Andreas Pereira has taken aim at England's lack of trophies ahead of Saturday's friendly with Brazil at Wembley Stadium.
England to host Brazil at WembleyPereira back in Brazil squadAims dig at Three Lions(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Fulham star Pereira is celebrating being back in the Brazil squad for the first time in six years and is targeting victory in his team's next game against England. Brazil are under new management after appointing Dorival Junior as coach and he will be hoping to mould a squad capable of winning the Copa America in the summer.
AdvertisementWHAT PEREIRA SAID
Pereira told ESPN: "About Brazil and England, we don’t necessarily feel that there is a big, big gap. The last time Brazil won a tournament was fewer years ago than when England won a tournament. We could say there is a gap. But Brazil will always have big, big players and a big team. England as well. I think they have a lot of players that I think the Brazilian fans like. It is more the flair players – players like Rashford and Saka.
“We respect them and we know it is going to be a tough game but we are ready and we know what we are capable of. We want to win the game. We are Brazil. We always want to win everything.”
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
England's men's team famously haven't won a trophy since lifting the World Cup in 1966 but will be hoping to end that drought this summer at Euro 2024. The Three Lions finished as runners-up at Euro 2020 but will feel they can go one better this time around with a squad packed full of quality and including players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND
England take on Brazil on Saturday with the visitors missing a host of key players due to injury such as Neymar, Gabriel Martinelli, Casemiro, Gabriel Magalhaes, Alisson Becker and Ederson. The Three Lions follow up that game with another friendly at Wembley against Belgium on Tuesday.
Arsenal reclaimed top spot in Group B in the Champions League last night, after Mikel Arteta’s side were victorious over Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on their third outing of the 2023/24 tournament.
The Gunners were tested throughout the contest by the Spanish outfit, however it took two moments of quality for the north Londoners to undo the hosts' hard work and claim the vital win.
After losing against RC Lens in their previous game in the group stage, a win on Tuesday evening took Arsenal back to the top of the group, thanks to the outcome of the duel between Lens and PSV, which ended 1-1 in France.
How did Arsenal play against Sevilla?
It was far from Arsenal’s prettiest performance, as they were constantly asked questions by Diego Alonso’s side, as highlighted by the hosts dominating 56% of possession.
While it wasn’t an elegant showing by Arteta’s squad, it was decisive, as the Gunners made what they could from their depleted levels of possession, recording 2.04 expected goals (xG) to Sevilla’s 0.78, via Sofascore.
It took seconds before the halftime whistle for Gabriel Martinelli to open the scoring on his Champions League debut, with the chance entirely sourced from the brilliance of Gabriel Jesus, who claimed the assist in style.
The former Manchester City whiz then claimed his third goal in three appearances in the competition this season in the 53rd minute, although his individual excellence was quickly muted by Nemanja Gudelj’s header that narrowed the deficit.
The away side weathered the storm that the hosts broke with wave after wave of attack, earning the victory thanks to the expertise of Jesus, who was dubbed “world-class” during the fixture by journalist Charles Watts.
With a goal, an assist and a pass completion rate of 92%, Arsenal’s number nine was awarded the highest Sofascore match rating with 8.5, however he wasn’t the only figure that stood out for the visitors.
How did Declan Rice play against Sevilla?
Lauded as “sensational” by journalist Matt Scott for his efforts, Declan Rice registered another impressive display for the Gunners on Wednesday night.
The midfielder controlled the tempo in a high-intensity midfield for 90 minutes in Seville, proving minute by minute just why Arteta was insistent on spending £105m to capture his signature in the summer.
As usual, the combative and controlled presence of Rice assisted Arsenal in keeping a grip on the game when the hosts challenged, highlighted by him winning 100% of his aerial duels and recording two tackles and one interception, via Sofascore.
While that element of his game is expected, the Englishman showcased his ability to roam into more advanced areas, registering three key passes and claiming an assist for Jesus’ superb goal that prevailed to be the match-winner.
