Freddie Freeman willed the Los Angeles Dodgers to an important victory in Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. In the bottom of the 10th inning with two outs, Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam to win the game 6–3 for Los Angeles.
Freeman, limited by an injured ankle which has required hours of pregame work, lifted his bat knowing he had gotten a hold of the home run. Then, he put a few more steps on his ankle, rounding the bases to get to home.
"That's a dream come true, but that's only one, we got three more," he reminded himself and his team after the game speaking to Fox's Ken Rosenthal. He refused to be a prisoner of the moment, just saying he didn't know where it ranked all-time on his personal list of moments.
It was not his only contribution, Freeman had another hit earlier in the game, a triple off a bobbled ball in the outfield, proving he and the Dodgers medical team have kept the ankle from being a complete limiting factor.
Freeman went on to tell Rosenthal in the postgame interview that he was hoping to time Nestor Cortes's four-seam fastball. The pitch he hit was just one of Cortes's two pitches in the game.
Just before pitching to Freeman, the Yankees intentionally walked Mookie Betts.
Wayne Rooney has sought to bring an end to his supposed feud with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. The Manchester United legend has found himself caught up in a war of words with the Netherlands international, with the pair coming face-to-face during an awkward television exchange after Van Dijk helped Liverpool to a Champions League win over Real Madrid.
Van Dijk's reaction to 'lazy criticism' from Rooney
Ahead of that game, with the Reds having endured a testing run in the 2025-26 campaign, Rooney suggested that Van Dijk is among those to have allowed lofty standards to slip in a Premier League title defence. He is not the only prominent figure at Anfield to fall into that category.
The commanding centre-half is, however, club captain on Merseyside and is expected to lead by example – calling in-house meetings if required in a bid to get to the bottom of why a run of six defeats in seven was allowed to happen.
Van Dijk responded to comments from ex-England captain Rooney by saying: "I didn't hear him last year. It doesn't hurt me. Just to come back to this particular player, obviously a legend, a big player of the game who inspired so many, I can say only positive things but I feel that comment is just I would say it's a bit of a lazy criticism."
AdvertisementAFPLiverpool captain sent out for post-match press duty
Rooney doubled down on his claims, only to then be confronted by Van Dijk after the Dutchman was sent out for post-match press duty with after Liverpool battled to a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in European competition. He said when picking up a microphone next to Rooney, with team gatherings at Anfield being addressed: "It is easy to say now because we won twice in a row that it helped pretty well but in a world of chaos you have to try and stay calm and take perspective of things. In that meeting the time was October, so much football to be played, so many twists and turns that can happen and I think at times the noise was a lot (said with a small smile on his face). I think it is very important to put things in perspective, keep your head down and work and get out the situation because the quality we have, that is not the issue. It is about keep working and keep going."
Rooney responds to awkward exchange with Van Dijk
Rooney looked slightly uncomfortable when being faced with Van Dijk, but told his podcast for : "I thought he was good that night, and I had loads of people say, 'Oh, when he came up to you,' I think fair play to him for coming out. We didn’t know he was coming out. It was meant to be [Dominik] Szoboszlai, I think, to come to the table. But I think fair play to him, he came out and he put his point across.
"Listen, Virgil van Dijk over the last five, four years has been one of, if not, the best centre-backs in the world, and his performances have dipped over the last few weeks.
"I’ve had my opinion on that; he has his own, which you have to respect. But when you’re the Premier League champions, teams are coming for you, and when you don’t win one game, people ask questions. So, when you don’t win four games in a row, of course, there are questions of the captain. I think I said it a few weeks ago on here, what he should be and he will be doing is getting the players together.
"I think he said that he got the players together and took them for a meal or something, trying to bring that chemistry back, and that’s what I was saying he should be doing as a captain, and he’s done that. It certainly seemed to help in the Madrid game. He’s a fantastic player, but he hasn’t started the season great. You want to see good players playing well, and he performed well [against Real Madrid]. So, for him, I’m sure for Liverpool, he hopes that continues."
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AFPLiverpool fixtures: Man City clash next up for the Reds
Rooney added after being asked when it became apparent that Van Dijk would be joining him for an on-air discussion: "When he was there, and I think it's great. No disrespect to Szoboszlai, but I'd rather speak to Van Dijk."
