أعلن الاتحاد العربي لكرة القدم، عن اختيار دولة مصر، لاستضافة بطولتي كأس العرب للمنتخبات للشباب تحت 20 عامًا وللناشئين تحت 17 عامًا، في عام 2028.
ومن المقرر أن تقام بطولة كأس العرب للمنتخبات تحت 20 عامًا من الفترة 10 حتى 26 من شهر مايو 2028.
كما تستضيف مصر، بطولة كأس العرب للمنتخبات تحت 17 عامًا، خلال الفترة من 2 حتى 19 من شهر أغسطس 2028.
وكان الاتحاد العربي لكرة القدم أقام اليوم جمعية عمومية في السعودية، أسفرت عن فوز الأمير عبدالعزيز بن تركي الفيصل، رئيسًا للاتحاد العربي بالتزكية.
كما اعتمد نائبي سمو رئيس الاتحاد، النائب الأول المهندس هاني أبو ريدة والنائب الثاني الشيخ حمد بن خليفة بن أحمد آل ثاني.
طالع | رسميًا.. هاني أبو ريدة نائبًا أول لرئيس الاتحاد العربي لكرة القدم حتى 2029
وجاء الأعضاء على النحو التالي، الشيخ خليفة بن علي بن عيسى آل خليفة، فوزي لقجع، هاشم حيدر، عبدالله الجنيبي، أحمد يحيى والدكتور معتصم جعفر لعضوية مجلس الاتحاد، بالإضافة إلى عضوية دولة فلسطين، للفريق جبريل الرجوب، وعضوية المعقد النسائي لـ سمر نصار.
Scoring goals hasn’t been an issue for Tottenham Hotspur throughout 2024/25, with the club posting one of the best tallies in the division over the course of 38 games.
The Lilywhites registered 64 goals in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou, a record that was only bettered by six other sides in the division – three of which occupied a place in the top five.
However, despite such a record, it appears as though the club are plotting moves for numerous reinforcements in such a department, with new boss Thomas Frank wanting added options at his disposal.
The Dane took the reins after the Aussie was dismissed by owner Daniel Levy, having a huge job in his hands to lead the side back up the Premier League in 2025/26.
It’s evident that he will have money at his disposal to spend on players he sees fit, but it’s crucial that the right additions are made to avoid a repeat of the recent campaign.
The latest on Frank’s hunt for new additions at Spurs
In their attempts to land a new attacker this window, OGC Nice talisman Evann Guessand has emerged as an option for Spurs, after making contact with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential deal.
He’s not alone in that aspect, with talks also being held over a deal which would see Brentford striker Yoane Wissa follow his former boss across the capital this summer.
Evann Guessand in action for Nice in Ligue 1.
However, despite the aforementioned stars, RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons has again emerged as a target, according to Ben Jacobs’ update with TBR Football.
He claims that the Lilywhites hierarchy have made an enquiry to land the Dutch international, who registered 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this season.
The report also states that Levy and Co have asked about how much a deal for the 22-year-old would cost this window after his impressive form in recent years.
Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs
At this point, it feels as though there hasn’t been a window in recent history in which Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze hasn’t been linked with a move to join Spurs.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy
This summer appears no different with rumours already emerging linking the England international with a move across the capital to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.
However, this time around, the competition for the 26-year-old’s signature is likely to be higher given his success with the Eagles, which saw him net the winner in the FA Cup final.
It’s been reported that he does currently have a £68m release clause in his current contract at Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen if Oliver Glasner’s side would be willing to negotiate a cheaper deal.
Regardless of any interest in Eze during the off-season, the board should look past a move for his signature, subsequently pursuing a move for Simons instead.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Leipzig talent has registered more goals, highlighting the threat he can add to Spurs should he move to North London.
Simons, who’s been labelled “one of the best youngsters in Europe” by Alex Barker at The Athletic, has also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.
Games played
25
34
Goals scored
10
8
Progressive carries
3.6
2.4
Progressive passes
5.9
3.3
Shot-on-target accuracy
46%
27%
Pass accuracy
79%
74%
Passes into final third
3.3
1.7
Carries into final third
3
1.6
The youngster’s also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.
