Antonio Conte allayed fears of Richarlison missing the World Cup, but confirmed he will not be available for Tottenham’s game with Manchester United on Wednesday.
Richarlison suffered a calf injury in Spurs’ 2-0 victory over his former team Everton and was taken off in the 52nd minute before later being seen on crutches, causing concern he could face a race against time to be fit for Brazil’s World Cup opener against Serbia on November 24.
In a tearful interview after the game, Richarlison told ESPN Brazil: “It’s kind of hard to say because it’s close to the realisation of my dream.”
But when questioned over Richarlison potentially missing the World Cup, Conte had an optimistic message.
“The injury of Richarlison, he’s [having] a scan and then we will see how long he needs to recover,” Conte told reporters. “But for sure against United, he’s not available.
“I can confirm that the player is not risking not playing the World Cup, absolutely.”
Conte was unsure whether Richarlison’sfellow forward Dejan Kulusevski would be fit for Wednesday’s game at Old Trafford, after the Sweden international missed the Everton match with a hamstring injury.
“Kulusevski is working, we’ll see,” Conte added. “We have to go day by day with him.
“The medical department are working a lot to try to recover him, but we don’t know about the game against United.”
Ghanaian-born striker Mohammed Muntari was on target for Qatar in their 2-1 win over Nicaragua in a friendly match in Marbella, Spain on Thursday night.
Qatar, who are training in Spain as they prepare for their World debut at home, are playing friendly matches against national teams and clubs ahead of the global showpiece.
Afif opened the scoring for Qatar with a stoppage-time penalty against Nicaragua, who are ranked 142nd in the world.
The Asian champions doubled the lead in the 70th minute with Muntari finding the net but the Central Americans halved the deficit five minutes later as Galeano struck to equalise.
While Qatar managed to see the game off, they could have increased the scoreline only for Afif to miss a penalty late in the game.
Felix Sanchez, who has taken a 27-player squad for the final phase of preparatory camp for the World Cup, named a strong line-up for the friendly match.
Qatar begin their World Cup against Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20 before taking on African champions Senegal and the Netherlands in Group A.
Juve confirmed on Monday that Bremer, who was taken off in the 52nd minute of Saturday’s win over his former side Torino, had suffered a “low-grade lesion to the hamstring of the left thigh”.
Bremer faces approximately 20 days out of action, meaning he will miss games against Empoli, Benfica, Lecce, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter during a hectic period of fixtures.
He might be fit to feature for Juve in matches against Verona and Lazio ahead of the break for the World Cup, which starts on November 20.
Brazil’s first game sees them take on Serbia four days later. While Bremer’s place in Tite’s squad was by no means guaranteed, the Selecao will be hoping Tottenham forward Richarlison – who has been a key player in recent seasons – recovers from a calf injury in time to make it to Qatar.
Charlton Athletic FC goalkeeper, Jojo Wallocott, says playing against Ronaldo and representing Ghana at the World Cup is a dream come true.
The 26-year-old played a vital role in Ghana’s road to qualification.
The Black Stars after failing to secure a place in the last edition in 2018 in Russia, the four-time African champions defeated Nigeria in a two-legged tie in March.
Ghana have been paired with Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay in Group H.
“Yeah, yeah. It’s obviously a big team, a big country, and big players. I am sure we will wipe up our preparations for the games,” he told Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM.
“The magnitude of Ranaldo is the face of football ever known and recognized people say so the opportunity to play against them will be fantastic.
“The most important thing is to represent Ghana at the World Cup, that’s the ultimate goal and that’s a dream come true for me so we hope that when we get there we can be successful as possible,” he added.
They will kick off their campaign against Portugal at Stadium 974 on November 24, and face South Korea at Education City Stadium on November 28 before they close group matches with a date against Uruguay at Al Wakrah Sports Complex on December 2.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be historic for the African continent as all five representatives for the quadrennial extravaganza will be handled by local coaches.
Although it is a source of pride, it is also the first time that all African teams have called on local tacticians to lead their respective campaigns, with coaches Otto Addo, Aliou Cisse, Rigobert Song, Walid Regragui and Jalel Kadri having a fine opportunity to make a stronger case for homegrown solutions.
Walid Regragui, Morocco
Morocco will be led by Walid Regragui who joins a stellar cast of other African coaches to lead their countries. This is a massive step for the growth of African coaches, who have now gathered the courage to take over at the highest level.
The 47-year-old trainer, a former Morocco international who amassed 45 caps for the national team, took over from Vahid Halilhodžić who had helped the team to secure qualification for Qatar. He took over the Atlas Lions after a successful season in the Moroccan top flight where he led Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) to the CAF Champions League title and the local championship. He however faces a bigger challenge in Qatar as the Moroccans have been pooled in Group F with Croatia, Belgium and Canada.
Born in Corbeil-Essonne in the Southern suburbs of France, Morocco coach Regragui started his career playing for several French clubs, including Toulouse, Ajaccio, Dijon and Grenoble. He earned his caps for the Moroccan national team as well.
After retiring from football, 46-year-old Regragui began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Moroccan national team in 2012-2013 under Rachid Taoussi. He went on to become the head coach of FUS Rabat until 2020 when he moved to Qatar to coach top tier side Al Duhail.
Aliou Cissé, Senegal
African champions, Senegal, have been led by a local coach since 2015 when Aliou Cissé was handed the mantle. The decision paid off eight years later when the former national team captain led the Teranga Lions to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title and was also named the African Coach of the Year at the CAF Awards in July this year.
Now, the veteran coach leads the Teranga Lions to the World Cup for the second straight time, having led the team to qualify for the 2018 showpiece in Russia. Senegal earned qualification after turning round a first leg loss to Egypt’s Pharaohs, winning 3-1 on post-match penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw.
Rigobert Song, Cameroun
Rigobert Song is not new to the FIFA World Cup. He played for Cameroun in the 1994 tournament in USA and at the next two tournaments in 1998 and 2002 and returned in 2010 as the most experienced player in the tournament and made just 27 minutes appearance against the Netherlands after which he called time on his international career.
For many years as the mainstay of the Indomitable Lions as the captain, 46-year-old Song returns to football’s biggest stage in a leadership position but from the touchline, a position he had held since his appointment on February 28, 2022. Song goes down in history as the second Camerounian coach (after the late Léonard Nseke who took the team to USA ’94) to have helped the Indomitable Lions qualify for the global showpiece.
Song’s team qualified for Qatar after overturning a 1-0 first leg defeat at the hands of Algeria to win 2-1 in the corresponding fixture in Algiers and qualified on the away goals rule. The valuable World Cup ticket proved to be the result the veteran needed to silence the doubters who had already queried the decision to hire him as national coach.
Jalel Kadri, Tunisia
Local boy Jalel Kadri helped Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles to the FIFA World Cup for the sixth time in their history. Appointed national team coach following their elimination from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroun, Kadri embarked on a quick rebuilding mission and helped his country rise from that disappointment to qualify for the World Cup. The Tunisians waded off the young side of Mali to qualify with a slim 1-0 aggregate score.
The 50-year-old coach becomes the third local tactician after Abdelmajid Chetali (1978) and Nabil Maâloul (1998) to help Tunisia qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Otto Addo, Ghana
Ghana’s Otto Addo displayed a brave coaching mettle to aid the Black Stars to the FIFA World Cup after victory over the highly fancied Nigeria in March, this year.
The former national star, who played for Ghana at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, was named head coach of the Black Stars shortly after their elimination from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, taking over from Serbian Milovan Rajevac, whom he previously served as assistant coach.
A 1-1 draw in Abuja following a 0-0 stalemate in Kumasi earned Ghana a ticket to the World Cup against all odds, with Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, appealing to the country’s FA to retain Addo to lead Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
Otto Addo guided Ghana to qualify for the World Cup against all odds after edging out Nigeria on the away goal’s rule after a 1-1 aggregate score.
The 46-year-old tactician, who is also an assistant coach at German Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund, managed to put up a perfect tactical plan to outshine a hugely talented Nigerian squad and now has everything to prove when he leads the Ghanaian side in Qatar.
The presence of the five African coaches at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar represents a giant step towards the development of African football.
This is enough proof that local expertise can also work well when and if given a chance. This will be an opportunity for the whole world to discover the ability of African tacticians and also a nod of approval to the training programme for African coaches at the Pro Licence of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The programme, launched for the first time in 2018, aims to obtain the highest certification of the CAF coach education system, the qualification of top level coaches in the world. –cafonline.com
Reece James is set to see a specialist this weekend to assess the injury he suffered in Chelsea’s midweek victory over Milan, amid reports he could miss the upcoming World Cup.
James was forced off in the victory at San Siro and the Daily Mail has subsequently reported he sustained ligament damage, which could rule him out for between six and eight weeks.
Chelsea boss Graham Potter was questioned on James’ situation ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa, but was unable to provide a definitive timeframe for the defender’s recovery.
“Reece is due to see a specialist over the weekend so until we get that information there’s not too much I can add. We will wait and see,” Potter said in Friday’s news conference.
“There’s discomfort so we just need to check and see a specialist.
“When we spoke yesterday he didn’t feel so bad, but you need to get things checked and see the way forward.”
Any long-term absence for James would represent a severe blow for Gareth Southgate’s England, particularly with fellow right-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker also battling injuries.
Fingers crossed it’s not a bad one 🤞🏾 Love for all the messages, I appreciate you all 💙🫶🏽 pic.twitter.com/2DvHS5r4lM
The footage was filmed in the dressing room at Hampden Park as the Republic celebrated qualifying for the World Cup
UEFA has opened an investigation into “potential inappropriate behaviour” by Republic of Ireland women’s players after a video of them singing a pro-IRA chant emerged following their World Cup play-off win over Scotland.
European football‘s governing body confirmed an ethics and disciplinary inspector will oversee the case, with information on the matter to be made available “in due course”.
On Wednesday, Republic manager Vera Pauw said the team apologised “from the bottom of our hearts” for the video.
It emerged on social media after their 1-0 win at Hampden Park which saw them reach the World Cup for the first time.
