Gannon and Rocchiccioli lead Western Australia's surge to Sheffield Shield hat-trick

Tasmania were bundled out in a session on the fourth day as the hosts cemented their standing as a domestic powerhouse

Tristan Lavalette24-Mar-2024Cameron Gannon and Corey Rocchiccioli tore through Tasmania late on day four as Western Australia clinched a hat-trick of Sheffield Shield titles with a crushing victory at the WACA.Needing an implausible 538 runs on a tricky surface, Tasmania lasted just 40.5 overs and were bowled out for 160 as they lost 5 for 18.Related

'This means more to me than the other two' – Paris pushes his limits to help WA to a Shield hat-trick

Rocchiccioli fights off flu to elevate his case to be Lyon's heir

Sheffield Shield team of the season: Webster, Davies, McAndrew… and who else?

'It's a difficult job' – Gannon prepares for Shield final after a career on the fringe

Live Report: Western Australia vs Tasmania, Sheffield Shield final: WA aiming for hat-trick

Gannon, a fringe bowler for most of his long career, starred with a five-wicket haul, while Rocchiccioli finished with 3 for 55.Tasmania imploded against a withering new-ball spell from Gannon and Joel Paris left them at 26 for 3 after the wickets of Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim and Caleb Jewell.Any chance of a miracle ended when Beau Webster, the Shield’s leading run-scorer, fell late in the day as Tasmania’s forlorn chase ended rather tamely. Needing an outright victory to end an 11-year drought, Tasmania played aggressively but they never really had a realistic shot against WA’s brilliant attack.WA cemented themselves as Australian domestic cricket’s powerhouse after an almost flawless performance. It was only the second three-peat over the past 20 years and WA’s first since the late 1980s. WA are the only team to have won three in a row concurrently in the Shield and Marsh Cup.WA completely dominated all facets of the match, while Tasmania appeared overmatched having missed their chance of hosting the final after a last round loss to South Australia.Resuming at 221 for 3, WA’s blueprint was to bat for the long haul in a bid to totally shut Tasmania out of the contest. Hilton Cartwright and Aaron Hardie appeared to be doing just that as they motored to a century partnership.Matthew Wade walks off after his last first-class innings•Getty ImagesTasmania appeared to be going through the motions until the second new ball, but Webster provided a much-needed tonic with a spectacular diving one-handed catch at leg-slip to dismiss Hardie for 47 off Jarrod Freeman.Webster was in the thick of the action and rode a rollercoaster of emotions. He dropped Cooper Connolly at slip and was left exasperated when the bail did not dislodge after bowling a cracker to Cartwright that hit the top of off stump. The WA players on the team’s balcony could not believe their eyes, with a few of them rushing into the room to watch a replay.Webster made amends by holding on to an edge from Connolly as he threw the ball high in the air in celebration. Tasmania bowled a much better length and produced the type of disciplined effort they lacked for much of WA’s first innings.But Cartwright, who made a half-century in the first innings, defied Tasmania and continued his knack for the big stage having made a match-winning half-century in last month’s Marsh Cup final. Cartwright was hoping to end a lean season with a century, but fell agonisingly short when Webster had the last laugh with a delivery that trapped him lbw on the stroke of lunch.Tasmania had hoped to be batting in the second session, but were left frustrated by WA’s more than capable lower order. Tasmania’s earlier spark eroded as they toiled under the sun as WA’s lead raced past 500.Charlie Stobo added to Western Australia’s inroads•Getty ImagesBut Tasmania were left spooked by the dismissals of Charlie Stobo, who was bowled by a delivery that crept low, and Paris that reared off the surface.Tasmania’s agony was finally over by tea, but they were soon reeling at the crease with Wade nicking off Gannon in the second over. The dismissal ended the red-ball career of Wade, who received a standing ovation from some of the WACA faithful.Gannon and Paris bowled menacingly with the new ball as Jewell and Wakim fell in successive overs. WA sniffed a victory before the close, but Silk and Doran steadied the ship with a 62-run partnership. They managed to blunt the spin of Rocchiccioli and scored relatively quickly with WA boasting an expectedly attacking field.But Silk and Doran succumbed as the sparse sprinkling of fans in the terraces – with many fans having earlier left for the AFL match at nearby Optus Stadium – suddenly were getting excited.They were at fever pitch when Webster and Freemon fell in the same over from the unwavering Gannon as the extra 30 minutes was taken.WA were not to be denied as Paris claimed a spectacular catch to seal a famous triumph.

