Hobart Hurricanes have called up 13-year-old Mia Barwick to their squad for the T20 Spring Challenge to replace Heather Graham who has traveled to the T20 World Cup after Tayla Vlaeminck’s tournament-ending injury.Barwick is a pace bowler who has impressed in the Cricket Tasmania Premier League and has been involved in the Under-16 and Under-19 Female National Championships.She carried the drinks against Perth Scorchers on Monday and has a chance to feature in the closing stages of the new early-season competition which is acting as preparation to the WBBL.”At only 13 years of age, the Hobart Hurricanes are proud to see a Cricket Tasmania pathways athlete given exposure to the professional game early on in Barwick’s career,” Hurricanes said.With leading Australia players involved at the T20 World Cup and WBBL overseas players yet to join, the T20 Spring Challenge has seen opportunities for a number of young players to come into the squads.At Sydney Sixers, 15-year-old allrounder Caoimhe Bray has made her mark following an impressive outing for Australia Under-19s earlier in the month. Bray took 2 for 19 on debut against ACT before claiming the wicket of Laura Harris when facing Brisbane Heat, the day after Harris had flayed a 46-ball centuryThe Spring Challenge was introduced to make up for the reduction of games in the WBBL which will be played across a 40-game regular season. It had initially been envisaged as a state competition but pressure from New South Wales and Victoria led it to being aligned with WBBL clubs.

Captain wants the team to be as good as Sri Lanka had been before 2014

Andrew Fidel Fernando08-Nov-2024

Coming off three limited overs series wins in a row, men’s captain Charith Asalanka has serious aspirations for this team: let’s be as good as Sri Lanka had been before 2014.That 2007-2014 side had arguably been Sri Lanka’s greatest ever outfit, getting to no fewer than five World Cup finals (three in T20Is and two in ODIs), before finally winning the 2014 T20 title.Limited overs performances in particular had fallen off a cliff for Sri Lanka after 2015. But on the heels of an ODI series win against India, and a T20I and ODI series victory against West Indies, Asalanka is hoping to recapture some old magic.Related

Sri Lanka's signs of batting resurgence 'good headache' for Asalanka

Mitch Hay waits to shine in the Sri Lankan sun

SL vs NZ T20Is: A perfect time to start building towards next T20 World Cup

The first task is to climb into the top three in the ICC rankings, Asalanka said ahead of the series against New Zealand. In T20Is, which the teams play first, Sri Lanka are at No. 8. In ODIs, they are curiously a little better, despite not having earned qualification to next year’s Champions Trophy, and sit at No. 6. They need to make progress on both fronts, said Asalanka, who has been captain of both formats since August this year.”We need to climb up the rankings, because that shows we’ve been consistently winning,” he said. “Our goal is is to climb to the top three in the rankings. If we’ve consistently been winning, when we go to the ICC tournaments, we won’t get exposed.”We’d have played good teams and won, like we used to do in 2014 and before, when we used to get to the semi-finals easily. We are hoping to come back to that level. It’s important to play really well from tour to tour.”While Sri Lanka are in this phase of rediscovering consistency, there is no room to field any worse than a top XI, he said. So far, Sri Lanka’s white-ball resurgence has come only at home, on largely big-turning pitches. But they have through the course of the last few months also fielded new players, who have performed almost immediately – Janith Liyanage, and Nishan Madushka especially.”We only reently started winning a few matches in a row,” Asalanka said. “It’s the same team that played. Until the base of our cricket improves a little more, we’re trying to play the best XI. But we do have a big plus point, which is that the players on the bench also have had a chance, and they’ve performed well before they’ve gone back to the bench.”We’re hoping to play our best XI all the time. That’s how our bench strength improves as well, because they then know how well you have to play to get a spot in that XI. And the players in the XI also fight for their own places. I think we’ve improved that situation recently. Hopefully we can develope 15/16 really strong players over the course of a year.”

Arsenal are swiftly moving on to their next targets after striking a long-awaited deal for Viktor Gyokeres, who officially joined the Gunners from Sporting CP on Saturday in a deal worth up to £64 million.

