duckett, a potential candidate for an England recall this summer, posted his first century since May last year as Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 302 on the opening day of their LV= Insurance County Championship match against Glamorgan at Trent Bridge.Duckett was dropped on 29, needed treatment after being struck on the hand and took a blow on the helmet batting on what proved at times to be a testing pitch.He made Glamorgan pay heavily for giving him a life, hitting 12 boundaries before he was out for 122, his wicket falling to Australia’s world number one Test batsman, Marnus Labuschagne, making his first appearance of the season for the Welsh county and taking 2 for 11 bowling seam rather than his more usual legbreaks.Skipper Steven Mullaney provided the most significant support for Duckett, scoring 44 as the pair added 116 for the fifth wicket, but Glamorgan fought back against the Division Two favourites to claim the last six Nottinghamshire wickets for 44 runs in the final session, Michael Neser taking 3 for 56.Presented with a pitch with more than a tinge of green, Glamorgan skipper David Lloyd chose to bowl on winning the toss. Nottinghamshire reached lunch two down for 108.Haseeb Hameed suffered an unlucky dismissal, run out on 34 as Glamorgan seamer James Weighell stuck out a leg in an attempt to stop a drive back down the pitch by Duckett and diverted the ball on to the stumps at the non-striker’s end.Yet Hameed had given an early chance off Australian quick Neser, which evaded Sam Northeast at second slip. It was Northeast – who spent the latter part of the 2021 season on loan at Trent Bridge – who dropped Duckett on 29 just before lunch off Lloyd’s medium pace.Northeast held one morning chance, giving Neser the wicket of opener Ben Slater for 17 via a straightforward slip catch.Joe Clarke, who pulled Lloyd for six, maintained an aggressive Nottinghamshire mindset. On 35, however, surprised by a ball from Timm van der Gugten that found some extra bounce, he gloved it on to his stumps.It was a breakthrough that brought a second for van der Gugten in his next over, when he saw Joey Evison dropped at second slip – Northeast again – but then had him leg before pushing forward for a duck, having last week made his maiden first-class century against Sussex.Almost all of the Glamorgan bowlers at times gave away easy boundaries. Mullaney, who made a career-best 192 at Hove, picked up where he left off but was out 10 overs into the final session for 44, caught by Northeast – this time at cover – as he drove Michael Hogan.His departure sparking something of a collapse as Labuschagne had Tom Moores nicking behind before Liam Patterson-White played across the line against Hogan and Labuschagne struck again with a ball that Duckett miscued to give him a simple return catch, Nottinghamshire losing four wickets for 12 runs to be 270 for 8.Neser bowled Brett Hutton to claim the third bowling point for Glamorgan with the second new ball before last-wicket pair James Pattinson and Dane Paterson somehow secured Nottinghamshire secured a third batting point, the Australian former Test fast bowler starting his third stint with a valuable 20 runs before Neser dismissed him via a steepling caught-and-bowled.Glamorgan openers Lloyd and Andrew Salter began the reply brightly, despite Lloyd being caught at second slip off a no-ball in Pattinson’s opening over, adding 33 in five overs before the close.
Everything you need to know about the game's most important terms ahead of two major tournaments coming up over the next 18 months
With the Club World Cup around the corner and the World Cup 2026 taking place in USA, Mexico and Canada next year, GOAL runs you through some of the key soccer terms you need to know ahead of these major tournaments.
First off: the offside rule! What is it? What does it mean? And how does it even work? Don't worry, we've got you covered!
Understanding the offside rule doesn't have to be a head-scratcher. We break down football's most debated rule in simple terms, from its basic principles to common misconceptions.
The offside rule in football is often a source of confusion for new fans and even some seasoned supporters. It's arguably the most debated rule in the game, but understanding it doesn't have to be a challenge worthy of a VAR review. This quick guide tackles the offside rule head-on, breaking it down into bite-sized chunks to leave you feeling confident about this crucial aspect of the beautiful game.
