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After a mixed start to life as Rangers manager this week, Danny Röhl and his team may now be going into a crucial fortnight with a sense of positivity.

Last Thursday, the Gers were demolished 3-0 by Brann in the Europa League, leaving them bottom of the gigantic league table, but then did manage to beat Kilmarnock 3-1 at Ibrox on Sunday, thanks to second-half goals from Danilo and Youssef Chermiti.

This lifts the Light Blues up to fifth in the Premiership table, with some crucial fixtures ahead.

On Wednesday night, they’ll travel to Edinburgh to take on Hibs, before a League Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden next Sunday, followed by a visit from Roma in the Europa League four days later.

So, ahead of three massive tests, which Rangers star made themselves undroppable with their performance against Killie?

Nicolas Raskin's importance to Rangers

Russell Martin made many mistakes as Rangers manager, but his public falling out with last season’s player of the year Nicolas Raskin proved to be one of the most costly.

The Belgian was unceremoniously left on the bench for Champions League qualifiers against Viktoria Plzeň and Club Brugge, before not being included in the matchday squad at all for home matches against Celtic and Hearts.

The latter, a miserable 2-0 defeat, was when the support really started to turn against Martin, with Darrell Currie perplexed as to why any coach would choose to leave their “best player in the stand”.

However, recognising the error of his ways, Raskin was back in the team a week later as Rangers beat Hibs 2-0 in the League Cup quarter-finals, the Belgian heading home the opening goal, albeit this did little to help Martin remain in a job.

Raskin has started both matches since Röhl’s appointment, a trend you can guarantee will continue at Easter Road on Wednesday, but who else has put themselves forward as one of the first names on the team sheet?

Rangers summer signing who starred vs Kilmarnock

Fair to say, plenty of Rangers’ 13 summer signings have not impressed so far; Joe Rothwell, Nasser Djiga, Thelo Aasgaard, Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti, to name but a few.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, the last of those signings, namely Derek Cornelius, who arrived on deadline day, could prove to be the best.

The 27-year-old Canadian international is something of a globetrotter, having played in Germany, Serbia, his native Canada, Greece, Sweden and France before moving to Scotland, arriving on a season-long loan from Olympique de Marseille, opening his Rangers account with this header on Sunday.

Overall, the late addition was ultra-impressive, as the numbers outline.

Goals

1

1st

Shots on target

2

1st

Dribble success %

100%

1st

Defensive actions

10

2nd

Clearances

9

2nd

Duels contested

15

1st

Duels won

8

1st

Accurate passes

75

2nd

Passing accuracy %

91%

5th*

Touches

107

2nd

Average rating

8.1

1st

*minimum 15 passes completed.

As the table documents, Cornelius was immense against Kilmarnock.

The defender had the most shots on target of any player on the pitch, while registering the most duels contested and duels won, ranked second only to centre-back partner John Souttar when it came to defensive actions, clearances, accurate passes and touches.

Upon his arrival in Govan, then-manager Martin highlighted Cornelius’ “experience”, while Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell heralded his “defensive and leadership abilities”.

Meantime, after games against the Netherlands and France, the latter a memorable goalless draw in Bordeaux​​​​​​​, Canada head coach Jesse Marsch praised his “incredibly strong performances”, adding that the defender is “smart, he understands a lot of the tactical responsibilities, and he’s played with a lot of confidence and belief in himself”.

Well, very early into his Rangers career, the centre-back is starting to show some of that potential, crucially forming an encouraging partnership alongside Souttar.

Thus, with games against Hibs, Celtic and then Roma next on the agenda, Cornelius has catapulted himself into the undroppable tier of Rangers players, alongside Raskin and Djeidi Gassama, but few others.

​​​​​​​

Holding back Raskin: Röhl must drop the "cooked" Rangers flop vs Kilmarnock

Following a 3-0 defeat to Brann in Danny Röhl’s first match as Rangers manager, he must move on from his flop holding back Nicolas Raskin.

ByBen Gray Oct 26, 2025

قدم جيرارد بيكيه، أسطورة نادي برشلونة، كافة دعمه لنجم الفريق الكتالوني، موضحًا أنه يجب أن يتم الاهتمام بصحة اللاعبين النفسية بشكل أكبر خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ويمر نادي برشلونة بفترة جيدة على كافة المستويات، حيث يبتعد الفريق الكتالوني في صدارة الدوري الإسباني بفارق أربع نقاط عن ريال مدريد صاحب المركز الثاني.

