Tag Futebol

As reported by The Mirror, Everton are interested in securing the services of Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini to replace star striker Romelu Lukaku.

What’s the story?

We discussed last week suggestions Lukaku’s time could be limited at Goodison Park, with Ronald Koeman already seeking potential replacements, and he could have already found his man.

The Mirror report that Italy international striker Gabbiadini is the player Koeman wants to take Everton forward and they’re willing to go beyond the rejected £14.5m offer they’ve already tabled.

They also reckon that the Serie A club are holding out for £20m for their man, a significant chunk of change.

Who is Gabbiadini?

Manolo Gabbiadini is in his third season at Napoli and isn’t finding first-team football a guarantee, starting just seven league games this campaign.

In a division notorious for tight games defined by defensive play, Gabbiadini has managed to score 22 goals in 71 appearances for Napoli during the three-year spell. Previously he starred for Sampdoria and has also made six outings for the Italian national side.

At 6ft. 2″, he certainly has the physical presence to replace Lukaku and is known for his heading ability and hold-up play, alongside his eye for goal.

Everton fans may be hoping for a more established striker in an elite league to replace their favourite, but a move for Gabbiadini represents good value, and at 25, he’s a striker who is likely to improve in the future.

[ad_pod id=’playwire’ align=’center’]

Initially when Stoke were linked with a move for Xherdan Shaqiri many eyebrows were raised. And it looked as if the deal was off not so long ago after Stoke boss Mark Hughes had pretty much given up on signing the Switzerland international as he stalled on a move to the Potteries. Order restored, it seemed

However, despite this the former Bayern Munich man made a dramatic U-turn to join the Potters to the delight of Hughes and fans alike.

The signing of a player from Inter Milan is a real coup for the club, and this season Shaqiri should make a huge difference for Stoke as they look to build on last season’s ninth place finish.

It is true that Shaqiri did fail to live up to expectations at the Allianz Arena and the San Siro, struggling to nail down a permanent first-team spot due to a lack of consistency. Nonetheless that does not make him a bad player and there is no doubting the huge potential and quality the former FC Basel man possesses, and at just 23-years-old a fee of £12m for such a talent certainly does seem risk-free when compared to the £49m fee Man City paid for Raheem Sterling – a similar player to Shaqiri, albeit a few years younger.

The last couple of years for Shaqiri have been particularly frustrating as he has only played 41 league games in that time – both with Inter Milan and at Bayern. Not the amount of football he needs to improve and develop his game.

So it is clear that Stoke will be getting a player fully driven to play regular football again and show why he is so highly-rated.

He will need to be given confidence to shine and Shaqiri had already revealed the faith shown in him by Hughes was one of the deciding factors in his move to the Premier League. He said: “It is very important for me to have the coach behind me showing great belief in me, and Mark Hughes has done that.

“I really want to show him and the rest of staff, players and supporters great football on the pitch and hopefully help move the club forward.”

It is clear that Shaqiri needs that belief to flourish. Hughes will give him that at Stoke and it will allow the Premier League to see the very best of Shaqiri, which is certainly be a prospect that will excite the Potters fans for the rest of the season.

At his best the stocky attacker is frighteningly good. He has a fantastic touch, rapid pace, quick acceleration off the mark, strength to keep the ball, the ability to beat players and create chances and perhaps most importantly a tendency to score goals.

There is no doubting that if Hughes can get the best out of Shaqiri the difference he will make at Stoke this season will be massive.

[ad_pod id=’ffc-poll’ align=’center’]

The Norwegian missed chance after chance on Saturday as Pep Guardiola's side dropped crucial points after wins for Liverpool and Arsenal

This is the Premier League title race that keeps on giving, and with all three title contenders in action on Saturday, fans felt primed for another twist. It came at the Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City were forced to battle back to earn a draw against Chelsea as the defending champions put in a performance that suggested they will not have things all their own way going down the stretch.

For the eighth time in their last 13 league matches, City conceded the first goal as Raheem Sterling returned to the Etihad to haunt his former club, finishing off a slick Chelsea counter-attack three minutes before half-time.

