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Usually, anything less than a clean sweep against Bangladesh would have invited criticism, but not when Sri Lanka are trying out their next generation

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Apr-2013As Sri Lanka’s mixed tour arrived at a happy close in Pallekele, Twenty20 captain Dinesh Chandimal’s words after the game suggested an encouraging future, just as Angelo Mathews’ comments had done after a loss, three nights earlier. Amid a flood of praise for Kusal Perera’s bat speed and brutality, Chandimal explained how he would spend the imminent two-month break from international cricket, instead of travelling to India for the IPL.”Over the next two months, I’ll be doing a lot of training,” he said. “I still have a few issues with my technique that need to be sorted out, so I will be working very hard with the national coaches to correct those issues, looking forward to a busy season.”It was heartening, honest, realism from a young captain, desperate to improve himself after having embarked on a season of sudden responsibility. Captaincy aside, he is now the Test side’s wicketkeeper, as well as vice-captain and a key batsman in all three formats. Four months ago, he did not find a place in any of Sri Lanka’s preferred XIs.Mathews had also been candid and introspective after the loss in the third ODI. A wet ball played its role in the result, as did a shortened chase that tilted the match slightly in the visitors’ favour, but Mathews refused to find fault anywhere but in Sri Lanka’s own performance. It has been a difficult tour for him, with his side having achieved worse-than-anticipated results in the Tests and ODIs. But although he could have justifiably called for patience as an inexperienced captain leading a regenerating side, he apportioned blame where it was deserved and emphasised a commitment to correcting specific shortcomings.Though as a side, Sri Lanka will be disappointed at not having whitewashed Bangladesh in all formats, as they have done in every home series before, their two young leaders have displayed an awareness of the bigger game that is afoot; that of preparing for a future without Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene or Tillakaratne Dilshan. It appears that Kusal Perera is likely to become a mainstay – particularly as he could relieve Chandimal of the gloves, if they are deemed too big a burden. Lahiru Thirimanne has also begun producing high-quality innings in earnest, despite not having a settled place in the top order. And Chandimal’s own batting has already made major strides towards fortitude and consistency.Mathews’ captaincy betrayed his inexperience at times, particularly as he rifled through bowlers in the Tests, as quickly as most captains would in an ODI. But he hardly allowed the game to meander either, as Dilshan did during his unsuccessful stint at the helm. Under Chandimal’s effervescent leadership, the side was electric in the field, and flourished as a collective. He will regret having given part-timer Angelo Perera an over, when plenty remained from his frontline bowlers, but there was much encouragement as well. In all three formats, Chandimal and Mathews were in constant, often animated discussion, before fields were set and bowling changes made.In the future, it is conceivable the pair might exchange leadership between formats. Chandimal is patently unready for Test captaincy, but his talents and temperament – immature though both still are – seem better suited to the longest format, where he has been most impressive for Sri Lanka. Mathews’ all-round ability, meanwhile, is a better fit for limited-overs cricket, where he rarely allows a game to pass in which he has not contributed in either discipline. Sri Lanka’s selectors have felt it wise not to overload either captain with all three formats for now, but even as they develop, Chandimal and Mathews appear to have a relationship that might empower a successful split captaincy in years to come.At any other time, as unconvincing a series as this against Bangladesh would constitute a substantial failing for Sri Lanka. A firm focus on youth during this tour has given the side a grace period, in which poor results will be easily forgiven and forgotten. But if Sri Lanka are to become a major force in cricket once more, Chandimal and Mathews must ensure the improvements they have spoken of come swiftly, and emphatically.

Lonwabo Tsotsobe may have been earmarked for the containment role in South Africa’s pace attack, but he’s going to do a lot more than just hold up an end

