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Após a vitória por 2 a 0 sobre o Pyramids, do Egito, que garantiu o Flamengo na final do Intercontinental de 2025, o atacante e capitão Bruno Henrique projetou o confronto contra o Paris Saint-Germain e ressaltou a preparação e o foco do grupo rubro-negro.

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– Claro que temos que tomar cuidados. O Filipe, com certeza, vai nos mostrar exatamente onde precisamos estar atentos nesse jogo. É uma final em que tudo pode acontecer, mas o Flamengo vem forte mais uma vez para tentar vencer e conquistar esse título – afirmou o jogador.

➡️ Arrascaeta destaca maturidade do Flamengo antes da final do Mundial contra o PSG

Questionado sobre as expectativas para uma decisão de tamanha magnitude, Bruno Henrique admitiu a ansiedade natural do momento, mas destacou a concentração necessária para o duelo decisivo.

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– Não é sempre que se disputa uma final desse tamanho. Existe, sim, uma ansiedade, um foco muito grande nessa final e em vencê-la. Vamos estar preparados para tudo o que vier, para fazer um grande jogo e, se Deus quiser, sair campeão desse torneio – completou.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

➡️ Danilo aponta favorito entre Flamengo e PSG para final do Mundial: ‘Obviamente’

Flamengo e Paris Saint-Germain se enfrentam na próxima quarta-feira (17), às 14h, horário de Brasília, em uma partida que promete fortes emoções e um grande espetáculo para os torcedores. A expectativa é de um confronto equilibrado, em que cada detalhe poderá fazer diferença na busca pelo título intercontinental.

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➡️ Arrascaeta destaca maturidade do Flamengo antes da final do Mundial contra o PSG

Para acompanhar asnotícias do Flamengo, acompanhe o Lance! Todas as informações e acontecimentos atualizados em tempo real.

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FlamengoFutebol Nacional

سيفتقد برشلونة لخدمات عنصرين مؤثرين في لقاء ريال بيتيس على ملعب لا كارتوخا في الدوري الإسباني، يوم السبت المقبل.

وبحسب “BARCA UNIVERSAL” فإن برشلونة سيغيب عنه مساعد هانز فليك ماركوس سورج ومدرب حراس المرمى خوسيه رامون دي لا فوينتي، ضد ريال بيتيس، بعد أن تعرضا للإيقاف لمباراتين من لجنة الانضباط التابعة للاتحاد الإسباني.

ويأتي هذا الإيقاف بسبب البطاقات الحمراء التي حصل عليها الثنائي خلال فوز برشلونة ضد ديبورتيفو ألافيس على ملعب كامب نو بثلاثية لهدف واحد.

اقرأ أيضاً.. أولمو يوجه رسالة لجماهيره وزملائه بعد تأكد غيابه حتى نهاية العام

وغاب ماركوس سورج ودي لا فوينتي عن فوز برشلونة أمام أتلتيكو مدريد أمس الثلاثاء، وسيغيبان أيضًا عن مواجهة الفريق الأندلسي الأسبوع المقبل.

وجاء في تقرير حكم مباراة برشلونة وألافيس، أن دي لا فوينتي تعرض للطرد في الدقيقة 65 لاحتجاجه الشديد على قرارات الحكم، بينما تعرض سورج للطرد، لمغادرته مقعد البدلاء في الدقائق الأخيرة والاحتجاج عليه.

