Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsPakistan won with 19 balls to spare to complete a 3-0 sweep. But given how ordinary West Indies have been on tour, this was a competitive match.West Indies’ 153 could have proved handy on a different surface against another side, but in Karachi, it just didn’t seem enough against Pakistan’s firepower. Fakhar Zaman’s early onslaught – a brutal 17-ball 40 – brought the asking rate down drastically and from there on, West Indies had no answers.Babar Azam continued his rich vein of form to stroke an unbeaten 51 to go along with his 97 not out on Monday, as Pakistan won in a canter.West Indies lost Chadwick Walton for a duck but seemed to recover courtesy a 72-run stand between Marlon Samuels and Andre Fletcher. As solid as they were, what West Indies needed them was some big-hitting madness to the innings. Yet, it was a massive improvement to the shoddy batting of the previous two matches. Fletcher found his timing as the innings progressed as he top scored with 52, only for a mini-collapse to set West Indies back.It began with Shadab Khan cleaning up Samuels with another gem of a googly, the variation so well concealed that Samuels didn’t seem to realise the stumps had been rattled. Fletcher was run out following a brilliant piece of fielding – and a direct hit – from Mohammad Nawaz. The debutant Andre McCarthy top edged Shadab to long-off, while extra pace from Faheem Ashraf trapped Rovman Powell in front. 74 for 1 suddenly became 97 for 5.The last four overs proved profitable as Denesh Ramdin outwitted, outthought and outclassed Pakistan’s death bowlers. The absence of Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali might have had something to do with that, but Usman Khan and Faheem are hardly poor substitutes. Ramdin, however, was all over them in a show of power hitting Lahore Qalandars fans will be wishing he had shown when he was with them just last month. He smashed three sixes and four fours as he surged to 42 off just 18 balls, and West Indies scored a respectable enough 153.West Indies, however, failed to carry that momentum. Fakhar’s fireworks aside, Babar was his usual consistent self, almost effortlessly cruising to another 50 as he anchored Pakistan’s chase. Rayad Emrit, who was hammered to all parts of the under-renovation National Stadium in the first two games, was West Indies best bowler on the day, conceding just 24 in four overs. Unfortunately for the Jason Mohammed’s team, however, he didn’t take any wickets, and thus West Indies were never in with a shot of defending the target.After Babar fell, new boys Hussain Talat – who has had a series to dream of – and Asif Ali took command of the chase. There was no pressure on them, really, but even so, the lack of drama with which they calmly steered the team home was impressive. In the end, it ended all too quickly as West Indies’ bowling disintegrated completely, and there’s plenty to be said about the limitations of the visitors. Today, however, the story was all about Pakistan – all about Karachi.
Em busca de um acordo com Miguel Ángel Ramírez, Anderson Barros, o diretor de futebol do Palmeiras, pretende viajar ao Equador nos próximos dias para ter uma conversa ‘olho no olho’ e convencer o técnico a se juntar ao Verdão. A informação foi noticiada primeiramente pelo Blog do Danilo Lavieri, da UOL, e confirmada pela reportagem do NOSSO PALESTRA/LANCE!
Em busca de um treinador desde a demissão de Vanderlei Luxemburgo, após a derrota para o Coritiba, na última quarta-feira (14), o clube viu o flerte com o jovem espanhol, que comanda o Independiente Del Valle, evoluir.
As conversas acontecem desde quinta-feira, dia seguinte à demissão de Vanderlei. Ramírez endureceu o negócio por se sentir inseguro de deixar pra trás um projeto super estável que possui no Equador para assumir um clube no Brasil, onde há, reconhecidamente, uma cultura que tritura treinadores com uma frequência bastante alta.
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Por isso, o técnico exigiu que, caso o negócio seja fechado, sua comissão deve o acompanhar no novo desafio no Alviverde Imponente. O preparador de goleiros português Ricardo Pereira, o assistente técnico Martín Anselmi, argentino, o segundo assistente técnico Felipe Sánchez, o preparador físico Francisco Trujillo, ambos espanhóis como Ramirez, são classificados como fundamentais no método de trabalho do treinador.