At the other end, the missed chances were beginning to add up for City, and in particular Erling Haaland, who endured an evening to forget. The Norwegian goal machine had 10 attempts on goal during the game, but failed to take any of his chances, with a couple of his headed efforts absolute sitters.

Instead it was left to City's man for the big occasion, Rodri, to rescue a point eight minutes from time, though the result is a far more positive one for Mauricio Pochettino's resurgent Blues as they put in their third encouraging display on the road in succession.

City, meanwhile, now sit four points off the top, with their game in hand scheduled for Tuesday against Brentford. Though they will rue their missed chances, Guardiola will expect much better when the Bees come to town in three days' time.

GOAL breaks down all the winners & losers from the Etihad Stadium…

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Mauricio Pochettino

  Less than two weeks ago, some Chelsea fans were calling for Pochettino's head after the Blues suffered back-to-back defeats against Liverpool and Wolves in which they conceded four goals on both occasions. The Argentine, it seemed, was about to become the latest victim of Chelsea's infamous managerial carousel of doom.

  How things can change. Following 3-1 wins at both Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, the Blues arrived at the Etihad with some confidence brewing, and also knew they had the capability of going toe-to-toe with City after holding them to a 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier in the campaign. And from the very start, it was clear that the visitors believed they could ruffle City's feathers.

  Pochettino opted to deploy Conor Gallagher in an attacking midfield role, with his main responsibility coming when out of possession as he largely man-marked Rodri. That led to the England man forcing a number of turnovers, from which Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling – preferred to the less pacey Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke – could look to run in behind.

  Chelsea created plenty of chances via this method, and on another day would have scored two or three goals. Instead, they were indebted to their defence (and Haaland's missed chances) for keeping City at bay.

  Some have questioned whether Pochettino should switch to a back-three in recent weeks, but he stuck with a back-four here, and both Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill played starring roles in a display that suggested they could form a long-term partnership going forward. Disasi, in particular, shone, making countless clearances and blocks while celebrating his every intervention.

  This wasn't a Chelsea team who have quit on their manager, and after a six months to forget in west London, there are finally some signs that Pochettino is figuring out how to get the Blues moving in the right direction again.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  LOSER: Erling Haaland

  Haaland was at his clinical best just a week ago when he shot down a rigid Everton that had refused to budge, but here he was at his profligate worst.

  Experts like to say that striker's should only be truly concerned when they are not getting chances, but Haaland took that mantra to the extreme by firing nine shots at goal and missing the target completely with five of them, completely misdirecting clear headers in the first half.

  Haaland has made a career out of out-performing his expected goals ratio, but here he had an xG of 1.7, and his misses meant City missed out on two points which could prove priceless in the title race. Of course, Haaland has earned the right to have the off day after scoring 52 goals last season and 21 this campaign, even while being out injured for two months.

  "Nine shots is a good stat, the next game he is going to score," said Guardiola post-match. "I played 11 seasons and scored 11 goals, one goal a season, so I'm not the man to give advice to the strikers."

  But if City do miss out on that historic fourth consecutive league title, they will look back on this game and Haaland's profligacy as a huge factor.

• Getty Images
  

  WINNER: Rodri

  Rodri was eight minutes away from surrendering his truly remarkable record of not losing a game with City for over a year. And as Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne looked to be in no fit state to help him out, he had to take matters into his own hands.

  The ball was flying around the Chelsea penalty area, and the midfielder struck it perfectly, sending it fizzing towards goal. It may have taken a deflection off Trevor Chalobah, but it was going in anyway.

  It was Rodri's seventh goal of the season in all competitions, a hugely impressive figure for someone who is ostensibly a holding midfielder. Only Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Haaland have scored more for City in the league.

  And few players can rival Rodri when it comes to stepping up on the big occasion. Ten of his 20 Premier League goals have given City the lead in a game, and here he saved them a point that could prove crucial in the title race. And in case anyone has forgotten, it was Rodri who scored the only goal in the Champions League final against Inter, at last ending City's long, long wait for Europe's holy grail.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• LOSER: Moises Caicedo

  If there was one Chelsea player who did not play to the level of their team-mates, it was Caicedo. The £115-million ($116m) midfielder was brought to the club to control games like these, but the Ecuador international again looked out of his depth at times.

