The Portugal U16 women’s national team experienced the surprise of a lifetime as they came face-to-face with Cristiano Ronaldo and the senior men’s squad during a special visit to training. The young players were left speechless as they stood only steps away from their idols, witnessing the global icons up close in a heart-warming moment that instantly went viral.
It’s because of the presidential elections, which means a travel day for Sri Lanka players and officials to go and vote
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2024Are the players just being lazy?
In an era in which even four-day Tests feel like a hard-sell, it does seem weird to have a match that stretches across six days. But no, the reason is that Sri Lanka is holding its presidential election on Saturday. These are the first major polls since the country overthrew its last president in 2022, and so kind of a big deal.And while the New Zealand players are free to relax at any of Galle’s beaches, most Sri Lanka players will be traveling to their electorate to vote. While this is simple enough for someone like Kamindu Mendis – a Galle local – it does represent a challenge for many others.The team is in fact organising a bus for those voting in Colombo, soon after play on Friday. They are expected to vote on Saturday morning and return. Some players must travel even further. Asitha Fernando is going to his electorate near his hometown Katuneriya, roughly 175 kilometres from Galle. Others, such as Lahiru Kumara, will go all the way to Kandy, about 225 km away.In addition to the players, many groundstaff, journalists, commentators, match officials, and board staff will also travel to vote.Couldn’t they have scheduled the Test around the election?
Not really. The Tests were being planned long before the election date was announced. And as New Zealand have a tight playing schedule – this series sandwiched between stints in India – the schedulers say the clash was pretty much unavoidable. Though, given the New Zealand vs Afghanistan match that was supposed to be played in Greater Noida did not see a single ball bowled, perhaps in retrospect they could have rocked up to Sri Lanka a few days earlier.Has this ever happened before?
Rest days were actually pretty common in Tests, right into the 1990s, so this is far from unprecedented (there’s a fact to throw at people who say cricketers had it tougher in decades gone by). In fact, it’s not even unprecedented for Test matches to take a break for an election – the same thing happened in 2008, to allow for Bangladesh’s parliamentary polls that year, also against Sri Lanka. That was the most recent rest day in the game.If the game goes till Monday, won’t it effectively be a day six pitch?
They will, of course, cover the Galle surface and keep it under wraps on Saturday, to prevent the sun and wind from drying it out.Perhaps the players will be fresher as a result?
Again, not really, in the medium term at least. What the boards have actually done is steal a “rest day” from in between the first and second Tests, and plonked it on September 21.There are only two free days between scheduled day five of the first Test, and day one of the second Test. This means there are 10 scheduled Test-match days in a 13-day period, which is normal for a two-Test series.They have been spared having to travel to another venue, however. The second Test will also be played in Galle.
Somerset implode despite flying start with the ball, to lose by 90 runs at Hove
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay21-Aug-2025
Tom Lammonby wheels away in celebration•Harry Trump/Getty Images
Somerset produced an unlikely victory over Sussex in the Metro Bank One Day Cup at Hove, winning by 90 runs after being bowled out for a modest 243. It was their fourth victory in six matches.On a slow pitch that offered some sharp seam movement on occasions, but was far from unplayable, both sides were guilty of rash strokeplay, especially the Sussex Sharks when they lost four wicket for no runs in the course of eight deliveries.The Sharks were clear favourites at the halfway point of the match. And they reinforced their position when they reached 60 for one at the end of the first 10-over powerplay, almost twice as many as Somerset had scored (33 for 3) at the same stage of their innings. But then Sussex collapsed in a way that made their recent implosion against Lancashire, when they lost six wickets for 27 runs before winning a thrilling contest, look commonplace.From the start of the 11th over Charlie Tear flayed a wide delivery straight to cover. Next ball, Fynn Hudson-Prentice missed a straight one and was lbw. And three balls later captain John Simpson got one that cut back off the pitch and was also lbw. Tom Lammonby, who had made a three-ball duck when he had opened the Somerset innings, had bowled a three-wicket maiden.It got worse. Tom Clark, who had batted impressively, lobbed the second delivery of the 12th over to mid-on and Sussex were 60 for five. Jack Carson, heroic