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The Herons shared the spoils with the Egyptian giants in a chaotic opening to FIFA's hallmark club tournament

Lionel Messi hit the post twice, and his goalkeeper saved a first half penalty at the other end, but neither side found the net as Inter Miami and Al Ahly opened the Club World Cup with a 0-0 draw that certainly didn't lack excitement.

"We fought until the end. We showed great character," head coach Javier Mascherano told DAZN after the match.

It was very much a tale of two halves, the Egyptian giants dominating the first, before Miami took over in the second. Still, a crucial moment of quality never arrived, and the teams settled for what might be an agreeable point.

Al Ahly should have taken the lead early, but Oscar Ustari made back-to-back saves after well-crafted moves from the Egyptian side. The veteran Argentine was called upon a third time after 32 minutes, making an instinctive stop from a free header to keep things level. Trezeguet had a chance to take the lead shortly before the half with a penalty after being fouled by Telasco Segovia, but Ustari came up with another massive moment – denying him from the spot.

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woke up in the second half. They looked like a far more disciplined unit after the break, with Lionel Messi at the center of it all. The Argentine orchestrated the remainder of the proceedings. He came close midway through the second half, curling a free kick just outside the post.

Miami had further chances. Fafa Picault forced a wonderful save out of the keeper. The Al Ahly keeper provided again in stoppage time, denying first Messi and then Maxi Falcon from back-to-back corners.

"Obviously, we wanted to win, because we know how important it is to start with a win. But I am happy with the performance of the team," Mascherano said.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Hard Rock Stadium…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Oscar Ustari (8/10):

Made a few ridiculous saves in the first half and stopped a penalty to keep his side in it. Wonderful in goal.

Ian Fray (7/10):

Outrun and outmatched for half an hour, but settled in thereafter.

Maxi Falcon (6/10):

Chaotic and frenetic throughout. Came up with some big tackles, yet also almost cost his side on numerous occasions due to some woeful positioning.

Tomas Aviles (5/10):

Did an excellent job of trying to get himself sent off. Deservedly removed at the break after turning in a night to forget.

Noah Allen (6/10):

A tidy performance on the left, as Al Ahly had little joy down his wing.

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Federico Redondo (7/10):

Work rate cannot be questioned. The loss of Yannick Bright wasn't too badly felt.

Sergio Busquets (6/10):

Easily bypassed in the midfield in the first half. More in control after, and linked up with Messi.

Telasco Segovia (5/10):

Gave away a mind-numbingly silly penalty, which was pretty much his only impact on the game. Fortunate that Trezeguet missed.

Tadeo Allende (5/10):

Not his best showing. Didn't really get involved until after the break and went off without making too much of an impact.

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Lionel Messi (8/10):

Absolutely clattered on a couple of occasions in the first half. Ran the game in the second and was unfortunate not to score a winner.

Luis Suarez (6/10):

Showed a few moments of quality, but was otherwise sparingly involved.

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GettySubs & Manager

Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):

He wasn't exactly composed, but Miami was better defensively with his influence after the break

Benjamin Cremaschi (5/10):

Didn't offer much other than fresh legs.

Fafa Picault (N/A):

Had a strong chance in front of goal but saw his header tipped over the bar late.

Javier Mascherano (6/10):

Watched his side get absolutely battered in the first half. Got a much better performance out of them in the second, and will feel that his team deserved three points.

Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is set to be one of the most high-profile free agents up for grabs in this summer transfer window, with an update coming to light on Arsenal and their chances of signing him after “concrete talks”.

Arsenal eyeing bargain summer deal for Leroy Sane

The former Man City forward once commanded a £145 million price tag during his time at Eastlands, but now he’s on the verge of being available at zero cost.

Arteta dealt injury blow with Arsenal "difference maker" out for "weeks"

It is a significant loss for the Spaniard.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

Sane’s deal expires on June 30th and Vincent Kompany risks losing his ex-City teammate, following four years at Bayern where he’s racked up an impressive 59 goals and 50 assists in 211 appearances across all competitions.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

The 29-year-old has started just over half of their Bundesliga matches this term, but Sane’s recent form has played an important role in Bayern’s chase for the German title as they look to wrestle it back from Bayer Leverkusen.

Sane helped Bayern to a crucial 3-2 win over St. Pauli most recently, bagging a brace and adding to his tally of four goals and two assists from his last seven German top flight matches.

Arsenal have been expressing an interest in Sane since during Edu Gaspar’s reign as sporting director and afterward, with the Gunners maintaining their watching brief following the Brazilian’s resignation in November.