لكن مدافع نادي برشلونة، رونالد أراوخو، يعاني الأمرين في المقابل، حيث لا يشارك الدولي الأوروجوياني مع البلوجرانا خلال الفترة الأخيرة، وذلك بسبب مشاكل تتعلق بصحته النفسية.

أراوخو تعرض إلى انتقادات هائلة، عقب طرده خلال مباراة برشلونة وتشيلسي قبل أسبوعين بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

ودعم بيكيه أراوخو، موضحًا أن أمر الصحة النفسية لا يمكن الاستهانة به في كرة القدم.

وقال بيكيه في تصريحات إلى صحيفة “سبورت”: “يجب الاهتمام بالصحة النفسية، هذا أمر بديهي وليس فقط في عالم كرة القدم أو الرياضة عمومًا”.

وأضاف بيكيه في حديثه: ”كما رأينا حالة أندريو بوينافوينتي الذي اضطر للتوقف لنفس السبب، يناقش هذا الموضوع بشكل متزايد وأعتقد أنه أمر جيد أن الكثيرين لا يدركون أهميته”.

أقرأ أيضًا.. “يفعل مثل والده”.. صحفي إسباني يتوقع موعد رحيل لامين يامال عن برشلونة

وأوضح: ”لطالما كان عالم الرياضة متأخرًا في هذا الشأن، أتذكر حقبة العنصرية والعنف في الملاعب، على مستوى المشجعين يبدو أننا في كرة القدم كنا دائمًا آخر من يتكيف مع هذه الأمور، لقد حان الوقت لاحترام المحترفين، حان الوقت للتوقف عن كون هذا العالم مكانًا يسمح فيه بكل شيء حيث يمكن للجميع أن يفعلوا ويهينوا كما يحلو لهم”.

وأردف بيكيه: ”أتذكر أنني عشت كل هذا في زماني، وخاصًة خلال سنوات استقلال إقليم كتالونيا، عندما كنت في المنتخب الوطني وكان علي أن أبني لنفسي درعًا واقيًا، ويأتي وقت وهو أمر غير صحي، عندما لا يعود المرء يهتم بما يقوله الناس أو يفكرون فيه، لكنها الطريقة الوحيدة للحفاظ على صحته النفسية وشعوره بالراحة العاطفية”.

واختتم حديثه قائلًا: “قد يواجه آخرون صعوبة أكبر أو لا يرغبون في اتخاذ الإجراءات التي اتخذتها، في هذه الحالة، رفع رونالد أراوخو يده وقال علي أن أتوقف، وأعتقد أن النادي يبلي بلاءً حسناً للغاية بالاستماع إليه ومنحه الوقت الذي يحتاجه، وأعتقد أن على جميع مشجعي كرة القدم في إسبانيا التفكير في الأمر قليلاً”.

The Padres struggled to score again in a playoff game. It's a story the team's fans know all too well after the team's failure in the NLDS last season.

On Tuesday, the Padres scored a run in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs, breaking a 25-inning scoreless streak in the postseason. Then they didn't score again in a 3–1 loss. San Diego has now mustered only one run in its past 33 postseason innings.

Last season, the Padres beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6–5 in Game 3 of the NLDS, scoring all six runs in the second inning before being shut out for the rest of the game. L.A. then blanked San Diego in Game 4 and Game 5, totaling 24 consecutive shutout innings to end the Friars' season.

On Tuesday, San Diego scored on a Xander Bogaerts double in the top of the second inning to take a 1–0 lead. Despite several chances to plate another run, the Padres couldn't capitalize as they finished 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

Chicago battled back with back-to-back solo home runs from Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly in the fifth inning. The Cubs tacked another run on in the eighth inning to secure a 3–1 lead.

Cubs relievers tossed 5 2/3 shutout innings after starter Matthew Boyd was pulled with one out in the fifth inning. They didn't allow a hit or a walk and struck out four batters after Boyd left the game. Chicago's pitchers retired the final 14 Padres batters in order to end the game.