Given the difference between the aforementioned duo this campaign, it’s evident that Simons would be a better signing for Frank in the coming months in his attempts for sure success.
Xavi Simons for RB Leipzig
Should he carry over his skillset to England, it would be a sensational addition that would allow the club to have a leading European star in their side for many years to come.
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Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third successive season in 2024/25, and Mikel Arteta knows that he needs to bag himself a new striker to defeat the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to next year’s title.
Well, with a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the works, it seems like the Londoners are finally sorting out that issue, but attacking quality needs to be brought in across other areas too.
Out on the left, Gabriel Martinelli’s future is uncertain, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has been picked as a leading candidate to strength the Gunners’ attacking flank.
However, the Spain star isn’t the only one on the radar, especially after just 11 goals and seven assists from 45 matches in all competitions.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
Arsenal, alongside their pursuit of the aforementioned Sesko, might be better off looking at a different La Liga sensation…
Arsenal line up Williams alternative
According to GIVEMESPORT, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo would be willing to sign for Arsenal this summer, but only if his £250k-per-week salary demands are met.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
In fact, sporting director Andrea Berta is personally driving the deal forward, having engaged in official talks with Los Blancos and the player’s representatives last week.
Chelsea have also expressed an interest, and it’s felt Florentino Perez would be open to selling for something in the range of £85m.
However, a resolution won’t be reached until Xabi Alonso has taken the time to decide if he considers the Brazil forward as untouchable or not, so don’t hold onto your breath with this one.
What Rodrygo would bring to Arsenal
Rodrygo has been at Real Madrid since his 18th birthday, when he left Santos and his Brazilian homeland in search of footballing riches in the Spanish capital.
The 24-year-old has since scored 68 goals and supplied 50 assists across 267 appearances for Real, notably winning two Champions League trophies and establishing himself as one of the game’s foremost forwards.
If Arsenal find themselves in the right position for it, they must move this dynamic attacker in lieu of Williams.
Hailed as a “world-class superstar” by his Real teammate Luka Modric, Rodrygo must be desperate to step away from the shadow of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe and begin to forge a new future for himself in the Premier League, where he could light up English football on the left flank.
Though he rarely features off the left, Rodrygo believes it is his best position, and when assessing his data from last term, it’s clear to see why.
Right winger
29
7
4
Left winger
12
6
6
Centre-forward
8
–
–
Bukayo Saka has Arsenal’s right wing on lock, so it makes perfect sense to sign Rodrygo and give him the keys to the position he so desperately wants to nail down. Should Arteta make it happen, we could see some of the “terrifyingly good” finishing the Brazilian is capable of, as has been said by journalist Sam Tighe.
Such potency could see Rodrygo prove an even better fit than Williams, bringing many of the Spaniard’s electric qualities to the table but providing a sharper goalscoring sense too.
As per FBref, Rodrygo ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion and the top 14% for progressive carries per 90.
Such technical and athletic qualities have actually seen Williams drawn against him as one of his most statistically similar players, so it’s clear he would be a stylistic fit for the Gunners.
Real Madrid'sRodrygolooks on
Given the need to add goals to Arsenal’s game, Arteta and Berta might be better off forging ahead with a deal for Rodrygo, who only missed one big chance in La Liga last term, scoring six goals.
A new challenge would serve him well, and he’d prove to be a superior choice to Williams while bringing a similar profile. Let’s get it done.
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Contracts have been the talking point around Liverpool football club in recent months, with three of Arne Slot’s key players out of contract at the end of the season.
Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah have all been regular starters this campaign, but all three of the stars’ current deals are set to expire in June.
However, there has been progress with the Dutchman and Egyptian, with the pair both set to sign new deals until the summer of 2027 – undoubtedly a huge boost to their ambitions for Premier League glory next season.
Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah
As for Trent, he looks set to depart and join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season, ending his 20-year affiliation with his boyhood club, to the disappointment of the fanbase.
