“We are doing all the practical prep stuff, guys bowling with wet balls,” the India assistant coach said on measures being taken to tackle dew

Alagappan Muthu05-Dec-20253:38

ten Doeschate: A different start time could bring down dew effect

India have been fighting the elements all the way through this three-match ODI series against South Africa, which sits at 1-1 ahead of the final game in Visakhapatnam on Saturday. Their bad luck with tosses has left them batting when conditions are better for bowling and bowling when conditions are better for batting.”The dew factor is, we’re actually trying to put a number on it and it varies between 10 and 20% [in terms of] what a big difference it makes [to the result],” India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said. “I think we’re one in a million statistically at the moment [the probability of losing 20 straight tosses], so if we can go two million tomorrow, that’ll be pretty impressive.”But again, it’s a bit of a joke, but the responsibility or the preparation is to beat whatever is put in front of us and eventually we’re going to win a toss anyway.”Related

Rahul: Toss plays a 'huge part' and 'making a huge difference' with dew

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Ten Doeschate highlighted all that the team is doing behind the scenes to cope with the dew. “We are doing all the practical prep stuff, guys bowling with wet balls. Again, you know, like setting up our store to get a premium score, figuring out how to defend, what is best to bowl with the wet ball when there is dew on the grass.”An unexpected complication is the way ODIs function now. Previously, there was a new ball at each end. But it seemed like that had skewed the balance of the game in favour of the batters, with the ball staying harder for longer and being easier to hit even late in the innings. The ICC took note of this and from this July, bowling teams have been choosing one out of those two balls to carry on for the last 16 overs.”The two balls,” ten Doeschate said, “if I just think about it logically, the whole point of going to one ball after 34 overs is that the ball does get a chance to wear and to get a bit softer. But the flip side is that [when there is dew] you have got one ball that is getting more wet essentially. I think the umpires have been very good in allowing ball changes, but then of course you end up getting a slightly harder ball which negates the whole point of going down to the one ball.”But like I said, the thing that has impressed me about this group this week is that we know the challenges, I haven’t heard anyone complain and the main thing is all about, you know, it is our responsibility to find ways around these challenges and that is just another one we have got to find a solution for.”Harshit Rana and KL Rahul enjoy a small chat•BCCI

India’s batters are also trying to do their bit by reassessing the totals they’re aiming for.”At the start of the first game, we thought 320 sort of par, and then we put a premium at 350 and we thought that the game in Raipur was the same. We thought 360, even given the dew coming, it was a good effort to get that score,” ten Doeschate said. “You always want more runs and again the conversations have been around how can we maximise. What we said about guys starting in slightly later on, what are the better options, we just had a good chat around that.”Ten Doeschate was asked if an earlier start time might help even things out. “I think it is, you know, the fact that the dew kind of falls as the second inning starts, it means the dew is there for the whole time.”So a different start time could bring that effect down a little bit if you started two hours early. That is a solution but obviously there are so many moving parts at play in terms of broadcasting etc. So I guess it is a futile conversation.”Over the course of this tour by South Africa, India have gone to their allrounders when they play Test matches and specialists when they’ve been playing the ODIs.”I guess that is a bit of an anomaly,” ten Doeschate said. “You know, you would think Test Cricket, you would have more specialists but it is just where we are at the moment in the cycle and the guys we think at the moment are the best guys to represent the team. Ideally, in Test cricket, you have a more solid base of batters and bowlers but we feel at the moment the guys who are doing the job for us just happen to be allrounders. I just think it is picking your best XI and that is just the way it is all in the world.”The ODIs being 1-1 right after India lost the Tests 2-0 has left the dressing room a bit wired.”It is a very different personnel of players, but the guys are very aware of the responsibility of what they are representing,” ten Doeschate said. “We always want to win, but certainly when a few losses do start stacking up and performances are below what we expect from ourselves. I think there is a slight aspiration to win the series tomorrow.”

