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Zaka Ashraf’s tenure as the head of the PCB is set to continue for three months, as confirmed by a government notification on Saturday evening. The notification was confirmation given by the patron of the board and current interim prime minister of Pakistan Anwar ul Haq Kakar in a TV interview on Friday. Kakar had, however, indicated an extension till the end of the ongoing World Cup.The notification, issued by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), said it had “approved extension of three months in tenure period of present Management Committee w.e.f 5th November, 2023.” As has been the mandate all along, the IPC said the committee should perform the primary task of finalising the Board of Governors (BoG) and conduction the chairman elections at the earliest. It also said the committee would not be granted another extension beyond February 2024, which is around the time Pakistan will hold general elections. The committee has also been prohibited from making policy decisions or any high-level appointments.The current interim management committee running the board was due to end on November 5. The future of the administration had been under intense scrutiny and the subject of considerable speculation in recent days after a series of high-profile missteps, including a press release which appeared to shift the blame on captain Babar Azam and selector Inzamam-ul-Haq (who has since resigned) and a controversy around a leaked Whatsapp conversation between Babar and a senior PCB official.Ashraf’s leadership has been criticised by members of the management committee including Zulfiqar Malik and Mustafa Ramday for its decision-making and lack of movement over conducting board elections, which was the mandate it came in with in July. Malik sent an email to Ashraf, other members of the committee as well as the prime minister in October, laying out his criticism of PCB operations. In a separate communication, Ramday has also outlined his concerns with the way the board has been run.Related

• Inzamam steps down as Pakistan chief selector amid conflict of interest allegations

• Ashraf accused of 'flagrant misdoings and unconstitutional decisions'

The options for the patron coming into this weekend were to either appoint a new committee or give an extension to the existing one over the weekend and the latter option has been chosen.”At this time, you know there is a tournament going on,” Kakar told Dawn News TV in an interview. “We’ll look after this tournament what needs doing, what doesn’t need doing. At this moment, I don’t think we are going to make a big decision. The reason for that is that at times you have to work according to the doctrine of necessity. Once we are past the World Cup, then we’ll see.”As prime minister, albeit interim, Kakar is also a patron of the PCB and in charge of the appointment of the board head. The doctrine of necessity that Kakar cited is remembered in Pakistan, infamously, as a judgment in 1954 by the Supreme Court chief justice that validated the use of extra-constitutional emergency powers, as well as a 1977 decision that validated a military coup.Kakar’s comments came a day before Pakistan’s crucial World Cup game against New Zealand in Bengaluru where a win meant they remained in the tournament until the last round of games.They came after a meeting between the prime minister and Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain and allrounder, who had publicly criticised Ashraf on a TV show earlier in the week. That meeting then led to one on Friday between Afridi and Ashraf at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The PCB released a statement after that meeting saying that Afridi had expressed an interest in working with younger cricketers.”Shahid Afridi expressed his interest in grooming young cricketers into future stars and positively shaping them into well-rounded representatives of Pakistan cricket,” the statement said. “He also admired and appreciated Mr Zaka Ashraf’s efforts and contributions for Pakistan cricket.”

Not since the European Championship in 2022 – where Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Kelly shone – has the team had a consistently impactful bench

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There are a lot of reasons why England won the European Championship back in 2022. Mary Earps' solidity behind a defence that protected her brilliantly, Keira Walsh's other-worldly displays in midfield and form that put Beth Mead in the Ballon d'Or conversation are just a few of those. But, amid it all, Sarina Wiegman's management always stood out, particularly when it came to her substitutions.

So many big goals in that tournament were scored by players that came off the Lionesses' bench. When England finally broke the deadlock in the quarter-final win over Spain, it was one substitute assisting another, as Alessia Russo's header was knocked down for Ella Toone to finish; Russo was the player who put the finishing touches on the semi-final win over Sweden, with a stunningly memorable backheel; while both goals in the final were from subs, with Toone again opening the scoring before Chloe Kelly scored iconic winner in extra-time.

Since that magical summer, though, Wiegman has struggled to find players to replace the likes of Russo, Toone and Kelly as they've been absorbed into the starting XI on a regular basis. Indeed, a 21-game stretch that stopped thanks to April's 5-0 win over Belgium saw England's subs contribute just two goals and one assist, only one of which was result-altering. For a long time, when things haven't been going to plan for the Lionesses, the bench hasn't done much to change that.

