Mic'd Up: The former national team star says the USMNT are far from a finished product under Pochettino, even as squad starts to find form

Herculez Gomez still isn't convinced by the U.S. men's national team. There have been, on the face of things, improvements. A poor run was followed by three undefeated fixtures in a row, including wins over Japan and Australia. Take in 180 combined minutes against Ecuador and Australia, and manager Mauricio Pochettino's side could have walked away with three straight wins. 

"Not just the actual results, but in terms of all overall style, tactical play, just identity, things that had been lacking under his tenure – this was probably his most impressive window," Gomez tells GOAL. "So in terms of that, I'd say it was his best window that he's had thus far. And I think it's of no surprise that is coupled with the best player selection of his era. So I think the two go hand in hand."

For Gomez, the ESPN+ analyst and host of Futbol Americas, performances really tell the tale.

"While there are some positives, there's a stark reminder that this is not a finished product for these players," Gomez says. 

For the first time, Pochettino finds himself looking at some positives. There is a formation to toy with, and tactical ideas forming. Questions are now being asked about who the U.S. has to leave out. Weston McKennie, for example, might be the elite talent to sit on the bench.

"There could be a few casualties," Gomez said. "I look at where Weston McKennie has been playing in that formation, and his plan is a double 10, which is not a position suited to his attributes. He hasn't been a player that I would say has been a mainstay on this national team. So he could be a casualty."

Gomez talks all things USMNT in Mic'd up, a recurring feature in which GOAL taps into the perspective of analysts, announcers and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad. 

Getty ImagesON THE USMNT'S RECENT FORM

GOAL: The USMNT had a couple of good results this window. What did you make of them?

GOMEZ: I would say the best performances of the Mauricio Pochettino era. Not just the actual results, but in terms of all overall style, tactical play, just identity, things that had been lacking under his tenure – this was probably his most impressive window. So in terms of that, I'd say it was his best window that he's had thus far. And I think it's of no surprise that is coupled with the best player selection of his era. So I think the two go hand in hand. He called in some very good players.

GOAL: And they managed to get a good result when Christian Pulisic was off the pitch. Do you take heart from that as well, the fact that they're able to come from behind with their main man injured?

GOMEZ: I mean, the numbers don't lie, right? It was the first win of Pochettino's tenure when they allowed a goal, and it was not in a loss. For whatever reason, this team, when they get scored on, it becomes the end of them. They put together a good result versus a stingy team. And this is the first loss in 13 games for Australia, and that was the same thing for Ecuador. It was 11 games without a loss and only five goals conceded in World Cup qualifying. They played against some, I would say, solid World Cup opposition. And that's what it may look like. And I thought the solutions that were offered by the players who came in were bright, good individual performances. Tactically, they were disciplined. 

Still, there were a few lapses that characterize this team, I would say, with Mauricio Pochettino. You committed numbers forward, you get left with the one player that can hurt you in the opposition, which was Enner Valencia. And they came right back down your throat, get one opportunity and they're up. Australia, you get scored off of a throw in, and it's a comedy of errors. It's just players not reacting, flat footed, like a lapse in concentration. Things like this in a World Cup setting could be the difference between you going home. While there are some positives, there's a stark reminder that this is not a finished product for these players.

AdvertisementAFPON POCHETTINO'S TACTICS

GOAL: You talk about systems. There's a back three that everyone seems to be a big fan of. Would you share that sentiment? Would you still call for some tactical flexibility?

GOMEZ: I think it depends on who's available. You don't say, as a coach, "This is what I'm going to play" when they go with the players on a national team. Because that's not a reality. It's not Spurs or Chelsea or PSG, where you can go and buy the players who you need to play the system you want. You really have to be at the will of the players at your disposal and get them there. So, will this be the formation? I don't know. I think, thus far, it's been the best they've looked with Pochettino.

But there could be a few casualties. I look at where Weston McKennie has been playing in that formation, and his plan is a double 10, which is not a position suited to his attributes. He hasn't been a player that I would say has been a mainstay on this national team. So he could be a casualty. I don't see him as a double pivot needed in that formation with three centerbacks to protect our back lines; he's not as tactically disciplined. Another one would be Timothy Weah. He's been one of the best players on the U.S. national team since he came about. He scored a World Cup goal, and it's a constant threat. You saw it against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He's a player with his speed and his directness could be very useful to you.