Since then, Arsenal have appointed a new sporting director in former Atlético Madrid chief Andrea Berta, and it appears the Italian’s arrival in north London hasn’t altered their fondness for Sane.

Leroy Sane set for imminent Arsenal transfer decision after talks

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal have “already” held “concrete” talks with Sane over joining them on a free deal this summer.

The winger is also expected to make a decision on his future at Bayern, or potentially signing for Arsenal, within the next one to three weeks – so fans can expect some pretty imminent news on whether they can poach Sane from the Allianz Arena.

However, there’s also been a word of caution, as the forward is keen to remain at Bayern and talks are continuing over an extension.

“There have been, and still are, internal sceptics about Leroy Sané’s contract extension,” wrote Plettenberg on X.

“However, his performances and commitment are increasingly being recognised. Max Eberl continues negotiations, and Sané is willing to accept a pay cut. No written offer from Bayern yet – the club must now make a move. Sané wants to stay, with a decision expected within 1-3 weeks.

“Arsenal are seriously interested in signing him as a free agent in the summer. Concrete talks have already taken place.”

One of Berta’s potential aims for the summer is signing an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side, according to GiveMeSport, and Sane would be an excellent option considering his star quality and Premier League experience.

A major obstacle would be negotiating his high salary, but if he’s willing to take a pay cut to remain in Bavaria, perhaps he’d be willing to entertain a salary decrease to seal a blockbuster return to England.

Imran Khan also produced a terrific spell of 4 for 2 to give Texas Chargers an important win

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Aug-2023Misbah, Dilshan, Afridi seal big win for New York Warriors over Morrisville UnityNew York Warriors strung together a batting exhibition through stunning cameos to take their side to a mammoth total of 139 for 6 that set up their 33-run win and the first Qualifier against California Knights. Morrisville Unity, in response, relied on the promising innings of Shehan Jayasuriya but fell well short, and will play the Eliminator against Texas Chargers after finishing fourth.Tillakaratne Dilshan and Misbah-ul-Haq combined to share eight sixes and four fours to forge a 74-run third-wicket partnership off just 27 balls. Shahid Afridi then found three fours and one six before Sreesanth dismissed him in the final over to finish with 3 for 25.Along with Obus Pienaar, Shehan went hard against Abdur Rehman, and continued to keep his team at par in the chase by hitting Jerome Taylor for two fours and a six in the fifth over. When Morrisville needed 58 off 18, Sohail Khan produced six yorkers to all but seal the game. The 52-run partnership ended in the ninth over and the chase fizzled out.Texas Chargers confirm playoffs courtesy Dunk, ImranRiding on the back of performances from Ben Dunk and Imran Khan, Texas Chargers clinched a 22-run victory over Atlanta Riders. Dunk smashed 53 runs off 22 balls, while Imran bagged four wickets and gave away just two runs in his two overs.Texas were quick off the blocks when Mukhtar Ahmed hit Kamrul Islam for a four and two consecutive sixes before Harmeet Singh had Mukhtar caught for 17 in the second over.Dunk had already started well and accelerated further in the fourth over by hitting Rayad Emrit for three fours and a six in a 24-run over. Dunk blazed to a 20-ball fifty despite the fall of wickets at the other end. After his dismissal, the unbeaten pair of Darren Steven and Phil Mustard dished out another 25 runs in the final two overs.Robin Uthappa was out first ball in the chase, to Sohail Tanvir. In the second over, Imran rattled Atlanta’s top order by dismissing Nasir Hossain, Hamilton Masakadza and Zunaed Siddique with a triple-wicket maiden. Lendl Simmons and Hammad Azam threatened to punish Texas after that wicket, but Pragyan Ojha’s dismissal of Simmons in the fifth over took the sting out of the chase, and gave Texas a playoff spot.Irfan Pathan leads California Knights’ victory over New Jersey Triton’sNew Jersey Triton’s playoff hopes ended after Irfan Pathan’s dazzling batting performance handed California Knights a third consecutive win in a five-over clash. Irfan scored an unbeaten 31 off 13 to lift California into second place with a 24-run win.Ashley Nurse started California’s innings with a six on the first ball, while Aaron Finch smashed a couple of fours for a 21-run first over. Finch would eventually fall for 19 off seven but Nurse continued to be the aggressor.Nurse then attacked Abhimanyu Mithun in the third over while his new batting partner, Irfan, took time to settle before crashing RP Singh for boundaries followed by an onslaught off Chris Barnwell to finish the innings on 76 for 1 with a 19-run over.New Jersey were derailed early in the chase when Pawan Suyal dismissed Yusuf Pathan on the second delivery of the opening over. Barnwell, however, kept the run rate high with his occasional boundaries.California ensured they kept the scoring rate in control thanks to Peter Siddle’s tight spell. Even though Barnwell would later hit Irfan for a four and a six off consecutive deliveries in the fourth over, he fell to Ben Laughlin for 29 off 15 and the chase proved to be too tough for New Jersey.

