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Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves hat-tricks helped a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal qualify for the 2026 World Cup with an emphatic 9-1 win over Armenia on Sunday. The Seleccao were without their iconic forward following his red card against Ireland, but virtuoso displays from Fernandes and Neves ensured they topped UEFA Group F thanks to a thumping victory.

After their shock loss to Ireland in midweek, Portugal seemed determined to right the wrongs of what happened in Dublin, and it took just seven minutes to ease fans' nerves when Fernandes' free-kick was pushed onto the post by Armenia goalkeeper Henry Avagyan, and Renato Veiga was on hand to head into the empty net. Boos were soon ringing around Sporting CP's stadium, however, when Eduard Sperstian bundled the ball home from close range after the Portuguese defence was cut open in the 18th minute. 

Not long after supporters held a minute's applause for the late Diogo Jota, Goncalo Ramos pounced on a poor back pass by Artur Serobyan to restore the home side's advantage, and less than 90 seconds later, Neves smashed in a first-time beauty from the edge of the box on the half-hour mark. Hopes of a comeback were well and truly over when Neves bent a brilliant curling free-kick in off the bar from 25 yards out to make it 4-1 four minutes before half-time, and moments after Joao Cancelo's effort was deflected onto the post, Portugal were awarded a penalty when Ruben Dias was hauled down in the box, and Fernandes duly dispatched the subsequent spot-kick in first-half stoppage time.

Portugal's relentless march forward continued when Fernandes swept home his side's sixth in the 51st minute after good, determined work from Ramos, and the Manchester United captain had his third goal of the day when he scored his second penalty after substitute Carlos Forbs was felled in the area. The 104th-ranked side in the world, Armenia seemed ready to put this game behind them when Neves grabbed his hat-trick with an acrobatic finish nine minutes from the end, and substitute Francisco Conceicao made it 9-1 at the death.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio do Dragao…

• AFP
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Diogo Costa (6/10):

  Was a virtual spectator for the majority of the contest, other than picking the ball out of his net for Armenia's goal. 

  Nelson Semedo (6/10):

  Was guilty of losing his man for Armenia's shock equaliser as he switched off at the crucial moment.

  Ruben Dias (7/10):

  Won his side a penalty just before the interval and led a defence that never really looked troubled, apart from the odd opening. 

  Renato Veiga (7/10):

  Was in the right place at the right time as he calmly headed Portugal into the lead. Will need to face stronger opposition to be a guaranteed starter, though.

  Joao Cancelo (5/10):

  The former Manchester City man was shrugged off too easily for Armenia's equaliser and also made some rash challenges. May need to improve to tie down a World Cup starting spot.

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  Midfield

  Joao Neves (10/10):

  Rifled in a terrific strike from 18 yards out to give Portugal a two-goal cushion and then backed that up with an even better goal, this time with a sumptuous free-kick. Scored a classy third for one of the best hat-tricks you are likely to see.

  Vitinha (8/10):

  The Paris Saint-Germain talisman ran the show in midfield. He danced past would-be tacklers with ease and looked so calm on the ball.

  Bruno Fernandes (9/10):

  Fired in a dangerous free-kick that directly led to Portugal's early opener and took his penalties well with a stuttering run-up. Executed a first-time finish with aplomb for his second, and could have had five goals rather than three.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Bernardo Silva (6/10):

  Linked up nicely with his team-mates but left others to rip apart their overpowered opponents. 

  Goncalo Ramos (8/10):

  The striker showed good anticipation and clarity of thought to make it 2-1 with his interception goal and neatly assisted Fernandes as Portugal ran riot.

  Rafael Leao (6/10):

  His pace and power caused Armenia trouble, but he didn't get that many clear-cut chances during his 55-minute outing.

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  Subs & Manager

  Carlos Forbs (7/10):

  Won his side a penalty not long after being introduced, as his speed and agility came to the fore.

  Francisco Conceicao (8/10):

  Was full of purpose and was a proper livewire off the bench. Worked hard for his goal, which he took very well, to make it 9-1 at the death.