Such a departure could leave a huge hole in the first-team backline, but it appears the hierarchy have wasted no time in landing a player who could potentially fill any void next campaign.
Liverpool set to make £85m bid for defensive star
According to one Spanish outlet, Liverpool are set to make a €100m (£85m) summer bid for Barcelona star Ronald Araujo in an attempt to strengthen the defensive department.
The 26-year-old has made 16 appearances across all competitions, notching four combined goals and assists, being able to feature in a centre-back or right-back role.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo
The Uruguayan international has had an injury-hit campaign, but has still managed to impress, as seen by the Reds’ willingness to fork out big-money for his signature.
The report claims that the opportunity to play in England’s top flight could be too good to turn down, but that it will be up to the LaLiga outfit whether they want to part ways with Araujo.
It may be a huge investment from the hierarchy, but it would be a worthwhile one for Slot’s side – especially if his figures from the current campaign are anything to go by.
Why Araujo is the perfect Van Dijk & Trent hybrid for Liverpool
The Reds’ backline is in need of investment with Trent’s pending departure and Andy Robertson’s decline in recent months, making this summer vital for Slot.
Van Dijk has often been the shining light within the back four over the last few years, with his performances helping the side win five major honours since his move in January 2018.
However, he’s often lacked that partner at the heart of the defence, with Ibrahima Konate prone to a mistake, as seen during last weekend’s defeat against Fulham.
Araujo could provide that fellow world-class option the club have been searching for, with current boss Hansi Flick labelling the Uruguayan international as “one of the best in the world”.
His ability to feature at right-back too could make him an option to cover should Trent leave, producing figures better than the aforementioned pair in numerous key areas.
Barcelona defenderRonald Araujo.
Defensively, Araujo has outperformed the current Reds stars, winning more tackles per 90, whilst also coming out on top in more aerials – offering that added solidity they’ve been hunting for as of late.
Games played
16
28
31
Goals & assists
4
8
2
Pass accuracy
93%
74%
92%
Tackles won
1.3
1
0.5
Aerials won
3.9
0.2
3.2
Shot-on-target accuracy
67%
18%
32%
Passes completed per game
90
63
74
In possession, he’s been just as impressive, completing more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also achieving a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting the quality he possesses at both ends of the pitch.
Whilst it may be another huge fee to spend on a new signing, it’s one that could provide added quality into the backline, further strengthening Slot’s chances of winning trophies on Merseyside.
It’s unclear whether Barça would be open to selling one of their key players, but it’s evident that from the stats he’s produced in 2024/25, he would be a superb addition – partnering Van Dijk and softening the blow of Trent’s pending departure.
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Manchester United are now set to make an approach for an “immense” defender, with Ruben Amorim believed to be a big fan, according to a report.
Man Utd pursuing defensive reinforcements
Amorim has made it clear that he will not compromise on his style of play, having implemented a three-at-the-back system ever since arriving from Sporting CP, which means the manager may need to recruit another centre-back in the summer transfer window.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is one of the names on the shortlist, with Man United looking to hijack Real Madrid’s move for the defender, while they have also sent scouts to watch Fiorentina’s Pietro Comuzzo in action.
Comuzzo is being targeted as a potential replacement for Lisandro Martínez, who may not be back until 2026, which underlines the need for a new centre-back to be brought in prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
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According to a report from Football Transfers, not only is Amorim concerned by Martinez’s injury woes, but the manager also has doubts over whether the Argentine is suitable for his three-at-the-back system.
As such, the 40-year-old wants to bring in a new centre-back this summer, and he has demanded the signing of Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
S.C. Braga's Rodrigo Zalazar in action with Sporting CP's GoncaloInacio
Amorim knows Inacio well from their time working together in Portugal, and he remains a huge admirer, with Man United expected to make an approach of some description over the next few weeks, although there are yet to be any formal talks.
The Portuguese defender is protected by a €60m (£52m) release clause in his contract, but there are indications he could be available for as little as €35m (£30m), which would make him a relatively low-cost addition to the squad.