Despite some shaky moments, the USMNT made it a perfect nine points in the Gold Cup group stage with a nervy win

ARLINGTON, Texas – In terms of tournament play, there was very little at stake for the U.S. men's national team on Sunday night against Haiti. They were through to the knockouts regardless of result. Barring some extraordinary results in both games across Group D, they were through as group winners, too.

But, as with everything this summer, this game was about more than the tournament.

When looking at it through that lens, Mauricio Pochettino will surely be happy. His U.S. team got another win, topping Haiti, 2-1, to make it three from three in this tournament, marking the seventh time overall that the USMNT were a perfect 3-0 in a Gold Cup group stage. That also marked the 17th time in 18 Gold Cups that the U.S. claimed the group.

Some of his regulars stepped up, namely Malik Tillman and Patrick Agyemang, the two goalscorers in the first and second half, respectively. His rotation pieces got into the mix, too, which will make Pochettino believe that he has a few more clubs in his bag heading into the business end of this Gold Cup.

Agyemang sealed the win in the 78th minute on a pass from John Tolkin, edging past the goalkeeper to score.

“Obviously me and John, we talked about that pass" he said on FOX after the game. "He played that ball perfectly. And for me, once I saw the keeper come out, I said ‘Compose yourself, take your time.’ I got around the goalkeeper and once I got there I was like, ‘Finish.’ I was happy it went in.”

It was far from perfect, however. The goalkeeper position came into focus once again thanks to a calamitous mistake from Matt Freese, whose weak clearance led to Haiti's equalizer in the the 19th minute. Once again, that positional debate rises to the forefront,. Freese, who started his third straight match ahead of the incumbent Matt Turner, has largely been handed the reins in this tournament but, after passing the ball straight to Don Deedson Louicius and then conceding, does that change at all?

The U.S. will have time to figure it out. The U.S. will play Costa Rica next Sunday in Minneapolis in the quarterfinals. Over the next week, Pochettino will have much to mull over, and he'll have plenty to take away from this final group stage game.

“We know what we got ourselves into," Agyemang said. "The Gold Cup is a tough tournament and I think with our squad, we know our quality. As long as we put the effort and the heart into it, we let our play show and we’ll get the result.”

GOAL rates USMNT's players from AT&T Stadium.

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defense

Matt Freese (3/10):

A rough, rough mistake, his first of this extended USMNT run out. Did have to make a good save on a free kick in the second half, which will help rebuild the confidence. But he essentially handed Haiti it's goal.

John Tolkin (6/10):

Was given a big chance, but wasn't quite able to make the most of it for most of the game. Then came his assist, a beautiful ball over the top to Ayemang in the 78th minute. It's a preview of what Tolkin can do, both in general and, potentially, going forward in this tournament.

Tim Ream (6/10):

Could be argued that he put Freese under pressure with the backpass but, in truth, Freese had plenty of time. Otherwise, nothing really to report other than a lot of passes.

Chris Richards (6/10):

Not as good as he was against Saudi Arabia, although that can be expected. Had one or two nervy moments, but was mostly fine.

Alex Freeman (7/10):

Had a few very good tackles as he continues to show improvement on that side of the ball. Seems to get a little bit better every game, which is huge for a player his age.

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Tyler Adams (7/10):

Picked up a yellow just 30 seconds into the game and then had to be more cautious as a result. Handled it about as well as he could have, though, and was still able to impact the game.

Luca de la Torre (7/10):

Was very good in the heart of midfield. Had several fantastic passes right through Haiti's lines to set up USMNT chances.

Malik Tillman (8/10):

Got one goal, but could have had three. Had one ruled back for a handball and one ruled back for offside, but that just goes to show how dangerous he was, once again.

Getty ImagesAttack

Brenden Aaronson (8/10):

Initially misplayed the ball on the sequence that led to the opening goal, but he more than made up for it with his cross for Tillman's finish. Generally provided danger out wide, which is something that has been lacking a bit in recent games.