San Diego managed only four hits and one walk on the day. The top three in the Padres' lineup, Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Arraez and Manny Machado, went a combined 0-for-10 with three strikeouts and a walk.

It will be do-or-die for the Padres on Wednesday, but history is working against them. Since MLB moved to its current playoff format in 2022, no team that has lost the opening game of a wild-card series has come back to win it. San Diego's offense will need to wake up if the team wants to have any chance.

The Cubs have home-field advantage and all the momentum.

Unlike last month, the current international break is an unwelcome escape from Premier League football for West Ham United fans.

Nuno Espírito Santo has seemingly worked his magic, and a team that looked incapable of a win just a few weeks ago have just beaten Newcastle United and Burnley.

One of the reasons the Hammers look so much better is that Freddie Potts has finally been given his chance to start in the first team.

The Barking-born star has been immense in the middle of the park, and the good news is that the academy is producing a few players who could be the next Potts, although they also lost a youngster who’s an even bigger talent than the 22-year-old.

West Ham's next Freddie Potts

The good news for West Ham fans is that their academy system continues to produce exciting prospects, some of whom could go on to become the next Potts in a few years.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

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One of those youngsters is Preston Fearon, who joined the Hammers in 2022, signed his first professional contract last year, and then signed another just last month.

Jarrod Bowen has described the 18-year-old as a “special player”, and it’s not hard to see why, as, in addition to making 43 appearances across the club’s youth sides, he was also taken on the pre-season tour of America.

Like the Hammers’ new star, the youngster can play in several positions, but thrives as a tough-tackling, yet technically accomplished, central midfielder.

Another youngster who could be fighting for first-team minutes a few years from now is Isaac Thomas.

The 16-year-old Welshman just scored four goals during his second appearance for the U18S, and what’s even more incredible is that he did so from centre-back.

However, just like Fearon and Potts, his primary position is in the middle of the park, but he’s capable of filling in where he is needed.

Finally, while a little older, Mohamadou Kanté looks every bit as exciting.

Described as having “good anticipation” and being “very calm and composed on the ball” by one analyst, the 20-year-old Frenchman is also no stranger to scoring goals and could provide a similar presence to the middle of the park as Potts.

In all, West Ham have plenty of exciting youngsters coming through the ranks, but even so, they surely rue losing someone who is an even bigger talent than Potts.

The academy gem who is a bigger talent than Potts

West Ham have done relatively well at retaining their most promising academy talents over the years, but they were unable to do so with Divine Mukasa.

The incredible prospect joined the Hammers as a five-year-old, but in September 2023, he moved to Manchester City for free.

The 18-year-old phenom made his senior debut for City in September, in a League Cup game against Huddersfield Town, and as if that wasn’t impressive enough, he also provided an assist.

He also started the following game in the competition against Swansea City and has been on the bench for three Premier League games so far this season.

However, while a player his age starting two games for a club like City is certainly impressive enough, it’s his record for their youth sides which suggests he could be a future superstar.

Mukasa’s 24/25

Appearances

41

Minutes

2807′

Goals

17

Assists

25

Goal Involvements per Match

1.02

Minutes per Goal Involvement

66.83′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

For example, in 41 appearances across various youth sides last season, totalling 2807 minutes, the former Hammer chalked up an outrageous tally of 17 goals and 25 assists.

That means the incredible superstar in the making averaged 1.02 goal involvements per game, or one every 66.83 minutes all season, which goes some way in justifying journalist Nassali Sandrah’s claim that he is “the best academy player in Europe.”

To top it off, the Newham-born gem has also won five caps for England’s u19s, and scored his first goal for them against Wales last time out.

Ultimately, there are some seriously exciting prospects emerging from West Ham’s academy at the moment, but it certainly appears that they have lost the biggest talent of all in Mukasa.

Related Alongside Fullkrug: West Ham must sell £30m flop who was a "big voice"

The former international should have been a big success at West Ham United.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 12, 2025

Well, that was about as perfect a night of Champions League action as Arsenal could have hoped for.

Mikel Arteta’s side travelled to Czechia to take on Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, and while they were without the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi, they came away with all three points.

More than that, though, the Gunners scored three goals, fielded the youngest player in the competition in Max Dowman, and most crucially of all, kept another clean sheet.

There were standout performances across the pitch, including one player who’s starting to look like Arsenal’s new Gabriel Magalhães.

