Enzo Maresca's men pulled off a sensational upset by routing heavy favourites Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's final in New Jersey

Everyone tuned in or turned up to watch Sunday's Club World Cup final fully expecting to see Paris Saint-Germain formally crowned the best team on the planet right now. However, Chelsea crashed the coronation party, with the Blues beating the reigning European champions 3-0 at a packed MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Cole Palmer was the undoubted star of the show, scoring two goals and creating another for Joao Pedro. The attacker's dynamic display resulted in him being presented with not only the man of the match award, but also the Golden Ball.

Unsurprisingly, Palmer also makes GOAL's team of the tournament but who else has been included? Chelsea may account for half of our picks but there's also room in our all-star selection for players from beaten finalists Paris Saint-Germain, surprise packages Fluminense and Palmeiras, and even Real Madrid…

Getty Images SportGK: Gigi Donnarumma (PSG)

It's still not clear if PSG will retain the services of Gigi Donnarumma for another season but, in our humble opinion, they'd be mad to let him go.

The Italian giant may not be amazing with the ball at his feet but he was utterly integral to their Champions League success and didn't really put a foot wrong in the U.S., keeping more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper (five).

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRB: Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

One of the most complete footballers in the game today, Achraf Hakimi is a joy to watch, a tremendous defender who is absolutely fantastic on the front foot.

The Morocco international is easily one of PSG's most important players, constantly winning the ball back and then using it to excellent effect, as illustrated by the fact that he was directly involved in four goals at the Club World Cup.

Getty Images SportCB: Thiago Silva (Fluminense)

Fluminense coach Renato Gaucho says Thiago Silva is still good enough to play for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup – and it's difficult to disagree based on the defender's performances over the past month.

The former Chelsea, PSG and AC Milan ace turns 41 in September but was absolutely outstanding during Flu's surprise run to the semi-finals. As Blues left-back Marc Cucurella said, "Thiago is a legend of football."

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Getty Images NewsCB: Levi Colwill (Chelsea)

We're now seeing why Chelsea repeatedly fought so hard to keep hold of Levi Colwill, with the 22-year-old now blossoming into an accomplished centre-half.

The England international, who has the added advantage of being able to play at left-back, got better and better as the Club World Cup progressed and was outstanding in the final, coping majestically with PSG's stellar forward line and even releasing Cole Palmer for his second goal with a terrific ball to the right wing.

تحدث الدولي البلجيكي، روميلو لوكاكو، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي نابولي الإيطالي عن علاقته بأنطونيو كونتي، والفارق الذي حدث له بعد نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا 2023.

وحقق لوكاكو لقب الدوري الإيطالي “سكوديتو” الموسم الماضي 2024/2025 بقيادة كونتي، بعد منافسة شديدة مع إنتر ميلان وقدم موسمًا مميزًا استطاع أن يعود به لمستواه المعهود.

وقال لوكاكاو، خلال حوار أجراه مع صحيفة “لا جازيتا ديلو سبورت” الإيطالية عن نهائي 2023 أمام مانشستر سيتي: “ما حدث في إسطنبول أثر علي كثيرًا، لمدة عام حملته في داخلي بصمت، لم أرغب في التحدث علنًا أو الإدلاء بتصريحات تحريضية، فأنا لست من هؤلاء، فضلت الرد بكرة القدم”.

وأضاف: “إذا لم يعرف الناس الحقيقة، فلن يتمكنوا من فهم اختياراتي، كلما قلت الحقيقة في مسيرتي المهنية، كان الأمر غير مريح للآخرين، هذه المرة فضلت الصمت، الآن نحن في دوري أبطال أوروبا مرة أخرى، دعونا نتطلع إلى الأمام ونستمتع به”.