  Joao Felix (5/10):

  Came on for his 50th Portugal cap but didn't do a great deal right.

  Ruben Neves (N/A):

  Didn't have much of the ball.

  Matheus Nunes (N/A):

  Had too little time to make an impression on the game.

  Roberto Martinez (7/10):

  Would not have been pleased with how his team conceded but was clearly delighted by the margin and manner of the victory. His substitutes had a positive impact, too.

تحدث أحمد عبد الرؤوف المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، عن مواجهة كايزر تشيفز الجنوب إفريقي ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع كايزر تشفيز، في الثالثة عصر غدًا السبت، في الجولة الثانية من عمر مواجهات دور المجموعات لبطولة الكونفدرالية.

وقال عبد الرؤوف خلال المؤتمر الصحفي: “نحن نمثل اسمًا كبيرًا في القارة، وندخل المباراة بهدف واحد وهو العودة بالنقاط الثلاث والبداية الناجحة في البطولة كانت مهمة لنا”.

وأضاف:” نأمل استمرار الانتصارات أمام كايزر تشيفز الذي نعرف جيدًا قيمته وإمكاناته، خصوصًا قبل خوض مباراتي المصري المقبلتين في القاهرة”.

طالع.. خاص | عقوبة ضد المهدي سليمان في الزمالك.. واجتماع منتظر

وأضاف:”غياب لاعبين بحجم عبد الله السعيد ودونجا بلا شك مؤثر، لكن الزمالك يضم عناصر قادرة على تعويض أي نقص، والمجموعة الحالية تمتلك الجودة الكافية لتقديم المطلوب داخل الملعب”.

وأكمل:”مررنا بظروف معقدة بعد السوبر المحلي، وفي لقاء زيسكو لم نستغل الفرص كما يجب واكتفينا بهدف، إلى جانب بعض الأخطاء التي نعمل على تصحيحها، لكن الأهم أننا خرجنا بالفوز”.

وأفاد:”كايزر تشيفز فريق منظم ولديه طريقة لعب واضحة، والجماهير تمثل عنصر قوة حقيقي لهم على ملعبهم، لذلك نتوقع مباراة كبيرة بين فريقين لديهما تاريخ وثقل”.

واستمر:”الحديث عن شكل المنافسة في المجموعة بناءً على نتيجة مباراة واحدة فقط غير منطقي، ما زالت أمامنا مواجهات مهمة، وأركز دائمًا على أن يكون أداء الفريق امتدادًا لتاريخ الزمالك وليس لمستقبلي الشخصي”.

وأتم: “أعلم أن الجماهير قد لا ترضى أحيانًا عن الأداء، لكن الانتصار غدًا سيمنح اللاعبين دفعة قوية لمواصلة المشوار بثبات”.

تحدث آرني سلوت، المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، من جديد عن النجم المصري محمد صلاح والأزمة التي اندلعت جراء التصريحات القوية التي أدلى بها يوم السبت الماضي ضد النادي والمدرب الهولندي.

ولم يشارك محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول مساء أمس ضد إنتر ميلان، في الجولة السادسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري موسم 2025/26، حيث حقق الريدز فوزًا بهدف دون رد.

وتتواصل الأسئلة بشأن محمد صلاح وما إذا كان سيعود إلى تشكيل ليفربول من جديد، خاصة أنه ينتظر مباراة أخيرة يوم السبت المقبل ضد برايتون في الدوري الإنجليزي، قبل مشاركته في كأس أمم إفريقيا.

وقال سلوت، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “أنا أفصل هذه الأمور، كان من الصعب جدًا على اللاعبين استقبال هدف في الدقيقة الأخيرة ضد ليدز، بالكاد استقبلنا أي فرصة، وكان من الصعب جدًا تقبل ما حدث، كان ذلك مؤثرًا بالفعل، وما حدث بعد ذلك كان مؤثرًا أيضًا”.