It's All About Attacking
First things first: only the team in possession of the ball can be caught offside. That means players on the defending team are free from offside calls.
Offside can only occur in the attacking half of the pitch, so any player on the attacking team within their own half is automatically onside.
Think of it this way: you can't be offside if you're closer to your own goal than the ball is.
AdvertisementThe Offside Position: A Question of Positioning
Technically speaking, an attacking player is in an offside position when they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent.
Typically, the second-to-last opponent is a defender, but it could also be the goalkeeper if they've ventured out.
Pro Tip: Imagine a line drawn across the pitch level with the second-to-last defender. If an attacking player is beyond that line when the ball is played to them, they are in an offside position.
AFPIt's Not Just About Being Offside
Being in an offside position isn't an automatic infringement. An offside offense only occurs when a player in an offside position is actively involved in the play at the moment the ball is played to them.
This "active involvement" can include:
Touching the ball: If the player receives a pass while offside.
Interfering with an opponent: If the player's position prevents an opponent from playing the ball, even if they don't touch it themselves.
Gaining an advantage: If the player is in a better position to receive the ball because they were offside.
The Offside Trap: Defenders Aren't Standing Still
The offside rule is a dynamic one. Defenders can move up the field quickly, catching attacking players offside even if they were behind the defensive line moments before.
This tactic, known as the "offside trap," is a common defensive strategy to neutralize attacking threats.
Newcastle United failed to make progress last weekend, defeated as they were by Brentford in west London. It’s early days yet, but the Magpies are 12th in the Premier League and seven points behind fourth-placed Manchester City.
Eddie Howe could only watch on as his side spurned several excellent chances. Newcastle have struggled for goals and energy in the final third this season but appear to have fixed that issue somewhat. The overall fluency, however, remains off-kilter.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe
What is the goal for the Magpies as things stand? In Howe’s own words, speaking after the Gtech defeat, Newcastle have been far too “inconsistent,” while club captain Bruno Guimaraes criticised his team’s “very disappointing” start to the season.
There’s ample time to reorient and step toward greener pastures, but balance needs to be found and managed, lest Newcastle suffer patchy results right up to the summer.
14/12/24
Leicester (H)
Premier League
18/12/24
Brentford (H)
Carabao Cup
21/12/24
Ipswich (A)
Premier League
26/12/24
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
30/12/24
Man United
Premier League
With Sven Botman and Jamal Lascelles entering the final phases of their rehabilitation from injuries, the rearguard will at least be bolstered soon, but the Toon’s midfield needs work, and Howe appears to be lining up an exciting new star to settle the equilibrium.
Newcastle transfer news
As per Caught Offside, Newcastle are still tracking Borrussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha, who Howe admitted was on the club’s radar in 2023, before he left Wolfsburg to join the Yellow Wall in a £25m deal.
Felix Nmecha for Borussia Dortmund.
The 24-year-old is a robust and varied presence in the middle of the park, with an all-action style that could complement and combine with the skills of the Magpies midfielders nicely.
Manchester United are also interested, and while he’s a popular presence in Nuri Sahin’s Bundesliga side, they would be willing to listen to offers in the ballpark of €45m (£37m).
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
What Felix Nmecha would bring to Newcastle
Upon bringing the German in, Dortmund technical director Sebastien Kehl said this of the new recruit: “Felix Nmecha is a fast, technically adept and physically strong player who will enhance our midfield both offensively and defensively with his profile.”
Clearly a player with the athletic prowess to survive the energy and intensity of the Premier League, Nmecha actually offers the mould that Howe has liked to enforce at St. James’ Park – almost a hybrid of Joelinton and Guimaraes.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 15% of midfielders in the Champions League this season for goals, the top 13% for assists, the top 11% for pass completion, the top 16% for successful take-ons and the top 21% for tackles per 90. You can see that he’s an all-round type of player.
