Fernando Diniz explica modificações que garantiram virada do Vasco contra o Fluminense

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Após vitória de virada por 2 a 1 do Vasco contra o Fluminense no Maracanã, pelo jogo de ida da semifinal da Copa do Brasil, nesta quinta-feira (11), Fernando Diniz conversou com a imprensa. O técnico explicou as modificações no segundo tempo que levaram ao triunfo.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalVasco x Fluminense bate recorde de público da Copa do Brasil 2025Futebol Nacional11/12/2025VascoEmocionado, Vegetti se declara ao Vasco e esclarece situação com DinizVasco11/12/2025FluminenseZubeldía vê erro de arbitragem em lance decisivo de Vasco x Fluminense: ‘Deveria voltar’Fluminense11/12/2025

— A gente fez um bom primeiro tempo, mais equilibrado, terminou melhor. No segundo, a gente mereceu a virada, buscou mais o gol, encaixou a pressão alta, ganhou mais segundas bolas e assumiu o controle do jogo — disse.

➡️Tudo sobre o Gigante agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso canal Lance! Vasco

A virada passou muito pela evolução de Rayan na partida, além do poder de decisão de Vegetti no segundo gol. O técnico também abordou a combinação no ataque cruz-maltino.

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— O Vegetti entrou com 30 minutos do segundo tempo, o Rayan jogou bem o segundo tempo inteiro. O plano inicial já era ele participar mais do jogo. Desde que cheguei, tento fazer ele participar o máximo do jogo, junto com Andrés (Gómez) e Coutinho. No segundo tempo, a gente ajustou um pouco o posicionamento e orientamos onde tinha espaço para ele tocar mais na bola. Quando Vegetti entrou, ficou mais na ponta, entrelinhas, e foi decisivo para a gente virar — completou.

➡️ Emocionado, Vegetti se declara ao Vasco e esclarece situação com Diniz

Outras respostas de Fernando Diniz, técnico do Vasco

Evolução do Vasco no segundo tempo

— Não achei que no segundo tempo a gente estava alçando muita bola. Depois que o Fluminense fez o gol, abaixou a marcação e ficou difícil de entrar. A gente abriu o Gómez, com Paulo Henrique dando amplitude do outro lado. O que melhorou foi a celeridade nos passes, Rayan entrou mais no jogo e a dinâmica ficou mais acelerada para o jogo fluir com naturalidade.

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Vantagem para o segundo jogo

— A vantagem é como se fosse de um primeiro tempo, está 2 a 1 e tem mais um tempo. Nada ganho, a gente precisa encarar com muita seriedade. Só terminou o primeiro tempo, como o Fluminense vencia hoje. É corrigir o que fizemos de errado e respeitar o adversário.

Diniz é melhor em copas?

— Em relação aos meus trabalhos, no São Paulo a gente fez um trabalho de um ano e meio que conseguimos vaga direta na Libertadores e, em determinado momento, tínhamos sete pontos de vantagem na liderança no Brasileiro. Em 2022, quando fui para o Fluminense, saímos da zona de rebaixamento para terceiro. Então o trabalho não acontece só nas copas. Mas quando começa a avançar muito, é difícil manter. Flamengo, Palmeiras e Botafogo conseguiram por questão de orçamento, tinham dois times para jogar, investem muito dinheiro na categoria de base também. É difícil concorrer com esse poder financeiro, elenco robusto, mais que dois times. No Vasco, a gente está aprendendo. Aprendendo a ser grande com esse Vasco que dirijo. Aprendendo a ter estabilidade nos resultados, no desempenho. Não queremos essa oscilação, mas tem certa normalidade. Time machucado, jogadores desacreditados, que aspiram coisas melhores e depois caem. Com o tempo, vamos ganhar consistência. Nesse momento, precisamos de foco total no jogo de domingo.

Torcida vascaína

— A torcida é fundamental, nosso melhor jogador sempre. A torcida do Vasco é incrível, inacreditável o quanto conseguem apoiar, torcer, mesmo sem uma torcida machucada nos últimos. É um sonho fazer essa torcida feliz.

