Tag Futebol

Celtic favourite John Hartson has backed Kyogo Furuhashi to return to the starting lineup for the Scottish Cup semi-final clash against Rangers at Hampden Park. 

The lowdown: Left out at Ibrox

The 27-year-old forward has been a huge absentee for the Bhoys, having missed 30 games this season with knee and more recently hamstring issues.

However, the Japanese ace made a welcome return to the fold in the second half of the 7-0 demolition of St Johnstone at Celtic Park last weekend. Kyogo was actually fit for the Old Firm win at Ibrox two weeks ago, but was left out as the manager did not feel he was needed.

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Now, as another Old Firm showdown looms large, the Japan international could be back in contention to be named amongst Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI from the outset.

The latest: Hartson calls for Kyogo

Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, as relayed by the Daily Record, Hartson is adamant that Kyogo should feature if Giorgos Giakoumakis is deemed unfit.

The former Wales and 50-goal Hoops frontman said: “The back four will stay the same and I think the midfield will remain the same.

“The only one for me will be O’Riley or Hatate. Then it’ll be Maeda, Jota, and if Giakoumakis isn’t fit, then I see Kyogo starting.

“Why wouldn’t he start him? I think he’ll be dying to get back on the scoresheet.

“He’s such an enthusiastic and quality player. What an impact he made before he got injured.”

The verdict: Spot on

Having finally made a successful comeback there appears to be little reason not to include the 12-cap ace from the start, particularly should Giakoumakis miss out.

After almost four months out it’s unlikely Kyogo will be able to complete 90 minutes but it’s impossible to ignore the Japanese star’s quality.

Prior to coming off injured on Boxing Day, the versatile attacker had scored 16 times and provided five assists in 27 appearances across all competitions this season and will be a welcome addition back into Postecoglou’s squad for the semi-final and beyond.

In other news, pundit pinpoints key Celtic advantage in SPFL title race. Find out more here.

Former Wolves loanee Vitinha didn’t enjoy much success at Molineux last season, as the midfielder was subject to just 22 appearances for the West Midlands club under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Portuguese youngster failed to impress during an underwhelming campaign as the Black Country outfit finished 13th in the Premier League.

However, upon his arrival at Wolves, the midfielder was showered with praise by executive chairman Jeff Shi, who said:

“Vitinha is a crucial signing and an integral component in our recruitment plan for this summer. He is an exciting and special young talent, with an abundance of technique and creativity.”

Having struggled to make a positive impact for Wolves, the English side refused to take up their £16m option to buy and the 22-year-old subsequently returned to his parent club, FC Porto.

However, the West Midlands outfit may be kicking themselves with Vitinha now starring for the Portuguese juggernaut.

The midfielder has made 40 appearances across all competitions this season for Porto, with six of those coming in the Champions League as the youngster featured in all of his side’s group games before dropping down to the Europa League.

After a slow start to the season where the Portuguese starlet had to prove himself to manager Sergio Conceicao, patience has paid off with the 22-year-old starting 22 of Porto’s 29 league games this term.

Although the quality of the Portuguese top-flight is lower than that of the Premier League, Vitinha has certainly come a long way in a short period of time, with his market value also proving a good indicator of his progress.

When the midfielder made the move to Molineux, he was worth just £4.5m, according to Transfermarkt.

Having registered just one goal and one assist in an underwhelming season, the 22-year-old didn’t see much of an rise in his valuation, with a £1.8m increase.

However, fast forward almost a year and the Portuguese is Porto’s second-most valuable player behind Otavio with a market value of a whopping £21.6m.

Wolves will almost certainly be in the market for a new midfielder this summer with Joao Moutinho’s contract expiring in the summer, while Ruben Neves has been heavily linked with a move away – with Manchester United seemingly the front runners.

Therefore, by paying the £16m for Vitinha, not only could Wolves have secured a future profit but also a long-term successor to Moutinho, which would’ve allowed for recruitment of top quality in other positions to be pursued instead.

Granted, there were little signs from Vitinha that suggested he would be a revelation in a Wolves shirt, however, under new management in Bruno Lage, it would’ve certainly been worth a punt to see if the midfielder could turn around his fortunes at Molineux.