Ao sinalizar um contrato longo e com multa também alta para impedir a descontinuidade do trabalho, o Palmeiras fez com que Ramirez se animasse com a ideia de assumir a equipe. Para dar andamento nas tratativas que ainda envolverão o Del Valle, com quem o espanhol tem contrato vigente, Anderson Barros estará presencialmente em encontros que tentarão selar a contratação, ou, ao menos, encaminhá-la.
تحدث رالف رانجنيك، مدرب النمسا عقب الهزيمة أمام منتخب فرنسا في كأس أمم أوروبا “يورو 2024”.
وتعرضت النمسا للهزيمة بهدف عكسي أمام فرنسا في الجولة الأولى لدور المجموعات مساء الأحد، بمنافسات يورو 2024.
وقال رانجنيك في تصريحات نشرها موقع “يويفا”: “لقد صنعنا الفرص، بالطبع، خلقت فرنسا الفرص أيضًا، قام باتريك بينتز، حارس مرمانا، بعمل رائع، ليس لدي أي لوم تجاه فريق،. لم يتخذوا دائمًا القرار الصحيح، لكن دعونا ولا ننسى من هو خصمنا”.
وأضاف: “لقد خسرنا المباراة، لنكن منصفين، حظيت فرنسا بفرص أكثر وكان فوزًا مستحقًا، لكن حتى اللحظة الأخيرة، كنا متواجدين، لقد وضعنا كل شيء على أرض الملعب، الآن علينا أن نتطلع إلى الأمام و سنحاول الفوز على بولندا يوم الجمعة”.
وأكمل: “بعد صافرة النهاية، قال دايوت أوباميكانو إنه سعيد بانتهاء المباراة، لكن عليك فقط أن تنظر إلى جميع اللاعبين الموجودين لديهم، بما في ذلك الجالسين على مقاعد البدلاء، يجب أن نكون متواضعين”.
اقرأ أيضًا | قلق في منتخب فرنسا بشأن استمرارية مبابي بـ يورو 2024 بعد إصابته أمام النمسا
وأستطرد مدرب النمسا: “لقد نجح أسلوب لعبنا لفترات طويلة، وكان هذا أداءً جيدًا من فرنسا، من سيفوز في مباراتنا ضد بولندا سيتأهل على الأرجح، لكننا كنا نعلم قبل البطولة أن المباراة الثانية ستكون حاسمة على الأرجح”.
وأصر: “لا أحد يوبخ فوبر (على الهدف الذي سجله في مرماه)، لكن الشيء المهم هو أنه لا يوبخ نفسه، لا أحد من اللاعبين أو الجهاز الفني يلومه، عندما رأيت الهدف لأول مرة، اعتقدت أن لاعبًا فرنسيًا هو من لمس الكرة”.
وأتم: “مباراة بولندا يوم الجمعة ستكون بمثابة المباراة النهائية، لم أقوم بتحليل أدائهم بعد لأننا كنا نركز على هذه المباراة، ولكن غدًا سيكون الأمر مختلفًا”.
Sunderland return to action after the international break in the Championship this afternoon as they travel to Loftus Road to take on Queens Park Rangers.
What was Sunderland's last result?
The Black Cats head into today's game off the back of an emphatic 5-0 win against recently relegated Southampton at the Stadium of Light.
Tony Mowbray's outfit swept the Saints aside with relative ease as they produced a phenomenal and clinical performance on Wearside to secure all three points in style.
Jack Clarke opened the scoring with a well-timed run and header within the opening minute of the match and a double from midfielder Pierre Ekwah, with both goals coming from distance, put the team 3-0 up at half-time.
Bradley Dack pounced from close range and Chris Rigg headed past Gavin Bazunu to finish off the scoring during the second 45 to wrap up the 5-0 victory over Russell Martin's Southampton.
That result left Sunderland ninth in the Championship table after two wins, one draw, and two defeats from their first five matches of the campaign.
What's the latest Sunderland team news?
Mason Burstow and Adil Aouchiche are both available for selection after their deadline day moves to the club, although it remains to be seen if Nazariy Rusyn's visa has arrived in time for him to feature.