Oscilação do Vasco na temporada

— Eu acho que é um aprendizado constante. A vitória contra o Internacional foi contundente e o decréscimo para o jogo contra o Mirassol não foi tanto, embora tenhamos perdido. Do Inter para o Mirassol tivemos queda menos significativa do que do Santos para o Juventude. O jogo contra o Atlético-MG não entra nessa lista, foi atípico. Aprender a ser grande é ser consistente. Como disse, precisamos corrigir, erramos coisas no primeiro tempo, encaixes de marcação, perdas de duelo, bolas paradas, é uma disputa que está em aberto.

Vasco começou o jogo nervoso?

— Não achei o time nervoso, se fosse estaria no começo. A gente começou melhor, depois desencaixou a marcação um pouco, o Fluminense fez boas jogadas, bola circundando nossa área. E depois terminou o primeiro tempo melhor de novo já. Em relação às finalizações, tem as que vão no alvo e as que não significam nada. Tem as que vão para fora e são chances claras, mas não foram no alvo. Foi um jogo de poucas oportunidades no primeiro tempo, mas até foi melhor do que muitos jogos decisivos, melhor que Cruzeiro x Corinthians de ontem. A ideia no segundo tempo não era ficar mais agressivo, era para a gente ter jogado assim no primeiro. A gente conseguiu encaixes de marcação e colocar mais o Rayan no jogo. Mas não acredito que teve a ver com nervosismo, e sim com ajustes.

Mentalidade do elenco cruz-maltino

— O mental dos jogadores está em dia. A própria derrota contra o Atlético-MG, embora atípica, faz parte do roteiro da semana. O Vasco sabe aquilo que faz a gente de forte e frágil, soube se fortalecer nesse processo geral. Jogos como o de hoje, com contundência, partida decisiva, não são construídos em uma semana. É uma construção dos sete meses que estou aqui. É um time que trabalho muito, com boa vontade, e merece como o torcedor. Não tem mágica, é um processo que estamos construindo, a gente teve de onde buscar energia para a partida de hoje.

Trabalho de Diniz com os jovens

— O jogador de futebol é machucado, tem fragilidade e acham que tem que ser de ferro. Essa pressa faz a gente perder muito talento, essa coisa de ter que ter herói e vilão. A gente prepara mal o jogador para isso, é difícil para o treinador e para a imprensa. Imagina para um jovem de 18, 19 anos. A gente pensa sobre pouco isso. E um dos pilares do meu trabalho é essa preocupação, consigo aproximar e oferecer coisas positivas para esses jogadores se desenvolverem. O Rayan não tinha problemas com o futebol, mas tinha problemas de estima, de confiança, a torcida hostilizando naquele momento. Sempre digo: o jogador sem confiança é ruim, com confiança é bom.

Favoritismo do Fluminense

— Eu não acompanho muito a internet, rede social, mas imaginava que o Fluminense poderia ter favoritismo pelo momento. Mas não me apoiei nisso, trabalhei o time do Vasco que iria enfrentar um time bom, com mérito, que sabe defender, construir, fazer transição, faz gol de bola parada. Treinamos o melhor possível para nos defender e explorar deficiências.

Relação com Vegetti

— Em relação ao Vegetti, é algo natural, tenho relação muito próxima com ele, um artilheiro, um ídolo. É um dos grandes artilheiros do Vasco na temporada. Confio como jogador e pessoa. Teve um momento de irritação, mas depois a gente conversou e não foi relacionado a mim. Saiu irritado e acontece. Tudo resolvido, e não porque fez o gol. Se não tivesse, nem teria entrado. Minha relação com os jogadores tem profundidade e, quando tem algum problema, as coisas caminham para melhor. A gente se aproxima. Quando tem boa intenção e bom coração, as pessoas se entendem e o vínculo se fortalece.

Pumita Rodríguez, substituto de Lucas Pitón

— Puma foi muito bem. No período que Pitón ficou afastado, teve participação muito boa. Eu gosto muito, tem características muito interessantes. É grande, forte, quase ambidestro, bate bem na bola, boa impulsão. Eu busco colocar em campo quem vai render. Eu gosto de quem joga em mais de uma posição, a gente vinha treinando isso há um tempo e senti confiança para lançar lá atrás.