Remo x Corinthians: onde assistir ao jogo válido pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil

MatériaMais Notícias

da apostebet: Remo e Corinthians se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (12), às 21h30, no estádio Mangueirão, pelo jogo de ida da terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. A partida terá transmissão no Sportv e Premiere.

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da betsul: + Com Barletta, Corinthians chega a 19 reforços na gestão de Duílio; relembre todos os reforços

O Timão, finalista na última edição da Copa do Brasil, vem embalado para o confronto após estrear na Libertadores com vitória por 3 a 1 sobre o Liverpool-URU, em Montevideo.

+ Guia Corinthians: onde assistir, análise dos adversários e tudo sobre o Timão na Libertadores

Já o Remo vem de derrota para o rival Paysandu, no Campeonato Paraense, mas sonha com uma vitória sobre a equipe de Fernando Lázaro. O Leão Azul já eliminou o Vitória-ES e o São Luiz da competição.

As duas equipes voltam a se enfrentar após 27 anos. O último encontro foi justamente na Copa do Brasil, nas oitavas de final de 1996. Após empate sem gols em Sorocaba, o Timão avançou pela regra do gol fora, já que o jogo no Mangueirão terminou 1 a 1. A partida ficou marcada pelo gol contra bizarro do atacante Castor nos minutos finais do confronto.

+ Veja tabela e todos os confrontos pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil

REMO X CORINTHIANS
COPA DO BRASIL – TERCEIRA FASE – IDA
Local: Estádio Mangueirão, em Belém, Pará
Data e hora: 12 de abril de 2023, às 21h30
Árbitro:Ramon Abatti Abel-SC (FIFA)
Assistentes:Kleber Lucio Gil-SC eEder Alexandre-SC
Quarto Árbitro:Djonaltan Costa de Araujo-PA
Árbitro de vídeo:Rodrigo Carvalhaes de Miranda-RJ
Onde assistir: Sportv, Premiere e no tempo real do LANCE!

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Dream Gyokeres alternative: Nottingham Forest plotting move for £40m star

da gbg bet: Nottingham Forest have exceeded the expectations set by everyone ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Champions League football firmly on the cards.

da fazobetai: Nuno Espírito Santo has masterminded the Reds to third place in England’s top flight, boasting a five-point gap to sixth place with just seven league outings remaining.

The thought of welcoming Europe’s elite to the City Ground was a distant dream for supporters after two near-misses with relegation after promotion, but such hopes could come to fruition in the coming months.

Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspirito Santo is seen before the match

However, if they are to be competitive in Europe and the Premier League next season, additions are desperately needed, handing Nuno the squad depth to rotate when needed.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis has wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for 2025/26, with one name remerging on their shortlist after previous interest in his signature last summer.

Nottingham Forest plot move for £40m talisman this summer

According to TBR, Forest are plotting a summer move for Evanilson after his impressive debut campaign in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

The Brazilian, who joined the Cherries for £40m last summer, has scored 11 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, sitting as their second top scorer behind Justin Kluivert.

It’s not the first time the Reds have targeted the 25-year-old, after being firmly in the race for his signature just under 12 months ago before his subsequent move to the Vitality.

The report claims that Newcastle and Aston Villa are also in the race for Evanilson’s signature, with Nuno looking for reinforcements whilst also trying to move Taiwo Awoniyi on this window.

It’s unclear whether Andoni Iraola’s side would be open to parting ways with their star striker, but he could provide an alternative to one other forward currently on Marinakis’ radar.

Why Evanilson would be the perfect Gyokeres alternative

As a result of their impressive form, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has emerged on Forest’s radar, with the Portuguese side demanding £60m to part with their star man.