That is until recently. England's last five games have offered a glimmer of hope that this is changing, with five goals scored by subs in that time, though that none of those have helped to change a result for the better for the Lionesses is a reminder that there is still work to be done to make the bench as valuable an asset as it was three years ago.

So, as Wiegman's side prepare to begin their European title defence, who are the players who could be the Russos, the Toones and the Kellys of 2025? GOAL looks at those with the potential to be the game-changers in Switzerland…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Aggie Beever-Jones

  Until Aggie Beever-Jones scored her first senior international goal in England's 5-0 win over Belgium in April, a substitute had not scored for the Lionesses since December 2023. There was a gap of almost 16 months between Toone's winner against the Netherlands at Wembley and Beever-Jones' strike to make it 3-0 in Bristol.

  But if anyone is primed to be a 'super-sub' in Switzerland, it has to be Beever-Jones. The Chelsea star would be in with a shout of starting for her country if Russo wasn't so secure in her No.9 role, with the Chelsea star's Wembley hat-trick against Portugal in May great evidence of her continued maturation and development as a young talent.

  Working especially in Beever-Jones' favour is how much of an impact she has made from the bench for the Blues at club level, with her run of four substitute appearances with a goal during the 2023-24 season helping to build her case for a first England call-up. She's well-established in the set-up now and her work rate, versatility and growing awareness in the penalty area are all traits that Wiegman should be looking to maximise from the bench.

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  Michelle Agyemang

  Scorer of another of those five goals by subs for England this year, Michelle Agyemang's incredible strike just 41 seconds into her Lionesses debut was the start of her late and surprising charge to be included in this summer's squad. The teenager was only called into camp because of an injury to Russo, but she took her chance with both hands, beautifully controlling the ball on her thigh before volleying it into the top corner for a late goal in England's 3-2 defeat to Belgium.

  It was an incredible way for Agyemang to announce herself to a national audience, and she will hope she gets the opportunity to do so on a continental basis this month, having been selected to be part of the senior squad as opposed to turning out for the Under-19s in their Euros campaign in June.

  The 19-year-old would've been a key player in that tournament and played a lot of minutes to benefit her development, so that Wiegman has opted to bring her into the seniors' plans for the summer instead surely suggests she plans to use Agyemang. Having watched what she did on her debut, you can't blame her; the Arsenal youngster is different to everything else in this squad and she can cause any opponent problems.

• Getty Images
  

  Jess Park

  It's probably naive to read too much into the England squad numbers, which have Ella Toone down as the No.10 for this summer. However, it does feel like the ball is in the Manchester United star's court when it comes to securing the creative midfield spot in the Lionesses' XI, with her two-goal performance against Jamaica on Sunday only making it more likely than she starts there against France in this weekend's Euros opener.

  That would leave Jess Park on the bench, despite her starting England's final two Nations League outings at the end of the 2024-25 season. Again, it might not be that way, but it would allow Wiegman to start the game with plenty of experience in the middle of the park before introducing a lively, hungry replacement like Park later on. The 23-year-old is tenacious, is willing to run at defenders and can be deadly either with her creativity or her ability to find the back of the net. Those are qualities that should make her a great super-sub.

  That said, the starting No.10 role feels well up for grabs, too, and if Park can perform from the bench, Wiegman may well reward her with a place in the line-up as the tournament goes.

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  Grace Clinton

  While Grace Clinton will certainly hope that she, too, can push to start in the No.10 role for England this summer, it may be wisest for Wiegman to instead use her in a role that allows Georgia Stanway some respite in the box-to-box midfield position. The Bayern Munich midfielder only returned from knee surgery in late May and has limited minutes under her belt as the Euros get under way, meaning it would be a risk to suddenly put her through 90 minutes every four days.

  As such, having Clinton on the bench to replace Stanway at a timely interval would be smart, especially given how well the Manchester United star performed in that role while her team-mate was unavailable through injury. In fact, it wouldn't be a surprise if Wiegman trusted Clinton to start in the No.8 in this tournament at some point, in order to protect Stanway and keep the midfield fresh, with both capable of making their mark in Switzerland.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag is trying to convince midfielder Granit Xhaka to stay at the club, with the player already in talks with AC Milan.

