It might have all ended up a little more stressful than it needed to be, thanks to a momentary brain fade from Reece James, but Chelsea managed to hold on and pick up all three points against Brighton & Hove Albion last night.
Mauricio Pochettino's side are now undefeated in their last five Premier League games, winning the last four.
Moreover, thanks to Manchester United's win over Newcastle United last night, the Blues' chances of qualifying for the Europa League look much healthier than they did a couple of weeks ago.
The two goalscorers for the Pensioners, Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku, are, of course, getting plenty of plaudits, as they should, but there was another starter who was just as good on the South Coast.
Palmer and Nkunku's performance against Brighton
Both attackers were brilliant at the Amex, with the Englishman opening the scoring with a wonderfully placed looping header from a Marc Cucurella cross in the first half, while the Frenchman gave his side a much-needed buffer with his well-placed finish in the second half.
The pair impressed the Standard's Nizaar Kinsella, who awarded them both 8/10s on the night, writing that the former Manchester City prospect was 'elegant, classy and impactful in everything he did' and that the former RB Leipzig ace 'breathed new life into Chelsea's attack' when on the pitch.
It might sound over the top, but the pair's statistics from the match back up the journalist's opinion. For example, in Palmer's 89 minutes of action, he registered a combined expected goals and assists figure of 0.82, scored, took 46 touches, created one big chance, had two shots on target, and even made a clearance.
Palmer's game vs Brighton
Nkunku's game vs Brighton
Minutes
89'
Minutes
48'
Goals
1
Goals
1
Expected Goals + Assists
0.82
Expected Goals + Assists
0.36
Touches
46
Key Passes
1
Big Chances Created
1
Tackles
2
Shots on Target
2
Shots on Target
1
Clearances
1
Blocked Shot
1
All Stats via Sofascore
Whereas in just 48 minutes on the pitch, Nkunku registered an expected goal and assists figure of 0.36, took one shot on target, scored, played one key pass, made two tackles, and even blocked a shot from the Seagulls.
In all, it was a great display from both attackers, but there was another starter last night who should be getting just as much attention for his performance.
Trevoh Chalobah's performance against Brighton
Yes, the Blues ace who should be spoken about the same way as his goalscoring teammates today is centre-back Trevoh Chalobah.
The Cobham graduate might not have got on the scoresheet himself or even provided an assist like his full-back comrades, but his contribution at the back was invaluable and became especially so following Reece James' red card in the 88th minute.
Kinsella was undoubtedly impressed with the 6 foot 4 titan as he also gave him an 8/10 on the night, praising him for the countless 'incredible blocks and defensive interventions' he 'kept making' for the team.
Chalobah's game vs Brighton
Minutes
100'
Clearances
9
Blocks
1
Tackles
4
Last Man Tackles
1
Duels (Won)
6 (5)
Accurate Passes
67/73 (92%)
Dribbles (Completed)
1 (100%)
Al Stats via Sofascore
The journalist's appraisal of the 24-year-old's performance is not hyperbolic either. In his 100 minutes of action, the "ice cold" centre-back, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, made nine clearances, blocked one shot, made four tackles, including a last-man tackle, won five out of six duels, maintained a passing accuracy of 92%, and even completed 100% of his dribbles.
Ultimately, it was a truly titanic effort from the "monster" defender, as Kulig called him, and while he got the same match rating as Palmer and Nkunku, it probably should have been higher, as there wasn't a single thing wrong with his performance.
Chelsea hit the jackpot with free signing who's now worth more than Caicedo
The Chelsea star cost the club £0 and he’s played all but one Premier League match this season.
يشهد اليوم الأربعاء الموافق 27-11-2024، العديد من المباريات الهامة والمرتقبة على مستوى دوري أبطال أوروبا وكأس الكونفدرالية.
على مستوى دوري أبطال أوروبا، تُلعب العديد من المباريات ضمن منافسات الجولة الخامسة، أبرزها المواجهة المرتقبة بين ليفربول وريال مدريد على ملعب “آنفيلد”.
ويستضيف أستون فيلا نظيره يوفنتوس على ملعب “فيلا بارك”، ويواجه موناكو منافسه بنفيكا على ملعب “لويس الثاني”.
وفي كأس الكونفدرالية، يخوض ممثلا مصر الزمالك والمصري البورسعيدي مباراتين قويتين في مستهل مشوارهما بدور المجموعات.
حيث يلتقي الزمالك مع بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي على ملعب استاد القاهرة، بينما يلتقي المصري البورسعيدي مع إنيمبا النيجيري بملعب استاد السويس الجديد. مواعيد مباريات اليوم الأربعاء 27-11-2024 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا اليوم
النجم الأحمر ضد شتوتجارت، الساعة 7:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 8:45 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3”.
شتورم جراتس ضد جيرون، الساعة 7:45 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 8:45 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 4”.
أستون فيلا ضد يوفنتوس، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 3”.
بولونيا ضد ليل، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 6”.
سيلتك ضد كلوب بروج، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 7”.
طالع أيضًا | فيديو | “أردت إيذاء نفسي”.. جوارديولا يبرر خدوش وجهه بعد تعادل مانشستر سيتي وفينورد
دينامو زغرب ضد بوروسيا دورتموند، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 5”.
