All posts by h716a5.icu

Sri Lanka’s performance against South Africa in a vital clash that decided the series should certainly have their coach worried

Pat Symcox06-Dec-2002Sri Lanka’s performance against South Africa in a vital clash that decided the series should certainly have their coach worried. The attention to doing the basics right was clearly missing and on this display, their World Cup chances cannot be taken seriously.Too many times in this summer we’ve seen the bowlers not being able to bowl a line, never mind a length as well. Without Vaas, the rest have a club cricket look about them and need to mature considerably to become consistent. Sanath had his hands full trying to place a field almost every delivery! The fielding was mediocre to say the least with half chances not being taken at vital stages of the match. Losing is one thing, but the manner in which it happened is very disconcerting.From a batting point of view, the Sri Lankans only look dangerous if they get off to a start enabling players like Aravinda to then come in and build on it. The tail is just too fragile to cope if early wickets are lost. It almost seems like a catch 22 position for the top order; play shots to set a total, but don’t get out because you will not have enough batting at the back of the innings. This is no way to have play against a strong team with loads of bowling options available.While I think that the young fast men like the Fernando’s and Nissanka have loads of potential and in time will be of great value, potential alone never won a match in any sport. Dav Whatmore needs to spend hours and hours with these young men, making sure he gets their muscle memory in place very quickly. It probably should have been done before the tour even started!Pressure is the name of the game at the coal-face of international cricket and the Kimberley match was right up there when it came to producing the goods and the wheels came off. The ability to do the job when required under tough circumstances is not something that can be acquired overnight. It can take a few seasons and even then it is still never easy. This team is still in the process of putting that in place. Only a select few can do the job and there are not enough of them.The fifth and last match in Bloemfontein should see the Proteas rest key players and thereby allow some younger talent to experience the thrill of playing at the top level. The pressure will lessen and should the Sri Lankans lose, it will do their confidence no good in the light of their World Cup campaign.

The Athletic’s Adam Crafton has dropped a fresh update on Leeds United’s plans for the rest of the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Writing initially via his official Twitter account, Crafton said: “Leeds won’t do loads this summer but still want young centre mid + closing on Bamford extension.”

And then via a piece for The Athletic, he added: “This summer, therefore, had always been intended to be a little more measured, particularly as several of last summer’s deals are spread across several years. In this summer’s market, Leeds’ spending will be more reserved but sporting director Victor Orta has now closed two deals.

“It is not expected to be the end of the business, as Leeds are also searching for a young central midfield player with the potential to develop under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa. As things stand, it is unlikely to be the Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez, who has represented Uruguay at the Copa America.”

Bielsa may be frustrated

Having only seen Amari Miller and Junior Firpo come through the door thus far – the former will hardly be expected to make an impression on the first-team either way – Bielsa may be slightly worried at where things stand with Leeds in the transfer window.

Having seen reports for a number of months linking them with the likes of Nahitan Nandez and Rodrigo de Paul, news that Leeds want a younger central midfielder, and that it won’t be the Cagliari midfielder, will surely frustrate the Leeds boss.

The Whites could do with some more first-team quality signings in the middle of the park, both as competition for the likes of Kalvin Phillips or even to ease out someone like Mateusz Klich.

Younger signings with an eye to the future is all well and good, but Bielsa will feel that next season in the Premier League they could really make a go of finishing in a European place having finished inside the top half in their first campaign back in the top-flight.

That requires a bit more work on Orta’s part like last summer when he snapped up the likes of Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Rodrigo and Raphinha to come straight in and boost the starting line-up.

Firpo’s arrival solves one problem at left-back, but they need a couple more at least. It’s exactly why Bielsa may be worried with this latest transfer update.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a dream De Paul alternative in this star…

Gerald Majola, CEO of the UCBSA, announced the final squad of fifteen players that will represent South Africa at the upcoming World Cup starting 8 February 2003 with the opening ceremony at Newlands in Cape Town

Keith Lane29-Dec-2002Gerald Majola, CEO of the UCBSA, announced the final squad of fifteen players that will represent South Africa at the upcoming World Cup starting 8 February 2003 with the opening ceremony at Newlands in Cape Town.Shaun Pollock – Captain
Mark Boucher – Vice Captain
Nicky Boje
Boeta Dippenaar
Allan Donald
Herschelle Gibbs
Andrew Hall
Jacques Kallis
Gary Kirsten
Lance Klusener
Charl Langeveldt
Makhaya Ntini
Robin Peterson
Jonty Rhodes
Monde Zondeki

Wolves could be forced to sell Ruben Neves this summer as they look to bring in new players, journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast.