The footage showed team members chanting the pro-IRA slogan in the stadium’s dressing room after Amber Barrett’s goal had earned the side a place at next year’s finals in Australia and New Zealand.
Republic of Ireland women: Manager Vera Pauw ‘deeply sorry’ for offensive chants
Pauw insisted that the release of the footage on social media by one of the squad was not the core issue, adding the player “was devastated and crying in her room”.
“I don’t want to hide behind that because it she hadn’t put it on social media and I had been notified about it and the significance, then I would have addressed it immediately.
“I’ve also told her that putting it on social media is not the biggest thing.
“The biggest thing is that it has happened. It doesn’t matter if you are in private room or a dressing room or if you are outside.”
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Kofi Ntow Gyan is not happy with the preparations done by Ghana ahead of the 2022 World Cup which will be held in Qatar.
The 2022 World Cup will be played in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022.
The Black Stars of Ghana recently played two international friendly games against Brazil in Le Havre, France, and Nicagarua in Lorca, Spain.
Brazil beat Ghana 3-0 and Ghana beat Niacargua 1-0 thanks to a Fatawu Issahaku goal.
“The Brazil and Argentina we always talk about they prepared early. It is not like that here we wait till two weeks to the tournament and start calling in players it does not help us,” he said on Dan Kweku Yeboah TV as monitored by footballghana.com
“All this can be attributed to money it is expensive to prepare that is why some of these things worry us. We have money here and if so why don’t we take that money and use it,”
Black Stars new defender Patric Pfeiffer has been voted as the Man of the Match for Darmstadt in their narrow win over Fortuna Dusseldorf in the German Bundesliga 2.
Darmstadt beat Dusseldorf 1-0 on Saturday, thanks to Ghanaian defender Patric Pfeiffer’s goal.
Pfeiffer scored in the 70th minute to extend Darmstadt’s league unbeaten streak to ten games.
Darmstadt is currently second, and if they maintain their current form, they will be promoted to the Bundesliga at the end of the season.
The former Germany youth international not only won the match for Darmstadt, but has been voted as the club’s best player in the clash.
Pfeiffer polled 212 votes out of 338, representing 63% of the vote cast whiles Matthias Bader and Christoph Zimmermann finished second and third spot respectively.
The 23-year-old, who pledged his international future to Ghana in June, made six clearances and won six aerial duels.
Saturday’s goal was his second of the season, and he hopes to be named to Ghana’s World Cup squad in Qatar this summer.
Former Ghana Football Association [GFA] President, Kwesi Nyantakyi has revealed that he had to kneel and beg for Sulley Muntari’s inclusion in Black Stars squad for the 2010 World Cup.
Rajevac was not on good terms with Muntari during his first spell due to alleged indiscipline.
The Serbian coach left out the midfielder from Ghana’s squad for the 2010 AFCON, with the team going on to reach the final.
The Serbian gaffer eventually added Muntari to his squad for the World Cup, but the former Inter Milan star lost his place in the first team to Andre Ayew.
In an interview with Joy Sports, Nyantakyi said he twice begged for Muntari to be taken to the World Cup.
According to him, he twice pleaded with then-coach Milovan Rajevac not to exclude the midfielder from his squad for the tournament in South Africa.
“Yes, in 2010 I did it. I did it twice, not even once,” the former GFA President said in the interview.
“I had to kneel for Sulley Muntari to be named in Black Stars for the World Cup,” he added.
Muntari has been out of the Black Stars after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The former AC Milan and Inter Milan midfielder has made 84 appearances and has scored 20 goals.
Former Ghana goalkeeper, Joe Carr has called on Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo to be bold in his player selection ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Ghana after securing qualification at the expense of Nigeria have been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay.
Ahead of the Mundial, Andre Ayew speaking to Al Jazeera hinted senior players might be favored ahead of new players who have joined the team.
The 32-year-old’s comments did not go down well with many Ghanaian football fans.
However, Carr believes Addo must be firm in his player selection and should not hesitate to bench senior players who do not perform.
“The coach (Otto Addo) should not hesitate to bench senior players if they do not live up to his expectation,” he told Graphic Sports.
“This is the only way to get players to give their best during the competition,” he added.
Ghana will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.
Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Ghana will wrap up their group stage adventure with their much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
The Black Stars having missed out in the last edition hosted in Russia in 2018 will be hoping to improve their performance in Qatar after exiting the group phase during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says defender Ben White can “make the step up” to be part of England’s 2022 World Cup squad.
The 24-year-old centre-back was left out of Gareth Southgate’s last England squad for the Nations League games against Italy and Germany.
Right-back Kyle Walker’s groin injury has opened up the possibility of a World Cup recall for the versatile White, who has played that role with the Gunners this season.
“Ben would be very comfortable playing on the right side of a back three as well as in the middle or as a full-back,” Arteta said.
“If you ask me if he is ready to make that step [to England], then the answer is yes because he is a very confident boy, he gives you absolutely everything, he is always available and he has the courage to play under real pressure.”
White, who has four caps for England, was a replacement for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold in the Euro 2020 squad after initially missing the cut.
Alexander-Arnold will be part of the Liverpool side to face Arsenal on Sunday and looms as one of the strongest contenders for the England right-back role.
“He is a very special talent,” Arteta said about Alexander-Arnold. “What he adds offensively to the team every year is difficult to find in that position.”
White, who was Brighton and Hove Albion’s Player of the Season in 2020-21 before joining Arsenal, has made eight Premier League starts this term.
Technical Director at the Ghana Football Association [GFA], Bernard Lippert, has called on Ghanaians to support and believe in the Black Stars technical team led by Otto Addo, ahead of Qatar 2022.
The playing body have come under scrutiny following September’s international friendly games against Brazil and Nicaragua.
The Stars were brushed aside by a dominant Brazil by 3-0 at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre, France before recording a narrow win over the Central American side in Lorca, Spain four days later.
Despite the mixed results, Lippert has asked to back the Black Stars technical team ahead of the Mundial scheduled to kick off on November 20.
“Be patient because we integrated eight new players. They had to find each other. It was a friendly game without preparations. So, be patient. Trust the coaches,” Lippert remarked.
The Black Stars have been paired with Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay at the World Cup in Group H in what potentially could be a very difficult start to the tournament.
Ghana will be making her fourth appearance at the global tournament after participating in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 editions.
Steven Bergwijn has settled into life at Ajax well since leaving Tottenham in the summer.
The Dutch international has scored eight times in 12 appearances for the Eredivisie champions so far and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Bergwijn struggled for game time in North London and his form suffered as a result.
But since making the switch to the Johan Cruyff Arena, he has had a run of matches that has allowed him to thrive under boss Alfred Schreuder.
Ahead of Ajax’s clash with FC Volendam on Saturday, we take a look at the secret behind the forward’s success so far this season.
Keeping the faith
Spurs fans never doubted that Bergwijn is a player with a lot of quality and the potential to play at the top level of football.
But there was a point in his career where he seemed lost and unsure of his place under Antonio Conte — a manager who started the Dutchman just once in the Premier League.
The difference in the player’s attitude and work-rate has been evident since his move back to the Eredivisie and this is down to a consecutive run of games.
Schreuder has started Bergwijn in all but one of Ajax’s eight league matches this season, with the former PSV Eindhoven man returning six goals in that time.
The 24-cap international has already played 569 minutes under the new head coach in Amsterdam — over double the amount of playing time he had received this time last season.
One of the factors of the player’s success has come from feeling wanted.
Ajax made Bergwijn their club record signing and he has already gone a long way to repaying the faith placed in him.
Steven Bergwijn operates mainly as a left winger for Ajax
Confidence is key
In December 2020, Spurs were drawing 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield. A win would have put the visitors three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Bergwijn had a huge chance to put Jose Mourinho’s side ahead but his effort hit the post and Spurs went on to lose the match.
The trickster scored only once that season and his confidence in front of goal completely vanished.
Scoring a hat-trick for the 36-time Eredivisie champions in his second game for the club has had the opposite effect on the forward in the new campaign.
Clearly, Bergwijn is a player who operates with momentum and positivity and starting the season well has benefitted his form for both club and country.
He has played a prominent role for both Ajax and the Netherlands national team this year and should he continue in his current vein of form, he is well on course to trump the 14 league goals he scored for PSV in 2018-19.
No case for defence
Ajax have seen Steven Bergwijn’s trademark celebration on multiple occasions this season
Both Mourinho and Conte are known for their stellar defensive records but this does not come without sacrificing free-flowing, attacking play at times.
Ajax’s No7 was an awkward fit under the Italian as he was not defensively sound enough to operate as a wing-back.
After being signed by Mourinho in January 2020, Bergwijn was restrained in his freedom to operate across the frontline — ultimately contributing to his lack of goal involvements.
With Schreuder, the Amsterdam-born attacker has featured on both wings as well as a central striker.
He has elevated his game and output for Ajax, including a goal in the 4-0 thumping of Rangers in the Champions League.
His turn of pace and quick feet make him dangerous in the final third of the pitch — if he is not scoring, he is creating for his team-mates.
Driven by ambition
Steven Bergwijn will be hoping to perform for the Netherlands at the World Cup
Bergwijn himself has stated that he wants to prove himself at a top club following his underwhelming spell at Spurs.
Speaking on the move to his hometown outfit, he said: “I was getting left out of the team there [Tottenham] and of course, you just want to play. So if you can go back to Ajax it’s quite tempting.”
Schreuder has praised his new player more than once this season and he was particularly impressed with his ambition to make a move happen.
He said: “It is indicative of Steven’s ambition that he chose to make the step to Ajax, he is a player with many qualities.
“He has enormous drive and is also very goal-oriented. Of course, I am happy that we were able to sign him, he adds new quality to our team.”
Berwgijn has stated that he was unhappy in London and he has already gone a long way to making his former club regret selling him just two months into the new season.
His goal now will be to continue his strong start to the campaign and carry his form into the World Cup, where the Netherlands will hope their flying forward can shine on the biggest stage.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has confirmed Qatar 2022 will be his last World Cup.