ليفربول ضد ريال مدريد، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1”.
موناكو ضد بنفيكا، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 4”.
ايندهوفن ضد شاختار دونيتسك، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 11 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 8”. مواعيد مباريات كأس الكونفدرالية اليوم
سيمبا ضد أونزي برافوس، الساعة 3 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 4 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 5”.
المصري ضد إنيمبا، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 7 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 5”.
أسيك ميموزا ضد جاراف، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 7 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 6”.
الصفاقسي ضد شباب قسنطينة، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 7 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 2”.
الملعب المالي ضد فاسكو دي غاما، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 7 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 7”.
اتحاد العاصمة ضد أورابا يونايتد، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD Xtra 2”.
نهضة بركان ضد ديسبورتيفو لواندا سول، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD Xtra 1”.
الزمالك ضد بلاك بولز، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 10 بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 2”. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال آسيا اليوم
غوانغجو ضد شانغهاي شينهوا، الساعة 12 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 1 بتوقيت السعودية.
يوكوهاما مارينوس ضد بوهانغ ستيليرز، الساعة 12 مساءً بتوقيت مصر، 1 بتوقيت السعودية.
ويُمكنكم متابعة نتائج وأحداث المباريات لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا
A última rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro foi um divisor de águas na competição. É o que acredita o comentarista PVC, segundo seu blog no ‘ge’. Para o jornalista, a atuação de gala do Flamengo na goleada diante do Bahia postula a equipe de Renato Gaúcho como uma das três equipes capazes de conquistar o Brasileirão. Além do rubro-negro, Palmeiras e Atlético-MG – que venceram suas partidas – completam o trio poderoso dessa edição. + Confira a classificação atualizada do Brasileiro!
RelacionadasFora de CampoOndrej Perusic, do vôlei de praia, é o terceiro atleta a testar positivo para Covid-19 na Vila OlímpicaFora de Campo19/07/2021Fora de CampoSabe mais que o Tite? Craque Neto monta convocação ousada para a Seleção Brasileira; veja titulares e reservasFora de Campo19/07/2021Fora de CampoRepórter da Band, Chico Garcia é internado por complicações da Covid-19Fora de Campo19/07/2021
Apesar de sexto colocado, Paulo Vinícius Coelho acredita que o Flamengo teve a sua ‘melhor atuação no campeonato’ , desempenho que ‘coloca-o claramente como candidato’ ao título Brasileiro.
+ Veja uma lista de jogadores que podem reforçar equipes do Brasileirão
O Palmeiras segue o mesmo caminho. São sete vitórias consecutivas com o triunfo sobre o Dragão. Fora de casa, o líder da competição ‘jogou com absoluta segurança contra o Atlético-GO, em Goiânia. Anunciou que venceria desde o primeiro tempo e, mesmo marcando seus três gols na segunda etapa, os dois últimos nos acréscimos, mostrou sua força’.
PVC- que recentemente se envolveu em uma polêmica com o colega Casagrande – destaca também o Atlético-MG. Vice-líder do Brasileiro, a equipe de Cuca ostenta cinco vitórias consecutivas. No último sábado, virou para cima do Corinthians dentro da Neo Química Arena.
– A12ª rodada deu o rosto mais real para este Brasileirão em que só há três reais candidatos ao troféu: Palmeiras, Atlético-MG e Flamengo. O campeão sai destes três.
O jornalista da Rede Globo também aponta para possíveis candidatos ao troféu de melhor jogador da competição.
-Gustavo Scarpa, Hulk e Gabigol. Ah, sim, Gabriel estreou no Brasileirão em Salvador, mas com três gols contra o Bahia e a demonstração de que sua equipe fica muito mais forte com sua presença – publicou.