in the recent wins over Kent and Lancashire, hinted at another rescue act with a vigorous 35 before pulling to midwicket, and when Oli Carter was caught in the same area, to make it 128 for eight, it was realistically all over. Lammonby took five wickets for the first time in any competition.The Somerset total had looked insufficient, and they were happy to get there after being 82 for five in the 20th over. Their innings was revived by half-centuries from Josh Thomas and Finley Hill after the Rew brothers James and Thomas had both failed to build on promising starts.Somerset, who continued their rotation policy by bringing in Kian Roberts, Kasey Aldridge and Hill, made a frantic start to their innings. Archie Vaughan was caught down the leg-side first ball and Sussex missed two more chances in the first two overs. But they weren’t made to pay for their profligacy. In the third over Lammonby was caught at slip off Sean Hunt, coming back into the side in place of Bertie Foreman, and it was 21 for three in the sixth over when Lewis Goldsworthy, surprised by the bounce achieved by Hudson-Prentice, could only fend the ball off to Henry Crocombe at square-leg.Once again Somerset were looking to the Rews to pull them round. But captain James, attempting to turn Crocombe to leg, got a leading edge back to the bowler for just 29 and the same bowler jagged one back to bowl his younger brother through the gate for 30.At that stage significant recovery looked beyond an inexperienced Somerset side. But they were transformed by a sixth wicket stand of 59 between Thomas and Hill. Thomas, mixing bludgeoning blows with some sweetly timed drives – on a pitch where timing was difficult – was particularly impressive, stroking Crocombe square on the off-side to raise the hundred in the 24th over. He reached his fifty from 54 balls when he pulled Hunt for six but was caught behind in the same over. A seventh wicket stand of 67 between Hill and Roberts maintained the Somerset recovery.
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O Palmeiras conquistou o Paulistão 2024, após vencer o Santos por 2 a 0 no Allianz Parque, mas o tempo de euforia de mais uma conquista é curto. Isso porque um dos lemas do clube para manter a mentalidade vencedora é ter 24 horas de “absorção” dos resultados.
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Portanto, o Verdão vai comemorar mais uma taça nesta segunda-feira (8) e, na terça (9), já inicia os preparos para disputar a Libertadores. De acordo com Raphael Veiga, esse é uma recomendação de Abel Ferreira para resultados positivos e negativos.
– A gente não se acomoda com o que aconteceu. Os títulos que conquistamos viraram responsabilidade e expectativa. A responsabilidade para defender os troféus e a expectativa para fazer mais. Quando a gente perde, o Abel fala para a gente curtir o luto por 24h. Quando ganha é a mesma coisa. Hoje vamos comemorar, na segunda-feira vamos comemorar, mas na terça-feira vamos descer da montanha porque tem outro campeonato pela frente. Temos que ser gratos com o que conquistamos, mas nunca acomodados – disse Veiga, à “Cazé TV”, após o tricampeonato paulista pelo Palmeiras.
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Veiga também explicou que um dos segredos para o Alviverde seguir vitorioso é que o elenco nunca se acomoda. A fome por taças existe porque eles nunca estão satisfeitos com tudo que já conquistaram.
– Todo mundo tem consciência da importância no elenco, cada um na sua função e com humildade de reconhecer. Sempre buscamos mais. Vamos comemorar hoje, amanhã também, mas, quando nos acostumamos a ganhar, queremos sempre repetir – concluiu.
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O Palmeiras joga na quinta-feira (11), contra o Liverpool, do Uruguai, pela segunda rodada da Libertadores. Este é, inclusive, o próximo desafio detalhado por Raphael Veiga.
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Already, Nuno Espirito Santo feels as if he is deep in must-win territory occupying the West Ham United hot seat.
The Hammers’ fortunes have not turned around since ditching Graham Potter, with the East Londoners yet to pick up a win since the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss took over the reins.
As ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara put it after the dismal 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford, they’re “sleepwalking” towards relegation, with a concerning seven defeats picked up from nine Premier League clashes this season, three of which have come under the new management.
Nuno will be scratching his head as to what could spur his dire side into improving, as they face off against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, with the 51-year-old now potentially weighing up the prospect of getting rid of Lucas Paqueta up top as one major alteration.
Paqueta's decline at West Ham under Nuno Santo
When Potter was still holding onto the West Ham post precariously, at least Paqueta was shining bright in spurts.