وأضاف: “كان هناك 13 لاعبًا متاحين، لديهم خبرة في الدوري الإنجليزي أو دوري أبطال أوروبا، يُقال الكثير عندما تستقبل هدفًا، عادةً ما يؤثر ذلك على اللاعبين أيضًا لأنه كان مؤثرًا جدًا على النادي واللاعبين، لذلك ليس من المريح أبدًا أن يحدث شيء لزملائهم في الفريق”.

وأوضح: “بالطبع هناك الكثير من الأشياء التي قيلت، وأعتقد أن هذا يؤثر دائمًا على الفريق أيضًا إلى حد ما، إذا كنت في غرفة الملابس، فأنت تعلم أن الأمر يتعلق بلاعب مع المدرب أو مع النادي، ولكن هذا يؤثر عادةً على اللاعبين أيضًا، خاصةً لأنه (محمد صلاح) جيد جدًا ومؤثر للغاية، ليس من الجيد أبدًا أن ترى شيئًا كهذا يحدث لأحد زملائك في الفريق”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فان دايك يتجنب التورط في أزمة محمد صلاح وليفربول: لست المسؤول عمن يعتذر

وواصل: “يجب أن يكون الأمر متعلقًا بما فعلناه هنا، أتفهم تمامًا أن جميع الأسئلة في المؤتمر الصحفي يوم الجمعة ستكون حول محمد صلاح”.

وفيما يخص عودة محمد صلاح إلى التشكيل، رد الهولندي: “الجميع يرتكب أخطاء في الحياة، لكن هل يدرك اللاعب أنه أخطأ؟ هل يجب أن تأتي المبادرة منه أم مني؟ هذا سؤال آخر”.

وأوضح: “لكن يجب أن يكون التركيز الليلة، على سبيل المثال، على فيرجيل فان دايك لأن الجماهير تشيد به، ليس فيرجيل وحده، لقد مرّ إيبو كوناتي ببعض اللحظات الصعبة مؤخرًا، لكنه قدم مباراة رائعة اليوم ضد مهاجمين ممتازين للغاية”.

وأكد: “لم أقل أنني لن أتحدث مع محمد صلاح، ولكن يجب أن يكون التركيز تلك الليلة على هؤلاء اللاعبين”.

وعن الفوز، قال: “دخلنا المباراة ونحن متأخرين عن إنتر ميلان في الجدول بـ3 نقاط، إذا أردنا البقاء بين الثمانية الأوائل، فإن 15 نقطة هو الحد الأدنى الذي نحتاجه، أفضل ما يمكننا فعله هو الفوز هنا، لديهم فريق جيد جدًا، لكن بشكل عام قدمنا ​​أداءً جيدًا”.

واستأنف: “خط الوسط دائمًا ما يساعد الدفاع كثيرًا، لكن كان هناك التزام كبير من اللاعبين، ضغطنا بشكل أكبر في الشوط الثاني، قررنا الاحتفاظ بمدافع إضافي في الخلف، جميع اللاعبين الـ11 كانوا خلف الكرة في محاولة لضمان عدم استقبال أي هدف، في النهاية حصلنا على ركلة جزاء”.

وأشاد بـ سوبوسلاي، حيث قال: “ما يفعله مميز بدنيًا وكرويًا، لأنه، مرة أخرى، لعب مباراة جيدة وتألق في لحظة صعبة، لأنه ليس بالأمر السهل، في الدقيقة 86، أن ينفذ ضربة جزاء، هذه لحظة مميزة، لكنه يمتلك تسديدات رائعة، وقد أجاد التسديد لأنه يسدد الكثير من ركلات الجزاء مع المنتخب الوطني ومع أنديته السابقة أيضًا”.

Pakistan’s batting has been their biggest problem, and they need Muneeba Ali to come good to fix some of that

Andrew Fidel Fernando14-Oct-20252:50

Winless Pakistan up against unbeaten England

Big picture: Can Pakistan put up a fight?

