Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this weekend and it’ll be no easy task as Nuno Santo looks to build on their victory last time out.

The north Londoners head to the northeast to face Newcastle United at St James’ Park, where there is expected to be an electric atmosphere as it’ll be the first game under their new ownership.

Spurs defeated Aston Villa to put an end to their run of three successive heavy league defeats but they will need to continue that form with a result away from home today.

Nuno has been under increasing pressure in recent weeks and that leaves him with a tricky dilemma in terms of team selection – he’ll have to get it spot against the Magpies.

For all of the positives against Villa, there were still some aspects that could be improved on, particularly in the final third. It was actually the first time the side had bagged more than one goal in the top-flight this season.

Despite that, Spurs still sit second-bottom for average number of shots per game (10.4) in the Premier League – even the three teams in the relegation zone have fired off more attempts, whilst they also rank third-bottom for expected goals (7.25 xG).

The Portuguese head coach opted for Tanguy Ndombele in the no.10 role right before the international break but it’s a decision that failed to pay off as the Frenchman, who was not selected by Didier Deschamps last week, barely had an influence in the attack.

As per SofaScore, he managed only 41 touches, which was the lowest of any outfield starter for Spurs, whilst he made 18 passes – for context, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made just three fewer.

One is meant to be the team’s playmaker.

Furthermore, Ndombele won just 50% of his midfield battles, proving to be ineffective and rather weak.

That has very much been the tale of the £36m-rated dynamo’s time in N17. A player, who on his day can be a world-beater, but those occasions are far and few between.

His performances when it really counts have been inconsistent, to say the least, but according to Joe Hart, the 24-year-old club-record signing is an exceptional talent.

During Spurs’ FA Cup clash with Wycombe Wanderers last season, the backup goalkeeper waxed lyrical about his former teammate to BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand.

“I said to Joe, how good is he? And he said ‘this kid is a world-beater, he can do anything.’ He just turned around during the game and said ‘this kid is unplayable’,” he claimed (via football.london).

Right now, however, it could be argued that the ex-Lyon star is holding Nuno’s side back as they cannot afford him coasting through some matches and then delivering in others.

It could be wise for the Portuguese to be ruthless and axe him at Newcastle this afternoon.

AND in other news, Nuno Santo hints at Spurs injury blow ahead of Newcastle clash…

Tony Hill and Ian Gould have been added to the ICC’s elite panel of umpires following the annual review and selection process.The addition of the pair, who have been serving on the international panel, brings the total back up to 12 with the imminent retirement of Steve Bucknor coupled with last year’s retirement of Darrell Hair.In addition, four other umpires from the international panel – Marais Erasmus (South Africa), Rodney Tucker (Australia), Amish Saheba (India) and Nigel Llong (England) – have been identified for overseas appointments in addition to umpiring international fixtures taking place in their own countries.”We are delighted to confirm the promotion of both Ian and Tony,” said Dave Richardson, the ICC’s general manager – cricket. “Their promotions are a result of perseverance, hard work and commitment and I am sure these two umpires will serve as an inspiration to the other international panel umpires who are striving hard to break into the top flight.””I believe that having played cricket at a high level for 21 years I understand the game from the players’ point of view and that I bring that empathy out in my umpiring,” Gould said. “Although it’s a very different challenge to playing the game, being an umpire is enormously rewarding and a great way to stay involved.”Meanwhile in a separate appointment, former Zimbabwe Test batsman Andy Pycroft has been added to the panel of ICC Match Referees bringing the total number of referees to seven.

For the second day running, bat ruled the ball in Abu Dhabi where Lancashire’s Paul Horton emulated Yorkshire’s Michael Vaughan by scoring a majestic century in the clash against Sussex in the Pro Arch Trophy. Horton, who cracked 122, was well-supported b