The mercurial Paris Saint-Germain forward will attempt to lift the trophy for the first time after helping his country win the Copa America last year.
Messi, 35, says he will not play in another World Cup following the showpiece in Qatar, which starts on November 20.
He told Star+: “This is my last World Cup, surely, yes.”
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner does not believe Argentina go into the tournament as the favourites to be crowned champions.
He added: “I don’t know if we are the great favourites, but Argentina itself is always a candidate because of our history, because of what it means, and more so how we qualified.
“But we are not the top favourites. I think there are other teams that are above us today, but we are there very close.
“We’re in a good moment because of how things turned out and with a very strong group. Afterwards, in a World Cup anything can happen, it’s very difficult. The favourites are not always the ones who end up winning.
“I see similar things from the group with the one from 2014. We can’t wait to get together.”
Messi feels sharp and raring to go for his last appearance on the biggest stage.
He said: “I feel good physically, I was able to do a very good pre-season this year that I hadn’t been able to do the previous year, because of how [the move to PSG] happened. I started playing late, with the season already started, without rhythm.
“Then I went to the national team, when I came back I had an injury in the middle [of the season]… This year’s pre-season was essential to start in a different way. And how I got to this year too, with a different head, with a different mentality and with great enthusiasm.”
Messi made his World Cup debut in Germany back in 2006 and has also featured in the past three editions of the tournament.
Argentina will start their quest to be crowned champions with a Group C clash against Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium on November 22 before facing Mexico and Poland.
Kyle Walker’s availability for the World Cupis up in the air after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola declared the England right-back suffered an abdominal injury that will keep him out “for a while”.
Walker, 32, was substituted in the first half of City’s 6-3 derby win against Manchester United on Sunday after making his seventh start from his side’s eight Premier League fixtures this campaign.
He also started four of England’s six UEFA Nations League games since the beginning of June, resulting in three defeats and a draw.
However, Walker is now set for “weeks” on the sidelines in the shadows of the World Cup, according to Guardiola.
“[He will be out] for a while,” he told reporters following City’s 5-0 Champions League thrashing of Copenhagen on Wednesday. “I don’t know exactly, but weeks.
“Something abdominal, so he will be a while. We don’t know how long. Maybe the club will make a statement in the next day, but for a while he will be out.
“I don’t know [about availability for the World Cup]. I cannot say anything else, I don’t know.”
Black Stars midfielder, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh has stated that Ghana’s game against Nigeria in Abuja will pass for his best performance so far.
The 26-year-old who was part of Ghana’s squad that qualified the country for the 2022 FIFA World Cup came on as a substitute in the playoffs.
When asked in an interview with GQ which match he would consider as his greatest individual performance ever, the Freiburg player said, “my second half in the World Cup Play-Offs against Nigeria.”
Ghana eliminated Nigeria in the 2022 FIFA World Cup play-offs to qualify for the tournament to be hosted in Qatar.
The player also disclosed his anticipation for the World Cup which commences in November and noted that he is eager to let the whole world see the quality of Ghana’s team.
“I anticipate a fun tournament. And I expect us to represent our country to the best of our abilities, demonstrating to the world that we can compete with anyone.”
Kofi Kyereh made his debut for Ghana in a 1-0 win over Ethiopia.
Australia captain Aaron Finch declared his side will continue “tinkering” until the start of the T20 World Cup after starring in a three-wicket win over West Indies on Wednesday.
The Windies set a total of 145-9 before reducing Australia to 58-5 within eight overs on the Gold Coast, but Finch (58) and Matthew Wade (39 not out) led the hosts’ successful recovery.
Taking an unfamiliar role at number four in the batting order, Finch moved to within 27 runs of becoming the first Australia batsman to score 3,000 runs in T20I history.
The world champions have experimented with their line-up in recent outings, including when Cameron Green opened during last month’s tour of India, and Finch expects that to continue.
“Both teams were sloppy if they are honest with themselves,” he said. “But it’s good to get across the line.
Matty Wade came up clutch at the death for us again!
A wonderful start to the Dettol T20I Series as our boys grabbed a three-wicket win over the West Indies #AUSvWIpic.twitter.com/IoEaeHGitg
“We knew that total would be a challenge on that wicket, we did really well early and they took wickets in the middle.
“It would have been nice to get us over the line, I was trying to target the boundary but mishit one. I didn’t like getting the first one in the head, but I really enjoy batting in the middle order.
“It was just something different, we might change it up in the next match. We are going to keep tinkering with things until we get to the World Cup.”
Australia will begin their defence of the World Cup against New Zealand on October 22 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Former Juventus and Inter full-back Kwadwo Asamoah has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 33.
Asamoah, who was capped 74 times by Ghana and appeared at two World Cups, most recently featured for Cagliari at club level in the 2020-21 season.
He confirmed on social media he has officially called time on one chapter of his career and will now become a player agent.
Versatile defender Asamoah started his career at Udinese and made 279 appearances in Serie A – the most for an African player in the competition’s history.
Asamoah joined Juve from Udinese in July 2012 and won 13 titles across six seasons with the Turin giants before spending two years with Inter.
Injuries curtailed his time at Cagliari, for whom he made his final appearance in a goalless draw against Milan in May 2021.
James Maddison not going to the World Cup with England would be “a shame for the country”, said Brendan Rodgers after the Leicester City midfielder scored another two goals on Monday.
The 25-year-old has earned only a single England cap, in November 2019, and appears to face an uphill battle to gain favour with Southgate before Qatar 2022 kicks off next month.
Yet Maddison has started the Premier League season in outstanding form. After scoring two and assisting another in Leicester’s 4-0 win over fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest, he has seven goal involvements in seven appearances.
Going back to the start of the previous campaign, Southgate‘s captain Harry Kane is the only English player with more Premier League goals (24) or goal involvements (34) than Maddison (17 goals, 10 assists).
“It’s such a shame for the country and for James himself,” manager Rodgers told Sky Sports. “You see his talent, and his performance level for the last 18 months I think everybody is clear on.
“I think it’s only Harry Kane who has created and scored more goals than him, so to not even be in the squad…
“Even if he’s not going to start, to have a player of that quality and not only in that, in international football, to have the personality to take the ball, be creative, take the ball and change the game, James is all of that. He’s an absolutely brilliant player.
“I really hope over these next few months he can continue the form he’s shown for 18 months and somehow get into the team, because if you’re wanting creativity, you’re wanting personality – he’s improved his defensive side of his game, and he can play in a couple of positions.
“For me, he’s an absolutely outstanding player, and he’s up there.
“I love Phil Foden, Mason Mount, those boys who play there – Jack Grealish is different, Jack plays from the side – but Madders can play in a number of positions to a high level, and he showed that tonight.”
Maddison, who said suggestions he would not be a good character within the group if not starting were “insulting”, added: “It’s been a weird position for me.
“We [Leicester] have been bottom of the league, and results have not been going our way, but I’ve almost been as confident as I’ve ever been in my career.
“I don’t remember over the last 12 months playing better than I have and feeling as well as I have.
“It’s obviously hard to answer this question [on his England hopes], because you want to say the right thing, you don’t want to say the wrong thing, but that’s an ambition of mine, a goal of mine.
“I’m a football man, I watch all the games, I watch international football, and an opportunity at that level would be something I desire. I almost know I’d have an impact.
The former president of El Salvador’s soccer federation has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the yearslong FIFA corruption scandal.
Reynaldo Vasquez, 66, the former president of the Federacion Salvadorena de Futbol (FESFUT), or the Salvadoran Football Federation was sentenced in federal court in Brooklyn on Thursday to 16 months in prison. Vasquez, who was arrested and indicted in November 2015, before being extradited to the United States from El Salvador in 2021, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in August 2021.
Vasquez admitted to receiving a $350,000 bribe in 2012 from Miami-based Media World, which paid the FIFA official for the media and marketing rights to El Salvador’s qualifying matches to be played in advance of the 2018 World Cup.
“The defendant and his co-conspirators, motivated by greed, disgraced themselves by lining their pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, at the expense of a beautiful sport, El Salvador’s soccer federation, and the community it served,” United States Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement. “Vasquez has now been held to account, like the many other corrupt soccer officials who have been exposed by the government’s investigation.”
As part of a plea agreement, Vasquez, who served as head of the Federación Salvadoreña de Fútbol from 2009 to 2011, has agreed to forfeit $360,000 and multiple bank accounts to the government.
After the international break in September, the Black Stars players came under scrutiny and received criticism.
Nearly every player on the team was criticized after Ghana’s allegedly lackluster performances against Brazil and 139th-ranked Nicaragua.
However, certain players have faced more backlash and criticism than others, and people will have differing views on whether or not they should be included in the final World Cup roster.
Other Ghanaians, however, believe the Crystal Palace forward brings more to the team than just goals, and thus his presence is required.
Felix Afena Gyan
The critics have claimed that Felix Afena-Gyan is too young and inexperienced to lead the Black Stars’ attacking line. He should thus be sacrificed.
While some believe he can lead the line, the Black Stars are short on playmakers who can feed him the ball.
Issahaku Fatawu
Many Ghanaians believe that, despite having a high ceiling, Issahaku Fatawu should be dropped from the squad. Some argue that his play lacks maturity and that he should be allowed to develop at Sporting Lisbon before being drafted back into the national team.
Others believe he has a lot to offer the team but appears to be overburdened by his starting spot.
Dede Ayew
Many believe the Black Stars captain has passed his prime and contributes little to the team when he plays. As a result, he should be dropped from the starting lineup or the team entirely.
Another school of thought holds that Ayew’s experience is essential in the team, if for no other reason. In addition, given his goal-scoring record against the available attackers, playing offensive right behind the striker will be ideal because he is potent.
Dede has scored 73 goals in 107 appearances for the Black Stars.
Baba Rahman
Baba Rahman has not been a better version of himself in recent Black Stars games, and some Ghanaians believe he should not be with the team for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, some believe that betting on Gideon Mensah, Baba’s backup, is a huge risk. At least, Baba has seen it all and could weather the storm when the going gets tough.