Arsenal's standout stars vs Slavia Prague

Starting up top, and while he had a quiet first half, Mikel Merino once again found himself on the scoresheet in the second half. In fact, he ended up there twice.

The Spaniard’s first came just 35 seconds into the second 45 when he got on the end of a wonderful Leandro Trossard cross.

Then, 22 minutes later, he put the game well and truly to bed by heading home another cross from Declan Rice.

However, it wasn’t just the Merino show, as other starters like Jurrien Timber and Gabriel looked exceptional once again.

The former was as sturdy at the back as ever, but also, as he has all season, was a massive threat going forward.

One moment, he was overlapping on the right, and then the next, he was surging through the middle of the park.

Likewise, while he failed to get his customary goal from a corner, Gabriel was as imperious as ever.

In his 95 minutes of action, he made four clearances, blocked two shots, recovered the ball three times and won four of six aerial duels, which is impressive considering the absurd size of Slavia’s centre-forward.

There can be no doubt that the former LOSC Lille monster is now one of Arsenal’s most important players, and so it’s a good thing that another starter on Tuesday is starting to look just like him.

Arsenal's new Gabriel

If he could, Arteta would undoubtedly have a team of 11 Gabriels.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Alas, unfortunately for him, or fortunately for opposition set-piece coaches, cloning is yet to be invented.

However, there is one summer signing who is starting to look more and more like the Brazilian: Piero Hincapie.

Yes, the tough-tackling Ecuadorian “warrior,” as dubbed by one analyst, might still be finding his way in English football, but he’s already looking like another masterful addition to the Gunners’ defensive unit.

The same analyst points out that the 23-year-old shares several similarities with the Gunners’ number six, including his mobility, aggressiveness, aerial threat, and the fact that he’s a left-footer.

With all that in mind, it was hardly a surprise to see him put in such an impressive performance on Tuesday night.

For example, in his 73 minutes of blood-pumping action, he won 100% of his tackles, made one interception, won 100% of his aerial and ground duels, made one clearance, recovered the ball once, took 42 touches and completed 100% of his dribbles.

Ultimately, it truly was as complete a defensive performance from Hincapie as could’ve been asked for, and one that should see him get more minutes.

Moreover, his fiery Gabriel-esque attitude and desire are going to make him a fan favourite very quickly indeed.

Arsenal star is starting to play like Cazorla & he's not even a midfielder

The incredible international is starting to show shades of Cazorla for Arteta and Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 4, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians se impôs no Mineirão e venceu o Cruzeiro por 1 a 0, na noite desta quarta-feira (10), no jogo de ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil. Memphis marcou o gol do Timão ainda na primeira etapa e levou para São Paulo a vantagem do empate.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCruzeiroZagueiro do Cruzeiro deixa jogo contra o Corinthians com lesão no tornozeloCruzeiro10/12/2025Fora de CampoCaio Ribeiro perde a paciência durante Cruzeiro x Corinthians: ‘Tem que ajudar’Fora de Campo10/12/2025Fora de CampoAnderson Daronco vira assunto em Cruzeiro x Corinthians: ‘O maior’Fora de Campo10/12/2025

Sem vencer há quatro partidas, o Corinthians chegou contestado ao Mineirão, mas surpreendeu o Cruzeiro. A equipe de Dorival Júnior mostrou intensidade, terminou o primeiro tempo com mais posse de bola que os mandantes e abriu o placar com gol de Memphis após assistência de Yuri Alberto.

Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

O Cruzeiro retomou o controle no segundo tempo, pressionou o Corinthians no campo de ataque, mas não conseguiu chegar ao empate.

Como foi jogo?

O Corinthians pressionou o Cruzeiro nos primeiros minutos. Os visitantes tomaram as primeiras atitudes e obrigou Cássio a fazer a primeira defesa da semifinal. Aos seis minutos, Memphis bateu escanteio fechado, Carrillo desviou na primeira trave e o goleiro do Cabuloso fez boa defesa.

continua após a publicidade

Os mandantes equilibraram o jogo e tiveram uma boa chegada com Matheus Pereira. André Ramalho não conseguiu cortar um passe enfrente a área, o meia aproveitou para fintar o marcador e finalizar forte para defesa de Hugo Souza.