Mark Pennell in Abu Dhabi19-Mar-2009
ScorecardFor the second day running, bat ruled the ball in Abu Dhabi where Lancashire’s Paul Horton emulated Yorkshire’s Michael Vaughan by scoring a majestic century in the clash against Sussex in the Pro Arch Trophy. Horton, who cracked 122, was well-supported by Kyle Hogg who turned in a fine all-round display in Lancashire’s comfortable 46-run win.Almost exactly 24 hours after Vaughan scored his first hundred for Yorkshire in nearly four years, so 26-year-old Horton was clattering his maiden one-day century for Lancashire in an impressive total of 298 all out. Horton, born in Australia but schooled in Liverpool, is fresh from a spell captaining the Western Australian club side Gosnalls and the trip has clearly been of great use. He plundered 14 fours during his 123-ball stay, showing great stamina in energy-sapping heat.Horton featured in a fine stand of 111 with Mark Chilton (59 from 63 balls), following on from Kyle Hogg who earlier gave Lancashire a sound start with a fluent 35 at almost a run-a-ball. Hogg was leg-before to slow left-armer Tom Smith who, with 3 for 51, was the pick of Sussex’s attack.On a pitch aiding spin more than seam, Michael Yardy mopped up wickets at the death, including Horton who was caught at deep midwicket, to finish with 3 for 59, while Robin Martin-Jenkins showed all his experience with a tidy stint of 3 for 43.Sussex began poorly, however, and within the first 11 overs had lost their top three. Ed Joyce (10) edged a slashing drive to the keeper off Hogg; Rory Hamilton-Brown fell in the same fashion for 11, either side of an unfortunate run out for Chris Nash (15) when backing up a drive that was tipped onto the stumps by Glen Chapple as he followed though.Sussex re-grouped through Carl Hopkinson (46) and Yardy with a fourth-wicket stand of 93 in 17 overs which ended when Hopkinson was deceived in the flight as he advanced to left-arm spinner Stephen Parry. Despite the loss of Andrew Hodd, bowled by Parry soon after the drinks break, Yardy anchored the reply with a fluent 82 until he too was snared by the spinner, trapped leg-before after missing a paddle sweep. With him went Sussex’s outside chances of victory.

Tasmania 163 and 5 for 197 (Marsh 58*) beat Western Australia 189 and 168 (Magoffin 59*, Duval 4-29) by 5 wickets
Scorecard
Points table

The captain Dan Marsh showed a cool head as Tasmania completed a fine comeback against Western Australia that increased their chances of making the Sheffield Shield final. The Tigers, who were 26 behind on first innings, are now second after Marsh steered the closing stages of the chase with 58 not out as they reached their target of 195 with five wickets in hand.In conditions that no batsman mastered, the Tigers were nervous until Marsh, who scored 64 in the first innings, took charge. When he hit three fours in a Drew Porter over they needed only 13 and he finished the match with a lofted boundary from Adam Voges.It was the fourth time in a row at home that Tasmania had successfully chased a fourth-innings total, which is a strong record considering the damage caused by the bowlers during the matches. Tasmania’s 5 for 197 was the highest total of the game that finished a day early.The Tigers started solidly with the openers both reaching 18 before Jonathan Wells and Rhett Lockyear both fell with the score on 37. Alex Doolan and George Bailey made important contributions of 33 and 36, but they were still looking to Marsh when Tim Paine departed with 25 still needed. Victoria lead the competition while Tasmania, who have 24 points, are two ahead of Queensland with two matches remaining.Western Australia began the third day at 8 for 97 with a quick finish looking likely, but the No. 10 Steve Magoffin had other ideas and registered an unbeaten 59. Magoffin, who would later take 3 for 59, lost Josh Mangan for 12 early in the morning before he combined with Brett Dorey (16) in a 48-run stand. Unfortunately for the Warriors, it only delayed the defeat.

FC Barcelona want to sign Everton target Luis Diaz from FC Porto, according to a report from MARCA. 

The lowdown

Everton tried to arrange a swap deal for Diaz during the summer transfer window, with compatriot James Rodriguez going the other way (via The Athletic).

However, the proposed move stalled because Porto were unable to meet James’ wage demands.

Diaz has made a flying start to the new Primeira Liga season, scoring five goals in Porto’s first seven matches to lead the Golden Boot race, so it’s hard to imagine Everton’s interest has done anything other than increase.

The 24-year-old has just under three years left to run on his contract at the Estadio do Dragao (via Transfermarkt).

The latest

Diaz is ‘the latest name’ added to Barcelona’s list of targets by club president Joan Laporta.

His €30million (£25.6million) price tag is apparently affordable for the Catalan giants.

Barcelona are ‘not the only club who have taken notice’ of Diaz’s form, and rival suitors may be able to offer higher wages.