Ghana captain Andre Dede Ayew is confident the Black Stars will make an impact at this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Black Stars secured a 4th FIFA World Cup tournament having participated in 2006, 2010, and 2014 in Germany, South Africa, and Brazil after drawing 1-1 against Nigeria in the return leg of the final play-offs at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to seal qualification on the away goals rule.
Ghana will take on Portugal in their first game in Group H. The Stars will then take on Uruguay in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup quarter-final and South Korea in the other group games.
“Personally, I knew what was supposed to be done and took advice from people, including some senior former players, on things to do to qualify,” Andre Ayew told Graphic Online.
“And honestly, since we qualified for the World Cup a lot of things have changed, the confidence and belief are back; now we just have to get stability and a lot of games together, and I think we can make a good impression in this World Cup.”
The 2022 FIFA World Cup takes place between November 21 and December 18
Only three sides from the continent have ever progressed to the quarter-finals; Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002, and Ghana in 2010.
Athletic Club forward Nico Williams says he’s honoured to play for Spain after picking them ahead of Ghana.
In his second game with the Spanish national team, Nico Williams was decisive in leading Spain to repeat the ‘final four’ of the League of Nations and the young Athletic winger has already become a firm candidate to be part of the team that will go to the World Cup in Qatar.
The 20-year-old assisted Alvaro Morata to score the decisive goal as Spain beat Portugal 1-0 in Braga to advance to the Nations League last four.
“For me, it is an honour to be here. Helping the team and being here is a dream for me. Morata has told me that the goal is mine, but I have seen him there alone and I have thought of passing it to him, “said Nico.
When Nico Williams was asked if the responsibility weighed on him, he replied forcefully: “I think I’m doing well. Little by little I am growing as a player and as a person. He also revealed what the coach had demanded of him: “Luis Enrique has told me to be brave, to face up, to be myself, and that’s how it has been.”
His wish now is to represent Spain in the World Cup, but he acknowledged that it does not depend only on him. “To go to the World Cup, it’s the coach’s decision, but hopefully I can be there,” said Nico Williams, praised by Luis Enrique and all his teammates.
“Nico, in his second game, has been key with Carvajal’s pass to the centre. I only had to push her,” said Álvaro Morata. When we have to give the size, we give it. We are a good group and we deserve it. It has been a difficult game. I stay with the attitude of this team”.
Nico Williams’ senior brother Inaki plays for Ghana.
Source: Ghanasoccernet
According to coach Otto Addo, the Black Stars World Cup roster has been finalized, and the coaching staff is reasonably certain of the players that will make up the 26-man roster for the journey to Qatar.
According to what he claimed, at least 70% of the athletes who were selected for the September friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua may already be in Qatar.
GhanaWeb examines certain players who were not selected for the squad for the friendlies but could make the final 26-man World Cup roster with some spots still up for grabs.
Alidu Seidu
If Otto Addo’s comments are anything to go by, then Alidu Seidu could make the squad if the differences with the coaching team are resolved.
He was left out not based on form but because Otto Addo was not convinced about his commitment to the team.
The Lens midfielder is seen as the perfect partner and alternative to Thomas Partey whose injuries seem not to be going away.
Jeffery Schlupp
Like Seidu, Schlupp is also another player who despite enjoying game club cannot seem to find his way into the Black Stars.
His issue, as per reports is due to his decision to boycott or prematurely retire from the national team due to some unresolved issues.
With coach George Boateng recently visiting him, there is hope that he could reverse his decision and play for Ghana at the World Cup.
Joseph Paintsil
Another who could also be paying for his previous sins. Joseph Paintsil did not make the squad because he failed to honor previous call-ups in June when the team engaged in AFCON qualifiers and the 2022 Kirin Cup.
Despite his impressive form in the 2022/2023 league, Paintsil was not called as Otto Addo believes he has other options.
Though the wings seem to be packed with talents, Paintsil could get a spot if he continues to rack up the numbers, it will be hard for Otto Addo to overlook him.
Paintsil has been involved in six goals in the ongoing season.
Danlad Ibrahim
The goalkeeping position looked to have been settled with Ofori, Wollacott, and Manaf Nurudeen cementing their place but the continuous clamor for a local representation in the team could swing things in Danlad’s favor.
He is one of the best goalies in the local league and if he continues to impress Asante Kotoko, he could be on his way to Qatar.
Emmanuel Gyasi
The Spezia deputy skipper has surprisingly been left out of the Black Stars call-up in recent times despite consistent football at the club level.
In the Italian Serie A, he has played 8 times this season, polling just one assist but what stands out about him is his work rate and ability to influence play.
He could break into the Ghana team if he adds numbers to his incredible work rate and discipline.
WHAT HAPPENED: Christian Pulisic put on a defiant face following the conclusion of a disastrous September international window for the United States, claiming the team can turn it around in time for the upcoming World Cup. The USMNT fell 2-0 to Japan before playing to an insipid 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia in their final matches ahead of the tournament in November. They’ve registered just two shots on goal over the last 180 minutes.
WHAT THEY SAID: “I’m not panicked at all,” Pulisic said after Tuesday’s game. “We have a fresh slate going into the World Cup and we’re going to give it everything that we have… I know that we’re gonna do well.
“I think we have quality on the ball, but I think there’s times where we can use our strengths a bit more and be sort of a nasty and difficult team to play against. I think we saw glimpses of that tonight.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Although missing several key players – including Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson and Yunus Musah – the USMNT completely underwhelmed in their final World Cup tune-up matches. As expected, fans and pundits alike tore into the team for their lackluster performances, with Berhalter bearing the brunt of criticism for his tactics and lineup decisions.
IN THREE PHOTOS:
WHAT’S NEXT FOR PULISIC: The USMNT captain is facing uncertain times at Chelsea, where he’s struggled to find minutes this season under former boss Thomas Tuchel. The hope for the 24-year-old playmaker is that new manager Graham Potter will give him more chances to play – beginning with Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
Ghanaian forward Kwame Peprah is reportedly close to leaving Orlando Pirates after just one season due to lack of playing time ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The 21-year-old, who joined Pirates from Ghana Premier League club King Faisal ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season scored nine goals last term for the Buccaneers – seven in the league, two in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Despite an impressive debut campaign, he has found himself slipping down the pecking order.
This season, Peprah has featured in only four matches for the Sea Robbers and is yet to find the back of the net.
With Gabadinho Mhango sold to AmaZulu and Tshegofatso Mabasa loaned out to Sekhukhune United, many would have expected Peprah to be leading the line for Pirates this season.
Instead though, the Sea Robbers have gone out and signed forwards Bienevu Eva Nga and Kermit Erasmus.
Now to add salt to Peprah’s wounds, the Soweto side are reportedly set to acquire the services of another over-30 striker to their ranks in ex-Bucs forward Ndumiso Mabena.
Peprah alongside Black Stars goalkeeper Richard Ofori played an instrumental role in Orlando Pirates’ 2021/22 CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
He won a silver medal after RS Berkane defeated Orlando Pirates in the final of the CAF Confederation Cup which was held in Oyo, Nigeria.
Italy coach Roberto Mancini is already targeting World Cup glory in 2026, as the Azzurri prepare to “suffer” through this year’s tournament after failing to qualify.
Italy were also absent from Russia in 2018 following a play-off loss to Sweden, meaning their exile from football’s most storied competition will stretch to a minimum of 12 years.
The Azzurri also suffered group-stage exits in 2010 and 2014, meaning their most recent World Cup knockout tie remains 2006’s final victory over France.
Mancini, however, is determined to end Italy’s World Cup woes when the tournament heads to the United States, Mexico and Canada in four years’ time, and believes their failure to reach Qatar was unjust.
“Winning with the national team is the best thing there can be,” he said at an event in Rome.
“Giving Italians such joy is incredible, now we have to wait four years. We will aim to win the next World Cup in America.
“We are working, unfortunately we will suffer until December – the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup does not pass me.
“It was totally unfair, but the defeats must be faced. We did not deserve to stay out of the World Cup, but unfortunately, that’s how it went.”
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Asked why he chose to continue as Italy coach following their play-off embarrassment, the former Manchester City boss added: “Honestly, I don’t know, at that moment I just wanted to turn the page because it went badly.
“But winning the European Championship gives an incredible joy. Now we have to wait a few years and then we want to try for those emotions again.”
Italy have since salvaged some pride by winning their Nations League group, finishing above Hungary, Germany and England to reach next year’s finals.
And Mancini was keen to emphasise the difficulty of that achievement, adding: “It wasn’t easy, the boys put everything in.
“England are a danger to win the World Cup, they have an incredible squad and Hungary are a very physical team.”
Italy will contest friendlies against Albania and Austria when elite club football pauses for the World Cup in November.
Black Stars managed to dominate their game against Nicaragua on Tuesday evening to bring smiles on the face of Ghanaians.
Victory went to the Black Stars as they netted a goal to bring Nicaragua down to their knees.
A curled effort from Fatawu Issahaku in the 35th minute found the back of the net to give Ghana the lead at the end of the first-half.
After the recess, the Black Stars kept pushing for a second goal as Mohammed Kudus was denied twice by the offside flag after putting the ball into the net.
The Black Stars were presented with several opportunities to increase their lead but were unable to take advantage of them.
Prior to this friendly, Ghana faced Brazil last Friday and it was a nightmare for the West African team as they were crippled by three goals to nil.
Meanwhile, Ghana will face Switzerland in November just before their first group game against Portugal in the World Cup.
Ghana coach Otto Addo is almost through of getting his squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Black Stars is returning to the global showpiece after missing out in Russia 2018.
The West African powerhouse has been paired in Group H against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea.
According to Otto Addo, 70% of the players he invited for this month friendlies will be in Qatar provided they stay healthy.
His comment come after being asked about how he sees Hamburg’s forward Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer.
“My training impressions from Ransford Königsdörffer were good. He did it properly. He’s still very young. But it was our intention to bring young players into our squad. We want to build a strong squad for the future.”