Firdose Moonda26-Oct-2011The first time Lonwabo Tsotosbe played an ODI, he claimed the wickets of Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey and Mitchell Johnson. His performance helped South Africa claim the No. 1 rank in ODIs, but he did not play for the national team again for the next nine months.South Africa had already won that series, and had decided to rest Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini and hand debuts to Tsotsobe and left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell as an experiment. That the bean in the petridish actually sprouted meant very little.It’s that feeling of being always on the fringes that Tsotsobe has struggled to shake off, even after a successful and complete first season in international cricket, in which he excelled against India.He has started his second international summer as the best performer in the South Africa XI. While Dale Steyn has been erratic and wayward against Australia, and Morne Morkel took time to get his bounce right, Tsotsobe was spot on from the first match of the home series, a Twenty20 international in Cape Town. He picked up the most economical figures by a South Africa bowler in a T20I (over a completed spell) in his next outing, at the Wanderers, was impressive in his first spell during the first ODI, in Centurion, and again in Port Elizabeth.With the deciding ODI and a two-Test series on the horizon, Tsotsobe has announced himself as a key player in South Africa’s attack. He wants to be perceived as one who can shine in his role.”I wouldn’t like to be seen as someone who is going to be the third bowler and is just going to hold up one end,” he said after South Africa’s series-levelling win in Port Elizabeth. “I want to be recognised as a person who can also get wickets.”His statement is particularly pertinent to South Africa’s Test line-up, which is expected to contain three attacking bowlers, Steyn, Morkel and legspinner Imran Tahir. The inclusion of Tahir means that Tsotsobe will be earmarked as the container, who will have to bowl more overs than any of the others and give away fewer runs.His fitness was thought to be a reason he would struggle to perform that role, but a noticeably leaner Tsotsobe now looks like he could easily bowl 30 overs in a day. He said he has been training with South Africa’s fitness expert Rob Walter and working on muscle strength as well as cardio activities.”Every time when we play, we go to the gym for a light session, and I think it’s paying off. When you bowl your first ball, your legs are fresh, but when you are about to bowl your 30th over, you are tired and maybe your legs are drained. We do a lot of work on our legs and upper body, so it’s helping a lot.”Pace is not as big a buzzword for seam bowlers in South Africa as it used to be, and Tsotsobe’s ability to change his speeds, bowl the cutter and vary his lengths makes him tricky to face. “I know when to bowl my slower balls, my bouncers, and I am using my variations quite well,” he said.He believes that he complements the faster bowlers and it showed when he opened the bowling with Steyn in the first two ODIs. “It’s worked out very well,” he said, while adding that even though Steyn has not looked his usual fearsome self, having a player of his experience has been of assistance.”I enjoy opening with Dale because he has played a lot of games and whenever I am not bowling well, he will come up to me and say, ‘You’ve always told me that when you are not bowling well, your front arm is not working.’ And maybe my front arm isn’t working that day. I’ve got someone who is backing me and telling me I can do it.”

“It’s a big role that I am playing for the team, but I can’t say just because I am bowling well I am unbeatable”

Having his franchise coach, Russell Domingo, in the national setup has also had its benefits. “When I’ve got something going on or when I am not performing well, he knows what’s going on,” Tsotsobe said. “It helps when I’ve got someone that I can talk to. Not that I don’t talk to the head coach, Gazza [Gary Kirsten], or Allan [Donald], but sometimes you feel more comfortable talking to the person you have known for a long time.”One of the things Domingo has instilled in all of the players he has coached, including Johan Botha, Colin Ingram and Parnell, is a sense of the importance of remaining humble. Tsotsobe is another example of the modest Eastern Cape attitude, and he has not let his success over the past year bloat his ego.”It’s a big role that I am playing for the team, but I can’t say just because I am bowling well I am unbeatable. This is the international level and bowlers get studied, and I have to keep working on my game.”His family has provided him with good grounding and support. It probably helps that he is not their only sporting superstar. Tsotsobe’s mother, Dorothy, is the only woman on the executive board of the Eastern Province Rugby Union.”My mom is always supporting me,” he said. ‘”Whether it’s a four-day game or an international, she is always there. His sister, Nomsebenzi, captains the national women’s rugby team, and she was present at the match in Port Elizabeth.Tsotsobe has maintained a shy and quiet approach in international cricket, but beneath the gentle-giant exterior is a strong, confident man who is determined to leave his mark on the country’s cricketing landscape. Other bowlers may have come along, like Parnell, Vernon Philander and Rusty Theron, who all, like Tsotsobe himself, thrive on variations rather than raw pace, but it’s not something that fazes him. “I don’t want anyone to take my spot,” he said. “I have been working very hard.”

