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Arsenal have now joined the race for a £88m forward who recently entered “very advanced” talks over a move to Tottenham Hotspur…

Gunners ramping up pursuit of forward amid Eze criticism

The Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table was reduced to just two points on Saturday, with Aston Villa securing a 2-1 win at Villa Park, and Shaka Hislop was particularly unimpressed with Eberechi Eze’s performance.

Hislop said: “He could have been taken off after 30 minutes, I’ll be honest.

“Now I am as willing as anybody to sing Eze’s praises, but everything from Arsenal came down the right in that first half.

“Everything came through Bukayo Saka, so the change had to be made at half-time because Eze was non-existent.”

In fairness, Eze has made a very promising start to life at the Emirates Stadium, with the England international amassing nine goal contributions in his opening 22 matches across all competitions.

However, the 27-year-old’s best performance arguably came in the 4-1 victory against Tottenham, during which he played through the middle, so there may be room to bring in another left-winger this winter, and Arsenal are now ramping up their pursuit.

It was recently revealed that a strong move is being made for Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola, but the Frenchman is not the only target, with a report from Caught Offside revealing Arsenal have now joined the race for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

The Gunners have been monitoring Diomande’s progress over the past few weeks, alongside a number of Europe’s top clubs, while Spurs are also keen, with Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently stating they are in “very advanced” talks with the left-winger.

A deal could be on the expensive side, however, with it being suggested RB Leipzig could look to hold out for around €80m – €100m (£70m – £88m).

Arsenal to "directly contact" £88m forward about joining after talks with his reps

Arteta apparently wants to sign him in January.

ByEmilio Galantini 7 days ago Diomande making "sensational" impact in Germany

The Ivorian only made the move to Germany during the summer, but he has already started to make a major impact, being singled out for high praise by scout Jacek Kulig.

Most recently, the 19-year-old put in a remarkable performance in his side’s 6-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring a hat-trick and completing more dribbles than any other player.

Yan Diomande’s key statistics vs Frankfurt

Number completed

Dribbles (successful)

8 (4)

Key passes

1

Duels (won)

13 (6)

Goals

3

Considering Diomande is still a teenager, the level of his performances in the Bundesliga this season have been remarkable, and he may be ready to join one of Europe’s biggest clubs soon, so it would be fantastic if Arsenal were able to beat Tottenham to his signature.

انتهت قبل قليل مباراة فريقي الزمالك وفاركو في إطار مواجهات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز “النيل” 2024-2025 بفوز الفارس الأبيض بهدف دون رد.

المباراة أقيمت على ملعب استاد الجيش ببرج العرب-الإسكندرية، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من عمر البطولة المحلية.

بتلك النتيجة يصل الزمالك إلى 26 نقطة، إذ فاز في 8 مباريات وتعادل في 2 وخسر في 3 مواجهات محتلًا المركز الثالث بترتيب الدوري المصري.

تشكيل الزمالك أمام فاركو في الدوري المصري.. الجزيري يقود الهجوم 

ومن المنتظر أن يواصل الزمالك مشواره المحلي بمواجهة فريق بتروجيت العائد هذا الموسم للمشاركة في دوري الأضواء والشهرة.

بتروجيت يتواجد في المركز التاسع في سلم ترتيب الدوري هذا الموسم، لاحقًا -حتى الآن- بركب المنافسين على حسم البطولة في الدور الثاني من هذا الموسم الاستثنائي.

خاض فريق بتروجيت 12 مباراة في الدوري المصري فاز في 4 مباريات وتعادل في خمسة فيما خسر ثلاث مواجهات، سجل 11 هدفًا واستقبلت شباكه تسعة أخرى. موعد مباراة الزمالك القادمة

وتقام مباراة الزمالك وبتروجيت يوم الأحد المقبل الموافق السادس عشر من شهر فبراير الجاري، وذلك في تمام الساعة الرابعة عصرًا بتوقيت مصر والخامسة بتوقيت السعودية.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bet vitoria： O Vasco teve um ano para esquecer em que tudo deu errado e culminou na permanência na Série B. Com isso, o clube segue no processo de reformulação de seu elenco para a próxima temporada. Contudo, um detalhe chama a atenção. Dos dez jogadores dispensados, oito fizeram parte do pacote de contratações de 2021 feitas pelo então diretor executivo Alexandre Pássaro.