Com mais posse de bola, o clube alvinegro tinha domínio no meio de campo. Aos 21 minutos, Carrillo lançou na área, Yuri Alberto ajeitou, Memphis finalizou em dois tempos para abrir o placar. Atrás do placar, o Cruzeiro se lançou ao ataque.

continua após a publicidade

O jogo ficou nervoso, com muita discussão entre os atletas, e poucas oportunidades. O Cruzeiro dominou as ações da posse de bola, enquanto o Corinthians se armou para alcançar um contra-ataque. No fim, o clube alvinegro conseguiu levar a vantagem para o intervalo.

Na segunda etapa, o jogo mudou de tom. O Cruzeiro dominou as ações ofensivas, e chegou a ter 81% de posse de bola. Aos 13 minutos, Arroyo levantou a bola na área, Matheus Bidu desviou e Hugo Souza foi obrigado a fazer uma boa defesa.

A estratégia do Corinthians não surtiu efeito, a equipe ficou acuada na defesa, com a dupla de ataque isolada. Aos 20 minutos, Kaio Jorge recebeu na grande área após bate e rebate. O artilheiro girou sobre a marcação, chutou, mas a bola explodiu em André Ramalho.

Assim como no primeiro tempo, o jogo ficou nervoso, com muitos cartões amarelos. Dorival Júnior preencheu o meio de campo as entradas de Charles, Garro e André. O Timão controlou a partida e saiu com a vitória.

Tudo sobre o Timão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Corinthians

Tudo sobre o Cabuloso agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Cruzeiro

Vantagem

As equipes voltam a se enfrentar no próximo domingo (14), às 18h (de Brasília), na Neo Química Arena. O Corinthians joga pelo empate para avançar à final da Copa do Brasil. O Cruzeiro precisa vencer por dois gols de vantagem para se classificar diretamente; se ganhar por apenas um, a vaga será decidida nos pênaltis. O adversário sairá do confronto entre Fluminense e Vasco.

✅ FICHA TÉCNICA

CRUZEIRO 0 X 1 CORINTHIANS
SEMIFINAL (JOGO DE IDA) – COPA DO BRASIL

🗓️ Data e horário: quarta-feira, 10 de dezembro de 2025, às 21h30 (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Mineirão, Belo Horizonte (MG)
🥅 Gols: Memphis (21’/1ºT) (1×0)
🟨 Cartões amarelos: Memphis (COR); Romero (COR); Gustavo Henrique (COR); Matheus Pereira (CRU); Fabrício Bruno (CRU); Romero (CRU)
🔴 Cartão vermelho: –
🟨 Árbitro: Anderson Daronco (RS)
🚩 Assistentes: Rafael da Silva Alves (RS) e Maira Mastella Moreira (RS)
🏁VAR: Rodrigo D’ Alonso Ferreira (SC)

⚽ESCALAÇÕES

CRUZEIRO (Técnico: Leonardo Jardim)
Cássio: William, Fabrício Bruno, Villalba (Jonathan Jesus), Kaiki; Lucas Silva (Eduardo), Lucas Romero; Christian (Sinisterra), Matheus Pereira, Kaio Jorge e Arroyo (Gabriel)

CORINTHIANS (Técnico: Dorival Júnior)
Hugo Souza; Matheuzinho, André Ramalho, Gustavo Henrique e Matheus Bidu; José Martínez (Garro), Maycon, Carrillo (André) e Breno Bidon (Angileri); Memphis (Charles) e Yuri Alberto (Vitinho)

Tudo sobre

Copa do BrasilCorinthiansCruzeiroFutebol Nacional

The 19-year-old batter clinched Victoria victory in their opening Sheffield Shield match

AAP14-Oct-2025

Rising Victoria star Oliver Peake has seen up close what opportunities are in front of Australia’s next generation of cricketers.When Sam Konstas was famously ramping Indian pace ace Jasprit Bumrah last Boxing Day, Peake was running drinks out onto the MCG for his former Australia Under-19 team-mate.Then yet to make his first-class debut, Peake watched in awe as his fellow Gen Z product made an instant impact on international cricket.Related

Weibgen feels wait was worth it: 'I've got to know my game'