  Caicedo began the match by passing the ball straight to City inside the opening minute, and things got little better from there. He was fortunate not to be at least booked for a challenge on Jeremy Doku midway through the first half, and while he picked up a yellow card shortly after, that did not seem to curb his instincts to throw himself into desperate challenges.

  More than once, Caicedo gave away free-kicks in dangerous areas, and he was probably one foul away from being given his marching orders. That he was able to stay on the pitch, however, shouldn't be something to celebrate for a player whose fee suggested he was going to be a transformative presence.

Norway are hoping to achieve great things in the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Ada Hegerberg upfront. But who is in their squad?

The Norway national women's team is set to play in their ninth FIFA Women's World Cup finals in July which is going to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

The Grasshoppers qualified for the marquee international tournament by topping Group F in the UEFA Qualifiers. They went unbeaten throughout their qualifying campaign and won nine of their 10 matches.

However, their recent form is slightly concerning as they have won only once in five matches in 2023.

They were champions in 1995 and coach Hege Riise would hope to turn around their fortunes and bring back the cup to the European nation.

They will compete with hosts New Zealand, the Philippines and Switzerland in Group A of the Women's World Cup.

Elisabeth Terland, Emma Stolen Godo, and Malin Brenn registered for the 2023 Women's World Cup finals as reserve players, Riise's final 23-player squad was announced on June 19. GOAL takes a look…

• Getty Images
  

  GOALKEEPERS

  Aurora Mikalsen of Brann should be the first-choice keeper of Norway in the World Cup. The 27-year-old was called up to stand between the sticks in the recent friendlies against Spain and Sweden which shows that Riise has put his trust in the keeper.

  However, Guro Pettersen is another strong contender for the spot. The 31-year-old plies her trade for Valerenga Fotball Damer in Norway and was handed a start in a 2-1 loss to Denmark earlier in the season, which shows that the keeper does feature in the coach's plans.

  Cecilie Fiskerstrand can be picked as the third-choice goalkeeper.

  Name	Club
  Guro Pettersen	Valerenga
  Aurora Mikalsen	Brann
  Cecilie Fiskerstrand	LSK Kvinner

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  DEFENDERS

  Riise likes to stick to a four-man backline and he is reasonably sure of the defenders that he is going to start with.

  Skipper Maren Mjelde and Mathilde Harviken are the two first-choice centre-backs. However, if Mjelde is deployed as a defensive midfielder then Brighton's Guro Bergsvand slots in at the heart of defence.

  Tuva Hansen has made the right-back position her own; whereas with Manchester United defender Maria Thorisdottir missing out through injury, Marit Bratberg Lund is the preferred choice at left-back .

  Sara Horte completes the list of defenders in Norway's final 23.

  Name	Club
  Anja Sonstevold	Inter Milan
  Mathilde Harviken	Rosenberg
  Tuva Hansen	Bayern Munich
  Maren Mjelde	Chelsea
  Marit Bratberg Lund	Brann
  Guro Bergsvand	Brighton & Hove Albion
  Sara Horte	Rosenborg

• Getty Images
  

  MIDFIELDERS

  Norway mostly play with a three-man midfield but can switch to a five if Riise thinks that his defenders need more cover.

  In a three-man midfield, it is Vilde Risa who plays the role of an anchor and also dictates the momentum of the match from a deeper position. Meanwhile, experienced players like Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum flank her on the left and right, respectively.

  But if there are five midfielders at the centre of the park then it might be set up with two pivots and three advanced players, or, one defensive midfielder with another bank of four just behind a lone striker.

  Then a few other players come into the equation like Ingrid Engen, who can be used as a midfielder, and Amalie Eikeland and Emilie Haavi who are deployed in the wide areas.

  Name	Club
  Ingrid Syrstad Engen	Barcelona
  Vilde Boe Risa	Manchester United
  Guro Reiten	Chelsea
  Thea Bjelde	Vålerenga
  Amalie Eikeland	Reading
  Emilie Haavi	Roma
  Frida Maanum	Arsenal

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  FORWARDS

  Norway boast of having one of the most prolific forwards in Europe in Ada Hegerberg. The Lyon striker has 51 goals in 82 international appearances and a lot rests on her form in Australia.