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da winzada777： A tendência é que o técnico Zé Ricardo chegue nesta semana ao Rio de Janeiro. O clube ainda não anunciou reforços para 2022, mas segue mapeando o mercado com os profissionaisdo Departamento de Futebol e da comissão técnica permanente. O novo gerente geral Carlos Brazil e o treinador passaram a também atuar nesse processo.

+ Confira a classificação final da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

Em meio à reformulação, os contratados de 2021 lideram a lista de saídas. O pacote engloba quase todos os setores do campo e teve início antes mesmo do término da Série B. Vale lembrar que Andrey, Léo Jabá, Zeca e Walber tiveram suas férias antecipadas restando ainda três rodadas para o fim da competição.

Em seguida, o volante Michel e o zagueiro Ernando, contratados por Alexandre Pássaro, também deixaram o clube. Na semana seguinte, o volante Romulo e o atacante Morato, que não corresponderam em campo, tiveram o mesmo destino. Nesta segunda, Marquinhos Gabriel foi mais uma contratação de 2021 a ter sua saída confirmada.

Na barca, apenas Andrey e Germán Cano não fazem parte dos ‘reforços’ deste ano. O primeiro, da base do clube, não renovou contrato após 17 anos entrando em campo com a Cruz de Malta no peito. O segundo tornou-se protagonista ao ser o artilheiro do time nas duas últimas temporadas, mas caiu de rendimento e não acertou a renovação.

+Posições: contratações para as pontas do Vasco não correspondem, e jovem começa bem, mas oscila em 2021

Essa análise mostra que o planejamento para 2021 não foi bem aplicado. Muitos jogadores não faziam uma boa temporada há algum tempo e não tinham o perfil da Série B. Um campeonato mais intenso, físico e de muita marcação. Fora isso, houve um desequilíbrio nos setores, não tendo peça de reposição para seus principais atletas.

Dos contratados deste ano, sobraram o goleiro Vanderlei, que tem contrato até dia 31 e foi bastante questionado, e o atacante Daniel Amorim, que encerra contato empréstimo junto ao Tombense neste mês e correspondeu sempre que entrou. Além deles, o equatoriano Jhon Sánchez, que teve poucas chances, e Nenê, único que teve algum brilho no segundo semestre, também ainda seguem no clube.

+Com negativa de Juninho, Vasco chega a um mês sem diretor de futebol

O camisa 77 foi uma das únicas contratações que agradaram a torcida e deu resposta em campo, mesmo chegando na reta final. Velho conhecido, ele tende a ser a referência técnica desse novo elenco e disse que seguirá até o clube voltar à Série A. O nome de Daniel Amorim também agrada, ainda mais agora que o clube perdeu Cano. A reformulação tem sido profunda e resta ao Vasco ser certeiro no mercado para construir um elenco mais forte dentro das limitações financeiras que o clube enfrenta.

Liverpool have now reportedly taken their first step in the race to sign Bundesliga defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, who has been compared to Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven.

The Reds have been back to their best in the last week, beating Aston Villa to end a four-game losing run in the Premier League before suffocating Real Madrid at Anfield to stop the rot once and for all. Victory over the Spanish giants certainly came at a good time too, with a trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City now awaiting Arne Slot’s side this Sunday.

The Dutchman spoke about the Real Madrid win and looked ahead to Liverpool’s clash against Man City this weekend, telling reporters: “It was impressive because we played against an incredible side that is in an unbelievable run of form. So to beat them is very positive but we can say we beat them because of a set piece. We have scored four in the Champions League.

“If we had scored as many in the Premier League we would have more points than we have now, but we have scored none and conceded five. If that is your balance you are not going to pick up many points.