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Erik ten Hag trying to ensure Xhaka staysMidfielder's entourage are in contact with MilanSerie A side to start working on deal on TuesdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report by , Ten Hag would rather keep the midfielder to preserve some experience in his squad. They have already lost coach Xabi Alonso, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah, while Florian Wirtz is set to join Liverpool. With so many changes, Ten Hag sees Xhaka as a key figure for the new coach's debut season, but he is reportedly eager to join Milan.

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Xhaka’s entourage are in contact with Milan over a possible move, with the Swiss international conveying to them that he wants a new adventure in Serie A, and the Rossoneri are an outfit that fascinates him. The 32-year-old's existing contract at Leverkusen ends in 2028, and Milan have contacted his representatives. A different aspect for the Italian club is to convince their German counterpart of this transfer. Chairman Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare will start working on the deal on Tuesday.

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Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen in 2023, has 14 goals in 137 caps for the Switzerland national team, and if he makes a move to Milan, it will be his first venture in Italy.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

Leverkusen will wait for Xhaka’s decision, which might be key to the club’s future, considering his impact in midfield over the past two seasons, where they won a double last year and the DFL-Supercup this term.

Hosts were reduced to 95 for 5 at one stage, after Odean Smith’s cameo helped visitors push past 300

Abhimanyu Bose06-Jun-2023

Johnson Charles and Brandon King added 129 for the opening wicket•Emirates Cricket Board

Half-centuries from Brandon King and Johnson Charles, a spirited cameo from Odean Smith, and then a ruthless bowling display helped West Indies seal a series win against UAE in Sharjah on Tuesday.The UAE bowlers did well to rein things in after a 129-run opening stand between King and Charles, even as Smith’s 24-ball 37 helped take West Indies past 300. However, another insipid performance with the bat by UAE meant West Indies cantered to victory in the second ODI.After the visitors opted to bat, King, on the back of a fine century in the first ODI, played anchor as Charles took on the role of aggressor against the hosts’ opening bowlers Sanchit Sharma and Ali Naseer.Charles, playing just his second ODI since 2016, hit Sanchit for two boundaries in his first over before smashing 18 of the 20 runs that came off the seventh over, bowled by Naseer. King, meanwhile, hit some gorgeous drives through the off side, as he picked up from where he left off.The two took some time to settle against left-arm spinner Aayan Afzal Khan, but in his third over, they both skipped out of the crease to hit him for sixes down the ground.Charles went on to bring up his half-century – his fifth in ODI cricket – off just 33 deliveries before he went on to hit a six and a four off the next two deliveries he faced. But playing in the afternoon heat, he seemed to tire as he added just two more runs off the next ten deliveries and holed out to long-on for a 47-ball 63 off Naseer.That started West Indies’ slowdown, and they lost wickets in regular intervals after that.King, who brought up a fifty of his own off 52 balls, struggled to put debutant legspinner Adhitya Shetty away, and was soon out to him thanks to a brilliant catch at long-on by Basil Hameed. Shetty nearly had another wicket in that over, but shelled the chance off his own bowling to give Keacy Carty a life.Aayan then had Shamarh Brooks chopping on before getting Roston Chase to hit a half-hearted effort to long-on. Zahoor Khan, who was disciplined in his first spell, returned to the attack to get rid of Carty, who hit a drive straight to cover.Shai Hope, batting at No. 6 – the lowest he has batted in ODIs – rebuilt for West Indies with a 43-run stand with Kavem Hodge, but when the two fell in consecutive overs to Naseer and Sanchit, West Indies were in a spot of bother at 249 for 7.Odean Smith’s quick 37 took West Indies past 300•AFP/Getty Images