  Although she got injured in the friendly against Sweden in April, she has made a comeback to the Lyon squad.

  If Riise chooses to go with two strikers, she is likely to be paired with either Caroline Graham Hansen or Karina Saevik upfront. Hansen recently won the Champions League with Barcelona and has 11 goals and six assists in 13 matches in the Primera Division.

  Name	Club
  Caroline Graham Hansen	Barcelona
  Sophie Roman Haug	Roma
  Karina Saevik	Avaldsnes
  Ada Hegerberg	Lyon
  Julie Blakstad	BK Hacken
  Anna Josendal	Rosenborg

Arsenal maintained their 100 per cent start in the Premier League with a 2-1 win against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

The Gunners made it five wins from five in the Premier League after goals from Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli ensured they will remain top of the table.

Mikel Arteta's side dominated throughout but looked like they might be left to rue a series of missed chances when Douglas Luiz cancelled out Jesus' opener with 15 minutes remaining.

But Martinelli restored Arsenal's advantage almost immediately, firing in at the back post from Bukayo Saka's excellent cross.

The Gunners now head to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon for a huge clash with Manchester United.

• Getty Images
  

  The Winners

  Winner: Sambi Lokonga

  This was a big night for Sambi Lokonga.

  All eyes were on the young Belgian midfielder with Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny out injured.

  Lokonga struggled during the back end of last season, leading many to suggest he wasn't ready for the Premier League.

  So he went into this game under plenty of pressure to produce a decent showing and he did exactly that.

  Winner: Gabriel Jesus

  It had been two games without a goal for Gabriel Jesus prior to tonight's game. Hardly a barren spell, but he wouldn't have wanted that run to go on much longer.

  Arsenal's big summer signing will have been delighted, then, to strike early in the first half with a fine poacher's finish from close range.

  Just what he would have wanted ahead of Sunday's big game at Manchester United.

  Winner: Gabriel Martinelli

  If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

  Martinelli was denied a sensational goal by his good friend and former team-mate Emiliano Martinez in the first half.

  But as always, the Brazilian live wire kept his head up and was rewarded when he scored what proved to be the winner on 77 minutes.

  It was a goal his all-round performance deserved, taking his tally to three from five starts this season.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  The Losers

  Loser: Bukayo Saka

  This is not a criticism of Saka's performance, as it was probably his best so far this season.

  The Arsenal winger was really lively, especially in the first half, and caused Villa problems every time he was on the ball.

  But Saka will be really frustrated with himself that he didn't end his long run without a goal from open play.

  That run now stands at 15 games after this latest blank, with Saka wasting a couple of great opportunities to score, including one open goal which he miscued wide from Martinelli's cross.

  Loser: Robert Jones

  How Aston Villa ended the first half with only one booking is anyone's guess.

  The visitors dished out some hefty treatment during the game and got away with it time and time again.

  Tyrone Mings was fortunate not to give away a penalty when he grabbed Bukayo Saka in the first half and then Emiliano Martinez grabbed Gabriel Jesus round the neck after the interval and it was the Arsenal man who somehow got the talking to from the referee.

  Mikel Arteta was fuming at some of the decisions and it was not hard to see why.

  Loser: Steven Gerrard

  "You're getting sacked in the morning."

  Those were the words that echoed around the Emirates Stadium as the Arsenal fans had some fun taking aim at the Aston Villa manager.

  Whether they will be proved correct is doubtful, but there's no doubt that Gerrard is now under real pressure after his side's poor start to the season.

  Villa looked short of any real ideas as they were comfortably outplayed in all areas by Arsenal and on this evidence Gerrard could be in real trouble.

  He needs to turn things around quickly.

• Getty Images
  

  Arsenal Ratings: Defence

  Aaron Ramsdale (5/10):

  Forced into a couple of routine stops, but other than that he was rarely tested until he allowed Luiz's corner to go straight in. He was complaining for a foul, but it looked like weak goalkeeping.

