MatériaMais Notícias

Entre tantas manifestações de lamento e palavras de carinho por conta da morte de Rodrigo Rodriguesapós complicações da Covid-19, uma delas foi feita pelo Corinthians por meio de seu Twitter. Também por essa triste notícia, o clube adiou entrevista coletiva que estava marcada para esta tarde.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansSem poder utilizar urnas eletrônicas, Corinthians terá eleição com cédulasCorinthians28/07/2020Fora de CampoLuto! Apresentador do SporTV Rodrigo Rodrigues morre aos 45 anosFora de Campo28/07/2020CorinthiansCom Cantillo de volta, Corinthians se reapresenta após garantir vagaCorinthians27/07/2020

O Timão lamentou o fato dessa partida precoce e entende que o jornalista deixará uma lacuna no cotidiano da profissão. Além disso, o Alvinegro prestou solidariedade aos familiares e amigos do apresentador.

-Lamentamos a morte do jornalista e apresentador do SporTV, Rodrigo Rodrigues. “RR”, como era chamado pelos amigos, deixa uma triste lacuna no cotidiano do jornalismo esportivo. O Corinthians se solidariza aos familiares e amigos do apresentador, neste momento de luto e dor – disse o clube.

Nesta tarde de terça-feira estava marcada uma entrevista coletiva virtual com o diretor de futebol Duílio Monteiro Alves, mas em respeito ao falecimento do apresentador, o clube decidiu adiá-la, ainda sem data remarcada.

Lamentamos a morte do jornalista e apresentador do SporTV, Rodrigo Rodrigues. "RR", como era chamado pelos amigos, deixa uma triste lacuna no cotidiano do jornalismo esportivo. O Corinthians se solidariza aos familiares e amigos do apresentador, neste momento de luto e dor. 😢

— Corinthians (@Corinthians) July 28, 2020

Brighton are refusing to budge on their nine-figure valuation of the Ecuador dynamo, so the Blues may need to look elsewhere

Chelsea have a significant decision to make in the final month of the transfer window; with a gaping void in their midfield following the departures of N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, among others, they must choose whether or not to cough up £100 million ($128.5m) for Moises Caicedo or, finally, concede defeat in the pursuit of their primary target for another window.

The Blues' latest offer of £80m ($102.5m) was immediately knocked back by Brighton, who have remained firm on their valuation since the outset in negotiations and will command at least £20m more for the outstanding 21-year-old.

If Chelsea are unwilling to stretch that little bit further, the quandary facing them is whether the alternative options would elevate the midfield to anything like the same extent as Caicedo, who seems destined to become a top-level No.6.

Nevertheless, here are the defensive midfielders Chelsea could turn to if Brighton's dynamo drifts out of their reach…

Getty ImagesRomeo Lavia (Southampton)

If Caicedo moves out of reach, the man who will likely move to the top of Chelsea's defensive midfield shortlist is Romeo Lavia. The Belgian was outstanding despite relegation with Southampton last season, and is certain to move on this summer.

His ability to evade the press, ball-carrying ability and progressive passing make him the archetypal modern No.6, but competition from Liverpool and a steep £50m ($64m) price tag could prove to be stumbling blocks.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesAmadou Onana (Everton)

Everton's Amadou Onana was among the hoard of players linked with Chelsea during the January transfer window after just half a season at Goodison Park, but that chatter has since fallen silent. Should Chelsea remain at loggerheads with Brighton over their valuation of Caicedo, then Onana will likely come back into consideration in the final month of the transfer window.

The 21-year-old would likely cost about half as much, and he has demonstrated that he possesses the technical ability and physicality to succeed in the Premier League.

Getty ImagesKhephren Thuram (Nice)

The embodiment of the old adage 'good feet for a big man', Khephren Thuram – son of France great Lilian – has been heavily linked with a move away from Nice the summer following a breakout campaign in Ligue 1.

Although his passing isn't quite at Caicedo's level, Thuram is adept with the ball at his feet and progressing play, and his rangy 6'4 frame means he is able to cover plenty of ground, and fast. Though he would be a less defensive option, he excels at reading the game and making timely interventions.