Declan Rice vs Sevilla
Touches
62
Key Passes
3
Successful dribbles
3/4
Aerial duels won
3/3
Tackles
2
Ground duels won
5/10
Via Sofascore
TNT Sports commentator Lucy Ward said during the game that Sevilla “physically could not compete” with the presence of Rice, as the 24-year-old kept things tidy at a time of need in Arteta’s midfield.
A win was essential for the Gunners in the Champions League, and Arsenal got the task done thanks to the brilliance of both Jesus and their £105m hero.
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsICC/Getty Images
One day after picking up their first win over India in women’s international cricket, Bangladesh demolished Thailand by nine wickets to register their third successive victory in the Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur. The win was fashioned by their bowling strength as they restricted Thailand to 60 for 8 in 20 overs. Bangladsh ran down the target with 11.1 overs to spare.Salma Khatun, the Bangladesh captain, led that stellar performance with 2 for 6 in four overs, while Nahida Akter, the left-arm spinner, took 2 for 10 from her four overs.Thailand were a miserable 39 for 7 when their best partnership of the innings came – 21 runs between Sirintra Saengsakaorat and the captain Sornnarin Tippoch. They were two of only three Thailand batsmen to make double-figures; Nattaya Boochatham, who top-scored with 15.Each of Bangladesh’s bowlers took at least a wicket each, with Jahanara Alam, who opened the bowling, proving to be the most expensive, going at five an over.The chase began with wicket in the second over – but Ayasha Rahman and Nigar Sultana put on an unbeaten 54-run stand at a run a ball to steer the team home. Both women made identical contributions, finishing on 25 each, with Rahman sealing the win with a six.
Arriving in January, Georginio Rutter didn't exactly enter Elland Road at an ideal time, with the Leeds United in the middle of what would prove to be an unsuccessful relegation battle, and managerial changes coming thick and fast.
Despite being just 21-years-old, the pressure was instantly on Rutter to hit the ground running, having made the move for a reported £36m. The general consensus around January signings is that they're brought in to play the role of game-changers, ideally luxury additions who arrive in a steady system and inject that extra bit of quality.
That is something that Rutter failed to do, partly due to his own form but also due to the circumstances, and he has since cut a frustrated figure, even struggling to make his mark in the Championship.
Following his most recent poor display, coming in a 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday, Daniel Farke has revealed he's been holding direct discussions with the striker about his mentality in front of goal.
What has Daniel Farke said?
Sometimes, all a player needs is an arm round their shoulder and a confidence boost, and Farke has seemingly recognised that. The Leeds manager revealed that he spoke to Rutter after the Sheffield Wednesday stalemate, saying, via Leeds Live: "I think what is (important) for him is that he's not injured, that he's fit, he comes into his rhythm and I think his performance was improved last weekend at Ipswich. He is actually in a really good shape.
“I was a striker as well; you can’t really explain. Sometimes you have times when you find it unbelievably difficult to use your chances to score, and sometimes you just have to look at the ball and the ball goes in anyhow. It feels a bit like Georginio is in this period.
“But I spoke to him and told him ‘listen, the solution is not to overthink things too much. When you have a situation, when you find it difficult to bring the ball in the back of the net, then don’t try to be too artificial in your approach’.”
The former Norwich City boss will now hope to see an improved performance from his forward after the international break, having held what could prove to be crucial talks with an arm round the shoulder.
In five Championship appearances so far this season, Rutter has managed just one goal, which came in Leeds' only league win of the season, against Ipswich Town.
The 21-year-old would have been hoping to build on that goal against Sheffield Wednesday, but instead endured a performance to forget. As per Sofascore, Rutter actually lost the ball as many times as he completed a pass, with ten apiece, in what is the most worrying statistic of all, implying when he's not on the scoresheet he's also not providing much in the way of general play.
Meanwhile, the Frenchman also missed two big chances, and won just four out of 13 duels. The fact is, the numbers show that it wasn't just a day to forget for Rutter, it was a day in which his Leeds career was perfectly summed up.