Patrick Agyemang (7/10):

Just not clinical enough in the first half, but he sure was on his big chance in the second. Can still be a bit more decisive but, he gets credit for really taking his chance well on the game-winner.

Quinn Sullivan (7/10):

Certainly brought a different energy to the team, from his shot off the crossbar to his rabona cross in the second half. Will it keep Diego Luna off the field going forward? Probably not, but Sullivan certainly showed well for himself in his biggest chance yet.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Jack McGlynn (5/10):

Came on out wide, but hardly got a touch of the ball over 20 minutes.

Diego Luna (6/10):

Clean on the ball, as always. Was Tolkin's ball over the top actually meant for him? Maybe, but Agyemang made the most of it, for sure.

Johnny Cardoso (6/10):

Had just a few touches, but it will have been good to get some minutes under his belt after he missed portions of this group stage.

Brian White (N/A):

Threatened to break through once, but wasn't on the field long enough to do much more.

Paxten Aaronson (N/A):

Nearly scored a stunning chipped goal, but that was one of his only touches.

Mauricio Pochettino (7/10):

Rotated his team a bit – making four changes from the starting XI against both Trinidad and Tobago and Saudi Arabia – and, generally, those he inserted as starters played well. That will be great news for the USMNT boss, who will now have a few days to prep this group for the bigger tests ahead.

“What he can do at that position, neither Virat can do, nor Sanju or Rohit Sharma”

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Sep-20232:08

Should India have resisted the ‘temptation’ of picking Suryakumar Yadav?

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh feels Suryakumar Yadav should be in the starting XI come the World Cup because he can do in his role what even Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma can’t.Harbhajan feels the selectors and team management were right to pick Suryakumar in the World Cup squad ahead of Sanju Samson, who was also in the running for a middle-order role for India.”I feel Suryakumar Yadav is a complete, complete player,” Harbhajan said in a chat organised by Star Sports. “I don’t think the selectors have been harsh on Sanju Samson. I do feel Sanju is a very very good player, a quality player. But you can only select fifteen players. But picking Suryakumar over Sanju is the right call.Related

De Villiers says Suryakumar needs 'mindset switch' to replicate T20 form in ODIs

KL Rahul, Shardul Thakur in India's World Cup squad

Suryakumar Yadav: No shame in admitting 'really bad' ODI record

“Because the game that Suryakumar has in the middle over[s], I don’t think Sanju has that game. Even he goes for big shots from the first ball, but the reliability Suryakumar gives you – he can score big. Sanju I feel plays the kind of cricket where there is a lot of chances that you get out. Whereas Suryakumar, I know a lot of people ask what has he done in ODIs, but what he has done in T20s, if his innings is only going to be that long then I feel in that position, there isn’t a better player than Suryakumar in India.”What he can do at that position, neither Virat [Kohli] can do, nor Sanju or Rohit Sharma. Because what he does it’s a difficult job, batting at [No.] 5-6. What [MS] Dhoni has done, what Yuvi [Yuvraj Singh] has done.”Suryakumar Yadav averages 24.33 after 24 ODI innings•Getty ImagesSo far in his career, Suryakumar hasn’t found a way to translate his success in T20 cricket into the 50-overs format – an issue he has himself acknowledged. He averages 24.33in ODIs, with only two half-centuries in 24 innings.Harbhajan, however, feels Suryakumar has the game to shine in the challenging middle-order role in ODIs.”Because batting there is the toughest,” Harbhajan said. “Opening in [one-dayers], you know where to score runs. You have a lot of time. But when you go in to bat after 20-25 overs, you need the game to know where you can find gaps to get boundaries and I don’t think anyone in the Indian team can do that better than Suryakumar. And if it was up to me, I would play him in the team. Because when he is in the team, it increases the pressure on the opposition. Whether he fires or not. Because till the time he is at the crease, there will be pressure because on any day he can play a match-winning innings. He can hit 50-60 runs in 20 balls.”So you have to play a player like this. You can’t waste him by keeping him out. So that ends the debate on whether Sanju should be in the team ahead of Suryakumar or not. Whether Sanju is in the team or not, Suryakumar Yadav should be in the XI.”Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal – India’s two big misses?Harbhajan also feels India should have picked left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh for the variety he brings to the pace attack, as well as legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal, whom he dubbed a “proven match winner”.”I think there are two people missing from the team. One is Yuzvendra Chahal and the second is Arshdeep Singh. Because I think if a left-arm seamer can bring the new ball in [to the right-hander] at the start, it makes a huge difference in the game,” Harbhajan said. “Because if he can get two early wickets… It’s not like a right-hander can’t do that but left-arm seamers get a natural angle.”You would have seen players like Shaheen Shah Afridi or Mitchell Starc, they have a huge impact. When Australia won the World Cup [in 2015], Mitchell Starc had a huge impact, dismissing Brendan McCullum first [third] ball. So incoming ball at that speed coming in to a right hander is always a challenge.Yuzvendra Chahal did not make India’s squad for the World Cup•BCCIIndia have picked Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav as their spin options for the World Cup, with the first two offering a similar angle of attack as left-arm orthodox spinners. Harbhajan would have liked more variety in India’s spin contingent. With no offspinner in India’s squad, Harbhajan would have preferred another wristspinner who can turn the ball in both directions.”The second [notable miss in the squad] is Yuzvendra Chahal,” he said. “Proven match-winner. Someone who has taken more number of wickets than any other spinner. If he was playing for any other country, he would have thought he would make the playing XI every time. After proving so much, he should have been there in the team.”Because we have picked two left-arm spinners and they both won’t play the same game together. And it may be so that when the opposition is packed with left-handers, Jadeja may not bowl his overs as you would want someone who can take the ball away from the left-hander.”I think if you have to play three spinners you should have a left-arm spinner, a legspinner and an offspinner. And if you are picking a legspinner then maybe it’s still okay if you don’t pick an offspinner. But you didn’t pick a legspinner or an offspinner and picked two left-arm spinners, that’s a bit shocking.”