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Getty ImagesManu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Another young Frenchman who shone in 2022-23, Thuram's Under-21 international team-mate has become a key figure for Borussia Monchengladbach over the past two seasons.

The 22-year-old Frenchman is similarly adept in possession and is very comfortable carrying the ball of trouble and picking a pass. He also has that added physicality that would serve him well in the Premier League, often using his 6'1 frame to protect the ball. player who is also linked with Liverpool, a knee injury suffered at the U21 Euros could also be problematic.

Here's where you can watch Inter Miami vs FC Dallas in MLS on TV or stream live.

When Inter Miami hosts Dallas at DVR PNK Stadium on Saturday night, it wo;; be trying to snap a four-game losing streak in the MLS.

The hosts are currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, while the guests have had a little bit of a better start and are currently sixth in the Western Conference.

▶ Watch every MLS match, including the playoffs, here

Inter Miami had a very promising start to the MLS season, winning its first two games. However, in recent weeks, its record has declined, and it is currently outside the playoff spots.

The Herons have only collected six points from its first six games and in its most recent game, it lost 1-0 away against FC Cincinnati despite controlling possession.

Dallas had a very good 2022 season, finishing third in the Western Conference, but it was eliminated from the playoffs in the quarterfinals after losing 2-1 away to Austin FC.

The Hoops have had a respectable, if not amazing, start to the season. It has eight points after six games, which puts it in the playoff spots but already seven points behind St. Louis City at the top of the standings.

GOAL brings you everything you need to know about where to watch the game on TV and stream live online.

• Inter Miami vs FC Dallas date & kick-off time

  Game:	Inter Miami vs FC Dallas
  Date:	April 8, 2023
  Kick-off time:	7:30 pm ET
  Venue:	DRV PNK Stadium

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• Where to watch Inter Miami vs FC Dallas on TV & live stream online

  Fans in the United States & across the world can watch MLS with Apple TV MLS Season Pass.

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  US	N/A	Apple TV

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• Team news & squads

  Inter Miami team news and squad

  Inter Milan will be without Robbie Robinson and Leonardo Campana due to calf strains, Edison Azcona with a sore hamstring, and Ian Fray and Noah Allen because of knee injuries.

  Inter Miami possible XI: Callender; Yedlin, Kryvtsov, McVey, Negri; Gregore, Mota; Pizarro, Ulloa, Jean; Martinez

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Callender, Marsman
  Defenders	Negri, McVey, Yedlin, Kryvtsov, Sailor
  Midfielders	Mota, Gregore, Pizarro, Ulloa, Jean, Duke, Cremaschi, Neville, Duke
  Forwards	Martinez, Lassiter

  FC Dallas team news and squad

  FC Dallas has Tarik Scott unavailable after he underwent ACL surgery while Ema Twumasi is suspended for the game.

  FC Dallas possible XI: Paes; Jesus, Tafari, Ibeagha, Farfan; Quignon, Cerrillo, Velasco; Obrian, Ferreira, Arriola

  Position	Players
  Goalkeepers	Paes, Maurer
  Defenders	Farfan, Geovane, Twusami, Martinez, Ibegaha, Korca
  Midfielders	Pomykal, Lleget, Cerrillo, Quignon, Ntsabeleng
  Forwards	Ferreira, Velasco, Arriola, Jimenez, Obria

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MatériaMais Notícias

Neste domingo, o Fluminense estreou com derrota no Brasileirão 2020 contra o Grêmio, em Porto Alegre. Com gol de Diego Souza, a equipe carioca perdeu por 1 a 0 na Arena. Neste sentido, o Tricolor perdeu pela pela terceira vez seguida em estreias desde que foi implementado o sistema de pontos corridos no campeonato, em 2003.

Nesses dezoito anos, o Flu participou de todas as edições da era de turno e returno da competição. Ao todo, foram nove vitórias, seis derrotas e apenas três empates em suas estreias. Além da derrota para o Grêmio, deste domingo, o Tricolor também perdeu para o Goiás, em 2019, e para o Corinthians, em 2018.

Nas duas últimas edições em que levantou o troféu, em 2010 e 2012, o Tricolor das Laranjeiras viveu dois momentos distintos na primeira rodada dos campeonatos. Em 2010, a equipe iniciou sua trajetória com uma derrota para o Ceará, no estádio do Castelão. Dois anos depois, o time estreou novamente fora de casa, mas dessa vez venceu o Corinthians, em pleno Pacaembu.