"Immense" Inacio impressing in Portugal
Sporting are once again challenging for the Liga Portugal title this season, and the 23-year-old has been one of their most important players, making 22 appearances, during which time he has picked up three goals and three assists.
Not only is the Portugal international a threat going forward, but he is also strong defensively and solid in possession of the ball, as showcased by his performance on some key metrics over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Blocks
2.22 (99th percentile)
Tackles
2.04 (84th percentile)
Passes attempted
88.70 (97th percentile)
With Amorim having doubts over whether Martinez is capable of playing in a three-at-the-back system, it would make sense for the manager to bring in a player he can trust, and the “immense” Sporting star is showing signs he could be a success at Old Trafford.
The only doubt over the signing of Inacio will be the fact he is yet to prove himself in a major European league, unlike some of the other players on Man United’s shortlist, such as Hincapie and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
When is the India vs Pakistan game? What’s the format? Who are the players to watch? And a lot more…
Abhijato Sensarma05-Sep-2025Isn’t the Asia Cup sometime soon?Indeed, and that’s why we’re here. The 17th edition of the Asia Cup starts on September 9 and ends on September 28. The tournament will be played in the UAE, with matches in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. All games start at 6.30pm UAE time, with one double-header day when the two matches start at 4pm and 6.30pm UAE time.Why is the Asia Cup in the UAE this time?India were the official hosts of the tournament, but because of their strained political relations with Pakistan, neither team plays in the other’s country now. If India had hosted the tournament, the matches involving Pakistan would have had to be played at a neutral venue, like India’s games were in the UAE when Pakistan hosted the 2025 Champions Trophy. So while the BCCI remains the official host, the matches will be played in the UAE this time.Tell me more about the Asia Cup…The first Asia Cup was played in 1984, between India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The tournament is only nine years younger than the ODI World Cup. It was set up as a way of promoting goodwill between the participating countries and then became progressively bigger as more Asian countries developed strong teams. It was initially a stop-and-start presence in the international calendar, but has been played every alternate year since 2008, except for the interruption in 2020 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.India are the defending champions. Mohammed Siraj ran through Sri Lanka with a six-for in the 2023 Asia Cup final in Colombo and they chased down the target of 51 in just 6.1 overs. It was India’s eighth Asia Cup title, making them the most successful team in the tournament. Sri Lanka are the second-most-successful team with six Asia Cup wins.Related
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So the Asia Cup is an ODI tournament?It began as an ODI tournament, but over the last decade it has switched between the ODI and the T20I formats, depending on whether the upcoming World Cup is an ODI or T20I tournament. The previous Asia Cup in 2023 was an ODI tournament because it was held a few months before the 2023 ODI World Cup. This Asia Cup is a T20I tournament ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next February.India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are the participating teams?Not just them. For the first time, there are eight teams in the Asia Cup. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan qualified directly for the tournament, and they are joined by the top three teams – UAE, Oman and Hong Kong – from the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup, which is the top-tier tournament for associate countries in Asia.Salman Agha’s Pakistan will have a new-look top order at the Asia Cup•AFP/Getty ImagesWhy didn’t Nepal make it?They came up short in the 2024 ACC Men’s Premier Cup. They topped their group but lost to UAE in the semi-finals, and then to Hong Kong in the third-place playoff in a last-over finish. Hong Kong qualified for the Asia Cup and Nepal, despite their rise in recent years, will sit this tournament out.What’s the format of this Asia Cup?The eight teams have been split up: India, Oman, Pakistan and UAE are in Group A, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka are in Group B, and each team will play the others in their group once. The top two from each group will qualify for the Super Four round, where they will all play each other again. The top two from the Super Four will play the final