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Phil Foden and Rebecca Cooke have dropped another hint that wedding bells will soon be ringing, with the Manchester City star’s partner flashing a huge diamond engagement ring. The childhood sweethearts have three children together and would appear to be drawing up plans for a tying of the knot. There has been no official word that they are preparing to get married.

Is Foden getting married? Engagement speculation

Speculation has, however, been rife for several months. Eldest son Ronnie has helped to fuel those rumours. He has shared a video on his Instagram account – which now boasts 4.2 million followers – that features his mum and dad.

In that, which sees the Fodens getting into the Christmas spirit, Cooke can be seen sporting a dazzling piece of jewellery on her left ring finger. She has been making no attempt to hide that sparkler across a series of images and videos that have been posted online.

AdvertisementRing shopping: No official word on wedding

Foden and Cooke sparked engagement gossip when they were spotted ring shopping in Wilmslow, Cheshire. They were seen heading into a local jewellers after arriving in a £400,000 Mercedes G-Wagon.

Back in February, Cooke was seen sporting a ring on her left hand. It was reported at the time that Foden had popped the question during a romantic break in Paris – with the England international apparently getting down on one knee as the new year was welcomed in.

The happy couple – who both hail from Stockport – have been together since they were teenagers, with City playmaker Foden now 25 years of age. A source has told : “The pair of them have been together since they were young and their family and friends have been expecting them to get engaged for a while.

“The time seemed right for Phil to pop the question. He took her away to Paris for New Year's Eve and when they came back Rebecca had a sparkling diamond ring on her engagement finger.”

The insider added: “The ring is absolutely huge. It's a massive diamond. She loves it and she's very proud of wearing it although she hasn't announced anything about it. But all the wags know and all the players know in Manchester about the ring and everybody is looking forward to maybe an announcement soon that something has happened, maybe an engagement.

“It would certainly be a massive wedding full of footballers and celebrities and WAGs. Rebecca loves a party and has hosted some amazing baby showers.”

Star-studded ceremony: Foden & Cooke are parents of three

A Foden-Cooke wedding would certainly be a star-studded affair, with several international footballers likely to be in attendance. Extended family would also be invited along, with Foden having remained close to his roots since bursting onto the senior stage. A source has previously told the Daily Mail: “Phil is very close to his family, particularly his parents.”

Foden and Cooke became parents for the first time in 2019, when Ronnie was welcomed into the world. The Manchester City and England star said of that experience: “I was there for the birth. I walked out of the room, gave it a little tear and then went back in like nothing happened.”

The couple's daughter, True, was born in 2021. Cooke gave birth to a second son in June 2024, with Foden being released from European Championship duty with England in order to be at his partner’s side in the delivery room.

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Getty Images Sport2026 World Cup dream: Foden hoping to make England squad

He is hoping to grace another major tournament next summer, with the Three Lions having secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup. They will discover their group stage opponents for that event when said draw takes place on Friday.

Foden has not always been called upon by Thomas Tuchel, with the German tactician making it clear that there are no guaranteed selections in his ranks, but a welcome return to form has been enjoyed with club and country. The classy midfielder has registered four goals across his last two Premier League appearances for City – against Leeds and Fulham.

أعلن مجيد بو قرة، المدير الفني لمنتخب الجزائر الرديف، القائمة المستدعاة للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العرب 2025 والمقرر اقامتها في قطر.

وتستضيف قطر فعاليات بطولة كأس العرب 2025، خلال الفترة من 1 حتى 18 ديسمبر المقبل، وذلك بمشاركة 16 منتخبًا.

طالع.. صورة | “تراثية فكاهية”.. الكشف عن تميمة كأس العرب 2025

وينافس منتخب الجزائر الرديف في المجموعة الرابعة من بطولة كأس العرب، مع البحرين، جيبوتي، الفائز من (لبنان ضد جيبوتي).

وشهدت قائمة منتخب الجزائر المشارك في كأس العرب، استدعاء 23 لاعبًا على رأسهم أمير سعيود لاعب الأهلي السابق والحزم السعودي الحالي، إسلام سليماني مهاجم كلوج الروماني وياسين براهيمي لاعب الغرافة القطري.