He went on to say: "I think the issue is, when you don't play well and you're not winning games, as Premier League champions, everyone's going to have an opinion. And, of course, when you're not playing well or you're not winning games that opinion, they're going to look at why and give their thoughts why. Liverpool can use this in two different ways: they can let it affect them or they can use it to spur them on.
"You look at Man United over the last few years, the criticism that they've had. I played the game, I was captain of England, captain of Man United. I got criticised for for all kinds. That's part of being a top player. You have to deal with that. You have to accept it at times. Listen, I was unfair with my comments, I'd be the first to hold my hands up. Same way I did with Man United when I had a rant about them and then they won games, and I come back on that. If I was unfair, I'd be fair to hold my hands up."
Rooney maintains that his comments were fair, with it the role of a pundit to offer opinions that may not be universally well received, and he will be an interested observer on Sunday when Van Dijk and Liverpool head to the Etihad Stadium for a heavyweight showdown with old adversaries Manchester City.
LSG’s issues are compounded by the absence of the suspended Digvesh Rathi
Abhimanyu Bose21-May-20253:08
Moody impressed by Sai Sudharsan’s range of strokes
Big picture: Untested middle order a concern for GTGujarat Titans have completed their first major objective of IPL 2025 – to qualify for the playoffs. But it’s still not yet job done in the league stage, as they are still not assured of finishing in the top two. When they reached the finals in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, they did so by topping the league. If they win both their remaining games, they are guaranteed to repeat that feat, and they would want to take the first step towards that goal in a home game against the beleaguered Lucknow Super Giants.GT will be wary of the challenge their opponents can pose, however, with one of their only three defeats this season coming against LSG.Related
LSG's Rathi suspended for one game after Abhishek incident
That game had exposed one possible weakness in GT – what happens when Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler don’t go big? Gill and Sudharsan hit fifties in that game, but departed within the space of seven balls after taking GT to 120 for no loss in 12 overs, and Buttler couldn’t take off. The middle order was called into action for heavier lifting than usual, and they couldn’t build on the platform, and GT finished on just 180 for 6.GT might want to see their middle order tested more before the playoffs, when they will also be without the services of Buttler.Form guideGujarat Titans WWWLW Lucknow Super Giants LLLLWIn the spotlight – Sherfane Rutherford and Ravi BishnoiThis has been Sherfane Rutherford’s best IPL season yet. He has featured more consistently in his previous two stints, and has done well with an average of 38.16 and a strike rate of 159.02. With GT’s top order set to get lighter with Buttler’s departure, there will be more responsibility on him in the playoffs and he would want to gather momentum over the last two league games.Ravi Bishnoi enjoyed a meteoric rise after impressing in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, and became a regular in India’s T20I side after making his debut in 2022. He has suffered a difficult season this time around in the IPL, however, with just nine wickets from 11 games. His average and economy rate of 44.55 and 10.83 respectively in IPL 2025 have comfortably been his worst in any year and he was even dropped in the defeat to Punjab Kings. With fellow legspinner Digvesh Rathi suspended for this game, it is a chance for Bishnoi to put out a reminder of his quality.1:27
‘Chance for LSG to try out some new combinations’
Team news and possible XIIsGT are unlikely to tinker with the side that earned them a 10-wicket win in their last game. A case could be made to rest one of Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, given they already have qualification in the bag and their two premier quicks have played every game of the season, but with a top-two finish still not guaranteed, they may delay that decision until their final league match against Chennai Super Kings.Gujarat Titans (probable XII): 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 B Sai Sudharsan, 3 Jos Buttler (wk), 4 Sherfane Rutherford, 5 M Shahrukh Khan, 6 Rahul Tewatia, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Arshad Khan, 10 R Sai Kishore, 11 Mohammed Siraj, 12 Prasidh Krishna.In a season marred by injuries, LSG will also have to deal with a suspension as they will play this match without Rathi – one of the few bright sparks of their campaign – after he breached the IPL’s Code of Conduct for a third time this season. Left-arm spinners Shahbaz Ahmed and M Siddharth are two potential replacements for the legspinner.Lucknow Super Giants (probable XII): 1 Mitchell Marsh, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 4 Nicholas Pooran, 5 Ayush Badoni, 6 Abdul Samad, 7 Shardul Thakur, 8 Ravi Bishnoi, 9 Akash Deep, 10 Avesh Khan, 11 Shahbaz Ahmed/Manimaran Siddharth, 12 Will O’Rourke.The big questionPitch and conditionsThis year, teams batting first have won four of the five matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with GT chasing 204 in the other game, against Delhi Capitals. Setting a total may be the way to go for whoever wins the toss. The pitch is also set to favour fast bowlers more, with the