Fourteen wickets fall at Chester-le-Street as Yorkshire steal a march on Northern rivals
Paul Edwards at Chester-le-Street01-Aug-2020
Ben Coad removes Sean Dickson at Chester-le-Street•Getty Images
A bright August morning at Chester-le-Street; a morning of pitch inspections, warm-ups and applause for callow first-team hopefuls; a morning like any other; Well, not quite, of course. It is 310 days since Essex won the title at Taunton in 2019. This season is well-advanced yet it is just starting and no Yorkshire or Durham cricketer had a first-class run or wicket to his name this summer until Alex Lees pushed Ben Coad’s third ball of the match into the covers and scrambled a run with Sean Dickson.In normal times such an opening to a match might prompt courteous applause from the White Rose enclaves at Chester-le-Street. But these are nothing like normal times. The unpeopled stands at the Riverside, even the smaller one below the dressing rooms, seem as vast and austere as the Piazza San Marco. Scorecards were printed this morning albeit there was no one to buy them. Teams were revealed even though most of those in the ground knew what the sides were anyway. Cricketers announced things to themselves. And this will be our pattern for a while as cricket copes with an imperilled world. “And so each venture is a new beginning,” wrote T S Eliot in “East Coker”.Like others around the country on this curious day, the game featured debutants of various types. Lees was playing four-day cricket against Yorkshire for the first time since his departure in 2018 and his scuttled single foreshadowed over four hours in which Durham’s batsmen tried to chisel runs from the visiting quartet of pace bowlers but instead were bowled out for 103 in 58.4 overs. Gareth Harte, who made an unbeaten 33, was one of only three men to make double figures.Yet any thought that this Riverside pitch is shielding demons was quickly demolished. Yorkshire’s batsmen halved the deficit for the loss of Adam Lyth, caught at slip by Dickson off Chris Rushworth, whose first three overs had cost 27 runs. It even appeared that Steve Patterson’s batsmen would have a lead by the close but instead something of the lustre was removed from Yorkshire’s day by the loss of the three wickets in 11 balls just before the close. Two of these fell to Paul Coughlin who bowled Tom Kohler-Cadmore for a pleasant 41 and three balls later had Patterson leg before. Coughlin’s time at Trent Bridge was marred by so many serious injuries that no one could now wish him ill. He has already changed this matchAnd the game may even have been even been galloping towards a two-day finish had not a morning shower interrupted the cricket after half an hour and drenched the Riverside before the players had their boots off. That took care of play before lunch. The umpires made a couple of inspections but there was no irate member exhorting them to “bloody well get on with it”. Play resumed at 1.10, not that it brought Durham’s batsmen much comfort.Indeed, any encouragement they took from surviving the opening half hour proved illusory almost at once. Having survived a few leg before appeals from his former colleagues, Lees was pinned in front by an inswinger of very full length from Matthew Fisher. Nearly five overs later Coad nipped one away very late to Dickson, who edged to Jonny Tattersall. These successes would have been greeted with satisfied murmurs and even the odd cheer from travelling supporters but Yorkshire’s players had to make do with the rather quieter acclamation of two Headingley panjandrums.The Kirkstall Road folk missed an afternoon they would have enjoyed. Jordan Thompson replaced Coad at the Finchale End and enjoyed immediate success when he nipped one away from Cameron Steel, who edged a catch to Tattersall. Four overs later it was 41 for 4 when David Bedingham clipped Thompson dexterously off his ankles, only to see the ball skim straight to long leg where Fisher scooped up a fine low catch. Jack Burnham grafted away for 42 minutes in scoring seven runs but then lost both patience and his off stump when attempting a loose drive.Yorkshire’s bowlers allowed no reprieve. Patterson’s tactics followed the simplest of patterns: first Coad and Fisher bowled straight and full; then he and Thompson did the same. It brought Yorkshire three lbw decisions either side of tea as home batsmen took liberties which, while not diabolical, were certainly unwise. Mathew Potts helped Harte put on 17 for the ninth wicket but then clipped Coad to Fisher at square leg. Rushworth misdrove his third ball back to Coad and Harte was left unbeaten after battling away for over two hours, his innings marked mainly by grimy application but also by fours either worked through the slips or driven past the off-side field.When Yorkshire had hit as many boundaries in 11.2 overs as Durham had managed in their entire innings, the shape of the game looked clear. But now there is far more doubt about the matter, especially if Dawid Malan can be removed early on the second day. Like this truncated season itself, the match is in the hazard. “Every attempt is a wholly new start,” Eliot said, before adding gloomily, “and a different kind of failure.” Many batsmen around England would already nod in grim appreciation this August evening. Let us hope ECB officials are not also doing so before the leaves turn brittle and coppery.
Crystal Palace's final game of the Premier League season perfectly summed up the Oliver Glasner era to date: fast, exciting and terrifying for the opposition.
The Austrian manager has turned what was a lifeless and easy-to-beat team under former boss Roy Hodgson into one of the most dynamic and ruthlessly effective sides in the league, one that has won seven and drawn four of its last 14 games.
Of course, the former Frankfurt boss has been helped by some of the incredible talents in the squad, such as Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Jean Philippe Mateta, but he should also thank Hodgson for signing off on Adam Wharton and another January arrival who has proven himself to be important.
Adam Wharton's impact at Palace
Arriving at the end of the winter window, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the £22m signing of then 19-year-old Wharton from Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
Midfielder Adam Wharton celebrating for Blackburn Rovers.
The "English Cambiasso," as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, made 51 first-team appearances for Rovers before leaving. In those, he scored four goals and provided five assists, and despite his age, he went straight into the Eagles' midfield.
So far, the 20-year-old has made 16 appearances for the south Londoners, already providing three assists, and despite seeing the manager change very early on, he's looked like a player who has belonged in the top flight from the word go.
Wharton's Senior Career
Team
Blackburn Rovers
Crystal Palace
Appearances
51
16
Goals
4
0
Assists
5
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.17
0.18
All Stats via Transfermarkt
When talking about the midfield maestro, Glasner described him as "amazing" and an "excellent football player" who's set for "a fantastic career", which is an opinion hard to argue against when the Blackburn ace already sits in the top 6% of midfielders for tackles and the top 12% for assists, per FBref, which compares players in similar positions throughout Europe's top five leagues.
However, while the "complete midfielder", as described by Kulig, is getting plenty of justified praise, another January signing has been just as integral to Glasner's revolution.
Daniel Muñoz's impact at Palace
Of course, the player in question is the Eagles' other winter signing, Daniel Munoz, who joined the side for around £7m from Belgian side Genk.