Jurgen Klopp loves him: Liverpool now lining up Red Bull talent Yan Diomande

The Reds are battling for the signature of a new forward.

ByDominic Lund Nov 6, 2025

“Sunday is another game coming up against a very strong team. We have lost too many points in the Premier League but in the Champions League we are doing well. We need to do better and that is what we are going to try and there’s a lot of games coming up for us to show that.”

Meanwhile, as they return to winning ways on the pitch, those at Anfield have reportedly taken their first step towards what would be quite the win away from the action.

Liverpool take first step in Koulierakis race

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have now sent scouts to watch Konstantinos Koulierakis, who has been compared to Spurs’ Van de Ven. The latest Wolfsburg defender to impress, Koulierakis is still just 21 years old and standing out despite his side’s poor start to the Bundesliga campaign.

The Greek defender wouldn’t be the first centre-back to swap Wolfsburg for the Premier League, either. Of course, Van de Ven is now thriving at Spurs and Maxence Lacroix is also a stand-out at Crystal Palace these days. Now, Koulierakis could be the next in line to make the switch and to the biggest club yet in Liverpool.

Described as “powerful” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Koulierakis could end Liverpool’s search for a centre-back in 2026 and act as an immediate replacement for Ibrahima Konate if the Frenchman fails to sign a new deal at the club.

What we learned: Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has now personally stepped in to prevent Manchester United from making a move for Robert Lewandowski, despite Ruben Amorim being very keen on signing the striker.

Ratcliffe has been unwavering in his support of Amorim during the manager’s first year in the job, recently making it clear he has no plans to part ways with the 40-year-old anytime soon, stating he has three years to prove himself.

The INEOS chairman has also opened up on his personal relationship with the former Sporting CP boss, saying earlier this year: “I really, really like Ruben. He’s a very thoughtful guy. Every time I go to the training ground, I speak to Ruben. I sit down and have a cup of coffee with him and tell him where it’s going wrong, and he tells me to f*ck off. I like him.”

So far, there can be no doubting that the 73-year-old has backed his manager in the transfer market, with the Red Devils investing heavily in the summer, bringing in the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to upgrade the forward line.

Sesko hasn’t made a flying start to life in the Premier League, with Peter Schmeichel claiming he was an unnecessary signing, but the centre-forward may take some time to adjust, given that he is still only 22-years-old.

Ratcliffe blocks Man Utd move for Lewandowski

According to a report from Spain, Amorim is very keen on signing Lewandowski, who is available on a free transfer upon the expiration of his FC Barcelona contract next summer, but Ratcliffe has stepped in to block the move.

United are set to prioritize the signing of younger players, meaning the 37-year-old doesn’t fit the bill, despite still being regarded as one of the greatest strikers in the world.

The Poland international’s wages are also considered an issue, given that he rakes in roughly £352k-a-week at Camp Nou, which makes him the highest paid player in the squad.

Lauded as a “world-class” striker by journalist Muhammad Butt, the Barcelona star is undoubtedly still a top-level striker, despite his age, having maintained a fantastic goalscoring record since signing for the La Liga side.

Season

La Liga appearances

Goals

2022-23

34

23

2023-24

35

19

2024-25

34

27

2025-26

7

4

That said, it is understandable that Ratcliffe isn’t keen on a move, given that the Pole would likely demand huge wages, while the veteran’s arrival could also hamper Sesko’s development, given that he would be competing with the Slovenian for a starting spot.

It is well-documented that Ratcliffe has been trying to make Man United more sustainable since his arrival, with lowering the wage bill of key significance.

As such, despite Lewandowski establishing himself as a top striker, it would probably be a wise idea for United to avoid signing him next summer.

Robert Lewandowski has been named one of the world's best strikers The Best 15 Strikers in World Football Ranked (2025)

Who is the best number nine right now?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

Neymar has been spotted in Santos training despite reportedly being told by club doctors that he risks worsening his injury. The Brazil icon has a knee issue that will rule him out for the rest of the season if he has surgery. But with the Brazilian outfit in the midst of a relegation battle, the 33-year-old may try and play through the pain to secure his team top-flight safety.