However, Smith’s swashbuckling knock, which comprised one six and three fours, helped take them past the 300-mark. Zahoor finished with three wickets, while Aayan, Naseer and Sanchit took two each.Thereafter, it didn’t take the West Indies quicks long to make inroads as debutant right-arm seamer Akeem Jordan, playing in place of Keemo Paul, got UAE captain Muhammad Waseem nicking off in the fourth over.Waseem’s opening partner Aryansh Sharma was next to go, flicking Smith straight to square leg.West Indies’ spin trio of Chase, Hodge and Yannic Cariah then dried out the runs and took away any hopes UAE may have had of trying to upset the visitors: Lovepreet Singh, in his first game for UAE, struggled to get in before Hodge bowled him through the gate. Asif Khan made 4 off 22 balls before a fine catch from Dominic Drakes off Chase saw him return to the hut. Vriitya Aravind, who trudged to 36 off 52 deliveries, was next to go as he sliced a full delivery from Cariah to point.Basil Hameed and Naseer then put on an 80-run stand after UAE were 95 for 5, but having already lost half the side, they couldn’t keep up with the asking rate.Naseer was the only real bright spot with the bat for UAE, smashing three sixes and six fours en route to his 53-ball 57. Having made his ODI debut in the first match of the series, he now has two half-centuries in two games, with both coming at a strike rate of more than 100.Hameed made 49 before holing out to deep midwicket off Chase, and Hodge got Naseer to top edge a slog to short third. Aayan also made a handy 23-ball 25, but in the end, West Indies’ total proved too much for the hosts.UAE were able to bat out fifty overs, but were restricted to 228 after being bowled out for 202 in the first ODI. As for West Indies, the win will be a big confidence booster for them before they – alongside UAE – head to Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers.

Seeking attacking reinforcements, Newcastle United could now sign a striker worth over £40m by taking full advantage of his recent fallout with teammates in what has been a nightmare period.

£40m+ star could replace Isak

With Alexander Isak set to be at the centre of a transfer scramble this summer, it’s no surprise that Newcastle are reportedly seeking attacking additions just in case. The Swede is one of the most impressive strikers in Europe, which could yet see his price tag rise to £150m. That may not stop the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal from making their moves, however, such is their desperation for such a clinical forward.

Of course, there would also be some benefits from cashing in on Isak. By selling the former Real Sociedad man for around £150m, PIF’s full spending power would be unleashed from the chains of PSR, which have forced Newcastle to spectate several hefty deals rather than act in the last two transfer windows.

Once unleashed, the Magpies could be a frightening prospect on the hunt for the reinforcements that Eddie Howe has so desperately needed at times throughout the current campaign.

With that said, those in Tyneside will already be smelling blood around one particular target. According to Sport BILD, as relayed by Sports Witness, Newcastle could now sign Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth €50m (£42m) this summer following a nightmare few weeks for the Nigerian.

1/8 duels won: Howe must be worried after Newcastle star's worst display yet

Newcastle won at the London Stadium ahead of this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 11, 2025

Since Al-Nassr ditched the chance to sign the forward in January – instead sealing a move for Jhon Duran – Boniface has fallen out with recent arrival Emi Buendia and, to make matters worse, been involved in a car crash having earlier filmed himself driving at 140km/h.

A growing problem at Leverkusen, the Bundesliga champions could decide to show the 24-year-old the door – leaving Newcastle to take full advantage.

Newcastle should take Boniface gamble

Although his recent discipline struggles should spark plenty of concern, Boniface is one worth taking a gamble on if Isak departs this summer. For £42m, the Magpies could replace their star striker and have plenty of money left in the bank to improve the rest of Howe’s squad in pursuit of Champions League qualification next season.

Starts

10

25

Goals

7

19

Assists

1

5

Expected Goals

6.9

15.6

Whilst his actions have been unsavoury in recent weeks, the numbers speak for themselves. Boniface has been as clinical as ever whenever he’s had the chance to start for Xabi Alonso’s side – scoring seven goals from 6.9 expected goals.

It wasn’t so long ago that the Nigerian found himself at the centre of the Spaniard’s praise either. The Bayer Leverkusen boss told reporters earlier this season: “He has many qualities that could make him as formidable as Drogba.

“His strength and the difficulties he creates for defenders are remarkable. He’s exceptional in tight spaces and thrives around the box. But he needs to be more assertive in attacking the box when opportunities arise.”

