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The former Manchester United striker came off the bench to net the winner as Ronald Koeman's side came from behind in Hamburg to secure victory

Netherlands left it late to secure victory in their Euro 2024 opener as Wout Weghorst stepped off the bench to be the hero in the Dutch's 2-1 win over Poland in Group D on Sunday.

Ronald Koeman's side made an encouraging start in Hamburg, but fell behind against the run of play as Adam Buksa – who started for Poland in place of the injured Robert Lewandowski – headed home at the near post from a corner.

The Oranje reacted well to going behind, however, and Cody Gakpo provided the equaliser as the Liverpool forward drove inside from the left before his effort from 20 yards deflected in past Wojciech Szczesny.

The story of the game, however, looked like being Netherlands' profligacy in front of goal, as Gakpo, Memphis Depay, Xavi Simons, Denzel Dumfries and Stefan de Vrij were all guilty of missing presentable chances over the course of game. However, as the game entered its final 10 minutes, Weghorst was thrown on, and the ex-Manchester United striker needed just two minutes to latch onto Nathan Ake's deflected cross and fire a first-time finish past Szczesny.

GOAL rates the Netherlands' players from Volksparkstadion…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Bart Verbruggen (8/10):

  Had no chance with Buksa's goal but made a three decent saves when Poland launched rare attacks, the best of which came in the final minutes from Swiderski.

  Denzel Dumfries (4/10):

  Caught under the ball for Poland's opener and didn't offer much at either end of the field. Dutch need more from their marauding right-back.

  Stefan de Vrij (7/10):

  Preferred to De Ligt and looked assured in everything he did, especially when defending one-on-one. Did miss a decent headed chance from a corner in the final 20 minutes.

  Virgil van Dijk (6/10):

  Imposed himself physically and almost scored with a volley from a corner. Caught out of position a couple of times defensively, but was usually able to recover.

  Nathan Ake (9/10):

  Basically a third centre-back when the Netherlands were in possession, and made a couple of excellent interventions. Also caused problems when he did step forward, and he ended up with assists for both goals.

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  Midfield

  Jerdy Schouten (5/10):

  Neat and tidy but rarely took risks with the ball. Certainly a downgrade from the injured De Jong.

  Joey Veerman (4/10):

  A little sloppy in his passing and couldn't impose himself on the game. Booked before being replaced at the hour mark.

  Tijjani Reijnders (6/10):

  Always looked to make himself available and create in the final third, but not everything came off for the AC Milan man.

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  Attack

  Xavi Simons (5/10):

  Given license to drift inside but struggled to impose on himself on the game. Lashed a good chance wide before being substituted early in the second half.

  Memphis Depay (4/10):

  Some of his touches were mesmerising, but when it really counted, Depay couldn't provide. Wasted three presentable chances in front of goal, which almost proved decisive before Weghorst's heroics.

  Cody Gakpo (8/10):

  Netherlands' most potent attacking threat, the Liverpool forward drove at the Poland defence and caused problems with his dribbling and passing range. Deserved the luck which led to his goal.

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  Subs & Manager

  Georginio Wijnaldum (5/10):

  Struggled to have much impact on the game after replacing Veerman for the final 30 minutes.

  Donyell Malen (6/10):

  Offered an initial spark after replacing Simons early in the second half.

  Wout Weghorst (8/10):

  Instant impact with an excellent first-time finish. Starting to become a bit of a tournament specialist.

  Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):

  Caused problems with his pace. Perhaps should have been on before the 80th minute.

  Micky van de Ven (N/A):

  Thrown on to help shore up the defence after Weghorst's goal.

  Ronald Koeman (6/10):

  Questions will be asked of his selection and how his team mark from set-pieces, but eventually threw on the right combination of substitutes to get the job done.