Neymar suffers injury setback

The former Barcelona star has had an injury-hit season, with the veteran only recently returning to action from a hamstring problem. This week, it emerged that Neymar had been struggling with knee discomfort, ruling him out of their 1-1 draw with Internacional on Monday. They currently sit one place above the relegation zone (17th) in the Brasileiro Serie A with three matches remaining. Shortly after picking up that valuable point, Santos manager Juan Pablo Vojvoda revealed what the club have planned for their "leader". 

He told reporters: "The plan is for him to be in the match against Sport. I have to talk to him, I'm not in his physical presence and I will respect Neymar's decisions. But his commitment is to be there, he always wants to be there. Before the Mirassol game, he felt discomfort in his knee. He also felt it during the game. The following day he was experiencing significant discomfort in that knee. We know we have games every three days. With travel, we'll arrive in Santos tomorrow afternoon… He's a player we need for all three rounds and he'll help us. He's our leader on the field. He'll be there. He felt he wouldn't be able to meet the demands of today's game."

AdvertisementNeymar returns to training

Footage from Santos has shown that Neymar trained with his team-mates on Wednesday but it is clear he is not at 100 per cent. According to Globo, he has a tear in the meniscus region of his left knee and the medical recommendation is to have an arthroscopy – a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inserting a small camera into a joint through a tiny incision. This allows the surgeon to see inside the joint on a video monitor and perform necessary repairs. This injury is said to be causing Neymar 'persistent pain' when exercising but he is considering playing 'in the sacrifice' of Santos. 

Neymar walking a fine line

The report adds that Neymar's knee 'can burst at any major impact' and the doctors are advising that he stop playing/training and undergo an arthroscopy. However, that would end his season, with the Brazilian likely to be out for a month as a result. Incidentally, when Neymar took part in team training, he avoided contact, and he played with support on his left knee. The fear is that if he doesn't rest his knee, this issue could become a lot worse, potentially ruling him out for the start of 2026 and jeopardising his chances of a Brazil national team call-up in March. Despite that, Neymar is reportedly mulling over what to do, as a potential return to the second division beckons.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Neymar's Santos?

The former Paris Saint-Germain star, who joined Santos at the start of 2025 after having his Al-Hilal contract cancelled, has had a mixed second spell at his boyhood club so far. The ex-Barca ace has been on the sidelines for lengthy periods and a return of seven goals and three assists in 25 matches in all competitions is nothing special. Moreover, he is out of contract at the end of the year, so if he does have the procedure, Neymar may not play for the club again. While Santos are keen to keep him, that will only likely be possible if they stay in the Brazilian top-flight. Next up, they host Sport Recife on Friday, who are rock bottom of the division. This is, arguably, a must-win game for Santos, particularly as Fortaleza have won two matches in a row and are just one point behind the Brazilian giants. It's crunch time for Santos and Neymar.