Aji Alese and Eliezer Mayenda are both back out on the grass but Mowbray has confirmed that they will not be in contention to play this weekend, whilst Jay Matete and Corry Evans are both set to be out until the festive period as they continue to recover from long-term injuries.
The absences in the midfield area of the pitch could open up the door for 16-year-old talent Chris Rigg to gain more first-team experience and the head coach should unleash him from the start today.
Will Chris Rigg start against QPR?
Mowbray should bring the teenage sensation in for his first-ever Championship start as a reward for his excellent performances so far this season.
Rigg was afforded the chance to start a first-team match for the first time in his career last month as the ex-Blackburn Rovers manager selected him in the starting XI for the EFL Cup clash with Crewe.
Sunderland ultimately lost on penalties to the League Two outfit but that should not be a slight on the 16-year-old dynamo as his display in the middle of the park was superb.
The England youth international produced a fantastic all-round performance in midfield as he showcased his qualities in and out of possession for the Black Cats, despite his young age.
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
As per Sofascore, Rigg won 60% (6/10) of his duels and made two tackles to go along with one clearance. He also completed both of his attempted dribbles and 91% of his attempted passes, two of which resulted in chances being created for his teammates.
The talented ace, who scored Sunderland's equaliser to send the game to penalties, was handed a Sofascore rating of 8.2 for his display, which was the second-highest score on the pitch behind Alex Pritchard's 9.0 rating.
Mowbray rewarded the excellent youngster with a cameo off the bench against Southampton last time out and the 16-year-old hotshot made the most of his opportunity with a fantastic leap and header to find the bottom corner after some superb wing play from Jewison Bennette on the left flank.
Rigg recorded a Sofascore rating of 7.3 for his eight-minute goalscoring showing against the Saints and these statistics show that the versatile gem, who can play in a variety of midfield roles or out wide on the right, has the potential to offer a big attacking threat for the club.
The former England U16 captain could also provide a creative presence in the middle of the park as he has registered four assists in 15 U18 matches for the Black Cats to date.
He showed glimpses of his creativity with his aforementioned two key passes against Crewe and this suggests that the academy graduate could be an exciting player for supporters to watch against QPR this afternoon, as he has the ability to score and assist goals.
Who could Rigg replace?
Mowbray could bring Rigg in to replace French dynamo Abdoullah Ba, who started on the right of the attacking midfield trident against Southampton, today.
However, this is not a necessary change borne out of poor performances from the 20-year-old ace. In fact, the former Le Havre prospect registered an assist against the Saints and has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.97 across four Championship appearances this term.
Rigg, on the other hand, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.75 across his two first-team outings in all competitions this term and has scored two goals to go along with two chances created.
Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg.
Whereas, Ba has failed to score a single goal and has provided his teammates with five key passes in five games in all competitions for the Black Cats.
These statistics suggest that they both offer a similar level of creativity but Rigg's average performance level and goalscoring threat could be greater than the French ace's if Mowbray offers him the chance to play regular senior football over the weeks and months to come.
Rigg, who Mowbray once hailed as an "animal" with a "wonderful" left foot, has taken his opportunities so far this season and now deserves to be rewarded with the next step in his development – a senior league start.
The exceptional teenager excelled against Crewe in the EFL Cup after being named in the starting XI and grasped his chance to find the back of the net off the bench against Southampton earlier this month, which shows that he has the ability and physicality to compete at first-team level in spite of his age.
Therefore, the Black Cats head coach must now see whether or not the English whiz has what it takes to deliver consistent quality over the course of an entire Championship match, starting today against QPR at Loftus Road.
So it is time for Ba to move over to the bench, or another position in the attack, for this clash in order to provide Rigg with the chance for him to prove himself after some impressive displays so far this season.
Picture this: It’s January 2024, and Liverpool’s collective consciousness is reeling from the news that Jurgen Klopp has provided through the club’s social media channels.
It came out of nowhere. After nearly nine years of thrilling service as Liverpool manager, Klopp announced he was finally sapped of his strength, that larger-than-life engine depleted at last.