Spinning allrounder was dropped after a poor showing at Edgbaston, where he was out-bowled by Nathan Lyon

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2019

Moeen Ali will take a short break from cricket after his omission from the England squad for the second Ashes Test at Lord’s this week.Moeen struggled badly in the first Test of the series, taking 2 for 130 in Australia’s second innings on a turning pitch and twice being dismissed cheaply by Nathan Lyon, who has now dismissed him in nine of his last 11 innings against Australia.He was left out of the squad for Lord’s in favour of Jack Leach, the Somerset left-arm spinner, and was expected to return to Worcestershire’s squads for the Vitality Blast.ALSO READ: The triumphs and travails of Moeen Ali’s Test careerInstead, Worcestershire announced that he would be stepping away from cricket for a “short break” after a “hectic and high-intensity period of international cricket” before linking up with the county again.Despite Moeen’s brief break, England’s captain Joe Root said that he remained integral to England’s long-term success, and backed him to bounce back after a spell in county cricket, just as he did against India last summer, when he returned to the side for the fourth Test at Southampton with a Player-of-the-Match-winning nine-wicket haul.”I spent a good while chatting to Mo, making sure he understood where he’s at, and where we’re at in terms of getting him back to his best,” said Root. “We felt it was best for him to play some county cricket, and perform well for Worcestershire.”Now, as he proved last summer, coming into that India series having a massive influence on it, there’s no reason why he can’t go back and do the same again, and try and force his way back into the squad.”You know, he’s been a big part of English cricket and he’s done some fantastic things in a Test shirt. And it’s certainly not the last we’ll see of him, he’s a fine character, a great man and gives so much to this team. I’m sure that it won’t be long until you see him back involved.”Worcestershire coach Alex Gidman said: “Mo is spending a little time away from the middle recharging his batteries and putting in some quality practice time which he feels he needs, and we completely respect. He has had an intense schedule of international cricket involving the ICC World Cup and the start of the Ashes.”Mo loves playing for Worcestershire and he gives a lift to everyone in the dressing room when he comes back and plays for us. We saw at Trent Bridge [in the Blast] what he gives to us and we look forward to when he returns soon.”The announcement, in addition to Adil Rashid’s season-ending shoulder injury, suggests that Leach is likely to be England’s spinner for much of the ongoing series – though it is possible Moeen could return for Sunday’s Championship match against Northamptonshire.Leach told the BBC this week that he had been in conversation with Moeen after the squad announcement.”Mo sent me a text wishing me all the best,” Leach said. “He said he hopes that I do really well. He’s been so supportive of me coming into this environment and helping me with my bowling. I actually told him to be ready for the third Test, so we had a little laugh.”

A classy all-round display from Mitchell Marsh helped Australia A to a comfortable win over Gloucestershire to remain undefeated on their tour of England.Marsh took three wickets and peeled off an unbeaten half-century as Australia A cruised to Gloucestershire’s underwhelming target with 47 balls to spare.Marsh has been working on his bowling with Western Australia and Australia A bowling coach Kade Harvey and it has been paid dividends. “At times when I try and bowl a little bit too fast, I jump in and have to bowl around myself, and I lose my control which certainly in one-day cricket it’s what I’m in the team for at any level,” he said. “I’m continually working on stuff. I feel like the ball is coming out of my hand really well at the moment. So hopefully that can continue.”Australia A’s chase got off to another rollicking start thanks once again to Matthew Wade. Following back-to-back centuries against Northamptonshire and Derbyshire, Wade clubbed 41 from 20 balls including three fours and four sixes. Will Pucovski was promoted to open alongside Wade and the pair’s 50-run stand came up inside six overs before Wade fell to Chris Liddle.Pucovski made a composed 51 and shared a 101-run third-wicket partnership with Peter Handscomb who top scored with 57. Liddle also picked up both Handscomb and Travis Head.Marsh entered with 92 runs still required and finished the job with ease. He hit five sixes in his unbeaten 51-ball 53 to help guide the side home.This followed his three-wicket haul earlier in the day. Marsh took the opening wicket of the morning and then returned to make the key breakthrough picking George Hankins after a 142-run stand with James Bracey.Hankins made 74 while Bracey top-scored with 83, but the innings fell away dramatically after Bracey’s dismissal in the 39th over. Gloucestershire scored just 52 runs in the last 12 overs. Marsh also nabbed skipper Jack Taylor and ran out Tom Price on the last ball of the innings.Josh Hazlewood bowled a impressively miserly spell taking 1 for 24 from 10 overs which included four maidens.