So much so, in fact, that FBref have recorded Arsenal’s Declan Rice as one of the German’s most statistically similar players. Newcastle have some interesting parts in the engine room but that would be the cog to complete the machine.
Though, with elegant Sandro Tonali and energetic Joe Willock both occupying space, it becomes rather questionable as to where a £40m-odd midfielder would fit in the Tyneside system.
Someone would need to go. Lewis Miley’s still making progress as he establishes himself from the academy, but it’s fellow Newcastle native Sean Longstaff who should be ruthlessly given the chop.
How Felix Nmecha compares to Sean Longstaff
Perhaps part of the problem is that Joelinton, Guimaraes and Longstaff have formed the largely-used core of Howe’s Newcastle team for the past three years, and now fresh legs are needed.
Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha
Longstaff – a long-time scapegoat of fans in the Toon – is certainly industrious, and tenacious besides, but he’s lacking in several departments that are paramount for Newcastle to make progress and sit alongside those at the very top of English (and European) football.
Nmecha offers certain similarities to the United star, but as you will see below, outstrips him across various key metrics that suggest that he will allow Howe’s midfield to operate at a higher level.
Matches (starts)
13 (8)
14 (8)
Goals
2
0
Assists
1
0
Touches*
39.5
25.6
Pass completion
88%
87%
Key passes*
0.6
0.2
Dribbles (completed)*
0.5 (67%)
0.1 (33%)
Ball recoveries*
3.1
1.9
Tackles + interceptions*
1.9
2.3
Total duels (won)*
3.6 (59%)
2.7 (54%)
Even at a glance, it’s clear to see that the Dortmund man brings more to the table. Whether he would hit the ground running in the Premier League is of course somewhat uncertain, but then the same can be said for any hopeful incoming stepping onto English shores for the first time.
And anyway, it’s not like Nmecha hasn’t tasted English football to some degree in the past, for he cut his teeth within Manchester City’s powerful production line before journeying abroad to make his name, settling with Wolfsburg in 2021 after his youth contract dried up.
Newcastle, of course, know of Nmecha’s qualities all too well, and not just because of erstwhile transfer intrigue. The rangy midfielder was the author of the goal that saw Dortmund leave St. James’ Park with three Champions League points last season.
But, painful as those memories are, it suggests that Nmecha has the skills to succeed against Premier League opposition.
With rival suitors starting to register their interest, Newcastle need to act fast to score a big upgrade on Longstaff and continue the construction of a top-class Tyneside team.
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Manchester United are considering a transfer swoop for a 19-year-old rising star after holding internal talks over how to proceed with a deal. The Red Devils are back in Premier League action this Wednesday night, as they travel to London to face Arsenal, looking to make it three wins in four games under Ruben Amorim.
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ByEthan Lamb Dec 4, 2024 Man Utd news and updates
Ahead of the game at the Emirates, United have suffered an injury setback, as Luke Shaw has confirmed that he will miss the game against Arsenal and probably a few more, as he’s picked up what looks to be another muscle injury.
The injury is considered a “small” one, but Shaw took to Instagram on Tuesday night to thank fans for their support and state how frustrated he is with his recent injury problems: “It’s hurting a lot having to write this as I really thought I had got through my recent struggles and was on a positive path going forward, but unfortunately I’ve had a small setback.”
Luke Shaw
He continued: “But what I can promise is I will do everything I can to come back better soon to help this club achieve its ambitions this season. Thank you to everyone for the support. It really doesn’t go unnoticed, and I really do appreciate it.”
However, in positive news for United, Amorim has revealed that he is confident Amad Diallo will sign a new contract to remain at Old Trafford. The Ivory Coast international has been sensational since Amorim’s arrival, and he looks to be a key part of the Portuguese’s plans going forward.
Man Utd hold talks over deal for Antoni Milambo
According to Sky Sports German reporter Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United are interested in signing Antoni Milambo from Feyenoord. The 19-year-old has been with the Dutch side since 2014, working his way through the club’s youth academy before moving into the first team in 2023.