وعن علاقته بـ كونتي: “أنا وهو نتشارك عقلية واحدة، لا نتطور إلا بالعمل، طريقته في فهم كرة القدم تتوافق مع صفاتي، عندما أكون في المنزل، أدرس مفاهيمه، لطالما عرف كيف يحفزني على تقديم أفضل ما لدي، إنه بمثابة أب كروي لي، تمامًا كما كان روبرتو مارتينيز وكومان وأرييل جاكوبس”.

اقرأ أيضًا | بعد رافا مارين.. نابولي يحسم ضم لاعب ريال مدريد السابق

وحول ارتداء قميص نابولي: “هنا شعرت أنها فرصة، شكك البعض في قدراتي، لكنني كنت على يقين بأننا سنحقق إنجازًا مميزًا، لقد حققنا ذلك، والفوز في النهاية، والقتال حتى اللحظة الأخيرة، جعل الأمر أكثر روعة”.

وبشأن الشيء الذي تغير فيه، أوضح لوكاكو: “أصبحت الآن أكثر وعيًا وتحكمًا، أشاهد اللعب قبل حدوثه في كل مباراة، لا تزال أمامي فرصتان أو 3 لأصنع الفارق من مسافة بعيدة، لكنني أيضًا أكثر صناعة للأهداف وتمريراتي الحاسمة خير دليل، عندما وصلت إلى إيطاليا، كنت أفكر بنفسي أكثر، أما اليوم فأفكر بالفريق أكثر”.

فيما يتعلق بكيفن دي بروين ودوره في انتقاله إلى نابولي، أوضح: “اتصلت به مرتين فقط، اتصالان بسيطان للغاية، أخبرته معنى اللعب هنا، وأننا فريق يسعى للتطور باستمرار”.

وأتم: “كيفن يحب التحديات، وستكون هذه بالتأكيد واحدة منها، الآن ومع اقتراب دوري أبطال أوروبا وبداية حقبة جديدة مع نابولي، نتطلع إلى مستقبل جيد”.

Moises Henriques made a spectacular grab at mid-off but replays appeared to show the ball grounded when he landed

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff26-Dec-2023’s commentary the ball “clearly” touched the surface and was not out according to the rule book.

The Third Umpire talks us through their decision on the Moises Henriques catch.

Do you agree with the decision? #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/EEfIW0dfD2

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 26, 2023

“I actually think it’s out,” Rogers said after the game. “Moises controlled it and took it beautifully, but I suppose it’s just a grey area with what’s happened in the other game with Mitch Starc’s one.”It’s obviously a hard one to be on the rough side of it, but at the end of the day I’ve hit a bad shot and he has taken a nice catch so it probably is out.”Still, Rogers was forced to walk off after third-umpire Claire Polosak viewed several replays and did not change the on-field soft signal of out. Unlike in international cricket, where the soft signal no longer plays a role, it remains in Australian domestic cricket including the BBL.”As I was looking through the vision, I did not have conclusive evidence to say that there was no fingers under the ball,” Polosak told .Still, Stars were able to recover after an initial stumble. Rogers’ dismissal prompted a minor collapse of 4 for 38, including that of Glenn Maxwell’s dismissal for 12 one ball after he launched Jackson Bird deep over the square-leg boundary.But Beau Webster and Hilton Cartwright were then able to stabilise the innings, putting on a 56-run stand and getting the margin down to 34 from 22 balls.And while Webster was caught at long on for 35 trying to take down Sean Abbott, Cartwright was able to get Stars home with an unbeaten 47.Earlier, Pakistani spinner Usama Mir had helped set up the win with 3 for 19 off four overs early in the innings.His wickets included Henriques when he deceived the Sixers captain and had him stumped, before a quicker ball drew Jordan Silk’s edge later in the over.James Vince was able to steady the ship for Sixers, getting through a difficult opening 10 overs before taking charge in the second half of the innings to finish with 83 from 55 balls.But when he was run out by a Maxwell direct hit, Stars were able to keep the Sixers to 14 runs from a crucial final two overs of the innings.