Peake performance: 19-year-old batter shows his talent

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But the 19-year-old has started making a name for himself after steering Victoria home with an unbeaten 70 in last week’s Sheffield Shield match against reigning champions South Australia. Earlier this year he was also with the Test squad in Sri Lanka as a development player.”I was running him [Konstas] out gloves and drinks, and to watch him take down Bumrah was so cool to see,” Peake said of his experience as Australia’s water boy. “He was pretty in the zone. I caught Uzzy [Usman Khawaja] a couple of times chuckling at him and sort of thinking, ‘How crazy is this?'”Even talking to the spider cam during drinks breaks, I was just like, ‘This is a different world’.”Peake and Konstas are among several members of Australia’s U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2024 making their mark.Captain Hugh Weibgen has fitted seamlessly into Queensland’s red and white-ball teams, scoring his maiden domestic one-day century for the Bulls last month in a thrilling run-chase against Western Australia.Harjas Singh went viral after belting an unbelievable 314 in NSW premier cricket earlier this month.Harry Dixon will open for Victoria in their Sheffield Shield match against NSW, starting on Wednesday, while Peake bats at No. 5. Konstas will be in the opposition trying to convince Australian selectors he deserves to retain his spot for the start of the Ashes.”From that World Cup team a couple of years ago, everyone’s pretty close,” Peake said. “When guys are doing well, everyone sends messages to each other.”Hugh Weibgen getting his first hundred was awesome to see, but no surprise for any of us. We all support each other and back each other in and have massive belief in each other. Sam was a good example of doing really well early in the year and finding his chance through that.”Peake said for now he was “just trying to purely focus on Vics cricket”, to achieve wins and “enjoy it as well”.”I was driving here this morning and thinking to myself, pinching myself, like, ‘This is so cool’,” he said. “I’ve got mates at uni and [doing other] stuff that I grew up with, and for me to be driving to cricket in the morning as my job, it’s incredible.”This rise of young talent comes at a time when there are set to be several looming vacancies in Australia’s Test XI. Khawaja is likely heading into his final summer, with him turning 39 in December. Steven Smith is still batting superbly, but at 36 there are doubts over how long his legendary career will go.

The PCB also lodged a complaint against Suryakumar Yadav for his “political” comments after the first India vs Pakistan game at the Asia Cup

PTI25-Sep-2025The BCCI has filed an official complaint against Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan with the ICC for their on-field gestures during the Asia Cup Super Fours game in Dubai last Sunday. It is reliably learnt that the BCCI filed the complaint via an email on Wednesday, and the ICC is in receipt of it.In case Farhan and Rauf deny the allegations in writing, an ICC hearing could take place to address the matter for the hearing. They might have to appear before match referee Richie Richardson – the second match referee at the tournament, Andy Pycroft being the other.Farhan’s celebration after getting to his half-century and Rauf gesturing towards a section of fans while fielding at the boundary – the incidents the BCCI has complained about – have been all over social media since that day.Related

• Suryakumar found guilty of breaching code of conduct; verdict on Rauf and Farhan awaited

• Pycroft given barely any notice ahead of handshake-gate

• Suryakumar: India vs Pakistan isn't a rivalry anymore

“Let me first say, the amount of pressure that’s been heaped on the players because of the situation, it’s very difficult to control your behaviour,” India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Tuesday when asked about Haris’ provocative gestures.”I did see some of the things Haris did and that’s not our concern. Like I said earlier, we’re really proud of how the guys carried themselves. They fought fire with their bats on the field. Other teams may have had issues with some of the things we’ve done. But from our side, we’re proud of how the guys have carried themselves.”The PCB has also lodged an official complaint with the ICC against Suryakumar Yadav for the India captain dedicating the win over Pakistan in the first round, on September 14, to “the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack” in April this year, which led to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.”Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile,” Suryakumar said in the presentation ceremony after that match, which made headlines for events before and after the match – the captains didn’t shake hands at the toss, the players didn’t greet each other after the match, and “handshakegate” has continued to be a subject of talk and debate at the Asia Cup ever since.The PCB has alleged that Suryakumar’s comments were “political”.Sunday’s Super Fours match, the second meeting between the two teams during the Asia Cup, witnessed several heated moments including exchanges between Pakistan quicks Shaheen Shah Afridi and Rauf and India openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill.

Freddie Freeman's defensive prowess at first base may have just saved the Dodgers.