Michael Neser and Xavier Bartlett bowled with trademark accuracy on a day where Australia’s fringe quicks were in the spotlight. But wickets were hard to produce on a relatively sedate WACA surface as Cameron Green batted fluently to keep Western Australia afloat against Queensland.On a dramatic day in Australian cricket, Sean Abbott was withdrawn from the Ashes squad after scans on his left hamstring confirmed a moderate grade strain. If a replacement for Abbott is needed for the first Test squad, Neser would likely head the queue while Bartlett might also come under consideration.Neser probed away outside the off stump and was finally rewarded when he had Hilton Cartwright plumb lbw for 37. He finished with 1 for 37 from 15 overs. Even though he was wicketless, Bartlett similarly nagged away in his Shield season debut having played in the white-ball series against India.”You can’t look at those things too much,” Bartlett said about a potential Ashes squad call-up. “Hopefully perform for Queensland over the next couple of days and that’s all you can really do.”Related

• Hazlewood cleared of injury, Abbott out of first Test after hamstring scans

WA were held together by opener Cameron Bancroft’s 76 and then Green, who finished 49 not out, until losing three late wickets.Josh Inglis, the reserve wicketkeeper in the Ashes squad, fell for 4 just before stumps after edging quick Gurinder Sandhu to second slip in a reckless dismissal having slashed hard at a delivery well outside off stump. It was a disappointment for Inglis in his first red-ball match since the West Indies Test series.Queensland’s late rally has them slightly in the ascendancy in a match that has see-sawed over two days.After a hard-fought opening day, Queensland resumed on 323 for 6 and faced a WA attack without the services of Green, who bowled two four-over spells on day one in his return to bowling following a side injury that ruled him out of the India ODI series.With a target of bowling 15-20 overs across the match, Green kept the powder dry until Queensland’s second innings but he was in the action after holding on to a stinging blow from Bartlett at midwicket.It was a relief for Green, who had uncharacteristically dropped a relatively straightforward chance in the gully late on day one. It was a desperately needed wicket for WA after Bartlett and Lachlan Hearne counterattacked to great effect to lift Queensland to a solid first-innings total.A cavalier Hearne appeared to be powering to a second century in as many Shield matches until being the last batter to fall for 87 off 134 balls.Michael Neser trapped Hilton Cartwright lbw for 37•Getty Images

Bancroft and skipper Sam Whiteman had to survive a testing period before lunch as Neser and Bartlett bowled an unnerving length outside the off stump. A confidence-boosting century against South Australia in the last match has rejuvenated Bancroft, who was again proactive and cleverly rotated the strike with quick singles.The openers were again under pressure after lunch, but Neser and Bartlett were left frustrated and could not create any clear cut opportunities as Whiteman and Bancroft notched a half-century stand.Skipper Marnus Labuschagne needed a spark and he turned to emerging quick Tom Whitney, playing in his fourth first-class match, who responded by trapping Whiteman for 26.Whitney on the next delivery had a big lbw shout against Cartwright turned down, but Bancroft steadied WA with calm batting punctuated by the occasional sweet drive through the off side.Bancroft had started the season slowly with just 21 runs from his first four innings, falling out of the Ashes selection race. But he has turned back the clock since and soon lifted his bat after notching a classy half-century.Neser’s luck changed after tea when he dismissed Cartwright before Bancroft uncharacteristically threw his wicket away after smashing a full toss from legspinner Mitchell Swepson straight to a jubilant Labuschagne at midwicket.But Green rattled along at swift pace. He was ruthless against Swepson, smashing a rank long hop that landed on the vacant grassbanks.Disaster struck for WA late in the day when Cooper Connolly was run-out at the bowler’s end after a mix-up with Green. Connolly had turned for the second run only to be sent back as a hustling Labuschagne fired a quick throw to Sandhu who effected the run-out.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has finally been included in the Barcelona matchday squad for their Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, marking the end of a nightmare seven-month exile that has been plagued by a serious injury and intense speculation regarding a behind-the-scenes conflict with the club's hierarchy over his long-term future.

Ter Stegen makes his return

The club released their official squad list for this week's encounter in the Champions League. There, amidst the usual names of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and the recently impressive Marcus Rashford, was the name of the German shot stopper, declared fit and ready to return to the fold.

It has been a long and winding road back for Ter Stegen, who has not featured for the Catalan giants since May, having had to undergo surgery during the symmer. However, his physical rehabilitation has played out against a backdrop of reported tension, with the summer months dominated by rumours of a rift between the goalkeeper and the club's board.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportThe summer of war between Ter Stegen and Barca

The medical green light was officially communicated by the club this week, but it was Hansi Flick's decision to include him in the squad to face Eintracht Frankfurt that confirmed the goalkeeper's rehabilitation is complete.