Orientações de Coutinho no intervalo

— Eu não acho que foi impaciência, foi inteligência e iniciativa. Coutinho falou em paciência no sentido de jogar bola na área com time descompactado, de perder bola e dar contra-ataque. Ele argumentou bem. A minha característica é acelerar, ser agressivo, mas ser paciente. A gente foi agressivo, circulou bem, os zagueiros e volantes foram agressivos com e sem a posse. Thiago Mendes fez dois passes longos muito bons, inclusive no primeiro gol. Ele vai entrando cada vez mais em condição de jogo, mostrando o grande potencial.

Mais elogios à torcida vascaína

— O torcedor do Vasco é fantástico, é lindo o que fazem. O time está aprendendo a importância do torcedor do Vasco e se conectando, apesar das nossas falhas, dos momentos que deixamos o torcedor na mão, quando perde cinco jogos seguidos, quando relaxa em jogos em casa. Mas é um time que trabalha muito e está aprendendo a ser Vasco, um time gigante. Gratidão ao torcedor. Peço que venha de novo, nos apoie, ele faz diferença. O jogador aprende a se sentir menos pressionado e mais motivado. Isso é ser Vasco: não é fácil, não é para qualquer um. O torcedor empolga e pressiona. Não é para todo mundo. Os jogadores vão aprendendo o que é jogar no Vasco e gostam cada vez mais da presença do torcedor. Eu adoro a torcida presente, essa festa. A gente espera e quer muito trazer alegria para a torcida.

Liderança de Vegetti

— O Vegetti personifica bastante o que é o Vasco, é uma entrega absoluta e um grande artilheiro. Tem vontade, carisma, veste a camisa e joga. É um grande artilheiro e líder. A minha relação com ele é ótima. Obviamente, a fluência é facilitada quando o jogador joga sempre. Mas, mesmo jogando menos, é uma relação muito próxima. É muito dedicado aos companheiros. Se vocês vissem o que fala nos treinos e nas preleções… É muito inspirado em ajudar os outros. É fundamental.

Mudança no calendário

— A CBF teve uma atitude certa com a modificação do calendário. Não é o ideal jogar quinta e domingo, mas é justo, igual para Fluminense e Vasco. A gente vai se preparar da melhor forma possível, se recuperar, descansar os jogadores e fazer ajustes táticos em campo e no vídeo.

Meio-campo do Vasco

— O meio-campo não são dois ou três jogadores, é como a gente consegue ocupar o espaço com os jogadores. O Coutinho estava pegando a bola nos pés do Léo Jardim. Existe uma rotatividade, é um time caracterizado pela mobilidade. Não são só três jogadores no meio-campo. Mas Thiago, Cauan e Coutinho fizeram partidas muito boas.

São Januário ou Maracanã?

— São Januário é a casa do Vasco, a gente adora jogar lá, embora não tenha aproveitado tanto o mando quanto historicamente. Fez boas apresentações que não terminaram com vitória. E o Maracanã também é a casa do Vasco, uma casa maior. É só ver a festa que a torcida fez, o time se sente bem aqui, como em São Januário. É um privilégio ter duas casas!

Grande fase de Cauan Barros

— O Barros faz três ou quatro meses com a gente. Quando estive aqui em 2021, era muito jovem e eu já queria subir. Ele estava indo bem no América-MG, tinha proposta para sair e eu pedi. Nem estava acompanhando tanto o América, mas já acompanhava em 2021. Chegou muito bem, aproveitou as chances, Uma das piores partidas do Vasco foi contra o Corinthians, mas Barros entrou por 15 minutos e nasceu para esse momento. Uma boa notícia num dia ruim. Se a gente tivesse jogado bem, talvez não tivesse entrado. Ele tem muito futuro! Tem alma de jogador grande.

Andrés Gómez: momento e chegada ao clube

— O Andrés Gómez cai na questão dos jogadores mais jovens: é talentoso, estava na França sem jogar, a gente conhecia pouco. O vídeo dele (de exibição) era pior do que realmente é. A gente acabou trazendo porque é da mesma cidade do Arias, ele me ajudou muito. Liguei para ele, me deu as informações que precisava para ser favorável à sua vinda. A gente foi muito assertivo nas contratações: agressivo, mas não apressado. A gente precisava de um jogador de velocidade, um para um. E tive segurança falando com o Arias, mais do que nos vídeos. O que mais chama atenção no momento dele foi o que o Arias me falou. É um jogador que está reconhecendo o próprio talento.