The captain said playing against better teams this year has helped Zimbabwe grow

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2025It’s been a great 2025 for Zimbabwe. Having missed out on the last three ICC events, they secured qualification to the upcoming T20 World Cup. Three weeks later, they wrapped up their first Test win at home in over a decade. Senior players like Brendan Taylor have come back into the fold. Junior(ish) players like Brad Evans and Ben Curran are showing what they can do. The captain Craig Ervine had a lot to be happy about, though in the end he only felt relief.”We’ve been in good positions before and we have let it slip,” Ervine said at the post-match press conference. “So, you know, in this case, we get into a good position, we want to drive the advantage home, and fortunately we do that. And at least it gives you the impetus the next time around, you know, how did you do it? And it’s something that you can put in your pocket to remember for the next time. So these sort of experiences are great for us because at least it gives you the confidence that, yes, you can do it, and you can get over the line, especially when you get into those positions.”Zimbabwe were already on a high coming into the only Test against Afghanistan, because it was their tenth in 2025. Only once have they played more red-ball cricket in a calendar year. Ervine was able to see the gains that they had made, slowly, incrementally, through series against higher-ranked sides like Bangladesh, England, South Africa and New Zealand, as his men rolled Afghanistan over for 127 in the first innings and found a top-order batter to push that advantage further. Curran scored his maiden Test century to provide a 232-run lead and Richard Ngarava used that cushion to blow Afghanistan away.Ben Curran made 121, almost matching Afghanistan’s first-innings total of 127•Zimbabwe CricketErvine also believed they had an advantage in Afghanistan playing only two frontline fast bowlers – one of whom was on debut, though Ziaur Rahman did pick up a seven-for – on a seamer-friendly Harare pitch. Zimbabwe picked four.Related

Ngarava and Curran lead Zimbabwe to first home Test win in 12 years

“I think guys have taken a lot from their experiences against England, South Africa, New Zealand,” he said. “And I think what guys learnt, especially from the series against New Zealand is, it was testing conditions and they got five bowlers that are going to test you all the time.”And I think going into this game [against Afghanistan], I think we felt that you get through that new ball phase and if you’re patient enough, I think the runs do ease up. We felt that with their spin, they weren’t as accurate, so it took a little bit of pressure off and it allowed the scoreboard to keep moving. So I think that guys were a lot more composed, guys were a lot more patient. I think that only stems from the experience that you have against better sides [than Zimbabwe are]. You have to work a lot harder against the better teams. And I thought the application that guys showed in this test. I think is fruit from the test that you played against the better nations.”Ervine had initially been nervous when, after winning the toss and putting Afghanistan in, they were able to score 68 runs off the first 13 overs.Richard Ngarava’s five-for led Zimbabwe to victory•Zimbabwe Cricket”To be honest, after the first hour, I probably wasn’t too sure whether I had made the right call or not. The wicket wasn’t quite as quick as what we thought it would be at the start. But I thought there was enough in that wicket that having picked four seamers we needed to utilise.”We were able to regroup and hit better areas from drinks break to lunch. And we got the reward for that. I think it was just keeping it nice and simple. And obviously using the short-ball plan, which was effective, I think, against Afghanistan.””To bowl them out for 120-odd in the first innings, we knew that we had been in a similar position against them in Bulawayo [and lost]. So we needed to make sure that this time round we drove that advantage home. And I thought the batting unit did just that.”Where Afghanistan lost nine wickets for 50 runs in the first innings – Evans took a five-for – and six wickets for 50 runs in the second – Ngarava with five this time – Zimbabwe were able to bat once and bat big.”It was about our disciplines,” Ervine said. “I think our composure. We had a feeling that they were going to throw everything at us. But they were also one seamer short. So we felt if we were able to get through that new ball spell, we could grind them down. And I thought Ben Curran did that exceptionally well. The way he batted throughout, kept the same tempo and guys managed to bat around him. So really chuffed that he was able to get 120-odd. I think those sort of scores in a test match really make a big impact and put you on the front foot.”

U.S. international Malik Tillman capped a sweeping Bayer Leverkusen move in the 33rd minute at Volkswagen Arena, racing onto a threaded pass before holding off a defender and finishing calmly past the goalkeeper. The well-taken strike – his third of the 2025–26 Bundesliga season – completed a scintillating team sequence that began deep in Leverkusen’s half. Die Werkself won 3–1.

Getty Images SportMatching history

Tillman also assisted the opener and is the first U.S. player to record a goal and an assist in a Bundesliga match since Jordan Pefok in August 2022. 