Saka will love him: Arsenal reach agreement in principle to sign £68m star

Arsenal are ready to supply Viktor Gyokeres with an exciting new wideman.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 29, 2025

Gyokeres’ arrival comes as a major boost for Mikel Arteta as he seeks to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

Arsenal drew more games than any other side in the top 10 last season, and their struggle for goals was a key reason for this. Arteta’s side managed just 69 in the league by the end of 2024/2025, paling in comparison to their tallies of 88 and 91 in the previous two seasons.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

A prolific frontman of Gyokeres’ ilk will certainly help Arteta’s side return to their clinical best, and Arsenal’s manager is thrilled to welcome a centre-forward who’s just bagged 54 goals in all competitions.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves,” said Arteta in an official statement.

“Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.

“We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.”

After Gyokeres, it is reliably reported that sporting director Andrea Berta is turning his attention towards Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

The England international is at the centre of Arsenal’s rumoured interest in signing a new creative number 10, and he reportedly has a £60 million release clause in his contract that could rise to £68m through bonuses (Sky Sports).

Crystal Palace identify Eberechi Eze replacement as Arsenal advance

According to multiple recent reports, there are suggestions that Eze has loosely agreed personal terms with Arsenal already, with Sports Zone even claiming that the 27-year-old has reached a “full agreement” over a proposed contract at the Emirates.

A north London switch for the player appears to be gaining serious traction, and according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Palace are moving to try and sign a replacement – providing a further indication that Arsenal could be closing in on Eze shortly.

Tavolieri, via X, claims Palace have identified Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss as a potential heir to Eze, but face competition from RB Leipzig.

Eze was released by Arsenal as a teenage academy prospect, but it appears the playmaker who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season could be facing his final summer at Selhurst Park.

Since taking the job over five years ago, Mikel Arteta has helped to transform Arsenal.

He’s taken the club from one languishing in mid-table looking downwards to one that’s a genuine contender in every competition they take part in.

However, he has had to make numerous unpopular and difficult decisions during his tenure, such as terminating Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract in 2022.

It was the right thing to do, but it’s impossible to deny that the team could have used someone as prolific as he once was over the last few years, which could explain reports linking them to a certain attacker from the continent.

Arsenal target free-scoring forward

As things stand, this summer is shaping up to be quite exciting for Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The club have already announced the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Noni Madueke.

Moreover, Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is set to be announced any day now, and Andrea Berta and Co seem to be finally nearing the end of their hunt for Viktor Gyokeres.

And yet, the Premier League runners-up don’t appear to be done yet, as they’re now looking at another prolific attacker from Europe, someone who could be Arteta’s new Aubameyang.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in Ademola Lookman.

The report has revealed that the Gunners have enquired about the player, who is also a target for Inter Milan.

While the competition could be a problem, the money involved is unlikely to be, with the report revealing that Atalanta want just £43m for their star attacker.

It’s still a sizable sum of money, but given Lookman’s ability and record, one worth paying, especially as he could be Arsenal’s new Auba.

Why Lookman could be Arteta's new Auba

While it might seem like an odd comparison to make, there are several similarities between Lookman and Aubameyang that make it easier to see how the former could be Arsenal’s new version of the latter.

The first couple, and certainly the most surface-level, are that the Nigerian international would be joining the Gunners from a team in one of Europe’s top five leagues and doing so at a similar point in his career.

When the Gabonese put pen to paper in North London, he was 28 years old, and in just over two months, the Atalanta ace will be as well.

The next similarity, which is more concrete, is that, like the former North Londoner, the 27-year-old star is more than capable of playing out wide or straight down the middle.

Likewise, during his time at the Emirates, the Laval-born goal machine spent a great deal of time playing off the left, as well as up top.

Finally, and this is the most critical comparison of them all, the London-born ace has become an output monster in recent seasons, just as the former captain was for most of his time in N5.

For example, across his 118 games for the Bergamo outfit, totalling 7538 minutes, the “world-class” attacker has scored 52 goals and provided 25 assists.

That means the 29-capped international has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes since joining the Serie A side.

For comparison’s sake, the former Arsenal star scored 92 goals and provided 21 assists in 163 appearances, totalling 12868 minutes during his time in red and white, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 113.87 minutes.