  Ben White (7/10):

  Another fine showing at right-back. Seems to have made the position his own now.

  William Saliba (7/10):

  Just gets better and better. Was booked, but that was the only blot on his copy book.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (7/10):

  Rarely troubled. Strong performance.

  Kieran Tierney (7/10):

  Went up a level from his performance against Fulham. Looked fitter and stronger. Got forward well.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Sambi Lokonga (8/10):

  A performance that will do him a lot of good. Neat and tidy, good in possession. Stepped up when needed.

  Granit Xhaka (8/10):

  Excellent once again. He's revelling in his more advanced role. His shot forced the mistake for Jesus' goal.

  Martin Odegaard (7/10):

  Pulled the strings as always. Always probing and never stopped working.

The likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte have been embroiled in wars of words this season, but they are by no means the first to lose their temper

GettyAntonio Conte

Having seen his Chelsea side branded “anti-football” and “embarrassing” by Sky Sports duo Gary Neville and Jamie Redknapp following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in March 2018, the fiery Italian hit back by saying: “The pundit has to use the head to understand when you speak about tactics. I think you must have knowledge to speak about tactics and not only to speak in a stupid way. You have to accept every criticism but I am not so stupid to play against Manchester City open and to lose 3-0 or 4-0.”

AdvertisementJose Mourinho

Amid the widespread questioning of Paul Pogba’s form and best position at Manchester United, Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness wrote in a newspaper column that a man benched by Mourinho had been playing “like a schoolboy running after the ball in the playground”. Unsurprisingly, the prickly Portuguese took a cheeky dig back at the former Liverpool midfielder, saying: "You ask Graeme Souness. Paul Souness comments and is responsible for his comments, not me."

Getty ImagesMario Balotelli

In 2014, ‘Super Mario’ was hauled off by then AC Milan manager Clarence Seedorf during a meeting with Roma. Balotelli was not too happy at being replaced and decided to aim his frustration in the direction of Sky Sport Italia pundits afterwards. He said: “I didn't understand my substitution. But given that in the studio they say that I'm not a top player, it will have been for that. You always talk about me. When Milan win Mario’s great, when Milan lose it’s all Mario’s fault. I don’t need your criticism, I make my own criticism. You always talk and talk, say I’m precious to Italian football, but there’s no point to saying these things. No point.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

John Terry

Chelsea were struggling in November 2015, perched 15th in the Premier League, and nobody was spared the finger of blame, not even legendary skipper John Terry. The Blues icon was prepared to accept criticism from most pundits, but not former Wales international Robbie Savage. Terry said: “I’ve come under criticism, individually, from certain players and individuals, players I’ve looked up to and played alongside. I’ve taken that on the chin: Rio, Carra, Neville, the very best I’ve come up against in the game. I take that on the chin. When others speak, maybe I don’t take it on the chin. When players have not had a career, played at a really bad level in their career … Robbie Savage being one. He’s dug me out a couple of times. You take it as a footballer, as an individual. I’ll take it from the Rios, Carraghers and Neville. All day long. From others? Nah.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O próximo adversário do Inter no Brasileirão é justamente o time que está imediatamente atrás na tabela de classificação e uma equipe a qual há bastante tempo o Colorado não sente o gosto de faturar três pontos sendo visitante: o Corinthians.

RelacionadasInternacionalInternacional paga pela recuperação diante de torcedor com gosto de ‘quero mais’Internacional11/11/2019Futebol InternacionalEduardo Coudet explode em coletiva ao ser questionado sobre o InterFutebol Internacional11/11/2019InternacionalPresidente do Internacional abre guerra com Torcida OrganizadaInternacional10/11/2019

Sem contabilizar a eliminação que o time gaúcho impôs a equipe paulista na Copa do Brasil em 2017, já que no tempo normal a partida ficou no 0 a 0, o último resultado positivo veio ainda no distante ano de 2009, mais precisamente na rodada de inauguração do Campeonato Brasileiro em 10 de maio no duelo disputado no Pacaembu.