However, he remains unlikely to feature for the Catalan club after enduring the most difficult period of Ter Stegen’s decade-long stay in Catalonia. The injury required surgery and a gruelling recovery process, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as Barcelona navigated a turbulent summer transfer window and a blistering start to the new season. 

Ter Stegen’s return brings an end to a saga that threatened to destroy his legacy at the club. The "dramatic feud" of the summer was one of the most explosive storylines of the transfer window. Following his injury, reports emerged that Barcelona intended to use his long-term absence to register Joan Garcia outside of the salary cap limits.

The situation deteriorated rapidly when it was reported that Ter Stegen initially refused to sign the necessary medical paperwork to authorise the move, leading to threats of disciplinary action from the board and the temporary stripping of his captaincy. The standoff was described by local media as "total war," with the club actively trying to force him out and the player digging his heels in, citing his contract and his family's settled life in the area.

While the legal threats eventually subsided, the scars of that conflict remain. His inclusion in the squad on Tuesday is the first step towards normalcy, but the relationship between player and board is understood to be fragile at best.

The rise of Joan Garcia has been the silver lining to the chaos. Since arriving for €25 million from Espanyol, the Catalan keeper has been a revelation. His shot-stopping ability and calmness with the ball at his feet have won over the Culers, many of whom had grown frustrated with Ter Stegen’s perceived decline prior to his injury.

Garcia’s form has justified the club’s aggressive pursuit of him. With four clean sheets in La Liga and a string of "game-winning" saves, he has made the number one shirt his own. For Ter Stegen, the challenge is no longer just about fitness; it is about proving he is still relevant in a team that has learned to live without him.

A crucial European night

Barcelona welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to Camp Nou for a pivotal Champions League tie. The Bundesliga outfit are known for their intensity and their travelling support, famously taking over the stadium in the Europa League in 2022 – a memory that still haunts the Catalan side. Flick’s side are looking to cement their place in the automatic qualification spots for the round of 16.

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next?

Ter Stegen’s immediate future is now the subject of intense speculation. With the World Cup in North America just months away, the German knows he cannot afford to spend the rest of the season on the bench if he wants to be part of Julian Nagelsmann’s plans.

Reports in Germany suggest that a January exit could be on the cards if he fails to dislodge Garcia in the coming weeks. However, for now, he is back in the fold. Whether he is greeted as a returning hero or a relic of the past by the Camp Nou crowd on Tuesday night remains to be seen

While they are still some way from being the finished article, Chelsea have built a squad full of incredible players over the last few years.

The likes of Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and probably even Enzo Fernández would be able to get into most Premier League teams.

However, at the same time, West Londoners also have more than a few players who are arguably holding them back, with Tosin Adarabioyo perhaps the most obvious example over the last few weeks.

The former Fulham star has been at the centre of more than a few dire defensive performances for Chelsea, so it’s not all that surprising to see reports linking them to someone who’d be a dream upgrade.

Chelsea target Tosin upgrade

While talk of a title race might be a tad premature for Chelsea this season, they are most certainly in a race for the Champions League place.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With that in mind, it’s unsurprising to see them linked with a plethora of talented players ahead of the transfer window reopening next month.

For example, the Blues are among several Premier League sides who have shown real interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and have also been linked with Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız.

However, while hugely talented, neither of those exciting wingers would help solve the West Londoners’ defensive problems, nor send Tosin packing, unlike Castello Lukeba.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have maintained their intense interest in the French centre-back.

In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the Blues are now ready to submit a bid of up to £52m for the player in the coming weeks.

Interestingly, while the 22-year-old has a release clause worth around €80million in his contract, which is £70m, the report claims that Leipzig may be willing to cash in on the player for that £52m fee in January.

However, it might not be all that straightforward, as the story also states that Bayern Munich are keen to make a mid-season move for the highly rated defender.

In all, it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Lukeba’s ability and potential, one Chelsea should be pursuing, especially as he could send Tosin packing.

How Lukeba compares to Tosin

Now, when it comes to midfielders, forwards and wingers, it can be relatively straightforward to compare players, as more often than not, their goals and assists are going to be what matters most.

However, when it comes to defenders, and centre-backs in particular, it can be a little trickier, and as a result, you have to go into more detail, you have to take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Unfortunately for Tosin, doing so demonstrates just how far ahead of him Lukeba is.