Well, he may end up being labeled as a wing back. I don't think he's going to play over Sergino Dest, or a healthy Anthony Robinson on the left, so he could be our man out because the formation doesn't play with wingers. The width is offered by wing back. So I think it's still too early. I think there needs to be tactical leverage. I think it's still very early to lock in and say "This is the formation we're going to use." But that said, you can't ignore that that's where these players feel more comfortable. 

GOAL: And I suppose the counter agrument is that you need to sacrifice players for the system. I think of Cristian Roldan, for one, who might be an excellent footballer, but McKennie, objectively, is just better.

GOMEZ: It makes sense. And then what you're getting at – there has to be a balance with everything. Ultimately, only Pochettino can make that call. But you need to have, within the tournament setting, the ability to kind of pivot on the fly. And I think that goes into trying to play. You bring in players who are multi-functional because you have limited roster spots. And if a player goes down, you need a player to fill another position seamlessly. And Cristian Roldan is a good example of how things could change for you very quickly. He was playing as more of that double pivot, and he had to assist.

Weston McKennie is playing as a double 10, and wasn't too involved in the final-third. He was maybe more involved in the play leading up to the play in the final-third. That's something that Pochettino is going to have to gauge. McKennie is a hell of a player, and his best attributes are arriving late into the box from a midfield position. But I think he lacks tactical discipline, and sometimes, with the player he is, you need to give him that freedom to connect and track down. And if you staple him into a setting or an area you can limit, honestly, the way he can impact the game. So it's one of these things where Pochettino is going to have to go with who he feels is the hotter hand on both sides of the ball.

Getty ImagesON POCHETTINO'S FIRST YEAR WITH USMNT

GOAL: Has Pochettino totally impressed you yet? Do you have full confidence in him? Because I know there's been some back and forth.

GOMEZ: No. I think it's still very early to take a victory lap if you're Mauricio Pochettino. The fact is, he's got one of the worst records in recent U.S. history (11-7-2 in 20 matches in charge) and we're behind the eight ball in terms of time. I don't think he knows his XI yet. So I can't sit here and say he's impressed me. He was brought here to take this team, this program, to the next level, $6 million a year, one of the best-paid international managers in the game. And for $6M, we're still waiting to see what that next level is. You had the results versus an Ecuador team and an Australia team, who, let's be honest, played some alternates in that game. But you did well, and you can only play who's in front of you. But it's still very, very premature to take a victory lap.

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GOALPREVIOUS EDITIONS OF MIC'D UP

Oct. 2: Clive Tyldesley: CBS analyst on Americans in the Champions League, 'big year' for USMNT at the World Cup and protecting young footballers

Sept. 30 – David Villa: Spain legend and DAZN analyst on Barcelona's Champions League hopes, 'amazing' Lamine Yamal and 'great opportunity' for U.S. to host World Cup

Sept. 17 – Stu Holden: FOX analyst on Gio Reyna's revival, Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan future and how Mauricio Pochettino can form 'U.S. team that makes us excited'

Sept. 11 – Maurice Edu: Apple TV analyst grades Mauricio Pochettino's first year as USMNT boss, wonders where Weston McKennie has been?

Sept. 9 – Sacha Kljestan: Apple TV analyst urges USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino to stick with core group, weighs in on MLS and Inter Miami's Luis Suarez

Aug. 28 – Keith Costigan: Apple TV analyst on Arsenal's need for a trophy, why 'writing off Liverpool is absolutely silly' and how Club World Cup can spark MLS growth

Aug. 21 – Marcelo Balboa: Apple TV analyst calls out fellow former USMNT players for vitriol toward Christian Pulisic, hails impact of Son Heung-Min in MLS

Aug. 15 – Nedum Onuoha: ESPN analyst on why Antonee Robinson is 'as good as any' defender in Premier League, concerns over Alexander Isak, expected Man City rebound

Aug. 6 – Kasey Keller: ESPN analyst calls out Mauricio Pochettino's underwhelming record with USMNT, hails Matt Turner's 'brilliant' return to MLS

July 31 – Andres and Nico Cantor: Father-son analysts on Mauricio Pochettino's chief challenge with USMNT, and Inter Miami's Leo Messi 'completing football

July 29 – Dax McCarty: Apple TV's Dax McCarty on why MLS was right to suspend Lionel Messi, the new Leagues Cup format, and why Club America is favorite

July 25 – Derek Rae: ESPN commentator on Gio Reyna's flawed fit at Dortmund, why 'nobody knows' how good 22-year-old USMNT midfielder can be

July 7 – Callum Williams: Apple TV, world soccer commentator on the impact of Brazilian teams at the Club World Cup

June 27 – Kyle Martino: TNT analyst on USMNT goalscoring void, the state of the program and the return of Showdown to NYC