Rangers have reportedly been boosted in their efforts to sign a "superb" player in the January transfer window, due in part to Manchester United's potential upcoming business.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers have been linked with plenty of players this month, with Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig one individual who has stood out as a primary target, having initially burst onto the scene at Hibernian. The left-back is seen as a strong defensive option, but could be on his way to Marseille instead.

Similarly, Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland is also reportedly wanted by Rangers, with the 28-year-old midway through an excellent season for his current club – one that sees him topping the Scottish Premiership goalscoring charts in the process. He is seen as an alternative to Belgium international Michy Batshuayi.

Oscar Zambrano is also another option for the Scottish giants as well, with the 19-year-old Quito midfielder someone who could be considered a long-term addition.

Rangers given David Jurasek boost

Meanwhile, according to a new update from HITC, Rangers are eyeing a move to sign David Jurasek from Benica, with those at Ibrox fans of the left-back who cost £12m last summer. Manchester United loaning out Alvaro Fernandez to the Portuguese giants could also help Rangers.

"Premier League giants Manchester United are close to sending Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica on an £8.6 million loan-to-buy deal in a move which could open the door for David Jurasek to join Rangers. HITC Football understands that, with one of Manchester United’s brightest young talents on his way to the Portuguese capital, this could present an opportunity north of the border.

"HITC also understands that Fernandez’s arrival will open the door for fellow left-back David Jurasek to leave Benfica. Rangers and Marseille are fans of the 23-year-old Czech Republic defender. Interestingly, both clubs are also speaking to Hellas Verona about former Hibernian flyer Josh Doig. Doig is reportedly on his way to Marseille instead of Rangers, however. And that may leave Philippe Clement’s side free to pursue Jurasek."

This is undoubtedly good news for Rangers, should Fernandez head to Benfica on loan from United, and if it all goes to plan, Jurasek could be a strong addition to Philippe Clement's squad. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed his many attributes in the recent past, saying of him:

"Attacking full-back, fast, powerful & athletic, inexhaustible energy, vertical player who’s always looking to push forward at every opportunity. Superb crossing skills, tenacious & committed in duels, high work rate, determination & winning mentality 22 years of age. Excellent left-back we will see in a top league rather sooner than later."

This shows what a big prospect Jurasek is, and how he could represent a great alternative to Doig, and he is someone Rangers should do everything they can to snap up this month.

Rangers looking to complete move for player who “looks like Ronaldo”

His teammates are in awe of his athleticism.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 13, 2024

He has still only been limited to 12 appearances for Benfica and could jump at the idea of a fresh challenge, and five caps for the Czech Republic are proof of his international pedigree, further showing why the Gers should acquire his signature, making this one to watch.

كشفت تقارير صحفية أن نادي مانشستر سيتي دخل في منافسة مع نظيره ليفربول، على التعاقد مع لاعب يراه بطل الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بديلًا للنجم كيفين دي بروين.

وسينتهي العقد الحالي للاعب الوسط البلجيكي مع مانشستر سيتي، في صيف 2025، أي نهاية الموسم الجاري.

وارتبط دي بروين بخطوة الرحيل عن مانشستر سيتي والانتقال إلى الدوري السعودي، نظرًا لوجود إغراءات مالية لا تُصدق.

اقرأ أيضًا | أبرزها مواجهة مانشستر سيتي.. ليفربول يعلن تغيير مواعيد 3 مباريات في الدوري الإنجليزي

وذكر الصحفي الشهير كريستيان فالك أن نادي مانشستر سيتي يضع نصب أعينه الحصول على خدمات لاعب معين لتعويض كيفين دي بروين، حال رحيل الأخير عن ملعب “الاتحاد”.