on September 28 in Dubai.India and Pakistan are playing each other?Yes, but there was some uncertainty around the fixture due to cross-border tensions earlier this year until the Indian government clarified its stance on playing Pakistan recently: India will not play bilateral cricket against Pakistan but will play them in multi-nation events like the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments.Their group A game is on September 14, Sunday, in Dubai. If both teams qualify for the Super Four stage, they will play each other a second time. And then there’s the possibility of an India-Pakistan final too; they have never played an Asia Cup final against each other before, though.Bangladesh recently beat Sri Lanka in a T20I series•Getty ImagesWhat else is there to look forward to in this Asia Cup?Plenty. Pakistan have a new-look top order, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan still out of the side after a period of diminishing returns (and strike rates).Bangladesh recently beat Sri Lanka in a hard-fought bilateral T20I series.India have picked a full-strength squad for the first time since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, but questions remain over the balance of their best XI.Hong Kong – who take on Afghanistan in the tournament opener – have a new captain, Yasim Murtaza, and a new coach, former Sri Lanka international Kaushal Silva.Afghanistan are gunning for their first major title after they had their best finish at a global event at the 2024 World Cup, where they got to the semi-finals.Oman will also be playing their first major tournament since a payment dispute with their board, in the aftermath of the same World Cup.India vs Pakistan is the biggest fixture, of course, but there has been a lot of needle in games featuring Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka over the years. No one can be certain where the flashpoints of this year’s tournament might be.Will Afghanistan’s AM Ghazanfar be a hit in T20 internationals?•ACBAny exciting new players in the Asia Cup?There is a significant pool of expected debutants and fresh-faced internationals at the Asia Cup. The most high profile among the second lot would be Abhishek Sharma, who already has two T20I centuries and scores at a strike rate of 193.84, but is only 24 and has played just 17 matches for India. This will be his first major tournament since his ascent to being first-choice India opener, and a litmus test too – how will he perform under serious pressure?Afghanistan’s 19-year-old mystery spinner, AM Ghazanfar, has just made his T20I debut after impressing with two five-wicket hauls in 11 ODIs. He is also becoming a regular on the T20 franchise circuit.Pakistan left-arm quick Salman Mirza is 31 and has made a name for himself recently. After an impressive PSL season with Lahore Qalandars, he debuted in the series against Bangladesh and picked up seven wickets at an economy of 5.21.UAE captain and opener Muhammad Waseem is by far their best batter and a prominent name in the T20 franchise circuit. He has a strike rate of 155.73 in T20Is* but he will be entering the Asia Cup without much experience in big tournaments. It remains to be seen if he doubles down on his aggressive batting.Hong Kong’s 34-year-old captain Murtaza has played T20Is for three years but will be captaining the side for the first time. A bowling allrounder, he has taken 70 wickets with a tidy economy of 6.33.So, a lot of entertainment to look forward to?Of course. In T20 cricket, even relatively lower-ranked teams have a fair chance of challenging the stronger teams. And, in recent years, the Asia Cup has produced some memorable matches.In their first appearance at the tournament, Afghanistan beat Sri Lanka by 91 runs in 2014. Four years later, they tied an ODI against India. Hong Kong almost chased down 286 against India after a 174-run opening stand in the 2018 edition. While major shocks have not been too frequent, matches like these prove the quality of cricket has been high and the competition fierce.Sri Lanka won the last T20I edition of the Asia Cup – played in 2022 – against the odds after facing Pakistan in the final, underlining the close gap between top teams. In short, plenty of excitement awaits with no results guaranteed. And we’ll be covering every moment on ESPNcricinfo, so stay tuned.
Making sense of Tilak Varma’s selection, Yuzvendra Chahal’s non-selection, Rohit Sharma’s explanations, and more
ESPNcricinfo staff22-Aug-2023In the latest episode of , Nagraj Gollapudi joins Kaustubh Kumar and Vishal Dikshit to discuss India’s Asia Cup squad. Why was Yuzvendra Chahal left out? How close is Tilak Varma to a World Cup spot? What did Rohit Sharma mean by “flexibility”?Tune in to find out answers to all those questions, and a lot more.