Indeed, a penalty kick put away coolly by the enigmatic Brazilian at the City Ground in late August handed Potter a much-needed 3-0 win, while Paqueta also raised a rare smile among the London Stadium masses the match before, as he hammered home a delightful effort amid a 5-1 drubbing to Chelsea.
Paqueta’s record since Nuno took over
Stat
Paqueta
Games played
4
Minutes played
360
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Yellow cards
2
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Unfortunately for Nuno, though, West Ham’s usual star man has become awfully quiet under the new tenure to date, with a worrying zero goals or assists collected from four games under the ex-Nottingham Forest manager’s guidance.
He did win a lively 12 duels against Leeds United last time out, but Nuno will want far more from Paqueta in an attacking sense. He registered just one shot at Lucas Perri’s goal during the 2-1 loss in West Yorkshire.
With reports also now stating that Paqueta wants to leave West Ham behind in January for pastures new, it could be time for Nuno to look at what other limited options he has to lead the line, having even praised reserve striker Callum Marshall for his “energy”, while lamenting Niclas Fullkrug being sidelined.
The out-of-sorts number 10 isn’t the only senior Hammers figure who will be worrying about his short-term future in the starting XI, though.
West Ham's other big change
Despite spending £124m in the summer on new recruits, West Ham are now starting Andy Irving week in, week out, who was never getting a look in under previous regimes.
The Scotsman is very clearly out of his depth in the bright lights of the Premier League, with just one paltry duel won against Leeds not exactly making him a feared opponent to come up against on the night.
But, alongside him for the clash at Elland Road, Tomas Soucek also looked noticeably weak.
Obviously, Soucek is still regarded as a modern-day hero at the London Stadium for his past exploits from the centre of the park, with the Czech enforcer now up to a mighty 42 goals for the Hammers, having made a colossal 252 appearances.
However, putting sentiment to one side, it’s also clear that the 30-year-old is declining in front of everyone’s eyes at the moment, with his lacklustre performances across October not too dissimilar to that of Irving’s no-shows, which have garnered the 25-year-old a lot of stick.
Soucek’s PL performances in October
Stat
vs Brentford
vs Leeds
Minutes played
71
65
Goals scored
0
0
Assists
0
0
Touches
43
39
Shots
1
1
Accurate passes
18/31 (58%)
26/32 (81%)
Possession lost
14x
7x
Tackles won
1
0
Total duels won
5/10
4/9
Stats by Sofascore
The once energetic “machine” – as he was previously labelled by ex-West Ham teammate Darren Randolph – has now left the building, with just nine of his 19 duels being successfully won against Brentford and Leeds.
On top of that, Soucek also only managed to fire a limp two shots at either goal, despite previously being seen as a saviour in the attacking areas when West Ham were in spots of bother.
For his sake, the West Ham midfield department needs a refresh and soon, with youthful faces such as Mateus Fernandes and Freddie Potts potentially being given the nod over the 30-year-old shortly, as Irving also ponders whether he will be axed, too.
It will be very intriguing to see what side takes to the field against the Magpies, with a selection surprise here and there perhaps catching Newcastle out, as Nuno still hunts down his first victory at West Ham.
Nuno must unleash "exceptional" West Ham star who can finally revive Paqueta
The incredible West Ham ace could form as close a relationship with Paqueta as Guimaraes.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 1, 2025
In recent years, National Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. has been spotted at multiple sporting events working as a photographer. His most recent gig? The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby.
Griffey Jr. was spotted at Truist Park in Atlanta on Monday night hours before the Derby began. He was seen talking with various All-Stars on the field, possibly even giving some of the participants for Monday night's event advice since he was a three-time Derby winner.
It's fitting that Griffey is back at the Home Run Derby as he holds the record for the most Derby wins (three) and appearances (eight). He is a staple of the event, and now he's back with a new gig.
The MLB legend also covered the HBCU Swingman Classic and Futures Game over the weekend as a part of the All-Star events.
Griffey went viral earlier this year during the Masters as he shot some pretty iconic photos of golfers, such as Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth.
Griffey's photography resume includes him covering some MLB games (including this year's opening series in Tokyo), NFL games, MLS games and IndyCar events. Photography has been something Griffey's been working on for years now, and his passion continues to grow for it. So, don't be surprised if you keep seeing Griffey's name attached to sports photos in the future.