وأفاد أن ذلك اللاعب هو تشافي سيمونز، الذي يتواجد حاليًا رفقة لايبزيج على سبيل الإعارة من باريس سان جيرمان.

وأشار إلى أن مانشستر سيتي ليس النادي الوحيد الراغب في ضم اللاعب الهولندي، حيث هناك ليفربول كذلك، إلى جانب مانشستر يونايتد.

ولن يوافق باريس سان جيرمان على الاستغناء عن خدمات سيمونز مقابل مبلغ ضئيل، خاصة أنه يمتلك عقدًا ساريًا حتى 2027.

In the aftermath of the Christchurch attack, both NZC and BCB decided that sending an age-group side to one of the worst affected countries would be insensitive

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Apr-2019New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have cancelled their Under-19 team’s tour to Bangladesh, slated for this month, in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on two Christchurch mosques in which at least 40 people had been killed.NZC chairman Greg Barclay said both the NZC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) agreed that sending an age-group team to one of the countries worst affected would be insensitive and inappropriate.”We have conveyed our deep sense of regret over the circumstances leading to this mutual decision, and the BCB have been both understanding and generous in response,” Barclay said. NZC have nothing but respect for the BCB and believe this development has only served to bring our countries closer together, and to strengthen our bond through cricket. In reply, the BCB has expressed ‘solidarity with NZC and the peace-loving people of New Zealand’.”However, Barclay said both countries remain committed to playing bilateral series across all levels, including “Developmental” and “A” tours, starting with the Bangladesh Under-19 team’s tour to New Zealand in September.Members of Bangladesh’s senior side were just “about 50 yards from the mosque”, which was the site of one of two terror attacks in Christchurch last month. They managed to escape through Hagley Park and shortly after the tour was called off.The aftermath of the attack had also seen Canterbury pull out of the final round of the Plunket Shield.

Though it's still early days, Derby County once again find themselves outside the League One play-off places and on course to suffer yet another season of heartbreak. As things stand, the Rams sit level on points and even goal difference with sixth-placed Barnsley, but remain without a spot in the all-important eventual play-off spots. With the second half of the campaign still to come, however, there's still time for Derby to gain a chance of reaching Wembley.

The January transfer window could certainly increase that chance, and if the Rams can welcome the right reinforcements during the winter period, then they could potentially even challenge for a place in the top two, with only eight points separating second and seventh in the table.

Derby transfer news

Derby didn't spend a single penny on transfer fees during the summer transfer window, as the likes of Curtis Nelson, Callum Elder and Joe Ward made free moves to Pride Park. So far, that transfer tactic is yet to pay off, with the Rams struggling in their pursuit of promotion. That said, given that it was financial issues that led to such a fall from grace, welcoming players without extending themselves financially should be looked at as a wise move by those in the Midlands.

They could yet repeat their transfer trick in January, too. According to Claret & Hugh, Derby County are interested in signing Divin Mubama in the January transfer window. The West Ham United striker has impressed the Rams, who could boost Paul Warne's attacking options. It remains to be seen whether or not Derby pursue a permanent deal or a loan deal in the winter window, but the fact that Conor Washington's agent is the same as Mubama should hand them an advantage in any potential negotiations.

Derby recently dealt with Elite Management Agency when signing Washington during the summer, and could now look to use that relationship to sign Mubama in January, before his West Ham contract comes to an end next summer.

"Incredible" Mubama would boost Derby's promotion chances

In need of some consistent game time, Mubama could benefit from a move to Derby during the January transfer window. So far this season, he has made just three senior appearances at West Ham, which comes after he showed signs of potential in the last campaign, even scoring once and assisting once in the Europa Conference League. If Derby can secure a deal to sign Mubama, then they could have a game-changer for the second half of the season.

The 19-year-old is a player ready to burst into life, and was praised by academy manager Kenny Brown after winning Mark Noble's Young Hammer of the Year award last season. Brown told West Ham's official website:

“When you’ve got players with the attitude and work ethic like Divin, it makes our job as Academy staff and coaches so much easier. Younger players in our Academy are now looking up to Divin, and taking on board the way he manages his lifestyle, because it’s impeccable. That’s a massive credit to him on a personal level. He has truly enjoyed an incredible season and he’s a great personality too.”