June 23 – Dax McCarty: Apple TV analyst on the opportunity, pressure facing Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT ahead of World Cup

June 19 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst on why he's bullish about Club World Cup, memories of playing in CWC, how 2026 World Cup could be 'biggest sporting event ever'

June 17 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst on Christian Pulisic controversy, state of USMNT, fractures in fan base and his admiration for 'highly relatable' Diego Luna

June 11 – Diego Valeri: Apple TV+ analyst on Lionel Messi’s MLS impact, supporting rival Sounders at Club World Cup, and U.S. and Argentina ties

May 21 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV+ analyst on 'exciting' matchups in the Club World Cup, why a top European team will win, and how Inter Miami can benefit

May 13 – Kay Murray: ESPN FC analyst on Americans supporting Club World Cup, European teams vying for trophy, and whether an MLS team can make a run

May 9 – Luis Garcia: ESPN Analyst on Barcelona and 'fantastic' Lamine Yamal, why Real Madrid lack a philosophy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool

May 1 – Derek Rae: ESPN analyst on Harry Kane's trophy quest, Gio Reyna's Borussia Dortmund struggles, the meaning behind 'the smell of the stable'

April 28 – Christina Unkel: CBS Sports rules analyst on VAR challenges, 'visibility' in refereeing, former players becoming officials

April 25 – Alejandro Moreno: ESPN FC pundit on Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid disappointment, Carlo Ancelotti's final season, 'best in the world' Lamine Yamal

April 24 – Bradley Wright-Phillips: Apple TV analyst on the 'brilliance' of Lionel Messi, 'chippy' Inter Miami, and why Kevin De Bruyne's next team should be NYCFC

April 22 – Ali Krieger: ESPN analyst on Naomi Girma's Chelsea move, the 'amazing' Emma Hayes and why NWSL 'can't just dilute the league by expanding'

April 16 – Jamie Carragher: CBS analyst on Club World Cup and packed schedule, 'disappointing' Trent Alexander-Arnold, 'delightful' Mo Salah deal

April 14 – Kevin Egan: Apple TV+ host on the 2026 World Cup, 2025 Club World Cup and growth of game in America

April 11 – Kay Murray: ESPN FC host on Harry Kane and Bayern Munich's Bundesliga ambitions, 'undeniable talent' of Gio Reyna, and Ballon d'Or race without 'a standout contender'

April 8 – Kevin Egan: Apple TV analyst on possible Kevin De Bruyne link with Lionel Messi and MLS, Cavan Sullivan's 'swagger' and 'next-level' Wilfried Nancy

March 26 – Kasey Keller: 'Guys that would rather be on the beach' – ESPN's Kasey Keller knocks 'general malaise' of USMNT players, says Mauricio Pochettino must show 'he's 100 percent committed'

March 21 – Kaylyn Kyle: Apple TV studio analyst on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the 'chaotic' nature of MLS, why NWSL player exodus could 'hurt the league

March 13 – Micah Richards: CBS Sports analyst on Man City's future, why Real Madrid will win Champions League, and that bet with Jude Bellingham

March 11 – Antonella Gonzalez: Apple TV’s Antonella Gonzalez on interviewing Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, the rise of Latin American influence in MLS, and being a Hispanic woman in broadcasting

March 4 – Nico Cantor: CBS Analyst on 'world-class' Mauricio Pochettino, 'mixed' Champions League format, and why USL can compete with MLS

Feb 26 – Andrew Wiebe: Apple TV analyst Andrew Wiebe on San Jose Earthquakes' 'massive offseason', Kevin De Bruyne's potential MLS arrival, league’s growth

Feb. 20 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV's analyst on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 'laying an egg' in MLS playoffs, Cavan Sullivan, and why Cincinnati are a threat

Feb. 18 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV analyst on USMNT World Cup aspirations, Mauricio Pochettino, and team's signature wins – or lack thereof

Feb. 11 – Maurice Edu: Apple TV analyst on national team's potential, Cavan Sullivan's 'borderline arrogance' and 'global shop window' of MLS

Jan. 30 – Keith Costigan: Apple TV commentator on Mo Salah and Liverpool, the Olivier Giroud experiment at LAFC and more

Jan 28 – Nigel Reo-Coker: CBS Sports Golazo Network analyst on the new Champions League format, state of American soccer and Aston Villa

Jan 20 – Kate Scott: CBS Sports host on the American soccer psyche, USMNT's 'statement' hire in Mauricio Pochettino, 'enormous' 2026 World Cup and why Liverpool will win Champions League