England have won all three matches so far this World Cup. Pakistan have won three matches ever in a World Cup, and are currently on a three-game losing streak in this one. Whichever way you slice this – individual stats, head-to-head, tournament record, cricketing pedigree – it feels like a serious mismatch on paper. England are making a strong World Cup charge, having pretty much smoked each of their oppositions so far. Pakistan, meanwhile, haven’t really got close to any of their oppositions.It has been the batting that has been Pakistan’s biggest problem, as usual. Their totals so far have been 129, 159, and 114. Only Sidra Amin has hit a half-century (though she’s got there twice). The Khettarama surfaces tend to be sluggish, but even by Colombo’s standards, Pakistan’s batters have been too staid, going long stretches without boundaries. They have something of an advantage in this tournament – they play all their matches at one ground. But it still doesn’t feel like they are in a position to capitalise.Where Pakistan are already at a stage where they need to salvage something out of this tournament, England have their sights on a semi-final spot. They will also feel they have the bowling to inflict another low score on Pakistan. On Saturday, the world’s top ODI bowler Sophie Ecclestone delivered one of the spells of the tournament to take Sri Lanka down. Fellow spinners Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean have also taken six wickets apiece so far this tournament.Related

• 'For Theo' – a century for Sciver-Brunt, a celebration for the Sciver-Brunts

Form guide

England WWWLW (last five ODIs, most recent first)
Pakistan LLLWL

In the spotlight: Muneeba Ali and Nat Sciver-Brunt

Although Amin has found success in this tournament, Pakistan’s other form batter, Muneeba Ali hasn’t quite made her mark yet. She had come into the World Cup with some decent form, having hit 76 and 44 in the pre-tournament series against South Africa, and had averaged 44.60 in the World Cup Qualifier in Lahore, in April. Pakistan have lost early wickets in each of their games so far. Runs from Muneeba will solve at least some of their batting woes.Pakistan need runs from Muneeba Ali•PCB

Nat Sciver-Brunt, meanwhile, strode to a fifth World Cup ton (her tenth in ODIs overall) on Saturday, and in the closing stages of that innings, unfurled some of the best batting this venue has seen in the tournament. She has partner Katherine Sciver-Brunt and their baby Theo along for this section of the World Cup, and was desperate to put on a show for them against Sri Lanka. Sciver-Brunt is never really far from form, but now that she has a hundred under her belt here, oppositions will be especially wary.

Team news

It’s possible that legspin-bowling allrounder Syeda Aroob Shah could enter the XI.Pakistan (probable): 1 Sadaf Shamas, 2 Muneeba Ali, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Sidra Nawaz (wk), 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Eyman Fatima, 7 Fatima Sana (capt), 8 Rameen Shamim/Syeda Aroob Shah, 9 Diana Baig, 10 Nashra Sandhu, 10 Sadia IqbalEngland could go in with an unchanged XI for the fourth match in a row.England (probable): 1 Tammy Beaumont, 2 Amy Jones (wk), 3 Heather Knight, 4 Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), 5 Sophia Dunkley, 6 Emma Lamb, 7 Alice Capsey, 8 Charlie Dean, 9 Sophie Ecclestone, 10 Linsey Smith, 11 Lauren Bell

Pitch and conditions: More rain (perhaps), more spin (for sure)

Colombo’s weather continues as usual. The northeast monsoon has made less of an intrusion than feared at the start of the tournament, though there is always the chance it could impose itself. The pitch will take turn.

Stats and trivia

• Three of Sciver-Brunt’s hundreds have come against Pakistan, the opposition she averages a fearsome 92.33 against.
  
• Muneeba has a decent record against England, having made 47 and 44 in her two innings against them.
  
• England have won all 13 completed matches against Pakistan. The smallest margin of victory in terms of runs was 37, and in terms of wickets six.

Quotes

“Pakistan have been involved in some really exciting games of cricket, and they’ve had teams on the back foot a little bit.”