There's still plenty of time for him to turn things around at Elland Road, and fans will hope Farke's careful approach with the youngster proves to be the right one.
Glasgow Rangers finally delivered a performance which will hopefully give them confidence heading into the next few weeks of the campaign, following the 1-0 win over Real Betis, as Michael Beale aims to close the gap on Celtic and secure European football after Christmas.
Although labouring through the first half, the Light Blues took control during the second period, taking 13 shots throughout the half while winning six corners, and they were eventually rewarded with a goal from winger Abdallah Sima, who netted after a goalmouth scramble with just over 20 minutes left.
It was a much-needed win and for Sima, his third goal for the club in ten appearances for the club. The winger is on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion and this massive goal should give him more confidence.
Beale has practically changed the entire attacking department, with Ryan Kent, Antonio Colak, Alfredo Morelos, and Fashion Sakala all departing in the summer, signing four players to replace them.
Although Sima has netted three goals already, was it perhaps a mistake to move on Sakala? Especially with his recent form for Saudi club Al-Fayha, where he is demonstrating his attacking abilities on a regular basis.
How much did Rangers sign Fashion Sakala for?
Following the Light Blues stunning Premiership title success during the 2020/21 season, where they went through the entire term undefeated, Steven Gerrard sought to add further firepower to his side.
Rangers forward Fashion Sakala.
With this in mind, the former Liverpool captain went out and secured the signature of Sakala from Belgian side KV Oostende on a pre-contract agreement, and he arrived at Ibrox that summer.
Over the next two seasons, the likeable Zambian would go on to delight and frustrate supporters in equal measure.
What happened to Fashion Sakala?
During his first full season, the forward made 50 appearances for the club, yet he scored just 12 goals and registered seven assists, with improvements clearly needed with regard to his finishing abilities.
Indeed, he ranked third among his teammates for big chances missed during his league displays (five), while also ranking third for successful dribbles per game (1.4) and fifth for big chances created (five).
This proved he enjoyed a decent maiden year in Glasgow, and he also played a role in helping the Gers reach the Europa League final while going on to win a Scottish Cup winners medal, the first time Rangers had won the competition in 13 years.
He was also praised by former Rangers' defender Alan Hutton, who said: “He’s like a firework, isn’t he? You just light him and watch him go.
“He’s one of these players who plays at 100 miles per hour, he takes players on, he’s aggressive, he can get shots off.
“Sometimes you just wish he could slow down, but I think that’ll come with time and experience at a new club. As he plays with these players around him with intelligence – he’ll get on that same page.”
He failed to kick on during his second season until Beale arrived in mid-November and this appeared to be a catalyst in a revival for the Zambian.
Under the 43-year-old, Sakala netted 11 goals and grabbed seven assists across just 30 appearances, and it looked as though Beale had finally managed to bring out the best in the forward and that he could play a key part during the 2023/24 season.
It wasn’t to be though, as his future remained in doubt during pre-season despite being praised by journalist Josh Bunting after scoring during a friendly.
He said: “That Fashion Sakala goal for Rangers that’s what he’s so good at, that press. The finish he is calm and composed and that’s what he needs to be more like. Rushes a lot of the time, he has ability if he just settles himself . Interesting to see if he stays but that press is key.”
How much did Rangers sell Fashion Sakala for?
The 4th Official provided an update on Sakala’s future in July, saying: “Exclusive: Rangers are close to offloading Antonio Colak to Parma for £2.5m.
“Also, the club are in advanced negotiations with a Saudi club for Fashion Sakala. Fee set to somewhere around £4m.”
He ultimately joined Al-Fayha just a few weeks later for that £4m figure and has shone for them so far – arguably enjoying an even better run of form than Sima.
Indeed, Sakala has not only registered more goal contributions (four to one), but has also taken more shots per game (four to 2.2), succeeded with more successful dribble attempts (3.3 to 1.8) and won more total duels (6.3 to four), clearly indicating that he has been more impressive across a wide range of metrics domestically this term.