Vikramjit Singh is one of three players poised to make a return into the Netherlands squad for their three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, to be held later this month. The left-handed opener wasn’t in the side during their T20 World Cup qualifiers at home, having last played in the tri-series in Glasgow in June.Apart from Vikramjit, there were call-ups for legspinner Shariz Ahmed and left-arm pacer Ben Fletcher, who also last played in the Glasgow tri-series. Shariz returns after his last international in Muscat last year.Left-arm quick Fred Klaassen and left-arm spinner Tim Pringle have also been included in the squad, with both having last appeared for Netherlands in the format in 2024.Netherlands will be without experienced allrounders Bas de Leede and Roelof van der Merwe, both having excelled with the ball during the World Cup qualifiers. Batter Michael Levitt misses out, as do Zach Lion-Cachet and Hidde Overdijk.Netherlands, however, have most of their squad members from the previous assignment. Captain Scott Edwards is their batting lynchpin, along with Max O’Dowd, who top-scored for Netherlands in the T20 World Cup qualifier.Pacer Kyle Klein, who took seven wickets in the qualifiers, is in the squad alongside Paul van Meekeren and Aryan Dutt. Shariz is also an interesting choice, if he can master the conditions in Sylhet, where the three T20Is will be played on August 30, and September 1 and 3.IN: Vikramjit Singh, Shariz Ahmed, Ben Fletcher, Fred Klaassen, Tim PringleOUT: Bas de Leede, Michael Levitt, Zach Lion-Cachet, Hidde Overdijk, Roelof van der MerweNetherlands squad: Scott Edwards (capt, wk), Noah Croes, Max O’Dowd, Vikramjit Singh, Teja Nidamanuru, Saqib Zulfiqar, Ryan Klein, Kyle Klein, Aryan Dutt, Paul van Meekeren, Shariz Ahmad, Ben Fletcher, Daniel Doram, Fred Klaassen, Tim Pringle
No player in the Premier League this season has directly contributed toward a greater proportion of their team’s goal involvements than Everton’s Jack Grealish.
The 30-year-old has resurrected his career. Plainly, had the silky playmaker left Manchester City for a bumper payday in the Saudi Pro League this summer, few would have been surprised, but his passion for success still burns strong, and he has charged David Moyes’ side so far this term.
He claimed the Premier League Player of the Month award for August after racking up some early assists, and has reminded English football of his elite quality.
But still the winger has been overlooked by England boss Thomas Tuchel. In fact, there are a range of Toffees players who would fancy a shot at the Three Lions squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
The Everton stars being overlooked by Tuchel
Toward the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Jarrad Branthwaite was playing out of his skin, instrumental in the early revival after Moyes replaced Sean Dyche.
Injury has now further reduced the defender’s prospects, but there are others of an Everton persuasion who will be angling toward a place on the plane.
At the forefront, Grealish aside, would be Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who completed a £27m transfer to the Hill Dickinson from Chelsea this summer and has swiftly nailed down a starting berth.
He has been the complete player in the middle, threading things together, and has this week expressed his desire to continue working toward a senior cap with his home country, rather than taking advantage of international ties with the Republic of Ireland.
Hailed as “one of England’s most exciting young players” by journalist Harry Watkinson, Tyler Dibling might also hope for more opportunities on Merseyside to prove he has what it takes to thrive on the international stage.
This one might come too soon for the 19-year-old, but there’s a more mature teammate at Everton who has been overlooked, and who might actually prove a shrewd wildcard pick for Tuchel.
Everton man could be England's wildcard pick
Jordan Pickford is a stalwart for his nation, unflappable between the sticks. The aforementioned players all have the quality to star over the pond next year, too, but competition will be thick.
Someone we haven’t mentioned, though, is James Garner, who might seem like a left-field pick but is a hard-working and dynamic player who has been given Moyes’ endorsement.
The 24-year-old has become an ever more important player for the Blues this year, playing every minute of the Premier League campaign so far.
Last month, Moyes hinted that he believes the intelligent, tempo-controlling midfielder has what it takes to weasel his way in, saying, “If I was on the England staff, Jimmy Garner would definitely be in my thoughts.”
Defensive midfield
32
0 (2)
Centre-midfield
27
1 (1)
Right midfield
9
0 (1)
Right-back
4
0 (0)
Left-back
3
1 (0)
Attacking midfield
3
0 (0)
Left midfield
1
0 (0)
Not only can he cover multiple positions, but Garner is also a selfless player, hailed for his “relentless” approach to the midfield game by one prominent Everton fan in the past.