Sriram Veera watches the Ranji Trophy final come to end, from up close

Sriram Veera17-Jan-2009

In the stands a lady in a glided towards the far end to sit in the shade. In the tier above the sightscreen, where final touches were still being done to the structure, a labourer walked across alone with a cement bag. The rest of the crowd, sparse but very vocal, were chanting the Indian fan’s mantra – “Sachin … Sachin!”. In the middle, the game, with Uttar Pradesh struggling at nine wickets down, was wobbling towards its death.Tendulkar turned around towards the crowd and moved his arm as if bowling a leg break. The crowd roared. They have wanted him to bowl for a while now. Tendulkar pointed to Wasim Jaffer, Mumbai’s captain standing next to him in the slips, and suggested in jest that it was up to him. The crowd roared again. The next over, Tendulkar bowled.In the UP dressing room Mohammad Kaif led the laughter. The third delivery whirred in the air invitingly and Amir Khan edged his drive to first slip where Sahil Kukreja spilled it. The crowd sighed. It was pure theatre. More laughter broke out in both the dressing rooms.The tea break intervened. In the UP area, Parvinder Singh, one of the semi-final heroes, turned philosophical, sipping his tea. , ‘luck doesn’t play a part in cricket’, Parvinder started his cricket seven years back and was in and out of the side before getting his first full season this year and hopefully has sealed his spot with a big ton in the semi-final. He was also referring to the dropped chances given to the centurion Rohit Sharma in the first innings and the numerous times the ball went past the edge, but it was sort of a statement on his own career as well. “I will make sure I play for UP at this level as long as possible,” he said.Outside, a member of the UP contingent promised reporters he would bring more of the special made-only-in Allahabad “Dohra”, an indigenous preparation of tobacco. Sudeep Tyagi, the highest wicket-taker last year but out of the playing XI now, struggling to come to terms with his changed action, spoke about his intended visit to the National Cricket Academy this week and about his hope for a better new year.In the Mumbai area, everyone eagerly waited for the game to end. The celebration had started last evening in the hotel. , a popular Hindi film number, blared as players, Tendulkar included, danced around. And today Mumbai’s 38th Ranji triumph came at 3.22 pm when Praveen Gupta, who hit the winning runs in the semi-final, edged to Kukreja, who didn’t make any mistake this time. And the usual melee ensued.Stumps were uprooted from the earth for souvenirs and the Mumbai dressing room emptied on to the playing field. Kaif rushed out of the dressing room and led his team to shake hands with Mumbai’s players.And then, more of the same. Camera ‘no 7’ broke down just before the prize ceremony. Another camera was hurriedly brought in and the show continued. UP retreated and Mumbai continued with their Kodak moment. More laughter and camera flashes. The frenzy continued in the dressing room where champagne bubbled and Sula wine and beer drenched the floor. But there was a flight to catch and the players filed out one by one to the team bus. More Tendulkar moments. Some happy, some well …A Mumbai player was talking to a reporter when Tendulkar emerged from the room. A security guard tried to clear the way but unknowingly shoved the player out of the way. The player stumbled, held his balance some how, shrugged his shoulder, smiled and stepped aside. It comes with the territory of playing with a legend. A crowd had gathered outside waiting to catch a glimpse of their Tendulkar. And they erupted at the sight of their beloved. Tendulkar waved. The crowd grew delirious. All was well with the world.

Victoria were two wickets away from a win that would take them to the top of the table, but the weather played spoilsport

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff19-Feb-2024The thunderstorms that swept through Sydney on Monday denied Victoria an all-but certain Sheffield Shield victory over New South Wales with the home side eight down when play was suspended after Scott Boland had claimed five of them.A win would have put Victoria on top of the Shield ladder, but the players left the field about noon and did not return, with NSW 116 for 8 and needing another 86 runs to make Victoria bat again.Tasmania now have a massive home match against Victoria from March 1. NSW, who had turned their Shield campaign around with three wins from their previous four games, remain in the final hunt in fourth spot, behind Western Australia.NSW resumed their second innings on 40 for 3 and Victoria snared five more wickets before rain forced an early lunch and ultimately ended the match.Boland, who will head across to New Zealand for the Test series later this month, starred with 5 for 41 and took eight wickets for the match. On the final day he uprooted Moises Henriques’ leg stump, had Ollie Davies taken at second slip and then found the edge of top-scorer Sam Konstas.His Australian team-mate Nathan Lyon played a crucial innings for NSW to hold Victoria at bay before the weather intervened. Lyon faced 47 balls in tough conditions to make an unbeaten 17. Mitch Perry struck twice but it wasn’t enough.Despite going frustratingly close to a win and top spot, there was a significant highlight out of the match for Victoria. Will Pucovski returned to the Shield team and top-scored with 131 – his first ton in the competition since November 2020.

Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer has delivered a timely two-word update on Instagram regarding his fitness which will come as a massive boost to the Blues.

• Palmer said 'soon back' on social media
• Injured in warm-up ahead of West Ham clash
• Shared message with a series of pictures

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Cole Palmer has issued a brief but very welcome fitness update on social media, saying 'soon back' alongside a series of images, including one of him standing on the pitch at Stamford Bridge. Palmer injured his groin ahead of the clash with West Ham and was taken out of the matchday squad. And boss Enzo Maresca has blamed the injury on the workload placed on players. 

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Blues boss Maresca believes the volume of games is behind the glut of serious injuries. After Palmer was injured at West Ham, Maresca said: "I don't think that it is random that our three players with the most minutes last year were Levi Colwill, Cole and Moises Caicedo. It is not random, it is the amount of games. Look at Manchester City last year, they lost Rodri after two or three games. He was a player that had the most minutes for them. We are going to have problems this season for sure because of last season. But It's about how we can adapt and get players to recover."

• DID YOU KNOW

  Palmer shared a raft of images, alongside his brief 'soon back' message, which appeared to show some of his summer highlights. They included his Notting Hill Carnival appearance, in a mask hat and sunglasses, plus an image with the words: "A real flex is just being yourself in a world where people live for an image."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PALMER?

  Palmer has the luxury of additional time during this international break to recover fitness and Chelsea are back in action with a west London derby against Brentford on September 13. 

The Paris Saint-Germain winger and two of his treble-winning team-mates have been inexplicably left off the shortlist for the men's prize

The Ballon d'Or never fails to create controversy. Rather amusingly, Real Madrid even refused to turn up for last year's ceremony after being upset by the just decision to give the prize to Rodri over Vinicius Jr. 

The award is, by its very nature, contradictory, in that it champions individualism in a team sport, while the inherently subjective nature of the voting is always bound to provoke a backlash. Ballon d'Or recognition has become a very important marketing tool in the modern game, though, so whenever a player is the victim of a perceived snub, it generates a lot of headlines.

So, which stars will be reeling after being left off the list of nominees for this year's Ballon d'Or – and its plethora of other prizes? GOAL runs through the most notable oversights below…

Getty Images SportBradley Barcola (Ballon d'Or)

Spare a thought for Bradley Barcola right now. The France international was one of the key players in Paris Saint-Germain's treble triumph – yet everyone seems to have forgotten that fact.

There's no denying that the winger had a slight dip in form towards the tail end of the season – but he hardly went AWOL for months on end like Cole Palmer. Nor did he miss a significant chunk of the campaign through injury, like Erling Haaland.

Barcola actually continued to contribute to PSG's success, scoring twice in the Coupe de France final win over Reims to take his overall tally to 21 goals in all competitions. It's also well worth remembering that the winger finished with more assists (18) than any other PSG player.

However, after missing out on inclusion in Luis Enrique's starting line-up for the Champions League final, Barcola has also missed out on a Ballon d'Or nomination – despite being directly involved in as many goals as Lamine Yamal last season (39 apiece).

AdvertisementGetty Images SportPSG's centre-backs (Ballon d'Or)

Nine players from PSG's starting line-up for the Champions League final annihilation of Inter have been nominated for the men's Ballon d'Or – and that's perfectly fair. The only question, in fact, is why were Willian Pacho and Marquinhos overlooked?

Pacho was absolutely sensational during his first season at Parc des Princes – at the back, in the air and on the ball. It's bizarre, then, to see players like Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham nominated ahead of the Ecuadorian colossus – despite winning nothing of note and having poor seasons by their high standards.

Marquinhos' omission is even more ludicrous. Few PSG players were more deserving of a Champions League medal than the Brazilian centre-back, who arrived at Parc des Princes in 2013 and thus endured the Parisians' most spectacular capitulations. The lessons he learned during those devastating defeats played a pivotal part in Marquinhos finally leading PSG to the promised land – along with his disciplined defending and excellent distribution (no defender completed more passes in last season's Champions League).

It's, therefore, astounding that the classy captain of a history-making, treble-winning team has not got the recognition his contribution not only deserved – but demanded.

(C)Getty ImagesAlexander Isak (Ballon d'Or)

Alexander Isak has clearly been punished for not playing any Champions League football last season – because there's no other possible reason for his exclusion from the Ballon d'Or shortlist.