Although Sima has managed to get on the score sheet a few times during his Rangers spell so far, it’s evident that he needs to offer more during whole matches, instead of floating in and out of games.
Daily Record journalist Andy Newport claimed Sima was “clunky in possession” during his first few matches for the club and while his goal against Real Betis will hopefully give him plenty of confidence heading into the next few weeks, Sakala would’ve been a better option for Beale.
It looked as though his Gers career was over before it really took off during the opening stages of last season as Giovanni van Bronckhorst offered him fleeting opportunities to showcase his abilities.
The moment Beale arrived, Sakala often turned into a world beater and while his unorthodox style isn’t for everyone, there can be no denying that it was successful at times.
Beale may come to regret selling the 5 foot 10 dynamo, especially if his summer signings continue to underwhelm. Large fees were paid for Danilo, Sam Lammers and Danilo during the summer transfer window, and they now have to kick on and start repaying the manager.
Sakala is certainly taking his chance across in Saudi Arabia, and it appears he has found the perfect level for his abilities, which will allow him to finally flourish and demonstrate that he’s not only a wonderful signing, but also making sure the former QPR boss regrets moving him on so soon after taking over at the Ibrox side.
Journalist Santi Aouna has shared an update on West Ham United and their transfer plans for Rennes winger Jeremy Doku this summer.
Who will West Ham sign?
Manager David Moyes, technical director Tim Steidten, sporting director Mark Noble and David Sullivan are aiming to be busy as we enter the final hurdle of this summer window.
So far, the Irons have secured just two major signings, coming in the form of midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Mexico international ace Edson Alvarez.
Commenting on the addition of Ward-Prowse, Moyes was left thrilled by West Ham's capture of the England international, who adds both quality and real set-piece threat for the east Londoners.
“I’m delighted to bring a player of James’ quality and experience to West Ham United,” Moyes said.
“He's performed to a very high level in the Premier League over the last decade, constantly producing good numbers season after season. His leadership qualities are obviously another huge plus for us – he’ll be a big voice for us, someone who drives the team on from the middle of the pitch.
“We’re excited to get him up and running, for what will be another busy season on both the domestic and European front.”
Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE..
Next up, West Ham are thought to be chasing a possible replacement for star midfielder Lucas Paqueta, who is attracting real interest from last night's UEFA Super Cup winners Man City.
Also, following the collapsed transfer of Man United defender Harry Maguire, West Ham are chasing the addition of a top centre-back and have been linked with a fair few names.
The Irons could also make further additions in the attacking areas, with Rennes forward Doku coming as a major target for Moyes, Steidten and co.
That is according to Foot Mercato reporter Aouna, who wrote an update on X regarding West Ham and their pursuit of the Belgium international.
Indeed, it is believed Doku is a "priority" target in terms of the final third, with West Ham making a verbal offer to Rennse for his services.
Little else is said on the nature of this bid, or whether it's even been entertained, but it appears Moyes' side have moved for Doku in an attempt to reinforce Moyes' attacking options.
How good is Jeremy Doku?
Jeremy Doku Aston Villa
The 21-year-old made nearly 30 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes last term, scoring six goals and assisting two others, but it's his dribbling which comes as a major draw.
Doku averaged a very impressive 3.3 successful take-ons per 90 over the 2022/2023 campaign, which is the best return of any French top flight player last season, even above the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe (WhoScored).
The Belgium international, who has been called an "exciting" forward by members of the media, could reportedly cost at least £45 million if West Ham want to do a deal.
Mbappe, meanwhile, is one player to have heaped praise on Doku and his sky-high potential.
"Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities, that is (Jérémy) Doku, at Rennes," said the World Cup winner in 2021.
"In 5 years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power.
"In terms of an incredibly quick player, I would also put Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang."
يخوض فريق الكرة بالأهلي مباراة صعبة أمام منافسه الترجي التونسي بالمواجهة التي تجمع بينهما في نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا موسم 2023-2024.