The Swedish international has been in incredible goalscoring form since his move from Coventry City back in the summer of 2023, registering 87 goals in his 94 appearances.

However, despite their interest, the Reds aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 26-year-old this summer, with Arsenal and Manchester United also in the race for the forward.

Given the nature of the clubs also keen on the talisman, the Forest hierarchy could turn their attention to Evanilson in the coming months, with the Cherries attacker a more than capable alternative.

When comparing his figures with Gyokeres from the ongoing campaign, he’s managed to match or better the Swede in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.

How Evanilson compares to Gyokeres in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

Evanilson

Gyokeres

Games played

25

27

Goals & assists

9

37

Shot-on-target accuracy

49%

40%

Shots on target per 90

1.5

1.3

Take-on success

32%

27%

Fouls won

2.1

1.6

Aerials won

38%

30%

Stats via FBref

The “world-class” Cherries ace, as dubbed by content creator Kirk Tovey, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists than Gyokeres, but has managed more shots on target per 90 at a higher accuracy rate – showcasing his accuracy in the final third.

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also winning more of the aerial duels he’s contested, offering a more all-round centre-forward option than the Sporting star.

Whilst the Swedish international undoubtedly remains as many of the supporter’s first-choice attacking signing this summer, a deal for Evanilson would be just as impressive as seen by the numbers procured this year.

Investment will be needed in various areas of the first-team squad throughout the upcoming window, with funds needed elsewhere, potentially leading the Reds to pursue a move for the Brazilian sensation.

£25m release clause: Nottingham Forest join hectic race for "superb" star

They could trigger his release clause.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 7, 2025

Chelsea's £100m star in the making has very quickly become a liability

Chelsea’s landslide in form since the winter has left Enzo Maresca and, indeed, all of a Blues persuasion resigned to the fact the Conference League lies as the club’s major objective for the business months.

The paucity of genuine competition in Europe’s third multi-country tier will temper any celebrations that may spring from claiming the trophy, but it would still be progress and a springboard from which the project could leap from.

While seventh-place Chelsea are still in contention for Champions League qualification, a stone’s throw behind Manchester City in the top four, the performances in recent months have left plenty to be desired.

Chelsea'sNicolasJacksonlooks dejected after AFC Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert score

Cole Palmer isn’t at his free-scoring best right now, but Chelsea have a range of players currently punching below their weight. Indeed, Levi Colwill will know that he has much to improve on – especially after erstwhile claims he was on his way to becoming a £100m player.

Why Colwill was being valued at £100m

Colwill is only 21 years old and has played an important role since graduating from the Cobham academy and then impressing on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion. For Chelsea, he’s now made 56 senior appearances.

The England international’s positional fluidity and natural ball-playing style quickly established him as one of English football’s most exciting young defenders, and he was duly rewarded with an important role under Mauricio Pochettino.

So exciting was his development that Liverpool and French giants Paris Saint-Germain expressed interest in making the signing, though Chelsea issued a stern response by placing a whopping £100m price tag on their homegrown ace, which would have made him the most expensive defender in history.

Every Premier League club's record sale (timeless)

Last season, Chelsea reporter Simon Phillips described Colwill as “absolutely different class” when placed at centre half.

However, he’s struggled for consistency and authority under Maresca’s wing, with such lofty price tag claims a far cry from his current level.

Colwill's performances for Enzo Maresca

By and large, Colwill has flattered to deceive over the past several months. However, it’s important to note that with Wesley Fofana injured, the young ace has been placed alongside a host of different partners, thus affecting his and Chelsea’s fluency.

However, some of the Englishman’s lapses simply cannot be defended, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even going as far as to brand him “inexcusable” in relation to some of his defensive efforts.

His positioning has indeed left plenty to be desired, with Chelsea’s defeat at the AMEX earlier this month laying bare the weak side of Colwill’s game, with pundit Gary Neville particularly scathing of his display, labelling it as a “really bad” one.

Though the Blues man has still managed to showcase many exciting qualities this season, his error-streaked season has proved that Chelsea’s former price tag is perhaps not reflective of his current level.