He credits both Dhoni and Rohit for backing him on the big stage

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jan-20242:58

Takeaways – Dube makes a splash, India go bold with their balance

India allrounder Shivam Dube has credited his CSK captain MS Dhoni for the transformation in his attitude and approach after he returned to the Indian team with a match-winning 60 off 40 balls in the first T20I against Afghanistan in Mohali.Dube’s half-century and bowling figures of 1 for 9 from two overs headlined India’s six-wicket victory as he returned to the T20I XI for the first time since the Asian Games in October last year.”When I came to bat, I wanted to implement what I have learnt from MS Dhoni about finishing games,” Dube told the host broadcaster. “I keep speaking to Mahi . He tells me how to tackle different situations. He has given me two, three tips and rated my batting. So, I feel if he rates my batting then I’ll keep playing well. My confidence went up because of that.”In a T20 it’s important for a batter to finish games off while chasing so doing that for the team felt very good,” he told bcci.tv.Related

Afghanistan ready with their spinners as Kohli returns to T20I cricket

Dube, Axar put India 1-0 up in chilly Mohali

Rohit checks most boxes on T20I comeback, but not the big one

After the Asian Games, Dube was picked for the home T20Is against Australia but did not get a game and was left out of the away series against South Africa, where India played without a pace-bowling allrounder. Dube could be seen as a back-up for Hardik Pandya, who is currently injured, for the T20 World Cup.”It feels very special because I’m back in the Indian team after a long time. This was important,” he said. “Both [Dhoni and Rohit] allow me to bat higher in the order. There’s a lot of work to be done and I know they will back me and want me to do well. So, that makes me feel a lot more positive.”When asked what message Rohit gave him, Dube said: “He told me only one thing, ‘keep playing this way, be positive in your game. You know you can score from anywhere and you can win us the game from anywhere’.”Dube bowled the ninth and 12th overs and dismissed Ibrahim Zadran for 25 with his second ball. His first over went for just two runs and the second for seven.”The changes have not come suddenly,” Dube said of his bowling. “In the off-season, I worked a lot on my fitness. After that, I bowled a lot in domestic cricket too so things kept improving. I was able to find the right areas and also generated decent pace.”The T20Is against Afghanistan is India’s last series before the T20 World Cup in June, though the selection for that could depend on IPL performances. Dube, however, was not thinking too far ahead.”It’s a dream for every cricketer to contribute and help his country win,” he said. “So, that’s (World Cup selection) always at the back of the mind. But there’s a lot of time left for it, so I want to take it step by step.”

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that Steven Smith would become the best opening batter in the world if he was given the task of replacing David Warner, but still sees Cameron Green as the likelier route the selectors will take.The squad for the first Test against West Indies will be named on Wednesday and will mark the start of a new era following Warner’s Test retirement. The narrative around who could replace him has shifted from a specialist opener – one of Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris or Matt Renshaw – to finding a way to accommodate Green.Related

• Smith to open, Green to bat No.4, Renshaw added to squad

• 'Absolutely has the skill': Watson backs Green as Test opener

• The next generation: who could star in Australia's future?

• What's been said: who should replace David Warner?