AdvertisementOther Americans to match the feat

Here are some other Americans who accomplished the feat in Bundesliga play: 

Timothy Chandler1. FC NürnbergVfB Stuttgart1. FC Nürnberg 4-1 VfB StuttgartFeb. 12, 2011Scored and assisted in Nürnberg’s 4-1 win.Christian PulisicBorussia DortmundBayer LeverkusenBorussia Dortmund 6-2 Bayer LeverkusenMarch 4, 2017Registered a goal and an assist after coming off the bench.Matthew HoppeSchalke 04Eintracht FrankfurtSchalke 04 4-3 Eintracht FrankfurtMay 15, 2021Added a goal and an assist in Schalke’s 4-3 win.Jordan PefokUnion BerlinRB LeipzigUnion Berlin 2-1 RB LeipzigAug. 20, 2022Scored and assisted in Union’s victory.GettyTillman’s season form

Tillman has had an inconsistent start to the Bundesliga season, in part due to managerial changes at Leverkusen and injury. Saturday's performance showcased why the team invested $46.1 million in him. 

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AFPGoal strengthens Leverkusen's position

With this commanding first-half performance against Wolfsburg, Leverkusen continued their strong recent form that included a 6-0 demolition of Heidenheim in their previous Bundesliga outing. They currently sit in third place on the Bundesliga table, behind league leaders Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, and will face the latter side next on Nov. 28.

Arsenal have now discovered where they stand in the race to sign Malick Fofana, according to recent reports, and the winger has made his mind up on a move to Barcelona.

Despite how impressive the Gunners have been so far this season, their left-hand side remains their biggest weakness. The form of Martinelli remains inconsistent and he remains sidelined, whilst Leandro Trossard is now 30 years old and not a long-term option. After addressing their striker problem by signing Viktor Gyokeres in the summer, Arsenal must do the same on their left-hand side.

Arteta must drop 5/10 Arsenal star who lost the ball every 4 passes

Arsenal were uncharacteristically ropey against Sunderland on Saturday.

ByMatt Dawson Nov 9, 2025

That said, given that they sit top of the Premier League with an excellent defensive record and set-piece threat, those in North London will be in no urgent rush to panic buy any potential improvements.

Their 2-2 draw against Sunderland on Saturday was the first time that Arsenal have dropped points in the Premier League since September and they’ve not lost a game in all competitions since August. Everything is pointing towards major silverware at long last for Mikel Arteta.

In an ideal world for those at The Emirates, Arsenal will march towards Premier League glory and then find themselves in the perfect opportunity to welcome any other improvements.

Already, the champions-elect have been linked with moves for the likes of Javi Guerra in what would see another La Liga talent arrive and he’s not the only one on their reported shortlist.

Recent reports have also shared Arsenal’s interest in Lyon’s Fofana, who is one of the most-wanted wingers around European football. Those same reports even revealed where the Gunners stand in the race to secure his signature.

Fofana dream revealed as Arsenal find out transfer position

According to Sport in Spain, Arsenal are now the most interested side in signing Fofana alongside Chelsea in a frustrating blow for Barcelona. The Belgium star has made his desire to complete a move to the Premier League no secret, with his agent admitting earlier this year that he dreams of moving to Liverpool.

Whilst that may seem like a blow for the likes of Arsenal, it is reportedly the Gunners who are at the front and centre of the race to secure his signature and not the Reds. Potentially with the Premier League title in hand, those in North London stand every chance of swaying Fofana, who has his sights set on English football instead of a move to Barcelona.

Fofana’s agent, Bobo Fofana, said back in March: “The choice of the heart would be Liverpool. He has the potential to become a regular, and above all, we’d like to see him succeed African legends such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Elhadj Diouf.”

A player who’s been described as “explosive” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Fofana is not a talent that Arsenal will want to miss out on, especially if it is to title rivals Liverpool.