O marcador de 1 a 0 favorável ao Inter foi construído aos nove minutos graças a um gol espetacular feito por Nilmar onde o jogador, já na época também com passagem pelo time paulista, driblou seis marcadores antes de bater no canto esquerdo de Felipe. Na oportunidade, Mano Menezes era o técnico do Corinthians e Tite comandava o Inter.

Desde a partida em questão, os dois times se encontraram dez vezes com o Corinthians em condição de mandante com sete vitórias da equipe paulista e outros três empates. Um dos triunfos do adversário, aliás, ocorreu apenas um mês depois do jogo citado no confronto de ida pela decisão da Copa do Brasil do mesmo ano onde o Colorado acabou ficando com o vice-campeonato.

No aspecto geral, todavia, o retrospecto se torna mais igualitário nos números: 20 vitórias gaúchas, 31 empates e 26 triunfos da equipe Alvinegra.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após dias difíceis com Zé Ricardo, o Fortaleza curte a retomada da boa fase sob o comando de Rogério Ceni. Com duas vitórias nos últimos três jogos, o Leão quer somar pontos diante do Vasco para continuar longe do Z4.

RelacionadasFutebol InternacionalRiver Plate pode ganhar reforço importante para semifinal da LibertaFutebol Internacional12/10/2019São PauloFutebol Feminino: São Paulo estreia com vitória na Copa PaulistaSão Paulo12/10/2019VascoBlog do Garone: Goleiro renova o contrato com o VascoVasco12/10/2019

Diante do time carioca, adversário direto na luta contra a queda, o técnico Rogério Ceni não terá o atacante Romarinho, lesionado, e o zagueiro Quinteiro, suspenso pelo terceiro amarelo.

Com a dupla fora, o comandante vai promover uma dupla de zaga formada por Paulão e Jackson. No ataque, André Luis será companheiro de Wellington Paulista.

Confira a provável escalação: Marcelo Boeck; Tinga, Adalberto, Paulão e Carlinhos; Felipe e Juninho; Edinho, Osvaldo, André Luís e Wellington Paulista.

Após 24 rodadas, o Fortaleza aparece na 13ª posição, com 28 pontos, cinco a mais que o Ceará, primeiro time da zona de rebaixamento.

Mahela Jayawardene has praised Lasith Malinga’s commitment to returning to form after a five-month layoff, as Sri Lanka prepare for their quarter-final against South Africa on Wednesday

Andrew Fidel Fernando in Sydney16-Mar-2015Mahela Jayawardene has praised Lasith Malinga’s commitment to returning to form after a five-month layoff, as Sri Lanka prepare for their quarter-final against South Africa on Wednesday.Malinga had been Sri Lanka’s most penetrative bowler in the group stage. Although he collected figures of 0 for 84 from the curtain-raiser against New Zealand, he has since taken 11 wickets at an average of 28.27. He was particularly impressive against Australia, as he claimed 2 for 59 from his 10 overs, even as the team conceded 376.Malinga had had an operation on his left ankle – which bears a considerable load during his delivery stride – in September. His first competitive cricket upon return were the warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup.”Lasith’s put in a lot of effort over the last three or four weeks to get into rhythm,” Jayawardene said. “You have to give him a lot of credit, having had an operation on his ankle. He hasn’t bowled for four months, and it takes a lot for a guy to come back for a big tournament. The biggest thing for him was to mentally be ready to land that foot 100% knowing that there was no pain. Once he did that he’s bowling really well.”I think the Australia game and the England game before that, his finishing has been pretty good, his movement has been good, the variations have come good. When that happens the rest of the bowling unit picks themselves up around Lasith. When Lasith’s a bit down, everyone else is a bit down as well, so the last few games have been good. You don’t want to peak too early. You want to play your best cricket at the business end.”Herath doubtful for quarter-final

Rangana Herath remains in doubt for the quarter-final against South Africa on Wednesday, after the decision was made that he would not bowl in either of Sunday or Monday’s training sessions.
A firmer call will be made on Herath’s availability for the match, but potential replacement Tharindu Kaushal has already begun training with the Sri Lanka side. However, chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya was optimistic about Herath’s recovery.
“The stitches have been taken off and he’ll be ready for the match,”Jayasuriya said on Monday. “That’s what I’m thinking, it will depend on today and tomorrow, probably tomorrow.”