The Scotland allrounder on winning his 100th cap, and working for a building supplies company during lockdown
Shashank Kishore18-Oct-2021When the Covid-19 pandemic brought cricket to a worldwide halt, players from Associate nations, who were already faced with a shrinking calendar, were affected more gravely than most. With Scotland not playing a game between December 2019 and May 2021, the allrounder Michael Leask had to find a way to sustain himself – not just financially, but also mentally and emotionally.Where Chris Greaves, Scotland’s match-winner in their T20 World Cup opener against Bangladesh, worked as a delivery executive for Amazon, Leask found work at a building supplies company.”It’s something [resilience] that every individual in Scotland cricket has,” Leask said at a press conference on Monday. “Like how Chris has done delivery driving, I also worked, quite a few other guys do part-time work outside of cricket. It takes your mind away from cricket.”At times during lockdown it wasn’t easy for anyone, and Chris had to find another job to help him at the time. He’s now reaping the rewards from that, I think that time actually helped him take his mind away from cricket at the time. Now he has full focus on his cricket and he’s delivering for Scotland which is absolutely amazing to see.”I worked at a building supplies company, I also did some delivery driving at the time, to be able to do a little bit extra, not just sit at home and let time pass away. I always had something going on during the time, it was good taking your mind away from cricket during the tough time.”Leask is not new to bouncing back from adversity. In 2017, he had seriously stepping away from the game after Somerset ended his county contract. A chat with Scotland’s then coach Grant Bradburn changed his mind, and his career began to flourish.Kyle Coetzer won his 200th Scotland cap on the day Leask won his 100th•Getty ImagesHe played a key role in Scotland beating a Full Member team, contributing an unbeaten 38-ball 59 to set up victory over Zimbabwe in an ODI in Edinburgh in June 2017. The following year, Leask was part of the history-making Scotland team that defeated England for the first time in an ODI.On Sunday, Leask won his 100th cap for Scotland (this includes matches outside official ODIs and T20Is), a landmark that showed just how far he had come since grabbing the cricket world’s attention with a 16-ball 42 against England in his third ODI, back in May 2014. Sunday’s game was also the 200th in Scotland colours for their captain Kyle Coetzer, with whom Leask has had a long association.”I’m absolutely honoured to have represented Scotland for 100 caps, always been a dream getting the first cap, I never thought this day would even come,” he said. “To make it alongside Kyle making his 200th [is amazing]. I played alongside the guy since I was 4-5, we played for the same club. I idolise the guy, he’s an incredible guy who epitomises what it means to be Scottish. If you watched him on the park he plays with pride and passion, it just flows through the team. It’s amazing to see what he has done for Scottish sport.”Sunday’s win over Bangladesh was sweet in many ways for Scotland. First, they were up against a side that had recently beaten Australia and New Zealand at home. Then, having been put in, they were tottering at 53 for 6. To emerge from that to not just post a competitive total but also tie down an accomplished batting line-up spoke volumes about the preparation Scotland put in before the tournament.Unusually, Scotland also got through a packed fixture schedule before the tournament began. Shortly after a home T20I series against Zimbabwe, Scotland arrived in Oman late last month for a series of WCL League 2 fixtures as well as T20Is against Papua New Guinea and Namibia, and the warm-up games for the T20 World Cup.”We were here three weeks ago playing back-to-back 50-over games, so that has stood us in really good stead to be fitter, stronger and ready for this T20 World Cup, even though it’s a lot faster and more energetic,” Leask said, when asked about adapting to the heat of Oman. “We’ve had two 50-over games on the bounce which are very energy-sapping, so we’re actually ready to go. The boys are fit and ready to go.”‘We know bubbles can be difficult, and we’re trying to get away from using that word and be good around the way we handle ourselves as a group’ – Michael Leask•Peter Della PennaFor the moment, Scotland’s mantra is to take this T20 World Cup a game at a time, even if the tantalising prospect of the Super 12s is within their sights. Leask and his team-mates are fully aware that Papua New Guinea, their opponents on Tuesday, could do to them what they did to Bangladesh.”We’re trying to keep our feet on the ground and not look too far ahead,” he said. “If it [qualifying for the Super 12s] does happen, we believe it will, great. No team can be underestimated in T20 cricket, the beauty is, on any day someone can get big runs, take five wickets, do anything. Every member of this squad believes they can do it, that’s what stands us in good stead now.”They pose challenges very different to Bangladesh, but I think now we’re looking to take it game by game, day by day, stay in the moment, and try and get into the nuts and bolts of what we want to go in the next game before taking on Oman.”In a hectic tournament where teams can potentially be shown the exit door within 48 hours of taking the field for the first time, Scotland have tried to keep themselves away from external pressures. Spending time together has been the motto of their time in Oman so far, bubble or no bubble. Leask, for one, is missing being home watching his daughter take her first steps, but he’s happy to be where he is, on the world stage.”We obviously want to spend as much time together as a group. We know bubbles can be difficult, and we’re trying to get away from using that word and be good around the way we handle ourselves as a group,” he says. The morale is absolutely amazing, the way people are handling themselves, constructing themselves at training has been second to none.””You can almost take it for granted at times but having international cricket again has been great. We got a taste of cricket once again after a long break when we took on Holland [in May]. The squad found it exciting, it gave us a new lease of life. It almost makes you appreciate how lucky you are to one in the position you’re in. We’re on a roll, so we’re taking it day by day. We are really grateful to be in the position we’re in at the moment.”