Talat scored 32 in 30 balls and took two wickets in the high-stakes game against SL

Danyal Rasool24-Sep-20252:09

Chopra: Talat holding one end up was important

Pakistan allrounder Hussain Talat launched a passionate defence of his utility to his side with the bat, saying there were “only four or five” players who could play T20 cricket in the middle order. Speaking after guiding his side to victory against Sri Lanka in a game where defeat would have put them on the brink of elimination, he called T20I middle order batting “the hardest of skills”.”We keep saying that if we need a middle order player they need to know how to be both aggressive and have the ability to anchor,” Talat said at the press conference after the game. “But the chances of failure with that kind of cricket are high. Unfortunately, if you don’t perform a few games or series, the media and fans immediately go after you and you’re out of the team suddenly.”I think the middle order is the hardest place to play in T20 cricket because you’re required to play all kinds of cricket. And because it’s difficult, I think you should have more chances in that position. And players who can play in the middle order are very rare in Pakistan, perhaps four or five. And even they don’t want to play there.”Perhaps, given the difficult couple of days he – and the rest of the Pakistan middle order have had, that is understandable. On Sunday, Pakistan’s descent from superiority in their clash against India can be traced almost to the moment Talat walked out to the crease in the 11th over. Until then, Pakistan had sped along at nine an over, but when Saim Ayub was dismissed and Talat was surprisingly sent in to bat, all that changed.Talat, who hadn’t played any games in the UAE in the month Pakistan have been here until that day, looked rusty. He scratched around for 11 balls and scored just 10 as India snatched momentum away from Pakistan. Just 38 came in the seven overs that began when Talat walked out to the crease, the lowest for that period of the game all tournament. India would ultimately cruise to victory, with much of Pakistan’s ire directed at Talat and his fellow middle-order batters. It was, Talat said, why he stays away from social media, but admitted it still affected him.Related

Abrarcadabra – the four-over spell that left Sri Lanka stupefied

Nawaz and Talat trump Sri Lanka in nervy chase

Asalanka: Sri Lanka have to 'get combinations right ahead of the World Cup'

On Tuesday, it was a different story. With a match situation more conducive to his abilities, he found his side floundering rather than flourishing, and anchored the chase to ensure they did not let victory slip from their grasp.”We’d lost so no one was feeling good,: Talat said. “The people wanted us to win, and we did what we could against India, too. But there was no extra pressure before today’s game. There was plenty of criticism which we were trying to avoid and which isn’t good for the team. But it was crucial to win today.”In pursuit of 134, that victory looked almost assured when the opened darted to the perfect start, Pakistan helping themselves to 43 in the first five overs. But a two-wicket sixth over from Maheesh Theekshana triggered a collapse where Pakistan lost four wickets for 13 runs, and Sri Lanka were ascendant.”The pitch was a bit sticky, but improved in the second innings,” Talat said. “We lost a few wickets quickly and that put us under a lot of pressure. And then we were running out of batting pairs which required us to take the game deep.”Sri Lanka tightened the screws further when Dushmantha Chameera cleaned up Mohammad Haris as he slogged wildly, reducing Pakistan to 80 for 5, still 54 runs adrift. With the asking rate under control – at exactly six an over, Talat decided to do something not many in the Pakistan camp talk about much these days – batting circumspectly.”In the group, when we talk about batting, it’s always about playing aggressive. But when I went in, a couple of wickets fell. My gut feeling was the only way to win after that was to take the game deep. When Nawaz hit Hasaranga for two fours, he said he’d go for his shots and for me to anchor. And that worked nicely for both of us.”Pakistan saw off the dangerous Theekshana aware that Wanindu Hasaranga, too, would eventually have to bowl out. But when the allrounder came in for his final two over, he went searching desperately, and that opened up scoring options. Nawaz hit him for two fours in his third when he dropped the ball short, and with the target rushing up to meet them, Talat helped himself to two more in Hasaranga’s last to drive the final nail into Sri Lanka’s coffin. In the end, the runs came in a hurry, with Mohammad Nawaz walloping Chameera for three sixes in five balls as Pakistan cantered to the finish in the 18th over.A win can make all the difference, particularly for Talat who has spent far longer out of the side looking in than most in this group. His recent inclusion into the side has only come after more than four years out in the international wilderness, where he feels people haven’t quite appreciated how hard he’s needed to work to scrap his way back in.”We’re hopeful. We’ve been playing T20 cricket for four months or so now, since Bangladesh came to Pakistan in May. Players are being backed in this group; in the past, players used to play a couple of matches and then be omitted. Now they’re getting an extended run like we see elsewhere in international cricket.”We’re two games away from the trophy, and we believe we can win it.”