Jayawardene hit a match-winning hundred against Afghanistan after his team had slipped to 18 for 3, then 51 for 4 chasing 233, but has since had limited opportunities to spend time in the middle. He was not required in the matches against Bangladesh and England, in which Sri Lanka only lost one wicket each, but then got himself run out against Australia for 19, and miscued an expansive shot against Scotland, early in his innings.”The top-order guys have been batting really well, which is a good thing for us,” Jayawardene said. “But if they miss out, then obviously the onus is back on me to make sure that we control things. That’s how it is. In big tournaments and big games, we’ve been playing some good cricket together. We just need to make sure we hold our nerve.”Sri Lanka’s recent history of holding their nerve in vital games jars with South Africa’s reputation for cracking under pressure, but Jayawardene said Sri Lanka could not bank on the opposition falling apart again. His team would instead aim to approach the quarter-final as just another match, he said.”It’s all about us playing good cricket and you can’t play good cricket if you put yourself under pressure. It hampers your thinking processes. It’s important that we play good cricket and whatever the end result, we can then talk about it afterwards. But if we start thinking about winning, winning, winning, it’s going to be tough for them to go out and perform. That’s how we have been playing for a long time and it’s helped. There is no other secret to it. It’s about guys handling that pressure much better than others.”What we have spoken to the guys is that we are playing South Africa. They are a quality team and have got some fantastic players. We need to play assuming that they are going to bring their A game. If they fail to do that, then it is on their heads, but we can’t talk about that.”Jayawardene also said Kumar Sangakkara’s bumper crop of hundreds in the tournament was another manifestation of his consistency over a career. As Sangakkara approaches ODI retirement, he appears set to become the first Sri Lanka batsman to finish with an ODI average above 40.”Apart from probably the first three years in his career, and maybe a year in between, Sanga has been very consistent. He is just enjoying himself. We know that we are not going to play cricket anymore. It’s not a burden for us – it is about going out and enjoying ourselves. I don’t think Sanga would have played to get four centuries in a row, but the occasions came about. I think it is due to the attitude and the commitment the guy has.”

Zimbabwe batsman Hamilton Masakadza has said that the send-off given by the Bangladesh players had provoked his angry reaction after his dismissal in the third ODI in Mirpur

Mohammad Isam27-Nov-2014

Zimbabwe batsman Hamilton Masakadza has said that the send-off given by the Bangladesh players had provoked his angry reaction after his dismissal in the third ODI in Mirpur. Masakadza was given an official reprimand for a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct, while Tamim Iqbal was docked 15% of his match fee for his role in the incident.The incident occurred in the fifth over of Zimbabwe’s innings after Masakadza was given out caught down the leg side by umpire Anisur Rahman. He stood at the crease for a while after the umpire had raised his finger, even as the Bangladesh players converged to celebrate. After TV replays showed that he had not nicked the Mashrafe Mortaza delivery, there was footage of Tamim saying something in his direction.Masakadza reacted strongly, slapping the air with his bat a couple of times and even shoving away the substitute Zimbabwe player who was trying to appease him.”I think it [the incident] is done,” he said. “It was just a spur of the moment thing on the field. It is already finished. It has been a frustrating tour for us. Things have not gone our way. That does get to you a little bit towards the end, I guess.”He [Anisur Rahman] is only human. You can’t expect him to give everything 100% right. But I was a bit more annoyed with the guys giving me a send-off as I was walking off even though that was a bad decision.”Some of the guys said a few things to me as I was walking off. That’s what I was not happy with – not necessarily the decision, but the reaction of the Bangladeshis.”Tamim was found to have breached Article 2.1.4 of the Code for using “language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International match.” Masakadza, meanwhile, was reprimanded for breaching Article 2.1.8, which deals with “conduct that either (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game or (b) brings the game into disrepute”.During the Dhaka Test, there was sledging between the Bangladesh players and Zimbabwe batsman Sikandar Raza, while Mushfiqur Rahim and Tendai Chatara exchanged a few words during the second ODI. These incidents were not reported by the umpires.