quicks taking a wicket every 20 balls at the venue this season as compared to spinners striking once every 23 deliveries.Stats and trivia GT comfortably have the best top-order (Nos. 1-3) average in IPL 2025 (61.35), but their middle order (Nos. 4-7) averages the lowest in the league (21.39). But their strike rate (165.65) is better than that of any other middle order. Gill and Sai Sudharsan are only the fifth pair to cross 600 runs for the same team in an IPL season. Overall, GT are the third team to have two players score 600 or more runs in a season, after Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings Rishabh Pant’s struggles could continue as he comes up against Mohammed Siraj. Even though Pant strikes at 185.10 against Siraj in T20s, he has been out to him four times in nine innings.Quotes”The positive thing is the middle order, Sherfane [Rutherford] and Shahrukh [Khan], guys like that, [Rahul] Tewatia, they’ve had good impact in games when they’ve got the opportunity. They just haven’t got a lot of game time over the last few weeks, so we’re trying to give that to them as much as we can through training. It’s very hard to simulate a match but giving them opportunities to bat out on the B ground with no nets up and to feel like it’s a little bit more match intensity at training is something that we’ll try and do over the next week or so.”
“Romario Shepherd, in the death overs, was brilliant. Whatever our bowlers were bowling, he was able to get maximum runs,” Dhoni said
ESPNcricinfo staff03-May-20253:10
Is this CSK’s worst-ever IPL season?
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni has taken the blame for his team not being able to score 35 runs off the last three overs, and 15 off the last over, after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) denied them two points in another thriller at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.Dhoni had walked out to bat in the 17th over to join a well-set Ravindra Jadeja, and though he hit a six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 19th over, he fell lbw to left-arm seamer Yash Dayal in the final over. He left CSK needing 13 off the last three balls. CSK’s Impact Player Shivam Dube swatted his first ball, a beamer, for six, but he couldn’t get the job done. CSK ended up losing by two runs.”Well, I think looking at [that] over, when I went into that with the kind of deliveries and the runs needed, I felt I should have converted maybe a couple of more shots, and that would have eased the pressure,” Dhoni said at the post-match presentation. “So, I would take the blame for it.”Related
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Dayal trumps CSK in last over again to take RCB to the top
After being asked to bat first, RCB posted 213, with Romario Shepherd smashing a 14-ball half-century at the end. Shepherd helped RCB thump 54 runs off the last two overs, and finished with an unbeaten 53 off 14 balls, including six sixes and four fours.”Other than that, I thought they got off to a good start. In between, we pulled it back,” Dhoni said. “But Romario Shepherd, in the death overs, was brilliant. Whatever our bowlers were bowling, he was able to get maximum runs.”Dhoni felt that CSK’s bowlers needed to execute yorkers better to keep the batters in check during the slog overs.”I think we need to practise more yorkers because if you see more often than not, when the batsman starts to connect, then you have to rely on yorkers and [minimise] the margin of error,” Dhoni said. “So, if you’re looking for a perfect yorker, [and] if that doesn’t happen, a low full toss is the next best thing because it’s one of the most difficult balls to hit. I think that’s where we need to improve.”And somebody like a [Matheesha] Pathirana, you know, if the yorkers are not happening, he has pace. He can bowl a bouncer at the same time, [and] keep the batsman guessing. Because, at times, if he’s looking for the yorker, batsmen try to line him up, and if he misses, the batsman has a chance of hitting.”Yash Dayal did it again in the last over against CSK•Getty ImagesKarthik hails Dayal’s ‘outstanding’ effortRCB’s batting coach Dinesh Karthik praised left-arm seamer Dayal for holding his nerve in the final over, and taking RCB across the line. Dayal defended 14 runs with a dew-slicked ball to put RCB on top of the points table.”Well, it’ll take a humongous effort to stop them scoring the runs that were left in the last over. But Yash being Yash, the way he delivered, [it was] outstanding,” Karthik said. “I think it was a very good team effort. Sometimes these kind of games really uplift the mood and we’re very happy with how it transpired today.”Karthik pointed to Dayal’s “work ethic” as something that stood out.”I think he’s right up there with some of the best that are there in India,” he said. “The one thing that you see with the young crop of cricketers is how much they work hard at their cricket behind the scenes. Yash is again someone who’s very diligent. [He] will come to bowling meetings with a paper [and] write down everything. And he’s very, very sure about what he wants to do.”Yes, the execution could be up and down with him at times. But the one thing that you get, not get less from his effort. He always knows what to do. [He] bowls to a plan. And when he’s able to deliver his yorkers, he feels so good about himself. And that’s one of the reasons why we retained him- because he’s got a special skill. And he’s someone who can handle pressure well. Same game, one year ago, he did it for us. And yet again today, he did a nice job for us.”