Since joining Wolves from Porto back in 2017, Neves has gone on to become a key figure for the Midlands club.

He made over 40 Championship appearances in the season they won promotion and has continued to be a regular in the Premier League.

However, the Portugal international is now being linked with a move to Arsenal, with Goal reporting that they see him as a potential replacement for Granit Xhaka, who could be off to AS Roma.

And Hatfield believes, while nothing is a forgone conclusion, Neves is one player Wolves could be willing to let go in order to generate funds.

“For Wolves to sign players, do they need to sell?” the Express & Star reporter said. “That’s the report we’ve kind of heard from some, that there needs to be a few sales to fund those big moves that they maybe want to make.

“Maybe Neves is seen as someone who is not completely disposable but would be an acceptable departure to fund other moves. That could be the case.”

According to The Athletic, Wolves do need to sell if they are to bring in reinforcements.

Valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, Neves probably has the potential to capture a good fee. So while he has been an important player for this Wolves team, you can see some logic behind selling him this summer.

The Dubai Attorney-General is expected to take up Mohammad Asif’s case, according to the Pakistan embassy in the city

Cricinfo staff12-Jun-2008
Mohammad Asif’s case is now expected to be taken up by the Dubai Attorney-General © AFP
The Dubai Attorney-General is expected to take up Mohammad Asif’s case on Sunday, according to the Pakistan embassy in the city, where the bowler has been detained since June 3 on suspicion of possessing contraband drugs.An official at the embassy dismissed media reports that Asif was likely to be deported on Friday. “I think if any decision was taken to deport him, we would know about it,” the official told . “There has been no development on the Asif front as yet and we are expecting the Attorney-General to handle the case on Sunday after going through the prosecutor’s report. He might even take a decision the same day on whether to charge Asif or release or deport him.”Last Sunday Asif appeared before the court, which was adjourned soon after the recommendations of the public prosecutor were heard. After the investigations were completed, the prosecutor’s report was submitted to the Attorney-General.Shafqat Naghmi, the board’s chief operating officer, said no progress had been made in the case so far. “Nothing much has moved on it so far. I spoke to Asif this morning in connection with his lawyer. He sounded tired.”The ICC has also taken an official interest in Asif’s case now, having written to the PCB and asked to be kept informed about developments in the case.”The ICC wanted to know what was happening with the case. They have gotten news from the media about it, but wanted to be kept informed about what is happening. We have no problem with that,” a board spokesman told Cricinfo.Should Asif be released from detention and sent back to Pakistan he will face an inquiry from the PCB.

Nuno Santo has been offered the chance to reunite with one of his former signings at Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Porto-based news outlet Mercado Azul claims that super-agent Jorge Mendes has offered his client Vitinha to Spurs for €20m (£18m) following his loan stint at Premier League rivals Wolves.

It’s thought that Nuno’s former club are stalling over making the 21-year-old’s loan deal a permanent move from Portuguese giants Porto this summer.

Earlier in the season, the 47-year-old head coach waxed lyrical about his summer signing. He said, via The Athletic:

“We are pleased with Vitor. He’s a young player, but full of talent and quality. He has a lot of things to improve on his game, in terms of physicality and duels — the aspects that normally require a time of adaptation. But the talent is there. He’s a good option who in the right moments can be helpful.”

Get it done?

Spurs may not want to become a side awash with clientele from Mendes’ agency, Gestifute, but it cannot hurt to call upon him in a time of need.

The landscape of Nuno’s inherited midfield could quickly change over the next month or so, with several stars potentially on the chopping block should any offers come their way.

Amongst these candidates are surely Harry Winks, who Fabio Paratici has reportedly put up for sale, Moussa Sissoko, who recently remained coy over his future, and Dele Alli, who rarely featured last season and could be sold, according to some reports.

If one, two or even all three of these names leave North London, then Nuno will certainly need to bolster his engine room as there is not enough cover behind likely first-choice names like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele.