The 27-year-old was brought in to replace the ageing and ineffective Nathanial Clyne at right-back, who has just one goal and nine assists to his name in 219 appearances for Palace.
While the Colombian's arrival received less media attention than Wharton's, there was still hope that he'd help inject some more attacking impetus to the side, as he had scored seven goals and provided two assists in his 29 games before moving.
Crystal Palace transfer target Daniel Munoz in action for Colombia.
It did take the Amalfi-born ace a few games to adapt to English football, but since then, he has registered four assists in 16 appearances and even started a majority of his games on the right-hand side of midfield to help maximise his attacking ability.
According to FBref, the Colombian sits in the top 3% of full-backs for tackles, the top 6% for assists, the top 7% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, interceptions, and blocks, the top 9% for aerial duels won, and the top 14% for non-penalty expected goals and assists.
Daniel Muñoz's FBref Scout Report
Stat
Per 90
Percentile for Full-Backs
Tackles
3.44
Top 3%
Assists
0.25
Top 6%
Touches in the opposition's penalty area
2.63
Top 7%
Interceptions
1.50
Top 7%
Blocks
1.81
Top 7%
Aerial Duels Won
1.63
Top 9%
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.23
Top 14%
Clearances
2.94
Top 16%
Expected Assists
0.15
Top 17%
Shot-Creating Actions
2.88
Top 17%
Non-Penalty Expected Goals
0.08
Top 20%
All Stats via FBref
Ultimately, the all-action full-back has firmly established himself in Glasner's first team, and his ability to make things happen on the right-hand side will likely see him keep that place for some time to come.
Crystal Palace star is becoming Glasner's best player alongside Olise & Eze
The incredible ace has been in superb form this season.
كشفت تقارير صحفية أن هناك ناديين إيطاليين يتطلعان إلى الحصول على خدمات نجم فريق آينتراخت فرانكفورت، عمر مرموش، في ظل تألقه اللافت للأنظار مع النادي الألماني.
ويقدم عمر مرموش أداءً مثاليًا في الموسم الحالي رفقة فريق آينتراخت فرانكفورت في مختلف المسابقات.
وسجل عمر مرموش 17 هدفًا وصنع 11 في 19 مباراة في البطولات المختلفة خلال الموسم الحالي.
ويتواجد مرموش على رادار العديد من الأندية الأوروبية، خاصة الدوري الإنجليزي، على رأسها ليفربول، إلى جانب مانشستر سيتي، مانشستر يونايتد، آرسنال وغيرهم.
كما ذكرت تقارير صحفية أن صاحب الـ25 عامًا مطلوب من قِبل برشلونة الإسباني وبايرن ميونخ الألماني.
اقرأ أيضًا.. سكاي: تألق عمر مرموش يُعجل بقرار يخص مستقبله مع فرانكفورت
ولكن يبدو أن دائرة المنافسة على ضم مرموش قد اتسعت، حيث ذكرت شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية أن مرموش مطلوب في الدوري الإيطالي كذلك.
وأوضحت أن مرموش ينال اهتمامًا كبيرًا من ناديي يوفنتوس ونابولي الإيطاليين.
وقد تصل القيمة المالية لصفقة رحيل عمر مرموش عن فرانكفورت ما بين 40 و50 مليون يورو، مع العلم أن النادي الألماني يتطلع إلى التمسك بخدماته.
وسينتهي العقد الحالي لـ مرموش مع فرانكفورت في يونيو 2027، وترغب الإدارة في تمديد عقده.
County cricket returns on Saturday with nine opening-round fixtures
Matt Roller31-Jul-2020
The new normal: The Bob Willis Trophy starts on Saturday•Getty Images
North GroupFavourites: After a convincing batting effort in their pre-season friendly against Lancashire, Yorkshire look like the team to beat. Dawid Malan is fit after missing out on England’s one-day squad through injury, while Jonny Bairstow looks set to play at least two games. Gary Ballance misses out through illness (he has had two negative Covid tests), but with Duanne Olivier available their seam attack should be strong enough to take 20 wickets regularly.Haseeb Hameed has a point to prove after leaving Lancashire•Getty Images
Contenders: Nottinghamshire have a number of players with points to prove, not least Haseeb Hameed, Joe Clarke and Zak Chappell. Durham were much-improved last year in finishing fifth in Division Two and after Paul Coughlin’s return from Notts, they look to have one of the North Group’s best seam attacks. Lancashire will be hampered by the absence of several players on international duty but can still compete, while Leicestershire and Derbyshire will rely heavily on the runs of Hassan Azad and Billy Godleman respectively. With only two Division One counties, the North Group looks like the weakest on paper.Star man: Much loved by his own supporters but ignored by the England set-up, Ben Coad has taken 143 first-class wickets at 20.12 over the last three years and will be crucial to Yorkshire’s push at the top of the group. He admitted to frustrations this week that he is not seen as a potential international bowler, citing Jason Holder’s success as an example, but knows his control and patience make him one of the best seamers on the circuit.One to watch: You would be hard-pushed to find anyone in county cricket who doesn’t wish Haseeb Hameed well, and he showed positive signs in making 65 in a pre-season fixture last week in his first outing for Notts after his move from Lancashire. His return to Emirates Old Trafford on August 15 is a standout fixture.Opening fixtures: Lancashire v Leicestershire (New Road), Derbyshire v Nottinghamshire (Trent Bridge), Durham v Yorkshire (Chester-le-Street)Central GroupFavourites: After a strong showing in pre-season, Warwickshire look best-placed to win the Central Group and have Olly Stone fit and firing after a long build-up in England’s Test bubble. Rob Yates will open alongside new captain Will Rhodes, with Sam Hain and Ian Bell the ideal men to push on from a solid foundation. There are a number of seamers in contention to play, and that depth could prove crucial with fixtures coming thick and fast.Tom Abell’s runs will be vital for Somerset this season•Getty Images