RelacionadasFutebol NacionalCom direito a ‘Lei do ex’, Fluminense perde para o Grêmio em sua estreia no Campeonato BrasileiroFutebol Nacional09/08/2020FluminenseApesar da derrota, Odair Hellmann destaca que o jogo foi equilibrado: ‘Igual em todos os aspectos’Fluminense09/08/2020FluminenseMesmo com derrota no Sul, Muriel acredita que Fluminense jogou bemFluminense09/08/2020

Na próxima rodada, o Fluminense volta a campo na quarta-feira, às 21h30, contra o Palmeiras, no Maracanã. A equipe necessita vencer para se recuperar na competição e conquistar os seus primeiros três pontos. Além disso, o time precisa melhorar na criação e transições ofensivas, principal ponto em que pecou na derrota para o Grêmio.

Confira todas as estreias do Fluminense na era dos pontos corridos

2003 – Criciúma 2 x 0 Fluminense – Estádio Heriberto Hülse (Criciúma-SC)

2004 – Paysandu 3 x 3 Fluminense – Estádio Mangueirão (Belém-PA)

2005 – Fluminense 2 x 1 São Paulo – Estádio Raulino de Oliveira (Volta Redonda-RJ)

2006 – Athletico Paranaense 1 x 2 Fluminense – Arena da Baixada (Curitiba-PR)

2007 – Fluminense 2 x 2 Cruzeiro – Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro-RJ)

2008 – Atlético-MG 0 x 0 Fluminense – Mineirão (Belo Horizonte-MG)

2009 – Fluminense 1 x 0 São Paulo – Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro-RJ)

2010 – Ceará 1 x 0 Fluminense – Castelão (Fortaleza-CE)

2011 – Fluminense 0 x 2 São Paulo – São Januário (Rio de Janeiro-RJ)

2012 – Corinthians 0 x 1 Fluminense – Pacaembu (São Paulo-SP)

2013 – Fluminense 2 x 1 Athletico Paranaense – Estádio Cláudio Moacyr (Macaé-RJ)

2014 – Fluminense 3 x 0 Figueirense – Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro-RJ)

2015 – Fluminense 1 x 0 Joinville – Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)

2016 – América-MG 0 x 1 Fluminense – Estádio Independência (Belo Horizonte-MG)

2017 – Fluminense 3 x 2 Santos – Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro-RJ)

2018 – Corinthians 2 x 1 Fluminense – Arena Corinthians (São Paulo-SP)

2019 – Fluminense 0 x 1 Goiás – Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro-RJ)

2020 – Grêmio 1 x 0 Fluminense – Arena Grêmio (Porto Alegre-RS)

Thomas Tuchel believes Erik ten Hag faces a great deal of pressure at Manchester United because there is "always a lot of noise" around the club.

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United on two game losing streakFace Bayern in Champions LeagueTuchel expects "dangerous" teamWHAT HAPPENED?

United have lost three of their last four matches, last going down 3-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have just six points from their first five matches, leaving them nine points behind leaders Manchester City.

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Tuchel believes there is extra pressure on Ten Hag and his United players because so many pundits in the media are former Red Devils stars. Despite their struggles, the Bayern Munich coach says United will pose a big threat when they visit the German giants in the Champions League on Wednesday.

WHAT THEY SAID?

"Your start to the season doesn't say much. They were never really out of the game against Brighton either. They have a lot of individual quality and are extremely dangerous," he told reporters.

He added: "I felt with Man United there was always a lot of noise, a lot of pundits are ex-players from Man United, you have this legacy from Sir Alex Ferguson, which creates a lot of pressure. It tells you you work at a big club, big expectations."

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

United face Bayern at the Allianz Arena in Munich in their opening Champions League match on Wednesday.

The Italian's appointment was met by scepticism by some, while Adam Lallana had no idea who he was, but he is now the hottest manager on the market

On the evening of October 22, 2022, Roberto De Zerbi was a man under pressure. He had only been Brighton boss for just over a month, but he had yet to win a game in the Premier League. A 3-1 loss at Manchester City represented a third defeat in his first five outings.

