Tag Futebol

England captain Heather Knight struck a perfectly-paced half-century to guide Western Storm into the Women’s Super League final with a five-wicket victory over Loughborough Lightning

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Aug-2016
ScorecardHeather Knight’s fifty guided the chase•Getty ImagesEngland captain Heather Knight struck a perfectly-paced half-century to guide Western Storm into the Women’s Super League final with a five-wicket victory over Loughborough Lightning.Knight’s 43-ball 52 took Storm to the brink of victory before she fell with the scores level in the final over leaving Georgia Hennessy to hit the winning boundary with three balls to spare.Ellyse Perry’s 64 off 48 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes, took Lightning to 124 for 7. Stafanie Taylor had struck two early blows to put them on the back foot before Perry and Sophie Devine added 58 although the run rate never got away from Storm.Anya Shrubsole bowled her four overs for 17 while Jodie Dibble went for just 20 in her spell. Two run outs by Sophie Luff, to remove Amy Jones and Evelyn Jones, meant Lightning slipped from 80 for 2 to 99 for 6 just as they were aiming to press the accelerator.However, the last over of the innings from Taylor cost 20 as Thea Brookes hit two boundaries before Perry closed the innings with a four and a six.Dane van Niekerk struck early in the chase, bowling Rachel Priest, and initially Knight and Taylor were kept quite as Storm reached 36 for 1 after eight overs. Then, however, 14 runs came off Rebecca Grundy’s second over and the Storm were away.Van Niekerk struck again to remove Taylor, breaking a second-wicket stand of 57, but the chase remained under control with Knight and Fran Wilson. Knight brought up her fifty off 39 balls as the target neared and although a few late wickets increased the tension a little there was no late twist.

Tottenham are "progressing" in talks with sporting director Joahnnes Spors and are also "discussing terms" with the club chief, according to reports.

Who could replace Paratici at Spurs?

Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy have plenty of work to do behind-the-scenes, with their search for a new permanent manager taking centre stage in particular.

Tottenham parted ways with former boss Antonio Conte nearly two months ago, yet after all this time, they're scarcely closer to making an official appointment.

Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, who arguably stands out as one of Europe's most exciting managers and is readily-available, is also out of the running for the Spurs job according to various reports.

Alongside their hunt for a new boss, Levy is said to be very keen on appointing a new sporting director to replace Paratici, with Benfica talent-spotter Rui Pedro Braz among the names under consideration.

The latter man is joined by the likes of Brenford director Lee Dykes, who has reportedly impressed Levy, alongside another name in Spors.

He currently operates as 777 Partners' Global Sporting Director, where Spors represents a plethora of clubs under their remit.

Indeed, the 40-year-old works for Genoa, Standard Liege, Red Star FC, Vasco da Gama and Melbourne, with Spurs apparently taking note of his exploits.

It is reported by Football Insider that talks have been held with Spors and are "progressing" behind-closed-doors.

The north Londoners are even said to "discussing terms" with him at this stage, coming after reports that certain managerial candidates like Luis Enrique have enquired over the club's structure.

The importance of a new director

As previously stated, the hiring of a new club chief to succeed Paratici could be crucial, as past managerial target Nagelsmann even apparently asked about that issue in an interview for the Spurs job (90min).

In terms of Spors, he could be an intriguing choice for Spurs.

The club chief began his career producing video analysis for Hoffenheim, and then went onto key scouting roles at other Bundesliga clubs like RB Leipzig and Hamburg.

His experience in scouting could feed into player recruitment and benefit Spurs in that regard, so it will be interesting to see if they opt to appoint him.

Aston Villa have been one of the more impressive Premier League sides this season since the arrival of Unai Emery earlier in the season, but three huge games now lie ahead of them in their European push.

Emery has shown his strengths as one of the top managers in Europe, however, the previous two games for the Midlands club have put a dent in their hopes of landing a spot inside the top seven as they target European qualification.

Defeat against Manchester United will have been hard to take but following up that by losing to their local rivals, Wolverhampton Wanderers, will have been a real sucker punch.

Brighton & Hove Albion sit above Emery's men in the table and hold a number of games in hand over Villa. With Roberto De Zerbi's men potentially set to pull away from Villa in the European push, the upcoming game against Tottenham Hotspur will feel even more important.

European football will not have been on the radar at the beginning of the season, but Villa now have a real chance at giving their fans something to look forward to over the summer.