Contenders: Somerset only just missed out on a maiden title last summer and have a deep enough squad to cover for international call-ups, but the batting looks a little light following Marcus Trescothick’s retirement and with Tom Banton on England duty. Gloucestershire fell to an innings defeat against them this week but have a strong local core and added allrounder George Scott over the winter, while Northants are another underrated side who have retained their promotion-winning squad from last year. Worcestershire hope Jake Libby can address their red-ball batting struggles from recent seasons while Glamorgan will miss Marnus Labuschagne’s runs with his contract deferred to next year.Star man: Ryan Higgins tore up Division Two last summer with 958 runs and 50 wickets, and looks set for a middle-order role in addition to opening the bowling. That could be a mighty burden with little time for rest between fixtures, and it will be interesting to see if he can make the step up to playing a slightly higher-calibre of opposition – though all the signs so far are that he will flourish.One to watch: One of only a handful of players overlooked for England’s 55-man training group at the start of the summer who had been on the Lions tour, Tom Abell has grown into the Somerset captaincy and commands the respect of the dressing room. But he knows that a first-class batting average of 31.59 is too low to merit Test selection, and could do with a prolific season to shore up his side’s middle order. His knack of breaking partnerships with his medium pace will come in handy, too.Opening fixtures: Gloucestershire v Worcestershire (Bristol), Somerset v Glamorgan (Taunton), Warwickshire v Northants (Edgbaston)South GroupFavourites: It is hard to see anyone other than Essex winning the South Group after their second Championship in three years last season. Ravi Bopara has moved on to Sussex and Dan Lawrence may miss the occasional game as a Test reserve for England, but with the same bowling attack raring to go they look certain to challenge. Simon Harmer missed this week’s pre-season game but looks set to play.Jamie Porter’s wickets have helped Essex to two titles in three years•Getty Images
Contenders: Hampshire would have been dark horses for the title before Covid, but with Nathan Lyon’s deal off, James Vince and Liam Dawson on international duty, and Kyle Abbott and Fidel Edwards both stuck at home, their squad is significantly depleted. Kent added Jack Leaning over the winter but their batting looks slightly light with Joe Denly injured and Sam Billings on ODI duty, and Sussex will rely on all-round contributions with their squad stretched and Stiaan van Zyl and David Wiese both in South Africa. Surrey have the depth to cope without Hashim Amla and Morne Morkel – though Alec Stewart is lobbying his local MP for help with their visas – but struggled without Rory Burns’ runs last year and will again be hampered by international call-ups, while Middlesex’s seam attack is impressive but Nick Gubbins and Stevie Eskinazi will have to step up with the bat.Star man: Jamie Porter reached out to the England selectors after missing out on their 55-man training squad and will be desperate to remind them how good he is with another strong county season. His partnership with Harmer has underpinned two titles already, and could well help them add the Bob Willis Trophy to Essex’s collection.One to watch: After expecting to focus on white-ball cricket this year, Mason Crane looks set to be Hampshire’s frontline spinner. He has struggled with back injuries since his Test debut in the 2017-18 Ashes, and leaked runs last Championship season. But the prospect of five games in August and September – and Hampshire playing three out of five fixtures at outgrounds – should suit him, and with the format encouraging teams to go for wins, he could come into his own on the final day of games.Opening fixtures: Essex v Kent (Chelmsford), Surrey v Middlesex (The Oval), Sussex v Hampshire (Hove)
Um dos verdadeiros símbolos não apenas para o futebol feminino como para o esporte brasileiro em geral, a meio-campista Formiga teve uma bonita carta de sua autoria publicada nesta quinta-feira (29) no site oficial da Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF).
>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS
No conteúdo, além de ressaltar sua sétima e última participação em Olimpíadas representando a Seleção bem como as impressões que tem da campanha rumo aouro inédito, a jogadora de 43 anos de idade conta a sensação de estar “passando o bastão” para a nova geração.
Formiga fez questão de pontuar, também, a necessidade de permanecer sempre determinada a conseguir superar os obstáculos e a dificuldade de conseguir manter esse sentimento através de um trabalho mental intenso. Não a toa, o conteúdo já começa com a seguinte menção:
-Uma das partes mais difíceis da preparação para disputar uma Olimpíada é a nossa cabeça. Já vi tantas coisas. Não faltou chance de desistir. E acredite, para chegar até aqui, todo mundo teve que superar a vontade de desistir algumas vezes.
Confira, na íntegra, a carta aberta de Formiga
Uma das partes mais difíceis da preparação para disputar uma Olimpíada é a nossa cabeça. Já vi tantas coisas. Não faltou chance de desistir. E acredite, para chegar até aqui, todo mundo teve que superar a vontade de desistir algumas vezes.