• Bancroft has no concerns over relationships with Australia's bowlers

Smith has been the only incumbent player to say he wants to open, but both captain Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald sounded reluctant at the conclusion of the Pakistan series.”If he [Smith] wants to open the batting and they give him the chance, he’ll be the No. 1 Test opener within 12 months,” Clarke told ESPN’s show. “He’s that good a player. If you can bat at three you can bat anywhere in the order. Technically he’s good enough, lets the ball go well, he’s got a great eye, got beautiful hands.”Yes, he might nick the occasional one or might get lbw but tell me someone who doesn’t. So if he opens the batting he’ll be the best opener within 12 months. [And] don’t be surprised if he breaks Brian Lara’s 400 record because he’s that good and now he’s got the whole day.”But, following Cummins’ comments about how the batting order is successful in their current positions, Clarke can see Green being parachuted in at the top as the outcome.”It sounds from what Patty says, he wants the least amount of disruptions as possible. Marnus has been brilliant, Smith’s four, Travis Head five, Mitch Marsh six. So that tells me that Cameron Green at this stage is probably the likeliest to come in and opening the batting.”Smith has never opened in Test or first-class cricket, but former Australia batter Callum Ferguson was of little doubt that he could make a success of it”I think he would prepare himself as well as anyone to open the batting if he decided he wanted to do that,” he told the show. “I’ve always been in the camp that you need a specialist opening batter but if it was Steve Smith coming to you and saying I want to open the batting, I think he’s looking for a challenge, that next motivation and inspiration I his career, and honestly if he took to that job I think he’d do it better than anyone else.”Should the selectors opted for Smith or Green there have been questions raised about what it would mean for the Sheffield Shield given that Bancroft has been the leading run-scorer in the last two seasons and could still be overlooked.”I think the selectors have always been really clear with Shield cricket being the ground they want guys to go back and perform in,” Bancroft said on Sunday. “There’s plenty examples of guys who have gone back and done that. I’m sure that’ll be a big part of what they’re looking at when they make that decision at the end of the day.”

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick issued a strong warning to Marcus Rashford before approving the English forward's loan move to the club. The German coach had a direct conversation with the Manchester United outcast last week before he travelled to Catalonia. Rashford is expected to be announced as a new Barcelona signing this week.

• Flick issued warning to Rashford
• Manager approved Rashford's loan move
• Rashford to be unveiled as Barca player

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rashford will finally end his United nightmare and exit Old Trafford this summer as he is all set to complete a loan move to Barcelona. The 27-year-old reportedly rejected offers from the Saudi Pro League and some top European clubs, as the winger only wanted a transfer to the Catalan side.

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  The negotiations picked up speed towards the end of last week after Flick personally spoke to Rashford, as reported by . The German manager warned the winger that he would have to fight for his place in the team's starting lineup and put in more work defensively. The report adds that concerns were raised internally over the England international's work rate. Flick, however, gave his green signal after getting a verbal assurance from Rashford.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rashford has his task cut out at Barcelona as he is expected to predominantly operate from the left side of their attack. He has to compete with Raphinha in that position, who was one of the star performers for Flick's side last season. In the central striker position, Rashford's competition is with legendary Polish forward Robert Lewandowski.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

  Rashford could inherit the number of Lamine Yamal or Thierry Henry once he signs the dotted lines at Barcelona. The Spanish league winners have already confirmed that Yamal will take the iconic No.10 shirt after Ansu Fati's loan move to Monaco.

تحدث الإسباني خوان جارسيا، حارس مرمى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة  عما دار بينه وبين مدربه الألماني هانز فليك في أول حصة تدريبية له مع برشلونة.

وتعاقد برشلونة مع الحارس الإسباني جارسيا، بعقد يمتد حتى عام 2031 في صفقة كلفت خزينة برشلونة 25 مليون يورو قادمًا من الغريم إسبانيول.

وظهر جارسيا، في حوار طويل أجرته صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية، وقال: “الانضمام للمنتخب؟ لا أعرف، أعتقد أن لديك تأثيرًا أكبر في برشلونة، ومباريات أكثر أيضًا وتشارك في المسابقات الأوروبية، لكنني لا أفكر في ذلك، أفكر في بذل قصارى جهدي هنا في برشلونة، وبعد ذلك أيًا كان ما يأتي سأكون سعيدًا به”.

وعن عدم تواجده بقائمة دوري الأمم، أكمل: “سأكون كاذبًا إن لم أقل إنني كنت منتبهًا، كنتُ منتبهًا عندما صدرت القائمة آملًا أن أكون هناك، لكن مع علمي بوجود هذا العدد الكبير من حراس المرمى المتميزين، كان الأمر صعبًا للغاية، كنت متحمسًا لكن عدم وجودي هناك لم يزعجني، وسأواصل العمل لأكون هناك يومًا ما”.