Joao Pedro has made his preference clear amid a high-profile tug-of-war between Chelsea and Newcastle. The £60 million-rated Brighton star is leaning toward a move to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea intensifying negotiations after their initial £58 million bid was rebuffed by the Seagulls. The Brazilian forward is now the Blues’ top target after they seal the deal for Jamie Gittens.

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Chelsea and Newcastle show interest in PedroBrighton star would prefer move to ChelseaChelsea pushing for second bid for the forwardFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Pedro is edging closer to a Chelsea transfer after making the Blues his preferred destination, as per The Daily Mail. Newcastle made two separate approaches earlier this summer, but both were turned down by Brighton. Chelsea’s latest bid of £58 million was also rejected, yet talks remain ongoing with optimism that a deal could be struck above the £60 million mark, while the Seagulls continue to hold out for £60 million ($82m).

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea are focused on securing Pedro’s signature as part of their aggressive summer overhaul as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Blues have almost finalised a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Gittens and previously brought in Liam Delap. Newcastle remain interested but face losing out due to Chelsea’s momentum and Pedro’s clear preference. Brighton, meanwhile, are preparing for life without their star attacker.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pedro joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 and has since emerged as one of the Premier League’s most versatile young forwards. In 70 appearances for the Seagulls, he has scored 30 goals across all competitions, showcasing an ability to play as a striker, second forward, or wide attacker. Additionally, the Brazilian has scored 20 goals in all competitions in the 2024/25 season, including 10 in the Premier League — his best domestic return to date.

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Chelsea will now aim to reach an agreement with Brighton by sweetening their offer and finalising personal terms with the player. With Newcastle’s interest fading and Pedro pushing for the move, a deal could be finalised swiftly. Brighton, for their part, are unlikely to budge on their £60m valuation as they look to maximise the fee for one of their top assets.

All you need to know about Spain's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Reigning European champions Spain will be one of the favorites for the upcoming World Cup in 2026. The Spanish national team has undergone a major transition in recent years, with a new generation of young stars replacing the veterans.

Confident and full of energy, these youngsters will lead La Roja at the global stage next year, following a successful Euros campaign in Germany in 2024. Spain had waited 12 years to lift a major international trophy since Vicente del Bosque's legendary team that won back-to-back European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

However, their World Cup performances have been disappointing since that historic win in 2010. Spain were eliminated in the group stage of the 2014 tournament and exited in the Round of 16 in both 2018 and 2022.

Nevertheless, there is no denying that the current Spanish team has quality, and with a capable manager like Luis de la Fuente in charge, La Roja will be hopeful of making a strong impact on the biggest stage of them all next year.

So what does their roster look like? GOAL takes a look at the players at their disposal.

GettyGoalkeepers

Between the sticks for Spain, Athletic Bilbao shot stopper Unai Simon is expected to retain his position as the team's first-choice goalkeeper. Meanwhile, David Raya of Arsenal has also performed exceptionally well since his move to the Emirates and could serve as a reliable backup option.