The Sweden striker scored more Premier League goals than Haaland, who has been nominated, while he also fired Newcastle to a first domestic trophy for 70 years with crucial goals in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea, Arsenal and, most importantly of all, Liverpool – who are now desperately trying to sign Isak for a British-record fee.

The 25-year-old's exact worth is a current topic of much debate, but you'd be hard pressed to find anyone willing to dispute the 25-year-old's status as one of the best centre-forwards in the world right now, making his Ballon d'Or snub genuinely mystifying.

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Getty ImagesOmar Marmoush (Ballon d'Or)

Eight male players were directly involved in 40 or more goals in all competitions across Europe's 'Big Five' leagues last season. Only one of them didn't earn a Ballon d'Or nod: Omar Marmoush.

The multi-talented Egyptian attacker tore up the Bundesliga during the first half of the 2024-25 season, netting 15 times in just 17 outings for Eintracht Frankfurt, while also weighing in with seven assists. His sensational form earned him a big-money move to the Etihad Stadium, where he netted a hat-trick in just his third Premier League appearance.

Marmoush was the only signing Manchester City made during January to make an instant impact on Pep Guardiola's squad and, in truth, one of the few positives of an otherwise negative campaign. So, why on earth has Haaland been nominated for the Ballon d'Or after a stop-start season, while Marmoush has been left off the list despite producing the season of his career?!

Chelsea fans have branded Joao Felix "the worst player to wear the shirt" after seeing the Portuguese forward complete a £26m ($35m) transfer to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. Felix spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at AC Milan, and Chelsea have now cut all ties with the 25-year-old.

• Felix leaves Chelsea to join Al-Nassr
• Blues fans relieved to see Felix exit
• Signs two-year contract with CR7's team

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Premier League giants confirmed that Felix has completed a permanent transfer to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr on Tuesday. The official statement from the Blues read: "Joao Felix has departed Chelsea and signed a permanent deal with Al-Nassr. We thank Joao for his efforts across his two spells at the club and wish him well for the future."

  Felix enjoyed a brief loan stint at Stamford Bridge in 2023, but then returned to Atletico Madrid. Chelsea re-signed the Portugal international permanently last summer and he made 20 appearances for the club across all competitions in the first half of the season before being loaned to AC Milan in January.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  As Felix's nightmare at Chelsea finally ended, the Blues fans expressed their delight on social media.

  An X user named SAM_CRO wrote: "Probably the worst player to wear the shirt. Good riddance."

  Dougmoney said: "He finally found his level, England was way above him. Hope he doesn't also struggle in the camel's league. Talent is never enough."

  Joseph D posted: "An excellent example of don't go back to your ex, no matter how good the memories are."

  Meanwhile, @theadeszn wrote: "THANK YOU JOAO FELIX, YOU WON’T BE MISSED."

  Ansh thanked Chelsea for finally offloading Felix, adding: "Omgggg best bit of business this summer. Thank you for making my day @ChelseaFC by selling, hey ho Felix."

• (C)Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Felix has signed a two-year contract at Al-Nassr, which will see a significant rise in the €8 million (£6.9/$9m) annual salary he was on at Stamford Bridge. The forward will reportedly now earn €17.5m (£15m/$20m) per year at Al-Nassr.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Enzo Maresca's Chelsea will reconvene for pre-season next month and are scheduled to play two friendly matches against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan at home before they kick off the 2025-26 campaign with a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

Birmingham City have confirmed their plans to build a 60,000-seater stadium that could cost the club over £3 billion ($4bn).

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Tom Brady's Birmingham to build new stadiumTargeting Premier League promotionSet to utilise hi-tech pitchFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Birmingham have unveiled their plans to construct a new 60,000-seater stadium that could cost the club in excess of £3bn. The new stadium will also feature a retractable pitch, similar to Tottenham Hotspur's stadium, which is often regarded as one of the most futuristic stadiums in the country.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The club, which has Tom Brady as a minority owner, unveiled the plans in their annual review and have revealed plans to also develop a "sports quarter" in the city. The plans will be submitted in 2026, and building is scheduled to begin in 2028. It is the latest sign that Birmingham have firmly set their sights on the Premier League, despite spending the last 14 years outside of the top-flight.

WHAT BIRMINGHAM SAID

Club CEO Jeremy Dale said: "The centrepiece of this £3billion project is a 60,000-seat multi-purpose stadium, the like of which will not have been seen before.

“The world’s leading architects are competing for the contract to design the stadium, which will include a retractable pitch, to allow non-sporting events like concerts to take place.