Ultimately, they may not be exactly alike, but there are some undeniable similarities between Lookman and Aubameyang, and most crucially, the Nigerian superstar could have a similar impact at Arsenal that the Gabonese ace once had.

He's a dream for Xavi Simons: Arsenal expect to sign £55m star "soon"

Arsenal could seal a dream partnership by signing Xavi Simons and this centre-forward.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 21, 2025

Despite already securing the services of Mohammed Kudus this summer, there’s still a huge lingering sense of disappointment at Tottenham Hotspur so far this summer.

Morgan Gibbs-White emerged as a key target for Thomas Frank’s side, as the Dane looks to improve the forward options at his disposal in North London.

The hierarchy even went to the length of triggering his £60m release clause, leading to Fabrizio Romano confirming he was set for a medical at the club.

However, his move has now been cancelled after Nottingham Forest lodged an appeal for an illegal approach, resulting in the 25-year-old signing a record-breaking contract with his current employers.

As a result, missing out on his signature has seen other targets being considered for the number ten role, with Frank evidently wanting to improve such a position ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder

Despite having James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski already on the books at Spurs, other attacking options are being considered to provide depth within the final third.

The likes of James McAtee, Harvey Elliott and Jack Grealish have been touted with moves to North London, still remaining on their shortlist despite interest elsewhere.

They’re not the only ones currently in their sights, leading to Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey being named as another target, according to TBR Football.

They claim that the Lilywhites are weighing up a move for the 24-year-old forward, who could be able to depart Villa Park if an acceptable offer is presented this summer.

The report also states that Unai Emery’s side are currently demanding a £40m fee to part ways with the academy graduate who’s notched 14 Premier League goals in his career to date.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Gibbs-White

There’s no denying that, given the work conducted for Gibbs-White’s signature this summer, that the Forest star was the number one target to strengthen their squad.

Frank has previously stated his admiration for the England international, likely being gutted to miss out on his services after the hierarchy demonstrated their ambition, given years of inactivity in the market.

£60m in today’s market would’ve been an excellent price tag for a player of his quality, but if the club are to be successful next campaign, they will need to rapidly move on to other targets.

Such a situation has seen Ramsey emerge as a key target for Frank’s side, potentially allowing them to forget about the disappointment currently being felt in North London.

However, any move for the Villa star would allow the club to land their own version of the Forest star, potentially replicating a deal that saw the 25-year-old move to the City Ground.

Ramsey could join the Lilywhites for a similar fee as Gibbs-White did a couple of years ago, whilst also moving away from his boyhood club in order to further his career.

The similarities are there for all to see, but when delving into their underlying figures from 2024/25, the Villa academy graduate has managed to better the former target in various areas, arguably being a better addition for Frank’s side.

Ramsey, who’s been dubbed “ridiculous” by Squawka, managed to complete more passes, registering more into the opposition box per 90 last season, arguably being a more creative option for the Lilywhites.

The number ten role also requires individual brilliance, something which the 24-year-old possesses, as seen by his higher tallies of take-ons completed and carries into the opposition’s box per 90.

Whilst the attacking role requires talent with the ball, it also comes with the demands of being effective out of possession, something which the Villa gem has demonstrated, winning more tackles per 90, potentially being a superb all-round option within the current Spurs side.

He may not provide the immediate excitement like a deal for Gibbs-White did, but Ramsey is a hugely talented player who could add further quality to the current first team squad in North London.

If he can continue on his current trajectory, he could even surpass the levels produced by the Reds’ talent, potentially seeing the disappointment of missing out on his signature become a blessing in disguise.

Big Solanke upgrade: Spurs exploring deal to sign £26m "monster"

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly exploring a deal to sign a new striker who would be an upgrade on Dominic Solanke.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 27, 2025

Glasgow Rangers appear to have hit the jackpot with the signing of Djeidi Gassama this summer, as the French forward has hit the ground running at Ibrox.

The 21-year-old winger arrived from Sheffield Wednesday on a permanent deal for £2.2m, and has already scored four goals in six appearances in all competitions, as per Sofascore.

Gassama, a right-footed left winger, has already made a habit of getting supporters off their feet with exciting dribbles and clinical finishes in front of goal, after coming over from the Championship.