Michael Owen has raised doubts over England’s ability to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup under Thomas Tuchel, warning that age, declining form, and testing conditions could hinder their chances. The former Liverpool striker expressed concern that several key players, including Harry Kane, may be past their best by next summer, while questioning whether the squad is improving.
England enter new Tuchel era
England have enjoyed a strong run in major tournaments in recent years, reaching two finals and a semi-final since 2018. However, following Gareth Southgate’s departure after Euro 2024, Tuchel has now taken charge. Owen believes that with several players ageing and others struggling for form, England could face a tougher challenge than before.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportOwen warns Tuchel about his ageing Three Lions squad
Speaking to , Owen cautioned: “Star players such as Kane are getting older — he’s not going to be getting any better. While world-class players such as Kyle Walker will no longer be there. Even players like Foden are not at the top of their game compared to what they were a year or two ago. Defensively, I worry too. We used to have a lot of good defenders. Now I’m thinking who’s going to play left-back? Who’s going to play centre-half? John Stones isn’t getting any younger.”
He added: “I think we were probably better a year or two ago. But a lot changes in football. It might turn into a big year for us, but no, I wouldn’t be confident about us winning the World Cup at this stage. We’re knocking on the door – finals, semi-finals – we’re a top footballing nation, but I think other nations may be better suited to the conditions this time.”
England warmed about 'baking hot' conditions
Owen also went on to warn England fans that the conditions in the United States, Mexico and Canada may not be suitable to Three Lions stars: “There’s a lot going against us at the moment. A World Cup in America and Mexico at that time of year is going to be absolutely baking hot. The conditions won’t be to our advantage at all. I’m not sure our team’s getting better at the moment. You could argue it’s slightly getting worse.
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Getty Images SportTuchel working on improving squad ahead of 2026 World Cup
Tuchel’s immediate priority will be ensuring England’s younger core — including Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka — step up to replace ageing stars like Kane and Stones. The German coach is expected to experiment with new tactical setups in upcoming friendlies to build chemistry before qualifying resumes. England’s preparations for 2026 will be closely watched, as fans hope this generation can finally turn promise into a major trophy.
So what if it’s overcast in Dubai? And so what if there’s dew, or a little spice in the deck, or some movement in the air? Whatever this venue throws at India, they have the bowling options to deal with it.So said captain Rohit Sharma, ahead of India’s first match of the Champions Trophy against Bangladesh. This is a venue to which India are well-accustomed, having played nine T20Is here since October 2021. They haven’t played an ODI in Dubai since 2018, but the versatility in their likely XI will put them in a good position to adjust on the fly, according to Rohit.”If it’s going to be overcast, we have the bowling arsenal to combat that,” he said. “If there are overhead conditions helping the bowlers, we have the bowlers to exploit that. And if we bat in those overhead conditions, the batters know exactly what to do.”Among the strengths in this India squad, are the presence of “multi-skilled” cricketers, Rohit said. Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja could potentially all play in the same XI. Without spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out through injury, these are bowlers Rohit may lean on through the course of the tournament.Related
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“Those three guys – Jadeja, Axar, and Washy – give us a different dimension to the game, our combination, and our squad, and add a lot of depth. That is why we tried to get players who have two skills rather than one.”One of India’s pure bowling options, however, is wristspinner Varun Chakravarthy. He’s played only one ODI so far, but has an impressive List A record, having claimed 60 wickets from 24 matches at a spectacular average of 14.80. He is a player who deals in subterfuge, Rohit said.”He doesn’t bowl too many variations to us in the nets. He bowls just one type of delivery. Maybe, he doesn’t want to show his variations even to us. But that is a good thing. He has got certain weapons which he wants to just put it out there, when it actually matters. I am more than happy if he wants to do that.”But, he has got something different which is why he is here with us. He has been impressive in the last eight to nine months. That is why we wanted to bring him here and see what he has and what he can do for India on the big stage.”Another player who Rohit will look to, is Mohammad Shami, who only returned to international cricket late last month, after undergoing ankle surgery in early 2024. He only bowled 15.5 overs across the two ODIs he played against England, claiming a wicket in each outing. With Bumrah out, Shami’s form may be especially important to India’s chances.”All we wanted with Shami was to get back to wearing India colours more than anything else. Whether he gets wickets or not was completely immaterial to us [in the England series].”When you talk about a bowler like Shami, who has done the job over the years so many times for us – for them it’s just about getting back into rhythm. Hopefully he can find some rhythm early on in this tournament.”