For example, according to FBref, the Frenchman comes out on top in the vast majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, blocks, interceptions, and ball recoveries, all per 90.

In other words, as analyst-turned-scout Ben Mattinson puts it, the Frenchman is a “defensively exceptional” centre-back.

However, his advantages over Tosin extend to more than just his ability off the ball.

For example, the “outstanding” titan, per Mattinson, also comes out on top in metrics like progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Essentially, the Leipzig star is someone who can snuff out an opposition attack and then, either through his carrying ability or range of passing, kickstart one for his own side.

Ultimately, from every conceivable angle, it’s clear that Lukeba would be a massive upgrade on Tosin and, therefore, Chelsea should do all they can to sign him in January.

Gittens upgrade: BlueCo convinced they must sign £87m star for Chelsea

The sensational superstar in the making would be an incredible signing for Chelsea, but bad news for Gittens.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

1 day ago

In the almost six years he’s been in charge, Mikel Arteta has helped to transform Arsenal.

He’s led the North Londoners from mid-table mediocrity to genuine Premier League and Champions League contenders.

The Spaniard’s tactical nous and standard-raising philosophy have undoubtedly played a massive part in this turnaround, but so has the club’s recruitment and promotion of youth players, like Bukayo Saka.

The Hale Ender has gone from promising prospect to the face of Arsenal and undoubtedly their most important attacker, although, based on recent reports, the club are looking to sign someone who is playing better than him at the moment.

Arsenal target superstar star attacker outperforming Saka

Since making his debut for Arsenal in a 2018 Europa League group stage match against Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava, Saka has gone on an incredible journey with the club.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Despite being moved around the pitch and then spending plenty of time at left-back in his early career, the Englishman has now become the club’s go-to right-winger and the first name on the teamsheet when fit.

In all, the 24-year-old has made 280 appearances for the Gunners, in which he’s racked up a sensational haul of 76 goals and 73 assists, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.87 games.

However, due in part to his injury, he has performed a little under par this season, and now it looks like the club are looking to sign someone who is outperforming him.

At least, that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims Arsenal are still very interested in Michael Olise.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now preparing an ambitious plan to sign the Bayern Munich star and are willing to break their transfer record to do so, preparing an offer of around €150m, which converts to around £132m.

That’s an outrageous sum of money to spend on a player, but given Olise’s ability and potential, it might just be worth it for Arsenal, especially as he’s outperforming Saka.

How Olise compares to Saka

So, the first thing to say is that it seems highly unlikely that Arsenal would sign Olise to outright replace Saka.

After all, the Hale Ender has become the face of the project and probably the most beloved player of the last 20 years among the fanbase.

Instead, the Frenchman could be looked at as someone to offer competition, or, as has been the case with Noni Madueke, someone who can interchange with the Englishman during games, almost making the idea of a starting position antiquated.

With that said, it’s worth looking at how the pair have stacked up against one another since the Bayern ace’s move to Germany.

Last season, his first in Baveria, saw the 23-year-old rack up a sensational tally of 20 goals and 23 assists in 55 appearances, totalling 3842 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 89.34 minutes.

Appearances

55

37

Minutes

3842′

2619′

Goals

20

12

Assists

23

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.78

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvements

89.34′

100.73

Appearances

20

17

Minutes

1583′

1211′

Goals

9

6

Assists

10

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.95

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvements

83.31′

151.37′

In contrast, Saka scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes.

Okay, what about this season then?

Well, the former Crystal Palace star has really taken it up a notch, already scoring nine goals and providing ten assists in 20 appearances, totalling 1583 minutes.

That comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.05 games, or every 83.31 minutes, and truly justifies analyst Filipe Sousa’s description of him being a “nightmare” for defenders.

For his efforts this season, the Gunners’ talismanic number seven has scored six goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances, totalling 1211 minutes.

That comes out to a somewhat underwhelming – for his lofty standards – of an average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games, or every 151.37 minutes.

Now, it should be said that he suffered another hamstring injury at the start of the campaign and is clearly still not at 100%, but even so, he would likely admit his output has been a little disappointing this season.

Ultimately, while it would cost an egregious sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Olise, as he could help get the best back out of Saka, and a team with the pair of them in it is a scary team indeed.