The versatile midfielder, who has won two caps for the Netherlands’ under-21s, made his first-team debut in the 2022/23 season but didn’t really establish himself in the first team fold until last season. Milambo played 13 times for Feyenoord in all competitions, featuring in both the Champions League and Europa League.
Plettenberg states that United consider Milambo a future transfer target, as he’s been on their list for some time now. Internal discussions have been held at Old Trafford over the signing of the midfielder, who can operate as a winger as well as a central midfielder, both as a ten and an eight.
Apps
34
Goals
7
Assists
1
The Red Devils continue to monitor the Dutch player, as he’s seen as someone who “fits perfectly” into what the club is looking for in the future. United have gathered information on Milambo, and he is now on their shortlist for what looks like a summer 2025 move. However, Feyenoord may have other ideas, as he’s under contract with them until 2027.
Pakistan end campaign at the bottom with one win while New Zealand’s campaign, too, is all but over
Firdose Moonda25-Mar-2022New Zealand’s World Cup campaign all but ended with a display of the value of experience and the exuberance of youth, which combined to secure a big win over Pakistan. Suzie Bates scored her 12th ODI century and became the first New Zealand batter, and fourth overall, to reach 5,000 runs in the format before Katey Martin’s 30 off 26 balls pushed New Zealand’s total over 250 and into challenging territory. Then, Hannah Rowe’s career-best 5 for 55 derailed a decent Pakistan effort and forced a collapse of 6 for 19 which took Pakistan from 155 for 3 to 174 for 9.Although New Zealand still have a mathematical chance of qualification for the semi-finals, they would need South Africa to beat India and Bangladesh to beat England by significant margins to improve their net run-rate considerably. New Zealand bid a packed Hagley Oval farewell with an emotional performance which started with Martin’s tears during the national anthem and ended with her waving to the crowd, away from the rest of the group, whose celebrations were subdued.Related
The little big hit! Bismah Maroof's daughter steals the show after intense India-Pakistan contest
'Wanted to hide under the covers until the sun came out'; it did, and Suzie Bates ended her 14-year glitch
Nida Dar, the Pakistan playmaker
Pakistan’s tournament is also over and they finish at the bottom of the points table, with a solitary win. Although the results do not reflect well on them, they ended an 18-match losing streak at World Cups, dating back to March 2009 when they beat West Indies in a rain-affected encounter, and competed well in patches throughout the competition. They also won hearts, thanks to the consistent presence of Bismah Maroof’s baby daughter Fatima, who delighted supporters and opposition alike.Baby Maroof had plenty to marvel at in this match, albeit mainly from New Zealand’s performance. Bates put on a dominant display of leg-side hitting with an array of sweeps, pulls and flicks, and scored 90 of her 126 runs on the on-side. She scored quickly, at a strike rate of 93.33, and formed half-century partnerships with Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday to lay a foundation for New Zealand to push for a big score, but her innings was not without its nervy moments.In the fifth over, Bates was given out lbw as she missed the flick off Diana Baig. With a second to spare on the DRS timer, she reviewed the decision and ball-tracking showed the delivery was going on to miss leg stump. Bates was on 17 at the time.She was the more attacking partner in her stand with Amelia Kerr and brought up her half-century off 54 balls with a sweep off Nashra Sandhu, but then needed to do a rebuilding job after a Nida Dar double-strike. In the space of three balls, Dar dismissed Kerr and Amy Sattherthwaite to put the brakes on. Pakistan conceded just 40 runs in the next 10 overs and gave away only two boundaries in that period and kept Maddy Green particularly quiet. She scored 18 runs off 40 balls when her fourth-wicket stand with Bates reached fifty and