Tudo sobre

Copa do BrasilFernando DinizVasco

Bavuma: Win sweeter because we have been on the other side

Bavuma, part of the series defeats in 2015 and 2019, hails South Africa after their 2-0 sweep of India

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Nov-20256:06

Karim: ‘Harmer’s variations upset India batters’

Temba Bavuma hailed South Africa’s “incredible achievement” as they completed a 2-0 clean sweep over India, winning their first series in the country in 25 years. Bavuma, who was part of the squad when South Africa lost 3-0 in India in 2019 – and 3-0 in 2015 – said the victory tasted even “sweeter” as he knows the feeling of being “on the other side of the result.””It’s not every day that you get to think that you can come to India and walk away with a 2-0 series win,” Bavuma said after South Africa trounced India in Guwahati by 408 runs, their second-highest margin of victory ever by runs. “I think what makes it sweeter as well for some of us within the group is the fact that we’ve been on the other side of the result.South Africa, the reigning World Test Champions, have been on an incredible run in Test cricket in the last year and a bit. Since August 2024, they have lost only one out of 15 Tests, with Bavuma winning all of his 12 Tests as captain. According to Bavuma, the positive change in mindset and “guys wanting to be the men for the team” have been the biggest reasons behind South Africa’s recent success.Related

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“There’s a big shift in our mindset in terms of what we want to do when we’re out there on the field of play,” Bavuma said. “We want to play what is in front of us and adapt accordingly. Guys go out there quite clear on their roles and what they’re trying to do. There’s a strong sense in each other that anyone on their day can do it for the team. As a captain, sometimes it’s very hard to take the ball out of the bowler’s hands. Everyone wants to continue bowling and you see it with the batting as well.”We don’t have the guys who go on and score big 150s and all, but we’ll have four or five different guys going on to score 60s and 70s. I can go on forever about the team, but I feel like the team is in a good space.”‘Struggled to take the ball out of Harmer and Maharaj’s hands’Bavuma also heaped praise on his two premier spinners, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, particularly pointing out the competitiveness between the two, which in turn has boded well for the team. That South Africa won the Test series with Kagiso Rabada out due to injury impressed Bavuma even more.”Simon, as a spinner, as a player, he’s got the wealth of experience,” Bavuma said. “He complements Keshav quite well. A little bit on the taller side, a bit more guile with the ball. What I appreciate is the competitiveness between the two. They are the two guys that I have struggled to take the ball out of their hands.Simon Harmer and Aiden Markram celebrate Rishabh Pant’s wicket•Associated Press

“Simon was the man for us in this series. We’re so used to Kesh being that guy. We’re in a good space from a bowling point of view. A guy like Simon, Kesh as well on his days, them stepping up, having lost a guy like KG [Rabada] who was a big player for us, again speaks about the need for the guys to want to do it for the team.”For Harmer, this was a sweet comeback after ten years. Having toured India back in 2015, with limited returns, he finished the two-match series with 17 wickets in four innings at an incredible average of 8.94 and said he will now go back with “a lot more fond memories”.”It’s been a long road,” Harmer said after winning the Player-of-the-Series award. “Ten years later, back here, completely different feelings. I’m going to leave with a lot more fond memories than I did the last time but I think as a whole, as a team, for us to leave here 2-0, that was always the goal. And for us to get over the line against a very good Indian team, I think it was a hell of an effort.”Despite an incredible series, Harmer is not guaranteed a place in the starting XI, with Maharaj being South Africa’s preferred spinner, particularly at home.”Keshav’s record speaks for itself. He’s an incredible bowler and he deserves to be the number one spinner,” he said. “I’m very happy playing the supporting role and if the opportunity presents itself for me to play, I try and take it with both hands. At the end of the day, I just need to make sure that I’m getting better, keep trying to evolve, keep trying to get better.”

SRH set to trade Mohammed Shami to LSG

The trade is likely to be an all-cash deal worth INR 10 crore

Nagraj Gollapudi14-Nov-202511:57

Is time running out for Mayank Yadav at LSG?