Jan 13 – DaMarcus Beasley: USMNT legend on Lionel Messi's mindset, the 'good groove' for MLS and why Mauricio Pochettino is the 'right man for the job'

Jan. 9 – Callum Williams: Soccer analyst on Lionel Messi and 2025 Club World Cup, 'naivety towards' South American soccer, 'preposterous' that Jack Grealish has 'lost it'

Jan. 2 – Jenny Chiu: CBS reporter on 'big changes' by Emma Hayes, Mauricio Pochettino's 'pedigree' and possible UCL glory for Inter

Dec. 17 – Stu Holden: FOX Sports analyst on the evolution of the American game, why Christian Pulisic will be 'best U.S. Soccer player of all-time'

Dec. 12 – Brian Dunseth: Turner, Apple TV analyst on Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and USMNT's future under Mauricio Pochettino

Dec. 5 – Jalil Anibaba: Apple TV analyst on MLS Cup predictions, Inter Miami hiring Javier Mascherano and MLS's 'disheartening' coaching diversity issue

Nov. 21 – Andres Cantor: Telemundo legend on Mauricio Pochettino's Argentine mindset, the USMNT and having a front-row seat for the rise of the American game

Nov. 16 – Matt Doyle: Apple TV analyst assesses Inter Miami's defensive 'insanity,' whether Neymar could join Lionel Messi, MLS Cup favorite

Nov. 7 – Gary Neville: Veteran analyst talks USMNT World Cup hopes, 'hell of a player' Christian Pulisic, 'relentless' David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo to MLS

Oct. 31 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN FC analyst on Mauricio Pochettino's impact, the USMNT's 'wide-open' striker race, and a player pool 'that lacks accountability'

Oct. 29 – Rebecca Lowe: NBC host on the growth of soccer, the 'incredible' Emma Hayes and 'profile-raising' Mauricio Pochettino

Oct. 24 – Andrew Wiebe: Apple TV analyst on MLS playoffs, Lionel Messi's 'nuclear form' and how Inter Miami can become league's 'greatest team of all time

Oct. 17 – Jamie Carragher: Veteran analyst talks USMNT, slams Man City over legal case, questions Mauricio Pochettino despite 'great' hire

Mumbai Indians (MI) have added the England duo of Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson and Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka as temporary replacements for Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch.An IPL statement said that Bairstow will join at a price of INR 5.25 crore, while fast bowler Gleeson was picked at a reserve price of INR 1 crore and Asalanka for INR 75 lakhs.The replacement players will be available from the playoffs onwards, should MI qualify. Currently, MI and Delhi Capitals (DC) are fighting for the last remaining slot in the top four and they play each other in a crucial game on Wednesday. This will also be MI’s first match since the IPL resumed on May 17 after it was interrupted due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.If Mumbai Indians make the playoffs, these will be their temporary replacements•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Jacks will not be available after MI’s last league game on May 26 owing to his commitment with the national team for ODIs against West Indies, while Rickelton and Bosch will join South Africa for their preparations ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final. They will all leave after their final league game against Punjab Kings on May 26.Bairstow went unsold at November’s mega auction and has not played for England in any format since June 2024. He has captained Yorkshire in the County Championship this season but will miss Friday’s fixture against Nottinghamshire and their first two T20 Blast fixtures.”These decisions are never straightforward – especially given how much I’ve enjoyed leading Yorkshire this year,” Bairstow said on his Instagram account. “I’m incredibly grateful to the club for understanding, continued support and look forward to getting stuck back in on my return. This is a fantastic opportunity, and I’m excited to contribute to MI’s campaign. Can’t wait to get started and experience the energy of Mumbai.”Gavin Hamilton, Yorkshire’s general manager, said: “Whilst it is naturally disappointing to lose Jonny for the next few weeks, the opportunity for him to play in the final stages of the IPL at this stage in his career is huge. Jonny has been open with us around his desire to play in the IPL from our very first conversation with him, and we’d like to wish him the best of luck in the coming weeks.”Bairstow has made 50 IPL appearances across five seasons, having represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (2019-21) and Punjab Kings (2022 and 2024). He has an impressive record in the league, averaging 34.54 and striking at 144.45, and has scored two IPL hundreds – one of them in a record-breaking run chase at Eden Gardens last year.Related

• MI's playoffs rejig: Moody bullish on Bairstow, Asalanka; Jaffer wants more from Tilak

• RCB-SRH moved to Lucknow; IPL playoffs in Mullanpur and Ahmedabad

• Race to IPL 2025 playoffs: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals for final spot