Here's how we think the Villains will fare in their remaining fixtures…

Aston Villa fixtures 13 May: Tottenham (h) 20 May: Liverpool (a) 28 May: Brighton (h) Aston Villa v Tottenham

Much like the Manchester United meeting, this game is another that will be a good gauge of where Villa are at heading into next season. Tottenham are still battling for a spot in Europe themselves, however, they have shown a lot of flaws over recent months and will likely offer Villa chances in front of goal.

Villa Park could be in great voice for what will be a key game in terms of their European destiny. And with the Midlands club picking up a brilliant 2-0 win in north London on New Year's Day thanks to Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Luiz strikes, the points will be there for the taking.

Spurs will go into the game on the back of a victory, however, they have shown over the last few months that they are not a side Villa should be afraid of.

There could be plenty hinging on the result, however, and this may make for a great game, if not a great result.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham

Liverpool v Aston Villa

Villa's final away match of 2022/23 is a trip to Liverpool in mid-May. The Reds have been below-par all season long, but they have been able to get their season back on track with Jurgen Klopp's men still pushing for what would be a surprise top four finish.

The Anfield faithful will want to end their home campaign in style, so a repeat of Villa's 3-1 defeat to Merseysiders at Villa Park on Boxing Day, or a similar scoreline, could be on the cards as the Reds chase their own late-season glory.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa

Aston Villa v Brighton

It all ends with a home clash with an impressive Brighton side on 28th May, as another gruelling season reaches its conclusion. While more recent campaigns have seen Villa playing for nothing on the final day, this one could be very different.

The hope is that they have continued this current good run and taken it through May, at which point they and the Seagulls could be directly vying for a European spot at Villa Park. De Zerbi's side have been highly impressive in 2022/23, so the campaign will likely end with a big test.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-2 Brighton

Predicted run-in points: 4/9 Predicted total points: 58

Leeds United may lose forward Wilfried Gnonto in the summer if they are relegated from the Premier League this season, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

What's the latest news involving Wilfried Gnonto?

As per Football Insider, Leeds United 'will likely be forced to sell' Gnonto if they fall into the Sky Bet Championship and could demand a fee of £40 million in order to sanction his departure.

The report states that there is interest in the 19-year-old from several Premier League clubs while Serie A sides are also alerted to his situation due to his impressive performances for the Italy national team.

Since the arrival of Javi Gracia in Yorkshire, Gnonto has found game-time hard to come by as Leeds United try to salvage their top-flight status (via Transfermarkt).

Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are among those who hold an attraction towards the Whites' forward heading into the forthcoming transfer window.

The £20k-per-week winger has enjoyed a commendable debut campaign in English football, scoring four times and laying on three assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist O'Rourke thinks that Gnonto would look to seek a new challenge if Leeds United suffer relegation.

O'Rourke told FFC: "I think if Leeds were to go down, there will definitely be interest from Premier League clubs and also clubs in Italy I think for Willy Gnonto. I'm sure the player himself wouldn't be too keen on playing in the Championship and would want to continue playing at the highest level possible."

Will Leeds United be able to keep hold of Wilfried Gnonto?

If Leeds manage to stay up, it will be a natural boost in their hopes of keeping the Italian at Elland Road. On the other hand, if they are to get relegated to the Sky Bet Championship, their chances of being able to keep hold of the Italian forward would significantly diminish.

The 19-year-old has been a key offensive threat for the Whites this term and has managed to successfully perform 41 shot-creating actions in 19 Premier League outings, as shown on FBRef.

Of course, Gnonto is still in the infancy of his career and has room to develop further as a player; however, his low centre of gravity, speed and ability to drive at the opposition's backline make him a force to be reckoned with when on form.

For now, at least, all focus at Leeds will be on trying to guarantee their place in the English top-flight next term, before then dealing with the incomings and outgoings that will lie ahead in the summer transfer window.

But the prospect of losing one of their top talents in the summer will provide Leeds fans with a lot of concern ahead of their final five games.

تحدث أيمن الرمادي المدير الفني لفريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، عن المواجهة القادمة أمام نظيره الأهلي، المقرر لها مساء غد الإثنين، التي ستجمعهما ببطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع سيراميكا كليوباترا، في مستهل مباريات كأس السوبر المصري، على أرضية استاد محمد بن زايد بالإمارات. وقال الرمادي في تصريحات خلال المؤتمر الصحفي قبل المباراة: “شيء مُشرف هذا التنظيم الرائع والعمل المحترف، لمسنا هنا احترافية كبيرة جدًا، وهذا ليس غريبًا على الإمارات”.