In another deal involving a high-profile India player, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have agreed to trade Mohammed Shami to Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).ESPNcricinfo has learned that it is likely to be an all-cash deal, with LSG paying SRH INR 10 crore (US$1.12 million approx.), the price Shami was bought for at the IPL 2025 mega auction.It is understood that both franchises have agreed in principle on the trade, pending Shami’s consent. The IPL has set 3pm on November 15 as the deadline for the franchises to submit the list of players they want to release from their 2025 squads.Related

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Shami, 35, has not regained his spot in the India team since he played the Champions Trophy final in March. While he has been playing for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, Shami admitted he was going through a “difficult phase” after he was not picked for the home Test series against West Indies in October and the ongoing two-Test series against South Africa.He was not considered for the five-Test tour of England as well this summer, immediately after he had a poor IPL season. Shami played only nine of SRH’s 14 matches and took six wickets at an average of 56.16 with an economy rate of 11.23. His economy in Hyderabad, SRH’s home venue, rose to 12.35; he also conceded 75 runs in a wicketless game there against Punjab Kings – the second-most expensive spell in IPL history.SRH had bought Shami for INR 10 crore at the auction ahead of IPL 2025 after he had made a strong impact in the powerplay during his stint at Gujarat Titans (2022-24). In IPL 2022 and 2023, he took 28 wickets in the first six overs; the next best in that phase was Trent Boult (20) and Mohammed Siraj (15). He missed IPL 2024 with injury, and his powerplay performance in IPL 2025 was woeful: five wickets in nine innings with an economy of 10.3.Mohammed Shami will team up with Bharat Arun at LSG•BCCIWith Shami struggling with his fitness, rhythm and speeds, the question about whether SRH would keep him for IPL 2026 or not had come up. It is understood the franchise’s think tank, led by head coach Daniel Vettori, had been deliberating the decision until the trade offer from LSG came this week.At LSG, Shami is set to rejoin forces with former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, who is the head of talent development at the franchise. Arun had played an important role in India developing one of the most successful bowling units of the last decade when he worked closely with the group comprising Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj.It’s likely that Shami’s addition could be linked to the fitness of LSG’s Indian fast bowlers Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan. All three are currently in rehab from various injuries and not playing domestic cricket. Mayank had surgery in June to deal with a lower back injury; Mohsin is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament tear he suffered in December while playing for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy; Avesh is recovering from a cartilage issue in his right knee.The Shami deal is the second big-player trade in the past week. The first involved Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who agreed to swap Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran with Sanju Samson. Like with that trade, this one also requires SRH, LSG and the player to complete the necessary paperwork before it gets ratified by the IPL. Both teams have been contacted for a response.

Mystery pitch adds to intrigue in Guwahati's Test debut

Big picture: Can India save the series?

Back in 2015-16, when the Test contest between India and South Africa was named Freedom Trophy, or alternatively the Mandela-Gandhi Trophy, both sides committed to treat it as a marquee contest. For the first time since 1992-93, they played four Tests in a series. A major part of such a commitment is to avoid the unsatisfactory two-match series. It was good while it lasted. All of four series. This is the second straight two-match series between these two evenly matched rivals.While India are not responsible for shortening of these series, they are at the receiving end of the series’ brevity. Once again, a series win is impossible for them after 2.67 days of cricket. The best they can do now is level it; the worst will mean a second series defeat at home in the last three after 12 years of winning every home series.Related

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  • What type of pitch will India want in Guwahati?

  • Mystery pitch leaves SA guessing ahead of Guwahati Test

It should come as no surprise that the leaders of the time find themselves under the pump despite all the success in ODIs and T20Is. In fact, it speaks to the health of Test cricket in India that a home defeat, even if it comes against the world champions, draws such sharp reaction.After two fruitless tours of India in the last decade, South Africa would have been glad the depth of their attack was not tested in Kolkata. With Kagiso Rabada missing and Keshav Maharaj off colour, they still managed to take 20 wickets mostly through Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen.With some of the equivocality around their world champions status now dissipated, they will look to find a way once again to take 20 wickets and go away with a series win from the toughest place to tour. India will want to test that depth and make sure their country continues to stay the toughest place to tour, and not get relegated to “formerly the toughest place to tour”.3:30

Botha: New ball should play a role with early start to the Test

Form guide

India LWWWD
South Africa WWLWW

In the spotlight: Ravindra Jadeja and Simon Harmer

The first Test practically came down to a second-innings shootout between the two best spinners in the match. The margin for error was so low that you couldn’t afford even one remotely ordinary spell. Simon Harmer, now as good a spinner as any in the world, took 4 for 21. Ravindra Jadeja, after bowling a near-unplayable spell of 13-3-29-4 on the second evening, went searching a bit on the third morning. This Test will hopefully bring out more aspects of their bowling.2:45