Crystal Palace are now targeting a “clinical” Premier League forward as a replacement for Eberechi Eze, amid continued interest from Tottenham.
Eze tells Palace to let him join Tottenham
The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now revealed that Eze has informed Palace of his desire to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with the move still expected to go through, despite the 27-year-old starting against Chelsea at the weekend.
Consequently, the Eagles will now be tasked with bringing in a replacement for the England international, and Ornstein names Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss and Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis as two potential options.
However, a deal for El Khannouss could be difficult to orchestrate, as the Moroccan’s release clause has now expired, and Leicester will be tough negotiators, while journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed Brugge are extremely reluctant to sell Tzolis.
As such, Crystal Palace may be forced to move on to alternative targets, and they are now eyeing Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Hwang Hee-chan as a direct replacement for Eze, with Tottenham recently submitting a bid for the Englishman.
That is according to Lianos on X, who also states the Eagles are weighing up the possibility of bringing in the Wolves forward on a loan deal.
The interest in Tzolis and El Khannouss remains, but Brugge are playing hardball over the former, having already rejected a £26m offer.
"Elite" player tells his club to accept Crystal Palace bid
Crystal Palace have shopping left to do in the market and find themselves pressing ahead.
BySean Markus Clifford Aug 18, 2025 "Clinical" Hwang could reignite career at Selhurst Park
The 2024-25 campaign wasn’t the South Korean’s best by any stretch, chipping in with just two goals in the Premier League, however, the forward has previously proven himself as a reliable goalscorer in the top flight.
Most notably, the 29-year-old chipped in with an impressive 12 goals and three assists for the Old Gold in the 2023-24 campaign, during which time he was lauded as “clinical” by journalist Alex Richards.
Hee-chan Hwang.
As such, if the Wolves ace, who is known to pocket £70k-a-week, were able to get back to those levels, he could be a solid signing for Palace, although there are doubts over whether the South Korea international should be brought in as a direct replacement for Eze.
Hwang has most commonly featured as a centre-forward throughout his career to date, and Palace need to bring in a player who specialises in attacking midfield, so El Khannouss, who has two assists in two Championship games this season, should be their top target.
تحدث خالد جلال، المدير الفني السابق لنادي الزمالك، عن مباراة القمة المرتقبة بين الأهلي والفارس الأبيض، مؤكدًا أن مواجهات القمة تظل دائمًا خارج نطاق التوقعات، مشيرًا إلى أبرز نقاط القوة والضعف في صفوف الفريقين.
وقال خالد جلال، في تصريحات عبر راديو “أون سبورت إف إم”: “كما اعتدنا ونكرر دائمًا، فإن مواجهات القمة بين الأهلي والزمالك، لا تخضع للتوقعات أو التنبؤات، حتى لو كان أحد الفريقين يمر بمرحلة غير جيدة، هذه المباراة تحديدًا لها ظروف خاصة وأجواء مختلفة تجعلها صعبة من واقع موقف الناديين”.