Alex Remiro and Chelsea's Robert Sanchez are also interesting alternatives that Luis de la Fuente could consider for the tournament next year.

Player Club

Unai SimonAthletic BilbaoAlex RemiroReal SociedadDavid Raya ArsenalRobert SanchezChelseaAdvertisement(C)Getty ImagesDefenders

La Roja are stacked with numerous quality options in defence. Young stars like Dean Huijsen and Pau Cubarsi are talented and possess all the necessary skills to play at the heart of the backline despite their age.

Atletico Madrid's Robin Le Normand has also been impressive under De la Fuente and could play a key role in the European champions' campaign at the showpiece in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year.

In the wider areas, the experienced Dani Carvajal is expected to return to the squad following his recovery from an ACL injury. However, even if the veteran misses out, De la Fuente's side are well covered with options like Pedro Porro from Tottenham and Celta Vigo's Oscar Mingueza.

Meanwhile, on the left, the likes of Alejandro Grimaldo, Alejandro Balde, and Marc Cucurella offer solid choices for the manager to select from. Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo could also make the cut.

Player Club

Pau CubarsiBarcelonaDean HuijsenReal MadridRobin Le NormandAtletico MadridMarc CucurellaChelseaDani VivianAthletic BilbaoDani CarvajalReal MadridAlejandro BaldeBarcelonaAlejandro GrimaldoBayer LeverkusenPedro PorroTottenhamOscar MinguezaCelta VigoRaul Asencio Real MadridPau TorresVillarrealAymeric LaporteAl NassrAitor ParedesAthletic BilbaoNacho FernandezAl QadsiahGetty Images SportMidfielders

Similar to the defence, Spain are well covered in midfield. Stacked with world-class options, De la Fuente's midfield will play a crucial role in Spain's campaign at the 2026 World Cup. Barcelona's Pedri has been completely rejuvenated under Hansi Flick at the Spanish club. After struggling with injuries in the past, he has regained full fitness and elevated his game and is currently regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.

PSG's Fabian Ruiz could also have an important role to play for La Roja, having led the French side to a treble-winning campaign in the 2024-25 season.

Arsenal midfield duo Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are also two very interesting options to consider. Merino, although naturally a midfielder, has also performed well as a striker under Mikel Arteta due to injuries in the forward line.

Manchester City's Rodri will be also be an important addition to the squad for the World Cup. The Ballon d'Or winner had been sidelined for most of the 2024-25 season due to an unfortunate ACL injury.

Former Real Madrid star Isco has also shown glimpses of his old form during his time at Betis and could be a valuable option for De la Fuente at the showpiece event next year.

Player Club

Pedri GonzalezBarcelonaFabian RuizPSGMartin ZubimendiArsenalGaviBarcelonaMikel MerinoArsenalIscoReal BetisFermin LopezBarcelonaDani OlmoBarcelonaPablo BarriosAtletico MadridRodri Manchester CityMarc Casado BarcelonaPepelu ValenciaAlex GarciaBayer LeverkusenMarcos LlorenteAtletico MadridOihan SancetAthletic BilbaoNico GonzalezManchester CityPablo FornalsReal BetisMarco AsensioPSGAyoze PerezVillarrealENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images SportAttackers

Spain's attack is arguably where they are at their strongest. La Roja possess the lethal attacking duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, who are capable of unlocking any defence when playing together. Yamal, despite being a teenager, is already considered one of the best players in the world while playing for Barcelona. Nico, on the other hand, has been the star player for Athletic Bilbao and is regarded as one of the best forwards in La Liga.

In the center-forward position, Spain have the experienced Alvaro Morata, who lifted the Euro 2024 trophy as the team's captain. Mikel Oyarzabal is another solid option for De la Fuente. The Real Sociedad forward has delivered for the national team on several key occasions, including scoring the winning goal against England in the final of the 2024 Euros.

Other options like Ferran Torres, Yeremy Pino, and Alex Baena also provide depth and versatility in attack.

Player Club

Lamine YamalBarcelonaNico WilliamsAthletic BilbaoAlex BaenaVillarrealMikel OyarzabalReal SociedadSamu AghehowaPortoAlvaro MorataGalatasarayFerran TorresBarcelonaYeremy PinoVillarrealJoseluAl GharafaCarlos SolerPSGBarrenetxeaReal SociedadHugo DuroValenciaPablo SarabiaWolvesAdama TraoreFulham

His calls at the toss and in the field have raised some valid questions, and batting form has deserted him – can he still somehow coax a tune from a team that is yet to hit a single note this World Cup?