Karim wants India to pick both Sai Sudharsan and Padikkal

Team news: Gill and Rabada ruled out

India will be without their regular captain, Shubman Gill, who faced only three balls in the first Test and retired with a neck injury. With six left-hand batters already in the XI making Harmer an even more potent threat and no reserve right-hand batter in the squad, allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy might come back in if only for the sake of variety. There are also suggestions that B Sai Sudharsan, who made way for the extra spinner in the last Test, might come back to No. 3. Based on what they did at training a day before the Test, Axar Patel is the spinner likely to miss out. Rishabh Pant will be India’s fourth Test captain in the last 12 months.India (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 KL Rahul, 3 B Sai Sudharsan, 4 Dhruv Jurel, 5 Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), 6 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Washington Sundar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Jasprit Bumrah, 11 Mohammed SirajRabada is out of the second Test as well, but South Africa are bolstered by Lungi Ngidi’s return. Expect him to replace Corbin Bosch. The one question South Africa will ponder is if Wiaan Mulder, who didn’t have much to do in the first Test, should make way for a spin allrounder in Senuran Muthusamy or a specialist batter in Dewald Brevis. If that change does happen, Tristan Stubbs might have to move up to No. 3.South Africa (probable): 1 Aiden Markram, 2 Ryan Rickelton, 3 Wiaan Mulder/ Dewald Brevis/ Senuran Muthusamy, 4 Tony de Zorzi, 5 Temba Bavuma (capt.), 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Simon Harmer, 10 Keshav Maharaj, 11 Lungi Ngidi2:53

Saba Karim: Pant will be unpredictable as captain

Pitch and conditions

This is a big occasion for Guwahati as it becomes the eastern-most Test venue in India. The inadequacy of one time zone in a country as vast as India is apparent from how this Test will need to start at 9am in order to beat the early sunset. The first session break, at 11am, will be tea; lunch will be taken at 1.20pm.It is hardly ideal that all eyes will be on the pitch of a debutant venue but it is what it is after an underprepared surface in Kolkata undid India. There has been high drama around the pitch with coach Gautam Gambhir saying it had been made to his order only for batting coach Sitanshu Kotak to say that Gambhir actually sacrificed himself to prevent throwing the curator under the bus, in the process throwing said curator under said bus.Both the captains expect this pitch to be good for batting in the early exchanges before starting to turn. Which is exactly what they said before Kolkata, except that now they have added that it should play better than Kolkata. So make of it what you will.

Stats and trivia

  • Kolkata was the first Test and the first toss that South Africa won in India since 2010.
  • Nobody other than Bosch and Muthusamy in the South Africa squad averages over 40 with the bat in Test cricket. None of them averages 50 in first-class cricket overall.
  • Before he took over the Test captaincy, Temba Bavuma averaged 34.53. As captain, he averages 57.

Man Utd table free transfer proposal for Sergio Ramos in surprise move after seeing Real Madrid icon leave Liga MX outfit Monterrey

Manchester United have reportedly tabled an offer to sign Sergio Ramos on a free transfer after the Real Madrid legend's departure from Monterrey. The 39-year-old made his final appearance for the Mexican club in their Liga MX play-off semi-final defeat to Toluca on 7 December, and it has been said that he is eying a return to Europe.

  • United turn to Ramos amid defensive turmoil

    Although deep into the twilight of a remarkable career, Ramos demonstrated during his time in Mexico that he retains a competitive edge. After arriving at Monterrey in February 2025, he contributed seven goals in 32 matches, a remarkable tally for a centre-back, while anchoring their defence with the aggression and leadership synonymous with his peak years at Real Madrid. Speaking after Monterrey’s elimination from the Liga MX playoffs, Ramos revealed with unmistakable finality that he had played his last match for the club.

    A report from, relayed by , has suggested that the World Cup winner is prioritising a return to Europe, seeking one final challenge before retirement. United, aware of both his quality and availability, have moved quickly and are regarded as the favourites to land him. However, negotiations are said to only be in the initial stages, and nothing has been "finalised".