“The vision is that it will become an iconic ‘sporting coliseum’, respectful of local heritage, and provide an all-year location for sport, culture, leisure, entertainment, retail and education.

“We have been on this for a year, with 75 consultants working on the project already, the master plan and business plan. It is super exciting.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Birmingham are continuing to prepare for the 2025/26 season. They have thus far brought in nine players this summer, including the headline-grabbing acquisition of former Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

MatériaMais Notícias

A goleada por 5 a 2 diante da Chapecoense não foi suficiente, e o Corinthiansfoi eliminado do Campeonato Brasileiro Sub-17 na primeira fase.

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+ Balbuena assume o quarto lugar! Veja os defensores do Corinthians com mais gols na Arena

Os gols deGabriel Moscardo (2x), Wesley, Léo Agostinho e Guilherme não foram suficientes pois o Timão dependia de outros resultados na rodada para avançar às quartas de final.

O clube do Parque São Jorge precisava de uma derrota do Grêmio diante do Athletico-PR, além de tirar três gols no saldo de gols em relação aos gaúchos. O Imortal superou o Furacão por 5 a 3 e ficou com a última vaga do Grupo A. O Timão ficou em6º lugar, com 14 pontos.

+ Veja tabela e simule as próximas rodadas do Brasileirão

Com a eliminação no Brasileirão, a categoria do Sub-17 do Corinthians não tem mais compromissos oficiais na temporada, tendo em vista que a equipe também foi eliminada no Paulistão.

O técnico Guilherme Dalla Déa escalou o Corinthians com: Felipe Longo; Victor Oliveira, William, Gustavo Henrique e Kaio; Gabriel Moscardo, Bahia, Breno Bidon e Adryan; Wesley e Juninho.

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de folgar na sexta-feira após a classificação à final da Copa Sul-Americana, o elenco do São Paulo volta aos trabalhos na manhã deste sábado, no CT da Barra Funda, com apenas um dia de preparação específica para o clássico contra o Corinthians, às 16h deste domingo, no Morumbi, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro.

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GALERIAS
+ Tem novidades! Veja a convocação da Seleção Brasileira para os amistosos contra Gana e Tunísia

A trajetória do Tricolor na principal competição nacional não vem sendo das melhores. A equipe não vence há três rodadas e afundou na tabela de classificação, onde ocupa a 14ª colocação, com 30 pontos.

Até por conta da pífia campanha até aqui (a terceira pior na história do clube na história dos pontos corridos), o técnico Rogério Ceni vive o dilema de escalar ou não os titulares para o Majestoso. Existe sim o peso do clássico. Mas existe também o peso das prioridades tricolores no ano.

O próprio Ceni disse mais de uma vez em entrevista que o objetivo principal do clube no ano era conquistar uma vaga na Copa Libertadores por meio do Brasileirão.

E foi um clássico que lhe fez mudar os rumos. Mais especificamente contra o Palmeiras, em junho, quando emendou duas disputas com o rival alviverde, por Brasileirão e Copa do Brasil. Na ocasião, em coletiva, o treinador jogou a responsabilidade da escalação para a diretoria. Que de olho nas premiações dada pelos mata-mata pediu força máxima em ambos os duelos. Desde então o Tricolor perdeu o rumo nos pontos corridos. Mas saiu classificado nas eliminatórias.

O impasse é o mesmo de agora. Finalista da Sul-Americana, o Tricolor tem três caminhos. Um: descansar pura e simplesmente os titulares. Dois: ir com o que tiver de melhor para o Majestoso para se afastar da degola. Três: poupar os titulares visando o duelo de volta da semifinal da Copa do Brasil ante o Flamengo, na quarta-feira (14), no Maracanã. Opção interessantes, mas desinteressante na medida em que o São Paulo perdeu a ida por 3 a 1 em pleno Morumbi e a hipótese de virar o resultado na casa de um dos mais temidos times do Brasil parece pouco provável.

Questões que Ceni precisa ponderar no único dia de atividades que terá pela frente visando o clássico. Embriagada pela vaga na final continental, a torcida parece dar o crédito necessário pra o treinador fazer o que achar melhor.

TABELA
> Confira classificação, jogos e simule resultados do Brasileirão-22
> Confira todos os jogos da Copa do Brasil-22
> Confira todos os jogos da Copa Sul-Americana-22
> Conheça o novo aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!