was on 23 when she Green was beaten by a Dar delivery that spun back in and bowled her.Bates’ century came up three balls later with a pull behind square off the 110th ball she faced. New Zealand entered the final 10 overs on 197 for 4, and in a good position to push for a total over 260. But, in the 43rd over, Bates was bowled, in the 46th Halliday followed and in the 47th there were twin run-outs. New Zealand lost 4 for 20 before Martin took it on herself to up the ante. New Zealand scored 32 in their last two overs to undo some of Pakistan’s strangling work at the end.Pakistan started their chase with authority and put on 39 in the first nine overs. Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali were confident against the short ball but were dismissed in successive overs to dent Pakistan’s start. Maroof and Onaima Sohail put on 26 for the third-wicket and scored slowly to drag Pakistan to the 19th over on 83 for 2 before Sohail was caught low at slip by Satterthwaite. That brought Dar to the crease and she capped off a good all-round performance with her 10th ODI half-century and put Pakistan back on track.Maroof and Dar put on 82 for the fourth-wicket, at a scoring rate of 5.23 and though the required run-rate had risen to over seven, they showed good signs of intent. All that changed when the Rowe show began.In the 35th over, Rowe’s fifth, she had Maroof caught down the leg side to start Pakistan’s slide. Two overs later, Aliya Riaz edged an attempted cut and Dar was bowled by an offcutter that dipped on her and took out off stump to all but end Pakistan’s chances of reaching the target. Rowe put the finishing touches on in the 41st over, when she bowled Sidra Nawaz with an inswinger and had Diana Baig caught at cover-point. She could have had a sixth wicket when Sandhu was given out lbw but reviewed and ball-tracking showed it was missing. Sandhu was not dismissed and Pakistan batted out their overs but ended well short.
Everything you need to know about Bayern Munich's main man Harry Kane's salary in numbers
Harry Kane joined German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, having spent over a decade at Tottenham previously.
Hunting his first major title as a senior player, Kane has been firing on all cylinders for the Bundesliga side since his move, averaging almost a goal every game.
Kane’s pedigree as a world-class striker has unsurprisingly earned him the spot of the highest-paid player at the club, but just how much does the prolific striker earn at Bayern?
GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!
*
Harry Kane’s wages at Bayern Munich in numbers
Kane currently stands as the highest-paid player in the Bayern squad, ahead of club legend Manuel Neuer.
Kane earns a hefty salary of £398,599 ($503,484) on a weekly basis, while his annual salary crosses the £20 million ($26m) mark by quite some distance.
Player
Nationality
Weekly wages in GBP
Weekly wages in USD
Annual wages in GBP
Annual wages in USD
Harry Kane
English
£398,599
$503,484
£20,727,134
$26,181,168
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTop earners at Bayern Munich
As mentioned above, Kane is the highest earner at the club followed by Neuer. At number three comes in defensive midfielder Joshua Kimmich, followed by Serge Gnabry and the talented Jamal Musiala at the fourth and fifth position, respectively.
Player
Nationality
Weekly wages in GBP
Weekly wages USD
Annual wages in GBP
Annual wages in USD
Harry Kane
English
£398,599
$503,484
£20,727,134
$26,181,168
Manuel Neuer
German
£334,823
$422,927
£17,410,792
$21,992,181
Joshua Kimmich
German
£310,907
$392,718
£16,167,164
$20,421,311
Serge Gnabry
German
£300,862
$380,030
£15,644,840
$19,761,545
Jamal Musiala
German
£300,862
$380,030
£15,644,840
$19,761,545
Top 5 earners in the Bundesliga
Bayern Munich’s dominance in Germany is evident not in just their performances and the titles won, but also in their wage bill.
The top twelve highest earners in the Bundesliga are all Bayern players, followed by Borussia Dortmund centre-back Niklas Sule at the 13th position, who spent five seasons at the Allianz Arena before joining Dortmund in 2022.