Talvez quem olhe de fora não tenha noção da dificuldade que é estar e se manter entre as melhores. Não é nem um pouco fácil, mas temos que persistir.
Tem que ter cabeça boa, cara. E sempre dar o máximo. Dentro de campo, quando a bola rola, você acaba esquecendo de tudo e só quer dar o seu melhor, se divertir. Mas fora dele, lidar com a própria cabeça é um desafio. Tem que ter coragem.
Só que hoje, 43 anos nas costas, mais experiente, madura, tudo fica mais leve. Em compensação, no campo não é assim, né? Você tem que estar ali, todo santo dia, fazendo a mesma coisa…. Tem que botar muita vontade, muita gana, tem que querer mais que todo mundo.
Algo dentro de mim me faz crer que vai ser dessa vez, sabe? O que não quer dizer que das outras vezes não tinha, mas acho que algumas condições que antes a gente teve, algumas situações no meio do caminho, acabaram atrapalhando.
Esse sexto sentido tá me dizendo que algo vai ser muito bom realmente, que dessa vez vem essa medalha. Mas o que me deixa mais tranquila mesmo é ter a certeza de que estamos fazendo um ótimo trabalho. Eu sinto uma energia muito positiva. É diferente.
Estar vivendo isso na minha última Olimpíada… Isso me dá um gás a mais. Não que eu precise de motivação para jogar futebol. Motivada eu sempre estou, né? Mas, por essa ser minha última Olimpíada, tenho sede em dobro, uma vontade de correr duas vezes mais, de me doar 200% pelo time, para ganhar essa medalha de ouro.
Esse elenco acho que é o mais jovem, as meninas são bem novas. Isso é fundamental. Não para o meu ego, por ser a mais experiente e tal, e dizer que é a xerife que dirige o carro. Nada a ver. Mas por poder acrescentar algo na vida dessas meninas, elas me olharem e falarem assim:
“Pô, 43 anos e tá aqui até hoje lutando. Então eu quero o mesmo, eu vou lutar também por isso, para continuar dessa forma”.
Eu me sinto assim, um espelho para elas. Para que sigam sonhando, que lutem por seus sonhos. Eu sei do que tô falando, acredite. Passei por isso quando cheguei aqui. As mais experientes me ensinando, dizendo aonde eu tinha que ir.
Daí veio essa minha responsabilidade, de passar o bastão da melhor maneira possível, e também recebê-las de braços abertos e dizer: “a casa é sua”. Foi assim que fizeram comigo.
E elas chegaram junto. A união desse grupo é impressionante. Você olha e fala “cara, a gente está querendo muito aquilo”. Todo mundo tem exata noção do que representa uma medalha, da importância do que estamos vivendo. Todas têm essa consciência.
Ah, e vou te falar: faz muita diferença saber que a torcida está com a gente. Antigamente, não sabíamos se nosso jogo ia passar, se poderiam acompanhar, se sabiam os nossos nomes. Hoje, a gente recebe uma linda corrente de apoio e carinho todos os dias. Gente que, a milhares de quilômetros de distância, tira um tempo do dia para mandar uma mensagem, um vídeo, para desejar sorte.
“Vamos lá!”
“Estamos com vocês!”
“O Brasil se orgulha de vocês!”
Isso mexe com a gente, sabe? Parece pouco. Mas o que, como jogadora de futebol, como brasileira, pode te emocionar mais do que esse amor? É uma gratidão enorme.
E assim, eu já tenho alguma vivência no futebol feminino, né? Mas não vou mentir: a ansiedade ainda me pega. A gente sempre tenta controlar, mas bate aquele nervosinho, aquele frio na barriga. É normal.
Sei a sensação de estar em um pódio olímpico e quero muito viver isso de novo. Temos totais condições de alcançar esse objetivo. Mas sabemos que o resultado também envolve muitas coisas que nem sempre se pode controlar.
Queremos sempre vencer, mas queremos, acima de tudo, lutar por nossos ideais, pelo que a gente representa, por quem se identifica conosco. Não por mim, mas pela modalidade, pela galera que vai chegar depois de mim. Para que elas tenham um lugar ao sol.
Quando a cortina baixar e a Formiga não estiver mais no meio de campo da Seleção, será incrível se lembrarem de mim como medalhista de ouro. Mas, pra ser sincera, o que me define não está na cor de uma medalha. Tá no suor, tá na minha história, tá em tudo que consegui fazer pelo futebol. É assim que gostaria de ser lembrada: “Formiga, uma guerreira do Brasil”.
قدم مدرب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، كارلو أنشيلوتي، آخر التحديثات الخاصة بفريقه قبل مواجهة أتلتيك بلباو في الدوري الإسباني.
ويلاقي ريال مدريد خصمه أتلتيك بلباو، ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة عشر من منافسات الدوري الإسباني، غداً الأربعاء، على ملعب “سان ماميس”.
ويحتل ريال مدريد المركز الثاني في ترتيب الدوري الإسباني برصيد 33 نقطة ويمتلك مباراة إضافية مؤجلة، بينما يأتي أتلتيك بلباو في المركز الرابع برصيد 26 نقطة.