Russell Martin will now be hoping that the former Paris Saint-Germain youngster can continue to impress week-in-week-out for the rest of the campaign.

Rangers in talks to sign Championship forward

The Light Blues may now be on course to repeat their Gassama masterclass with a swoop for another exciting young attacker from the second tier of English football.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Expand Collapse

According to HullLive, Rangers have submitted a bid to sign Hull City winger Abu Kamara to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch this summer.

The report claims that the Gers are now in talks with the Tigers over a potential deal to bring the England U20 international to Ibrox, with a fee of £3.5m said to be the asking price.

However, HullLive adds that LaLiga outfit Getafe and Birmingham City have also made offers for the left-footed attacker, and that Getafe appear to be leading the race at this moment in time.

The outlet also states that there is a growing feeling that the deal will be done soon, and that the forward has played his last match for the club.

Why Abu Kamara would be an exciting signing for Rangers

The 21-year-old talent would be an exciting signing for Rangers to make if they can beat Getafe and Birmingham to his signature because he has the potential to provide a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Kamara is a left-footed right winger, providing a different option to right-footed right winger Oliver Antman, and his performances in the Championship last term suggest that he could be a Gassama repeat at Ibrox.

Former teammate Conor Shaughnessy once described the England youth international as a “dangerous” right-sided forward, and his statistics back up that claim.

24/25 Championship

Abu Kamara

Djeidi Gassama

Age

22

21

xG

3.90

5.97

Goals

5

7

Big chances created

7

3

xA

3.34

2.54

Assists

3

1

Dribble success rate

44%

45%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Kamara and Gassama performed at a similar rate against their expected tallies, whilst the Hull star offered more creativity for his side in the final third.

These statistics suggest that Rangers could expect a similar impact from the former Norwich man at the top end of the pitch, which is an exciting prospect when you consider what the Frenchman has already achieved in Scotland.

Kamara’s form for Portsmouth on loan in the 2023/24 campaign also shows the kind of potential he has for the future, as the English wing wizard delivered an eye-catching return of ten goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

For a fee of £3.5m, which is not significantly more than the £2.2m that the club paid for Gassama, the Hull youngster could be a shrewd and exciting addition to Martin’s squad to bolster his options in the wide areas.

Related Better signing than Mendy: Rangers line up move to bring £8m star to Ibrox

Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal for a star who would be an even better signing than Nobel Mendy.

Posts ByDan Emery Aug 12, 2025

However, it is now down to the club to convince the player that a move to Ibrox is the best next step for him, and to persuade him to turn down Getafe and Birmingham in the process.

After a disappointing season in 2024/25, Manchester City will be desperate to bounce back next term. Pep Guardiola’s side have been active in the summer transfer window, as they look to improve on their third-place finish and Champions League play-off elimination to Real Madrid.

There have already been six new faces through the door at the Etihad Stadium this summer. Rayan Cherki, his namesake Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders all joined before the Club World Cup, a competition City were dumped out of at the quarter-final stage. They’ve also added young talent Sverre Nypan, and goalkeepers James Trafford and Marcus Betinelli.

With two shot-stoppers already signed this summer, it seems that Guardiola wants to bring in a third.

Manchester City’s next summer target

It seems like it will be all change for City this summer between the posts. Two new faces are already signed, and Ederson could leave, with reports at the start of the month suggesting Galatasaray could pursue a move.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, City are lining up a move for another new goalkeeper, with Football Insider claiming they ‘are entering the race’ to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma.

They have recently ‘expressed an interest’ in signing the Italian and Hugo Viana’s transfer team are now ‘exploring a move’ for the goalkeeper.

However, this will not be a straightforward deal to do. City are set to face competition from arch-rivals Manchester United, who are also interested in a move for the Euro 2020 winner. As for the fee, it was reported that as much as £43m would be enough to seal the deal for City in the coming weeks.

Why Donnaraumma would be a good signing

One of the heroes of PSG’s Champions League victory last season, Italian shot-stopper Donnarumma, is about to enter his peak years.