Arteta has Arsenal's best finisher since Van Persie & it's not Gyokeres

New Zealand took the lead in the Zimbabwe T20I tri-series points table after a second successive win, this time over the hosts. After New Zealand’s bowling attack kept Zimbabwe to 120, the lowest first-innings total of the tournament so far, their batters polished off the required runs inside 14 overs, which helped their net run rate balloon to 1.919.Zimbabwe remain without a point, and with much work to do to avoid being knocked out of their own competition. They need to win both of their next two games, against South Africa and New Zealand, to progress to the final, and will need a major improvement in their batting to get there.Although Zimbabwe played more aggressively than in their opening match – according to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, 27.5% of their shots were attacking in this innings compared with 20.83% in their previous game, against South Africa – they hit the same number of fours (11), two fewer sixes (one in this innings, three on Monday), and scored lesser runs overall on Friday than against South Africa.Zimbabwe’s highest partnership against New Zealand was the opening stand of 37, which could not stand up to New Zealand’s two half-century stands. After the loss of Tim Seifert in the second over of the chase, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra put on 59 off 44 balls before Conway and Daryl Mitchell combined for 58 off 32 deliveries to ease New Zealand to a win.Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra put on 59 for the second wicket•Zimbabwe Cricket

New Zealand will also be satisfied with the performance of their bowling attack. Matt Henry followed up his 3 for 34 against South Africa with 3 for 26 against Zimbabwe, and used the short ball to good effect. On a surface that turned substantially, New Zealand’s spinners Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Ravindra claimed a wicket each, and conceded just 43 runs in nine overs collectively.Zimbabwe had no one to match either that wicket-taking or that economy. Blessing Muzarabani took a wicket, and conceded only at 6.75 runs an over. But that was good as it got for Zimbabwe. Their decision to leave out a spinner in Wellington Masakadza for seamer Tinotenda Maposa will also cause questions over their team balance.

Madhevere’s intent (almost) pays off

Wessly Madhevere flicked the first ball off his pads and past Seifert to start Zimbabwe off with a boundary. Three balls later, he used his wrists to whip Henry behind square for four more. Zimbabwe had 11 runs from the opening over, more than double they scored against South Africa – and all of them belonged to Madheve. He came into this match under pressure – with only one score over 20 in his last 11 innings – and showed that he was willing to take things on, even if he didn’t always get it right.In the second over, Madhevere advanced towards Jacob Duffy, swung hard but missed, and then tried to scoop. Together with Brian Bennett, Madhevere got Zimbabwe to 36 runs from the first five overs, and then with Clive Madande to 61 for 2 at the halfway stage. But his ambition got the better of him when he backed away and was too late on a shot off Adam Milne to be bowled for 36. At least, it was his highest score in 14 innings since his 43 against India a year ago.Wessly Madhevere’s ambition got the better of him•Zimbabwe Cricket

NZ scythe through the middle order

Madhevere’s dismissal came 14 balls after Madande was deceived in flight from Ravindra, and stumped in the middle of a collapse of 5 for 37 that put the breaks on Zimbabwe. Ryan Burl struck two fours before he tried to reverse sweep against Bracewell and was caught at backward point. Sikandar Raza played across the line, and got a leading edge off Santner to be caught at extra cover. Tashinga Musekiwa tried to pull a short ball from Henry but top edged, and was well caught by Duffy at fine leg.Zimbabwe were 98 for 6 in the 17th over, and lost the middle order in the space of 43 balls. They scored just 21 runs off the last three overs, and could not finish with any kind of flourish.

Ngarava, Muzarabani start well

After reducing South Africa to 17 for 2 earlier this week, Richard Ngarava could have had a wicket with his first ball against New Zealand. He went on a back of a length, and got an outside edge off Seifert, but the chance fell short of Burl at slip. Four balls later, Conway, on 1 at the time, reached out for a wider delivery, and edged to short third but Blessing Muzarabani fluffed the chance.Muzarabani made up for that when he removed Seifert with his first ball, albeit not his best one. He went short and wide outside off, and Seifert hit in the air to Musekiwa at cover. Ngarava was not quite as lucky, though. In his next over, Ravindra was beaten by a ball that moved away late, and then Ngarava thought he had Conway out caught behind but the umpire was unmoved.File photo: Blessing Muzarabani made up for dropping Devon Conway by bagging Tim Seifert•AFP/Getty Images

Muzarabani got Conway to miscue a pull, and then hit the ball in the air towards mid-off. But both chances landed safely. New Zealand were 19 for 1 after four overs, and had only hit one boundary until then, which showed Zimbabwe’s ability to put them under pressure. But a hat-trick of boundaries from Ravindra off Trevor Gwandu meant Zimbabwe could not keep them there.