Player
Nationality
Weekly wages in GBP
Weekly wages in USD
Annual wages in GBP
Annual wages in USD
Harry Kane
English
£398,599
$503,484
£20,727,134
$26,181,168
Manuel Neuer
German
£334,823
$422,927
£17,410,792
$21,992,181
Joshua Kimmich
German
£310,907
$392,718
£16,167,164
$20,421,311
Serge Gnabry
German
£300,862
$380,030
£15,644,840
$19,761,545
Jamal Musiala
German
£300,862
$380,030
£15,644,840
$19,761,545
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Getty ImagesHighest paid players in the world
Despite Kane's astronomical wages at Bayern, he falls fairly short of the top spot when it comes to the highest-paid players in the world.
Leading the charts currently is arguably one of the greatest forwards to have ever played the sport in Cristiano Ronaldo. Following the Al Nassr star is his former Real Madrid team-mate in Karim Benzema.
At number three comes in Riyad Mahrez of Al Ahli, while Senegal internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly take the final spots to cap off the top five list.
All afromentioned players currently play football in the Saudi Premier League.
Not much has changed at Newcastle United since last season, with a quiet transfer window under the Saudi PIF notably bringing in Lloyd Kelly, Odysseas Vlachodimos and William Osula, none of whom are regular starters.
Things are shuffling in the right direction but the PIF project is not quite moving apace. Newcastle aren’t at their tactical zenith, and the club’s 2023/24 Player of the Season, Anthony Gordon, hasn’t quite found last season’s level. Yet.
Newcastle's attack not quite thriving
Newcastle shouldered the burden of so many injuries last season, but Gordon proved a constant throughout, with his pace and potency providing Newcastle with a new attacking hero to complement goalscorer Alexander Isak.
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
11 (11)
Goals
11
2
Assists
10
1
Shots (on target)*
2.3 (0.9)
1.6 (0.7)
Touches*
44.9
45.9
Pass completion
82%
77%
Big chances created
16
3
Dribbles*
1.5
1.2
Ball recoveries*
3.6
3.0
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
1.5
Total duels (won)*
5.3 (49%)
4.8 (51%)
The England international’s prolificness is not the only part to decrease this year, with his data across most further metrics pointing toward a regression of sorts – especially since he is seeing roughly the same amount of the ball each match.
Newcastle’s attacking fluency has simply taken a hit, with the Magpies finishing joint-second in the Premier League last season for big chances created (97) but have conjured up just 15 so far this term, placing them joint-15th with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
Gordon will be aware that he needs to raise his game like Isak has done in recent weeks, with the pairing regarded as Newcastle’s foremost forwards and two of the highest-paid members besides.
However, perhaps the same can’t be said for Kieran Trippier, who is getting on a bit and no longer justifying his large earnings with high-level performances on the field.
Why PIF must axe Kieran Trippier
Trippier is currently playing out the penultimate year of his Magpies contract, and while his experience and leadership are aspects that must be taken into consideration, so too must his exorbitant wage packet.
Kieran Trippier
Harking back to Gordon and Isak, the former’s new contract has lifted his salary to £150k-per-week, behind only Bruno Guimaraes now, while Isak pockets deserved £120k-per-week earnings, the same as Trippier.
Given that Trippier’s future looked to be away from Tyneside this summer, albeit with any potential transfers failing to reach completion, it’s difficult to claim that he should see out his contract until the end of next season, having already lost his place in the first team to Tino Livramento, more robust and youthful.
He still has a staunch fan in manager Eddie Howe, who said back in September that the 34-year-old was still “such an important part” of the club despite his reduced role, but after a summer of stagnancy, Newcastle need to spur themselves onward, into a new chapter.
His qualities still remain, ranking among the top 6% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and progressive passes and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref. There are suitors out there who would snap him up.
Criticised for some “disastrous” defensive displays for Newcastle last season by journalist Harry de Cosemo, it feels like the time is right for PIF to allow Trippier to move on. Howe’s side, it would seem, already have.