Glasgow Rangers dropped points in the Premiership for the first time under Philippe Clement on Sunday.

The 1-1 against Aberdeen meant the Ibrox side didn’t lose ground in the title race, yet a win would have closed the gap on Celtic at the top.

The Light Blues had 11 shots on target during the tie, but it was a last-minute penalty which saw the points shared at Pittodrie and now the attention turns to the Europa League clash against Aris Limassol on Thursday evening.

There will likely be a few changes to the starting XI ahead of the tie, and Leon Balogun will be one who definitely drops out as he is not included in the Europa League squad.

Leon Balogun’s game vs Aberdeen in numbers

The 35-year-old has proved very useful under Clement’s reign so far and has started four of the previous eight matches under the Belgian.

The Nigerian was in fine fettle against Aberdeen, winning 100% of his ground duels during the tie along with winning 60% of his aerial duels, and his strength in these one-on-one battles is tremendous and a vital asset.

Balogun arguably should have had a goal or two also, missing two big chances to bring Rangers back into the game, while even hitting the woodwork and his threat at the opposite end of the pitch gave the Gers an advantage at times.

Clement will miss him against the Cypriot side, but the question remains, who will step up and replace him at the heart of the defence?

John Souttar could make his first start since the 0-0 draw against Sparta Prague in the Europa League last month.

John Souttar’s season in numbers

The former Hearts centre-back arrived at the club in 2022 and was looking to make the step up after shining for the Gorgie outfit.

He suffered an injury during the first league game of the season, however, and Souttar made just 13 appearances throughout 2022/23.

The 6 foot 1 titan knuckled down in pre-season and started eight of the opening nine matches of the season in both the Champions League qualifiers and the Premiership.

Hailed as a “presence” by current teammate Ryan Jack, Souttar has shone in the top flight during the current campaign. Across the whole squad, the 26-year-old currently ranks fourth for accurate passes per game (63.3), while also ranking fourth for accurate long balls per game (4.7) and second for clearances per game (3.4), indicating how impressive he has been in defence since becoming a regular member of the starting XI.

Souttar has also won a staggering 80% of his ground duels in the Premiership this season and his physicality is clearly a key strength which allows him to brush off opposition attackers with ease.

Clement could secure an ideal Balogun heir in Rangers swoop for 6ft "revelation"

Rangers could be set to make a signing or two in January

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 24, 2023

While Balogun may not be in the European squad, Clement must unleash Souttar alongside Connor Goldson at the heart of the defence.

Not only will he manage to shackle Aris, but a 90-minute run out could do wonders for his confidence having missed a few games recently with a muscle problem.

Norwich City must have thought they were getting their season back on track 12 minutes into their last match at Vicarage Road, racing into a 2-0 lead against Watford with new Canaries star Hwang Ui-Jo popping up with an outrageous long-range strike.

Yet, come full-time against the Hornets, the Canaries were calling for David Wagner's head yet again in charge of the club – Norwich surrendering a two goal lead to lose 3-2, Yáser Asprilla breaking the hearts of the travelling contingent in the Watford away end late on to win the action-packed contest.

A constant bright spark for Norwich this campaign despite their troubles has been Gabriel Sara in the middle of the park, the Brazilian export signing for the second tier strugglers from São Paulo in 2022 and becoming an instant star at Carrow Road.

This season, even with Norwich languishing in a mid-table spot, Sara has managed to help himself to five goals and and eight assists.

Wagner will be anxiously fearing January already, worrying that his main man could be tempted by a move away from Carrow Road if an attractive suitor comes in for his services.

Here are three replacements the German manager could look to sign if Sara does depart Norwich in the transfer window…

1 Cameron Brannagan

If Wagner wants to replace Sara with a like-for-like swap – a midfielder who can defend competently whilst also chipping in with goals occasionally – Cameron Brannagan currently at Oxford United could well be his man.