Los Angeles narrowly escaped with a win in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, thanks to the steady hand of Freeman. With runners on the corners and two outs, Trea Turner launched a hard-hit ball to the middle of the infield, which was fielded cleanly by Tommy Edman. Edman misfired on his throw, however, sending it to Freeman on a rather awkward hop.

Fortunately, Freeman, a Gold Glove winner, was able to handle what could've been a devastating hop in order to secure the final out of the game and seal the victory.

Edman had plenty of time to make his throw, but he short-hopped it from second base, causing Freeman to sprawl to his right and make an awkward play on the ball. A less-experienced first baseman may have struggled with that, but the 36-year-old was cool and collected while making a game-saving play. Had that ball gotten through, Philadelphia would've evened up the score with runners in scoring position and their home crowd fully behind them. Freeman avoided any such instance with his heroic play at first.

Now, the Dodgers will be full of confidence as they return home for Game 3, at which point they could put an early end to the NLDS and clinch their spot in the NLCS for the second straight year.

Luka Modric admits he took "a step down" by joining AC Milan after his spell at Real Madrid came to an end, but the midfielder insists he made the "right" decision by accepting the Serie A side's offer. Still going strong at 40 years old, the midfielder is aware his longevity has been "incredible" as he explained why he abandoned his plan to retire in Madrid.

• Modric still a key component at 40

  Modric bailed on his initial plan to end his playing career at Madrid by joining Milan in the summer. Having since turned 40, the midfielder has thoroughly impressed in Serie A, earning immense praise from his team-mates and many former heroes of the Italian game. The six-time Champions League winner has one goal and two assists to his name for the Rossoneri so far, immediately taking on an integral role as Massimiliano Allegri's side target the Serie A title. His performances have already sparked rumours of another transfer, but the ex-Tottenham star has opened up on his attraction to the San Siro club and his joy at wearing the red and black shirt.

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  Veteran midfielder explains AC Milan move

  As per the Croatian, it was Milan's reputation that prompted him to sign a one-year deal at the club. He explained to : "After Real, I've always said it, wherever you go it's a step down. There is no doubt about this and all players can confirm it. But I think I arrived at a club that is very close to Real Madrid in terms of reputation and history: for me it is the most ideal situation that could have happened to me. Especially because I love Milan and as a child I grew up with Italian football. Milan was the club I adored the most. When Milan's option presented itself, it was the right one for me."

  Speaking on his experience in the city and at the club, he claimed, "The city is wonderful. People welcomed me phenomenally, both inside and outside the club. The teammates, the coach, the fans, everything is really high-level. You can see that Milan is a great historic club, one of the biggest in the world. You can feel it at every step, so I'm really happy and I'm enjoying all of this."

• Modric admits leaving Madrid was difficult

  Modric won 28 trophies during his 13-year tenure at the Spanish capital, and that includes six Champions League titles and four La Liga accolades. However, departing from the club was tough for him, as he mentioned: "Honestly, it wasn't easy, because I spent 13 years, almost half of my life, practically in a club, in a city. It was one of the best times of my life. I arrived in Madrid perhaps relatively late, at 27, but at the right time. I was ready for that step. The four years in England helped me a lot. And everything I experienced and achieved in Madrid afterwards seems unreal to me.

  "Apart from the trophies and victories, staying 13 years in such a club… I arrived at 27 and I stayed almost until 40 and it is something incredible! Because you know what kind of club Madrid is, you know that they don't tolerate mediocrity, and to stay at that level, in a club like that, for so many years, with all the successes I've experienced there, it's something incredible. In my previous way of thinking, I believed that I would be satisfied if I ended my career at 35. But my professional curriculum has long since exceeded that limit, and I do not hide my gratitude: I am still, thank God, at that level and it is something incredible!"

  He added: "I've always said it and it wasn't platitudes, flattering the fans or the club – my big wish was to retire in Madrid. But simply, everything has a beginning and an end."

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  When will Modric play again?

  Sitting second on the Serie A table, Modric's Milan will take on Lazio on Saturday at San Siro with the aim of leapfrogging Roma into first place, temporarily at least. Modric, who enjoyed a full 90 minutes in the Rossoneri's 1-0 win over arch-rivals Inter, is expected to start once again this weekend.