It felt like the end of an era, and it was, but in Arne Slot, Liverpool found a new leader to guide them back to the forefront of English football, winning the Premier League only 11 months after his predecessor bowed out with a third-place finish and a Carabao Cup claimed a few months before.
To think that that triumph was achieved with such little first-team investment, Federico Chiesa being the only arrival (before this summer) since Ryan Gravenberch joined in August 2023.
Now, though, the fresh faces are spilling through the gates, with a new centre-forward perhaps next on the agenda. There are plenty of targets out there, but Alexander Isak is the dream.
Liverpool's pursuit of Alexander Isak
Liverpool have a long-standing interest in Isak, and he’s considered Slot’s dream target this summer, but Newcastle United are in no mood to sell after qualifying for the Champions League and have set an asking price of £200m.
The 25-year-old is unquestionably a brilliant player, even hailed as “the best striker in the Premier League” last season by Jamie Carragher, but he’d cost too much money for a Liverpool side already approaching the £200m mark this summer.
Mohamed Salah was the only man to outscore Isak in the Premier League last season, but does 23 goals from 34 matches warrant a £200m fee?
Liverpool need a number nine, in any case, and given the plentiful spending FSG have green-lit this summer, there may be a shrewder option on the market who would still bring the promise of goals.
Liverpool line up Isak alternative
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are doing extensive work on various striker targets this summer as they look to upgrade on Nunez.
And while Isak remains the dream target, Liverpool continue to keep their name in the hat for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is expected to leave the Liga Portugal champions this summer.
Saying that, tensions are high between player and club, with Arsenal also keen on the Sweden striker but dissuaded by his €100m (£84m) release clause, which Sporting hope will be met.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
However, it won’t. Instead, a figure in the region of £60m could prove the ultimate payment, which is certainly an affordable figure for Liverpool to cap their summer spending off with a flourish.
Why Liverpool should sign Viktor Gyokeres
Liverpool might be dreaming of Isak, but they can perhaps sign his international teammate Gyokeres to a similarly emphatic effect.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Having joined Sporting Lisbon from Coventry City in the English Championship two years ago, the 27-year-old has arguably been “the best finisher in the world” – in the words of analyst Spencer Mossman – scoring 97 goals and providing 28 assists across 102 matches and winning the league title in each of his two campaigns.
And yet, the powerful goalscorer has his dissenters, those who feel his qualities would not translate so well to the English game. This simply isn’t the case; he’s not Isak, but the right-footer could certainly play an important part at the front of Slot’s system.
Gyokeres’ doubters must turn toward his hat-trick performance against Manchester City in the Champions League last year before making an opinion on his ability.
This is a centre-forward who knows how to find the back of the net, and has a robust physicality and electric mobility that emphasises his quality as more than just a focal point in the final third.
As per FBref, Gyokeres ranked among the top 12% of strikers in the 2024/24 Champions League for goals scored, the top 18% for pass completion, the top 10% for shot-creating actions, and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90, highlighting the man’s tactical wideness.
The data-driven site even regarded Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Vinicius Junior as his three most comparable players, which offers a taste of the kind of flavour he could add to Slot’s attack.
These are all high-level goalscorers and dynamic forwards besides. True, the attacker has been hailed as a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson, but the journalist isn’t denouncing him as a brute; rather, highlighting a physical sheen to his skill set that would be perfect for Premier League football.
Such robustness has allowed him to foster that incredible goalscoring record, with no footballer – including Salah and Isak – scoring more goals across the game’s top ten divisions in 2024/25, which speaks to how ruthless he is in front of goal.
Top Scorers – Top 10 Leagues (24/25)
#
Player
Apps
Goals
1.
Viktor Gyokeres
33
39
2.
Kylian Mbappe
34
31
3.
Mohamed Salah
38
29
4.
Robert Lewandowski
34
27
5.
Harry Kane
31
26
Data via Transfermarkt
It’s clear that Gyokeres has the potential to play at the front of a Liverpool side consisting of some of football’s most exciting attacking players, as illustrated by his exceptional goalscoring record in the table above.