Yorkers galore, and a bucket put to good use at the WACA

Scott Hazebroek13-Dec-2012Choice of game
The Big Bash match between the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Stars was not one to be missed. A good rivalry developed between the two teams last season after their semi-final clash, and who doesn’t want to see Shane Warne in action? I felt before the match the game could go either way, but my gut feeling was the Stars in a close one.Team supported
I was supporting the Scorchers, hoping they could snatch their first win of the season.Key performer
Who else but Lasith Malinga the slinger? Second-best figures in Twenty20 history – 6 for 7. It was a stunning spell of bowling from one of the most devastating fast bowlers in the game. He also got a good round of applause from the crowd when he left the field.One thing you’d have changed
I would have not had the rain, because I had to wait around for about an hour not knowing what would happen, only to see one final ball… which was left through to the keeper. It would have been nicer if the Stars could have just chased down the target without the long delay.Face-off you relished
Malinga v Scorchers! It was always going to be fascinating watching Lasith bowl, and he tore apart the Scorchers line-up. The Scorchers had no answers to his often brutal, sometimes clever, deliveries.Wow moment
Any of Malinga’s wickets would have been okay, but his sixth was breathtaking, especially once the general hope was, “he’s taken five, that’s enough”. Instead he delivered a stunning slower yorker to Joe Mennie, who played all around it and the ball hit off stump. And the next ball he almost had seven, with Michael Beer playing and missing a yorker that just skidded past off stump.Close encounter
Malinga was in front of me for a time, and I tried to get a wave from him, but all I got was a subtle smile. Also in front of me were Clint McKay, Rob Quiney and Nathan Coulter-Nile at different stages of the match. Only Brad Hogg gave autographs and was duly filmed while doing so.Shot of the day
After going for a couple of fours, Mennie bowled a half-volley which Luke Wright lofted with class into the crowd. It symbolised the Stars’ utter domination of the Scorchers.Crowd meter
For a wet, cold Wednesday afternoon the crowd (at least before the rain) was pretty decent. Over 8000 people turned up but were silent for a large portion of the match, due to the shock of seeing the Scorchers collapse. Most people left during the rain break, but some die-hards braved the weather to ultimately see one ball. Fancy dress index The butterfly ladies were back and strolled around the ground. There were people wearing buckets and watermelons on their heads and a lot of orange around the ground. The other noticeable fashion trend was some players wearing their baseball-style caps backwards. The main offender was Glenn Maxwell.Entertainment
Music was played between balls and over the rain delay, although there were no songs of note. The Scorcher’s opening batsmen were greeted with fire and fireworks when they went out to bat, as was the whole team when they entered the “Furnace” to field. There were some fire-shooters near one bank that were activated whenever the Scorchers hit a four (which didn’t happen very often!). There was not much on offer during the delay, apart from my bucket which I was using to collect drips from the roof in front of the dressing rooms. People pointed to it and laughed when they passed it. One guy said, “That’s putting those buckets to good use”. It was so popular a cameraman even filmed it! The entertainment for the kids during the delay was trying to get on camera in the background of TV interviews with a variety of players and coaches.Confusion of the day
No one had a clue what would happen when the rain first bucketed down onto the WACA field. Would we get any more play, how many overs needed to be bowled, what the target would be. Eventually the word was that the cut-off time was 7:52pm and five overs needed to be bowled to constitute a match. The rain slowed down at about 7:35pm. The umpires inspected the ground, and, to the Scorchers despair, decided we could play. Then the target was the subject of confusion. Surely, if the Scorchers scored 69 then the target would be about 15, which the Stars were well past? So why do we need to play? In the end, the target was six runs. However, the ruling was one ball needed to be bowled. There was a lot of warming up by both sides (for one ball), and at 7:53pm Hilton Cartwright bowled a ball outside off, which Quiney calmly left. The crowd booed the umpires off the field, for having to stay an hour to see just one ball. It was called “ridiculous” and “farcical” by members of the crowd (and, as I later found out, by Scorchers captain Simon Katich). Everyone shook hands and that was it.ODI v Twenty20?
Still T20 for me. I like ODIs, but T20s just have a great atmosphere, big crowds, entertainment for everyone, and, best of all, exciting cricket. This all adds up to a better experience. Overall It was a superb performance by the Stars, led by Malinga the slinger. The Scorchers just couldn’t stand up to them on a cold, wet night. The confusion during the rain delay was frustrating, but I feel privileged to have seen one of the best T20 spells ever.Marks out of 10
7.5.

Spain, Germany and the Netherlands are among the favourites to win this summer's tournament and their chances will be bolstered by some top youngsters

There will be a ton of star names on show this summer when the Women's Euros kick off in Switzerland on July 2. With the likes of Lauren James and Leah Williamson set to represent reigning champions England, the double Ballon d'Or-winning duo of Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati expected to dominate in midfield for World Cup winners Spain, and players such as Vivianne Miedema, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Pernille Harder also bringing their talents to the tournament, it's going to be quite an event.