Najam Sethi has formally taken charge of the PCB, putting the revival of domestic cricket in the country at the top of his priorities. Following the removal of Ramiz Raja, as PCB chairman, and the current board, Sethi will head a 14-member management committee that will take interim charge of affairs. The committee will have 120 days in which they are expected to change the PCB’s constitution, bringing back the 2014 version to replace the current one (put in place in 2019).”I am back after four years and there is lots of work to do,” Sethi said upon arrival at Gaddafi Stadium, PCB’s HQ, on Thursday. “I am thankful to the Prime Minister because it was his wish to revive the 2014 constitution and revive departmental cricket; regions should be revived and encourage the private sector and take cricket forward. A lot has been done here over the last four years, which I don’t like to comment on. But the way we are seeing the cricket team and the problems of cricket players, we will try to solve them.”There’s been a famine for the last four years. Tell me how many cricketers have come through domestic cricket? It looks like only PSL is supplying players. PSL is a very big international brand and we will take domestic cricket to that level too so that we can get international players from it. My primary duty is to restore the spirit of the 2014 constitution. We will meet in a day or two and then we will discuss the major issues and let you know how we will move forward.”The change in PCB was brought in through a notification issued from the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office and a summary from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC). The formal approval came in late on Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Sethi and his allies then arrived at PCB headquarters by noon.Related

• Akmal, Sami, Hameed part of Rasheed-led men's selection committee

• Ramiz Raja removed as PCB chairman

• Pakistan recall Hasan Ali for New Zealand Tests, Shaheen still out

Ramiz was in office until Wednesday and he signed off by approving Pakistan’s squad for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand.The government has now given Sethi’s committee full executive power to work on reviving the department structure, which was abolished in 2019. Departments were removed from domestic cricket during Imran Khan’s premiership – he had been a longtime advocate for Pakistan’s domestic scene to replicate that of Australia’s, with six teams made up of Pakistan’s provinces playing in all tournaments. The committee will be tasked with the responsibility of forming a board of governors and electing a chairman, with Sethi himself in the fray, as stipulated in the 2014 constitution.How well the plan goes for reviving departments is unclear. A number of department sides had shut down their sporting operations even before Imran’s change and, in the current economic climate, there might not be much appetite for such organisations to hire a squad of cricketers. Sharif had already issued a directive in October this year to all 18 government departments/institutes to restore the governance of their sport structure in Pakistan and restore the finance to sports departments. The pick-up on that has been slow – ESPNcricinfo understands that Ramiz Raja as chairman had written to private banks to ask about reviving their teams but they had shown little interest.”Our sports ordinance, according to which the PCB is operated, is completely dependant on the patron – and he has a lot of rights,” Sethi said of the change in the PCB. “They have exercised these rights previously and he will continue to do so in the future too. But I think performance is very important. If you do not perform well then it gives an opportunity to the people to make a change. If your performance is good then there’s no reason to make a change. I thought we did well [during the previous tenure].”We delivered a lot. When the government changed (in 2018) last time I was assured at the highest level that I will not be removed. But I felt it was not the right thing. It’s the right of the patron to bring a man of his own choice and try to implement his own vision. I personally felt Imran Khan’s vision will do more improvement and that’s why I didn’t want to stand in the way. I could have gone to the courts and fought, but I thought to go honorably. I don’t want to go into detail about what happened over the last four years and how much they succeed. I won’t go into details and we will see how we will take things forward.”According to the 2014 constitution, the composition of the BoG is based on ten members as the body will include four regional representations (top-four teams from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy), four representatives of services organisations (top-four department teams) and two members to be nominated by the patron in his discretion. The federal secretary of the ministry of inter-provincial coordination or any other officer nominated by him shall be an ex-officio, non-voting 11th member. The term of each member of the BoG is three years – equivalent to one term of the chairman in a bid to promote continuity in the set-up.Imran’s model was also implemented by Ehsan Mani but it had drawn resentment in the cricketing circles in the country. A group of former board members and cricketers including Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul have been urging the government to revert to the previous domestic structure where departmental teams such as WAPDA, SNGPL and PIA were part of the first-class circuit. Imran’s orders to abolish departmental cricket, eventually stand revoked by Sharif, who succeeded him as premier.

New Zealand have included Kyle Jamieson and Will Young in the NZ XI squad to face England in a two-day pink-ball warm-up match at Seddon Park later this week.Jamieson has not played international cricket since suffering a back injury on the tour of England last year, and the fixture will provide an opportunity to build match fitness ahead of an expected Test return. Young’s last Test appearance also came in England, with Devon Conway preferred at opener in Pakistan over Christmas.The squad includes Tom Bruce, who has played 17 T20Is for New Zealand and will captain the side, as well as New Zealand A players Robbie O’Donnell and Sean Solia. Jacob Cumming, the 19-year-old son of former Test batter Craig Cumming, could also play a part.Related