While he’s not on the same level as his Swedish compatriot, there’s no reason Gyokeres couldn’t match Nunez’s 25-goal tally in the Premier League. Of course, that’s across three campaigns, whereas Sporting’s man would have his sights set on reaching the target before the end of next season.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
Picture this: Liverpool have completed the most extraordinary summer transfer window, are looking to defend their Premier League title, and expand on Slot’s initial success. With Gyokeres fronting the team, it might just happen.
Perfect Gordon alternative: Liverpool hold talks for "explosive" £43m star
Liverpool are looking to sign a new winger this summer.
Holder had missed the previous edition of the CPL due to West Indies’ tour of England
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Apr-2018
Jason Holder ponders the challenge ahead•Getty Images
West Indies’ Test and ODI captain Jason Holder will lead Barbados Tridents in the forthcoming season of the Caribbean Premier League. Holder, who had missed the previous edition due to West Indies’ tour of England, will take over captaincy reins from Kieron Pollard.Holder, 26, has captained West Indies in 56 ODIs and 21 Tests and has played 14 first-class matches for his regional side Barbados. Weighing in on his appointment as captain, Holder said his focus would be on turning things around for the Tridents, who had finished fifth in the six-team tournament last season, winning only four out of their 10 league games.”I am delighted to be back at the Hero CPL for this season and I am really looking forward to making Barbados proud in 2018,” Holder said in a release. “We have a healthy contingent of local players in the squad this year and we are ready to make this a winning year for our home team.”The tournament is scheduled to run from August 8 to September 16 this year, with Trinbago Knight Riders looking to defend their title.
Wolverhampton Wanderers now look set to bring an exciting new signing to Molineux in 2024, and his current employers are already seeking a replacement to fill the void, according to reports.
What's the latest news involving Wolverhampton Wanderers?
According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are one of several Premier League clubs vying for the signature of free agent midfielder Xeka, who has been out-of-contract since leaving Rennes at the end of last term.
Everton, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United have also shown interest in the 2020/21 Ligue 1 winner, while Sky Bet Championship sides Southampton and West Bromwich Albion have been in contact with his entourage. Clubs in France, Spain, Turkey and Italy are also keen on offering the Rebordosa-born ace a new challenge.
Wolves face Liverpool at Molineux on Saturday and could be aided in their quest to defeat Jurgen Klopp's men due to an injury crisis in defence for the Reds. As cited by The Express and Star, Virgil van Dijk is ruled out through suspension while Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss out due to a hamstring problem.
Old Gold midfielder Mario Lemina is optimistic regarding his side's chances of getting a result against Liverpool, as he told Wolves' official website: “It’s a really big game and I’m looking forwards to getting back on the pitch with the other players, and be in the right place to fight for the team. We know we can do it because we’ve got a good team, we’ve got great players, and we know what we’ve got to do."
Gary O'Neil's men sit 15th in the Premier League, having taken three points from an available 12 so far; nevertheless, their performances have probably deserved more in the way of results on balance.
Who are Wolves signing?
According to Os Donos da Bola presenter Neto, Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga will leave the South American giants to move to Wolves in 2024.
Speaking in an interview, Neto's claims have been relayed by O TV Foco and transcribed by Sport Witness, as he stated: “Raphael Veiga will say goodbye to Palmeiras next year. He is going to Wolverhampton, and the transfer will be completed next year. If this doesn’t happen, Palmeiras can criticise me at will.
“And to replace Veiga, Palmeiras have their eyes on a new midfielder, Pedrinho, currently at Atlético-MG. So, the situation is as follows: Palmeiras is about to sign Pedrinho for €15m, offering €10m plus Kevin. Therefore, at the end of the year, Veiga will go to England.”
Wolves target Raphael Veiga in action for Palmeiras.
Veiga has enjoyed an immense 2023 across all competitions, registering 16 goals and 12 assists for the Brazilian giants in 43 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.
Regarded as a star player due to his regular goal contributions, the attacking midfielder has been a consistent presence in the Brazilian Serie A, racking up an average of 3.4 shots on goal per fixture alongside a match rating of 7.42/10, according to WhoScored.