But while those established names are likely to make their impact throughout July, the stage is also set for some lesser known talents to make their breakthroughs and announce themselves to the whole continent. Some of those breakout stars will be late bloomers, players who have been around for a few years now and finally explode in a big way this summer. Others, though, will likely be the teenage talents that are coming of age just as the Euros approach.

There are some starlets already well-known to fans of the women's game who will get the chance to grace this a huge tournament in Switzerland, such as Barcelona's Vicky Lopez, who ranked top the NXGN 2025list, and then there are some lesser known youngsters who look set for prominent roles for their country this summer.

GOAL picks out the teenage talents to keep an eye on at this summer's Women's Euros…

Getty ImagesVeerle Buurman (Netherlands)

Veerle Buurman only made her senior Netherlands debut back in October, and yet she could well be a starter at this summer's Euros. Since being in the line-up for that friendly win over Denmark, a reward for great early form with PSV and some top performances in the youth national teams, the teenage centre-back has not dropped out of Andries Jonker's squad. She started, and scored (at both ends), against the United States in December, and was trusted against another top opponent, Germany, in February.

Jonker has a lot of options in the heart of defence. There is the experienced Sherida Spitse, the Dutch captain likely to hit 250 caps this year; Dominique Janssen who, like Spitse, can play at centre-back or in midfield; plus Caitlin Djikstra, who Buurman played well with against Germany. It's a competitive area of the park then, regardless of whether the Netherlands play with a back three or a back four.

It's clear, though, that Buurman is right in the mix to make the starting XI going into this summer's tournament, which says a lot about her composure, quality and physical capabilities at this early stage of her international career. With the 18-year-old having signed for Chelsea last year, before being loaned back to PSV for this current season, the Euros will be a good chance for the Blues' fans to see what she is all about, too, if she wins one of those starting berths.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMayzee Davies (Wales)

Mayzee Davies might be yet to make her senior debut for Manchester City, but she's already having an impact on the international stage. A defender who spent time in the academies of Everton, Man City and Manchester United before returning to the Cityzens last year, Davies received her first Wales call-up in February 2024 and has since won four caps. The latest of those was a big one, too, granted a first start when the team travelled to Italy for their first game of the new Nations League campaign. How did she take to the occasion? Her Player of the Match accolade tells the story.

Having been involved in every national-team camp for over a year now, Davies has been slowly accruing experience in the environment and showing head coach Rhian Wilkinson why she deserves a chance. If she can continue in the manner she is, she could be exposed to some even bigger moments in Switzerland, as Wales prepare to face England, France and the Netherlands in the 'Group of Death'.

Getty ImagesGiulia Dragoni (Italy)

After going to the 2023 Women's World Cup as a 16-year-old, Giulia Dragoni will follow that up with a European Championship this summer. Under then-coach Milena Bertolini, she started every game at the former, which was big billing for someone so young and with just one senior cap before the tournament kicked off. The teenager has not been used as heavily as that under new boss Andrea Soncin, which may well be a good thing, but she is still expected to have a prominent role as the Azzurre look to make up for back-to-back group stage exits at major tournaments.

Dragoni has built up a lot of senior experience in the last 18 months or so, with a loan move from Barcelona to Roma helping her rack up the minutes that her development needs. Whether as a substitute or a starter, she will hope to bring her learnings from this past year to the table as Italy look to navigate a tough group that features Spain, Portugal and Belgium.

For now, it looks like Soncin sees the young midfielder as a valuable impact sub, with her determined dribbling, defence-splitting passes and dangerous long-range shooting all attractive traits to bring off the bench in a game. Dragoni will hope to spend the remaining months of the season convincing the coach that she should be a starter, though.