وتنطلق بطولة كأس العرب يوم الإثنين 1 ديسمبر المقبل بمواجهتي تونس أمام الفائز من المباراة التأهيلية سوريا وجنوب السودان، فيما ستجمع المباراة الثانية بين أصحاب الأرض منتخب قطر مع المتأهل من فلسطين وليبيا. قائمة منتخب الجزائر في كأس العرب

حراسة المرمى: فريد شعّال – ريان يسلي – محمد حديد.

خط الدفاع: هواري باوش – نوفل خاسف – محمد عزي – عبد القادر بدران – أيوب غزالة – أشرف عبادة – رضا بن شاعة – محمد حلايمية.

خط الوسط: سفيان بندبكة – فيكتور لكحل – حسّام مرزيق – زكريا دراوي.

خط الهجوم: عادل بولبينة – ياسين بن زية – أمير سعيود- ياسين إبراهيمي- إسلام سليماني – رفيق قيتان- رضوان بركان – آدم ونّاس.

Both sides weigh up extra spin options based off some spin success in the most recent ODI and BBL matches in Cairns in 2022

Alex Malcolm15-Aug-2025Big picture: A rare T20I series decider in CairnsAustralia venture into the unknown in more ways than one on Saturday. While South Africa played in a T20I series decider just three weeks ago in Harare, Australia have not played in a live T20I series decider since September 2022. They were set to do so in the final match of a three-game series in England last year but rain prevented a ball being bowled with the series locked at 1-1. Other than that, Australia have clean swept the three other series they have played since the 2024 World Cup, where they didn’t make the semi-finals. Every series they played between the 2022 World Cup, where they also did not make the semi-finals, and 2024 was also decided before the final game.It will be a useful pressure test for both sides as they continue to gear up towards the 2026 T20 World Cup. They will also face unknown conditions at Cazaly’s Stadium in Cairns in far north Queensland. Just as Darwin had never hosted a T20I before this series, Cairns will host its first on Saturday night. It has hosted far more recent international cricket, though, with Australia playing three ODIs there in 2022, which will be relevant for the start of the ODI series on Tuesday. There has been a BBL game there, in 2022, but it was played at a different time of year. However, Australia left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann is the only member of either team to have played in that game. He took 3 for 32 for Brisbane Heat while fellow left-arm orthodox spinner Akeal Hosein took 3 for 15 from four overs for Melbourne Renegades, having opened the bowling with Mujeeb Ur Rahman as Renegades successfully defended 166. Adam Zampa also took 5 for 35 in one of the 2022 ODIs against New Zealand.Related

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Brevis makes a statement as the 'original Dewald'