Arsenal have a brimming pipeline of exciting young talent and could be set to add prodigious Montpellier gem Laciné Megnan-Pavé to their ranks if they can fight off competition for his services.

Fighting on all fronts, the Gunners have began to call on the strength of their squad in recent times, evidenced in the fact that Andre Harriman-Annous starred in their victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in midweek.

Clearly, there is room for developing talent to feature under Mikel Arteta should youngsters impress at underage level. With his side top of the Premier League and seeking to go deep into multiple competitions, domestic matches outwith the top-flight may be the breeding ground to blood more of their academy.

However, chances for Hale End prodigies may dry up amid positive injury updates on Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz. Strength in depth is key for the Gunners, and supporters will be delighted that the Spaniard will soon have added flexibility ahead of the festive fixture list.

Adding context, he added: “I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team, the huge boost that is going to be for the squad to have those players available again after such a long time. I’m really happy that I think it’s going to be very soon.”

His happiness may be about to multiply, given Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta already appears to have one eye on the next youngster to enter the conveyor belt of bristiling talent at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal fighting Barcelona for Montpellier sensation Laciné Megnan-Pavé

According to Sport.fr, Arsenal are looking to sign Montpellier youngster Laciné Megnan-Pavé and sporting director Berta will look to beat the might of Barcelona to land the services of the exciting goalscorer.

At just 15 years of age, he is already captain of France’s Under-16 squad and has shown a demonstrable track record of hitting the target after notching 15 goals and 12 assists in 24 games last season.

Now under observation due to his ‘explosive’ profile, murmurs insist that Montpellier will offer him a three-year professional contract once he turns 16, albeit the notion of making your name at an elite club like Arsenal may be difficult to turn down.

Physically, he stands at 6ft 1in and is more than a match for defenders despite still having plenty of years to grow, adding another layer of intrigue as the Gunners look to secure his services.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Atlético-MG está interessado na contratação do meia Fausto Vera, do Corinthians, segundo a “Itatiaia”. O Galo busca reforçar o elenco para a sequência da temporada.

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O atleta é um pedido do técnico Gabriel Milito, uma vez que ambos trabalharam juntos no Argentinos Juniors entre 2021 e a metade de 2022. Além disso, o volante não vem sendo muito aproveitado no Timão por António Oliveira.

O Corinthians espera recuperar parte do investimento feito em Fausto Vera, que foi contratado por oito milhões de dólares (R$ 37 milhões). No entanto, existem apenas conversas iniciais entre as partes sem que uma proposta tenha sido oficializada.

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Lutando pelo Brasileirão, Libertadores e Copa do Brasil, o Atlético-MG busca ter mais força e mais opções dentro do plantel para ter força nas três competições. Além do meia, o Galo já contratou o meia-atacante Bernard.

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Atlético-MGCorinthians

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has backed Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha to win the Ballon d'Or, while praising his side's display in a 5-3 Champions League defeat to the French giants. Spurs twice led the defending champions in Paris but Luis Enrique's team stormed back with a stunning second-half display. The Danish manager tipped his hat to the north London team and also the world-class Portuguese.

Tottenham respond after Arsenal drubbing

The anti-Frank rhetoric from some Tottenham fans reached fever point on Sunday as they were thrashed 4-1 by bitter rivals Arsenal in the Premier League. The drubbing was, naturally, difficult to take but the manner of the defeat was particularly galling for some supporters, who were frustrated with Frank's defensive tactics and lack of intent. But they looked like their old selves in the French capital with a performance of grit and character. Ultimately, they shipped five goals and came away with nothing on Wednesday night but Frank saw plenty of positives from the win. He also thinks Vitinha, who scored a hat-trick and came third in this year's Ballon d'Or, is the best midfielder in the world.