The new Rice: Berta enters race to sign £70m midfield "machine" for Arsenal

The international superstar could become Mikel Arteta’s next Declan Rice at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

Henry Nicholls has been called up as cover while Mark Chapman is also part of the squad

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Nov-2025Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out* of the remainder of the ODI series against West Indies having picked up a groin strain during his match-winning century in Christchurch.Mitchell, who made 119 off 118 balls in New Zealand’s seven-run victory, remained in Christchurch to undergo a scan, which confirmed a minor left groin tear. He is expected to need two weeks of rehabilitation but should be in contention for the first Test, also at Hagley Oval, starting on December 2.”It’s always tough being ruled out of a series early on with injury, particularly when you’re in hot form like Daryl is,” New Zealand head coach, Rob Walter. “He has been our standout performer in the ODI format so far this summer, so he’ll be missed for two important matches.”The positive is that the injury is only minor, and we should see Daryl recovered and fit for the Test series.”Left hander Henry Nicholls, who played the most recent of his 81 ODIs in early April, has been called into the squad for the second match in Napier on Wednesday. Nicholls is currently the leading scorer in the Ford Trophy with 306 runs at 76.50 including back-to-back centuries against Otago and Auckland.”Henry has been in top form in the Ford Trophy and is an experienced international cricketer, so it’s great to welcome him back into the side,” Walter said. “It’s always pleasing to be able to reward players who are in good touch, and we know Henry will be raring to go if given an opportunity.”Mark Chapman is the other spare batter in the squad and is averaging 101.33 from four ODIs this year.Mitchell has been in fine form this season, taking the player of the series award against England.”He is a man for crisis,” captain Mitchell Santner said after the century. “He played extremely well, on one leg at the end.”New Zealand are without several players for this series including Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).Kane Williamson, who picked up a groin niggle against England, was also not considered as he focuses on preparing for the Tests against West Indies.*8pm GMT – This story was updated with confirmation of Mitchell being ruled out

Aston Villa could make a move for an “excellent” striker in 2026, amid Ollie Watkins’ struggles to make an impact.

Villa lay down marker with victory over Arsenal

Villa secured their seventh win on the spin in all competitions on Saturday, courtesy of a 2-1 victory against Premier League leaders Arsenal, which came in dramatic fashion, with Emiliano Buendia firing home a late winner to send Villa Park into raptures.

Unai Emery was delighted with the result, despite also making it clear his side must keep their feet on the ground, saying: “Today we must be happy, the supporters, Aston Villa fans and ourselves because we did the job we needed.

“Of course, we got three points and we are, in the Premier League, the most difficult league in the world, more or less, now feeling strong and feeling comfortable.

“But this is a race for 38 matches and we are on 15.”

It is difficult not to get too carried away, with the Villans now just three points behind Arsenal, but Watkins may need to get back to his best if Emery’s side are going to make a serious push for the Premier League title.

The Englishman has scored just three goals in 15 league outings, and Aston Villa are now lining up a move for a new striker in 2026, with a report from Tuttosport (via FC Inter News) revealing they could launch an attack to sign Bologna’s Santiago Castro next summer.

Nottingham Forest are also in the race for the centre-forward, and a deal could be on the expensive side, with the Italian club potentially set to demand €40m – €50m (£35m – £44m) for his services.

Ideally, Bologna would like to keep hold of the 21-year-old, and they are planning to offer him a bumper new contract in the coming weeks, in order to ward off the interest from elsewhere.

Emery's a fan: Aston Villa willing to make mega-money bid for £52m "baller"

The Villans are lining up a winter move for a new midfielder.

ByDominic Lund 5 days ago Castro could be "excellent" addition to Villa's attack

Donyell Malen has proven himself as a solid option at striker this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions, but Villa may still have room to bring in another centre-forward, given that the Dutchman regularly features out wide.

Castro has proven he could be a viable target with some of his displays this season too, having scored five goals in all competitions, two more than Watkins, while he also showcased his ability to create chances last term, leading to high praise from scout Jacek Kulig.

The Argentinian hasn’t been prolific since moving to Bologna, chipping in with 16 goals and 10 assists in 71 outings, but he is still very young, having only turned 21 in September, and Villa should continue to monitor his performances between now and next summer.