• Purple and Orange caps: Noor, Jaiswal could grab top spots on Tuesday

• LSG's Rathi suspended for one game after Abhishek incident

Gleeson, 37, made his IPL debut last year when he played two matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a replacement player. He is on a white-ball contract with his county, Warwickshire, and will miss their opening two T20 Blast fixtures.Asalanka, Sri Lanka’s white-ball captain, has never played the IPL before and went unsold at the auction last year. He is the latest batter from Sri Lanka, after Kusal Mendis, to travel to India for IPL.For MI, Rickelton is currently the team’s second-highest run-scorer this season behind Suryakumar Yadav, with 336 runs at 30.54 and a strike rate of 153.42 in his 12 innings, while Jacks has also been a mainstay for MI this season, playing 11 of their first 12 league stage games. He has scored 195 runs in nine innings and taken five wickets with his offbreaks.

Du Plessis captains DC in Axar’s absence

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Cricinformed: Bumrah, the gold standard for a T20 bowler

Faf du Plessis, captaining Delhi Capitals in Axar Patel’s absence due to a bad flu, won the toss and chose to bowl. Speaking about Axar at the toss, du Plessis said, “Unfortunate for him, really sick the last two days. Bad flu. We wish him all the best. Will definitely miss him today.”Madhav Tiwari and Mukesh Kumar have replaced T Natarajan and Axar for DC. Tiwari, a seam-bowling allrounder from Madhya Pradesh, was part of DC’s XI in their abandoned game against Punjab Kings but will be on debut as that game will be replayed on Saturday. KL Rahul has been named in the Impact Players bench after being hit on the knee in training on match eve and is most likely to be subbed in for the second innings.DC will be out of the playoffs race with a loss today. MI, on the other hand, will go through with a win. Hardik Pandya, MI’s captain, said he would have liked to bowl as well. Mitchell Santner replaces Corbin Bosch. One of Ashwani Kumar and Karn Sharma, who were part of MI’s previous game, will miss out tonight.So far this season, the average score batting first at the Wankhede stadium has been 174 for 7 and the chasing team has won four out of the six games.Mumbai Indians XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, N Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit BumrahMI Impact Players bench: Ashwani Kumar, Corbin Bosch, Karn Sharma, Raj Bawa, Satyanarayana RajuDelhi Capitals XI: Faf du Plessis (capt), Abishek Porel (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, Madhav Tiwari, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh KumarDC Impact Players bench: KL Rahul, Sediqullah Atal, Karun Nair, Tripurana Vijay, Manvanth Kumar

Al-Nassr new signing Joao Felix admits he is loving playing alongside Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo for the Saudi Pro League side. Felix made the switch to the Middle East in the summer and has enjoyed a prolific start to life with his new club. The former Chelsea star says that having Ronaldo on the team helps him as defenders are often focused on the veteran instead.

• Ronaldo and Felix star as Al-Nassr hit five

  Felix only joined Al-Nassr in the summer transfer window but has already scored two hat-tricks for his new club. His second came at the weekend in an impressive 5-1 win over Al-Fateh. Ronaldo was also on target during the game, smashing home a brilliant strike just minutes after missing a penalty, but it was Felix who took home the match ball and the MVP award after stealing the show. Ronaldo now has five goals in five Saudi Pro League games this season for Al-Nassr, but he's been comfortably outscored by Felix who has eight in what's been a prolific start to life with his new club. 

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• Felix says it's 'easy' to play with Ronaldo

  Felix has now opened up on playing with Ronaldo at club level and does feel the 40-year-old's presence on the pitch helps as defenders often leave him with more space as they are preoccupied by the Portugal icon.

  He told Canal GOAT: "Yes, playing with Cristiano… there you go… It's Cristiano. Everyone knows what he's capable of, as we saw. He misses a penalty and the next minute he scores that goal. It's easy to play with him. 

  "Sometimes it even ends up being good, because since it's Cristiano, they end up focusing more on him and then leaving the others with a bit more space. He ends up helping the forwards, both me, Mané, and Coman. And yes, playing with him on the pitch is something else.

  "I always work to give my best; sometimes things work out, sometimes they don't. Of course, this context is more favorable, because I'm in my position, which brought me into football, which made a bit of my name in the beginning. And the team, the team is doing very well. The manager's ideas are good; they benefit me, my game, the attackers in general. That's why we've been scoring so many goals, and it's partly due to that, the manager's tactics and ideas."