But Laporta’s hope is that his ‘pitch’ will lure the Colombian to the Camp Nou.

The verdict

Everton may have missed their opportunity to land Diaz. Based on his red-hot early season form, he’s going to catch the eye of more European heavyweights, and they may simply be unable to compete if Barcelona and others of their stature all join the race.

Still, you can’t really criticise club officials for failing to negotiate a deal. It ultimately comes down to the fact that James’ representatives ‘refused to budge’ on their salary expectations.

Perhaps one final blow for the Toffees from the Colombian’s tenure on Merseyside.

In other news, many Everton fans tore into this player during their clash with Norwich. 

MatériaMais Notícias

Em junho de 2016, o São Paulo anunciou a compra definitiva de Maicon, então emprestado pelo Porto (POR). Umano depois, o zagueiro está prestes a voltar à Europa. O Galatasaray da Turquia ofereceu 7 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 25 milhões), com 1 milhão (R$ 3,6 mi) de bônus ao clube pelo jogador. A proposta agradou a diretoria e o negócio deve ser fechado em breve. A informação foi dada inicialmente pelo UOL Esporte.

O São Paulo adquiriu o atleta do Porto por 6 milhões de euros (R$ 22 milhões na época), cedendo ainda 50% dos direito econômicos dos garotos Luizão e Inácio à equipe português. A diretoria não cogitava abrir conversas por valores inferiores ao que gastou por Maicon, que tem acordo com o Tricolor até 2020.

O zagueiro foi contratado para os jogos da reta final da Libertadores de 2016, mas acabou expulso do jogo de ida das semifinais contra o Atlético Nacional (COL). Recentemente, perdeu a faixa de capitão para o argentino Lucas Pratto, teve queda no rendimento e passou a ser alvo de críticas por parte da torcida. Sua última falha foi no clássico com o Corinthians.

A saída de Maicon apressa as buscas do clube por reforços no setor defensivo. Prestes a anunciar o equatoriano Robert Arboleda, o São Paulo precisará de outras peças, já que Lucão não deve voltar a vestir a camisa tricolor. O volante Éder Militão joga improvisado no setor, que também conta com Rodrigo Caio – que voltou da Seleção com edema na coxa esquerda -, Douglas e Lugano, cujo contrato termina no fim do mês e que ainda não definiu a renovação.

RelacionadasSão PauloSão Paulo encaminha acerto com meia Jonathan Gómez, do Santa FeSão Paulo19/06/2017São PauloLucão irrita diretoria e não irá viajar para Curitiba com o São PauloSão Paulo19/06/2017São PauloArboleda é esperado na quarta para assinar até 2020 com São PauloSão Paulo19/06/2017

Alan Hutton has offered his thoughts on Leon King’s chances of featuring for Rangers in the Europa League… 

What’s the talk?

Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton has suggested that Leon King could be given a chance to impress in the Europa League this season.

When asked about the opportunities King could be handed due to the registration rules in European competitions, he told Football Insider:

“Yes, I can see it happening. I think back to my time when I was playing – you obviously knew of these rules.

“You have to have X amount of young players on the bench, for example.

“I know some people don’t like these rules but as a young player breaking through, it gives you that opportunity.

“You get to see the surroundings and feel what it’s all about – with the atmosphere.

“It stands you in good stead for the future.

“As well as that, you are there to be called upon if something happens to the first-choice players. The manager obviously trusts these guys.”

Key problem

The emergence of King as a first-team option could solve a key problem Rangers are facing ahead of their clash with Lyon on Thursday. Hutton believes that Gerrard trusts his young players and this could be the perfect opportunity to throw him into the deep end to see if he can swim.

Connor Goldson and Filip Helander both look set to miss out through self-isolation and injury respectively, whilst Jack Simpson was not named in the Europa League squad. This leaves Leon Balogun, who has also covered at right-back this season, as Gerrard’s only senior centre-back option for the clash with Lyon.

That means King, who former Rangers player Mark Hateley said is “going to be massive”, could partner Balogun at the back against the Ligue 1 side. He has already played two senior games for Rangers so it would not be his first foray into senior action, although it would still be a huge call for Gerrard to trust him to perform against a top side in a European competition.

His only other option is to use another player out of position and that could cause problems as they would not be used to playing at centre-back. Whereas King has come up through the academy as a centre-back and will know what is being asked of him in that position.

