Aaronson scored an incredibly classy finish to continue his stellar start of the season.
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Christian Pulisic set a new record for Americans in Europe but Milan's woeful start continues
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India set up a much awaited final against Australia in the 2003 World Cup as it ended the Kenyan dream, brushing aside the minnows in a comprehensive 91-run semi final triumph at Kingsmead, Durban. It was a strong Indian contingent at Durban that held its breath willing away the rain as India scored 271/5 on a wicket that was far from ideal for batting and then dismissed the Kenyans for 179 in 46.2 overs.It was probably not the tough semi-final that the Indian think tank would have liked in the lead up to the big game against the Australians, who are so far unbeaten in this tournament. Sourav Ganguly can however take heart from the fact that the Indian side played strongly as a unit, stuck to the basics and made sure they controlled the flow of play right from the outset.The wide grin on Ganguly’s face when he won the toss was enough indication of the fact that the side winning the toss had an advantage. Quickly electing to bat first, Ganguly’s Indians made sure that they kept the Kenyan opening bowlers at bay.Moisture under the surface and clouds hovering menacingly around the ground meant that conditions did not make for big hitting. Realising this, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag tweaked their style of play. Sehwag left several deliveries alone that he would normally drive at, Tendulkar put his booming drives back in the cup board and the Indian openers put caution ahead of aggression.While the Kenyans did well enough to extract what life they could from the wicket, they still supplied Tendulkar and Sehwag with just enough loose deliveries to keep the run rate from dipping to an alarming low. An opening partnership of 74 ensured that India had the start they wanted. Even the fall of Sehwag (33) did not deter the Indians in undue fashion.Having got a good measure of the wicket, Tendulkar proceeded to milk the bowling, striking the loose balls to the fence, being especially severe on anything short of a length. With the ball not really coming onto the bat, Tendulkar checked his trademark booming drives and concentrated on low risk shots.The fact that he struck just four boundaries and one six in his 83 tells you how hard it was to go after the bowling. When he finally did fall, it was with a century well in his sights, pulling the off-spin off Steve Tikolo straight down the throat of the man on the leg side fence.Ganguly too began in most circumspect fashion. Once he got set however, there were few problems for the Indian captain. The advantage of being able to come down the wicket and loft the ball effortlessly helped Ganguly keep the run rate up at a healthy level.In his unbeaten knock of 111 (114 balls) Ganguly smote five boundaries and five cracking sixes – one of which went clean out of the ground. The spinners and pacemen alike came in for the treatment as the smile re-appeared on Ganguly’s face. The left-hander’s shot selection was spot on, with the exception of one across the line heave to a Collins Obuya googly.That blip apart, Ganguly’s innings was one that flowed well, peaking at the right time. When he walked down the wicket and launched Martin Suji into the stands at long on to reach three figures Ganguly brought up his third century of this World Cup, the 22nd of his career.Mohammad Kaif bustled about for 15 before he was run out and Yuvraj Singh (16) provided the impetus at the end of the innings to take the Indian total on to 270/4.The total was just too much for the Kenyans.With an eye on the clouds and a Duckworth/Lewis print out in his pocket, the Indian skipper urged his troops to get through the overs quickly. It seemed as though the Indians had a clear game plan as they used seam to knock out early wickets and supplemented it with plenty of spin from Harbhajan Singh and part time bowlers to save time.To kick things off the Indian seamers did a great job at the top, removing the first four Kenyan wickets with just 36 runs on the board.Bowling a probing line and length Zaheer Khan trapped Ravindu Shah plumb in front when the opener had scored a painful solitary run off 17 balls.Peter Ongondo, sent in as a pinch hitter hit Ashish Nehra straight to Zaheer Khan fora duck.Kennedy Otieno looked all at sea opening the innings and was struck on the helmet and body more than once as he handled the short stuff very awkwardly. He was finally put out of his misery in the 14th over, caught behind for 15 off a perfectly pitched Javagal Srinath delivery.Thomas Odoyo (7) and Maurice Odumbe (20) also fell as the Indians ran through over after over, reaching the all important 25-over mark with Kenya reeling on 82/5.The rain that was forecast failed to show up, apart from one slight drizzle and India made sure that there were no surprises as they qualified for their first World Cup final since 1983, where they beat the West Indies.Only Steve Tikolo (56) stayed at the wicket long enough to make a sizable score, but his was a case of too little too late. With no one to partner him, Tikolo’s runs bolster his average, but did nothing to change the result of the game.One over off Yuvraj Singh in particular got the Kenyan supporters to their feet as Tikolo smacked two sixes and a boundary in an over that yielded 21 runs.With the bulk of the job done early on however, Ganguly did not want to risk injury to any of his key bowlers and used his part time bowlers generously. While this extended the Kenyan innings to 46.2 overs, it did not get in the way of India registering an easy win.Zaheer Khan with (3/14) and Ashish Nehra (2/11) were the pick of the Indian bowlers.Australia are yet to lose a match this tournament, India have failed just once, against the Aussies. A country of a billion will be hoping that old scores will be settled as India lift the cup at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on the 23rd.