Conway gets comfortable… eventually

While Ravindra settled in the powerplay, Conway’s stay at the crease was streaky. He top-edged Muzarabani for his first boundary, and Maposa for his second. Maposa almost dismissed Conway off another top edge when he rushed Conway into a pull, but the chance fell short of fine leg. Immediately after that, Conway was nearly down on his haunches, and appeared to be struggling with his health.But later in the over, he sliced Maposa over backward point. Still, he was nearly run-out two overs later when Mitchell called him through for a quick single, and he was not in the frame when the throw came in at the striker’s end. It was only when Conway smashed Ngarava over the deep-midwicket boundary for six that he looked like he was in control. He went on to send Raza over long-on for a second six, and brought up his fifty off 34 balls. It was Conway’s highest score in six T20I innings dating back to last year’s T20 World Cup, and his second half-century in his last 15 T20I innings.

Micah Richards criticised two Manchester United players for the role they played against Brentford as the Red Devils were put to the sword once again at the Gtech Community Stadium by Brentford.

Brentford heap more misery on Amorim

Fresh from defeating Chelsea last weekend, Man United had the task of handing Ruben Amorim back-to-back wins for the first time in the Premier League almost nine months on from arriving. With 20 minutes on the clock, however, it was an all too familiar story for the Manchester club, as Igor Thiago struck not once but twice.

The opening goal saw Harry Maguire fall culrpit to a tight offside call, as Thiago took full advantage to sprint in behind and fire home a tremendous finish.

As for the second, the forward had a far simpler task after getting the best out of Matthijs de Ligt and then on the end of Altay Bayindir’s spilled save straight into his path. In 20 minutes, the Brentford star had his brace gift-wrapped.

Benjamin Sesko’s first Man United goal then gave the Red Devils plenty of hope when he slammed home at the third time of asking midway through the first period and a comeback certainly looked on the cards.

Alas, it almost summed up United’s afternoon, their season and arguably Amorim’s tenure when Bruno Fernandes missed his second penalty of the season to deny United their equaliser late in the second-half. The Portugal international, often so reliable, has fallen short of his standards so far this season.

Caoimhin Kelleher’s save put the writing on the wall for the Red Devils, who had their misery compilled by a stunning late strike from substitute Mathias Jensen to make it 3-1.

Richards slams "shambolic" Maguire & De Ligt

Among those critical of Man United following yet another defeat, former Man City defender Richards slammed Maguire and De Ligt as “shambolic” for their actions in Brentford’s two goals.

There will now be questions asked of Amorim’s position once again, but whether defeat at Brentford is INEOS’ final straw remains to be seen. There’s work to be done, that cannot be denied.

Not just Obi: Man Utd have "dangerous" attacker who can be the next Rooney

Man United fans can get excited about this player’s talent.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 26, 2025

Up next for United is the visit of Sunderland next Saturday. Defeat against newly-promoted opposition would be yet another low for Amorim, who simply has to change things if he is to turn his tenure around at Old Trafford.

David Moyes smiles, and it’s a cheery smile at that. The 62-year-old has been quizzed on his reaction to Everton’s summer transfer business, and he is content with what he has seen.

Statman Dave hailed the Scottish manager as a “football genius” after his latest success, guiding Everton toward greener pastures. It’s an incomplete task and still in its early phase, but the signs are certainly promising.

Experienced stars such as Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have added flair and control to a Toffees team transitioning toward something more modern, still rooted in Moyes’ core tactical principles.

And who could be a better representation of that than the young and daring Tyler Dibling? Signed from Southampton for £42m in August, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder is the future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Why Everton signed Tyler Dibling

Everton looked to have added much to their attacking midfield ranks when landing Grealish, but Moyes still needed someone competent when coming off the right, and Dibling was the top target.

A series of efforts to sign the fleet-footed teenager were thwarted, but Everton finally secured their man, adding a rising star capable of standing out amongst giants within the Premier League.