• Broad, Potts, Lawrence back in England Test squad for New Zealand tour

• Jamieson returns for Test series against England

• Jamieson 'feeling mentally and physically fresh' after time out injured

“This is a great opportunity for the NZ XI players, from younger emerging players through to established domestic players, to experience playing against quality international opposition,” Gavin Larsen, New Zealand selector, said. “And it’s another important step for Kyle as he looks to get more quality overs under his belt before the England Test series begins.”England are due to arrive in Hamilton on Tuesday ahead of the two-day warm-up fixture as they step up their preparations for the two-Test series, which begins with a day-night Test in Mount Maunganui starting on February 16.New Zealand XI squad: Tom Bruce (capt), Adi Ashok, Jacob Cumming, Sean Davey, Curtis Heaphy (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Jarrod McKay, Robbie O’Donnell, Will O’Donnell, Quinn Sunde, Sean Solia, Theo van Woerkom, Will Young

MatériaMais Notícias

O duelo entre Juventude e Fluminense ganhou destaque no cenário nacional não pelo futebol jogado pelas equipes, mas sim por causa das condições do gramado do Alfredo Jaconi. Em virtude das fortes chuvas que assolam Caxias do Sul nos últimos dias, o campo ficou com diversas poças d’água, que limitaram as sequências das jogadas e impediram que a bola rolasse com fluidez.

+Saiba quais são as possíveis datas dos jogos do Fluminense nas oitavas da Copa do Brasil

RelacionadasFluminenseÁrbitro relata xingamentos de Nonato e do médico do Fluminense no jogo contra o JuventudeFluminense06/06/2022FluminenseTítulo da Copa do Brasil do Fluminense completa 15 anos nesta segunda; relembre a campanhaFluminense06/06/2022FluminenseFluminense anuncia acordo com plataforma de ativos digitais para o lançamento do fan toke $FLUFluminense06/06/2022

TRICOLOR CRITICA, MAS CBF NÃO SE MANIFESTA

Diante deste cenário, as reclamações por parte dos profissionais do Tricolor começaram com o meia Ganso, ainda no intervalo do jogo. Com a confirmação do revés, o técnico Fernando Diniz e o presidente, Mário Bittencourt teceram duras críticas à CBF por realizar o jogo mesmo com o gramado naquelas condições.

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

O mandatário, por sua vez, divulgou uma nota onde destacou que mesmo em um ano repleto de debates para melhorias do futebol brasileiro, a entidade ainda não conseguiu avançar neste sentido. Ele classificou o jogo como ‘um verdadeiro desastre’e ressaltou que ‘o Fluminense irá à CBF durante a semana para encaminhamento das medidas administrativas necessárias.’

– Inadmissível o árbitro de Juventude x Fluminense ter dado início a partida nas precárias condições do gramado, e, mais, ter dado seguimento após o aumento da chuva. Um desastre. Um verdadeiro desastre. O mais “curioso” de tudo é que, somente após fazer 1 x 0 e de um primeiro tempo dentro d’agua, os funcionários do Juventude resolveram “drenar” o campo com rodos. Antes do jogo nada foi feito para amenizar as condições de disputa da partida – disse a nota.

+Saiba quais são as possíveis datas dos jogos do Fluminense nas oitavas da Copa do Brasil

Por outro lado, o Lance! entrou em contato com a CBF para pedir um posicionamento oficial da entidade sobre o caso. No entanto, até o fechamento desta matéria, não obteve resposta.O estado do campo do Alfredo Jaconi não foi uma novidade para o torcedor brasileiro. Em 2021, no confronto do alviverde gaúcho contra o Flamengo, as poças d’água também tomaram conta do gramado.

GAÚCHOS EXPLICAM SISTEMA DE DRENAGEM

O Juventude, por sua vez, decidiu não se manifestar oficialmente sobre o caso, mas frisou que Caxias do Sul ainda enfrenta uma semana de fortes chuvas que, segundo a meteorologia, devem seguir até quarta-feira.

+Título da Copa do Brasil do Fluminense completa 15 anos nesta segunda; relembre a campanha

– O clube decidiu não se manifestar a respeito do tema. Caxias do Sul está debaixo de água há mais de uma semana, sempre acima dos 20 mm diários. Hoje (segunda-feira) choveu menos que ontem, mas ainda registra 16mm – salientou o Alviverde.