اقرأ أيضًا | خوان جارسيا يوضح لماذا قبل عرض برشلونة.. وحقيقة معاناته من أزمة التسجيل

وعن لامين يامال: “لامين يبدو جيدًا جدًا في المباريات لكنه في التدريب يُبلي بلاءً حسنًا في كل حركة يقوم بها، من الواضح أنه بحاجة إلى تحسن كبير لأنه صغير جدًا لكنه فاجأني حقًا”.

وحول أكثر اللاعبين الذين تفاجأ بمستواهم: “كثيرون، لم أقابل الكثيرين ولكنني قابلت آخرين، وكنت أعرف جودتهم بالفعل ولكن قبل كل شيء أود أن أقول أولئك الذين يأتون من اللاماسيا فوجئت بجودتهم، لأنني لم أكن أعرفهم جيدًا”.

وبشأن الرسالة الوداعية لجماهير إسبانيول: “كان من المهم لي أن أودعهم بالطريقة التي أردتها، بكل ما أردت قوله، كان الأمر معقدًا، لأنك تحتاج أيضًا إلى قليل من الخيال لتكوين كل شيء، وواجهت صعوبة في صياغة كل ما أردت قوله وجعله يبدو صحيحًا، لذلك تلقيت بعض المساعدة وفكرت كثيرًا فيما سأقوله، وأنا سعيد بما فعلناه”.

وعندما طُلب منه أن يصف مدربه الألماني هانز فليك بكلمة واحدة ويوضح ماذا دار بينهما في أول حديث، أتم: “حسنًا سأقول إنه حاد، قبل كل شيء آمل أن أواصل كما كنت في الموسم الماضي، عندما أخبرني أنني جيد جدًا، وأنني لعبت مباريات رائعة، وأيضًا آمل أن أساعده بكل ما أوتيت من قوة، أؤمن أنني سأفعل ذلك، وسأفعله على أكمل وجه”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco vai realizar um amistoso contra o River Plate durante a realização da pré-temporada nos Estados Unidos. Os dois clubes já protagonizaram partidas marcantes ao longo dos últimos 74 anos.

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+Artilheiros da Copa do Mundo 2022: veja lista de jogadores que marcaram

RELEMBRE OS JOGOS ENTRE VASCO E RIVER:

VASCO 0 X 0 RIVER
(SUL-AMERICANO – 1948)

O time apelidado de “Expresso da Vitória” enfrentou uma equipe do River conhecida como “Lá Maquina” na última rodada da competição. Com um empate entre 0 a 0, Vasco conquistou seu primeiro título internacional.

RIVER 5 X 1 VASCO
VASCO 0 X 2 RIVER
(LIBERTADORES – 1997)

Os dois times se reencontraram apenas 50 anos depois. Com ampla superioridade nos dois jogos da primeira fase, River Plate goleou Vasco por 5 a 1 na Argentina e venceu por 2 x 0 no Rio de Janeiro. O clube argentino acabou sendo campeão do campeonato naquele ano.

RIVER 1 X 1 VASCO
VASCO 1 X 0 RIVER
(LIBERTADORES 1998)

Apesar do retrospecto negativo em 1997, os cruz-maltinos conseguiram se vingar no ano seguinte. Com uma vitória em São Januário por 1 a 0 e “Gol Monumental” de Juninho Pernambucano na Argentina, Vascopassou pelo River na semifinal da Libertadores e conquistou um dos títulos mais marcantes da história do clube.