There cannot be many better solutions out there than a player that the Portuguese boss has already worked with and one that he’s praised in the past.

The 21-year-old dynamo only started five of his 19 appearances in the Premier League last term but that only bolsters claims of him being a back-up player next term.

In 513 minutes of action, Vitinha provided one assist but managed to display an impressive consistency in his passing, averaging a 90.3% success rate and 1.6 key passes per 90, via WhoScored.

“He is an exciting and special young talent, with an abundance of technique and creativity,” claimed Wolves chairman Jeff Shi after signing the midfielder on loan in September.

Last season, no Spurs player managed to surpass a passing accuracy of 88.5% (Hojbjerg), whilst Heung-min Son recorded the most key chances created per 90 minutes (1.4) and that was still short of Vitinha’s attempts in an Old Gold shirt.

Of course, the young 5 foot 8 prospect, who has earned comparisons to Joao Moutinho, is still raw but it’s clear that he made some sort of impact under Nuno in the game time he did receive in the Midlands.

Looking to Mendes to secure a rotation option isn’t the worst thing Paratici can do this summer and as such, the North London outfit should look to snag Vitinha from Wolves’ nose.

AND in other news, Paratici could finally replace Dembele with Spurs swoop for “complete” £26m “machine”…

Wolves are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan forward Rafael Leao this summer as Bruno Lage looks to make his mark on the first team squad at Molineux.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (as reported by Sport Witness), the Italian giants will either sell Leao or Jens Petter Hauge over the coming months, with a €15m (£13m) asking price mooted for the Portuguese striker.

The report added that there have been some discussions between the two clubs, while Wolves could once again be aided by super-agent Jorge Mendes, who represents the 22-year-old.

Imagine him and Jimenez

Wolves’ extensive collection of Portuguese talent has been well documented in recent years, and they could be about to add another highly-rated young Iberian star to their ranks.

Leao moved to San Siro from Lille back in 2019 for a substantial fee after impressing in Ligue 1, and his standout performances drew extreme praise from his former Sporting Lisbon manager Tiago Fernandes.

Speaking to Tuttomercatoweb in August 2019, Fernandes compared Leao to the Brazilian Ronaldo and claimed that he was capable of playing for any top club in Europe, saying:  “He reminds me of Ronaldo, the ‘Phenomenon’, for speed, technique and quality in the decisive part of the action. Rafael has the talent to play for Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​all the best European clubs.”

However, the 22-year-old has struggled to find his best form in Serie A. In 40 appearances for the Rossoneri last term, Leao bagged seven goals and provided a further six assists for his teammates, a respectable return but not a mind-blowing one either.

He has done enough to showcase his top-class potential, though, and a switch to Wolves could be the perfect move for the youngster’s development.

The Midlands outfit have developed a reputation for being an extremely effective counter-attacking team during their three-year stay in the Premier League, so Leao could be a natural fit for their system.

His natural pace and power would compliment Raul Jimenez’s heading and finishing ability perfectly, potentially forming a dream duo at Molineux next season.

In other news… Wolves must land “phenomenal” £27m-rated gem who has “magical powers”, Lage needs him 

Birmingham City are reportedly eyeing a move for former Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, according to Alan Nixon in The Sun on Sunday (18th July 2021, page 61)

What’s the story?

Bettinelli is currently a free-agent after his time with Fulham came to an end upon the conclusion of his contract at Craven Cottage.

The 29-year-old shot-stopper made 120 appearances in total for the London-based club, but found regular minutes hard to come by with the Cottagers towards the end of his time with them.

He spent part of the 2020/21 season out on loan with Championship side Middlesbrough, and made 42 appearances for Neil Warnock’s side, as they finished tenth in the second-tier standings.

Birmingham City are reportedly eyeing a move for Bettinelli this summer, as they look to solve their temporary problem between the posts.

It’s a smart move

The Blues finished 18th in the Championship table last term, and there were positives to take for the club’s supporters, after some improved displays towards the end of that league campaign.

They had previously been in serious danger of being relegated into the third-tier of English football, and Lee Bowyer will be hoping to see his side make a positive start to the new Championship season.

He could be facing a dilemma ahead of their season opener against Sheffield United on Saturday 7th August though, with current first-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge recently being released from hospital after being struck with Covid-19.