Owen, Morris, Short ruled out of South Africa series

That background, albeit from a one-off game, may see both sides consider selecting left-arm spinners for the decider. Kuhnemann has not played since debuting in the second T20I in Jamaica last month, where Australia bowled 11 overs of spin to restrict West Indies. He did play a major part in the second game in Darwin when, as a substitute fielder, he dropped Dewald Brevis at long-on on 56 before Brevis went on to pummel a match-winning 125 not out.South Africa left out their two left-arm orthodox spinners in George Linde and Senuran Muthusamy in game two in Darwin and only bowled four overs of spin via legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter and skipper Aiden Markram.Whether they wish to change a winning formula remains to be seen, especially given the success of South Africa’s pacers against Australia’s top-order so far in the series. Meanwhile, Australia will be forced to make at least one change with Mitchell Owen ruled out of the series after suffering concussion. Josh Inglis (flu) and Nathan Ellis (rested) should be right to return after missing game two. Matt Short was a chance to return for this match but has been ruled out of the game and the ODI series to follow because of a side strain. Aaron Hardie is there as cover and looks set to return to the XI after playing twice in the recent Caribbean series before losing his place in the squad.Form guideAustralia LWWWW
South Africa WLLWLGlenn Maxwell produced a brilliant piece of work to on the rope to remove Ryan Rickelton in the first game•Getty ImagesIn the spotlight: Glenn Maxwell and Aiden MarkramGlenn Maxwell is a vital player in Australia’s T20I line-up ahead of the World Cup next year because of his versatility and his all-round skills. His bowling is crucial for the balance of the side while he remains one of the best fielders in the team and capable of deciding matches with stunning outfield catches like the one he produced in game one of this series. He has many, many credits in the bank with the bat too. Maxwell has been prone to some lean patches across his career, but his batting has been skittish in recent times. Even with his flair and his 360-degree skills, Maxwell at his best takes control of the middle-to-late overs and stacks the risk-reward options in his favour more often than not.That hasn’t been the case recently, though. He has one 50-plus score in his last 23 T20s across all leagues dating back to the start of the IPL, and only five scores of 21 or more with three of those coming in MLC, and 11 of the 23 have been single-figure scores. His only real contribution with the bat in the last seven T20Is came in Basseterre with 47 off 18 opening the batting, although he was 20 off 7 and flying in the previous game before being run out through no fault of his own. He has been moved around the order, which can be unsettling, and Australia would be thrilled to have won six of seven without major batting contributions from him. But equally, they would love to see Maxwell fire in a big game again sooner rather than later.Like Maxwell, there is no question on Aiden Markram’s ability in T20 cricket but his output has been puzzling. He has not scored a T20I half-century in his last 30 innings dating back to the 2022 T20 World Cup. Since the start of 2024, he has reached 20 just four times in 20 innings, with a highest score of 46 against USA, averaging just 15.50 at a strike rate of just 122.90.He has been bounced through every position in the top five and has returned to open in this series after a decent IPL opening the batting for Lucknow Super Giant, where he made five half-centuries in 13 innings. But he struck at 15 runs per 100 balls slower than his opening partner Mitchell Marsh in the IPL and a rate of 148.82 in Indian conditions would be considered sluggish and potentially not a method for success in a World Cup in India, as evidenced by the way Australia’s top-order are trying to play. There’s no doubt he has the class and the ability to adjust. He loves playing against Australia in all-formats and a good score would settle any questions that might surround the captain’s position in South Africa’s top-order.Aiden Markram has been bounced through every position in the top five and has returned to open in this series•AFP/Getty ImagesTeam news: Inglis, Ellis likely to return; South Africa consider more spin optionsInglis is set to return in place of Alex Carey after missing the last match with the flu, while Ellis should return after being rested. Inglis will slot back in at No. 3 with the rest of the order likely to slide. However, with Owen ruled out and Hardie potentially replacing him at No. 7 does open the door for Australia to pick two spinners given Hardie can open the bowling. If Kuhnemann were to partner Zampa, and Ellis also returned, then two of Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott or Ben Dwarshuis could miss out. Dwarshuis would be desperately unlucky to miss out owing to Hazlewood’s seniority given his superb form. There is a possibility, though, that Australia could rest their prized all-format asset in Hazlewood with three ODIs coming in six days starting on Tuesday.Australia (possible): 1 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 2 Travis Head, 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Cameron Green, 5 Tim David, 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Aaron Hardie, 8 Ben Dwarshuis, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood/Matt KuhnemannDo South Africa stick with a winning combination or add an extra spinning allrounder back into the mix? That will be the question Shukri Conrad and his team will debate heading into the unknown conditions in Cairns. Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ two scores of 14 and 10 provide another avenue if they wish to promote Rassie van der Dussen back to No. 3 or even elevate the in-form Brevis higher in order to return Linde at No. 6. Muthusamy could also replace Peter if the conditions look more favourable for a left-arm fingerspinner rather than a legspinner. Nandre Burger could also be considered if either Lungi Ngidi or Corbin Bosch need a rest.South Africa (possible): 1 Aiden Markram (capt), 2 Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 4 Dewald Brevis, 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Rassie van der Dussen, 7 Corbin Bosch/George Linde, 8 Kagiso Rabada, 9 Nqabayomzi Peter/Senuran Muthusamy, 10 Kwena Maphaka, 11 Lungi Ngidi/Nandre BurgerGeorge Linde could return for South Africa•Getty ImagesPitch and conditionsLike in Darwin, the conditions in Carins are unknown although the 2022 BBL game does provide something to work off compared to the blind test at Marrara Oval. Spin could be a factor and batting might not be that easy overall. Even the ODIs in 2022 between Australia and New Zealand were relatively low-scoring with only one total of more than 250 scored in the three games. The weather looks perfect with conditions set to be very mild and pleasant in the evening. The late-evening dew could be a concern as there will be some humidity.Stats and trivia Australia have not lost in seven men’s internationals in Cairns, including two Tests and five ODIs. South Africa are chasing just their second bilateral T20I series win in their last nine. Australia have lost just one of their last eight including being undefeated in their last six series. Maxwell needs one wicket to reach 50 in T20Is. He will become just the fourth men’s player to score 2500 runs and take 50 wickets in the format when he gets there.Quotes”I sort of pride myself on being able to fill any hole possible. So whether that’s up the order or middle-order batting, and then being able to bowl any overs from one to 20 in the T20 format.”
.”We’ve never been to Darwin or to this place. We’ve enjoyed our time. Obviously, a different feel to what we’re used to in Australia. South Africans sort of like that. It’s a bit more open, a bit more relaxed, a bit more chilled. People have been great and all the sideshows have been really good as well.”
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In stark contrast to last season, Arsenal cannot stop winning at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side’s win over Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday night was their tenth on the bounce in all competitions.