طالع أيضاً.. كولر: سنحتاج لمجهود كبير حتى نتخطى سراميكا كليوباترا.. ولاعب الأهلي حظه سيء جدًا

وتابع: “هذه البطولة بالنسبة لنا هي أول بطولة خارجية لسيراميكا، فريق حديث العهد بالدوري وفي خلال سنوات وصل لهذه البطولة العملاقة، بالتأكيد نريد أن نُظهر قدرات غير عادية”.

وأكمل: “العمل المحترف في سيراميكا جعلنا لا نشعر إلا أننا متواجدون في ناد محترف، أشكر الإدارة على صناعة أجواء احترافية، من الصعوبة أن تجد فريقًا يصل لهذه البطولة إلا من خلال عمل متميز”.

واستكمل: “البطولة هامة بالنسبة لنا، عرضنا بضاعتنا في مصر ولاقت استحسان الجميع، الكثير يقول إن سيراميكا يلعب بشكل جيد جدًا، وعلينا أن نثبت ذلك خارجيًا في الإمارات، نتمنى أن تخرج المباراة بالشكل اللائق، وأشكر اللاعبين على تفانيهم في العمل خلال الفترة الماضية وأمامهم مستقبل كبير يبدأ من هذه البطولة”.

وأضاف: “أخذنا في اعتبارنا عدم اللعب لمدة 10 أيام، هذا قد يؤثر على رتم الفريق، لكن اللاعبين لديهم خبرة ليظهروا أداء فنيًا متميزًا”.

وعن أحمد القندوسي قال: “جاهز لكن فضلنا أن يرتاح أكثر من أجل الاطمئنان عليه، لو كان سيشارك فهو جاهز، حتى الآن لا أعلم من سيلعب في التشكيل غدًا”.

وأردف: “تاريخ الأندية المصرية سواء أهلي أو زمالك لا ينكره إلا من لديه قصر نظر، تاريخهما ممتد من عراقة وحضارة مصر، ورأينا أن النادي صاحب التاريخ يفرق، نحن نحترم تاريخ الأهلي مثل كل الأندية، واحترامنا لتاريخه يحتم علينا أن نحترم أنفسنا ونعمل بجدية، ليس معنى احترامنا لأي ناد أن نشعر بأن هناك فوارق، الفوارق متناهية الصغر لأن فريقنا كبير جدًا، الأمر يتوقف على يوم المباراة”.

واستطرد: “لا نستطيع أن نحكم فنيًا من أجهز، هل من لعب مباريات متلاحقة أم الذي أخذ راحة، كل واحد منهم له مميزات وعيوب، المهم إننا نحاول نتلاشى هذه العيوب ونؤكد على إيجابيتها”.

وأكد: “نسينا مباراتنا مع الأهلي في الدوري، رغم أننا كنا أفضل كثيرًا في أوقات من اللقاء، لكن هذه البطولة مختلفة، الكل يعلم أن الأهلي يكون قويًا في البطولات المجمعة”.

وأوضح: “الأهلي مثله مثل الزمالك وسيراميكا وبيراميدز، عنده من الكوادر واللاعبين الذين يلعبون بدون استنزاف، الموضوع ليس استنزافًا مثلما يصور البعض الأهلي الآن، الأهلي كفريق لا أعتقد أنه سيتأثر لدرجة الاستنزاف”.

وأفاد: “بالنسبة لنا جلسنا فترة لم نلعب وأخذنا راحة، لكن الأهلي الرتم عنده عالي لأنه لعب مباريات كثيرة، بالتالي هي حظوظ متساوية”.

وتطرق للحديث: “المباراة هي دعاية للكرة المصرية والدوري المصري، أعتقد أننا جئنا وهدفنا الأول حصد اللقب مثل باقي الفرق، التباري والتوفيق وعدمه حساباته كثيرة، فريقنا محترم وأتمنى أن يُحالفنا التوفيق”.

وعن أحمد صديق، قال: “لديه إصابة وهناك احتمال أن يغيب، ولا يوجد لاعب آخر مصاب”.

وأتم: “أول مرة أكون محظوظًا في اللاعبين، طوال عمري أبني فريقًا من البداية، أول مرة أتعامل مع شخصية محترفة مثل محمد إبراهيم وقندوسي وباقي اللاعبين، هؤلاء اللاعبون مثلما يستفيدون مني أستفيد منهم ومن قوة شخصيتهم، نأمل أن نبني جمهورًا بأداء متميز، نحن ناد لا يمتلك جمهور ولكن أزعم أننا الفريق الأكثر إصرارًا في كل الأوقات، وأريد أن أشكر اللاعبين بغض النظر عن البطولة، فريق سيراميكا سيذهب بعيدًا في المستقبل بمجهود 10% فقط مني، نحن من أفضل 3 فرق في مصر”.