It was feared that all of Graham Potter's excellent work on the south coast was in serious danger of being undone, with the team having dropped from fourth to ninth following his departure to Chelsea. Maybe Graeme Souness had been right when he claimed that De Zerbi "doesn't know our game".

Yet those that actually do know the game could see that the Italian's daring tactical approach was starting to take root at Brighton.

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  'His impact in England will be massive'

  City may have triumphed that evening at the Etihad, but something very strange had happened: the reigning English champions had lost the battle for the ball. Brighton had restricted their hosts to just 48 percent possession.

  "They propose a type of game we're not used to," Pep Guardiola admitted afterwards, before boldly predicting, "De Zerbi's impact in England will be massive." Guardiola has a tendency to lavish meaningless praise on opponents but, on this occasion, he meant every word. And he's been proven right, too.

  Just seven months after his arrival in England was greeted with almost widespread scepticism, De Zerbi is being hailed as a tactical genius who has managed to marry the best principles of Pep's possession play with Jurgen Klopp's controlled counter-pressing chaos.

  Not that he's allowing the praise to go to his head. "I've been coaching for 10 years and I've learned to live in this world," he told the last month. "Now that the results are smiling at us, compliments and nice words abound. But it's important to know how to decipher them.

  "I don't want to change anything, just do what I'm capable of: leaving my imprint on the team. Here, I think I have succeeded in a short time, but the credit goes to the players."

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• Getty Images
  

  'Almost father-son relationship with players'

  The Brighton squad wasn't against his appointment. But that was mainly because they had never heard of De Zerbi, as Adam Lallana is now "embarrassed" to admit. The former Liverpool midfielder has claimed, though, that he was the first Brighton player to understand what exactly Potter's replacement was trying to do, and thus played a key role in his team-mates embracing the new approach.

  "Even if he doesn't speak English well, and I don't speak Italian, we understood each other just by looking at each other," Lallana told the . "It was hard for us at the beginning, because Potter had left us while we were fourth in the table: we were all sad and not at all players like change. But I knew we had to go on, that we had to move on, also because there were immediately important games to play.

  "And I remember how De Zerbi immediately wanted to get things across to the group, how he wanted everything to change quickly, and convey the passion and love he has for football. It took a little bit of time, but I think we still adapted very, very quickly, with an open mind and a willingness to hear what he had to say.

  "We started to see that things worked his way because of the way he is as a person, the almost father-son relationship he creates with the players. I remember telling him to let me know what he wanted, that I was ready to explain to the team-mates why they had to follow him. And I did it: I explained that it would be difficult at the beginning, but that we would see the results and we would be successful."

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  Few better footballing sides in Europe

  He wasn't wrong. Brighton narrowly missed out on a place in the FA Cup final, losing on penalties to Manchester United in the last four, while ahead of Thursday's game against the same opposition, they sit eighth in the Premier League table, with games in hand over all of their rivals for a fifth-placed finish.

  What's most impressive about Brighton's results, though, is how they are being achieved. There are few better footballing sides in Europe right now, let alone England.

  While he still occasionally dabbles with Potter's three-man defence, De Zerbi has successfully implemented his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which he uses to put opponents in a most uncomfortable position. If they choose to sit back, Brighton will dominate possession and pick teams apart with some of the remaining principles of Potter-ball. If they elect to press, though, Brighton will pass through them, as swiftly and directly as possible.

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  'Launching the ball is the equivalent of gambling'

  Obviously, such a daring strategy requires the utmost quality and composure from each and every single player entrusted with possession of the ball. It feels like a high-risk tactic. There are those that frown upon building from the back and instead espouse knocking it long when required.

  De Zerbi, though, sees things very differently. "To me, launching the ball upfield and trying to win the second ball is the equivalent of gambling," he once told , "and since I don't like to bet, I prefer to train a team to bring the ball carefully out of defence."

  As he now freely admits himself, this Brighton side best exemplifies his footballing philosophy, the one with which he enjoys "the most harmony". He rather humbly puts that down to the foundations put in place by his predecessor Potter and the intelligence of his players, but Lallana has been astounded by just how quickly "he managed to get so many guys to play in such a specific way".