Miami got the trophy. But Thomas Muller's Vancouver might have gotten something even more valuable: proof that they’re good enough to win it next year.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The first thing Thomas Müller said after losing MLS Cup was that Vancouver will be back.

“We will come back stronger next season,” he said. “Even stronger.”

It’s a familiar sentiment. Post-match optimism is a well-worn reflex in sport. Every defeat, no matter how bruising, comes with a silver lining: get battered, and at least it wasn’t worse; lose a final, and at least you reached it. But this time, Müller wasn’t just grasping for clichés. Cup finals are unforgiving things — decided by moments, small margins and flickers of luck – and this one felt like proof that Vancouver are closer than the scoreline suggested.

Sure, it's cliché to say that teams rely on "difference makers" in the big moments. But when the other team has Lionel Messi, and you don't, then it all looks like a remarkably uphill battle.

But this feels like one of those rare occasions where it is true. The first reason is because of the person who said it. Muller may be a dorky guy, but he is also brutally honest. He is a serial winner who also knows how to come back from losses. The German would not say those words if he didn't mean them. 

The second, and far more relevant, point is that there’s evidence to support his claim. Vancouver didn’t stumble into this final. They earned it on the back of a genuinely remarkable season. They play excellent soccer, and they have a squad deep enough to contend. They also helped turn three Americans – Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White and Tristan Blackmon – into legitimate stars in MLS, all of whom have featured for the USMNT. The fact that they reached MLS Cup while dealing with a long-term injury to star creator Ryan Gauld, relying on third-choice options at the back, and integrating a Designated Player with barely four months in his new home, suggests this is a team that will only get better.

"Our process is not at the top. At the moment, we are on our way up. We have a young group, a very talented group, and a very hungry group," Muller said.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  The final loss

  Vancouver have every reason to feel aggrieved after the MLS Cup final loss. Javier Mascherano, the guy who manages the team, admitted that with a little bit of luck, the game could have easily gone the other way. And he had a point. In the 60th minute, just after Vancouver equalized with a lovely flowing move finished by Ali Ahmed, they could have taken the lead. Emmanuel Sabbi, arguably the Whitecaps' best player on the day, cut inside and unleashed a shot that pinged off posts before somehow cannoning back into play. 

  It was a cruel moment, but one that perhaps showed that the soccer gods weren't on their side.

  And of course, Messi took over. Except, he really didn't. He operated in moments. a few seconds of magic leading to a duo of assists that put the game beyond reach. In fact, both came from Vancouver mistakes. The first was due to a heavy touch and giveaway in midfield that Messi took advantage of with a signature shuffle and pass. The second came from a disorganized backline that didn't know whether to step or sit. Messi played right through it. Yet Vancouver had more of the ball, more shots, and more on target. The Miami opener came from a deflected cross. Manager Jesper Sorensen did admit that they put themselves in those situations: 

  "We made a mistake. We made a few mistakes, and they took advantage of them. And they also have players really good at taking advantage in these situations as a team," Sorensen said. 

  But they certainly were unlucky.  

  “Losing a final’s never easy. I think the frustrating thing is I know we weren’t at our best. And we still had a few little chances here and there," Gauld said after the match. "It’s tough to take. Never easy losing a final.”

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Sorensen remains confident

  Like Muller before him, Sorensen said all of the right things. His post-match press conference was a strange affair. The press room at Chase Stadium lies right next to the home locker room. Sorensen sat there, steely-eyed, in front of the media while the chants of a victorious Miami penetrated the walls. Sorensen joked that they were 'probably not his players', but it was still a cruel scenario.

  "We have come out on top in different situations, with fortune. Today, we didn't," he said.

  Yet Sorensen was defiant. 

  "Today, obviously, we cry, but I think what is important is that they are proud tears, because I know that we have excited a lot of people in Vancouver," he said.

  And he framed the game expertly. Sure, Vancouver had lost, but this loss wasn't too different from the rest of the season

  "I told them that when you reach out for something, it hurts even more when you don't get it. I told him that we've never been dreamers. I think [Muller] said it when he came in. We're hard workers. We worked hard today," Sorensen.

  It is that attitude that carried Vancouver to this point. There are more talented teams in this league – more sides blessed with more apparent star power. Over the course of a full season, Muller is certainly among the best. But he joined in August and is, no doubt, still adjusting. Instead, it was a workmanlike team that got them here. They were fitter and stronger than many of their opponents – and experts at bagging late goals. Twenty-eight of their goals came in the final 15 minutes of games, 12 more than during any other 15-minute phase. 