It’s well-known at this point that despite winning back-to-back European Championship titles and reaching a World Cup final in between, England’s Lionesses have a problem at left-back. There’s a real lack of options for Sarina Wiegman in the position and shoehorning players into it hasn’t helped much either – leaving many wondering just what Gabby George has to do to get her chance.
George was superb in that role for Manchester United last season, attracting Wiegman’s attention for England’s final camp of 2024, during which she started in a very experimental XI that beat Switzerland in Sheffield. However, that was her most recent appearance for the Lionesses, with her not making the cut for the squad that went on to retain their European title back in July.
Some players would be frustrated; some would use it as motivation. George, though, doesn’t see a reason to go down either avenue. After all, she’s not short of ambition and drive, and she was “over the moon” for her club-mates and close friends who enjoyed success this summer. “Everyone knows what it means,” she tells GOAL.
Instead, the goal for George is something much bigger. “I’ve lost a lot of time not playing football,” she explains. “My main focus is staying on the pitch, staying fit and enjoying my football. We’ll see where that takes me.”
Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva has been linked with a free transfer to Juventus at the end of the season. The Portuguese international could follow in the footsteps of his former team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, who joined Serie A side Napoli on a free transfer in the summer. However, Silva is keeping his options open, with the possibility of a return to Portugal also on the table, and has yet to make a decision on his future.
Juventus’ interest in Silva
According to , Juventus are exploring a move for the Manchester City star on a free transfer in the summer of 2026. The Bianconeri have reportedly contacted the midfielder’s entourage to discuss the possibility of a switch to Turin, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportSilva's excellent City career
The Portuguese midfielder joined City from Monaco in the summer of 2017. A key figure in Pep Guardiola’s squad, Silva has scored 72 goals and registered 74 assists in 411 appearances. During his time at the club, he played a pivotal role in securing City’s maiden Champions League triumph in 2023 as well as six Premier League titles. Recognising his influence, Guardiola appointed Silva as club captain following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.
Alternative options for SIlva
Juventus are not Silva’s only option, as City are working to tie down their captain with a contract extension. Should they fail to reach an agreement, Portuguese side Benfica are prepared to welcome him back, with the midfielder having come through their academy before his move to Monaco.
Getty Images SportSilva's Napoli challenge
Silva is in no rush to decide his future, as his immediate focus remains on City’s Champions League clash with Napoli later today, with Guardiola's side aiming to secure their second title in the competition.
That first international break of the season always comes at just the wrong time. With teams starting to get into the groove as they switch from pre-season to competitive action, and with the final new signings of the summer arriving on deadline day, that Premier League fans had to wait two weeks to see their teams in action was almost a travesty. Fortunately, that wait is now over.
This was not a blockbuster return to action for England's top-flight, with just 19 goals scored across the 10 matches as eight teams managed to keep clean sheets, but there was still plenty for supporters to get their teeth into as the 2025-26 campaign continues to take shape.
Whether it was the one-sided Manchester derby, Liverpool showing that they didn't trade away their ability to score late goals when they signed Alexander Isak, or both Arsenal and Tottenham bouncing back after defeats with impressive three-goal wins, there was a lot going on, even if goals weren't flowing.
But who came away from this weekend with the biggest smile on their face? And who was left rueing their performance? GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers from matchday four:
Getty ImagesWINNER: Andrea Berta
Given the way Liverpool splashed the cash over the summer, it went a little under the radar just how much Arsenal forked out in Andrea Berta's first window as sporting director. Only five European clubs have ever spent more than the Gunners' £255 million ($345.7m) outlay in a single summer, with eight new faces now available to Mikel Arteta as he looks to end his five-year trophy drought.
And while Arsenal returned to action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday still licking their wounds from their defeat at Anfield before the international break, Saturday's 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium was a perfect illustration of the quality and depth Berta has added to Arteta's squad.
All three goals were scored by summer signings – two for Martin Zubimendi and one for Viktor Gyokeres – while Eberechi Eze marked his full debut with a fine assist. Cristhian Mosquera also stepped into William Saliba's shoes at the heart of defence and looked like he'd been doing it all his life, but the best performer on the day was Noni Madueke, who ran Forest ragged down the right-hand side with an electric showing.