It remains to be seen as to when the shot-stopper will return to training, but it’s far from ideal preparation during pre-season for Bowyer.

So it makes sense for the Blues to target another goalkeeper this summer, and Bettinelli could turn out to be a smart signing by Birmingham City.

The goalkeeper played an important role in both of Fulham’s promotion-winning seasons in 2017/18 and 2019/20, but he hasn’t been given the opportunity to impress much in the Premier League with the Cottagers.

But for Championship standard, Bettinelli has certainly shown that he can perform to a more than good enough standard for a team that are challenging for promotion into the top-flight.

He stands at 6 foot 3, and kept 14 clean sheets from his 30 appearances in Fulham’s 2017/18 promotion-winning campaign, and you’d fancy him to replicate those impressive showings whilst with Bowyer’s men.

It wouldn’t come as a surprise to see Birmingham City making a surprise push for promotion into the Premier League this term, with Bowyer already making a number of additions to his squad, with the likes of Ryan Woods, Chuks Aneke and Tahith Chong being among those to arrive at St. Andrew’s this summer.

If Bettinelli was to follow them through the door, then it could turn out to be a shrewd move by Bowyer, especially as he’s got proven success in the second tier and would not cost a penny.

Mahela Jayawardene acknowledged his team-mates’ consistency after Sri Lanka won the third Test at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium to clinch their series against India by a 2-1 margin

Jamie Alter in Colombo11-Aug-2008
Mahela Jayawardene jumps for joy after Sri Lanka’s victory © AFP
It began long before Mahela Jayawardene cut Sourav Ganguly’s wide delivery for four to cue emotional scenes of victory. It started before Kumar Sangakkara found awe-inspiring determination to bat India out of the deciding Test. It started in Galle, when Sri Lanka allowed India to level the series. There began a fierce determination to defend a proud home record, and to show Sri Lanka could deliver under pressure.”We need to figure out a way of controlling situations a bit better, especially under pressure and see how we can come out of it,” was Jayawardene’s assessment after a 170-run loss in the second Test. Sri Lanka handled that pressure, grabbed it by the throat, and turned it back on India.This was a victory fashioned by tight bowling, led again by the indefatigable Ajantha Mendis on a tame pitch lacking movement, pace or bounce, a solid first innings moulded around gritty batting from Sangakkara and an effortless partnership chasing a small total. But at the heart of it was a reliance on each individual’s ability to step forward, a trait Jayawardene has spoken of all series.Sri Lanka had played good cricket right through, starting with a “perfect performance” at the SSC, and culminating in a comprehensive eight-wicket win here. The blip in Galle, which Jayawardene still acknowledged as competitive cricket, only fuelled the urge to come back. “It was a hard series, which drained a lot out of us, but this team showed a lot of character to come back after the Galle Test,” Jayawardene said. “We kept standards high, we kept pushing ourselves, and we never gave up. The difference between the teams was that we had different contributions from key players.”Who can argue with that? Malinda Warnapura’s runs in all three matches, Thilan Samaraweera’s consistency, Tillakaratne Dilshan’s brilliance in the field, Chaminda Vaas’ 47 as a nightwatchman, Sangakkara’s patient hundred, and Dammika Prasad’s shot of pace – all were key ingredients to Sri Lanka’s success. Had India scored a hundred more runs in the first innings, the outcome of this match could have been different. However, India’s famed middle order again came a cropper. Vaas went wicketless while Murali was nowhere near his best, but Prasad and Mendis bowled with guile and accuracy to rock the boat.Today, hope flickered for India through a dour partnership between Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, but it was emphatically snuffed out a half hour before lunch. Once again, Mendis had struck. His first spell didn’t yield a wicket, but he returned from around the stumps to dislodge Dravid by probing away around his off stump. Dravid had looked in good groove but denied length, he was forced to play at a perfect delivery and was neatly help at slip by Jayawardene. He stood a few seconds, looking from catcher to umpire, before walking off.India’s Fab Four scrapped 554 runs between them in 24 innings. That Sri Lanka managed to contain that line-up was remarkable. “The credit should go to the bowling unit for keeping India under a total of 329 in the whole series,” Jayawardene said. “We were up against a really good challenge and our guys went really hard at them and kept the pressure going. That’s how we managed to put a lot of pressure on the Indians.”Showing the way was Mendis, who has been instrumental in allowing the opposition just one hundred in the series. “For us it’s important to have someone like Ajantha,” Jayawardene said. “He creates opportunities and adds pressure and picks up wickets. It gives a different dimension [to the team].”
Ajantha Mendis, who took a record 26 wickets in his debut series, was the architect of Sri Lanka’s triumph © AFP
The emergence of Mendis has been a revelation. Murali has never had a spinning partner of his pedigree and Mendis is an enthusiastic supporter of the veteran, willing to be the workhorse without sacrificing his intensity or guile. No surprise then that Murali has backed Mendis to extend his Test career. He gave more freebies today than he had before, but was accurate enough to keep the batsmen playing and guessing.Mendis’ stock continues to rise, and he has been the lynchpin of Sri Lanka’s series success. Pushed into the dual responsibilities of containing and striking in his debut series, he plugged away enthusiastically, obtaining turn and bounce. His 26 wickets were an outstanding return for a bowler in his debut series. He was, in every manner of speaking, the difference between the two teams.This is a massive win for Sri Lanka, and definitely counts as one of their most satisfactory. Sanath Jayasuriya’s departure left a massive void to be filled, and though Michael Vandort failed this series, his success over the last year means that he deserves an extended run. Warnapura was solid, scoring a hundred and two fifties. Sri Lanka didn’t have solid starts, but the top order came good. Jayawardene and Trevor Bayliss have repeatedly stressed on how crucial their openers have and will be for Sri Lanka.The contrasting body language spoke volumes when play resumed after tea. Eight of 11 Indians walked out after tea with their heads drooping, some loping in pairs, a few more lugging weary feet across the hard grass. Not ten yards to their left, Jayawardene strutted out with purpose and jogged the last few feet to the pitch, with Warnapura opening his shoulders a few feet behind.The difference was plain to see: Sri Lanka needed 77 to win the series with an entire four sessions left, and India had blown a great chance to win their first series in the country. 17.1 overs later, after Jayawardene hit the winning runs, the excitement was blatant. He leapt in the air before the ball reached the ropes, a distinct war cry echoing across the ground, and he embraced Warnapura in a massive bear hug. This was what he had come here to play for, and his side had succeeded.That they did that brilliantly was credit to a work ethic instilled by Jayawardene, who epitomises an evolving Sri Lankan side, and his faith in players who commit themselves brilliantly. They have been a different side since Jayawardene turned their fortunes in England two summers ago. All that has transpired since then – the nail-biting thriller against South Africa in 2006, the World Cup, the captain’s mantras while they struggled in Australia last year, the hard work done before this Test – is reason for Sri Lanka’s success today.Sri Lanka are stuck in a moment and don’t want to get out of it. If you open your window, you may still hear Jayawardene roaring.