AdvertisementAFP'They have one Ballon d'or winner'

He told reporters, via Football London: "I'm pleased with the performance. It was the reaction I wanted from the players, from the team. We've been working very hard on that, the players, the staff, me, to make sure that we responded well and bounced back because that's crucial after a bad performance. Today I saw more identity of the team I want to create, we want to create. Much more character, personality, aggressiveness. Three words you need to have in any team no matter how you want to do, how you want to play, whatever formation, whatever. Today we saw it, that I'm pleased with. 

"Of course, I think it was performance that was up there where we could get something out of the game, a draw or a win. So that's a little frustrating thing that we conceded some goals. Of course, one with a little bit of margin from Vitinha, not top corner but top, top corner. And then, of course, goal three and four. Those are the ones we definitely need to avoid if we want to get something out of here, but something to build on. Strikers scoring two goals. The whole team, I think, all performed well. Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, positive. When we played against a decent team where they have one Ballon d'Or winner and I think the next one is playing in midfield. Vitinha. Wow, what a player."

Frank added to TNT Sports: "Vitinha is the best midfielder in the world. He will be the next Ballon d'Or winner."

Tottenham staying positive

With this defeat, Tottenham have now conceded four or more goals in back-to-back games in all competitions for the first time since May 2003 under Glenn Hoddle. Moreover, Spurs let in five goals away from home in a major European competition for the very first time. Despite that, midfielder Archie Gray had a glass-half-full attitude.

He told TNT Sports: "We played against a top opponent tonight, they are probably the best team in Europe at the moment. There were some good moments we can take into Fulham. We scored some goals, there are things we can work on, but they are a top, top team, and there are moments you will suffer against them. They are the best team in Europe, and they are relentless in every aspect of their game, and they have that individual class. They are a top team, and there are things we can learn from."

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Tottenham?

While Tottenham can take some positives out of this match, that belief and optimism will evaporate if they are unable to beat lowly Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday night. Spurs have slipped to ninth in the table but if results go their way, they could climb as high as fourth. On the flip side, if they don't win, they could drop into the bottom half of the table.

Chelsea could now hijack some ‘very advanced’ talks for a Real Madrid sensation who’s destined to be on the move in January, according to a new report.

With persistent injury concerns in key positions this season, Enzo Maresca’s squad may require strategic reinforcement across three critical areas as the Blues navigate a challenging campaign.

Maresca has repeatedly found himself short, especially in defence, with Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrey Santos and Josh Acheampong all missing at some point through injury or suspension.

Despite spending close to £300 million in the summer, it is also believed that Maresca still isn’t entirely happy with his Chelsea squad, coming after he publicly requested a centre-back in the summer.

Rank

Club

Gross Spend

Sales

Net Spend

20.

Bournemouth

£136.7m

£202.5m

+£65.8m

19.

Brighton

£67.7m

£127.5m

+£59.8m

18.

Brentford

£92.8m

£152m

+£59.2m

17.

Wolves

£105.6m

£126.5m

+£20.9m

16.

Chelsea

£296.5m

£314.4m

+£17.9m

Chelsea are reportedly exploring goalkeeping options, with uncertainty surrounding Robert Sanchez, whose inconsistent performances divided the fanbase last season.

The club are extremely keen on AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, whose contract expires in 2026, and could move to offer the France number one a pre-contract in January. Chelsea had passed up the opportunity to sign Maignan in the summer as they weren’t prepared to meet Milan’s asking price, as per multiple reports, but a move is now back on the cards.

Chelsea also want a new centre-back in January, following reports that the club view it as a priority position, and there are claims that the west Londoners could even bring in another number nine.

BlueCo have reportedly been offered Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, whose contract is winding down, meaning they could sign the Serbian for a bargain fee this winter.

Liam Delap has returned from a hamstring injury which kept him out for the majority of Chelsea’s early-season, and Joao Pedro is currently in excellent form as well. However, as we’ve already seen this term, Maresca’s bad luck with injuries and suspensions could well push them back into the market.