He is just 26 years of age, having first broken through for AC Milan back in 2015/16. Back then, he was described as a “phenom” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Last term, that ability shone through as PSG lifted their first Champions League title. He conceded just 43 goals in 47 games for the French giants, keeping 17 clean sheets in that time.

It is saves like that one against Leandro Trossard which led him to be nominated for the Yashin Trophy. Indeed, Donnarumma’s stats from the 2024/25 Champions League campaign are superb.

In 15 matches, he conceded 14 goals and had a save percentage of 72%.

Clean sheets

0.4

6

Goals conceded

0.9

14

Expected goals conceded

1xGC

15.7xGC

Saves

2.3

36

Save percentage

72%

72%

Accurate long balls

3.6

55

Goals prevented

0.11

1.69

Interestingly, too, there could certainly be similarities drawn between Donnarumma and former City maverick Mario Balotelli. The journeyman centre-forward was once described as a “crazy” character but “one of the nicest guys ever” by former teammate at the Etihad Stadium, Micah Richards.

Away from some of the controversy that followed the former Italy striker, he was an important player for City, helping them to win the Premier League in 2011/12.

That season, he bagged 13 goals in 23 top-flight games, and ended his career in East Manchester with 30 strikes in 80 appearances.

Already, the similarities are there to see. Two Italian superstars who have both been in the spotlight for a number of years. In fact, the word “crazy” was also used to describe Donnarumma, who said himself back in 2017 that he is “the most crazy one in the team”.

Of course, let’s not forget, Balotelli is also a former Milan player, just like the Italy goalkeeper. That further increases the similarities between the pair, with their careers potentially crossing over in many ways.

It is easy to see how Donnarumma could be the second coming of Balotelli. Both are strong characters who have dealt with the pressure of the spotlight and know a thing or two about winning.

City fans would surely love to have a character as big as Donnarumma in the dressing room, in what could be seen as a real throwback to Balotelli’s time at the club.

He's like Rodrygo: Man City make approach to sign "exceptional" £61m talent

As Manchester City target a move to sign Rodrygo, have they also entered the race, up against a rival, to sign a “fascinating” talent valued at £60m?

ByBen Gray Aug 12, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Cuca não é mais técnico do Corinthians. O treinador pediu demissão mesmo após a classificação da equipe alvinegra às oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil, nos pênaltis, contra o Remo, nesta quarta-feira (27).

A decisão foi motivada por um pedido da família e pela pressão sofrida principalmente através das redes sociais por conta da condenação por atentado ao pudor com uso de violência contra uma garota de 13 anos que aconteceu na década de 80, quando o profissional ainda era jogador e defendia o Grêmio.

+ Corinthians busca novo técnico: veja treinadores estrangeiros livres no mercado

+ Confira também os técnicos brasileiros que estão sem clube atualmente

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansLuan vai à Neo Química Arena e comemora classificação do Corinthians na Copa do BrasilCorinthians27/04/2023CorinthiansVÍDEO: Jogadores do Corinthians celebram classificação na Copa do Brasil com o técnico CucaCorinthians27/04/2023CorinthiansSob vaias e aplausos, Cuca tem primeiro contato com a torcida do Corinthians na ArenaCorinthians26/04/2023

+Róger Guedes brilha, Cássio pega pênalti e vira herói na classificação do Corinthians

A direção corintiana e os jogadores tentaram convencer Cuca a mudar de ideia, mas ele estava decidido. Segundo o treinador, mesmo com o presidente Duílio Monteiro Alves ‘comprando’ a sua permanência, ele sentia que estava prejudicando o mandatário corintiano.

– Quem fala coisas indevidas também, quem julga também pode ser julgado, mas o mais importante é agradecer o presidente. É uma pessoa maravilhosa. Eu conversei com ele, já tinha tomado essa decisão ontem. Ele vive ali dentro, como se fosse mais um, humilde, e eu estava prejudicando ele. A pressão que ele está sofrendo é enorme. Então não é justo deixar eles sofrendo por um problema que é meu. É nisso que foi baseado essa minha saída. Agradecer aos jogadores nesses sete dias que estive aí, me abraçaram, compraram o meu barulho, minhas ideias. Se Deus quiser, volto um dia para poder fazer um trabalho do começo ao fim – disse em pronunciamento à imprensa após a partida.