AND in other news: Lage could unearth Wolves’ next £100m talent as Fosun plot offer for 19-year-old “missile”

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has sought an explanation from fast bowler Sreesanth, who represents the state, after he had reportedly criticised it

Cricinfo staff25-Jul-2010The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has sought an explanation from fast bowler Sreesanth, who represents the state, after he had reportedly criticised it. Sreesanth has been warned of disciplinary action in the event of a repetition.”If Sreesanth repeats such things in future, the body has authorised the office bearers to take an appropriate action immediately,” KCA secretary TC Mathew told reporters.The uncertainty over Sreesanth’s availability had prompted the KCA to replace him as captain of the state side for the Ranji Trophy, though he was named in the 25-man list of probables for the Indian domestic season. Sreesanth had then suggested that he was considering playing for a different state side, but confirmed this month that he would stick with Kerala.

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Dois sócios do Vasco, Paulo Martins Pereira e Ângelo Leite Horto, que são da chapa ‘Reconstruindo o Vasco’, de Eurico Miranda, entraram com nova ação pedindo a validação dos votos da urna 7 da eleição do clube que ocorreu no dia 7 de novembro, em São Januário. O processo estána 17ª Vara Cível do Tribunal de Justiça do Rio de Janeiro.

A ação pede que os 475 votos da urna 7 sejam validados. No texto, os autores alegam que comprovou a regularidades destes sócios com documentos e testemunhas.

O documento tem um capítulo ‘distribuição por prevenção’, em que eles alegam que a primeira ação da eleição do Vasco foi da 17ª Vara Cível do Tribunal de Justiça do Rio de Janeiro e não da 52ª, da juíza Maria Cecília Pinto Gonçalves.Vale lembrar que já houve um pedido do Eurico Miranda via Vasco para tirar a ação da 52ª Vara e ir para a 17ª – o que foi indeferido pela relatora Márcia Ferreira Alvarenga.

Os autores da ação, no documento protocolado na 17ª Vara, admitem que são integrantes da chapa de Eurico Miranda e se dizem eleitos presidente e vice da Assembleia Geral do Vasco.

No início do tópico ‘direito fundamental’, eles pedem a validade dos votos na urna 7 dizendo que os sócios votaram nela ‘por determinação do incompetente juízo da 52ª Vara Cível”.Depoimentos dos sócios que foram a delegacia e Tata da Granja foram citados no documento. Nomes de 150 sócios que teriam enviado vídeo ao Vasco pedindo a validação da urna 7 foram citados também.

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Newcastle United could make another attempt to sign Jesse Lingard when he becomes a free agent this summer, according to Sky Sports News’ Pete Graves. 

The lowdown

Newcastle tried to sign the 29-year-old on January’s transfer deadline day, only for Manchester United to block the move. The Magpies had offered to stump up a loan fee, cover the entirety of the player’s £75,000-per-week wages and pay a survival bonus, but to no avail.

Man United appear to have missed their last opportunity to cash in on Lingard, whose contract expires in June, after he had been one of countless reported targets for PIF and Newcastle last month.

The latest

Graves took to Twitter on Monday evening to announce that any hopes Newcastle had of signing Lingard before the 11pm deadline were extinguished, but he added that there is a possibility of the Magpies revisiting their interest during next summer’s transfer window.

The journalist tweeted: “Jesse Lingard to #nufc is OFF. #mufc told him he won’t be allowed to leave. Understand he’s extremely disappointed. Newcastle had offered loan fee, full wages and a survival bonus. He will leave for a free in the summer. Expect Newcastle, West Ham and Spurs to all be in for him.”

The verdict

Keeping Lingard at Old Trafford feels like a tremendous waste of talent. The 29-year-old is clearly well down the pecking order, having only played 88 minutes of Premier League football this season, and Man United are seemingly going to lose their £18m-rated asset for nothing in the summer.

They really ought to have sold him last year off the back of his dazzling loan spell at West Ham, where he scored nine goals and provided five assists in 16 games.