Dessa forma, o clube entende que não há necessidade de ter um posicionamento formal, visto que o volume de chuva da região tem sido alto. A decisão de dar sequência à realização da partida é exclusivamente da CBF, e o sistema de drenagem é um processo natural, sem ter um dispositivo para desligá-lo.

O Alfredo Jaconi passou por uma reforma total há um ano, quando foi trocado todo sistema de irrigação, drenagem e o próprio gramado em si. O problema é que o sistema de drenagem está abaixo de um material orgânico, que se compactou com o solo fazendo com que o local fique mais duro e forme poças d’água. Os gaúchos acreditam que sejam dois casos pontuais (jogos contra a dupla Fla-Flu) e não algo recorrente.

Por fim, cabe salientar que o árbitro Jefferson Ferreira de Moraes (GO) não relatou na súmula as condições do gramado do Estádio. Ele apenas informou que o recomeço do jogo após a volta do intervalo sofreu um atraso de quatro minutos. Na ocasião, funcionários do Juventude utilizaram “rodos” para tentar escoar as poças d’água.

+Fluminense conta com desfalques e retornos importantes contra o Atlético-MG pelo Brasileirão

– Atraso de 4 (quatro) minutos no reinício de jogo devido a tentativa de escoar água parada no gramado de funcionários do EC Juventude – relatou.

Liverpool go marching on in the Premier League, after a thumping 4-1 thrashing at home to the struggling Ipswich Town. A dominant first-half performance from Arne Slot’s side set them on course for victory, and they solidified that in the second half, picking up another three points after a commanding display.

Dominil Szoboszlai opened the scoring early on for the Reds, picking up the ball in the right half-space after a smart pass between the lines from Ibrahima Konate. The Hungarian midfielder shifted the ball on his left foot before firing home into the right-hand corner from outside of the area, to give his side the lead.

It will come as no surprise that Liverpool‘s second came from the boot of Mohamed Salah. He now has an outrageous 40 goals and assists in all competitions this season, with his latest coming from a cross by Cody Gakpo. Salah got on the end of the pass at the back post, took a touch and fired home.

Gakpo got himself on the scoresheet twice, scoring Liverpool’s third just before halftime and then adding a fourth just past the hour mark. A late goal from Jacob Greaves, assisted by new signing Julio Enciso, came too late for Ipswich.

It was a brilliant performance from the Reds, led superbly by Gakpo.

Gakpo’s performance vs. Ipswich

Before the game against Ipswich at Anfield, Gakpo had 12 goals and four assists in 31 games in all competitions for Liverpool. He can now add two goals and an assist to that tally after a stellar performance.

His first goal was fairly simple, a tap-in after the ball was parried away by Tractor Boys goalkeeper Christian Walton. His second showed great centre-forward instinct, getting on the end of a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross and heading home to double his personal tally.

His impressive showing earned Gakpo a 9/10 rating from Liverpool World journalist Will Rooney. The journalist described him as ‘rampant’ against Kieran McKenna’s side, explaining he was met with a standing ovation upon being substituted.

Chalkboard

The Dutchman’s stats from the game, courtesy of Sofascore, highlighted exactly why the Liverpool fans were on their feet for his performance.

He completed 88% of his passes, created one chance and completed two out of three dribbles. It was a brilliant showing, aside from his two goals and assist.

As good as Gakpo played against Ipswich, the same cannot be said for Luis Diaz, who struggled at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Diaz’s stats vs. Ipswich

It was a tough day at the office for Colombian attacker Diaz. Tasked with leading the line against McKenna’s side, the Liverpool number seven did not really have much of an impact on proceedings, despite playing as a centre-forward.

He received a rating of just 6/10 from Rooney, who explained that he was ‘fairly quiet for much of the first half’. Although he explained Diaz did improve after half-time, he simply ‘couldn’t impact things as he’d have liked’.

The stats show that he was fairly quiet against the East Anglian outfit even though his side managed to put four past their opponents. Diaz had 46 touches and won just five out of 15 duels. He lost possession 14 times and failed to have a shot.

Stat

Number

Touches

46

Pass accuracy

81%

Passes completed

26/32

Dribbles completed

4/8

Duels won

5/15

Number of times possession lost

14

Shots

0

With Liverpool supposedly targeting a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, according to Christian Falk, could time be running out for Diaz after performances like this?