Chelsea are reportedly planning to raid Real Madrid for talent as we approach January, with star winger Rodrygo available for a cut-price fee as Maresca’s side closely monitor the situation (TEAMtalk).

However, Rodrygo isn’t the only Real star on their radar, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Chelsea ready to hijack 'very advanced' Lyon talks for Endrick

Lyon are in ‘very advanced’ talks over a loan deal for Endrick and an agreement is believed to be imminent, but Bailey reports that Chelsea could still swoop for the Brazilian striker.

As per the reporter, Chelsea are ready to offer Endrick game time in England ahead of next year’s World Cup, and he could ‘very well arrive’ at Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old, who’s still considered one of Brazil’s brightest young talents, hasn’t found room to feature for Xabi Alonso – playing just 11 minutes all season.

Endrick did fire Real to a Copa del Rey final last term, scoring five goals in the competition before their loss to Barcelona, but minutes in La Liga and Europe were much harder to come by.

The South American is now vying for an exit as he aims to get more game time and work his way into Ancelotti’s Brazil squad, with the prospect of a Premier League move potentially enough to make him change his mind about joining Lyon.

Vote for the best individual Border-Gavaskar Trophy performance by an Indian in Australia since 2000

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Nov-2024Update: This poll has ended. Virat Kohli’s Adelaide 2014 performance goes into the semi-finals. Check the other polls here.ESPNcricinfo LtdVirat Kohli was batting on another level in Perth 2018•Cricket Australia/Getty Images

Virat Kohli – 123 in Perth, 2018

India lost by 146 runs, series level 1-1Virat Kohli was already one of India’s greatest batters before 2018. He stepped up to an even more rarefied level that year, scoring 1322 runs at an average of 55.08 over 24 innings, of which 22 were played in South Africa, England and Australia.Conditions in all three tours were hard on batters, but the more challenging they became, the more Kohli seemed to relish them. When he walked in to bat in Perth, everything must have looked familiar. India had lost the toss and conceded a bigger total than they should have, bowling well but not without spells of releasing pressure. Then they lost early wickets.In similar circumstances, Kohli had scored 153 at Centurion and 149 at Edgbaston. Now, from 8 for 2, he proceeded to play an even better innings. This was a proper trampoline of a pitch, and Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were routinely getting the ball to rear throat-high from just back of a length. Kohli negotiated the vertical threat expertly, though not without suffering blows to his arm and ribs, but the standout feature of his innings was how well he dealt with Australia’s attempts to sucker him with full balls after pushing him back.Almost every time there was an opportunity to drive, he did so pristinely, down the ground or through the covers with a decisive front-foot stride. A 20th century version of this list would have undoubtedly contained Sachin Tendulkar’s 114 in Perth in 1992. Kohli’s innings came at Perth Stadium and not the WACA, and just as the new ground seamlessly carried forward the old one’s legacy of pace and bounce, a new master had carried forward an old master’s legacy.Karthik KrishnaswamyWatch the highlights of these performances on the Star Sports network at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm IST, from November 2 onwards.Virat Kohli was only the second batter to score two centuries on Test captaincy debut•Getty Images

Virat Kohli – 115 & 141 in Adelaide, 2014

India lost by 48 runsIn a career full of milestones, Virat Kohli has a very special place in his heart for these two hundreds. He’s made that plain on every subsequent trip to Adelaide. The runs that he made, the way he made them, getting hit on the head by a Mitchell Johnson bouncer early and brushing off the Australians who came up to him to ask him if he was okay just so he wouldn’t have to break out of that bubble he needs to be in to score those big runs, and the path that he put his team on, saying they will not be going for the draw – all played a big role in helping him decide what kind of cricketer and captain he wanted to be.His 114 in the first innings on captaincy debut kept India in the game after conceding 517, and his 141 in the second gave India hope that as long as Kohli was batting, there was a chance of pulling off an outrageous chase of 364. That performance made Kohli the first visiting batter since 1961 to score two centuries in a Test in Australia, and no once has done it since.By Alagappan Muthu