وتابع: “موقف الزمالك أنه كان يسير بصورة جيدة جدًا، وكما اعتدنا من الزمالك تحدث له بعض الإخفاقات الغريبة والعجيبة التي تغضب الجماهير، مباراة الجونة الأخيرة مثلًا كانت تسير بشكل طبيعي والزمالك كان في طريقه لحصد ثلاث نقاط تمنحه دفعة معنوية كبيرة قبل لقاء الأهلي، لكن دخل مرماه هدف غريب بعض الشيء”.
وأضاف: “أنا فقط أعاتب قليلًا المدرب يانيك فيريرا، وهو مدرب جيد وطموح ومميز جدًا، لكنه أحيانًا يغامر بشدة، ففي خط الوسط أخرج دونجا وأشرك أحمد حمدي، وهو لاعب جيد جدًا لكن قادم من بعيد، ومع وجود ناصر ماهر وعبد الله السعيد أصبح هناك ضغط كبير على قلب الملعب، مما فتحه بشكل زائد، وهذه نقطة يجب الانتباه إليها”.
وأشار: “الأهلي من جانبه أراح بعض اللاعبين كما فعل الزمالك، فمثلًا من المتوقع أن يبدأ الشناوي اللقاء، بينما الزمالك أراح بنتايج وخوان بيزيرا، الأهلي أيضًا منح فرصة لمصطفى شوبير وهو حارس مميز، لكن هذه المرة قد يبدأ بمحمد الشناوي، ومعه محمد هاني، ياسين مرعي، ياسر إبراهيم، وثلاثي الوسط في حال عودة محمد بن رمضان سيكون معه ديانج ومروان عطية، بينما قد يبدأ الهجوم بالشحات وتريزيجيه وجراديشار، أما محمد شريف فبعيد تمامًا عن مستواه”.
طالع أيضًا | حازم إمام: الأهلي يعاني من شيئين قبل مواجهة الزمالك.. والنحاس “خائف”
وشدد: “رغم أن الأهلي تعاقد مع صفقات قوية، إلا أنه ما زال يعاني من مشكلتين أساسيتين: مركز الظهير الأيمن ومركز رأس الحربة، وهما ليسا على المستوى المطلوب، الأهلي يحتاج إلى تدعيم هذين المركزين بشكل سريع ومباشر، كما أن هناك مشكلة أخرى في مركز الظهير الأيسر، حيث يلعب مصطفى العش أحيانًا في هذا المركز وهو بالأساس مدافع قلب، وبالتالي قد يظهر بشكل جيد أو سيئ، وهذه نقطة ضعف يمكن أن يستغلها الزمالك، بشرط أن يقوم عمر جابر بدور هجومي بجانب خوان بيزيرا لاختراق هذه الجبهة”.
واستطرد: “الأهلي يعتمد كثيرًا على الأطراف، ولديه لاعبين مميزين جدًا مثل تريزيجيه، حسين الشحات، وبن شرقي، لكن لا أعتقد أنه سيغامر بـ زيزو أساسيًا، وربما يتواجد على دكة البدلاء ليكون ورقة رابحة ومفيدة جدًا، وأود أن أشير هنا إلى أن زيزو منذ انتقاله إلى الأهلي لا يلعب في مركزه الطبيعي، إذ يُوظف في مركز 10 أو 8، وهذا يقلل من إنتاجيته التي لا تتجاوز 70%، لو لعب زيزو في مكانه الطبيعي لقدم مردودًا أكبر بكثير”.
وشدد: “ذكرت نقطة الضعف في الأهلي من الناحية اليسرى، لكن حتى محمد هاني في الجبهة اليمنى خلال المباراة الأخيرة أمام حرس الحدود كان واضحًا عليه الإرهاق الشديد، لأنه من اللاعبين الذين يشاركون باستمرار دون راحة”.
وأردف: “أما نقاط القوة في الزمالك فهي في خط الوسط بقيادة عبد الله السعيد، دونجا، وناصر ماهر، هؤلاء هم ميزان الفريق الذي يعتمد عليهم المدرب للسيطرة على وسط الملعب، عبد الله السعيد يقدم مثالًا رائعًا للاعب الذي يعمل على تطوير نفسه، فهو يلعب 90 دقيقة كاملة بروح عالية وإصرار كبير”.