Capable of putting a shift in defensively alongside his offensive exploits, Veiga has also managed to recover 2.8 balls per game in the league, as per SofaScore.
Wolves could definitely use another piece of the jigsaw to help break down defences and Veiga could be an inspired bit of business at Molineux if Neto's claims are indeed true.
Denmark will now rely on help from Uganda and Bermuda in matches to be replayed on Sunday in order to keep Jersey or Malaysia from leapfrogging them on the net-run-rate tiebreaker
The Report by Peter Della Penna in Kuala Lumpur05-May-2018Shane Deitz flicks off his pads for runs through the leg side•Peter Della PennaVanuatu’s late rally after three consecutive losses at the start of the WCL Division Four has put Denmark’s final-standings fate out of their own hands as the NiVans upended the Danes by five wickets with as many balls to spare at the Kinrara Academy Oval to become the first team all week to successfully chase a target at the ground.Overhauling Denmark’s 234 with half-centuries from the top three – vice-captain Jonathon Dunn (86 off 139 balls), Joshua Rasu (69 off 77), and Patrick Matautaava (53 off 42) – Vanuatu registered their second successful chase in three days. Dunn had scored only 15 runs in Malaysia coming into the match while Matautaava more than doubled his week-long output of 49 runs. Rasu ended three runs short of doubling his group-stage tally.All three were due for a score, particularly Matautaava after his Player-of-the-Tournament performance at Division Five in September, and they came up trumps in style against Denmark. Dunn and Rasu put on 116 for the first wicket before Matautaava took over following the dismissal of Rasu. Matautaava blasted his way to a half-century off 33 balls, putting Denmark in serious jeopardy of not only losing outright, but also losing their net-run-rate tiebreaker advantage over Jersey.Denmark entered the day with a 12.2 over or 54-run net positive differential with Jersey on the net-run-rate tiebreaker. At one stage, thanks to Matautaava’s blitz which took the score to 167 for 1 in 31 overs, most of that differential was on the brink of being wiped out. But the spin troika of Bashir Shah, Nicolaj Laegsgaard and Saif Ahmad dug deep to stretch the game into the final over, with Saif nipping out Matautaava and captain Andrew Mansale to slow Vanuatu’s charge and, in the process, help preserve some of their tiebreak advantage over Jersey in spite of the loss. Shane Deitz, however, whacked a six off the first ball of the final over to seal the chase.Vanuatu’s bowlers set up the win with an excellent display at the death after Denmark had set themselves up for a launch from 182 for 4 at the 40-over mark thanks to half-centuries from Anders Bulow and captain Hamid Shah. But the middle order failed to kick on, adding only 40 through the next eight overs before Nalin Nipiko and Matautaava took two wickets each off four consecutive balls to end the 49th and start the 50th.Denmark will now rely on help from Uganda and Bermuda in matches to be replayed on Sunday in order to keep Jersey or Malaysia from leapfrogging them on the net-run-rate tiebreaker and into the promotion slots to move up to Division Three.