In the Premier League this season, he has averaged 2.9 tackles per game while completing 88% of his passes and winning 57% of his ground duels.
The £30k-per-week talent would be an underrated cog in the machine, the kind needed to make it all tick.
Garner earned 18 caps for England U21s and has worked hard as one of Everton’s most industrious players under Dyche and now Moyes’ management.
Be it in the middle of the park or in a makeshift role out wide, he will serve dutifully, and this is the kind of player the Three Lions need to weave amongst the superstars, balancing out a side fit to challenge for that elusive golden trophy.
Moyes has a bigger talent than Richarlison in Everton's "creator of chaos"
Everton must keep a hold of this talented player for as long as they can.
ByAngus Sinclair Oct 29, 2025
Celtic could still potentially appoint Ange Postecoglou as their new manager for a second time, but it may be dependent on what Martin O’Neill does.
The Hoops are continuing their search for their next boss, with O’Neill coming in as interim boss for the time being, looking to steady the ship and get their Scottish Premiership title challenge back on track.
While many are expecting the Irishman to be in charge for a short amount of time, a new report has suggested that he could remain in the role for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
Celtic supporters are no doubt divided about who they want to see as their next permanent manager, and how long they want to see O’Neill at the club for that matter, with a host of names being mentioned since Brendan Rodgers departed last week.
Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen is seen as one of the favourites to come in, having enjoyed league and cup glory in Belgium in the past couple of years. He is far from the only option, with Lee Carsley, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane among those in the mix, too.
Speaking to Football Insider, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Postecoglou could still make a shock return to Celtic at the end of the season when the timing is better for the Australian, meaning O’Neill may need to remain in temporary charge until then.
Postecoglou may not be rushing into a decision right now, as O’Rourke alludes to, but if he knows the Celtic job will become available next summer instead of right now, it may appeal to him.
The 60-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Parkhead in his first stint as manager, winning two Scottish Premiership titles and Scottish League Cups apiece, as well as one Scottish Cup.
|
Top 5 Celtic manager win percentages |
Matches |
Win % |
|---|---|---|
|
1. Martin O’Neill |
283 |
75.6% |
|
2. Ange Postecoglou |
113 |
73.5% |
|
3. Neil Lennon |
335 |
70.7% |
|
4. Jock Stein |
761 |
69.6% |
|
5. Brendan Rodgers |
292 |
68.8% |
Granted, his stock has fallen after disappointing spells at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, despite winning the Europa League with the former, but he knows Celtic inside out and would bring an attacking brand of football that went down well with the fans first time around.
Celtic chiefs readying drastic action in Nicky Hayen pursuit with huge wages on offer
He is reportedly keen on taking charge at Parkhead.
By
Henry Jackson
Nov 1, 2025
If O’Neill is only in interim charge for a short time, a different option feels best, though, with Postecoglou potentially mentally tired after a tough year.
2025 is the year of Cal Raleigh.
The Mariners catcher has been on an absolute tear this season, launching 38 home runs before the All-Star break and in doing so nearly eclipsing Barry Bonds' first-half home run record of 39. Raleigh then got to participate in the Home Run Derby, with his dad Todd pitching and his brother Todd Jr. catching.
Raleigh, commonly known among MLB fans as "Big Dumper" due to his sizable hindquarters, took home the Home Run Derby trophy, and soon after landed himself an absolutely perfect endorsement deal.
On Wednesday, Honey Bucket, a provider of portable toilets headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, announced that they'd reached an agreement on a new partnership with Raleigh.
"This exciting collaboration brings together two names that stand for grit, reliability, and performance under pressure. Whether it’s behind the plate or behind the scenes at construction sites, community events, and stadiums, both Raleigh and Honey Bucket share one mission: deliver when it counts," the brand said in its release about the partnership.
"Honey Bucket is the name behind the cleanest, most dependable restrooms in the game. As someone who understands the value of showing up prepared every single day, I’m proud to team up with a company that does the same," Raleigh said.
After his historic first half of the season, Raleigh will hope to stay locked in at the plate as he looks to break the record for most home runs hit by a catcher in a single season, while also helping to guide the Mariners to the postseason for the first time since 2022.