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The Bangladesh captain calls the conditions, especially when they were fielding, “not good” or “playable”
Firdose Moonda07-Mar-2022Nigar Sultana, the Bangladesh captain, has criticised the conditions in Dunedin, where her team lost their second game of the Women’s World Cup 2022 – a rain-hit fixture to New Zealand. She called the damp outfield unplayable and said she had been worried about the “safety” of her players.A rain delay of over four hours cut the match down to 27 overs a side, and the drizzle returned in the second innings, when Bangladesh were fielding in defence of 140.”Firstly, I would like to say [that] this is not good, playable condition, because there was a lot of rain over there, but still we played over there,” she said at the post-match press conference. “Sometimes the bowlers couldn’t grip the ball, and the boundary fielders couldn’t watch the ball very well. And I was a bit worried about the safety of my fielders, because we have five more matches to go. So it was very difficult for us to play in this kind of condition.”Related
Fahima Khatun: 'We want to take back some good memories' from our first World Cup
'Wanted to hide under the covers until the sun came out'; it did, and Suzie Bates ended her 14-year glitch
Bates 79*, Satterthwaite three-for down Bangladesh in rain-affected game
Heavy weather began to roll in as New Zealand’s chase continued. After 13 overs, they were 73 for 1, when a drinks break was due. Bangladesh were on their way to the dugout when the umpires sent the refreshments back and asked for play to continue. New Zealand only took another seven overs to score the remaining 68 runs.Though Bangladesh accepted the on-field instructions to play on, Sultana spoke to the umpires again after 15 overs, with light rain falling, but play again continued. Afterwards, she indicated they had wanted play to be paused but could not convince the officials.”When we were on the ground, we asked the umpires whether we would be continuing the game in these conditions, and they kept saying that we should continue. On the field, there was nothing more I could do,” she said. “But we are concerned, so off the field, we can do what we can, speak to whoever we can, and see how we can minimise the risk. We will let the match referee know that the conditions were such that… what should be done to make it better the next time.”
“See, we bring only a few players to World Cups. So it becomes difficult for us if someone suddenly picks up an injury. We are here from Bangladesh, which is far away, so to get a new player from home, have her go through ten days of quarantine, and get her on the field… the tournament will be over by then”Nigar Sultana
With five matches remaining for them in the tournament, Sultana was concerned that if any of her players suffered an injury, it would leave Bangladesh short on resources and unable to bolster them.”See, we bring only a few players to World Cups. So it becomes difficult for us if someone suddenly picks up an injury,” she said. “We are here from Bangladesh, which is far away, so to get a new player from home, have her go through ten days of quarantine, and get her on the field… the tournament will be over by then.”The safety and security of the players is of utmost importance, because we need to think of the future too. We have more fixtures after the World Cup, where we need these players.”She has asked officials to consider the players’ well-being going forward, especially if the wet weather continued. “We can play the remaining matches only if my players are safe. The safety of the people, who I am going to fight with, is the most important thing for me,” she said.Sultana dismissed any suggestion that she was making excuses for Bangladesh’s performance and pointed to the comparatively drier conditions New Zealand bowled in.”If you think this is an excuse, then no. When it was the first innings, there was rain then too, but it was not [the same],” she said. “During the first innings, the rain was not that heavy, the conditions were much better, at least when we batted. When we bowled and fielded, the rain was much heavier.”Bangladesh have lost both their matches so far, after a 32-run defeat to South Africa on Saturday. They have a week to strategise for their next fixture, against Pakistan in Hamilton.
Things are really heating up in the run-up to Christmas across Europe's top leagues, with Inter reclaiming top spot in Serie A, Lens surprisingly leading the way in Ligue 1 and Barcelona continuing to pile pressure on Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid. Over in Germany, though, it seems that nobody is really capable of dethroning Bayern Munich, but Premier League leaders Arsenal are looking more and more nervous with each passing week.
So, who were the big winners and losers of the latest round of action across the continent? GOAL runs through all of the major talking points below, including a massive 'cupset' in Edinburgh and more supporter unrest in Florence…
Getty Images SportWINNER: Arne Slot
Arne Slot admitted Liverpool benefited from "a bit of luck" in Saturday's 2-0 win over Brighton, but felt like they were due some good fortune in light of the "injuries and other things" they've had to deal with in recent weeks. One of those "other things" was obviously Mohamed Salah's quite remarkable attempt to undermine the Dutchman's authority after the 3-3 draw with Leeds United last Saturday week.