Last term, Colwill played the lion’s share of his top-flight football on the left side of the backline, whereas this year he has exclusively been used as a centre-back by Maresca. However, he looks shaky and has struggled to uphold the same level of defensive security.

Levi Colwill in the Premier League for Chelsea

Match Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

23 (20)

24 (24)

Goals

1

0

Assists

1

1

Clean sheets

4

4

Touches*

62.5

87.5

Pass completion

83%

90%

Tackles + interceptions*

3.2

2.3

Clearances*

2.8

3.1

Ground duels (won)*

3.0 (63%)

2.0 (55%)

Aerial battles (won)*

1.9 (69%)

2.3 (61%)

Errors made

0

4

Stats via Sofascore

Given that he’s reportedly earning £100k per week, it’s not good enough. Chelsea are bereft of options in central defence at the moment but Colwill could benefit from being withdrawn to recuperate for a time.

In any case, he’s got work to do before building himself up to that level which Chelsea clearly believe he can reach. Time – at least – is on his side.

Nkunku & Jackson upgrade: Chelsea may rue selling Eghbali's world-class CF

As Chelsea struggles in front of goal continue, do the Blues regret selling a “world-class” striker currently outperforming Christopher Nkunku?

By
Ben Gray

Feb 23, 2025

Priyadharshani stars as Sri Lanka cruise into semis; Bangladesh advance after washout

Thailand were restricted to 78 for 7 before Sri Lanka aced the chase; Bangladesh’s game against Hong Kong abandoned with a ball bowled

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Sep-2023Inoshi Priyadharshani’s career-best returns of 4 for 10 backed up by a quick 32 from Anushka Sanjeewani helped Sri Lanka brush aside Thailand by eight wickets and advance to the semi-finals of the Asian Games in Hangzhou.Chasing 79 in the rain-reduced 15-overs-a-side quarter-final, Sri Lanka coasted to a win in 10.5 overs.Rain and a wet outfield had delayed the start of the game by close to an hour-and-a-half. Once the weather cleared, Sri Lanka opted to field under grey skies.Udeshika Prabodhani found some movement in the air, but it was Priyadharshani who inflicted the early damage, accounting for four of the first five wickets to fall. She struck twice in her first over – the second of the innings – dismissing Suwanan Khiaoto and Natthakan Chantham. In her next over, she removed Nannapat Koncharoenkai before accounting for Naruemol Chaiwai with a smart caught and bowled.At 37 for 6, Thailand were sinking rapidly but a 29-run stand between Chanida Sutthiruang and Phannita Maya arrested the slide a touch. Sutthiruang top-scored with an unbeaten 31 and was the only batter to get into double-digits as Thailand managed to reach 78 for 7 in 15 overs.Chamari Athapaththu and Sanjeewani then made light work of the chase. They brought up their 50 partnership in the sixth over before Thipatcha Putthawong accounted for Athapaththu, who top edged a slog sweep to mid-on.Putthawong also removed Sanjeewani but the damage had been done by then. Thailand were not helped by their ground fielding; they committed a number of misfields and dropped chances. Harshitha Samarawickrama closed the game in the 11th over with a pull over deep square leg.Sri Lanka will face Pakistan in the second semi-final on Sunday.Bangladesh advance to semi-final after washoutRain had the final say in the fourth quarter-final of the Asian Games, with the Bangladesh-Hong Kong game getting washed out without a ball being bowled. As a result, Bangladesh have qualified for the semi-final as they have a higher seeding and will now face India in the first semi-final on Sunday.Three out of the four quarter-final games have been abandoned, while the other game was reduced to a 15-overs-a-side affair because of persistent rain.The India-Bangladesh semi-final serves as a tantalising prospect given the recent history between the two sides. India had toured Bangladesh for a three-match T20I and ODI series in July this year. While India won the T20Is 2-1, the ODI series ended in a 1-1 draw and was followed by huge controversies surrounding the umpiring. The incidents also saw India captain Harmanpreet Kaur being fined and handed four demerit points for her outbursts, which meant she had to miss the first two matches at the Asian Games.