حدد اتحاد الكرة، مواعيد مباريات دور الستة عشر والمباريات المؤجلة من دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس مصر الموسم الجاري 2025-2026.
وأخطر الاتحاد، الأندية المشاركة في المباريات المؤجلة من دور الـ32 والفرق المتأهلة إلى دور الستة عشر بالمواعيد المقررة.
طالع.. الأهلي يعلن تفاصيل إصابة أفشة وكريم فؤاد
وحسمت أندية سموحة والبنك الأهلي وبتروجيت وكهرباء الإسماعيلية وفاركو وإنبي حرس الحدود وطلائع الجيش والجونة تأهلها إلى دور الستة عشر حتى الآن.
وتتبقى مباريات الأهلي ضد المصرية للاتصالات، والزمالك ضد بلدية المحلة، والمصري ضد دكرنس، ومودرن سبورت ضد القناة، وبيراميدز ضد مسار، وسيراميكا كليوباترا ضد أبو قير للأسمدة، ونادي زد ضد نادي جي. مواعيد المباريات المؤجلة في دور الـ32 من كأس مصر
المصري ضد دكرنس – الإثنين – 22 ديسمبر – الساعة 2 ونصف ظهرًا
بيراميدز ضد مسار – الإثنين – 22 ديسمبر- 5 مساءًا
سيراميكا كليوباترا ضد أبو قير للأسمدة – الثلاثاء – 23 ديسمبر – 2 ونصف ظهرًا
زد ضد ألو إيجبت – الجمعة 26 ديسمبر- الساعة 2 ونصف ظهرًا
مودرن سبورت ضد القناة – السبت 27 ديسمبر – الساعة 7 ونصف مساءً
الزمالك ضد بلدية المحلة – السبت 27 ديسمبر – الساعة 2 والنصف مساءً
الأهلي ضد المصرية للاتصالات – السبت 27 ديسمبر – الساعة 5 مساءً مواعيد مباريات دور الـ16 من كأس مصر
طلائع الجيش ضد كهرباء الإسماعيلية – السبت 27 ديسمبر – الساعة 5 مساءً
البنك الأهلي ضد إنبي – الأحد 28 ديسمبر – الساعة 2 ونصف ظهرا
حرس الحدود ضد سموحة – الأحد 28 ديسمبر – الساعة 2 ونصف ظهرا
South Africa’s serious stuff, in the form of back-to-back Test series in the subcontinent, is over. Their experimental stuff, over the course of an ODI series that began preparations for the home World Cup in 2027, is also over. Now, it’s time for the fun stuff, with a T20 carnival that will last for the next three months.There’s five against India, a month of the SA20 over the holiday season, three against West Indies and then the big one: the T20 World Cup, where South Africa are aiming to go one better than they did in 2024. There, they went on a magnificent eight-match unbeaten run to reach the final and had one hand on the trophy before a spectacular collapse saw India claim a sensational win. David Miller, who was dismissed as the final over began with 16 runs to get, was among the most distraught as South Africa watched another trophy slip away.Post-tournament, he has only played 10 white-ball internationals out of a possible 54. His last appearance for South Africa was in the Champions Trophy semi-final in March, where he scored a hundred in a losing cause. Since then, South Africa have had a change of white-ball coach, gone on to win the World Test Championship final and have played in some entertaining series everywhere from Zimbabwe to India.Miller, who is halfway to 37, may have raised questions about his future through his absence but it’s explainable. He was given special dispensation to miss the Australia series to play in the Hundred. He then picked up a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several months. Now, he is fully fit and raring to go as South Africa begin the quest to complete unfinished business.Related
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“It’s just great to be back. It’s been great watching the guys back at home even though I always feel I want to be there, but the guys have been doing so well, and it’s been lovely to watch,” Miller said from Cuttack, where the series against India will begin on Tuesday. “It’s been an interesting couple of months for me, just being at home and reflecting on a few things was really cool. I moved into a different space by trying out different things with my body and tapping into a few different training regimes. It was actually a really good time away. I enjoyed it. You’ve got to take the positives from