Newcastle may be frustrated to have missed out this time, but they could ultimately be the beneficiaries of the Red Devils’ questionable decision-making if they can land Lingard on a free transfer in a few months’ time.

In other news, Newcastle held talks over this Belgian star on Monday

A disciplined bowling performance, followed by half-centuries from Mohammad Hafeez and Shahzaib Hasan, helped Pakistan A beat Pakistan by seven wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium to win the Pakistan Day Twenty20 Challenge.Hours after securing victory against the Under-19 side, Pakistan A’s bowlers made inroads into the senior team’s line-up, hampering their momentum after they had chosen to bat. A 65-run association for the second wicket was Pakistan’s best partnership and they slid from 83 for 1 after 11 overs to 151 for 6. Abdur Rehman was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 18 in four overs, while Mohammad Sami claimed 1 for 23. Khalid Latif, who was Hafeez’s solitary wicket, was the innings’ top scorer with 41.Pakistan A lost Imran Farat, who had scored a century in the first game, cheaply during the chase but were steadied by a 90-run partnership for the second wicket between Hafeez and Shahzaib Hasan. Hafeez was dismissed for 55 and Hasan Raza fell shortly after, with the score on 118 for 3, but Shahzaib Hasan remained unbeaten on 67 to see his side through to the target.Imran Farhat blitzed his way to a 56-ball 103 that lifted Pakistan A to 194, a score that proved 33 runs too many for Pakistan Under-19s, in the opening game of the Pakistan Day challenge trophy, in Lahore. Pakistan A were unstoppable after winning the toss, with Farhat and his captain Mohammad Hafeez putting the Under-19 attack to the sword. They added a mammoth 159 in 15.5 overs, before Ahmed Shahzad finally managed to dislodge Hafeez for a 45-ball 59. Three late wickets ensured that Pakistan A could not reach 200, but thanks to Farhat they already had a monumental score. He spanked 14 fours and 3 sixes, and Usman Qadir who went for 43 in three overs was the main sufferer.Shehzad ensured that the youngsters gave the A side a fight, with a 51-ball 88 that included half-a-dozen sixes and fours each. But, Mohammad Sami returned commendable figures of 3 for 26 to ensure that Shehzad did not have any support from the other end. The Under-19s eventually finished at 161 for 6.

يريد إريك تن هاج أن يكون مانشستر يونايتد أكثر شراسة وذكاءً حيث يحاول المدير الفني جعلهم منافسين مرة أخرى.

بعد أن عاد مانشستر يونايتد من الخلف ليهزم أومونيا نيقوسيا 3-2 في مباراة المجموعات بالدوري الأوروبي يوم الخميس، قال تين هاج إنه يعتقد أنه يتعين عليهم إضافة ميزة إلى لعبهم وأن يكونوا أكثر حذرًا لتجنب البطاقات الصفراء التي لا داعي لها.

وأشار إلى البطاقة الصفراء لديوجو دالوت لتحدي على جاك جريليش في اللحظات الافتتاحية لخسارة يوم الأحد 6-3 أمام مانشستر سيتي.

وقال تين هاج في مؤتمره الصحفي قبل مباراة مانشستر يونايتد وإيفرتون المقرر خوضها يوم الأحد: “أعرف كيف تكون شرسًا، بهذه الطريقة يمكننا التقدم وأحيانًا نلعب بطريقة أكثر ذكاءً، على سبيل المثال لدينا بطاقات صفراء كثيرة جدًا، أتساءل لماذا نجمع الكثير ولا أفهم، مثل البطاقة الصفراء المبكرة يوم الأحد، أنا لا أفهم حقًا”.

اقرأ أيضًا | تين هاج يعلن غياب ثلاثي مانشستر يونايتد عن مواجهة إيفرتون

وأضاف: “نريد أن نلعب بقوة، نريد أن نستمر في المباراة وبعد ذلك في الدقيقة الثانية يحصل ديوجو على بطاقة صفراء بالفعل، لقد كان خطأ ولكن بطاقة صفراء؟ أيضًا، رأيت العديد من البطاقات الصفراء الأخرى حيث أفكر قائلاً -هل هذا ضروري؟- ولكن أيضًا يجب أن أواصل تذكير اللاعبين باللعب بذكاء ولكن عليهم أن يلعبوا بطريقة سيئة أيضًا”.