• MLS Media
  

  Did it without some big names

  It is important to consider, too, that the Whitecaps got here in a season of immense change. They lost two center backs, Ranko Veselinovic and Sebastian Schonlau, to long term injuries. Belal Halbouni, who had been in the mix all season, picked up a knock against LAFC in the Western Conference finals. Pedro Vite, one of their main sources of attacking quality, was lured away by Pumas midway through the season. 

  Brian White, their leading goalscorer, sustained a hamstring injury halfway through the season and was barely at full fitness by the time he suited up for the game Saturday evening. And Gauld, their presumptive best player at the start of the season, was hurried back into action after sustaining what should have been a season-ending knee injury in March. 

  He was far from his former self. And who could have blamed him? That they managed to be there alone was impressive. 

  "Considering where we were at the start of the season, there weren’t many people even giving us a chance to make the playoffs," Gauld said. "So for us to get here tonight, to get to the [CONCACAF] Champions Cup final, I’m extremely proud of what the group’s given and the work they’ve put in week after week.”

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  Caveat of uncertainty

  That, in theory, should be enough to give the Whitecaps sufficient hope for next season. The vibes are here. They have improved enough, dealt with adversity, and fought their way to a final. Losing hurts, but optimism might reign supreme.

  Except, there are issues. The Whitecaps officially began the process to put the team up for sale last December. Their lease at BC Place is up at the end of the year, and there is little indication that a deal is imminent. Last week, Don Garber admitted that MLS might have to make some 'tough decisions.' What, exactly, those decisions are isn't quite clear. 

  But after the game, Sorensen reiterated his desire for soccer to stay in Vancouver.

  "We want to be in Vancouver. We want to play for Vancouver. Vancouver is a great city for soccer, and, you know, we are proud of playing for Vancouver," he said. 

  Muller emphasized that the fans have helped fuel their journey.

  "We gave it all, and that's what matters the most, and the way we do it, the respect we have also, not only for the fans, but also for the whole city, for the people in the city, and for the media and all this stuff. So we are a very lovable team, and we will continue this journey, and how we do it," he said. "It's so nice to hear that we created in a city like Vancouver, the hockey city, we created the buzz." 

Liverpool are now reportedly ready to accept a cut-price offer for one of their star men on one important condition in the January transfer window.

Salah accuses Liverpool of throwing him "under the bus"

To say it was a bad Saturday evening for Liverpool would be an understatement. Life was good at 2-0 up. The champions were in control. Cruising, in fact, before Ibrahima Konate’s needless challenge allowed Leeds United the climb back into the game before both sides battled out a dramatic 3-3 draw.

But the worst was yet to come. Mohamed Salah didn’t get on the pitch yet again, but he did get behind the mic after the game to unleash an explosive rant against Arne Slot and Liverpool.

"Annoying" Liverpool star showed why FSG have to sign Semenyo

Liverpool need to make a signing or two in the January transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair 5 days ago

The Egyptian said: “That I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes! The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I’m very, very disappointed to be fair. I have done so much for this club down the years and especially last season.

“Now I’m sitting on the bench and I don’t know why. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That is how I am feeling. I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame.

“I got a lot of promises in the summer and so far I am on the bench for three games so I can’t say they keep the promise. I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager and all of a sudden, we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me, how I see it, that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”

It’s a new low point in Liverpool’s shocking title defence and where they even go from here is anyone’s guess. It is, however, time to get ruthless it seems, with reports now suggesting that those at Anfield are ready to sell Konate following his disastrous form.

Liverpool ready to accept Konate offer

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are now ready to accept a £15m offer to sell Konate in January if they manage to find a replacement. The Frenchman has played himself out of a Real Madrid move this season, but is still on course to become a free agent when his contract expires in the summer.

After he gave away a penalty to allow Leeds back into Saturday’s game, Slot admitted that Konate has been at the scene of the crime too often this season.

A player who Virgil van Dijk dubbed “fantastic” last year, Konate has now become Liverpool’s biggest liability. With just over six months remaining on his current deal, it remains to be seen whether he puts pen to paper on fresh terms.