Matt Roller27-Oct-20233:15

Buttler: A ‘huge low point’ for England

Jos Buttler sat at a round table on the first floor of the Gujarat Cricket Association clubhouse, holding court with the travelling English press pack on the eve of the World Cup. He had just spent 40 minutes on stage at a captain’s event and was midway through a long afternoon of media duties before an evening training session.It was there, in Ahmedabad, that Buttler explained in some detail the thought behind a phrase that has come to haunt England’s World Cup campaign: “We’re not defending anything,” Buttler said. “It’s probably the word I don’t like: I want us to attack, so I don’t like the word ‘defending’.” It has aged like milk.Even with eight survivors from the squad that won the 2019 title, he was wary of describing the team as defending champions. “You’re can’t recreate something, or hold onto it forever,” Buttler said. “You’ve given that trophy back now. It’s done. It’s about trying to create something new.”Related

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Three weeks and a day later, it was a very different Buttler sitting in the press conference room at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He looked almost hollow, trying to process how a team with so much ability and experience finds itself on the brink of elimination after a fourth heavy defeat in five group games.”To be sat here now with the three weeks that have been is a shock,” he said. “I’ll walk back into the dressing room after this and look at the players sat there, and think: ‘How have we found ourselves in this position with the talent and the skill that’s in the room?’ But it’s the position we’re in.”Buttler was insistent that complacency had not been a problem, referring back to Ahmedabad: “Something we spoke about a lot as a team [was that] you have to go and create it again… that’s why, at the very beginning of the tournament, I said we weren’t here to try and defend our title; [that] we’re here to start something new and try and win something.”Jos Buttler has not been able to do much to change the script with his own batting•ICC via Getty ImagesThey have fallen a long way short. Buttler’s captaincy has already come in for criticism, some of it fair. Selection has been muddled in their last two games and his decisions at the toss have aged poorly: to bowl first against Afghanistan in Delhi was a miscalculation; to do the same against South Africa in the Mumbai heat was a serious error.He has looked powerless to change the course of an innings in the field. New Zealand and Sri Lanka cruised to victory with unbroken partnerships of 273 and 137, while constant bowling changes during South Africa’s sixth-wicket stand of 151 in 77 balls felt like trying to stop a burst dam with a bucket. Even when they dragged things back against Afghanistan, they had raced to 79 for 0 after 10 overs before Buttler finally introduced his spinners on a slow pitch.Moeen Ali, his vice-captain, was left out against Bangladesh and remained on the bench for the next two games, leaving Buttler isolated in the field. He found little support from his senior players: against South Africa, he found himself racing to the top of his bowlers’ run-ups and back again, with no calming voice to help out at mid-on or mid-off.But Buttler has not become a poor leader overnight. Even the best captains would have struggled to get a tune out of England’s bowling attack in this World Cup: their seamers have leaked a tournament-high 6.86 runs per over and, Reece Topley apart, have lacked any consistency, rendering setting a field or sticking to a plan almost impossible.Only a year ago, he got a response from a similar group of players after defeat to Ireland left them on the brink of elimination at the T20 World Cup. Then, his message to his squad was simple: “Put your chests out and enjoy your talent. You’re all here playing for England in a World Cup. Showcase how good you are.”

The next two weeks will be a gauge of England’s pride and their professionalism: in theory, things can only get better; in practice, they could get seriously ugly.

The main difference? In Australia, he led from the front with the bat. In the first of four must-wins, he made 73 off 47 against New Zealand, setting the game up from the top of the order; in the semi-final against India, he put on an unbroken 170 with Alex Hales, sealing a 10-wicket win with a mighty straight six.In India, by his own admission. Buttler has been “a long way short” of his best. He made 43 off 42 against New Zealand, with a brace of sixes, but has been a shadow of himself since. He has managed scores of 20, 9, 15 and 8 and a trend has emerged in his dismissals: three times out of five, he has been caught behind flashing at length balls on a sixth-stump line.All too often, he has walked in with England already in trouble: at 68 for 3 against both Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, and at 38 for 4 against South Africa. He has attempted to launch counterattacks, but has not lasted long enough to change the tide. That Buttler has only batted at No. 4 three times since the 2019 final – a role which would enable him to set games up – is a damning reflection on England’s long-term planning.England flew to Lucknow on Friday lunchtime and will train on Saturday afternoon before playing India on Sunday. The next two weeks will be a gauge of England’s pride and their professionalism: in theory, things can only get better; in practice, they could get seriously ugly.These four games will be a test of Buttler’s leadership, and whether he can get a tune out of players who are yet to hit a single note. Whatever happens, Buttler will be the favourite to lead them into next year’s T20 World Cup – but what comes after that is anyone’s guess.