  "I think that's what makes him so incredible," the Englishman said. "He got a group of 25 players to follow him, to always stay focused, and to embrace his idea of football."

David Beckham has a lifetime contract with adidas, with Gary Neville looking to claim credit for the Manchester United legend landing that deal.

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Red Devils icon shot to fame in 1990sBecame the face of leading brandsNeville helped to get boot dealWHAT HAPPENED?

Former Red Devils and England star Beckham entered into a long-term agreement with adidas back in 2003. He had already been part of that sponsorship stable for some time prior to that, with Beckham becoming the face, body and feet of the iconic three-striped brand in the late 1990s.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Beckham is now synonymous with adidas and proved to be the perfect PR machine for offerings such as the famous Predator boot line. But it is Neville – who was never quite as flashy on and off the pitch – that claims to have first introduced Beckham to the footwear that helped to enhance his image and make him a global superstar.

WHAT THEY SAID

Ex-United defender Neville has told the Red Devils’ social media channels: “Do you know something? You know David Beckham is with adidas because of me. I gave him his first pair of Predators in the USA in 1994. And that is a true story my friends at adidas. I don’t get the actual recognition I deserve for that!”

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Beckham is still tied to adidas and they are the kit manufacturers for the Inter Miami MLS franchise that he now co-owns. They also have a long-term contract with Lionel Messi in place, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has linked up with Beckham in Florida.

The Blues are expected to lose the renowned Frenchman this summer but Brighton's midfield dynamo would be more than an able replacement

"N'Golo Kante [is my idol]. I like the way Kante plays because he pressures a lot. I learn every day when I watch him. I think it helps watching these top players if you want to carry on improving."

Those were the words of a 19-year-old Moises Caicedo when he became a Brighton player back in 2021, and it seems he must have been watching a lot of the Frenchman in the two years since. After a meteoric rise to prominence on the south coast, he is ready to step into his idol's rather big boots at Stamford Bridge as Kante prepares to head for the riches of Saudi Arabia.

Despite a harrowing 2022-23 season in which they failed to qualify for any form of European football, Chelsea lead the race for the coveted Ecuadorian's signature ahead of the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool. Like his reputation, Caicedo's price tag has soared since he arrived in England for just £4.3 million ($5.5m), but GOAL explains why Chelsea should be breaking the bank (again) to land him…

• Getty Images
  

  Chelsea need an injury-free No.6

  Having seen his involvement diminish in recent seasons as a result of worsening fitness issues, Kante's time at Chelsea is set to come to a sad and abrupt end.

  His problems reached their nadir in 2022-23 following a serious hamstring injury in August , as the France international made just nine appearances in all competitions, totalling just 685 minutes.

  His presence was felt as keenly as his absence, with Kante a transformative force in those games he was fit for late in the season, while Chelsea's lack of an out-and-out defensive midfielder was often exploited as they slid down the Premier League table during his spell on the sidelines.

  By contrast, Caicedo has been a near ever-present for Brighton since making his breakthrough for the Seagulls, with a muscle tear way back in 2020 the most serious injury of his career to date.

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• Getty
  

  South American synergy

  This is a transfer that creates the potential for a South American symbiosis at Stamford Bridge; Argentine Mauricio Pochettino has been installed in the dugout, and Chelsea signed his compatriot and their primary midfield target, Enzo Fernandez, in January, following a brief flirtation with second-choice Caicedo.

  It's a triumvirate that should be mutually beneficial. Outgoing interim manager Frank Lampard revealed at the end of May that Enzo's English isn't the best, saying: "He doesn’t speak the language much at all, but he’s learning fast." Caicedo is still learning himself, and he has previously spoken about the importance of having Spanish speakers around him – both on the touchline and on the pitch.

  “I’m getting to understand it [English], learning new words, new phrases all the time, but it’s been so important to have the Spanish-speaking guys here to help me. My English will only get better. I also watch as much English TV as I can, as that is helping," he said in 2022.

  While they are learning the language away from the pitch, the ability to communicate in their native tongue on it cannot be underestimated in a position that requires constant talk. Meanwhile, Pochettino will be able to get his ideas across to both players on the training ground and from the dugout.