“Ransford is a very good player with great potential. I can’t say yet if he’ll definitely be at the World Cup. 70 percent of the players who are here right now will come to Qatar if they stay healthy. The remaining 30 will be tight decisions. We’re watching the players closely for the next few games to see who could play for Qatar in October.”
Asked if Königsdörffer have a chance at the World Cup, he said, “Of course, otherwise he wouldn’t be here.”
Hamburg forward Ransford Yeboah Königsdörffer is likely to make Ghana squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The forward, who has been instrumental in the Bundesliga 2 for Hamburg was handed his debut call up for Ghana’s September friendlies against Nicaragua, Brazil.
Ransford Yeboah was part of the players that switched nationality in June to play for Ghana.
Ghana coach Otto Addo speaking to the Bild confirmed 70 percent of the players invited to the squad will make the final squad for the World Cup.
Asked if Königsdörffer have a chance at the World Cup, he said, “Of course, otherwise he wouldn’t be here.”
“My training impressions from Ransford Königsdörffer were good. He did it properly. He’s still very young. But it was our intention to bring young players into our squad. We want to build a strong squad for the future.”
“Ransford is a very good player with great potential. I can’t say yet if he’ll definitely be at the World Cup. 70 percent of the players who are here right now will come to Qatar if they stay healthy. The remaining 30 will be tight decisions. We’re watching the players closely for the next few games to see who could play for Qatar in October.”
Ayew believes the new additions to the Black Stars team will help the country at the World Cup.
The Al Sadd forward praised the decision of the Europe-born players to switch allegiance and play for Ghana, but adds they have to be determined and ready to give their all.
According to him, no one is guaranteed a place in the Black Stars and is of the view players must fight to earn a place.
Some of the new players, including Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey and Mohammed Salisu made their Black Stars debut against Brazil last Friday.
“The players are good, and qualifying for the World Cup makes you very attractive. Why not let the boys come? The door is open for any Ghanaian who wants to play for and help the country, but you must come with the same determination you put into your club, the same desire, and you cannot expect everything in your European club to be the same in the national team because there is a time for the team to adapt,” he told Al Jazeera.
“I fully support them and wish them the best of luck, especially when you come with a strong desire to succeed. When you have the right attitude and desire to sweat for the Ghana jersey, I am more than willing to welcome you, even though I am not the coach but a longtime member of the team.
“The newcomers are talented, but we already have a strong team that qualified for the World Cup, so every position is competitive. Apart from senior players who may have an advantage, I believe no one is guaranteed a place in the squad just yet. Everyone must prove their quality on the field and everyone has a chance, giving the coach more options and solutions, formations, and I believe it is beneficial to have new players with the right mentality.”
Africa has one of the highest representations on FIFA with 53 countries but has been allocated only five slots for the tournament.
Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, Tunisia and Morocco will be the five teams to be representing Africa at the tournament which comes off in November in Qatar.
Ayew, who believes Africa are underrepresented at the World Cup has called for more slots.
“If we have more teams, that will be fantastic. It’s about time. We have the most countries, but we are underrepresented, and the African qualifiers are always difficult and stressful. We have a lot of big teams, and the expectations are high, so it will be difficult for all of the big teams to qualify with only five slots.
If we can secure more berths, we will have a better chance of seeing an African team reach the semi-finals or even win the World Cup” he told Al Jazeera.
The Black Stars are on a poor run in 2022 despite managing to secure a World Cup spot within the period.
Since the start of the year, Ghana have played a total of eleven matches and have managed just a single win. In the remaining 10 matches, the team lost five and drew five.
Ghana’s only win so far this year came against Madagascar during the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in May.
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Since beating Madagascar to end an initial six-match winless run, Ghana have gone four games without recording a victory, losing two of those games.
Ghana’s poor record in 2022 started in January when the Black Stars lost 3-0 to Algeria in a pre-AFCON friendly.
On Friday, September 23, Brazil handed Ghana their fifth defeat of the year, hammering the West African powerhouse 3-0 in an international friendly in France.
Head coach Otto Addo and his chargers will be looking to end their current four games winless run when they come up against Nicaragua, who are ranked 139th ranked by FIFA.
The match comes off on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 18:00 GMT kick-off time.
Black Stars skipper, Andre Ayew has said his only aim is to steer the Black Stars to win a major trophy (the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup).
The West African country have not won any major trophy since winning the 1982 AFCON in Libya.
The Black Stars have come close to ending the trophy drought in 1992, 2010, and 2015.
The 32-year-old has been with the national team for almost a decade and a half, having risen through the ranks after making his debut in 2008.
Ayew was a key member of the all-conquering side that swept the U20 AFCON and U20 FIFA World Cup titles in 2009 and was also a member of the team that lost the AFCON 2010 and AFCON 2015 to Egypt and Ivory Coast respectively.
With Ghana preparing to grace the Qatar 2022 World Cup, the former Swansea City star insists his only goal is to win a trophy with his country.
According to him, he wants to end his career by winning either the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or the FIFA World Cup.
“For myself, to be real, I don’t have personal targets. The only personal target I had— and still have — since I joined the Black Stars was to win a trophy with the team,” Ayew told Graphic Sports.
“That’s my only target and I’ve been close several times (the 2010 AFCON and 2015 AFCON final).
“I won the Under-20 AFCON and won the Under-20 World Cup trophies, but my only target is to win a trophy in the Black Stars jersey, any trophy that I can win — AFCON or the World Cup trophy. That’s my goal, that’s my aim and that’s what I pray and work hard for every day.”
Ayew was named in the starting line-up as Ghana lost 3-0 to Brazil in an international friendly last Friday in France.
The Al Sadd forward is expected to feature again when the Black Stars take on Nicaragua in their next friendly assignment on Tuesday.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will be assessed by league leaders Arsenal ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham in the English Premier League on Saturday.
Partey picked up a thigh injury earlier this season, missing a number of games for the Gunners, but made his return to the first team in the 3-0 win against Brentford just before the international break.
The 29-year-old was due to start in Ghana’s pre-World Cup friendly with Brazil, but had to pull out of the line-up minutes before the game last Friday.
He was withdrawn as a precautionary measure and replaced by RCD Mallorca midfielder Baba Idrissu.
As a result of the injury, he miss the Nicaragua clash on Tuesday in Spain as the Black Stars prepare ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
It is unknown whether Partey will be available for the north London derby.
He has made four league appearances for Arsenal so far this campaign.
Against a less-fancied opponent in Nicaragua, coach Otto Addo has a perfect chance to convince Ghanaians of how his team could look at the World Cup.
If Brazil were too big a team for him to implement his plans to perfection, a Nicaraguan side that lie 139th on the World Ranking should give him no such headache.
Following the disastrous display against Brazil, there have been calls for changes, and here are highlights of five things Otto Addo must do in Tuesday’s game.
Change the system
Ghana found some stability in the second half against Brazil when Otto Addo switched to the three-back system.
Many believed that the players in camp are more suited to the three-back system with wings backs and three forwards.
It is the expectation of many that Otto Addo will go for a 3:4:3 formation.
Change the goalkeeper
Though he cannot be solely blamed for the goals conceded against Brazil, there is a feeling that Jojo Wollacott is not really up to scratch.
He appears to lack the confidence and presence to command the goal areas. With the game being a test match, Otto Addo should try Richard Ofori and Manaf in the post.
Sports Debate: Ghanaians share predictions for Ghana-Brazil clash
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Protect Ayews and Baba Rahman from further abuse
Baba Rahman and the Ayew brothers were the most vilified in the aftermath of Ghana’s drubbing at the hands of Brazil.
Many believe that the three players do not deserve to be in the starting team as they have consistently failed to perform in Ghana jersey.
Whiles some disagree, it will be right that Otto Addo protects from the public attack by not playing or starting them.
Learn to defend and score from set-pieces
Two of the goals that Ghana conceded against Brazil were from set-pieces. The mistakes were elementary as on both occasions, the Brazil attacks had a free run to attack the ball.
Otto Addo must show that it has taken notice of that by working on it in training and showing the result during matches.
Additionally, the team must also learn to create chances from set pieces they get. Set-pieces have now become an important avenue for goals.
Give Elisha Owusu, and Afriyie Barnieh a chance
In his brief cameo against Nigeria in March, Elisha Owusu gave an indication of what he could bring to the team.
He has however not had enough time to fully convince Ghanaians that he merits his call-up.
Afriyie Barnieh also deserves his chance to show that he was not just called up to make the numbers but as a potential candidate for the World Cup.
Hirving Lozano netted a late goal to earn Mexico an uninspiring 1-0 victory over Peru in their friendly in Pasadena on Saturday.
El Tri, who will play three more games prior to the 2022 World Cup, were made to work hard for the win in an evenly contested match with few shots on target.
Lozano’s 85th-minute strike was the difference, firing home on the volley after Cesar Montes had nodded on a corner.
Mexico forward Henry Martin pushed a 19th-minute header wide, while Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez fired a long-range effort over the crossbar early in the second half.
Peru, who missed out on World Cup qualification to Australia in the playoffs, had 9-7 shots and marginally edged possession but failed to generate much in attack.
Mexico, who are grouped with Poland, Argentina and Argentina at the World Cup, will take on Colombia in Santa Clara on Tuesday.
Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo made his Cameroon debut in a 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan as the Indomitable Lions lost the first of two final warm-ups prior to naming their World Cup squad.
The forward represented France at junior level before switching allegiance to the central African nation of his father last month.
The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes at Goyang Stadium near Seoul in the north of South Korea, where Nicolas Nkoulou returned for the first time since winning the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The Greece-based defender, 32, was persuaded to come out of international retirement by coach Rigobert Song for November’s World Cup in Qatar.
Mbeumo joined Brentford, with whom he has scored six Premier League goals, in 2019 after coming up the youth ranks in France, who he represented between 2015 and 2020 at varying age levels.
Yet Russia-based duo Hojimat Erkinov and Oston Urunov scored either side of half-time to give Uzbekistan the win over the five-time African champions, who begin their World Cup campaign against Switzerland in November.