This is why Gerrard must unleash him against Lyon alongside Balogun this Thursday and see if he is capable of making the step up. Hopefully, Goldson will then be available after returning from self-isolation and King can continue his development in the reserves whilst providing back-up to the first-team. He could solve a key problem in the short-term and it would be great to see an academy product come in and do a job, especially in Europe.

AND in other news, Rangers transfer claim made on “perfect” £6.2k-p/w beast, it’ll leave fans delighted…

Some Everton fans have been left fuming over the news that Salomon Rondon has signed for their club.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the Blues were able to sign the striker on Deadline Day on a free transfer, as he signed a two-year deal at the Merseyside club, with the option of another season.

Although experienced in the Premier League with both Newcastle United and West Brom, Rondon was never really prolific in the top flight, achieving double figures in just one of his four campaigns (Transfermarkt).

At 31 years of age, one would question whether the Venezuela international can cope with the demands of the division anymore, especially given that he has not played in Europe for over two years.

Everton fans on Rondon signing

These Toffees supporters fumed as the signing of Rondon was confirmed on Twitter, with one Blue even going as far as to claim that it was ‘shocking’:

“Gonna be a long season this”

Credit: @adamf_24

“Time for bed”

Credit: @_MikeConnolly

“Christ, a 31-year-old on a potential 3-year deal.”Credit: @SteveBiggert”Shocking signing that”Credit: @LewisGundy__”Eating until 11pm for an underwhelming announcement like this. What a joke. With bottom-half teams signing more players than us it’s not hard to think where we may end up. Abysmal window, all 82x days of it. If we were really putting offers in, we could’ve signed more.”Credit: @KingMantisBand”Brands out”Credit: @Alexash999v2In other news, find out whose exit has Evertonians fuming here!

French expert Adam White reckons that both PSG and Moise Kean are interested in making a loan return possible – but there are complications in a potential deal.

Kean spent last season with Mauricio Pochettino’s side, and despite heading to the French capital having scored just four goals for Everton, made a significant impact for PSG, both domestically and in Europe.

In fact, Kean’s 17 goals in 41 appearances was more than he’s managed throughout the rest of his club first-team career combined for Everton and Juventus.

With the 21-year-old’s future at Goodison Park looking bleak, having failed to repay the £25.1m Everton paid for him two years, a return to France has looked on the cards for some time.

However, with PSG currently trying to secure a sensational deal to sign Lionel Messi, which comes after Pochettino has already added the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Sergio Ramos and others to his squad, bringing Kean back isn’t set to be an easy process.

White told The Transfer Tavern:

“RMC reported last month that both PSG and Kean would be keen for another loan, but those talks are becoming increasingly complicated because all the signings PSG are making, and they need to sell other players, but those are going to be factors.

“But PSG and Kean would be keen on a return. He was really good last season; he was surprisingly prolific and scored some important goals in the league.”

كشفت وسائل إعلام إسبانية التفاصيل المالية لصفقة انتقال الفرنسي أوريلين تشواميني، لاعب موناكو إلى صفوف ريال مدريد.

وكان ريال مدريد قد أعلن صباح اليوم السبت، تعاقده مع تشواميني، قادمًا من موناكو، لمدة 6 سنوات حتى 2028، دون الكشف عن التفاصيل المادية للصفقة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إذاعة إسبانية توضح قرار ريال مدريد بشأن التعاقد مع مهاجم جديد في الميركاتو

إذاعة “كوبي” الإسبانية، ذكرت في تقرير لها، أن انتقال تشواميني إلى ريال مدريد، كلف خزائن الفريق 80 مليون يورو، و20 مليون متغيرات أي أن ريال مدريد سيدفع 100 مليون للنادي الفرنسي.

وقالت الإذاعة إن تشواميني صاحب الـ”22″ عامًا، سوف يتقاضى راتبًا سنويًا قيمته سبعة ملايين يورو.

تشواميني مع موناكو في عامين خاض 95 مباراة بمُختلف المُسابقات، وسجل ثمانية أهداف وقدم سبع تمريرات حاسمة.

يُذكر أن ريال مدريد حدد يوم، الثلاثاء 14 يونيو، لإقامة مؤتمر صحفي، في تمام الساعة الثانية عشر ظهرًا بتوقيت “القاهرة” في المدينة الرياضية.