He struggled for prolific success on the south coast last term, but then Southampton were embroiled in a pitiful relegation battle, and Dibling was hailed all the same for his “world-class talent” by Southampton’s academy manager, Andy Goldie.

Dibling has the world at his feet, and if all goes to plan regarding the former Saints prospect’s development over the coming years, it could lead Moyes to creating Everton’s new version of Anthony Gordon, a player whose unsavoury exit almost three years ago remains a regretful thing to this day.

Everton must regret losing Anthony Gordon

While few of an Everton persuasion would have wanted Gordon to stay put after his antics in the build-up to his £45m transfer to Newcastle United in January 2023, his decision to force his way out of Goodison Park left a very sour taste on the saga.

A product of Everton’s youth academy, the Merseyside-born winger completed 77 appearances for the Toffees first team before his move, playing regularly in the Premier League for a year-and-a-half before his switch.

And despite banking a healthy sum for his sale, there’s so much to be frustrated about, with Gordon crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year in 2023/24 and now standing tall as one of the most prominent wide forwards in England.

The acquisition of a young star such as Dibling will perhaps hand Everton the keys to fashion their new version of the England international, one who could stay for a greater period of their career, instead of taking flight at a critical point in the club’s history.

TalkSPORT host Simon Jordan rather unceremoniously likened Gordon’s Merseyside exit to being “like a rat wants to desert a sinking ship”, which is unquestionably unfair but still underlines the prevailing mood when the young winger did indeed jump ship.

Perhaps the whole ordeal reflects the state Everton were in at the time, kept afloat thereafter by Sean Dyche’s prowess in battling against the current of relegation.

But it still stings. Everton collected £45m for their wantaway prospect, but his value has since soared toward the ballpark of £100m, and he could have become a superstar in Everton blue had circumstances been different.

Still, with Moyes now running the show and the Toffees showing signs this season of real progress toward higher Premier League ground, it’s one that fans will choose not to think about too much.

Everton signed Iliman Ndiaye last summer and have now welcomed a prodigy in Dibling, after all.

He's like Isak & Salah: Everton will rue selling "one of the best in Europe"

Two former Everton stars are now thriving in Italy.

By
Will Miller

Sep 11, 2025

An emotional Jason Sangha said South Australia saved his career after delivering a match-winning unbeaten century to help the state break a 29-year Sheffield Shield drought.Sangha, 25, joined South Australia during the off-season last year having been discarded by New South Wales after six seasons and 37 Shield matches, including one as captain in 2022.The former Australia Under-19 captain had been promoted to Shield cricket very early but struggled for consistency, averaging just 26.63 with three centuries in 64 innings for New South Wales before being dropped in November 2023.Related

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But South Australia gave him a lifeline and he has repaid them in stunning fashion. He will go down as a South Australian hero after scoring an unbeaten 126 to help his side chase 270, the highest ever fourth innings run chase in a Shield final. When he hit the winning runs he was mobbed by thousands of fans that ran onto the ground and they chanted his name at the trophy presentation when he received his winners medal.”I thought my career was over,” Sangha said. “South Australia gave me a second chance. I owe them everything, really. They have saved my career.”Sangha finished the season with 704 runs at 78.22 from just six games including three centuries, one in his first game of the season where South Australia beat Tasmania in the equal closest game in Shield history, and one in the last to deliver the title.He performed his heroics in the final alongside Australia Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey who made a sensational 105 in a partnership of 202 after the pair came together at 28 for 3.Carey and Jake Lehmann were the only two players in South Australia’s XI that had played in the state’s last two Shield finals in 2016 and 2017 when they lost twice to Victoria at home and in Alice Springs. He was proud to have finally delivered a title to South Australia.”It has been too long – and the history is what it is,” Carey said. “I didn’t think time was running out but I was just super keen to do everything I can to help us this year.”The scenes in the aftermath of South Australia’s four-wicket win were extraordinary. A crowd in excess of 4000 had turned up at Karen Rolton Oval to watch the fourth day chase. There would not have been a crowd of that size at any Shield game in Australia in recent memory.When Sangha clipped the winning runs through midwicket, the vast majority of the crowd swarmed the field as Sangha and his batting partner Ben Manenti hugged in the middle. The pair got separated as they were each mobbed by fans as they tried to make their way off the ground to celebrate with their team-mates. The scenes were very similar to 1996 when South Australia last won the Shield in Adelaide, as fans swarmed Peter McIntyre and Shane George as they ran from the ground after the pair had held on for a draw.The view from the Karen Rolton Oval grandstand when the Shield trophy was presented•Getty Images