Former Bangladesh captain says he had no input to cricketing decisions during the tournament

Mohammad Isam03-Nov-2023Khaled Mahmud has said he regrets taking up the role of Bangladesh team director for the World Cup since realising he wouldn’t be allowed to provide any technical or cricketing input during the tournament.Mahmud’s role, which in his words is now limited to travelling with the team and maintaining discipline, had come under scrutiny after the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appointed S Sriram as technical consultant shortly before the World Cup. It meant that the team had, in addition to the five specialist coaches, three heads in Mahmud, head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe, and Sriram, who was Bangladesh’s head coach during the 2022 T20 World Cup.Earlier in Dharamsala, Hathurusinghe had said he was fine with the make-up of the management, but Mahmud felt differently three weeks later in Delhi.Related

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“I am performing only the role assigned to me by the BCB,” Mahmud said. “I don’t have the decision-making role as I have had in previous tours as a selector. Previously, I tried to keep myself involved with the team. This time, I don’t have a cricketing role. Firstly, I don’t want to be in this role like this. I have cricket in my blood. Coaching is my profession. But I am not involved with coaching with the Bangladesh team.”I had a technical role even at the last World Cup when I could speak to players. But this time, I am keeping myself away. I am definitely not enjoying this role as the head of the delegation. I am just roaming around, playing the role as a guardian to the players. I am taking care of discipline, but this is not really my work. If I knew this was my role, I wouldn’t have come to the World Cup.”Mahmud pointed to Bangladesh’s series against New Zealand in Dhaka (Mirpur) prior to the World Cup to suggest their preparation was not well planned. Bangladesh had played most of their ODIs in 2022 and 2023 in Chattogram and Sylhet to get used to good batting conditions, but then went to Mirpur just before the World Cup.”I don’t know what I was thinking when I said before the World Cup that we’d play the semi-final,” Mahmud said. “Maybe I had seen the boys’ body language and playing style. I honestly thought they would do well in Indian conditions. I had great expectations. But I am feeling very bad that we just don’t have a fighting mentality.

“I was not in favour of playing against New Zealand in Mirpur before the World Cup. Why did we have to play on those spinning pitches? Why did we want to win that series?”Khaled Mahmud

“I was not in favour of playing against New Zealand in Mirpur before the World Cup. Why did we have to play on those spinning pitches? Why did we want to win that series? We should have played in Chattogram and Sylhet. We lost the series despite New Zealand not bringing their main players. We should have been more serious, well before time, about the World Cup.”Bangladesh have lost the last six of their seven matches so far in the World Cup, and were the first team to be knocked out of contention for the semi-finals.”We have to play our best cricket in the next two matches. We must beat Sri Lanka,” Mahmud said. “Our players aren’t in a great mood. They have to do everything as they do, but they also are hurting. We had high expectations. We haven’t done well as a team. They [the players] feel that they have failed. The dressing room has become very quiet. We came here as a good team but we couldn’t perform as a team.”Bangladesh are currently in ninth place at the World Cup and need to finish in the top eight to qualify for the 2025 Champions Trophy. Their last two matches are against Sri Lanka in Delhi on November 6, and against Australia on November 11.

Alex Iwobi has emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid this summer, according to a new report.

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Iwobi targeted by AtleticoAtleti eyeing new midfielderEnjoyed a strong PL seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per Africa Foot, Atletico are interested in signing Iwobi this summer as Diego Simeone seeks reinforcements across his squad. The club have already been heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero and are now reported to have made a €25 million (£21m/$29m) offer for Iwobi.

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The Fulham star enjoyed a strong season under Marco Silva, scoring nine goals and registering six assists in the Premier League as the west London club finished 11th in the table. Iwobi has three years left on his Fulham deal but Atletico are said to have offered him a four-year contract with an annual salary of €7m (£6m/$8m), which works out at around £115,000-per-week.

DID YOU KNOW?

Iwobi is a versatile presence who can play on both wings and centrally. He is an experienced international with 80 caps for Nigeria, and he has made a total of 77 appearances for the Cottagers. He was, of course, previously on the books of Arsenal, where he made 149 appearances.

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It remains to be seen if Atletico will formalise their interest in Iwobi in the coming weeks. Given their interest in Romero, the midfielder may not be their priority.