يعتقد تين هاج أن الافتقار إلى القوة هو سبب خسارة يونايتد بشكل كبير أمام السيتي، قال: “إنه مثل الروتين، أسلوب حياة وعليك أن تحضره في كل تدريب كفريق ولاعب فردي، إنه ليس شيئًا تبنيه أو يمكنك التقدم فيه خلال أسبوع أو شهر، إنه نظام يجب أن يكون ومطلبًا في كرة القدم الكبرى”.

وأكد: “من الواضح تماما أن مانشستر سيتي هو المعيار في هذا، هناك فرق أكثر أيضًا، لكن أعتقد أننا نستطيع تحقيق ذلك، لقد رأينا ذلك ضد ليفربول وآرسنال عند الفوز ولكن علينا الآن القيام بذلك على أساس ثابت؛ هذا هو ما علينا العمل عليه الآن، لن يأتي بين عشية وضحاها، سيستغرق الأمر أيضًا أكثر من أسابيع، سيستغرق شهورًا”.

According to journalist Gerard Romero (as per Sport Witness), Tottenham have rekindled their interest in Barcelona centre-back Clément Lenglet.

The Lowdown: Lacking game-time

The Frenchman has been struggling for game-time this season, having made just eight appearances so far in the Catalan club’s 2021/22 LaLiga campaign.

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When Xavi was handed the managerial reins, there were rumours that this was about to change. However, this has not been the case; the defender has played just twice since the club legend’s arrival as manager.

Despite rarely featuring domestically, the 26-year-old has played well when utilised in the Champions League, leading his team in offsides won per game (1.3 averaged across his four appearances).

Lenglet arrived in Catalonia in 2018, joining from Sevilla in a deal worth £32.3m. Having won 15 caps for France, he has been on display on the European stage, and some clubs have enquired about the £97,000-per-week defender following his lack of game-time at Camp Nou.

The Latest: Spurs rekindle Lenglet interest

According to Romero (as relayed by Sport Witness), Tottenham have declared their interest in Lenglet, adding that the Lilywhites were interested in signing him in the previous summer transfer window, when Nuno Espírito Santo was at the helm.

The journalist tweeted that Spurs have gone ‘back to the charge for Lenglet in the winter market’, adding that ‘the player did not want to go to England in the summer and rejected the Spurs offer’.

He claims that Tottenham even made an offer for the 26-year-old, but the Barcelona player personally rejected it. Ramón Planes, the Blaugrana’s former technical secretary, had held talks with Spurs, with the Lilywhites likely looking to push a deal for Lenglet.

The Verdict: Better options elsewhere

Lenglet’s reputation has seen a devastating decline over the past two years. In the summer of 2019, the Frenchman had a market value of £54m. This figure has rapidly decreased since, dropping to a meagre current valuation of £16.2m.

Recently, the 26-year-old has faced widespread criticism after being pictured laughing with Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski after Barcelona’s Champions League exit. Spanish pundit Jota Jordi slammed Lenglet over that incident, exclaiming that he ‘has no shame’.

Given Antonio Conte’s no-nonsense attitude, this demeanour could seriously annoy the Italian coach, so maybe it is better for Spurs to look for a new defender elsewhere.

In other news – The ‘Next Buffon’: Long-term Tottenham target seeks exit; Ancelotti claimed he’s ‘special’

New Zealand and Australia, the CricInfo Women’s World Cup finalists in 2000, will play the opening game of next summer’s Quadrangular Tournament at New Zealand Cricket’s High Performance Centre at Lincoln University near Christchurch