RIVER 1 X 1 VASCO
VASCO 0 X 0 RIVER
(MERCOSUL – 1998)

Naquele mesmo ano, os dois clubes também se enfrentaram pela primeira fase da Mercosul. Com empate na Argentina e no Brasil, River se classificou para as quartas de final após obter um melhor saldo no grupo. No entanto, Palmeiras acabou sendo campeão da competição.

River 1 x 4 Vasco
Vasco 1 x 0 River
(MERCOSUL – 2000)

Em 2000, novamente os times se enfrentaram pela Mercosul. Com show de Romário na Argentina e vitória protocolar em São Januário, Vasco passou pelo River na semifinal e foi campeão da competição após vencer Palmeiras em uma das maiores viradas já registradas na história do futebol.

+ Andrey Santos fala sobre surpresa com gols pelo Vasco, 777 Partners e ídolo cruz-maltino: ‘É fenomenal’

Além destes confrontos históricos, Vasco e River também já duelaram em amistosos de pré-temporada. Em 2017, os dois times se enfrentaram pela Flórida Cup e os cruz-maltinos venceram por 1 a 0 com um golaço de falta do Nenê.

Após muitos anos de rivalidade e jogos emblemáticos, Vasco e River vão se enfrentar novamente. O jogo está marcado para dia 17 de janeiro e será realizado em Orlando. Os ingressos para partida já estão sendo vendidos.

A key player clause has reportedly played a big role in Son Heung-min staying at Tottenham this summer ahead of their South Korean pre-season tour.

Son facing uncertain Spurs futureSpecial clause keeping him at clubSouth Korean pre-season tour nearsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to Telegraph Sport, Son's presence in Tottenham's pre-season game against Newcastle United in Seoul next month is very important to the north London club. If the forward is not part of Spurs' touring squad, they will miss out on as much as '75 per cent of their fee' for playing in the South Korean city – with that amount being halved if he travels but does not play in the game.

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Son looked like he could leave Tottenham this summer after their Europa League success, with the 33-year-old linked with a Major League Soccer switch. The report adds that barring a last-minute injury, Son is likely to travel to Asia and play in Seoul on August 3 to secure Spurs a big cash boost and not to let down his army of fans. Moreover, the key player clause means that it was 'virtually impossible' for Tottenham to consider selling the veteran before this pre-season tour.

DID YOU KNOW?

Son, whose Spurs contract runs until 2026, joined Tottenham in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen and has since scored 173 goals and added 101 assists in 454 appearances in all competitions. It remains to be seen if he will add to that next term.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Son played a big part in the club ending their 17-year wait for a trophy and the South Korean may add to his legacy with another season at the club. Manager Thomas Frank appears to want him to stay but whether he does is up in the air.

Gloucestershire 82 for 3 trail Middlesex 203 (de Lange 6-49) by 121 runsGloucestershire fast bowler Marchant de Lange notched his 350th first class wicket in claiming 6 for 49 to skittle Middlesex for 203 on the opening day of the Vitality County Championship Second Division match at Bristol.The 33-year-old South African only took six Championship wickets in the whole of last summer, his first with Gloucestershire, which saw his season ended in early June by a thigh injury that required surgery. Now fit and firing again, he bowled 16 rapid overs from the Ashley Down Road End and ripped through the heart of the Middlesex batting, only Josh de Caires (37) and Ryan Higgins (30) showing much resistance.By the the time bad light ended play 6.2 overs early, the home side had replied with 82 for 3, Ollie Price making 33 and Miles Hammond 25 not out.For a time at the start of the day it looked a good toss for Middlesex to have lost as Mark Stoneman and Nathan Fernandes took advantage of unusually short boundaries at the Seat Unique Stadium to put together an opening stand of 55 in 14 overs.Then three wickets fell in the space of 18 balls. Stoneman was bowled between bat and pad by Zaman Akhter for 29, Max Holden edged a high slip catch to Price off de Lange and Fernandes, on 24, nicked through to wicketkeeper James Bracey to become de Lange’s 350th victim in his 104th first-class game.