Additionally, it marked their eighth consecutive clean sheet, a feat the club have not achieved in 122 years.

As things stand, Arsenal are far and away the best team in the Premier League, and a somewhat underappreciated star should be in serious contention for the Player of the Season Award.

The Arsenal players on track for the Team of the Season

It is still early on in the season, but as things stand, there are a handful of Arsenal players who feel like a shoo-in for the Team of the Season come May.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For example, while he was once seen as something of a liability, Gabriel Magahelse has transformed into one of the best centre-backs in world football, and on form, the best in the league.

On top of being a “colossus” at the back, as dubbed by Adam Keys, the Brazilian is a force of nature in the opposition’s penalty area and, in the league alone, has already amassed a tally of two assists and one goal in ten appearances.

Another defender who stands a good chance of featuring in the team, so long as he remains fit, is Riccardo Calafiori.

The Italian international has added an element of the unpredictable to the Gunners’ team, and his ability to pop up all over the pitch has seen journalist James Benge label him “the most electrifying man in sports entertainment.”

While not quite shoo-ins, William Saliba and Martin Zubimendi also stand a great chance of making it.

Finally, someone who should be the first name in the midfield is Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain has been utterly sensational for the Gunners this term.

On top of breaking up opposition attacks with ease, the Englishman’s passing has been world-class, and it is hard to think of a better dead-ball specialist in European football, let alone the Premier League.

However, with all that said, there is another Arsenal star who not only should be in the Team of the Season but also in contention for Player of the Season.

The Arsenal star in line for Player of the Season

Now, you could make the argument for several Arsenal stars here, but as things stand, Jurrien Timber has arguably been the team’s best player this season.

The Dutchman had an impressive personal campaign last season, cementing himself as one of the best lockdown full-backs in the league, but has, in the words of Arteta, reached a “different dimension” entirely this year.

On top of being a brick wall at the back, notably delivering a “monster” performance in the words of Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley against Madrid last season, the former Ajax star has become a seriously dangerous attacking outlet.

For example, in the league alone, he has already scored two goals and provided two assists in just ten appearances.

However, his influence cannot be measured purely in terms of output, as he’s become far more accomplished at overlapping with Bukayo Saka on the right.

More than that, though, he’s also starting to take on opposition defenders in central areas, with him going on a couple of mazy runs against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night.

However, if you are still unconvinced, you only need to take a look under the hood at his underlying numbers.

Through Balls

0.91

Top 1%

Goals

0.23

Top 4%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.23

Top 4%

Tackles

3.52

Top 4%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.25

Top 4%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.80

Top 4%

xG: Expected Goals

0.23

Top 7%

Progressive Passes

6.02

Top 7%

Shots on Target

0.57

Top 7%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.59

Top 7%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.18

Top 7%

Touches (Att Pen)

3.64

Top 7%

Goals + Assists

0.34

Top 9%

Shots Total

1.25

Top 9%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in the league for through balls, the top 4% for non-penalty goals, tackles, and penalties won, the top 7% for progressive passes, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’s still early in the season, Timber has not only been Arsenal’s best player, but arguably the best in the league.

Therefore, he should be the leading candidate for the Player of the Season.

He's like Saka & Odegaard: Arsenal star is one of the "best in the world"

The incredible international is starting to perform like Saka & Odegaard for Arteta & Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 5, 2025

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was a dealt a significant blow last weekend after in-form summer signing Noni Madueke injured his knee in the 1-1 draw with Man City on Sunday, meaning he could now miss up to eight weeks.

Noni Madueke set to miss at least 10 Arsenal games after injury

The 23-year-old hadn’t managed a goal or assist in Gunners colours prior to his lay-off, but it’s safe to say Madueke has been Andrea Berta’s most impressive summer coup thus far alongside young defender Cristhian Mosquera.