Barcelona could be handed a major injury boost as defender Ronald Araujo could return for their El Clasico clash in the Copa del Rey.

What's the latest on Araujo's injury?

The Uruguayan sat out his country's games in the international break following an injury to his adductor, and is likely to miss Barcelona's trip to Elche in La Liga.

With Elche rooted at the bottom of the table and Barcelona 12 points clear at the top, Xavi may not be too eager to rush Araujo back, but he will be relieved that the 24-year-old is likely return for El Clasico.

Barcelona face their bitter rivals in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-finals, having brought home a 1-0 lead from the Santiago Bernabeu, and they will go into this mouthwatering clash knowing that one of their key players is set to feature.

Journalist Adria Albets shared the news on Twitter, claiming that Araujo will be back for the Madrid game, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit in time for the Elche clash.

"Araujo jumps to train with the group before the match against Elche. We'll see if he's discharged. [He] will reach 100% against Madrid," he tweeted.

How important is Araujo to Barcelona?

The £120k-per-week defender is capable of playing at centre-back and right-back, and has been a standout performer in recent seasons.

Xavi even claimed that Araujo was "one of the best defenders in the world," and given Barcelona's exceptional defensive record this season, it is easy to see why.

The Blaugrana have conceded just nine goals all season in La Liga, and whilst Araujo has started in just 13 league games as a result of injuries, the side have conceded just four times with him on the pitch.

He has proven valuable in the opposition box over the years, scoring seven times in 104 Barcelona appearances, while ranking in the top 10% of centre-backs at this level over the past year for shots and attacking penalty area touches. At over six feet tall, his physical presence at both ends of the pitch can be useful.

His physicality, combined with smart decision-making, makes him a colossal defender, and his absence amid Barcelona's group stage exit in the Champions League was clearly noticeable. At just 24, he is well on his way into establishing himself as one of the finest defenders in European football, and his return is a massive boost for Xavi's side.

Leeds United defender Junior Firpo is being tracked by multiple clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports in the last 24 hours.

The Lowdown: Price tag named

The Whites left-back first made the move to the Premier League from Barcelona in July 2021 but has had a mixed start to life at Elland Road, having failed to find a consistent run of form.

However, the arrival of Javi Gracia may have been exactly what the Dominican-born star needed having started the last five top-flight games, becoming the boss’ favoured choice over Pascal Struijk.

Despite the Yorkshire outfit’s starlet fighting his way back into the side, Inter Live have claimed that he’s keen to join a team who are competing in a European competition, with the club willing to sanction his sale for just £9m should they get relegated, a hefty loss on the £13m he cost the club.

If that is the case, it doesn’t sound like he will be short of potential suitors…

The Latest: Firpo set to leave?

According to Football Insider, Firpo is ‘wanted’ by several unnamed clubs in Spain as they weigh up whether to make an approach later in the summer.

La Liga outfits are ‘keeping tabs’ on the 26-year-old and it’s reported that his future is ‘likely’ to depend on whether Leeds are successfully able to avoid the drop at the end of the season.

In saying that, it’s claimed that he ‘could still leave’ even if they were to stay up with left-back having been identified as a position that ‘could need changing’.

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

When Firpo arrived at Leeds two years ago, he was praised by journalist Josh Bunting, who said:

“Junior Firpo is a really good piece of business for Leeds United, another good pick up from Victor Orta, he’s versatile and for Leeds that’s a perfect attribute to have under Marcelo Bielsa’s leadership. He’s aggressive and carries a goal threat from left-back, positioning superb.”

The Whites defender currently ranks in the 96th percentile for most tackles and the 95th percentile for most blocks and interceptions made per game (FBRef) whilst also being a threat in the final third, having posted five goal contributions since joining.

Firpo is a useful option for Gracia to have in the building with his versatility to operate in five various positions, including at centre-back and on the opposite flank, so Leeds need to do everything they can to fend off interest and keep hold of him beyond the summer.

Everton are reportedly ready to sign Southampton striker Che Adams ‘in a heartbeat’, if the Saints were relegated at the end of the season.

The Lowdown: Long-term interest

Everton have held a long-term interest in Adams, from last summer and in the January transfer window.

The Scotland international could well leave St. Mary’s this summer if Southampton are relegated from the Premier League, with them currently sitting in the relegation zone.

The Latest: Interest reignited

As per Football Insider, the Goodison Park outfit have reignited their interest in signing Adams this summer, and are ready to sign him ‘in a heartbeat’ if the Saints are relegated.