وأكد: “أرى أن بدلاء الأهلي أفضل قليلًا من بدلاء الزمالك، الأخير يملك ناصر منسي وربما أحمد حمدي كورقة إضافية، لكن بشكل عام خيارات الزمالك محدودة، في المقابل، يمتلك الأهلي أوراقًا هجومية أوفر، مثل بن شرقي الذي يمكن أن يشارك كورقة بديلة مؤثرة إذا لم يبدأ أساسيًا”.
واختتم: “الفريقان يعتمدان على الاستحواذ والضغط العالي منذ البداية، وهذا ما يجعلنا نتوقع مباراة قوية ومثيرة، وإن شاء الله نشاهد مواجهة جميلة”.
A Série B do Brasileirão começa nesta sexta-feira, 14 de abril, com os holofotes voltados para os jogadores, mas também para as telinhas. Após o término de um ciclo comercial em 2022, o torneio terá uma série de mudanças nas transmissões. Abaixo, o LANCE! explica a nova divisão dos direitos da segunda divisão do futebol brasileiro.
Onde assistir aos jogos da Série B do Brasileirão?
TV aberta – Band TV fechada – Sportv Pay-per-view – Premiere Streaming – Site da Band, Globoplay e Dale
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+ Clubes da Série A somam mais de 130 patrocinadores no início do Brasileirão 2023; veja raio-X
Onde assistir à Série B na TV aberta?
Após décadas na Globo, a Série B do Brasileirão será transmitida pela Band na TV aberta. A emissora chegou a um acordo com a Brax Sports Assets, detentora dos direitos, e será responsável por exibir as partidas da competição até o fim de 2024.
Com contrato de exclusividade na TV aberta, a Band transmitirá quatro partidas por rodada, sendo duas em rede nacional para todo o Brasil e outras duas de forma regionalizada. Ao todo, serão 152 jogos por temporada, com preferência para confrontos nas tardes de sábado e domingo.
+ Tabela da Série B do Brasileirão: veja classificação e calendário de jogos
Vale destacar que o acordo marca o retorno da Série B para as telas da Band após dez anos. Detentora principal dos direitos do torneio entre 2006 e 2022, a Globo sublicenciou parte dos direitos para a emissora paulista nas temporadas 2012 e 2013.
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Onde assistir à Série B na TV fechada e na internet?
Além da TV aberta, a Brax vendeu pacotes para a TV fechada e para o pay-per-view. Detentor dos direitos no último ciclo, o Grupo Globo assegurou a manutenção da Série B em ambas as mídias: o Sportv exibirá jogos na TV fechada e o Premiere no PPV.
Os torcedores também terão a opção de assistir às partidas da Série B pela internet. Os jogos com transmissão da Band serão exibidos no site da emissora, enquanto as transmissões de Sportv e Premiere poderão ser acessadas pela plataforma de streaming Globoplay. A Brax também fechou parceria com a plataforma Dale, que poderá transmitir dois jogos por rodada.
+ Brasileirão 2023: veja o ranking de elencos mais valiosos da Série A
Como foi a venda de direitos da Série B?
No ciclo 2018-2022, a Globo era detentora exclusiva de todos os direitos de transmissão da Série B, mas não teve o contrato renovado para o período entre 2023-2026. No início de março, a CBF confirmou a venda de todos os direitos da competição para a Brax Sports Assets até 2026, por R$ 210 milhões anuais. A empresa adquiriu direitos nos sinais aberto, fechado e internacional, além do pay-per-view e streaming, e vendeu pacotes separados aos veículos interessados.
A Band, parceira da Brax na transmissão do Campeonato Carioca, garantiu os direitos exclusivos na TV aberta. De forma paralela, a Brax negociou pacotes de outras mídias e chegou a avançar nas negociações com a ESPN pelos direitos da TV fechada. No fim das contas, o Grupo Globo aumentou a oferta, venceu a concorrência e garantiu os pacotes fora da TV aberta.
Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano and the whole gang of transfer reporters. While there is a long way to go, the chances of adding the Sweden star to Arne Slot’s ranks has become a more realistic thought.
With Newcastle pushing to sign Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, another top target at Anfield, we’re likely set for an interesting saga that could see the stars head in a number of different directions, if they move at all.
Whether Liverpool sign Ekitike or Isak this summer (if either of them, of course), remains to be seen at this stage, but there’s little question that Slot’s system would improve with such a frontman bagged to replace Darwin Nunez, who has been heavily linked with a move away, Napoli and Al Hilal both keen.