They are reportedly considering a move for the Englishman in the summer, but maybe Slot will decide to hurry proceedings up and try and get a deal done this month. Equally, the addition of a new centre-forward to oust Diaz from his false nine berth could also be on the agenda, with an upgrade in that role still seemingly needed.

Regardless, it was a disappointing performance from the Colombian on a day when the rest of his side, particularly Gakpo, performed so well.

Slot, meanwhile, will be especially happy with the Dutchman’s double, as the Reds look to maintain this momentum in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Liverpool now battling to beat Jurgen Klopp in race to sign "powerful" gem

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 25, 2025

Newcastle United will be delighted to take some top form into 2025, but with a crunch Carabao Cup tie and a fight for Premier League prominence taking front and centre, Eddie Howe knows that his side need to raise their game even higher.

While the Magpies will survey the market this month, Howe will want to set his side up for success over the coming years and appears to have identified an up-and-coming striker will the potential to be a superstar.

Could it be a sign that Alexander Isak is ready to take his leave? Fingers crossed that doesn’t happen, eh?

Newcastle chasing new striker

As per a report from Caught Offside on New Year’s Eve, Newcastle are interested in signing Vitor Roque from Barcelona, with the youngster’s move to Camp Nou not really going to plan so far.

He’s now enjoying a short-term stint with La Liga rivals Real Betis, and although the 19-year-old’s performances have improved, he’s still got much to work on before hitting his potential.

Newcastle are set to lose Callum Wilson when his contract expires at the end of the season and need competition for Isak. Roque is considered a high-class striking talent and could even surpass United’s deadly talisman in the coming years.

Why Newcastle should sign Vitor Roque

Barcelona signed Roque in a deal rising to £52m in January 2024. The attacker arrived with a weight of expectation after establishing himself as one of South America’s prized jewels but started only two of 16 matches for La Blaugrana before the summer, bagging two goals.

Results had gone awry, but the Brazilian talent has rebounded across the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Betis, producing a respectable return of six goals and two assists across 23 matches in all competitions, only 14 of which have come from the outset.

Hailed as a “top talent” by football scout Jacek Kulig, Roque had struggled to acclimatise at Barcelona last season but has begun to make eye-catching progress on loan with Betis.

Physically, he’s a monster, blessed with pace and power, but there’s also an intellect and mental determination to the Brazilian’s game, something that will serve him well and is being evidenced currently through his La Liga resurgence.

Of course, he needs to score more, but the underlying data is something to admire. As per FBref, the Roque ranks among the top 14% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shots taken and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, evidencing his physicality, tenacity and ball-carrying.

There’s something worth fighting for there, especially since FBref records him as a similar player to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland of all people. Roque had initial difficulties adapting to Barcelona’s technical style, but this isn’t really his fault, with the youngster bearing the mark of a natural number nine, not the most technical but powerful and with a fierce ball-striking ability.

He could become the striker that Newcastle need to complement and perhaps even replace Isak in the future. Let’s not forget, Roque is only 19 years old and already starting to find his feet in La Liga, notching four goals from 12 starts this term.

A certain Swedish striker once plied his trade in Spain’s top flight, and started his Spanish stint at a similar age and experience level to Roque.

Matches (starts)

15 (12)

37 (14)

Goals (per game)

4 (0.27)

9 (0.25)

Assists

2

1

Shots (on target)*

2.5 (1.2)

1.2 (0.6)

Big chances missed

9

8

Pass completion

72%

73%

Key passes*

0.6

0.4

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Total duels (won)*

2.9 (35%)

1.7 (37%)

Isak was at the end of his teenage years when he first joined Real Sociedad, and it’s curious to see that he wasn’t all that different to the striker, matching his goal-per-game rate – there or thereabouts.

Roque has the mark of a top-level goalscorer, finding space and unleashing strikes with frightening regularity. The problem is that he hasn’t yet sharpened his skills to a fine and accurate point.

That could change with a transfer to Newcastle. Sat behind Isak in the pecking order, he could develop his qualities with a clear pathway to stardom in the Premier League.

Newcastle’s goal machine is perhaps the most coveted forward in Europe right now, and after a seamless transition to life on English shores (injuries notwithstanding), Roque must now follow suit.

Imagine him & Hall: Newcastle in pole position to land "extraordinary" ace

Eddie Howe would be overjoyed to welcome this Newcastle United recruit in through the door.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 2, 2025