• Getty
  

  Enzo unlocked

  One of the main benefits of Chelsea signing an elite-level No.6 would be unleashing Enzo Fernandez. The World Cup-winner barely put a foot wrong after his blockbuster move from Benfica, but it was evident that he was playing within himself in an attacking sense, conscious that he was also having to do the job of a defensive midfielder given Kante's absence and the deficiencies of some of his midfield team-mates.

  While he was able to cut out passing lanes and occasionally regain possession in ground duels, Enzo was occasionally found wanting when defending one-v-one against players with more pace, infamously being left for dead by Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi in the Champions League last 16.

  Indeed, Fernandez’s father, Raul, has revealed his son is relishing a more advanced role next season. “Enzo is comfortable, happy, and adjusting to London," he said. "He was happy about the arrival of Pochettino. Next season? My son wants to be a champion. I think [we will see Enzo play further forward]. He was going to ask [Pochettino] to play further forward.”

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  Premier League-ready

  It has been widely reported that Pochettino wants to build his Chelsea side on the foundations of a core of players with Premier League experience, and Caicedo obviously fits the bill.

  After catching the eye of Brighton's famed scouting department during his time at Independiente del Valle in his home country in 2021, Caicedo required just six months of European football on loan at Beerschot in Belgium before adapting seamlessly to the rigours of the Premier League in April 2022.

  In 2022-23, he ranked in the top five of Premier League midfielders (minimum 900 minutes) for both passes completed and tackles won. His passing accuracy was second only to Manchester City star Rodri among midfielders, and he was in the top 10 for interceptions, ball recoveries, duel success and passes into the final third.

  He already looks like the complete defensive-minded midfield player, and his manager Roberto De Zerbi has seen that in him. “There are many players who are very good with the ball but without it, in defensive spaces, are not so good,” he said. “Others in the defensive space are top but with the ball there are some problems. With Caicedo, I don't see anything not at the top level.”

For years, the U.S. has been begging for a striker. Now, Gregg Berhalter's side has two that look ready for the big moments.

They say a rising tide lifts all boats. It's an old saying but, in sports, it's often true. Competition, more often than not, is a good thing, and the introduction of just one newcomer can sometimes take everyone and everything to a new level.

That was apparent on Tuesday night. The introduction of Folarin Balogun has raised the potential of the USMNT in the long-term, and it's clear that the new striker has lit under a fire under one that was once in his place.

Balogun and Ricardo Pepi both got on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win over Oman, scoring in either half with both playing 45 minutes. Balogun's goal was a poacher's effort, a solid finish on a rebound from a Sergino Dest striker. Pepi's, meanwhile, was another well-hit missile after he scored a similar blast against Uzbekistan.

Balogun now has two goals in under 300 USMNT minutes. Pepi, meanwhile, has six goals in six USMNT appearances as Balogun's arrival, and his World Cup snub, haven't deterred him in the slightest.

The strikers were big winners on Tuesday night, but they weren't the only winners for the USMNT. It was a complete performance from top to bottom, one that will leave Gregg Berhalter excited looking ahead to bigger tests next month against Germany and Ghana.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Allianz Field…

• Getty
  

  WINNER: Weston McKennie

  It was, at least partly, a function of the game, as Oman's 4-4-2 diamond left them exposed. However, there's no denying the performance McKennie put in in this one.

  The Juventus midfielder played a seemingly never-ending series of diagonal balls, routinely opening up Oman's defense. In the first half, in particular, McKennie made it feel like the game was being played under his control thanks to both his passing and effort.

  That passing was the most noticeable part of his game, but it was the effort that helped pave the way for the USMNT goal. It was his hustle that kept the sequence going, leading to Balogun's goal, and that effort never went away no matter how lopsided the score got.

  It was a big game for McKennie, one even better than his performance against Uzbekistan. Despite not getting on the scoresheet, he was likely the Man of the Match, making quite a statement as he heads back to Juventus.

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  LOSER: Argentina

  The smile on Benjamin Cremaschi's face said it all. As he prepared for to come in for his USMNT debut, the Inter Miami teenager was smiling from ear to ear. You could see this meant something to him.

  And that's great news for the USMNT, who may just have the inside track on his recruitment. Cremaschi may have Lionel Messi in one ear, but whatever the USMNT is saying in the other seems to be working.