Last season, the thought of Arsenal running out comfortable winners despite Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice all being out of the line up while Martin Odegaard was forced off with a first-half injury would have been almost unthinkable. However, the money spent by the Gunners and the quality added by Berta is already paying dividends.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesLOSER: Milos Kerkez
Ironically, despite Liverpool sitting atop the table with four wins out of four, their own raft of summer signings are – Hugo Ekitike aside – yet to make that much of an impact on Arne Slot's side. Florian Wirtz has shown glimpses of his brilliance without yet unlocking a Premier League defence, while injury has limited Jeremie Frimpong's impact thus far. Alexander Isak, meanwhile, is still waiting for his debut after being left out of the squad for Sunday's trip to Burnley as he works his way up to match fitness.
Perhaps the most concerning performances among Liverpool's new arrivals have, however, come from Milos Kerkez. The former Bournemouth left-back has proven to be rash in some of his displays thus far, and it is clear that opposition managers are targeting the Hungarian, who has replaced Andy Robertson in Slot's first-choice line up.
At Turf Moor, Kerkez wasn't at the races. Burnley posed plenty of threat down their right-hand side during the first half, and Kerkez's frustrations perhaps boiled over when he tried to win a penalty with a blatant dive, only to earn himself a stupid yellow card. He was then a little fortunate to avoid picking up a second booking, and Slot was left with little choice but to replace the full-back after just 37 minutes.
With intense games against Atletico Madrid and Everton to come within the next week, Slot may opt to take Kerkez out of the firing line for the time being as he gets used to life on Merseyside.
Getty Images SportWINNER: Nick Woltemade
Though Isak was nowhere to be seen following his deadline-day move, there were plenty of late-window signings who were able to make instant impacts for their new teams. Xavi Simons marked his Tottenham debut with an assist, Kevin produced a breath-taking cameo for Fulham following his club-record move from Shakhtar Donetsk and Gianluigi Donnarumma immediately showcased his shot-stopping ability for Manchester City.
However, the headline performance from a Premier League debutant came from the man tasked with replacing Isak at Newcastle: Nick Woltemade. Eyebrows were raised at the £69 million ($80m) that the Magpies paid to sign the Stuttgart striker, but he wasted no time in repaying that sum with an excellent all-round display against Wolves that he capped by nodding in the winning goal.
"It was a great moment for Nick," Eddie Howe said post-match. "I was very pleased with how he played today. You saw his qualities, his technical qualities that we've been discussing and his intelligence but most importantly for a striker, when the ball comes into the box, you need to be there and he was. It was a great finish. I'm really pleased for him personally because that just settles him down and relaxes him… I think it's a great start."
AFPLOSER: Alejandro Garnacho
There was one late-window signing who would have liked to made a better first impression, however.
Alejandro Garnacho is the latest big-money forward to arrive at Chelsea in the Boehly-Clearlake era, and he won't be the last. If the Argentina international wants to stick at Stamford Bridge, though, then he is going to need to show better awareness than he did in stoppage time against Brentford on Saturday.
Despite having been given a warning earlier in the game, Garnacho fell asleep at the back post from a long throw, allowing Fabio Carvalho the freedom of the six-yard box to fire home an equaliser for Keith Andrews' side. Given the concerns around Garnacho at Manchester United were largely down to his application rather than his ability, that will be an early concern for Enzo Maresca as he and Garnacho prepare for trips to the Allianz Arena and Old Trafford over the next six days.
Senior players failed to take responsibility. The bowlers were impatient in the second innings. And Sri Lanka gave up a good match position too readily.These were Dimuth Karunaratne’s verdicts following Sri Lanka’s 263-run defeat in Karachi. The visitors had had a first-innings lead of 80, but allowed openers Abid Ali and Shan Masood to put on a mammoth 278-run stand, Pakistan then going on to post 555 for 3 in the second innings. Karunaratne said Sri Lanka’s major failing had been with the new ball. Pakistan scored at a run rate of 4.15 for the first 13 overs of their innings.”In the second innings we gave away something like 50 [49] runs in the first 12 overs,” Karunaratne said. “In that period they got momentum and they just kept batting. When you play Tests you have to keep the pressure on the batsmen and wait for mistakes. But we kept giving runs away. There were boundaries almost every over. That’s why we are the losing team.”We were trying too many things with the ball. That’s why we gave so many runs in that critical period. We were trying to defend, but our bowlers have to be a bit more patient when they play Tests.”Set a target of 476 for victory, Sri Lanka slid to 97 for 5 on day four, with senior batsmen Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis all failing to make as many as 20. Oshada Fernando, playing his fourth Test, was the only batsman to make a century in the second innings.after four Pakistan batsmen had reached triple figures earlier in the game.”In other series seniors did well, but here, we seniors need to take the blame,” Karunaratne said. “As a captain I need to take the blame as well – I couldn’t do anything major in this series either. Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Kusal Mendis weren’t able to do much. They are all experienced players.”In the second innings when we went out to bat, we were under a lot of pressure. We weren’t able to attack the way we wanted to, and their bowling plans were very good. Their lines and lengths were good and they bowled to their fields. They also had pace, and they got the most out of that. But we can’t give excuses as batsmen that they bowled well or the wicket helped them. We need to work out how to play in all sorts of conditions. We didn’t play well in partnerships. We didn’t put up big stands. A lot of us got starts but didn’t convert that into a big score.”The series was an especial disappointment for Mendis, who did not make a significant score across three innings, after having had a modest series against New Zealand in August as well. He was caught in the slips in each of his innings in Pakistan.”Kusal is a good player with a good technique, but he does go through periods where he suddenly dips in form,” Karunaratne said. “And then suddenly he plays well again.”The coaches and batting analysts have a responsibility to find out why that happens, but so does he, because he knows his mindset. Playing one series well and one series badly is tough on your team. If in one team there are two batsmen who fail, that’s a big disadvantage in Test cricket. He needs to go to Sri Lanka and work with coaches and batting analysts. There’s also the high performance centre. He needs to work out his weaknesses, because we saw in this series that he gets out the same way.”