Cameroon, who are also grouped with Brazil and Serbia in Group G at the finals, will take on hosts South Korea in another friendly, in the capital, on Tuesday.
Later on Friday, Morocco and Ghana take on Chile and Brazil respectively as they continue their preparations for the World Cup, with African champions Senegal facing Bolivia on Saturday.
Kudus has had an interesting few weeks at Ajax, from going absent hoping to force a move to Everton, to becoming the club’s in-form forward who can do no wrong.
A couple of Kudus’ goals have been remarkable, with a cracking effort at Anfield probably the pick of the bunch.
In this feature, GOAL highlight the numbers that have typified the Ghana international’s outstanding run in front of goal, analyse some of those efforts and point out why Otto Addo will be delighted with the 22-year-old’s opportune streak.
Scoring rate
Kudus’ four Eredivisie strikes have come in seven appearances, with only two being starts.
The Ghana international is scoring a goal every 60 minutes, although this is not the best frequency in the Dutch top flight among players to have scored more than once — Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez has found the back of the net twice from five substitute appearances, with those goals coming every 55 minutes.
Among Champions League participants to have netted at least twice, only nine outdo Kudus who is averaging a goal every 88 minutes — a list that includes Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski who respectively are scoring every 55, 60 and 60 minutes.
Breakdown of goals
All four of the 22-year-old’s Eredivisie strikes have come inside the box, with the Ghanaian proving to be a menace inside the penalty area.
The theme is repeated in Europe, where none of Kudus’ strikes has come from outside the area.
Unexpectedly, four of the in-form forward’s six goals in all competitions have been netted with his left foot, with two right-footed goals making up the rest of his return.
Best goal
Kudus’ first strike in Europe’s premier competition was one to remember and carries some sentimental value, too.
The Ghana international still had much to do after receiving a pass from Calvin Bassey in the left half-space, but he held off then spun Rangers right-back James Tavernier, carried the ball into the box before arrowing an effort past Jon McLaughlin that went in off the far post.
However, the red-hot attacker’s goal at Anfield slightly edges that cracker against the Scottish giants.
Kudus sealed a 25-pass move against Liverpool which came about after Alfred Schreuder’s troops kept the ball away from the Reds for 84 seconds.
The finish was a thing of beauty: Kudus received possession from a Steven Berghuis cut-back and took a touch that created separation from Virgil van Dijk before powering his effort off the underside of the bar before Allison Becker could set himself.
It was the perfect strike to seal an outstanding team move.
Underrated movement
Kudus’ intelligent positioning off the ball, which has led to high-percentage chances or shot attempts, has been another striking theme.
This has been evident in goals against Cambuur, where he found room for a tap-in, in the 5-0 success over Heerenveen, where his second came about similarly, and Sunday’s strike at AZ Alkmaar.
Two notable incidents in the last month have not resulted in a goal but demonstrated Kudus’ recognition of the best positions to occupy.
In the 4-0 success over Rangers, he lost Tavernier and is open for a tap-in from six yards, but Devyne Rensch understandably opts to shoot after a flowing Ajax move culminated in the right-back one-v-one with the Gers’ shot-stopper.
Against Sunday’s opponents, AZ, Kudus created separation from all the bodies in the penalty area following a cross into the box. This allowed the Ghanaian to take a touch amid the cluster after Steven Bergwijn found him, but his effort was cleared off the line by Dani de Wit, preventing an equaliser with 20 minutes to play.
Ten minutes later, the ball found Dusan Tadic in the right channel inside the box, and the Ghana international moved to the far post hoping to be picked out by the Serbian. However, the Ajax captain opts for a cut-back to Edson Alvarez, whose lay-off to Bergwijn does not result in an equaliser following a goal-line block.
The ball eventually drops to Kudus in that phase of play; after Tijjani Reijnders’ opportune block ricochets off AZ goalkeeper Hobie Verhulst but the angle was already against the in-form forward.
Those situations did not result in goals, but that awareness to occupy the favourable spaces and positions should lead to “easy” strikes for the young attacker.
Sustainability
How long can Kudus keep this going?
The Ajax man has hit nine shots on target in the last five games games, resulting in six goals, and both Champions League strikes have come from Expected Goals (xG) of 0.3.
Considering one of those shots was cleared off the line against AZ, the said stat should probably read seven goals from nine shots on target.
While Kudus’ talent in occupying the favourable spaces is unmistakable, such an over-performance is ultimately unsustainable, and a mean reversion is expected sooner or later for a player whose 40 percent goal conversion in the Eredivisie will be unrealistic to sustain.
The analysis comes with the caveat of a small sample size of games, so it will be sensible to monitor his progress over the coming months.
Otto Addo’s Kudus prayer
Admittedly, there has been an influx of players who have switched allegiance, including Athletic Club’s Inaki Williams.
However, the forward is not the most prolific in La Liga, while the Ayew brothers are either unproductive in Jordan’s case, or playing outside the competitive leagues in Andre’s case.
Felix Afena-Gyan has been confined to the Cremonese bench, Benjamin Tetteh has not opened his Hull City account, and Kamaldeen Sulemana has not fired on all cylinders.
Having Kudus in this form will benefit Addo, even if the Ajax man may not play a central striking role for the Brazil game and the World Cup.
Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association [GFA], Henry Asante Twum says Otto Addo is building a team that will be difficult for opponents to crack down on.
Otto Addo’s side will be tested when they come up against Brazil in an international friendly at the Le Harve in France.
New players who switched nationality, Inaki Williams, Tariq Lamptey, Mohammed, and other players are expected to make their debut for the team.
“I think we have a good team. I think we are building a very strong team. A team with Joseph Wollacot, Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu, Baba Rahman, Gideon Mensah, Ambrosius, Salisu, Dziku, Inaki Williams, Issahaku, etc,” the Communications Director told SVTV Africa.
“These are top professionals, and if you can build a team out of these names, you will be unbeatable. We have quality in the team. Age is on our side. On average, we have a team that has 22-year-olds. It indicates that the future is bright and the future stars tomorrow.”
He added that he doesn’t expect any new additions to the team ahead of the World Cup.
“As things stand, I can confidently say no. We’ve gone through a long journey with the qualifications and have tested the players. I’m sure your question has to do with bringing in some of the players whose names have popped up, but as things stand, I don’t think that is likely to happen.
“I wouldn’t say when a player is doing well in Europe or the domestic front, he wouldn’t be given the chance. I’m not in a position to say that. Anything is possible,” Henry added.
The game has been scheduled to kick off at 18:30GMT. The Black Stars will take on Nicaragua on Tuesday in another friendly game.
The games form part of Ghana’s preparations for the 2022 World Cup which kick off from November 200 to December 18.
Former Black Stars management committee member, Moses Armah Parker has said the current Black Star squad will surpass Ghana’s best finish at the World Cup set in 2010.
The Medeama owner believes the Black Stars look much strong with the inclusion of Inaki William and Tariq Lamptey, who recently switched nationality.
“Current Black Stars setup will beat the previous record set in 2010. Otto Addo is a great coach. With likes of Inaki Williams, and Tariq Lamptey coming in, it makes us much stronger,” told TV3
In 2010, Ghana came close to becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup but suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Uruguay.
Ghana will look to beat the record in the forthcoming World Cup in Qatar. The Black Stars have been drawn in Group H World Cup alongside Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament is scheduled for November 21 to December 18.
New Ghana defender, Tariq Lamptey says he feels excited and ready for Ghana’s friendly against Brazil on Friday, September 23, 2022.
The Brighton and Hove Albion right-back is among the five players who have been handed a maiden call-up to the national team having completed their nationality switch in June.
As part of the preparations for the 2022 World Cup, the four-time African champions will take on the five-time world champions in an international friendly in France.
Speaking ahead of the game, the former Chelsea defender said he feels proud and excited ahead of the game.
According to him, he is looking forward to making his debut against the South American side.
“I am very proud to be here and I am really determined to train hard, give the best as I can and I looking forward to the game on Friday,” he told the Ghana FA website.
“In this game, you have to prepare very well, you prepare based on how you want to play and we are already excited and looking forward to play against the team on Friday,” he added.
Ghana will take on Nicaragua in their next friendly game in Spain.
The Black Stars have been housed in Group H alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay for the Mundial scheduled to be played from November 20 to December 18 later this year.
Scotland will take on Austria in the first round of the European qualification playoffs for next year’s women’s World Cup, while Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina and Portugal will meet Belgium after the draw was conducted by UEFA on Friday.
Scotland, Austria, Wales, Bosnia, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, Iceland and Ireland are all competing in the two-round playoffs after finishing second in each of their qualifying groups.
Scotland will play Austria in their first-round playoff. ANP via Getty Images
Scotland will take on Austria in the first round of the European qualification playoffs for next year’s women’s World Cup, while Wales will face Bosnia and Herzegovina and Portugal will meet Belgium after the draw was conducted by UEFA on Friday.
Scotland, Austria, Wales, Bosnia, Portugal, Belgium, Switzerland, Iceland and Ireland are all competing in the two-round playoffs after finishing second in each of their qualifying groups.
The USWNT roster has plenty of question marks going into the 2023 World Cup. But some players like Alex Morgan, center, are a lock.
This is the point in the four-year cycle when the World Cup starts feeling real. The major continental tournaments of summer are in the books, teams have qualified, rosters are starting to get more consistent and opponents for friendlies are becoming more challenging. The 2023 Women’s World Cup begins in just over nine months. The draw? That’s six weeks from now.
Now, the pressure will ratchet up for players in the coming months as they try to make their dreams reality and position themselves higher up the depth chart with strong performances for club and country — or else, they will fall out of roster contention if form dips
The U.S. women’s national team head coach, Vlatko Andonovski, spent the past year overturning the core of a roster that won the past two World Cups to usher in a new generation. So which Americans will be on the plane to Australia and New Zealand in search of a three-peat?