+Assine o Star+ por apenas R$32,90 por mês e acompanhe o Timão na Libertadores quando e onde quiser!

Cuca disse que realizou um sonho em dirigir o Timão, mas os dias que antecederam foram de pesadelo. Ele reforçou que entregará as acusações aos seus advogados e agradeceu ao carinho dos jogadores. Após a confirmação da classificação corintiana, todos os jogadores foram até o banco de reservas comemorar com o técnico.

– Venho aqui na emoção do jogo, um jogo que foi demais, pela primeira vez eu pude sentir o pulsar da Arena, o pulsar do Fiel a favor, foi maravilhoso, com a conquista dessa vaga. Foi um dia vivido com um sonho, foi maravilhoso. E antes desse sonho se realizar tiveram três, quatro dias de pesadelo. Foi quase que um massacre, o que acabou acontecendo. E eu estava muito concentrado nessa decisão e não queria tirar o foco. E isso acaba levando para os jogadores, hoje eles me emocionaram, estou aqui há quatro, cinco dias, e me ofertaram com algo que eu não pedi. Mas os jogadores sentem – destacou Cuca em outro período.

Cuca deixou o clube deixando em aberto a possibilidade de voltar um dia, mas concentrará as suas energias em permanecer com a família.

Some players moved closer to Mauricio Pochettino's World Cup squad in September friendlies, but others now challenged

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Mauricio Pochettino said it several times throughout the course of this international break: the focus is on the World Cup. From the start, the U.S. men's national team head coach said that this would be the last meaningful opportunity to experiment before narrowing down the players he wants to bring with him on this road to next summer.

A mixed bag of results followed. There was the 2-0 loss to South Korea, a game in which the USMNT were underwhelming. There was the 2-0 win over Japan, a game in which the USMNT played up to their level. By Pochettino's own logic, though, that matters little – per the plan, what matters is how the individuals fared.

Some players clearly boosted their World Cup stock, putting in performances that show why they can contribute to this team next summer. Others have some work to do, although the chances will seemingly be harder to come by going forward as Pochettino welcomes back key regulars and settles on a more structured roster for October friendlies.

"We need to call the players that can perform," Pochettino said. "If the players, for different reasons, are not performing, why are we going to call them? We aren't going to just call players who performed four years ago unless they perform better than another player. That is, for me, the most important thing. I was telling the players that the door is always open. It's not closed. You all have the possibility to stay on, and then it's going to be our decision."

The USMNT will play both Ecuador and Australia in October, and then close the year against Paraguay and Uruguay in November, with the World Cup on the horizon.

Some players moved closer to being a part of that squad with their performances in these games. Others will be left wondering if they did enough. Who stood out? Whose stock rose, and whose fell? GOAL takes a look.

• Getty Images
  

  STOCK UP: Alejandro Zendejas

  Mauricio Pochettino admitted that Alex Zendejas had given him reason to "doubt" his prior assessment. As a player, what else can you do?

  After coming on and providing a jolt of energy against South Korea, Zendejas provided more of the same against Japan while adding a goal for good measure. The goal was classy as can be: a truly perfect left-footed volley that left the goalkeeper with no chance. It was a goal that required technical ability, quality and timing. It also required confidence.

  "I like to float around in that pocket, and I feel like Coach Pochettino, for sure, gives me that freedom to roam around, get on the ball and feel free," Zendejas said. "I feel like myself on the ball. He really gives us that confidence to not be nervous, to get on the ball and do what we do with our clubs. It gives us that creativity that players like us need."

  Zendejas, too, might provide the creativity that the USMNT needs. At the very least, he's earned another chance.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  STOCK DOWN: Tristan Blackmon

  Full credit to Tristan Blackmon for bouncing back. Given the events of Saturday, in his USMNT debut, it couldn't have been easy to get ready for the Japan match. Despite a few small hiccups, Blackmon was much improved against Japan, showing a performance more like the ones that earned this initial USMNT opportunity.

  Unfortunately, the road to a World Cup is cutthroat, and first impressions are hard to shake. That applies double to a centerback picture this crowded, even if there could be three, not two, starting in that position each game.