• Ronaldo says Felix move was a 'wise decision'

  Felix's move to Al-Nassr did attract some criticism, with the 25-year-old forward opting to leave European football after difficult spells with Barcelona, AC Milan and Chelsea. There was was talk that Felix was wanted back at Benfica, but he opted to link up with Ronaldo in the Middle East instead.

  Ronaldo feels that his Portugal international team-mate made the right decision to come to Al-Nassr even if it does mean missing out on playing in the Champions League.

  "Everyone knows Joao; he's very talented. I think he'll help us a lot in the Saudi league, which is very competitive," he told reporters. "You don't know him; you're not there, you don't show up, but we saw him at the Club World Cup. I think it was a better option for Felix than playing in the Portuguese league; just look at the number of stars there are in Saudi Arabia. Regardless of not playing in the Champions League, it was a very wise decision on his part. Calling him to convince him? I don't do that, I don't pick up the phone. It's not my job. You [journalists] said that, but my job is to train and play."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Ronaldo eyeing first trophy with Al-Nassr

  Ronaldo is famously yet to win a trophy with Al-Nassr but, having signed a two-year contract extension in the summer, will be aiming to put an end to that unwanted record in the current campaign. The team's 5-1 win over Al-Fateh last time out means they lead the way in the Saudi Pro League and sit two points clear of Al Qadsiah after the first five games of the new 2025-26 campaign. Next up for Al-Nassr is an AFC Cup clash against Goa on Wednesday. Ronaldo has not travelled with the team for the match but is expected to return to action in the Saudi Pro League against Al-Hazm on Saturday.

تحدث الألماني توني كروس، لاعب ريال مدريد السابق، عن الأزمة التي نشبت بين فينيسيوس جونيور ومدربه تشابي ألونسو خلال مباراة برشلونة في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني.

واستضاف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة، ضمن منافسات الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني “لا ليجا”، يوم الأحد الماضي.

وتمكن ريال مدريد من حسم نتيجة المباراة بثنائية مقابل هدف، في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات الدوري الإسباني.

وفي الدقيقة 72، قرر تشابي ألونسو خروج فينيسيوس جونيور ونزول مواطنه رودريجو، ولكن ذلك القرار لم يعجب الأول.

وأبدى فينيسيوس جونيور غضبه واستياءه من قرار تشابي ألونسو، حيث انفعل بطريقة عصبية على ذلك الإجراء، وظل يردد كلمات وهو في حالة انفعال شديد خلال خروجه.

وقال كروس، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “سبورت”: “عندما تقدم أداءً استثنائيًا وخاصةً في مباراة كهذه، لا تشعر بالسعادة، لن يعجبني أبدًا استبدالي ولكن لأكون منصفًا لن أذهب مباشرةً إلى غرفة الملابس بعد استبدالي”.

اقرأ أيضًا | دوجاري: فينيسيوس لا يتوقف عن البكاء.. وبيريز سيبيعه

وأضاف: “يمكنك دائمًا الحكم من الخارج لكنني أود أن أذكر أنه في الواقع، لا أحد باستثناء من حضروا المباراة أمام 80 ألف متفرج والنتيجة 2-1، يدركون أنك لا تريد أي شيء سوى الرحيل”.

وأردف: “لا أحد ممن يحكمون على المباراة في النهاية يستطيع تخيل هذا الشعور أو في كثير من الأحيان، معظم من يحكمون عليها ببساطة لا يستطيعون وضع أنفسهم في مكانهم”.

واستطرد: “عندما تنظر إلى الأمر بهدوء وبعيدًا عن العواطف، قد تقول حسنًا، يمكنني كبت غضبي لفترة أطول، أفهم ذلك، لكن كما ترون من الصور، لا يبدو الوضع مثاليًا”.

وأتم: “مع ذلك أود الإشارة إلى أن التواجد في مثل هذه المباراة يُمثل حالة عاطفية استثنائية، لقد مررت بهذه التجربة مرات عديدة، لذلك ليس عليك دائمًا أن تأخذ كل شيء على محمل الجد، المدربون لا يفعلون ذلك عادةً وخاصةً أولئك الذين كانوا لاعبين سابقين”.

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Recém-chegado ao Vila Nova em acordo firmado junto ao Cruzeiro, o atacante Juan Christian está demonstrando uma rápida adaptação. Em seu segundo jogo, no embate contra o Avaí, concedeu a assistência para o gol de empate e foi decisivo na conquista de um ponto importante na Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro.

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Na sua segunda participação, contra o CRB, o resultado negativo teve como ponto de esperança o fato de que Juan, vindo do banco de reservas, trouxe dinâmica interessante ao sistema ofensivo do Tigrão.