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وقال كارلو أنشيلوتي في المؤتمر الصحفي قبل المباراة: “ستكون مباراة صعبة ومعقدة، في أجواء رائعة وضد منافس كبير، نحن في لحظة جيدة ونأمل أن نخرج الأفضل من أنفسنا”.
وأضاف المدرب الإيطالي: “أتلتيك في حالة جيدة جداً، إنه فريق قوي ومنظم جيداً ويتمتع بصفات فردية رائعة، أحد أفضل الفرق في إسبانيا”. وأشار: “على الرغم من كل الصعوبات التي واجهناها خلال هذه الفترة، إلا أننا سنقاتل على كل شئ. لا أحد يعتقد أنه في ديسمبر يمكنك الفوز بشيء ما، وعندما يعود فينيسيوس وكامافينجا وألابا سنقاتل أكثر”.
وعندما سئل عن منفذ ضربات الجزاء، أجاب قائلاً: “غداً سنختار كلاهما، بيلينجهام أو مبابي، أعتقد أن هذا ليس موضوعاً للنقاش”.
وعن حالة تشواميني: “إنه في حالة جيدة جداً، لقد تدرب وتعافى بشكل جيد. إنه جاهز للعب وسنرى غداً أين سيشارك”.
وتابع: “أظهر تشواميني فائدته على المستوى الدفاعي، كقلب دفاع أو محور، إنه لاعب مهم جداً بالنسبة لنا، لأنه يمنحنا أيضاً ارتفاعاً في الكرات الثابتة وهو جانب مهم في الفترة التي عانينا فيها”.
وحول أسينسيو مدافع الفريق: “لقد أثبت أنه قلب دفاع يمكن الاعتماد عليه. إنه واثق ومتحمس. لقد ساهم كثيراً في هذه المباريات الأربع، إذا اضطررت يوماً ما إلى إجلاسه على مقاعد البدلاء فيجب أن أفكر في الأمر بعناية”.
وأكمل: “لقد فاجأني مستواه، خاصة ما يتمتع به من نضج وهدوء في التعامل مع مواقف اللعب. لقد اجتاز بالفعل الاختبار ويمكن إعتباره لاعباً في فريقنا بكل جدارة، لأنه يستحق ذلك”.
The Championship play-off final is now known as the richest game in football, with the third and final promotion spot to the Premier League on offer to the winners.
Win at Wembley in front of up to 90,000 fans, and you’ll bring in hundreds of millions through TV deals, sponsorships and additional revenue. Lose, and you’ll have to prepare for another season in the second tier.
Facing those prospects this year were Sheffield United and Sunderland, who finished 3rd and 4th in the Championship respectively.
The Blades were seeking an immediate return to the top flight and booked their place at Wembley with a comfortable 6-0 aggregate win over Bristol City in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have had quite the journey since their last Premier League season, having dipped to the depths of League One and suffered Championship play-off heartache before making the final in dramatic circumstances courtesy of Dan Ballard’s extra-time header to see off Coventry City.
Ahead of this year’s showdown at Wembley Stadium, one that the Black Cats won in dramatic circumstances late on, we took a look back at 10 of the best Championship play-off finals of all time, ranking them based on the drama they provided.
FFC’s best Championship play-off finals
Rank
Year
Match
1
1998
Charlton 4-4 Sunderland (7-6 on pens)
2
1993
Swindon 4-3 Leicester
3
1995
Bolton 4-3 Reading (aet)
4
2010
Blackpool 3-2 Cardiff
5
2011
Reading 2-4 Swansea
6
1989
Blackburn 3-4 Crystal Palace (agg.)
7
2012
Blackpool 1-2 West Ham
8
2002
Norwich 1-1 Birmingham (2-4 on pens)
9
2014
Derby 0-1 QPR
10
1996
Crystal Palace 1-2 Leicester (aet)
10 1996 – Crystal Palace 1-2 Leicester (aet) Claridge scores with last kick of the game
Date
27th May 1996
Venue
Wembley Stadium
Goalscorers
Roberts 14′ / Parker 76′ (pen), Claridge 120′
At the old Wembley Stadium, Leicester City, who finished 5th in the league, defeated Crystal Palace, who finished 3rd, with a dramatic late winner.
The Foxes were behind for most of the game but levelled things up from the penalty spot. Extra time looked like it would result in a penalty shootout, however, Steve Claridge struck in the 120th minute in what was all but the last kick of the game to seal promotion for Martin O’Neill’s side.
9 2014 – Derby 0-1 QPR Zamora wins it at the death for 10-man R's
Date
24th May 2014
Venue
Wembley Stadium
Goalscorers
Zamora 90′
Harry Redknapp led Queens Park Rangers to the Premier League in 2014 with a dramatic victory over Derby County. QPR midfielder and current Wolves boss Gary O’Neil received a red card on the hour mark, and it looked as if it would be the Rams who would earn promotion to the top flight.
However, Rob Green refused to be beaten in the Hoops net, and in the 90th minute, a mistake from Derby captain Richard Keogh resulted in the ball falling to Bobby Zamora, who produced a brilliant finish to send the R’s up.
The highest points tallies in Championship history
Leeds and Burnley recently made second-tier history.