Such a shocking show of insubordination would have probably sparked civil war under a more combustible coach, but Slot is as cool as they come and the Dutchman deserves immense credit for following up a hard-fought win at Inter in the Champions League with a morale-boosting win over Brighton, during which he looked like the bigger man by not only welcoming Salah back into his squad, but also bringing him on when the unfortunate Joe Gomez went off injured in the first half.
The Egyptian even contributed an assist for Hugo Ekitike's killer second goal before bidding farewell to all four corners of Anfield ahead of his flight to Morocco to link up with his national team for their Africa Cup of Nations campaign. Whether the winger returns to Merseyside after the tournament concludes is not yet clear, as it was hard to believe Slot when he said that there is no longer any issue to resolve with his star player. However, the manager has undeniably done well to take a significant amount of the tension out of the situation – even if it's only for a few weeks…
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLOSER: Arsenal fans' nerves
Just over a month ago, there was talk of Arsenal running away with this season's Premier League. They'd won five games in a row while defending champions Liverpool had gone into freefall and Manchester City were leaking goals at an alarming rate.
However, Arsenal have dropped points three times since their comfortable 2-0 victory at Burnley at the start of November, and they should have done so again on Saturday after a dire display against Wolves at the Emirates, with the hosts needing two own goals to overcome the weakest team in the league.
Of course, Mikel Arteta's men are unlikely to play as poorly in many more games this season, while winning ugly is undoubtedly the mark of champions. However, the very fortuitous win over Wolves made it painfully clear to Arsenal's long-suffering supporters that there won't be too many easy games either – not for a team that is so incredibly desperate to win the title after three consecutive runners-up finishes.
The north Londoners remain favourites to finally end their major trophy drought this season but, with City resurgent, it's going to be a long and nerve-racking ride for Gooners.
Getty Images SportLOSER: Newcastle
A little under two years ago, Newcastle's players celebrated a 3-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light with a team photo in front of their fans. On Sunday, it was the Black Cats' turn, after a well-deserved 1-0 win over their most hated rivals.
Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade decided the Tyne-Wear derby in the home side's favour, by unintentionally planting a cross from Nordi Mukiele past his own goalkeeper shortly after half-time. However, it would be wrong to single out the German after what was an atrocious team performance from Eddie Howe's troops. Indeed, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes admitted after Newcastle's first league loss to Sunderland since 2016, "The whole message in the changing room was: 'Do it for the fans' and we didn't.
"It's so embarrassing for me and frustrating because we know we have a better team than them. It's clear for me. But we didn't perform like a better team – it makes me feel angry." And rightly so, because Newcastle's supposedly 'better team' are now four points and five spots below seventh-placed Sunderland in the Premier League table.
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Getty Images SportWINNER: Morgan Rogers
Cole Palmer got back among the goals for Chelsea, Phil Foden maintained his fine form in Manchester City's win at Crystal Palace, while Jude Bellingham set up a goal for Real Madrid in their crucial victory over Alaves. However, the most impressive performance delivered by an English attacking midfielder over the weekend came courtesy of Morgan Rogers, who once again showed why he's Thomas Tuchel's preferred No.10 by scoring twice as Aston Villa came from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 at the London Stadium.
Unai Emery's men have now won nine games in a row in all competitions and sit third in the Premier League, just three points behind leaders Arsenal, meaning talk of a title challenge no longer seems quite so unrealistic. Certainly, with Rogers in such scintillating form (eight goal involvements in 16 matches), anything seems possible for Villa.
"I'm scoring quite a few lately," the 23-year-old told . "I want to score as much as possible and help the team and, at the moment, we're on a great run, so let's see where that takes us."