Every Shield final presentation in recent times has taken place on the ground with very few people around. With thousands on the ground in front of the only grandstand at Karen Rolton Oval, which doubles as the pavilion, Cricket Australia and South Australian Cricket Association officials created an impromptu stage in the seats at the front of the first tier.South Australia premier Peter Malinauskas stood in the throng of fans on the ground with his daughter on his shoulders as the crowd looked up to see the Shield presented to skipper Nathan McSweeney.One of the loudest cheers came for Brendan Doggett when he was announced as player of the match. The 31-year-old had already won two Shield titles with Queensland but delivered his finest performance as a Shield cricketer for South Australia taking 11 for 140 for the match, the best ever figures in a final.”I was probably a little bit naive with my first two,” Doggett said. “Just being young and being in a really strong side, I probably didn’t realise how hard they were to win until arriving here.”McSweeney, another former Queenslander, said the drought had weighed heavily on them.”When it has been a long time and you feel a little bit of external pressure as well, it makes it a little bit nicer,” McSweeney said.Coach Ryan Harris, who has delivered both the Shield and the One-Day Cup to South Australia in his first season as coach, said he was hoping the victory was just the beginning.”We’re going to try and win a few now,” Harris said. “We will definitely enjoy this one but I have already started thinking about next year.”

Ahead of Monday’s deadline, Aston Villa have now reportedly set their sights on a late move to sign a defensive reinforcement who even towers above midfield enforcer Amadou Onana.

Emery admits Aston Villa still have "work to do"

The latest team to be left frustrated by PSR rules, Aston Villa have endured a tough summer and have struggled to get out the blocks in the Premier League as a result. Having so far welcomed just Evann Guessand, Yasin Ozcan and Marco Bizot, to say that it’s been an underwhelming transfer window would be an understatement.

Unai Emery is well aware that there’s still work to be done, however – telling reporters last weekend: “The club are working hard to get our structure as strong as possible with the players in the squad, trying to get two players for each position. There is still work to do, maybe even some players leaving more and we will have to sign and complete the squad with some players.

The next Rashford: Aston Villa remain in race to sign “special” £60m talent

Unai Emery could pick up his next Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa by finally landing a £60m transfer target

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 27, 2025

“The first reason now why we are missing something other in our structure and in our squad with our players because some players left one week or two weeks ago when we were expecting to a deal before.

“We are working and we have some solutions to try to fix it. But we have to be alert, keep going and the players we have now is enough to compete but thinking all season, thinking hopefully we will face more than 50 matches, we will have to get balanced players in the squad and add more players to it.”

On that front, the Villans have been linked with moves for the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Adrien Rabiot, but could instead turn their focus towards welcoming a towering central defender before the deadline.

Aston Villa targeting late Kristensen move

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Aston Villa are now eyeing a late move to sign Thomas Kristensen from Udinese. Even taller than Onana at a staggering 6’5, Kristensen would offer Emery quite the threat from set pieces whilst also handing the Spaniard the defensive cover that he’s been searching for this summer.

Compared to Tyrone Mings last season, it’s clear that Kristensen would be an instant upgrade for those at Villa Park. The 23-year-old naturally impressed in the air, but also proved that he’s capable elsewhere after winning 21 tackles.

Described as a “superb” defender by scout Jacek Kulig back in February, Kristensen still has levels to reach at a relatively young age and Emery could help pave the way towards reaching that potential.

That said, if those in the Midlands want to secure his signature, then they will have to turn their interest into a concrete move fairly quickly with the deadline approaching.

The Villans have until midnight on Tuesday to turn what has been a difficult transfer window into one good enough to help Emery secure European football once again.