New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca dropped a hint that full-back Ben Chilwell does not fit into his tactics ahead of the 2024/25 season.
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MatériaMais Notícias
da bwin： O técnico Marcos Vizolli, que comanda o São Paulo de maneira interina, comentou para o canal do clube na internet, a sua expectativa para dirigir o Tricolor na reta final do Campeonato Brasileiro. O interino tratou de nçao jogar a toalha pelo título do torneio.
São Paulo conversa com argentino: Listamos 25 técnicos promissores sem clube
– Não podemos esquecer que o campeonato ainda é longo, temos 15 pontos para serem disputados. Temos que pensar no próximo jogo. É importantíssimo, vamos atrás dos três pontos – afirmou.
SIMULE OS PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DO SÃO PAULO NO BRASILEIRÃO
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da dobrowin： Vizolli falou também sobre a relação com o coordenador técnico Muricy Ramalho, que foi tricampeão brasileiro com o São Paulo entre 2006 e 2008. P
– Muricy é fantástico, conheço ele há muito tempo. Quando eu estava na base e ele no profissional, sempre tive a oportunidade de mandar jogadores para ele, de ver jogos para ele. Tenho um conhecimento dele muito grande. Não sou menino para não ouvir os conselhos do Muricy, cara que tem conhecimento do futebol, campeão, sabe de elenco. Está me dando uma retaguarda muito grande do que eu posso fazer, do que eu não posso fazer. Mas sempre com discernimento, muita paz, respeito e muito carinho – finalizou.
Vizolli prepara a equipe para encarar o Ceará, na próxima quarta-feira (10), às 21h, no Morumbi, pela 35ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O Tricolor é o quarto colocado do torneio, com 58 pontos.
🗣 Fala, Vizolli: o interino comenta sobre o desafio de comandar o Tricolor. Revelado nas categorias de base do São Paulo, o ex-volante está em casa.
Confira > https://t.co/Wj71yAU3tz#VamosSãoPaulo 🇾🇪 pic.twitter.com/7UQ36Ju0CE
— São Paulo FC (@SaoPauloFC) February 7, 2021
The trio took 31 wickets between them in the recent Tests against Pakistan
ESPNcricinfo staff16-Jan-2021New Zealand’s pace trio of Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson will all make a return to the Super Smash T20 tournament when Auckland take on the Northern Districts at Eden Park Outer Oval on Sunday.Both teams currently occupy the bottom two positions in the Super Smash table, but will be significantly boosted by the return of New Zealand’s premier fast bowlers to their respective sides, after the trio took 31 wickets between them across two Tests in the recent home series against Pakistan.Southee, a veteran of 189 T20 matches, last played for the Northern Districts in the Super Smash during the 2018-19 final, while Boult most recently featured in the competition back in December 2016.Jamieson, meanwhile, spent the whole of last season with Auckland. Two years ago, Jamieson took 6 for 7 against his current team while playing for Canterbury; those figures are still the best by a New Zealand bowler in T20 cricket. Jamieson will return to the Super Smash in red-hot form, having ended as the leading wicket-taker against Pakistan with 16 dismissals from four innings at an average of 11.68. In the second Test in Christchurch, Jamieson was named the Player of the Match after picking up a five-for in both innings.Southee and Boult will be joined at the Northern Districts by other New Zealand internationals like Tim Seifert, Mitchell Santner and Scott Kuggeleijn, while Auckland have the combined T20 international experience of Martin Guptill, Glenn Phillips and Mark Chapman to call upon.Auckland are yet to register a win in five attempts this season, while Northern District’s lone victory of the campaign came against Central Districts earlier this month.