ScorecardAlastair Cook began his summer with a composed half-century to allay worries over his form but missed out on threef igures as Essex drew with Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.Opening batsman Cook appeared in complete comfort against Hampshire’s bowling attack, which boasts international quality in Kyle Abbott, Fidel Edwards and Brad Wheal, during his score of 84.Context had to be provided, however, by the dead nature of a match that was ruined by rain and bad light and never went beyond the first innings.Cook, who averages 77 in the Specsavers County Championship since the beginning of the 2016 season, has had his place in the England Test side questioned having only passed fifty once in seven matches in Australia and New Zealand.But the 33-year-old batted himself into form with a typically stylish innings – reaching his half-century in 80-balls – before Chris Wood dismissed him caught behind.The conditions had marginally brightened for the final day, although both sets of players, along with umpire Paul Baldwin, wore woolly hats.Hampshire had made a successful dart for bonus points in the morning session, having seen bad light and rain scupper any hopes of a result in the match.Beanie hat wearing Peter Siddle found Rilee Rossouw’s edge off the fourth ball of the morning, which flew to a wide second slip, two balls after snapping the South African’s bat.Lewis McManus tickled Sam Cook behind to James Foster, before Abbott turned chief architect for the hosts’ quick-fire run scoring – the South African scoring 43 runs in 35 deliveries.Peter Siddle protects himself against the cold•Getty Images
He added 68 runs with Liam Dawson in just 49 balls, with Abbott smashing six off Simon Harmer straight down the ground.Abbott, who had earlier been dropped on 36, was eventually caught and bowled by Cook as Hampshire declared at 12.30pm.James Vince declared after Wood had crunched Hampshire over the 350 mark, and a fourth batting point to give Essex their first innings of the match.Cook managed to take the shine off the new ball during a tricky five over spell before lunch with Nick Browne.The opening stand was worth 54 when Browne, on 26, was caught attempting to defend outside his off stump by Jimmy Adams at second slip off Brad Wheal.That sparked a mini-collapse as Essex lost three wickets in 11 balls.Tom Westley, who is attempting to re-capture his spot in the England batting line-up, was next to fall when he was caught wafted his bat between leaving and playing to a rising ball from Wheal to guide to Hashim Amla at first slip.Kyle Abbott had Dan Lawrence lbw in the following over which hinted at a lack of match practice from the batsman.Ravi Bopara joined Cook and the former England teammates added 87 for the fourth wicket, before the latter was dismissed.Ryan ten Doeschate scored 24 before he was adjudged leg before to Edwards but Bopara continued to keep the runs flowing with a 93-ball half century.James Foster took Essex past 250, and a second batting point, during a 76 run stand with Bopara, before he was bowled by Dawson for 46.Bopara ended up with 84 not out as Essex reached 300 to scored an additional point before the two captains’ shock hands.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have seen some spectacular talent grace Molineux over the years, with the glory days of Nuno Espirito Santo currently looking like light-years away.
To say that the Old Gold have suffered in recent months would be an understatement, going from bottom of the table of Christmas Day of 2022, to battling financial struggles and managerial changes late in the summer.
Gary O’Neil took charge of the squad just four days before the club’s 2023/24 Premier League season opener, with the former Bournemouth manager handed the impossible task of attempting to compete with an extremely frail Wolves squad.
The challenge of balancing the books and maintaining a strong squad proved to be out of reach, as big names were sold for critical profit with little reinforcements welcomed to ease the blow on the team.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
Speaking after his side’s abysmal 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Championship side Ipswich Town, the manager admitted his squad is “£80m short” of quality due to the sales made in the summer.
While Wolves generated sufficient cash for the sales of stars such as Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes, ensuring profitable exits from Molineux hasn’t always been possible, with last season highlighting just how much the club fumbled on one player in particular.
When did Wolves sign Pedro Goncalves?
In 2017, 19-year-old Valencia academy talent Pedro Goncalves made the switch from Spain to England to become another Portuguese addition to Nuno’s newly constructed squad at Molineux.
The teen was signed under the manager at Valencia prior to his move to Wolves, telling of how much of a fan Nuno was of the young winger, who had built his career in his homeland before moving to Spain and on to the Midlands.
In the 2017/18 campaign, the forward made a quick start to life in the Old Gold’s academy, scoring four goals and providing one assist in just 16 Premier League 2 appearances.
Pedro Goncalves of Sporting-CP
In a total of 38 appearances for Wolves’ academy sides, the Chaves-born whiz contributed to 13 goals, scoring nine times and assisted four goals for his teammates, hinting at how effective he could one day become in the final third.
His coach at the time of his success in the academy was current Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, who has since admitted that the forward’s development in senior football “does not surprise” him.
Despite earning praise and making a positive impact in Wolverhampton, the Portuguese ace bid farewell to the club just two years after his arrival.
What happened to Pedro Goncalves?
A combination of missing home comforts and not seeing a path for a way into the first team under Nuno was suspected to be the cause of Goncalves’ swift exit.
The youngster left having made one appearance for the senior squad, which came in the form of 28 minutes in the league cup against Sheffield Wednesday, far from the glitz and glamour of the Premier League.