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    A longstanding courtship rekindled

    This is far from the first time the Premier League giants have pursued Ramos. In 2015, United were in advanced talks to lure Ramos away from Madrid and lodged a bid of £28.6 million, as reported by at the time. Ramos later admitted he had seriously considered the move before ultimately committing to a new five-year deal in Spain.

    "I stayed where I should have stayed, Real Madrid, but I was indeed close to playing for United," he admitted in a 2023 interview with "It was not to be, but I do keep that admiration for the club, to the Premier League and the players, because the rhythm of play, the pace is different, and it's a league we can all learn a great deal from, all of us."

    United made another attempt in 2023, tabling a late proposal worth around £73,000 per week, but Ramos dismissed it almost immediately. According to reports at , the swiftness of his refusal surprised United officials, who had taken too long to finalise their terms. 

  • A sentimental homecoming at Sevilla

    After snubbing United, Ramos returned to Sevilla, the club where he came through the academy and began his professional career two decades earlier. He accepted a significantly reduced salary to make the move happen, describing it as an obligation to his family and to the memory of Antonio Puerta, the former Sevilla player who died in 2007 and with whom Ramos had forged a close bond.

    "I think it was a debt to my grandfather, to my father, to Sevillismo, to (Antonio) Puerta [a former Sevilla player who died in 2007], and many things that have meant a lot," the player shared. "I think it was time."

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    A career etched into football history

    With 180 caps for Spain, more than any male player in the nation’s history, he was central to the side that lifted the World Cup in 2010 and claimed back-to-back European Championships. His tenure at Real Madrid brought five La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns, while his reputation for clutch goals, fearless defending and indomitable presence has endured across generations. However, it remains to be seen whether his ageing legs have enough gas to sustain the high intensity of the Premier League.

Vinicius vs Haaland? Brazil chief reveals plans for pre-World Cup friendly with Norway in potential repeat of 1998 classic

Vinicius Junior is all set to face Erling Haaland in the international arena as a Brazil football chief has revealed plans to organise a pre-World Cup friendly with Norway in a potential repeat of the 1998 classic. The Manchester City goal machine emerged as the highest scorer in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as his 16 goals helped Norway reach the finals in North America.

Brazil to face Norway in pre-World Cup friendly

Brazil national football team sporting director Rodrigo Caetano has confirmed they are in talks with the Norway FA over organizing a pre-World Cup friendly match between the two nations before they head to North America to take part at the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking to , Caetano said: "We are still negotiating the last warm-up match. Of course, we have a preference. It still requires negotiations, but our first choice is the Norwegian national team, which is a strong team right now."

AdvertisementGOAL/GettyWhy are Brazil facing Norway before World Cup?

According to Norwegian sporting commentator Arne Scheie, the five-time world champions are impressed by Norway's World Cup qualification performance, where they earned a direct qualification despite being in the same group as Italy and Israel. Also, Norway are the only national team the Selecao have never beaten. 

Speaking to , Scheie said: "It's fantastic. There's not much that sounds better than having Brazil at Ullevaal as a last test before the World Cup. Norway is the only nation Brazil has faced that they have not beaten. In total, Norway has played Brazil four times. The first meeting between the national teams came in a friendly match in 1988, which ended 1-1. In 1997, Norway won 4-2 at Ullevaal Stadium, one year before the teams met again in the 1998 World Cup. As is well known, Norway won 2-1.

"Brazil has upbeat leaders, and they have seen what Norway has achieved. They want to test themselves against the best teams, and they will get that matchup against Norway. That's how it is with the results Norway has had recently. They score a lot of goals, and hardly concede."

Haaland to face Vinicius Junior before meeting Mbappe

Haaland has a blockbuster list of fixtures in 2026. The City goal machine is guaranteed to face Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe at the 2026 World Cup as France, Senegal, Norway and the winner of FIFA play-off 2 – one of Bolivia, Suriname or Iraq – have been drawn together in the same group.

Reacting to the World Cup draw, Haaland has said: "France and Senegal, that’s tough [laughing emoji]. What do you guys think?"

With Brazil now organising a friendly against Norway, Haaland will go up against Mbappe's Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior before facing the Frenchman in North America next summer.

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GettyWhere will Norway vs Brazil take place?

The venue for the friendly has not been finalised yet as the two football federations are negotiating the game. However, VG reports that the match is unlikely to be held on Norwegian soil and rather a neutral venue will be picked. 