Ekitike and Isak
However, with Florian Wirtz already signed for a British-record £116m fee, a sale to go along with that of Nunez could help offset any financial imbalances.
And Luis Diaz fits the bill in that regard, with suitors hungry to secure the winger’s signature.
Why Liverpool could sell Luis Diaz
Liverpool owe much to Diaz’s performances over the past year, the versatile forward posting 17 goals and eight assists across all competitions, sometimes filling in at number nine as Nunez toiled.
Liverpool’s stance is that they will not be selling their Colombian forward, but then this is the same with Newcastle’s stance toward Isak’s future. Food for thought.
After seeing an opening bid reject, Bayern Munich, Sky Germany report, are planning to return with an improved offer for Diaz, who wants to leave Anfield, and if this falls into a ballpark Liverpool consider acceptable, things may well start to gather apace.
Diaz is a valued member of Liverpool’s squad, crucial in the Premier League triumph. However, aged 28 and with two years left on his deal, cashing in for the right place wouldn’t be the most egregious course of action for Hughes to take.
Luis Diaz
Indeed, given FSG’s position that they will only sell on their financial terms, the means to redirect the transfer cannon toward another marquee move for Slot might come to fruition.
Liverpool showing strong interest in superstar replacement
As per reports from Spain, Liverpool are showing ‘strong’ interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, who might leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after falling down the pecking order in Xabi Alonso’s fledgling system.
Arsenal are also keen on the Brazil international and are probably considered favourites at this stage, having been reported to be leading the race earlier this month.
Valued at £78m, the 24-year-old Rodrygo’s signature would be a hard one to attain, but if Liverpool sell Diaz, they might just find the stars align for a staggering signing.
What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool
Rodrygo might be coming off the back of a campaign that has left plenty to be desired, but he’s also one of the most talented wide forwards in the business, with his former teammate Luka Modric even calling him a “world-class superstar”.
Rodrygo stats
However, Rodrygo longs for a role on the left, something that is proving impossible with Real Madrid, for Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe both have priority in that regard.
With Los Blancos open to the player’s sale this summer, the chances of his switch to the Premier League grow stronger and stronger, and Liverpool must ensure it is they who win the race, should Diaz go.
Indeed, the £207k-per-week talent actually scored six goals and laid on six assists when playing on the left flank last season, even though he only made 12 of his 54 appearances from the position.
This makes the interesting comment that Rodrygo, four years Diaz’s junior, could actually prove to be an upgrade on a man who played so vital a part in Liverpool’s celebrations this year.
Matches (starts)
30 (22)
36 (28)
Goals
6
13
Assists
5
5
Shots (on target)*
1.8 (0.7)
2.0 (0.8)
Big chances missed
1
11
Pass completion
91%
86%
Big chances created
5
8
Key passes*
1.6
1.6
Dribbles*
1.6
1.5
Tackles + interceptions*
1.1
1.3
Duels won*
3.8
3.8
The data above gives you an illustration of the calibre of forward that Rodrygo. Indeed, in spite of spending the lion’s share of the 2024/25 La Liga season out of position, he’s still managed to maintain a level to be admired.
Just imagine how high he could rise under Slot’s wing on the left flank of a super-charged Liverpool frontline.
Furthermore, Liverpool need not fret over losing some of their big-game firepower. Rodrygo is one for the grand stage, with his record in the Champions League quite the thing.
Diaz is defined by more than his winged feet and electric movements. The Colombia international is clever, intuitive, crisp. His passing, in particular, aligns with the measured take Slot has on build-up play, knowing when to be creative and when to promote steady progression.
All good stuff, but Real’s wantaway forward does it better. As per FBref, the Brazilian ranked among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion and the top 12% for passes attempted per 90.
With Rodrygo playing a role of greater importance, entrusted by Slot to grow into the ‘superstar’ he has already been touted as, there’s every chance that Diaz’s prospective departure this summer could come to be a positive thing.
He’s been a wonderful part of Liverpool’s latest chapter, but Diaz could fetch a pretty penny this summer, and if that is redirected toward Rodrygo, who’s to say that the Premier League champions would be worse off?
Wirtz's dream CF: Hughes in talks to sign £63m "monster" for Liverpool
Isak and Ekitike aren’t the only high-level strikers Liverpool have their eye on.