Liverpool hold talks to sign Semenyo upgrade who will be a "£100m +" player

India will eye a series win and may not want to tinker much with their XI after a close match

Sidharth Monga02-Dec-2025

Big picture – Raipur’s second ODI ever

There is a reason why ODIs are a format after India’s heart. Why, at a time when ODIs fight for relevance outside the World Cup, do Indians still sell out stadiums to watch their team in action? It doesn’t demand as much devotion as Tests do, but still provides enough time and certainty for their heroes to showcase their skill and fitness. And when two of the greatest of all time, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, find the form they did during the first ODI between against South Africa, it’s all the more reason for a three-match series to be frenzied.While ODIs are less reliant on luck than T20Is, the first ODI was also an example of how much heavy lifting the side losing the toss has to do. Despite all the pedigree they have, India came within a couple of connected full tosses of possibly losing to a side that has been chopping and changing, and has played 37 players in this year alone.Ranchi was India’s experience and skill coming up against the conditions and the incredible hitting depth in the South Africa line-up. You’d expect the same for the rest of the series if India keep losing tosses – they have now lost 19 in a row – but the only ODI Raipur has ever hosted was a bit of a dream for seam bowlers, who bowled New Zealand out for 108 in early 2023.Related

• 'I'm easy wherever I fit in' – Bavuma not fussed about batting spot ahead of must-win ODI

• 'They're brilliant, and are performing' – Kotak on Rohit, Kohli

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• SA find reason for ODI optimism despite top-order tangles

It happened to be the match immediately after one that mirrored this series’ Ranchi ODI. Asked to bat first back then, India rode on Shubman Gill’s double-century to post 349 for 8 – exactly what India got against South Africa in Ranchi – and had New Zealand reeling at 131 for 6, but the lower order gave India a scare once the dew came in, getting to within 12 runs of the score.This time, you’d hope Raipur gives us a closer contest than the Ranchi thriller. Not least because if India are on the dealing end of a one-sided game, the series will then have to feature a dead-rubber in Visakhapatnam.

Form guide

India: WWLLW
South Africa: LLWLL

In the spotlight: Harshit Rana and Nandre Burger

India had only a brief window of movement in Ranchi before the dew turned bowling into a nightmare. But Harshit Rana took two wickets in that small window to put India ahead. He has now shown that not only can he be effective in hitting the pitch hard with the old ball, but also with the new ball. Rana’s next challenge might be taking the new ball in the afternoon, when it tends to do little.Unlucky to not be a regular part of the Test set-up just yet, Nandre Burger took on that challenge in the afternoon in Ranchi, and came out with credit. He bowled at consistent high pace, and found a way to challenge the batters. If Burger can find a way to do even better, he will be a theme in the rest of the series.

Team news: Bavuma, Maharaj should be back

India will not want to be fickle with Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively. Now that they have started the series with them there, one match against a soft ball shouldn’t be enough to push the two players out.India (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Rohit Sharma, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Ruturaj Gaikwad/Rishabh Pant, 5 KL Rahul (capt, wk), 6 Washington Sundar, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Harshit Rana, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Arshdeep Singh, 11 Prasidh KrishnaTemba Bavuma should be back after resting in the first ODI•ICC/Getty Images

South Africa rested regular captain Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj for the first ODI, but they were both quite active. Bavuma spoke to the players during drinks breaks, and Maharaj served as a substitute fielder for a while. So they should come right back in. Maharaj is an easier swap for Prenelan Subrayen, while Bavuma should replace one out of Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, both of whom scored ducks in Ranchi.South Africa (probable): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Quinton de Kock/Ryan Rickelton (wk), 3 Temba Bavuma (capt), 4 Matthew Breetzke, 5 Tony de Zorzi, 6 Dewald Brevis, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Corbin Bosch, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Nandre Burger, 11 Ottneil Baartman

Pitch and conditions

The India vs New Zealand match from 2023 remains Raipur’s only day-night List A game, so there isn’t much history to go by. But the endeavour generally is to not produce a pitch too loaded in favour of the bowlers. So that 108 all out of nearly three years ago will likely be an aberration more than the trend. The weather promises to be pleasant for cricket, with temperatures not likely to go higher than 27 degrees celcius or lower than 14.

Stats and trivia

• Rohit Sharma now holds the record for most ODI sixes: 352.
• The 681 runs scored in Ranchi was the highest aggregate for an India-South Africa contest.