Getty ImagesMared Griffiths (Wales)

Although her first Wales call-up came a few months earlier, Mared Griffiths breakout moment in the senior game was actually with Manchester United, after she scored twice in their FA Cup win over Wolves in February despite only coming off the bench in the 81st minute. Her first was an opportunistic tap-in, showcasing the midfielder's goal-poaching instincts, and her second was a technically superb hit on the volley, making it a debut to remember.

Less than a couple of weeks later, Griffiths' Wales debut would follow, and Wilkinson was full of praise for the difference the 17-year-old made out in Italy, even if she couldn't stop the Dragons from falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat.

"I’m privileged to be on camp every time, I’m so grateful," she said just before being granted that first cap. "You don’t expect to be here and you shouldn’t take it for granted. You have to work hard because of the competition." Matched with her talent and form, that is the kind of attitude that could get the teenager on the plane to Switzerland.

Cristiano Ronaldo says “I won’t play” if it means guaranteeing Portugal a win, with the all-time great claiming to have had “50,000 bad games”.

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Iconic forward still going strong at 40Has reached 218 caps for his countryChasing down Nations League gloryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

At 40 years of age, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo continues to put himself in contention for selection by club and country. Goals have continued to flow for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, with the plan being to reach 1,000 in total before any thought is given to hanging up record-setting boots.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Questions have been asked of whether he should still be a regular starter for Portugal, despite having 218 caps to his name, but Roberto Martinez continues to lean heavily on the vast experience of a man that has seen and achieved it all.

WHAT CRISTIANO RONALDO SAID

Ronaldo will give his all whenever called upon, but insists he would happily stand aside if it meant that Portugal would fare better as a collective. He has said: “If I don't score and someone else scores, it's all the same to me. If Portugal has to win and I don't play, I'll sign my name right now, tell the coach and I won't play. I'll defend these colours until the death.”

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Ronaldo is aware that fluctuations in form will always lead to dissenting voices, with more of those emerging on the back of a 1-0 UEFA Nations League defeat to Denmark. He has said ahead of the second leg in that quarter-final contest: “We can't always play well, things don't work out sometimes. I've played 50 thousand bad games, and so have my team-mates. All of that is part of it, the past is the past, it's about uniting the troops and being positive.”

Plays of the day from the third ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Nelson

Andrew Fidel Fernando31-Dec-2015The Williamson wangleKane Williamson usually navigates even Sri Lanka’s best deliveries with ease, so when he crossed fifty for the seventh time in 10 ODI innings, he seemed set for a straightforward march to triple figures. But even the best players are capable of giving it away. Williamson came down the track to convert a full Milinda Siriwardana ball into a full toss. Then, having given himself the option of hitting the ball anywhere, Williamson slapped it straight to mid-on.The lunge and splitsMitchell Santner had not been thinking of taking a quick leg bye when Dushmantha Chameera’s short ball struck him on the body. His partner Doug Bracewell, though, was halfway down the pitch. Responding late, Santner took off, but by that stage, Bracewell had already turned back. Worse, Chameera had scooped up the ball in his follow-through. Santner stopped mid-lunge and dived back at his crease, but his feet got caught on the pitch and his legs ended up splayed on the pitch. Chameera’s under-arm throw caught him short a few centimetres.The payback welcomeIn the forty-eighth over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Doug Bracewell had hit Danushka Gunathilaka in the mouth. Lining up for a catch off Bracewell’s bat at deep-square leg, Gunathilaka let the ball slip through his fingers and hit him on the lips. He had to go off the field immediately, but when he saw Bracewell again, he made sure to take some sort of revenge. Bracewell’s first ball of the innings was a fullish delivery outside off stump. Gunathilaka leaned into a powerful lofted drive, and sent the ball 92 metres over the bowler’s head, way over the boundary.The slip-catching practiceGunathilaka had hit the ball cleanly enough to have New Zealand remove their cordon from early in his innings, but after he crossed fifty, Williamson installed a wide slip again. Bowling to his captain’s plan, Mitchell McClenaghan delivered a short-of-a-length ball just outside off stump. Gunathilaka opened his face and sent the ball directly to that wide slip, almost off the middle of his bat.