Precisando voltar a vencer, o Vila pode contar com a boa fase do jovem atacante e, consequentemente, usá-lo como titular pela segunda vez no Brasileirão da Série B. Até o momento, segundo dados do portal estatístico ‘Sofascore’, Juan tem média por partida de 1,5 finalizações, 2,5 bolas recuperadas e 0,8 faltas sofridas.

O Vila volta a campo na próxima sexta-feira (8), a partir das 18h (de Brasília), contra o Ituano, pela 27ª rodada da Série B. Em caso de vitória, o clube de Goiânia pode retornar ao G4 da competição.

Gianluigi Donnarumma has finally settled one of football’s biggest debates — Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe? The Italian shotstopper, who has shared dressing rooms with both superstars in recent years, offered a clear verdict on who hits the ball harder. Having experienced their brilliance up close, Donnarumma’s insight carries unique weight in a discussion that continues to divide everyone.

Haaland or Mbappe?

Manchester City goalkeeper Donnarumma has weighed in on the long-running comparison between Mbappe and Haaland. The Italy international has played alongside both — teaming up with the Frenchman during his time at Paris Saint-Germain and now sharing the pitch with the towering Norwegian at Manchester City. Speaking in a recent interview with the Daily Mail, the 25-year-old offered his take on which of the two global icons has the hardest shot in football, siding firmly with the Norwegian forward.

In the ongoing Mbappe versus Haaland debate, the statistics only add to the intrigue. Mbappe’s seniority means he leads overall numbers, boasting roughly 395 goals and 147 assists in 532 appearances — compared to Haaland’s 325 goals and 59 assists in around 385 games. Yet Haaland’s efficiency is unmatched: he averages 0.84 goals per game and finds the net every 88 minutes, narrowly edging Mbappe’s 0.74 goals per game and 104-minute average.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesDonnarumma's insight

“I think Erling does [have the hardest shot],” Donnarumma told the Daily Mail. “He is left-footed so he is different from Kylian (Mbappe). They are both hard to play against. So it’s complicated. But I would rather have Erling playing for my side.”

Donnarumma also opened up about his close friendship with Haaland, forged since his summer move to the Etihad Stadium. “I’d say we just got on well immediately,” he continued. “We have always respected each other, even before we met. We make a lot of banter about playing against each other in the national teams. I’d say they are in a better situation than us now, they have much more peace of mind. But there are still two games left to play. It will be difficult to face each other, as it will be difficult to play against him. I know how strong he is and what chances he can create. It will be hard to face him both as a player and as a friend.”

Haaland's outrageous form

Donnarumma’s comments carry authority given his unique career path, having lined up behind both Mbappe and Haaland — two players tipped to dominate football’s next decade just as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo did for nearly 15 years. The Italian played 105 games with Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain after joining the French giants in 2021, helping them to three Ligue 1 titles before the Frenchman moved to Real Madrid in 2024. Donnarumma himself then left PSG a year later, signing for Manchester City in a £26 million deal after helping the Parisians win the Champions League as part of a historic treble.

Since his arrival at the Etihad, the former AC Milan star has been a key part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, seamlessly replacing Ederson, who joined Fenerbahce. Donnarumma is yet to taste defeat in a City shirt and has quickly built chemistry with Haaland, whose goal-scoring feats continue to astonish. The Norwegian striker has netted 15 times in 11 appearances this season, scoring in nine consecutive matches, and remains the Premier League’s most lethal finisher.

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Donnarumma’s verdict may not settle the argument once and for all, but it offers insight from a man uniquely placed to judge — one who has guarded the goal against and alongside both. As football’s next great rivalry continues to unfold, fans can at least be certain of one thing: whether it’s Haaland’s ferocity or Mbappe’s finesse, the future of the game remains in extraordinary hands.

While Donnarumma and Haaland continue to chase silverware together at Manchester City, their friendship will soon be tested on international duty. Italy are set to host Norway in a crucial World Cup qualifier next month, pitting the pair against each other in a matchup that blends camaraderie with fierce national pride. For Donnarumma, facing one of the world’s most dangerous finishers — and a close friend — will be a moment of both challenge and respect.

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O Palmeiras se reapresentou nesta manhã de sábado na Academia de Futebol após a sofrida vitória por 1 a 0 sobre o Goiás no Allianz Parque, em jogo válido pelo Brasileirão.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Apenas os jogadores que atuaram por menos de 45 minutos diante do Esmeraldino foram pro campo, enquanto os titulares ficaram na parte interna da Academia de Futebol.