Unfortunately for both player and club, his arrival came at a critical time for Wolves, where the squad were doing well on their return to the top-flight, with stars such as Neves and Joao Moutinho dominating central midfield, where Goncalves had been positioned in the academy.
Sporting CP's Arthur Gomes in action with FCMidtjylland'sEmilianoMartinez
It was unlikely that the youngster would have broken through to the level that he desired, which led him to make the mature decision to leave his Premier League hopes behind and return to Portugal.
Wolves sold Goncalves, known as Pote, to Famalicao for a fee believed to be in the region of £1m, which began the start of a reel of difficult viewing for those at Molineux, as their former academy player began to grow into a different beast.
Pote spent one season at Famalicao in Liga Portugal before being picked up by Portuguese giants Sporting CP, having made a quick impact on his return to his homeland, scoring five times and recording six assists in the 2019/20 league campaign.
Pedro Goncalves record in the Primeira Liga, via Transfermarkt
Season
Club
Apps
Goals
Assists
2019/20
Famalicao
33
5
6
2020/21
Sporting CP
32
23
4
2021/22
Sporting CP
27
8
10
2022/23
Sporting CP
33
15
12
Having previously been lauded as “phenomenal” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the winger has become one of Sporting’s most influential players due to his power in front of goal and ability to add a constant threat in attack.
Having secured 136 Liga Portugal appearances, along with 10 Champions League and seven Europa League appearances for Sporting so far, the former Wolves outsider has caught the attention of Europe since his Molineux departure.
Speaking on the Express and Star’s Wolves podcast in 2021, The Athletic’s Tim Spiers described Wolves’ management of Goncalves as “frustrating” and his sale as a “massive mistake”, a fair judgement when reviewing his form in Portugal.
How many goals has Pedro Goncalves scored?
Last season, the Old Gold were the Premier League’s lowest-scorers after scoring just 31 goals in 38 games, 63 goals fewer than league winners Manchester City to highlight the difference in quality.
To put into perspective just how poor the sale of Goncalves was, the forward scored just 11 goals less than his old club in the 2022/23 campaign over all competitions, scoring 20 times and assisting 15 goals in 51 appearances.
The winger has directly had a hand in 94 goals in 136 appearances for Sporting, with his highest-scoring season coming in his debut Primeira Liga campaign, in which he was named on the scoresheet 23 times in 32 appearances.
Goncalves’ feat in the 2020/21 term, his first for Sporting, came less than two years after he left Wolves, highlighting just how horrendous the decision was to sell the forward for pennies rather than loan him to such clubs for development.
How much is Pedro Goncalves worth now?
Wolves currently sit short of goals, funds and inspiration, three things that the winger has been relishing over the past year.
This summer, Aston Villa were linked with a potential move for the Sporting hero, with news in Portugal, relayed by Sport Witness, revealing that Wolves’ rivals reportedly walked away from a deal due to the price the Portuguese club valued him at.
With a release clause of €80m (£68m) in place in his contract, Sporting understandably told interested buyers that they would not consider selling the player for less than the value of his clause, reinforcing the funds the Old Gold could have had if they had kept him on their books rather than selling him for so little.
In his position currently sits Pedro Neto, who has come to light this season, but has netted just 12 goals in his 117 appearances for Wolves, highlighting the drop in quality following the sanctioning of his compatriot's move away.
Away from his goal contributions, in which he scored 15 goals fewer than the former Wolves gem last term, Neto has fallen short of Pote in other areas of his game, as communicated through their season averages in their respective 2022/23 league campaigns.
Wolves winger Pedro Neto.
As per FBref, Neto averaged 2.24 progressive passes,1.87 key passes and 3.83 shot-creating actions per 90 in the Premier League, falling short of Goncalves in the Primeira Liga who averaged 5.26 progressive passes, 4.55 shot-creating actions and 2.37 key passes per 90.
The sale of Goncalves was a low point for Wolves in hindsight, with the player having the potential to have generated significant profit to the Midlands side, as well as the quality he could have implemented in the squad, which is currently so short of luxury.