  Blackmon has proven to be a quality MLS defender, no doubt, but his mistakes against South Korea certainly hurt his USMNT chances. Chalk them up to nerves, and that's likely the cause. But at this level, those types of mistakes carry consequences.

  It's unfortunate, because Blackmon could certainly grow into a role with more reps. Unfortunately, it's hard to see why he should get those reps over the likes of Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, Walker Zimmerman, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Truty, none of whom were included in this camp.

  This may not be the last we see of Blackmon. Unfortunately, though, that first impression could dash his World Cup hopes.

• Getty Images
  

  STOCK UP: Folarin Balogun

  In some ways, we didn't learn anything we didn't already know about Folarin Balogun. He is, in fact, a very dangerous striker. Realistically, though, that's why the USMNT recruited him two years ago. Nothing has changed there.

  Call it a reminder, then. In this camp, Balogun showed everyone that he still has the ability to be this team's No. 1 striker, even after missing so much time due to injury.

  Coming on against South Korea, Balogun was lively, adding the right speed and timing to an attack that needed a jolt. Against Japan, he was given the start, and he proceeded to make life hell for Japan's defense. Time and time again, he put Japan's backline in uncomfortable spots, not just with his pace but with his mind.

  "What I've noticed most about Balo that is really good for the team is that he gives an outlet," Christian Pulisic said after the win over Japan. "Whether that's coming into pockets and laying off the ball or runs in behind that relieve the team, when we're under pressure, he gives that. When I turn, I feel like I can look and he's making those short runs across the backline. That's what he's really good at."

  We'll see what happens when Ricardo Pepi is fit but, right now, Balogun has the look of a World Cup starter.

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  STOCK DOWN: Josh Sargent

  Harsh on Josh Sargent, to be sure. He played in only one game and, in that match against South Korea, he was largely deprived of service. The USMNT was largely disorganized and looked to play long. The system didn't suit him.

  That said, Balogun looks like a man for any system. Pepi, too, has shown the ability to score goals in a variety of ways. Sargent, for whatever reason, still hasn't shown that in a USMNT shirt – his infamous national team scoring drought dates back to 2019 – and it's why he may be on the outside looking in at the moment.

  The Norwich striker is a hell of a forward, one that scores goals for fun on the club level. His lack of goals with the USMNT comes down to a variety of factors. But if other strikers are scoring, those factors become harder to overlook. With Balogun now fit and Pepi seemingly on his way back, it seems that there will be fewer chances for him to step up, which is what will make the path forward even harder, regardless of what Sargent does for his club.

Bjorn Fortuin named as replacement, with Maharaj to be assessed ahead of first Test starting December 26

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Dec-2024

South Africa left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan. According to a media release, “scans revealed a left adductor strain”, with Maharaj having suffered the injury during warm-ups ahead of the first ODI on Tuesday.South Africa have named Bjorn Fortuin as a like-for-like replacement for Maharaj for the second and third ODIs against Pakistan.Maharaj had limped off just before the toss for the first game, and was last moment replaced by pace-bowling allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo in South Africa’s XI. The release further stated that Maharaj will be returning home to Durban “for rehabilitation and will be reassessed ahead of the first Test against Pakistan”.Maharaj’s injury adds to an already lengthy list of missing bowlers for South Africa. The hosts are already without Anrich Nortje (fractured toe), Gerald Coetzee (groin), Lungi Ngidi (hip), Nandre Burger (lower back), and Wiaan Mulder (broken finger). Moreover, Maharaj recently bowled South Africa to a final-day win against Sri Lanka in the second Test in Gqeberha, bagging 5 for 76 to trigger a batting collapse.In Maharaj’s absence, South Africa have spin-bowling options in Dane Piedt and Senuran Muthusamy to choose from for the Test series against Pakistan.Those with an outside chance of making it to the side include batting allrounder Neil Brand, who bowls left-arm spin, and had toured New Zealand earlier this year; legspinner Shaun von Berg, who also made his debut on the same tour; and left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, although he had last played first-class cricket in 2021.The first Test of the two-match series against Pakistan begins in Centurion on December 26. South Africa are one win away from making it to the final of the World Test Championship, where they are currently placed at No. 1 in the points table.