Lynn McConnell25-Dec-2009New Zealand and Australia, the CricInfo Women’s World Cup finalists in 2000, will play the opening game of next summer’s Quadrangular Tournament at New Zealand Cricket’s High Performance Centre at Lincoln University near Christchurch.The draw for the series which also involves India and England was made today.The tournament, which is aimed to be a meaningful event between World Cups, will start on January 26 with a final to be played on February 9.New Zealand Cricket (NZC) operations manager John Reid said: “It’s important for the growth and development of women’s cricket internationally that we provide opportunities for teams to compete in tournaments like this one.”The experience of playing in a demanding and competitive tournament develops the skill levels of the participants and provides a gauge of how each team is progressing in an international sense,” said Reid.The annual trans-Tasman Rosebowl competition will be incorporated into the Quadrangular Tournament.”There will be an added dimension to the matches in the Quadrangular Tournament between Australia and New Zealand because, not only will they be playing to win the tournament, they will also be playing for the annual Rosebowl which represents trans-Tasman superiority,” he said.After the tournament, England will tour Australia where the teams will compete in a Test series.The Australian Cricket Board, which under normal circumstances would have hosted both the TelstraClear White Ferns for the Rosebowl and the one-day element of the England tour, has made a financial contribution to the Quadrangular Tournament in lieu of this commitment.”New Zealand Cricket is grateful for the foresight that the ACB has shown by agreeing to assist with some of the costs associated with this NZC initiative,” said Reid.”The international women’s game needs administrations with the vision and commitment to grow interest in it, and NZC appreciates the co-operation of the ACB and their practical support which clearly shows they share this vision with us.”The tournament draw is:January 26: New Zealand v Australia at Bert Sutcliffe Oval; Jan 27: England v India at Bert Sutcliffe Oval; Jan 28: New Zealand v India at Bert Sutcliffe Oval; Jan 29: England v Australia at Lincoln Green; Jan 30: New Zealand v England at Lincoln Green; February 1: Australia v India at Lincoln Green; Feb 2: New Zealand v India at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Australia v England at Lincoln Green; Feb 3: New Zealand v England at Lincoln No 3; Feb 4: Australia v India at Lincoln No 3; Feb 6: New Zealand v Australia at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, England v India at Lincoln No 3; Feb 7: 3rd v 4th at Bert Sutcliffe Oval; Feb 8: Final at Bert Sutcliffe Oval; Feb 9: Reserve Day.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a massive boost in their pursuit of mooted transfer target Andrea Belotti this week…

What’s the word?

During the summer transfer window, the north London outfit were reportedly ‘observing’ the 27-year-old’s situation as he entered the final year of his current contract at Serie A outfit Torino, as per Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

They were once again linked ahead of January and now it seems as if they have been gifted their biggest boost yet, should sporting director Fabio Paratici still retain such interest.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Bulls have offered him a new deal but nothing has been agreed, as he also relayed comments from club president Urbano Cairo, who said: “I don’t see big chances to extend his contract, but we’ll see.”

Should they swoop?

It would not be a surprise to see Spurs make a move for a striker in the near future, considering an out-of-form Harry Kane is their only senior option. He’s scored just once in the Premier League all season and that has to be a cause for concern to manager Antonio Conte.

Belotti is increasingly likely to be available for nothing in the summer, and that means foreign clubs like Tottenham can submit pre-contract offers to the Torino talisman as early as January.

Valued at a whopping £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the Italy international would be quite the steal, especially fresh off the back of winning Euro 2020. He has proven to be a very prolific goalscorer over recent times.

The forward has bagged double figures in every season since 2015/16, including a career-best tally of 28 goals in the 2016/17 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

Ex-Spurs shot-stopper Joe Hart briefly played with Belotti at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino and described the frontman as a unique talent, different to the big names we usually see mentioned across Europe.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special,” he lauded to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. “He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

Things have not gone to plan for him this campaign, managing only two goals and five starts, but injuries have somewhat hampered his season so far and that doesn’t take away from his impressive and consistent goalscoring record over the years; not to mention his role as captain, either.

It’s evident that Spurs are in desperate need of alternatives to the misfiring Kane and Belotti could be a bargain solution, even more so after the door has seemingly opened for them to strike a deal at the turn of the year.

Paratici and Conte should act after this latest development from Romano. They have been gifted a massive boost, so it would be foolish to not at least try and lure the Italian to north London.

AND in other news, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge drops Spurs update on Joe Rodon…