The Norwegian Football Association (NFF) told NTB: "We will inform on our website when opponents in upcoming private international matches are ready."

Yankees Interested in Outfield Help, Which Could Include Reunion With Former Player

The New York Yankees are in the middle of a midseason snag, and are buying at the trade deadline as they look to pursue the first-place Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East.

The Yankees have already acquired former Colorado Rockies first baseman Ryan McMahon, as well as former Washington Nationals infielder Amed Rosario. Now New York is still seeking bullpen help, but is adding outfielders to the wish list with Aaron Judge on the IL with an elbow issue.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the outfield help could come by way of a reunion with Minnesota Twins centerfielder Harrison Bader, who last played for the Yankees in 2023. The Yankees are also interested in Chicago White Sox outfielder Austin Slater.

Bader is hitting .255 for the Twins this season with 12 home runs and 38 RBI, while Slater is batting .241 with five home runs and 11 RBI.

Despite outfield help now being classified as a need, the Yankees are expected to continue to be in the market for relief pitching before the deadline later this week.

Phillies Bench Nick Castellanos After Inappropriate Comment to Manager

Glancing at the box score, Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos's removal against the Miami Marlins on Monday may not have looked like much. The move, however, appears to have rankled the two-time All-Star.

Castellanos made an inappropriate comment to Phillies manager Rob Thomson that resulted in his benching Tuesday, Thomson told reporters Tuesday via Charlotte Varnes of .

“It’s his decision. He’s the manager," Castellanos said succinctly.

Thus, Tuesday's game will be the first the Hialeah, Fla., native has failed to start since September 2023. In 72 games this season, he's slashing .278/.321/.425 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs.

Castellanos went 1-for-4 Monday in Philadelphia's 5–2 win, which saw him yield right field to veteran Max Kepler.

The Phillies are currently 43-29 on the year—two games behind the first-place New York Mets in the NL East division. Castellanos is in his fourth year with the team; he made the NL All-Star team, his second, in 2023.

Diamondbacks Make Another Deadline Deal, Sending Outfielder Randal Grichuk to Royals

The Arizona Diamondbacks have made another trade as they aim to cash in on the current seller's market ahead of Thursday's Major League Baseball trade deadline.

According to a report from ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, the D-Backs have agreed on a deal to send outfielder Randal Grichuk to the Kansas City Royals. Right-handed reliever Andrew Hoffman is headed to Arizona in return, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand.

Grichuk started in right field for the D-Backs Saturday in their game in Pittsburgh against the Pirates before he was pulled after the news. Here's the moment he made his rounds in the dugout after finding out he was traded.

He has slashed .243/.280/.462 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs this season in Arizona. He signed with the D-Backs before the 2024 season after spending time with the Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals.

Hoffman is a 25-year-old pitcher who made his MLB debut this season. He's made three appearances for the Royals, all in relief. In 32 appearances for Triple-A Omaha this year, he has a 2.25 ERA with 55 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched.

The D-Backs are all in on acquiring young talent as they work to sell at the deadline. They recently traded first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners and third baseman Eugenio Suárez remains the best bat on the market.

Vasco encaminha empréstimo de Capasso para gigante sul-americano

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vasco encaminhou o empréstimo do zagueiro Manuel Capasso ao Olimpia, do Paraguai. O argentino de 27 anos não estava nos planos da comissão técnica de Ramón Díaz e já foi liberado pela diretoria do Cruz-Maltino para assinar com a equipe tricampeã da Libertadores. A informação foi divulgada pelo jornalista Venê Casagrande. 

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O Olimpia tem pressa para fechar acordo com Capasso pois o prazo para a inscrição de atletas no Paraguai fecha nesta sexta-feira (16).

Para tirar Manoel Capasso do Atlético Tucumán, o Vasco adquiriu 50% do atleta argentino por 1,5 milhões de dólares (cerca de R$ 7,6 milhões à época). O zagueiro argentino chegou ao Vasco com alta expectativa, mas sofreu com lesões e não conseguiu somar boas partidas pelo Gigante da Colina, atuando apenas 16 vezes pelo Cruz-Maltino e perdendo espaço no elenco.

O zagueiro de 27 anos foi revelado em 2015 pelo Acassuso, da Argentina. No futebol argentino, também passou pelo Defensa y Justicia, Aldosivi, Platense e Newell’s Old Boys.

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