Wolves make first move to sign new £29m striker who could replace Cunha

With Matheus Cunha possibly heading for the exit door in the summer transfer window, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly made contact over a potential move to sign a replacement.

Wolves transfer news

He has single-handedly dragged them away from the bottom three at times this season and still stayed put in the January transfer window, but a big move is awaiting Cunha. Whether it’s the Premier League’s top six or one of Europe’s top clubs outside of English football, the Brazilian looks destined to return to the top for the first time since a disappointing Atletico Madrid spell.

Just how Wolves replace their star man remains to be seen, but they’ll likely have £62.5m to do so if his next potential club decide to trigger his hefty release clause when the summer arrives.

All things considered, it’s looking increasingly likely that those in the Midlands are in for quite the transfer window and one that they must simply get right if they are to avoid a disaster. It’s one that they are already reportedly preparing for too, setting their sights on one potential Cunha replacement.

Wolves tracking "tremendous" £12m ace who's "a cut above" his current level

The Old Gold have set their sights on a defender ahead of the summer transfer window.

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 19, 2025

According to Calcio Mercato, Wolves have made contact to sign Yuri Alberto from Corinthians this summer. The Brazilian side reportedly value their striker at just €35m (£29m), handing the Molineux club the chance to spend just half of the potential fee that they could receive for Cunha in the coming months.

They’re not alone in the race for Alberto’s signature, however, with Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest also battling to welcome the 23-year-old alongside Fulham and West Ham United. Amid such interest, it’s Wolves who will hope to have new-found spending power to secure Alberto’s arrival and potentially replace star man Cunha.

"Quick" Alberto could replace Cunha

Swapping one Brazilian for another, Alberto could arrive in the Midlands and instantly pick up where Cunha potentially leaves off this summer. Although the 23-year-old has endured a slow start in the current campaign – scoring three times in 10 games – all it takes is one look at Alberto’s numbers in the previous campaign to realise just how clinical he can be.

Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto

Scoring 31 goals and assisting another seven in 57 games last season, the Corinthians star is more than ready for a move to a European club. Praised for his “quick reactions and determination” by analyst Ben Mattinson last summer, Alberto righty remains one to watch.

It would be quite the coup for Wolves if they managed to win such a busy race, but it’s crucial that they do welcome a replacement for Cunha if he does depart this summer. Just where they would be without a player of his calibre is not a question they’ll want answering.

'It’s what happens in every country' – Toluca's Héctor Herrera calls for return of promotion and relegation in Liga MX

The Guardianes 2020 tournament marked the end of promotion and relegation in Mexican Football

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  • Herrera is in his first semester back in Liga MX after his time in Europe and MLS
  • He has played in 11 of 17 games in this 2025 Clausura
  • 'HH' has only logged 444 minutes
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  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Héctor Herrera is in his first semester back in Liga MX after his time in Europe and MLS. Now playing for Toluca – who will compete in the after finishing as leaders of the Clausura 2025 – the former Houston Dynamo midfielder took time to speak about one of Liga MX’s most pressing issues: the promotion and relegation system. This topic has resurfaced in recent weeks following the possibility of its return in 2026.

    "The most attractive thing would be to have promotion and relegation. That’s how it works in most countries, but well, there’s nothing I can do, and I prefer not to get involved in that controversy," Herrera said in an interview with Fox Sports.

    The tournament marked the end of promotion and relegation in Mexican football—a decision made by league officials following the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, a five-year freeze was established, with heavy fines imposed on the bottom teams during that period.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The topic of promotion and relegation had gone largely unnoticed for several years, but it has recently regained momentum, especially as several teams in the Liga de Expansión have made significant investments to be considered for promotion to the top division. This renewed interest comes amid the declining level of play in Liga MX in recent years, where teams at the bottom of the table are only required to pay a financial penalty. The argument being made is that reintroducing promotion and relegation would strengthen competition and give deserving teams the opportunity to move up – a system that exists in most countries around the world, except in Mexico and the United States.