what’s negative so it was really good. I’m feeling strong. I’m feeling fit and I’m feeling ready to go.”Is the possibility of trying for another World Cup title what keeps Miller going? Maybe, because he seems to suggest South Africa are getting closer. “I’ve spoken to a lot of different people and teams that have been very successful over the years with league trophies and World Cups and I don’t think there’s really one recipe to win a World Cup. It takes a team effort, it takes a group effort, management and players included. And it’s about standing up when the moments matter,” he said.”Looking back on that previous World Cup where we got to the final, there were some very, very close games throughout that World Cup and we got over the line, so you build confidence as you go along. We’re going to need some of that moving forward. In terms of players, there’s a huge group and pool of players that are putting up their hands so it’s going to be tough for the selectors. We’re really in a good space.”In personnel terms, South Africa have welcomed back two of their standout performers from the last T20 World Cup in Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje. Though Heinrich Klaasen has retired from international cricket, and Bjorn Fortuin and Gerald Coetzee were not chosen, they have Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch and George Linde while only Kagiso Rabada (who has a rib injury) is missing from a first-choice squad. They also have a different support staff to the one that oversaw the last T20 World Cup after Rob Walter’s resignation. Shukri Conrad has taken over the all-format coaching duties, with a support staff that includes batting coach Ashwell Prince, bowling coach Piet Botha and fielding coach Kruger van Wyk.It will be Miller’s first time working closely with Conrad. With the success Conrad has had with the Test, Miller is looking forward to the interaction. “I’ve dealt with Shukri very briefly in the past, in the one-off series against England a couple of years ago (January-February 2023) in South Africa where he was an interim coach and then a couple of A-side games in the past quite a few years ago. I’ve not had a lot of dealing with Shukri, but obviously over the years you always see each other and we get on really well,” Miller said. “He’s done superbly well, so it’s good to be on the train.”Along the way, Miller will also begin to have discussions with Conrad about his ODI role, as South Africa build to the home World Cup in 2027. “I haven’t had good chats yet with Shukri but now that I am back in the mix, we’ll be opening up those conversations and seeing where we’re at,” Miller said. “The ODI World Cup is just under two years away, there’s a lot of new players that have come through and a big pool of players now that are doing really well. I feel like I can add something with my experience. In terms of selection, you’re never guaranteed with certain things in life so it’s a conversation that will unfold as the months go on and see where we’re at.”Given the choice, Miller would opt in as South Africa’s stocks seem to keep rising and the fun, just beginning. “Obviously, I would love to play a part for South Africa as long as I can, but it’s just being real with certain conversations and time,” he said. “I’m 36 now and I’m feeling that I do have to step up off the field. I’m being a lot more diligent and a lot more consistent in training and being as fit as I can is something that I’m going to focus on a lot. I’m also a lot more in control with my emotions and pressure. I’m a lot clearer in my thinking, making better decisions under pressure and understanding the match situation.”