Leeds United are in advanced talks over a deal for Valerenga goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Casilla’s departure

The Whites are on the hunt for another goalkeeper after Kiko Casilla completed a switch away from Elland Road earlier this month.

Casilla, who joined Leeds back in January 2019, made the move to La Liga side Elche on loan for the upcoming campaign.

The Yorkshire Evening Post claimed the Whites shortlisted Klaesson, Levante’s Dani Cardenas and Newcastle United’s Freddie Woodman as potential replacements for the 34-year-old, and it seems as if they are closing in on one of those three.

The Latest: Source shares Klaesson update

A Leeds source informed Football Insider on Thursday that discussions were progressing well over a deal for Klaesson and the 20-year-old has been offered an Elland Road contract.

Leeds have applied for a work permit for the 6ft 2in shot-stopper, with a move edging closer.

Phil Hay backed up the update regarding Klaesson on Friday, revealing he will fly into England next week for a medical.

The Verdict: Orta has acted fast

Casilla sealed his Whites exit less than two weeks ago, so Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta has acted relatively quickly in regards to signing his replacement.

There have been productive negotiations between Leeds and Valerenga over the last fortnight, with Klaesson playing in a Europa League Conference fixture on Thursday evening.

Attention will more than likely turn to a new central midfielder, should a deal for Klaesson get over the line, and it seems as if the Whites’ senior and academy business is shaping up nicely ahead of the new campaign.

In other news: Leeds gem set to leave for good after three-and-a-half years as source shares transfer agreement.