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT HÉCTOR HERRERA SAID

    In the same interview, the midfielder also shared his thoughts on the lack of Mexican players making the move to Europe: “I still don’t understand why there aren’t more players in Europe when there’s so much quality. We’re seeing it now – young players keep emerging who could have an opportunity, and that way, the Mexico National Team could continue to grow,” Herrera stated.

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT FOR TOLUCA?

    Antonio Mohamed’s team will visit Rayados this Wednesday for the first leg of the Liguilla Quarterfinals. By then, it will have been 18 days since last played an official match. The return leg will be held on Saturday at the Estadio Nemesio Diez.

Sussex revive promotion challenge and deal Leicestershire's a blow after dominating at Hove

Ari Karvelas takes 4-14 in Foxes’ collapse as Durham secure place in Division One

ECB Reporters Network11-Sep-2023

Ari Karvelas took season-best figures as Leicestershire were skittled for 108•Getty Images

Sussex revived their own promotion challenge and dealt Leicestershire’s a blow after dominating day two at Hove. Their seamers exploited a green-tinged pitch at the 1st Central County Ground to take eight wickets for just 40 runs in the morning session as Leicestershire were bundled out for 108 and conceded a first-innings deficit of 154.By taking just three bonus points, they also ensured that runaway leaders Durham will definitely be promoted from Division Two of the LV= Insurance County Championship next season with two games to spare.To join them Sussex probably need to win their three remaining matches, a tall order for a side with just one win all season – admittedly against Durham back in April. But their batters made sure their advantage wasn’t squandered.Tom Clark scored so far with 69 to help his side reach 234 for 5 at stumps, a lead of 388 with James Coles undefeated on 43.If Leicestershire do miss out on promotion they will reflect ruefully on a miserable collapse including a spell when they lost four wickets in 29 balls for just five runs after resuming on 68 for 2.First to go was Colin Ackermann, beaten by Indian left-armer Jaydev Unadkat’s late inswing. Undakat then moved one the other way to find Umar Amin’s edge and he was expertly backed up at the other end by Ari Karvelas, who finished with a season’s best 4 for 14 from 12 overs.Rehan Ahmed was athletically caught behind by the tumbling Ollie Carter poking outside off stump and Ben Cox shouldered arms in Karvelas’s next over.There was a recovery of sorts by opener Rishi Patel and Tom Scriven who survived nine overs before another collapse saw the last four wickets fall for 16 in 6.1 overs.Fynn Hudson-Prentice was rewarded for his exemplary wicket-to-wicket line as Scriven edged behind and Chris Wright lost his middle stump to an inswinger two balls later.Patel, who had watched six wickets fall at the other end on his way to 48, decided, with only the tail for company, to attack Karvelas but a mis-timed drive was superbly caught by Cheteshwar Pujara, running back from mid-on and hanging on to the ball at full stretch. Unadkat finished things off when Matt Salisbury slogged him high to mid-wicket.Tom Haines and Clark launched Sussex’s second innings with a stand of 49 but having done the hard work against the new ball Haines (34) frustratingly spliced a pull off Wright, who is joining Sussex next season, to mid-wicket.Ahmed was soon into a long spell down the slope and he picked up wickets either side of tea. Tom Alsop (31) unluckily played back but the ball rolled down onto his stumps while Clark, who batted for three hours for his 67 which included ten fours, was leg before to one that might have been sliding down the leg side.Leicestershire kept plugging away and Scriven took two wickets in the last hour. Cheteshwar Pujara under-edged a ball that was too close for him to cut, and wicketkeeper Cox pulled off an outstanding leg-side stumping to remove Carter, but it was a rare highlight on a sobering day for the Foxes.

Lamine Yamal admits it’s ‘incredible’ to follow in Neymar and Lionel Messi’s footsteps as wonderkid becomes latest inspiration for Barcelona fans

Lamine Yamal admits that it’s "incredible" to follow in Neymar and Lionel Messi’s footsteps as the wonderkid has become Barcelona’s inspiration.