While Mosquera seriously impressed in William Saliba’s absence, Madueke was being a menace for full-backs in the attacking areas – with his burst of pace, trickery and inventiveness in the final third showing exactly why Arsenal splashed £52 million on his signature.

There were huge question marks aimed at Arteta and Berta’s decision to sign the England international after a mixed spell at Chelsea, including from Gary Neville, but the Sky Sports pundit is now among critics to admit they were wrong.

The ex-Eredivisie sensation could have hardly asked for a better start to life at the Emirates Stadium, putting the ‘#NotToMadueke’ movement firmly to rights, but he’s now set to miss a host of crucial games for Arsenal.

Madueke managed to avoid an ACL tear, which in itself is excellent news. However, the winger could be out for a maximum of two months and a minimum of six weeks, meaning he won’t be available for at least 10 games.

The games Noni Madueke will miss after knee injury	Date	Competition
Port Vale (away)	September 24	Carabao Cup
Newcastle (away)	September 28	Premier League
Olympiacos (home)	October 1	Champions League
West Ham (home)	October 4	Premier League
Fulham (away)	October 18	Premier League
Atletico Madrid (home)	October 21	Champions League
Crystal Palace (home)	October 26	Premier League
Burnley (away)	November 1	Premier League
Slavia Prague (away)	November 4	Champions League
Sunderland (away)	November 8	Premier League

There is a chance Madueke will be back for the North London derby against Tottenham in November, and Arteta will be optimistic that is indeed the case as he seeks to end Arsenal’s two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

Arsenal also without Piero Hincapie after groin injury

Madueke isn’t the only summer signing with fitness issues either, with Arteta now confirming that defender Piero Hincapie has picked up a groin injury.

The Ecuador international was a surprise absentee from Arsenal’s matchday squad against City, and their manager has shared why.

The 23-year-old was signed with Mosquera as a quality back-up for Saliba and Gabriel, not to mention a defender who can play full-back as well.

Hincapie is highly-rated after two impressive seasons with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, and was a regular in Xabi Alonso’s famous, domestically unbeaten double-winning side from 2024.

Hincapie has barely played since joining from Leverkusen on loan with a £45 million option to buy, so he’ll be looking to convince Berta he’s worthy of the purchase option at the earliest opportunity once fit and available.

Gus Poyet has told a crucial Chelsea star that he might need to join Real Madrid or Barcelona for one key reason, with the former Stamford Bridge star sending a clear message.

Chelsea prepare for Liverpool as Enzo Maresca without up to eight stars

Enzo Maresca is without up to eight first-team players for their visit of Premier League title rivals Liverpool on Saturday.

The Italian won’t be able to count on star forward Cole Palmer, who remains absent with a niggling groin injury, but seven other men could also miss their face-off against Arne Slot’s side.

Alongside Palmer and Chalobah, while Maresca was cryptic in his update, it is likely the other players he’s referring to are Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Andrey Santos.

Maresca has been left absolutely bereft of central defensive options ahead of Liverpool, meaning he’ll most likely choose to play Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato at the heart of Chelsea’s defence ahead of youngster Josh Acheampong.

Chelsea are now paying the price for not signing a centre-back in the last transfer window, despite Maresca’s wishes and spending the second-most money of any Premier League side behind this weekend’s opponents.

However, BlueCo are reportedly working on a potential defender deal for January as their priority (Pete O’Rourke).

The Premier League’s biggest summer spenders

Team

Spent

Received

Net Spend

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Marc Guehi’s camp have received contact from Chelsea this week ahead of a potential winter swoop, according to Simon Phillips, but the England international also has Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid and Barça hot on his trail with the Englishman’s contract expiring next year.

While the addition of a new defender is vital, so is keeping Palmer out of the clutches of Europe’s biggest sides.

Gus Poyet tells Cole Palmer to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid or Barcelona

The England star has been a revelation since joining from Man City in 2023, spearheading the team as their main attacking vocal point, which is widely seen as over-reliance on Palmer at times.

The £130,000-per-week superstar is arguably nailed on to win the coveted Balon d’Or in future if he stays on this trajectory, but according to Poyet, he needs to quit Stamford Bridge for that to happen.

Speaking to GOAL, Poyet urged Palmer to leave Chelsea for Real or Barça, in order to give himself the best chance of claiming the award.

Only two players have won the Ballon d’Or in the last 17 years — Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 and Rodri in 2024 — so Poyet could have a point.