ESPN will answer that question on a rolling basis throughout the next nine months, starting now with our USWNT Big Board, Vol. 1. A team loaded with so many bona fide stars offers some certainties, but the recent turnover within the team leaves plenty of roster spots up for grabs on the 23-player team. Add in the handful of potential starters who are recovering from injuries, and the field is further clouded.
Let’s start with the obvious: The team of 23 going right now will not be the team of 23 going to the World Cup (and for all we know, this could become a 26-player roster like the men’s edition in Qatar).
This is a ranking, by position, of how things stand right now. That means players with long-term injuries would not be on the roster if the World Cup started today. Plenty will change in the coming months as some of these players face competition unlike any they’ve faced before, including an Oct. 7 showdown with European champions England at Wembley.
Within each position, we’ve made tiers of players to add nuance to where things stand:
Tier 1: Roster locks. These players are either clear starters or pushing to be one, and as of today, would be on the plane for the World Cup.
Tier 2: The bubble. Players on both the right and wrong side of it, because if you aren’t a lock, you are part of the bubble where nothing is certain.
Tier 3: Outside looking in. Players who have had a passing look with the team without tangible progress, players performing well for club but who haven’t gotten a look, or players who were once integral but no longer seem part of the plans.
Wait and see: Former locks racing against time. This is a special category to account for injuries and absences — these are players who were once locks, but now need to recover quickly enough and regain their status for a spot on the plane. There are enough of them that it needs its own category because an injured starter can’t be Tier 1 right now, but we expect they should have a clear path to return to that tier – if they get back to 100% in time.
Goalkeepers
Tier 1: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy
Tier 2: Aubrey Kingsbury
Tier 3: Adrianna Franch, Jane Campbell, Bella Bixby, Phallon Tullis-Joyce
Wait and see: None
Alyssa Naeher, center, has not been challenged enough to lose her starting spot for the USWNT. Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images
The No. 1 goalkeeper job remains Alyssa Naeher’s to lose. Casey Murphy made a strong run at it earlier this year on the heels of some stellar performances in 2021, but she has struggled at times this NWSL season for the North Carolina Courage, a team whose erratic form frequently allows multi-goal thrillers — not exactly a goalkeeper’s dream game.
If anyone is going to challenge Naeher, it’s Murphy, but there is work to be done. Naeher is a two-time World Cup champion and was the starter for the 2019 triumph. After that, Aubrey Kingsbury is in a bubble of her own as the choice No. 3 right now, a position which she has had locked down for the entire calendar year.
Bella Bixby and Jane Campbell are the last goalkeepers to receive call-ups outside of that trio, and those came for relatively experimental games in Australia last November. Adrianna Franch hasn’t played for the U.S. in nearly a year following her emergency duties at the Olympics, where Naeher got hurt in the semifinal. Andonovski spoke on multiple occasions this year about learning from that moment, which is why Murphy has earned significant minutes this year, including at World Cup qualifying. Kingsbury still only has one cap.
Andonovski wants two options who are ready to be the No. 1 come the World Cup and right now, his trio is as set as it could be.
On the plane right now: Naeher, Murphy, Kingsbury
Full-Backs
Tier 1: Emily Fox, Kelley O’Hara, Sofia Huerta
Tier 2: Hailie Mace
Tier 3: Carson Pickett, Imani Dorsey, Caprice Dydasco, Kristen McNabb, Merritt Mathias
Wait and see: Crystal Dunn, Casey Krueger, Emily Sonnett
34-year-old Kelley O’Hara has been one of Vlatko Andonovski’s preferred options at right-back, even as he has tested new up-and-comers. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Ah, full-back: The position of eternal questions for the U.S. men’s and women’s teams alike.
Emily Fox is clearly the starting left-back right now and has been all year. Andonovski tabbed her for that role last year, when she was an NWSL rookie, and he said he would spend the year building up her minutes to get her ready for the World Cup. That is exactly what happened and Fox offers the U.S. pace to go with a unique attacking profile in the position.
Of course, left-back was previously the position held down by Crystal Dunn, who gave birth to her first child in May and has not played yet this year. She trained with the USWNT in the most recent camp and expects to play some minutes for club and potentially country before the end of the year. Yes, she can play in the midfield, but her services are of greater need for the USWNT at full-back. At her peak, Dunn is the best the team has at the position.
By the time the World Cup kicks off, the question might not be Fox vs. Dunn, but rather who gets which side? As for now, Dunn is still trying to get back on a pitch during a game, so we’ll revisit that.
Right-back is where were find more questions. Kelley O’Hara (recently, but not significantly injured) is the incumbent there and continues to show why when healthy. The health caveat is an important one that has been a factor for some time. Emily Sonnett’s injury is significant enough to have been season-ending for the Washington Spirit, or she would otherwise be Tier 1 based on how she has rotated into Andonovski’s lineups.
play0:40Huerta’s beautiful cross helps USWNT gain 4-0 lead
USWNT’s Sofia Huerta crosses the ball in that Ashley Hatch capitalizes on to up their score to 4-0 over New Zealand.
Sofia Huerta has earned her most extensive trial as a U.S. international after making the one-time switch from Mexico, a dream she thought she had lost after blowing her initial opportunity in the previous cycle. Huerta continues to make her argument as the best crosser from wide areas in the entire USWNT pool, and her defensive game has largely improved.
She did misplay the ball that led to Nigeria’s goal on Tuesday and ended the USWNT’s 880-minute shutout streak, but she was stellar on both sides of the ball and played a role in two goals in the first game against Nigeria, a 4-0 win. Whether Huerta is the starter remains a question, but right now she is solidly part of Andonovski’s plan. How she plays against England will tell how ready she is for a World Cup.
Casey Krueger also gave birth to her first child and has not played this year. She was used semi-frequently as a reserve full-back in 2021. The wild card, though, could be Hailie Mace, who only joined the USWNT for games against Nigeria as a replacement for O’Hara, but impressed enough in training to earn looks off the bench in both matches. Mace is in her best form ever in the NWSL as a wing-back for the Kansas City Current, who play a 3-5-2, but she had not been in camp in over four years prior to last week.
For all of the above players, there’s still time to get on the roster — especially at this position.
On the plane right now: Fox, Huerta, O’Hara
Center-Backs
Tier 1: Becky Sauerbrunn, Alana Cook, Naomi Girma
Tier 2: Abby Dahlkemper
Tier 3: Sam Hiatt, Alex Loera, Sam Staab, Emily Menges
Wait and see: Tierna Davidson
Naomi Girma, right, has made a strong case to join the USWNT in 2023 as a starting or reserve center-back. Sofia Huerta, left, is pushing for a full-back spot. Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Center-back is also a curious position right now. Becky Sauerbrunn, Alana Cook and Naomi Girma have been the three players rotating into those two spots almost exclusively since Tierna Davidson tore her ACL in March. Cook is the preferred starter alongside Sauerbrunn, who is the captain, but Girma has the skillset to claim the starting role.
Is there even a bubble after that? The most likely candidate for that is Abby Dahlkemper, but since returning from broken ribs earlier this spring, she has fallen out of favor as the starting center back alongside Girma at San Diego Wave FC, and the calls from Andonovski have stopped, too. Dahlkemper needs to get back in the XI for San Diego before she gets back into a USWNT camp, and does have the potential. She played every minute for the USWNT at the 2019 World Cup and has a passing range to rival any center-back.
From there, the rest of the talent pool is inexperienced, with Cook and Girma still early into their international journeys. A peek at the 55-player preliminary roster for the CONCACAF W Championship suggests that any of Alex Loera, Sam Hiatt, Emily Menges or Sam Staab are in Andonovski’s peripheral thoughts. Combined, they have zero caps.
Davidson’s return will be the most important to this position, and she could double as an emergency No. 6. Sonnett and even Mace also provide versatility between full-back and center-back, which is always a helpful trait when deciding on bubble spots. As it stands today, the USWNT is one more injury away from a major depth problem.
It’s difficult to envision a scenario in which Rose Lavelle, pictured, is not on the plane to Australia and New Zealand. Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Midfield features the most interesting bubble section. Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan and Andi Sullivan are Andonovski’s starting trio as the Nos. 10, 8 and 6, respectively, but there are at least three spots behind them wide open for the taking, although Ashley Sanchez is looking more likely and should claim one of those reserve spots. Plus, what happens when Sam Mewis returns?
Lavelle is undroppable and in form, and Horan is best as a two-way midfielder when asked not to shoulder too much of the defensive responsibility, which can also be said for Mewis. Catarina Macario might also be part of this conversation, but we’ll get back to that.
Sam Coffey earned her first cap on Tuesday and played the entire match in the No. 6 role. As debuts go, it was solid if not necessarily spectacular, which is about as much as anyone could ask for in a thankless role. As wild as it seems to go from first cap to World Cup, Coffey’s case for inclusion right now is as good as anyone else’s in the position, especially on form.
Julie Ertz previously defined the No. 6 role, so much so that it has been difficult for observers to evaluate any of her replacements. Ertz gave birth to her first child earlier this year and her playing future is unclear. Andonovski might know more about that, but for now, he must plan for life without Ertz.
play0:55Rapinoe makes instant impact with assist on Lavelle’s diving header
Right after Megan Rapinoe comes onto the pitch, she crosses one to Rose Lavelle for the header.
Kristie Mewis has filled in at the No. 6 in a pinch, but it has largely looked forced. NJ/NY Gotham FC is rounding out an awful season, which has not helped her club form. Still, her ability to play in any of the three positions is to her benefit. Morgan Gautrat played her best club season to date in 2021, earning a recall to the USWNT, but she only played 45 minutes at February’s SheBelieves Cup and has not played for the Chicago Red Stars since April 2 due to injuries.
Savannah DeMelo will have something to say about all this, and Racing Louisville FC teammate Jaelin Howell might still, too. For now, though, it’s possible the final midfield spot comes down to Coffey and Taylor Kornieck. Given current injuries and the numbers game of roster composition, they both go as of today.
Also, at what point does Lo’eau LaBonta’s NWSL form warrant a look in camp? She played for Andonovski at FC Kansas City, so there is familiarity there and a precedent set by Kristie Mewis’ return to the USWNT following a great league campaign.