  It wasn't a wildly eventful debut. Solid, but not spectacular, it's fair to say, as Cremaschi didn't look out of his depth against a team that, for most of the night, looked out of theirs. Still, the questions immediately turned towards the future: with this one USMNT appearance under his belt, what does that mean for his future with Argentina?

  "We didn't talk about that," Berhalter said. "We'll have time talk about it. To me, it was about letting him see the environment, letting him see the guys, get to know the guys, know the coaches.

  "His performance did nothing to change my opinion: I think he's a highly, highly talented player. He has exciting potential, and I think he showed that today."

• Getty
  

  WINNER: Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi

  It's felt like forever since the USMNT had a competent striker. It proved to be their undoing at the 2022 World Cup. If that team had someone, anyone, that could finish chances, who knows what that tournament would have looked like?

  These days, the U.S. doesn't just have one; they have at least two. Heck, it could be argued that there are three or four. But, on this day, the focus was on Balogun and Pepi, the clear frontrunners in this ever-changing striker race.

  After a fairly quiet game against Uzbekistan, Balogun made an early impact against Oman. His goal set the tone, leading to the onslaught that followed. Yet, Berhalter says he believes Balogun could have scored more and, in the future, he will as his teammates adjust to his game.

  "I think we're still trying to figure out the best way to utilize Balo because we know that he's high quality," Berhalter said. "He made a number of good runs behind the back line that we didn't pick up on so he's still integrating on that side of it."

  As for Pepi, Berhalter was quick to praise the striker, who has used his World Cup snub as fuel to start this cycle. He's been unstoppable for the U.S. so far this year and looks like he's recovered all of the confidence that was drained from him at Augsburg.

  If the Copa America were to start now, Balogun would likely be the guy up top, but don't write Pepi off just yet. Those two will continue to push each other, it seems, and that's great news for the U.S. after waiting so long to have goalscorers like this.

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  LOSER: Oman

  In his pregame availabilities, Berhalter routinely pointed to the dangers of Oman's counterattack. Despite not being a traditional power, Oman are a team that can cause teams problems. Just last year, they played Germany tight in a 1-0 loss, while this year, they already beat World Cup partcipant Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup.

  There was no danger, though, on Tuesday night. Oman had absolutely nothing for the USMNT.

  Routinely torched by the U.S. throughout, Oman's 4-4-2 diamond was picked apart. And, in the few moments when they did get the ball, the USMNT centerback swept up anything Oman tried to throw at them.

  Berhalter left the game thrilled with his team's defensive performances, saying that he gave Miles Robinson and Chris Richards game balls as co-Man of the Match.

  "We never do that," Berhalter said. "The reason why we did is because the counter attack was non-existent. Anytime they tried to run the channels, they were there."

  As complete as the U.S. performance was, it was equally poor from Oman, who will need to go back to the drawing board as they begin World Cup qualifying next month.

Alisson is hoping to see Mohamed Salah continue to smash records at Liverpool as he “keeps the red shirt on him”, with transfer speculation building.

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Egyptian star is a talismanic presenceContinues to re-write the history booksLinked with move to the Middle EastWHAT HAPPENED?

The Egyptian superstar was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia over the summer, with it suggested that offers of £200 million ($243m) were put to Liverpool before the last window closed. No deal was done, with Salah tied to a contract through to 2025.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Said interest is not expected to go away, with there a chance that Salah will be offered another opportunity to head to the Middle East in January. The Reds are unlikely to part with a talismanic presence in the middle of a Premier League season, but their hand may be forced later in 2024.

WHAT THEY SAID

Alisson is eager to see Salah stay put, telling Liverpool’s after seeing the prolific 31-year-old hit a match-winning double in a 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton: “This guy is amazing. I'm so glad to have him in our team. I hope he can break all the records that he has in front of him as long as he keeps the red shirt on him!”

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Salah, who has broken countless records during his time at Anfield, now has 194 goals to his name through 316 appearances for Liverpool and has become the first Premier League player to 30 goal contributions in 2023 – while also overtaking Reds legend Steven Gerrard and Kenny Dalglish when it comes to efforts at Anfield (105).