Raphael Veiga treinou normalmente e também Breno Lopes, personagem principal do jogo de ontem.

O camisa 19 fez o gol da vitória alviverde mas na comemoração acabou xingando a torcida do Palmeiras, que ficou revoltada com a atitude do atacante.

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Breno ainda não se manifestou via sua assessoria de imprensa e também não postou nada em suas redes sociais.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Breno Lopes volta a ser herói do Palmeiras em vitória no Brasileirão

O Palmeiras trabalha nessa próxima semana para encarar o Grêmio, em Porto Alegre, na próxima quinta-feira, pelo Brasileirão.

Worcestershire bowled out for 143 before Keaton Jennings, Liam Livingstone steer comfortable chase

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Jun-2025Lancashire Lightning continued their strong start to the Vitality Blast with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Worcestershire Rapids at Visit Worcestershire New Road.Rapids, having chosen to bat, were bowled out for 143 in 19.1 overs. Only Gareth Roderick (35 from 28 balls) resisted for long as the innings failed to recover from early damage inflicted by James Anderson and Luke Wood.Lightning reeled in the target with 15 balls to spare, reaching 146 for 3 thanks to a solid top-order effort headed by Keaton Jennings (42 off 37) and Liam Livingstone (41 not out off 22).Rapids won the toss but lost both openers in the first seven balls. Brett D’Oliveira edged his first ball, from Anderson, to slip and Wood struck with his first ball when he trapped Ed Pollock lbw.Jake Libby pulled Anderson for six and almost did the same to Wood only to be denied by a stunning one-handed catch by Jack Blatherwick just inside the long leg rope. Wood’s third wicket followed when Ethan Brookes pulled to midwicket and when, next ball, Adam Hose edged Tom Aspinwall to wicketkeeper Matty Hurst, the Rapids were 46 for 5, one ball out of the powerplay.Roderick and Ben Dwarhuis arrested the slide with a stand of 46 in 29 balls before the latter pulled Aspinwall to deep midwicket. Lancashire’s catching was top-drawer and when Matthew Waite sought six over fine leg off Blatherwick, Michael Jones judged the catch perfectly despite the pressure of knowing one backward step would take him over the rope.Roderick’s defiance ended when he sliced Anderson to third. That left Rapids’ last two wickets with 27 balls at their disposal. Jacob Duffy heaved Wood to the foot of the chestnut tree in a violent unbeaten 24 off 12 to at least give him something to bowl at but Rapids were well short.The home side desperately needed early wickets but took only one in the powerplay, Luke Wells, who edged Tom Taylor to wicketkeeper Roderick. Jennings and Matty Hurst added 63 in 46 balls and when Hurst was well-caught at long leg by Duffy, his belligerent cameo had, with Jennings, left Lancashire well in charge of the chase.Jennings bottom-edged a pull at Waite to the keeper but Livingstone smote D’Oliveira’s first two balls into the D’Oliveira Stand to reassert Lightning’s momentum. Despite fast-fading light, vastly experienced pair Livingstone and Ashton Turner saw their side comfortably home. They added an unbroken stand of 62 in 33 balls, Livingstone sealing the win with a pull into the aforementioned chestnut tree.

أحرز فوربس الهدف الثاني لفريق لكلوب بروج أمام برشلونة، خلال المباراة التي تجمع بين الفريقين في الجولة الرابعة بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وجاء الهدف الثاني لفريق كلوب بروج عن طريق كارلوس فوربس في الدقيقة 17 من أحداث الشوط الأول بعد استغلال تقدم خط دفاع برشلونة ليسددها في شباك تشيزني.

وكان كلوب بروج قد تقدم في النتيجة عن طريق تريسولدي في الدقيقة 6، قبل أن يتعادل فيران توريس في الدقيقة الثامنة لصالح برشلونة.

اقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | كلوب بروج يسجل الهدف الأول وبرشلونة يتعادل عن طريق فيران توريس

وكان برشلونة قد دخل لقاء اليوم بتشكيل مكون من: تشيزني، كوندي، أراوخو، إريك جارسيا، بالدي، مارك كاسادو، فرينكي دي يونج، يامال، فيرمين لوبيز، راشفورد، فيران توريس.

ويجلس على دكة بدلاء برشلونة كل من: كوبارسي، ليفاندوفسكي، جيرارد مارتن، داني اولمو، مارك بيرنال، درو فرنانديز، روني باردجي، كوشين، آلير، اكسبارت.