Formerly on the books at Liverpool in the U23's set-up, Brannagan has come into his own playing for the U's since leaving Liverpool behind and has been a crucial player at the Kassam Stadium for many years now.

The 27-year-old midfielder has amassed 257 appearances for the League One promotion hopefuls in total, scoring an impressive 45 goals along the way.

This season, Brannagan has led by example again in the middle of the park for the U's. Oxford's number eight continues to be a steady presence for his team, scoring four goals and assisting a further four goals from 16 appearances.

Brannagan's workmanlike attitude also makes him a clear fan favourite at the Kassam, averaging 6.8 ball recoveries per 90 minutes this season.

The 27-year-old could well fancy a fresh challenge, Norwich City a potentially attractive club for the midfielder to move to in January.

2 Callum Styles

Norwich could look to sign this Hungary international when the transfer window reopens next month, Callum Styles a target for plenty of clubs in the summer with West Brom and Burnley potentially eyeing up the 23-year-old in January for a move.

Styles' ceiling is arguably above League One, the central midfield sensation loaned out to Millwall last season away from Barnsley in the wake of the Tykes being relegated to the third tier to see how he'd cope.

Styles didn't quite set the world alight in his year away from South Yorkshire at the Den – only scoring one goal from 22 appearances for the Lions – but the Barnsley number 20 warrants another crack at the division based on his displays in League One this season.

Scoring three times this season and assisting a further goal back at the Tykes, Styles' daring approach on the ball would endear Norwich supporters to him immediately if he were to sign for the Canaries.

Styles has attempted 1.5 shots on goal per 90 minutes this season for Neill Collins' men, unafraid to unpredictably fire an effort at goal to potentially catch the opposing goalkeeper napping to give his team an advantage.

Norwich could well join the queue for Styles' services this January, coming in last minute to land the 23-year-old as a Sara replacement.

3 Gabriel Menino

If Norwich were able to sell Sara on for a considerable fee, the Canaries could well look to replicate the success of signing their star man from São Paulo by delving back into the Brazilian market to sign Gabriel Menino from Palmeiras.

This would be an ambitious transfer deal to pull off – especially as Menino nearly joined Manchester United this summer – but one still worth actively pursuing to fill the gap left behind by Sara.

In 2023 alone, the 23-year-old midfielder has managed to score eight times and assist a further four goals for Palmeiras in all competitions.

Menino would get Norwich fans out of their seats with his full-throttle approach, averaging 1.97 shots on goal per 90 minutes over the last year in his native Brazil, according to FBRef.

Moreover, Menino doesn't rest on his laurels and always wants to advance his team up the pitch – averaging 7.54 progressive passes per 90 minutes over the period, beating Sara in this regard who has a lesser 6.98.

Norwich fans would quickly get over Sara's departure from Norfolk if the club swooped in for Menino, who could – in time – be an upgrade on the former São Paulo man.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham donned Los Blancos' special Adidas and Y-3 fourth kit and made a cheeky reference to the collaboration on Instagram.

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• Bellingham makes cheeky nod to Y-3 collab
• Real Madrid donned special collaboration kit
• Englishman also wore limited edition Predators

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England star returned to the pitch against Athletic Club after completing a two-match suspension in the league. He donned the special fourth kit that Y-3 and Adidas collaborated on for Los Blancos. He also wore a pair of the special and limited edition Y-3 Predators boots for the duration of the game.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The La Liga leaders ran away with the game against Los Leones thanks to a brace by Rodrygo, including a stunning long-range opener in the first half. They kept their seven points gap over second-placed Barcelona going into the last leg of the league season. Bellingham has played a major part in their success so far this season and will hope to continue doing so until the end of the season.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Bellingham's success at the club level with Real Madrid has converted the 22-year-old into a poster boy for Adidas with the Englishman being used to launch their campaigns over the last few months, especially their special Predators lineup.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

  The English midfielder will be pivotal to Real Madrid's success in Europe and as such it is expected that he will be a key figure for Carlo Ancelotti when they take on Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final.