وتقام مباراة الأهلي والترجي التونسي على أرضية استاد القاهرة في إياب المباراة النهائية للمسابقة القارية، بعدما انتهت مباراة الذهاب بالتعادل السلبي.
ويحتاج الأهلي للفوز بأي نتيجة من أجل التتويج باللقب للمرة الـ12 في تاريخه، بينما يتوج الترجي بالبطولة حال فوزه أو تعادل إيجابياً بأي نتيجة، على أن يتم التوجه لضربات الجزاء حال انتهاء اللقاء بالتعادل السلبي.
وسبق أن تواجه الأهلي والترجي في 25 مباراة ببطولات الأندية الإفريقية، منها 23 مرة في بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، ومباراتان في بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية.
طالع | تقارير تونسية توضح موقف محمد أمين بن حميدة من المشاركة في مباراة الأهلي والترجي
فاز الأهلي في 12 مباراة، منها 6 لقاءات على ملعب الترجي بتونس العاصمة، بينما فاز الترجي في أربع مناسبات، وتعادل الفريقان في 9 مواجهات، أحرز الأهلي 30 هدفاً وتلقت شباكه 15 هدفًا.
واستطاع الأهلي التأهل إلى المباراة النهائية من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بعد الفوز على مازيمبي الكونغولي 3-0 في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب لدور نصف النهائي.
على الجانب الآخر، الترجي التونسي تخطى عقبة العملاق الجنوب إفريقي صن داونز، بهدفين دون رد، في مجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب. القناة المفتوحة الناقلة لمباراة الأهلي والترجي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا
وأعلنت قناة أون تايم سبورتس عبر صفحته الرسمية على “فيس بوك”، إذاعة مباراة الأهلي والترجي عبر التردد الأرضي لها داخل جمهورية مصر العربية.
O atacante Raniel testou positivo para o novo coronavírus. O atleta foi isolado do elenco e ficará dez dias em quarentena. Com isso, ele perdera pelo menos as três próximas partidas do Peixe, contra Ceará, Atlético-MG e São Paulo.
A doença chega em um momento em que o jogador havia ganho a vaga de titular com Cuca. O camisa 12 havia sofrido um trauma no joelho esquerdo no empate em 1 a 1 contra o Santo André, pela primeira fase do Campeonato Paulista, no dia 22 de janeiro, tendo ficado mais de um mês afastado. Raniel havia iniciado os dois últimos jogos do Alvinegro Praiano, contra Flamengo e Vasco.
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Desde que chegou ao Santos, em janeiro, o atacante não tem conseguido firmar uma sequência pelo clube. O jogador já havia perdido os dois últimos jogos do clube antes da paralisação do futebol por quatro meses, por conta da pandemia do novo coronavírus, por problemas no joelho esquerdo. Logo no primeiro jogo da retomada sofreu o já citado trauma. Agora, quando novamente engatava uma sequência ficará pelo menos dez dias afastado dos gramados.