The City midfielder’s prize shows it is not impossible for Premier League stars to clinch the award in this day and age, so Palmer could still have a real shot if he remains in West London, but he’ll have to play out of his skin.

Rodri was cut and above the best defensive midfield player in Europe when he was awarded the honour, starting nearly all of City’s most crucial games in 23/24, and this came right after his winning goal against Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final to gift the Sky Blues a treble.

The bar is set rather high for Palmer, and he’ll arguably need to achieve similar feats at Chelsea to stand any chance.

Italian goalkeeper Lamberto Boranga became the country's oldest-ever football player at the age of 82 as he made his debut for seventh-tier USD Trevana. Boranga, who started his professional career more than six decades ago in 1961, briefly played with former Real Madrid and current Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, when the 66-year-old was plying his trade for Parma.

Boranga returned to football after six years

Boranga, who last played professional football at Marottese in 2019, has returned to the pitch six years later after signing for seventh-tier Italian club Trevana. He made his debut at the age of 82 against Foligno. Unfortunately, Trevana conceded 10 goals in the match as the veteran was replaced midway through the game by a 26-year-old stopper. However, he only conceded half of the total goals his team shipped.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'I made three or four good saves'

Speaking to reporters after the match, Boranga defended his performance by claiming he did make a couple of quality stops, although he admitted to making mistakes in two instances. He said: "I made two mistakes. But I made three or four good saves."

Boranga's lengthy professional career

Boranga's football journey began at Perugia in 1961, after which he played for clubs like Fiorentina, Brescia and Parma, before announcing his retirement in 1993. However, he came out of retirement after 16 years to play amateur football, which he again quit in 2019. At 82, he has came out of retirement for the second time, after Trevana came calling.

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Getty ImagesBoranga played alongside Ancelotti

Boranga spent three seasons at Parma from 1978 to 1980. During the same time, former Real Madrid, Chelsea and current Brazil manager Ancelotti was starting his professional career after coming through the ranks of of the storied club. In his maiden season and Ancelotti's final season with the Italian side in the 1978-79 campaign, the duo crossed paths.

Shashank Singh was only ten-balls old at the crease. At the other end, with one over to go in Punjab Kings’ innings against Gujarat Titans, was his captain Shreyas Iyer on 97. He was the set batter, having hit nine sixes, and he had never scored an IPL hundred.But Shashank said he was told “to hit every ball for a four and a six,” and not to think about giving Shreyas strike. He did just that, scoring five fours to take 23 runs off the final over to lead PBKS to 243 for 5 in their IPL 2025 opener, a total that was only 11 runs too many for GT’s chase.”I didn’t see the scoreboard to be very honest, but after the first ball I hit, I saw the scoreboard and Shreyas was on 97,” Shashank said after the match. “I was going to ask him if I should take a single or something but he only came and told me to not worry about his hundred. It takes a lot of heart and courage to say that because obviously hundreds don’t come easily in T20, especially in IPL. That gave me even more confidence.”Related

• Gill lauds Impact Player Vyshak for stifling GT's chase: 'Not easy delivering those yorkers'

• Shreyas Iyer's IPL best leads PBKS to winning start

Iyer and Shashank added an unbeaten 81 off just 28 balls to help PBKS score 77 off the last four overs. Iyer, batting at No. 3 for the first time in the IPL since 2022, faced just four balls in the last three overs of the innings. Shashank scored 44 off 16, while Iyer finished unbeaten on 97 off 42.”It’s a team game we all know, but then in those situations, it’s difficult to be that selfless but Shreyas was one,” Shashank, who began his domestic career with Mumbai before moving to Chhattisgarh, said. “I know him for the past 15 years, he is the same. He told me just to be calm, to play cricketing shots that I usually play, to maintain my balance and by God’s grace, I think we had a good finish.”Shashank Singh and Shreyas Iyer added 81 in just 28 balls•IPL

GT were faced with pulling off the second-highest chase in the IPL, but Sai Sudharsan kept them on course with 74 off 41 balls. Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford also kept the big hits coming as GT scored 87 runs in the six overs between 9 and 14. The ask of 75 off 36 balls seemed achievable with heavy dew hindering the bowlers, until PBKS’ Impact Player Vijaykumar Vyshak bowled an incredible spell.Vyshak conceded just ten runs in his first two overs, bowling ten dot balls, and PBKS strung together three overs without conceding a boundary. GT couldn’t recover from the slowdown.”Shreyas is someone who works on instincts as a captain. That’s why he’s one of the best captains in in in the world right now,” Shashank said. “Even I feel that that was the right time to get Vyshak and the way he bowled… in the bowling meeting, we usually plan all those things. So this was a planned thing. The way he executed the plan was commendable. Those were the hard overs he bowled because there was some dew.”These are the moments you have to win. Vyshak came and he nailed it. It is very difficult to bowl those yorkers but he did his job to perfection and kudos to him.”