ByCharlie Smith May 17, 2025 8 2002 – Norwich 1-1 Birmingham (2-4 on penalties) Penalty perfect for the Blues
Date
12th May 2002
Venue
Millennium Stadium
Goalscorers
Roberts 91′ / Horsfield 102′
Everyone loves a penalty shootout, and that is what we got between Norwich and Birmingham in 2002. The game actually didn’t burst into life until extra time, when Iwan Roberts put the Canaries in front. However, before the end of the first period of extra time, Geoff Horsfield levelled the scores and ensured promotion would be settled from 12 yards.
The Blues would be the ones celebrating at the end of the shootout, scoring all four of their spot kicks, with Philip Mulryne and Daryl Sutch missing for the Canaries.
7 2012 – Blackpool 1-2 West Ham Vaz Te the Hammers hero
Date
19th May 2012
Venue
Wembley Stadium
Goalscorers
Ince 48′ / Cole 34′, Vaz Te 87′
West Ham secured promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt under Sam Allardyce, doing it the hard way via the play-offs.
The Hammers came up against Blackpool and went ahead through Carlton Cole before Tom Ince drew the Tangerines level after the break. Both teams had glorious chances to win it in normal time, and eventually, Hammers forward Ricardo Vaz Te wrote his name into West Ham history by scoring with just three minutes remaining.
1989 was the last time the play-off final would be played across two legs, but it was certainly one to remember, involving Blackburn Rovers and Crystal Palace.
It was Palace who finished higher in the league but suffered a 3-1 first-leg defeat at Ewood Park. In the return fixture at Selhurst Park, goals from Ian Wright and David Madden ensured the final was level at 3-3 after 180 minutes, resulting in extra time.
Penalties appeared to be on the cards, but Wright scored his 33rd goal of the season with three minutes remaining to send Palace up.
5 2011 – Reading 2-4 Swansea Super Scott Sinclair for Swansea
Swansea City booked their place in the Premier League for the first time back in 2011, mainly thanks to Scott Sinclair’s brilliance at Wembley.
It looked as if Brendan Rodgers’ side had the tie wrapped up after a brace from Sinclair and a goal from Stephen Dobbie put them 3-0 up at half-time. However, the Royals threatened a comeback with two second-half goals before the hour, only for Sinclair to seal his hat-trick and Swansea’s place in the top flight from the spot late on.
4 2010 – Blackpool 3-2 Cardiff First-half madness at Wembley
If play-off finals finished at halftime, then the clash between Blackpool and Cardiff City in 2010 would comfortably top the list. It was Cardiff who went in front early on through striker Michael Chopra before Charlie Adam’s free-kick levelled things up for Ian Holloway’s side.
The Welsh side went in front again through Joe Ledley, but in the final five minutes of the opening 45, Blackpool scored twice through Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Brett Ormerod.
The second half was full of chances with Chopra hitting the post for Cardiff, but it was Ormerod’s effort that proved to be the winner.
3 1995 – Bolton 4-3 Reading (aet) Super-sub De Freitas the hero
Date
29th May 1995
Venue
Wembley Stadium
Goalscorers
Coyle 75′, De Freitas 86′, 118′, Paatelainen 105′ / Nogan 4′, Williams 12′, Quinn 119
It looked as if Reading would be the ones celebrating a routine 2-0 win at Wembley against Bolton in 1995, however, late goals from Owen Coyle and substitute Fabian de Freitas took the final to extra time.
The drama didn’t stop after 90 minutes, with Bolton then going in front through Mixu Paatelainen before De Freitas scored his second of the day in the 118th minute. There was still time for more goals, though, with Reading player-manager Jimmy Quinn getting on the scoresheet to set up a dramatic final few minutes.
Hoddle 42′, Maskell 47′, Taylor 53′, Bodin 84′ (pen) / Joachim 57′, Walsh 68′, Thompson 69′
It’s hard to believe that the 1993 play-off final between Swindon Town and Leicester City was still goalless after 40 minutes, knowing that it would result in a seven-goal thriller.
It was the Robins who scored three times in the space of 11 minutes either side of half-time, and they appeared to be cruising towards the Premier League. However, Leicester then scored three times in the space of 12 minutes to draw things level in a chaotic second half.
Extra time looked to be on the cards before Swindon substitute Steve White was fouled in the box, with left-back Paul Bodin scoring the winner late on.
1 1998 – Charlton 4-4 Sunderland (7-6 on penalties) The best play-off final ever?
The 90s produced some classic play-off finals, but the best of the bunch and of all time is arguably Charlton’s penalty-shootout win over Sunderland.
The Addicks were in front at half-time before the final turned into chaos in the second half. Sunderland turned things around through Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips before Charlton drew level, and the Black Cats thought they were up again when Quinn netted his second of the game.
Richard Rufus took the game to extra-time with another equaliser for Charlton, but Sunderland once again went in front in extra time. Clive Mendonca was the hero of the day for the eventual winners after making it 4-4 with his third of the afternoon in extra-time before putting Charlton on their way in the shootout.
At 7-6 to Charlton in sudden death, Sunderland’s Michael Gray was the unfortunate player to have his spot kick saved from 12 yards by Sasa Ilic to spark wild scenes.