On the plane right now: Lavelle, Horan, Sullivan, Sanchez, K. Mewis, Coffey, Kornieck
Wingers
Tier 1: Sophia Smith, Mallory Pugh, Megan Rapinoe
Tier 2: Margaret “Midge” Purce, Trinity Rodman
Tier 3: Christen Press, Morgan Weaver, Tobin Heath, Ally Watt
Wait and see: Lynn Williams
Mallory Pugh, center, previously tumbled down the depth chart and did not even make the squad that went to the Olympics last year after playing in the preceding World Cup, but she has reclaimed her spot on the USWNT. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Sophia Smith and Mallory Pugh are NWSL MVP candidates and have the starting winger positions on lock for the U.S. national team. There really is not a debate. Both reiterated against Nigeria how dynamic they can be and why they are threats to any defense they come up against. The largest remaining criticism is their conversion rate at times, but that’s also a matter of setting realistic expectations for any forward — each is averaging better than a goal every other game in 2022.
Megan Rapinoe is also a lock as far as Andonovski’s plans go. Such a firm position sparked controversy when she returned to the team ahead of World Cup qualifying, which Andonovski said was always going to be the plan. There were some external concerns about that being too much of a choice based on leadership and not form, but those have since been squashed.
Rapinoe continues to affect games off the bench, as she did on Tuesday when she assisted Lavelle’s game-winning goal only 73 seconds after entering the match, and she is back to being a 90-minute player for OL Reign, notching four goals and three assists in four games in August. In short, Rapinoe is going to a fourth World Cup with sights set on winning a third straight.
Trinity Rodman might be next in line off the bench. In 2021, she put in an NWSL Rookie of the Year campaign that nearly doubled as worthy of MVP talk. She hasn’t quite had a sophomore slump, but the Washington Spirit’s generally horrible form has not helped Rodman’s case. Smith and Pugh are also playing extremely well, so Rodman’s role remains that of a reserve.
Margaret “Midge” Purce is in the mix after missing out on last year’s Olympics. Lynn Williams is the player who could disrupt the depth chart upon her return, but that likely won’t be until 2023. Elsewhere, Morgan Weaver will need a solid stretch run with the Portland Thorns to push her name back into the conversation, as would Tobin Heath, who was once a sure starter on the USWNT’s World Cup-winning teams but hasn’t been in the picture in nearly a year.
Christen Press’ absence from the CONCACAF W Championship roster was the most surprising given her form. She tore her ACL two days before the public announcement of the roster, but had already been informed she would not be on the roster. The necessary recovery time for that injury likely puts her back on the field around the start of the 2023 NWSL season, which would make for a tough timeline to get back into the mix for a third World Cup.
On the plane right now: Smith, Pugh, Rapinoe, Purce, Rodman
Strikers
Tier 1: Alex Morgan
Tier 2: Ashley Hatch
Tier 3: Mia Fishel, Bethany Balcer, Kristen Hamilton, Cece Kizer, Jessica McDonald
Wait and see: Catarina Macario
Alex Morgan, pictured, is the undisputed No. 1 at the No. 9 position — at least until Catarina Macario returns from injury. EPA/Miguel Sierra
Alex Morgan is once again the clear No. 9, as if nothing changed at all. That is not true, of course. Earlier this year, Andonovski began building the team around Macario as the false nine who seamlessly interchanged with Lavelle in the attacking midfielder role, which left Morgan on the outside, not earning call-ups.
The results with Macario were brilliant at times even if they featured growing pains against lesser competition. But Macario’s injury coincided with Morgan’s career-best form, and Morgan handily beat out Ashley Hatch in the competition for the starting role in the meantime.
Assuming Morgan stays in this form and Macario picks up where she left off, Andonovski has a champagne problem. He is not going to move away from the 4-3-3, and he isn’t going to drop Lavelle. So one of Morgan or Macario would have to sit, and they would rotate as needed in the World Cup (how’s that for a super-sub in either case). Otherwise, Macario could become part of a “double-10” alongside Lavelle — that would trigger a question of who as a pure No. 6 would then carry the defensive load, all while Macario would take a spot in an already crowded midfield depth chart.
Meanwhile, Mia Fishel remains in top form for Tigres as one of the best forwards in Liga MX, but Andonovski said last week that he has not had any conversations with her. Given the general lack of depth right now at the No. 9 position, and that Liga MX plays through the winter (when the NWSL is off), there remains an opportunity for her to change that.
The Juventus midfielder is recovering from a knee surgery after suffering an injury in July this year.
Due to the injury, he has not played this season.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri said “We will realistically get him back in January.”
He revealed that “This morning Pogba trained for the second time, but then stopped, and it was then decided that he undergo surgery.”
Juventus later said the surgery – selective external arthroscopic meniscectomy – was “a complete success”.
The Serie A season will pause after games on 13 November for the first winter World Cup and restart again in January.
Asked if Pogba would be ready for France’s World Cup defence, Allegri added: “The World Cup is not my problem, Juventus’ problem is that he comes back in January.”
Pogba rejoined the Serie A side this summer after his contract with Manchester United expired.
He scored in the 4-1 win over Croatia in 2018 as France won the World Cup for a second time.
Opener Jason Roy has been dropped from England’s squad for the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia but bowlers Mark Wood and Chris Woakes are fit to return.
England Test captain Ben Stokes is included despite missing all of England‘s T20s since March 2021.
White-ball captain Jos Buttler will miss the start of the tour of Pakistan, with Moeen Ali deputising as skipper.
England play seven T20s in Pakistan from 20 September before the World Cup starts on 16 October.
Roy, 32, has been an integral part of England’s white-ball success in recent years, but has endured a poor summer.
His highest score in his past 11 international innings is 43 and he managed only 51 runs in six innings for Oval Invincibles in The Hundred, including three ducks.
“He’s a hit a bad patch of form at the worst time,” said England managing director Rob Key, who confirmed Jonny Bairstow will be promoted to open with Buttler.
“I don’t see that this is Jason’s T20 career over. We still see the 50-over format as his strongest suit, so still see him as very much a part of that set-up.”
England have included five uncapped players in a squad of 19 for the series in Pakistan, while the squad for the World Cup is trimmed to 15, with three travelling reserves.
Buttler’s side play three matches against hosts and defending champions Australia before the tournament. England’s campaign begins against Afghanistan in Perth on 22 October.
England, the 50-over world champions, were beaten semi-finalists in the last T20 World Cup in 2021 and reached the final in the previous edition in 2016.
This will be their first global white-ball tournament since 2014 without the leadership of Eoin Morgan, the former captain who retired in June.
Both Wood, 32, and Woakes, 33, last played for England on the Test tour of West Indies in March. They return from elbow and knee surgery respectively and boost an injury hit pace-bowling department that remains without Jofra Archer.
“They are back in with fingers crossed,” added Key. “The likelihood for Wood and Woakes is they will start getting fit at the back end of the Pakistan trip.”
Stokes, who continues to be available for T20s despite retiring from one-day internationals, is rested for the tour of Pakistan, which begins little more than a week after England’s final Test against South Africa at The Oval concludes. Bairstow is also rested for the Pakistan tour but he too will join up with the World Cup squad.
Liam Livingstone is another missing the Pakistan leg as he continues to recover from an ankle injury, while World Cup reserve Tymal Mills (toe) will also go straight to Australia.
Buttler has a calf injury, but is expected to be fit for the latter stages of the Pakistan series. His absence means Moeen, whose family originates from Pakistan, will have the honour of leading England on their first tour of the country in 17 years.
Key confirmed England’s intention to tour Pakistan despite the floods that have devastated large parts of the country. England pulled out of a trip to Pakistan last year citing “increasing concerns about travelling to the region”.
“It’s a trip we’re desperate to go on,” said Key. “It’s going to take a lot for us not to get out there.
“Hopefully us going out there and playing will be a positive story in what has been a pretty harrowing time for the people of that country.”
Warwickshire quick bowler Olly Stone, who has played three Tests and four ODIs for England, makes his return to international cricket from a back injury as part of the quintet of uncapped T20 players for the Pakistan tour.
He is joined by Middlesex pacer Tom Helm, Lancashire left-arm fast bowler Luke Wood and batters Jordan Cox and Will Jacks of Kent and Surrey respectively.
England squad for the Men’s T20 World Cup: Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Chris Jordan, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Ben Stokes, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. Travelling reserves: Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Tymal Mills.
England squad for T20 series in Pakistan: Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Liam Dawson, Richard Gleeson, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Olly Stone, Reece Topley, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Luke Wood.
Manchester City have signed Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji on a five-year deal.
The 27-year-old joins from Borussia Dortmund, where he has made 158 appearances since January 2018.
Akanji has 41 caps for Switzerland and played a key role in their qualification for the World Cup.
“I am delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started. City have been one of the best teams in Europe over the last few seasons,” he said.
“They are brilliant to watch, play an exciting brand of football and compete for trophies year in, year out, so coming here feels like the perfect next step in my career.
“Pep Guardiola is an exceptional manager and this is an exceptional squad of players, so this is an exciting opportunity for me.
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“I am really looking forward to testing myself in the Premier League and I will do everything I can to help this club be successful.”
Akanji, who began his career with FC Basel, links up with former Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland following his move to City earlier this summer.
He is the fifth signing Guardiola has made during this transfer window as City look to win a third successive Premier League title and a first Champions League trophy.
City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain said: “Manuel has plenty of experience playing at the top level of European football and we are confident he will be a valuable addition to our squad.
“We have been impressed with his performances during his time at Dortmund, where he has developed into a very good defender and one who is ready to perform in both the Premier League and Champions League.
“He has everything we want in a centre-back. He is strong, quick, comfortable in possession, has an excellent passing range and he will complement the other defenders in this team and our style of play.”
Meanwhile, French midfielder Claudio Gomes, 22, has left to join Italian Serie B club Palermo.
He made three appearances for City, and has had loan spells at PSV Eindhoven and Barnsley.
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