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O que já está ruim… pode ficar pior! Após o Santos não conseguir conquistar uma vitória sequer nos últimos cinco compromissos do Brasileirão, o Peixe pode terminar a próxima rodada na zona de rebaixamento.

Até 70% OFF em produtos do Peixe para os torcedores fanáticos!

Pela 12ª rodada, o Alvinegro Praiano, que está na 13ª colocação do campeonato, irá encarar o Flamengo, que ocupa a 4ª posição da tabela. Apesar do jogo ser em casa, o Peixe não poderá contar com o apoio da sua torcida na tentativa de conquistar o triunfo por conta da confusão que a torcida santista protagonizou no clássico contra o Corinthians.

+ Flamengo encaminha acerto com Allan, clube italiano quer Marcos Leonardo… o Dia do Mercado!

Se o clube não vencer, o time pode terminar a rodada na 17ª posição da tabela, ou seja, dentro do Z-4. Esse cenário será possível se Bahia, Corinthians, Cuiabá e Goiás vencerem seus respectivos jogos.

Neste sábado, o Corinthians enfrenta o Athletico-PR e quer embalar a segunda vitória fora de casa após derrotar o Santos. No mesmo dia, Bahia e Fluminense se encaram no Maracanã. No domingo, o Goiás duela contra o RB Bragantino, no Nabi Abi Chedid, e, por fim, o Cuiabá, na segunda-feira, viaja até o Rio de Janeiro para concluir a rodada.

Caso o Santos seja derrotado por goleada no domingo, Corinthians, Bahia e Cuiabá poderão ultrapassar e empurrar o clube do litoral paulista para perto zona de rebaixamento com apenas um empate. Vale lembrar que o Flamengo venceu o Peixe nos últimos três confrontos que teve na Vila Belmiro, incluindo um 4 a 0 na temporada 2021.

Celtic are now “ramping up their pursuit” of a “really impressive” player this summer, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has claimed.

Celtic "lack ambition" in transfer market

Time is running out for the Hoops to make more signings, and while they are again primed to win the Scottish Premiership title this season, new additions are still needed in the new week or so.

Brendan Rodgers hasn’t been overly happy with this summer at Parkhead, and now Celtic podcaster Paul John Dyke has echoed the thoughts of the manager in an interview with Sky Sports News.

“Brendan Rodgers is the only spokesperson at Celtic at the moment, I think he’s becoming frustrated answering the same questions every day when it comes to recruitment. Why can’t we get the deals over the line? This is a big issue. As fans, I think we’re balanced.

“I think they look at it and say, well, some players will be hedging their bets to see if Celtic get into the Champions League proper and I totally understand that, but Celtic need to be decisive in the transfer market. I think that we lack ambition. I don’t think that the boardroom has the same ambition as Brendan Rodgers and certainly the same ambition as a lot of the fans.”

It would be a surprise if Celtic failed to conduct any more incoming transfer business before the end of August, with a new transfer claim now emerging.

Celtic increase efforts to sign young attacker

According to an update from Joseph on X, Celtic have now held “fresh talks” over the signing of £5m-rated Go Ahead Eagles attacking midfielder Jakob Breum.

Breum could be just what the Hoops are looking for this summer, with the 21-year-old seen as not only a key figure from the off, but also a young player who is capable of reaching further heights in the coming years.

He has been capped for Denmark across four different youth levels, making a total of 21 caps for his country, while content creator Antonio Mango has described him as “really impressive”, also mentioning his versatility.

Denmark Under-21s

6

0

Denmark Under-19s

9

7

Denmark Under-18s

2

2

Denmark Under-17s

4

0

While £5m is far from cheap for Celtic, Breum has the long-term potential to make that look like a bargain over time, and Rodgers’ mood will likely improve if the club strike a deal for the youngster.