However, they will face competition from Leeds United and a number of other clubs in the top flight for his signature, but have put their interest on the back burner for now until their own safety is assured.

The Verdict: Smart move

It would certainly be a smart move from the Merseysiders to sign Adams this summer, especially if they stay up and Southampton in turn are relegated.

A fall to the Championship should see Adams’ market value plummet, meaning that he would be available for a cheaper price.

Hailed as a ‘ketchup bottle phenomenon’ by his former Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, the striker has not been the most prolific in the Premier League, with 24 goals over four seasons so far.

However, the 26-year-old makes up with it with his attitude and work-rate, with Hasenhuttl previously lauding them as ‘fantastic’.

Adams could link up with Scotland team-mate Nathan Patterson, who he has previously dubbed ‘amazing’, should he make the move to the Toffees, and will no doubt want to be on the end of the right-back’s crosses should they play again together at club level.

When Unai Emery arrived at Aston Villa back in October 2022, it quickly became clear that certain players brought in by the previous regime wouldn’t have a future with the Midlands club.

One such example is Leander Dendoncker and after some woeful performances following his summer arrival from Wolves, Emery should look to get rid of the Belgium international for good at the end of the season.

Should Aston Villa get rid of Leander Dendoncker?

Steven Gerrard signed Dendoncker from Wolves on deadline day last summer in a deal worth £13m, with the defensive-midfielder perhaps expected to be the replacement for Douglas Luiz.

However, the Brazilian would later sign a contract extension at Villa Park, and considering fellow summer addition Boubacar Kamara has also established himself as a regular, Dendoncker quickly became surplus to requirements.

Since signing, the 27-year-old has managed just 14 appearances in all competitions for Villa, including just three starts in the Premier League.

It is easy to see why Emery has preferred other options in the middle of the park in his tenure at Villa Park as Dendoncker has averaged a shocking 6.26 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League.

This ranks him as the 20th-best performer so far this campaign, so it would certainly not be a surprise to see him moved on by Emery in the summer, which shows that the dud has struggled badly.

He has been a disastrous signing by Gerrard and the new Villa boss is unlikely to have been impressed with the Belgian international since taking over due to his antics in the FA Cup in January.

The former Anderlecht man has been limited to just one start since the World Cup break, which came in the embarrassing 2-1 home defeat by League Two side Stevenage, when his red card late on turned the game in the away side’s favour, with his tackle later criticised by Nedum Onouha.

He said: “Dendoncker tried to turn when somebody was on him and got the punishment that he deserved for the indecision. It’s rash and I think the red card is the right decision. You shouldn’t lose a match from being in a position of control 10 minutes ago.”

The defensive midfielder was once a reliable option for Wolves in the Premier League, averaging a strong 6.97 rating in the 2018/19 campaign, but he has managed above a 7/10 rating in just one of his appearances for Villa this season, which came in the 4-0 win over Brentford following Gerrard’s sacking.

Therefore, he hasn’t impressed once under Emery and the Spaniard should look to get rid permanently in the summer, as his time at Villa Park has been something of a disaster due to his woeful performances – as proven by his aforementioned WhoScored ratings – this season.

Arsenal are reportedly ‘keeping a close eye’ on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins ahead of a potential move this summer.

The Lowdown: In form

Watkins is a striker at the top of his game at the moment, with Premier League, including one in a 2-0 win away at Everton on the weekend.

He also netted against Arsenal the weekend before, but it was not enough as the Gunners ran out 4-2 winners at Villa Park.

The Latest: Arsenal interest

Taking to Twitter, journalist Steve Kay says that the North Londoners are ‘keeping a close eye’ on Watkins, according to ‘sources’, and could make a move this summer, while Mikel Arteta is thought to be a ‘massive admirer’:

“Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is one of the strikers that Arsenal have been keeping a close eye on as a possible summer signing according to sources.

“Arteta is a massive admirer of the England international, who recently praised the forward in the away win against Villa.”

The Verdict: Smart move

Watkins would certainly be a smart move from the Emirates Stadium outfit, as he knows the Premier League already and is entering his prime at 27.

His former manager Dean Smith claims that the Englishman is ‘one of the best pressing centre-forwards’ in the division, as evident by the fact that he ranks in the 88th percentile of all forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions per game over the past year.

On top of his eye for a goal, his incredible work-rate would also please Arteta, and so it is no surprise to see the Spaniard’s admiration of him.

Nonetheless, the Gunners will feel that they will need extra forward cover next season, especially considering they look likely to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and Gabriel Jesus has found himself injured for a large chunk of this campaign.