Despite Yasir Shah bowling a career-high 57 overs in Abu Dhabi’s heat and humidity, Pakistan do not regret going into the first Test with only one specialist spinner
Osman Samiuddin in Abu Dhabi29-Sep-2017After more than 150 overs and two days in extreme heat and humidity, Pakistan do not regret going into the first Test against Sri Lanka with just the solitary specialist spinner. Choosing three fast bowlers and just Yasir Shah was a significant break from the policy under Misbah-ul-Haq who played, as much as possible, two specialist spinners in UAE Tests.Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali took five wickets between them – Amir was wicketless – as Pakistan struggled to bowl Sri Lanka out for 419. In itself that was a recovery as Sri Lanka were 387 for 5 at one stage, but the burden fell, inevitably, on Yasir. The legspinner bowled a career-high 57 overs, and given that the part-timer Haris Sohail bowled 13 overs, the question is obvious: should they have picked another spinner?Mickey Arthur was confident after the first day that they needn’t have done, though he did express disappointment at a little more grass being cut off than he thought should have been.On Friday, their bowling coach Azhar Mahmood echoed the sentiment. “The challenge in a Test is to take 20 wickets and win it. The best thing is that we bowled well. There was a lot of talk that the pitch has grass or we should have played with three spinners but we went on our strength. We played Test matches in the West Indies with three seamers.”Instead, as Arthur had also pointed out, what Pakistan didn’t do was bowl well enough with the new ball each time.”The main thing is that we didn’t bowl well with the new ball, the first six overs I mean,” Azhar said. “So we need to learn how to take wickets with the new ball because if you get wickets at the top it helps Yasir to attack. But we gave 419 runs in 5 sessions which is okay.”The only point at which Pakistan’s fast bowling looked a threat was during the late-innings collapse, when Abbas found enough reverse-swing to pick up three quick wickets. He wouldn’t have bowled in this kind of heat before, though he is probably used to the lack of life in the surface – the surfaces in the West Indies where he made his Test debut earlier this year were not that much quicker.”The coach had tasked me with getting wickets with the new ball,” Abbas said. “I wasn’t successful in doing that. Our plan on the day, if we don’t get any wickets, was to bowl a tight line and length, and contain runs. We were, to an extent, successful in doing that. And at the end, I got an opportunity to take wickets.”
Everton wouldn't have 'wanted' to part ways with Ellis Simms this summer if they didn't 'need the money' at Goodison Park, according to journalist Paul Brown.
Why did Everton sell Ellis Simms?
As per The Sun, Everton sold Simms to Coventry City for an initial fee of £3.5 million that could rise to £5 million with add-ons depending on appearances and goals, while that figure could move to £8 million in the event the Sky Blues achieve promotion to the Premier League.
On Coventry City's official website, Simms spoke out about his move and how his new boss Mark Robins made it come about, stating: “The conversation I had with the manager. He showed great belief in me and the Club as a whole are on the way up and it seems like it will be a big season or us. He has done his research on me, and he likes the way I play, he thinks I will be a good addition to the team.
In his time at Everton, the 22-year-old amassed just 12 appearances at senior level, scoring once against Chelsea and also embarked on loan spells at Blackpool, Sunderland and Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian, as per Transfermarkt.
Everton need to recoup financial gain due to being in special measures with the Premier League authorities due to posting losses exceeding £370 million over the last three years, as per The Daily Mail.
Football Insider detail that the Toffees will operate a sell-to-buy policy at Goodison Park and will need to offload valuable assets in order to strengthen their squad.
Free agents and loan deals will likely supplement Dyche's squad as Everton aim to 'drastically cut costs' over the coming months.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown has intimated that he thinks Everton would've liked to see Simms stay on at the club in an 'ideal' scenario.
Brown told FFC: "I'm a bit worried about what Everton's squad will look like come the start of the season. I don't think in an ideal world they would have wanted to sell Ellis Simms. You can argue all you like about whether the fee they got for him was enough. I think it really was between £6-8 million. In this market, considering that Everton really need the money, it's probably not bad business for a guy that you've brought through, but I think ideally, Everton would not have wanted to sell Ellis Simms if they'd been a bit more financially secure, so it's a little disappointing from that perspective that he's had to go."
Who could Everton look to bring in this summer?
Working on a smaller budget than in previous years, Everton boss Dyche may need to identify some bargain buys this window as he looks to ensure the Toffees avoid another relegation battle in 2023/24.
Experienced free agent Ashley Young looks primed to be his first signing since taking over at Goodison Park and will undergo a medical 'with a view' to joining the club following his release from Aston Villa, as per The Guardian.
ashley-young-premier-league-everton-transfers
BBC Sport report that Young had held talks with Luton Town and also had interest from Saudi Arabia before deciding to head to Merseyside.
Sport Italia via The Sun claim that Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto is 'very close' to completing a move to Everton in a move that would cost around £19 million; nevertheless, we will see what transpires in the next few weeks amid the Toffees' financial restrictions.