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  • Yamal fuelling Barca's treble hopes
  • Has been sensational in front of goal
  • Has emerged as an idol to many
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    At just 17, Yamal has not only cemented his place in the starting lineup but has also become a beacon of hope for the Catalan giants as they pursue silverware on multiple fronts. With 14 goals and 22 assists across all competitions this season, the teenage sensation is playing a pivotal role in fuelling Barcelona's treble hopes – and the first of the three silverware will be up for grabs this Saturday during the Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Yamal’s performances have ignited a wave of admiration among supporters. His jersey has quickly become one of the most popular items at the club’s official store, and his name is frequently seen and chanted in the stands of the Olympic Stadium. The young winger admitted that seeing this kind of support is still a surreal experience.

  • WHAT YAMAL SAID

    Speaking to during a promotional appearance for Powerade’s "The 304" campaign—named after the neighbourhood he grew up in—Yamal said: "It's incredible. When I was a kid, I wore Neymar's shirts, Messi's jerseys, all these players, so seeing kids wearing my shirt means that I'm their inspiration, at least in football.

    "It's something I never thought would happen so fast: [seeing] those 13-year-old kids in the shirt of a kid who's only four years older than them. It is amazing. My mum always tells me to think about [the significance]; that it doesn't happen to just anyone, going somewhere and seeing a kid wearing your shirt. It is something that makes me very happy and is one of the things I like the most."

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Born in Rocafonda, a working-class neighbourhood in Mataró just north of Barcelona, Yamal’s journey has captured the imagination of football fans across Spain. Since debuting at just 15 years of age on April 29, 2023, his development has been nothing short of phenomenal. Within a short time, he’s not only broken into Barcelona’s senior squad but also earned recognition on the international stage.

    Yamal already boasts a European Championship victory with Spain and has received numerous individual honours. This past week, he was named Breakthrough of the Year at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards, adding to an already impressive haul that includes the Kopa Trophy and the prestigious Golden Boy award.

    "My parents were my references in everything," he added. "Everybody always tells me that I have a bit of my mum and a bit of my dad. I think that on the pitch I have a lot of my father and off the pitch I have a lot of my mother.

    "They are two people I have grown up with and they have taught me everything. They have fought for me. The affection my father has for me is unimaginable. Thanks to him I have learned the love that one has for the family, because he is a person that gives a lot of love to people. So I believe that everything I have and that I will have is thanks to them. I always say I will never be able to thank them fully, but I will try."

Samson, Gaikwad and Mukesh called up to India ODI squad for West Indies tour

Sanju Samson has earned a recall to India’s ODI squad for the three-match series in the Caribbean in July. With KL Rahul still in rehab for a thigh injury and Rishabh Pant in recovery after surviving a car crash in December, Samson is one of two wicketkeepers in the 17-member squad alongside Ishan Kishan.Related

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Ruturaj Gaikwad, whose only ODI so far came against South Africa in October last year, is also part of the squad along with the uncapped Mukesh Kumar. Most of the regulars in the frame for the ODI World Cup have been included in the Rohit Sharma-led squad. Hardik Pandya is the vice-captain.With Mohammed Shami rested, Mohammed Siraj is expected to spearhead a pace attack that also includes Jaydev Unadkat, Shardul Thakur, Mukesh and Umran Malik apart from the allrounder Hardik.Suryakumar Yadav, who occupied one of the middle order slots during the home ODIs against Australia in March, has been retained. Playing in the absence of Shreyas Iyer, who was out with a back injury, Suryakumar finished the series with three first-ball ducks, but bounced back with prolific returns in the IPL for Mumbai Indians.Washington Sundar, who was also part of the Australia series, has been left out, with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar preferred as the spin-bowling allrounders. Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav are the two frontline spinners.Samson will have an opportunity to add to his 11 ODI caps if the team management wants to play a keeper-batter suited to the middle order; Kishan typically bats higher up the order. Samson has so far scored 330 ODI runs in 10 innings at an average of 66.00, with two half-centuries. One of them came in a match-winning chase against West Indies in Port-of-Spain last year. Samson can also play as a specialist batter even if Kishan is picked as keeper.India ODI Squad: Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-capt), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar.

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