USMNT changes on the side, a helping of Messi-mania and a scoop of USWNT success: What American soccer fans can be thankful for this Thanksgiving

It's a wild time to be a fan of American soccer, leaving those who follow it plenty to be grateful for this holiday season

Ah, Thanksgiving – what a holiday. Cooked turkey, family time, maybe, if you want, some time watching the football. It isn't a traditional soccer holiday, although there are Europa and Conference League games on this year for fans who need their holiday dose of footy.

Even for fans who prefer the American side of the sport, there’s plenty to take stock of this holiday. There’s a lot to be thankful for – and even more to look forward to – no matter your lane. MLS fan? There’s a ton happening right now. USWNT diehard? Some fun matches are on the way. USMNT supporter? The World Cup will be here before you know it.

With that in mind, GOAL looks at the people, moments, and developments that American soccer fans can be thankful for.

  • Getty Images Sport

    More Messimania

    You can't really talk about American soccer without mentioning the world's most famous Argentine. As long as Lionel Messi remains in MLS, he will largely be the face of the American game, and what a face he is as he continues to run laps around the competition.

    Despite all he's already done in MLS, Messi might actually be in his best form yet heading into this year's Turkey Day. He's running riot throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs, making Inter Miami look like a legitimate juggernaut capable of cruising to a trophy. Whether that happens or not surely matters, but Messi's recent run also matters, too, as he continues to take the league seriously while also making it all look so easy.

    Say what you want about how Messi being a spokesman for MLS and his PR "requirements", but every week, he steps onto the field and makes magic happen, and there's no better advertisement in the world than that. So, while that is happening, be thankful for it because, regardless of what team you support, you have to acknowledge that Messi brings something unlike anything you've ever seen.

  • Advertisement

  • Getty Images

    The upcoming dose of Espresso

    It's all been up and down for Trinity Rodman since the Olympics, and, in truth, there have been more injury downs than ups. She is, however, a special player when healthy, and the good news is that her top running mates will be back alongside her, too.

    Throughout this year, one of USWNT manager Emma Hayes’ biggest challenges was navigating life without Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson. She’s handled it well. New faces have emerged in the attack, and when healthy, Rodman has been every bit the superstar American fans expect. And Wilson and Swanson will be back soon, too – which is pretty exciting.

    Rodman, meanwhile, faces a massive club decision as her contract with the Washington Spirit winds down. And that, in itself, is something to appreciate: Rodman looks poised to redefine the market for the women’s game’s top stars – and potentially change the NWSL for good.

    Some time soon, though, this trio will be back on the field together as they begin a new fight for places in a forward group much deeper than the one they left behind.

  • Getty Images Sport

    Poch's culture shift

    All year long, Mauricio Pochettino talked about the importance of culture. The USMNT needed a foundation – only then could anything meaningful be built on top of it. Over the course of 2025, that foundation has started to take shape, and as the year winds down, it’s clear what Pochettino is putting in place ahead of the World Cup.

    It wasn't an easy year. March's Nations League exposed flaws, while the Gold Cup began the process of fixing them. By the time Pochettino and his team got to the fall, though, the work began to pay off. The USMNT closed the year on a five-game unbeaten run, one which saw them play their best soccer against multiple teams bound for the World Cup next summer.

    Pochettino isn't done, of course, and that'll be good news for USMNT fans. There's plenty of reason for optimism, though, as the coach's vision has truly come to life ahead of this holiday season.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Getty Images Sport

    Hayes builds the pool

    At this time last year, Hayes was just beginning a process. While Pochettino was taking a stunted USMNT back down to studs before rebuilding it, Hayes was taking an Olympic champion and rebuilding that team on the fly. In some ways, they reached the top quicker than expected, but that didn't mean Hayes would rest on her laurels.

    Over the last year, Hayes has made that clear. In total, including the run to and during the Olympics, Hayes has coached 28 matches for the USWNT. In that time, players have earned their first senior team caps. Hayes has begun a total turnover while still keeping her most important pieces in place. It's been wildly impressive.

    Throughout 2025, we've seen multiple players blossom. Young stars have become stars. New faces have become USWNT mainstays. All the while, the old guard continues to thrive and contribute, helping usher in a new generation that should keep the USNWT near the top of the game for years to come.

    With Hayes leading the charge, there's little concern about dropoff or steps back. No, she simply keeps building, which is why this team is in an even better place than it was 12 months ago.

Academy star who's never played a senior minute for Leeds could replace Bijol

Leeds United desperately need to pick up form in the Premier League or risk being pushed deeper into the relegation mix in the unforgiving division.

Indeed, looking back at the Whites’ recent fortunes, it’s been four defeats from their last five clashes in the intense league, which has left Daniel Farke walking a very fine tightrope in terms of keeping his job post.

For the moment, though, he has kept his employment, even as whispers emerge that an out-of-work Brendan Rodgers is in line to replace the under-fire German.

He will have to make some crunch selection decisions moving forward to continue to hold onto his spot in the Elland Road dug-out, with Jaka Bijol surely one presence who will be dropped as his relegation-threatened outfit do battle with Aston Villa this coming Saturday.

Bijol's woes for club and country

The Slovenian would have hoped that a breather with Slovenia during the international break would be able to distract him from the misery being served up in West Yorkshire.

Across his last two starts back on English soil, the former Udinese defender would give up six goals to both Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest in porous showings, with just one tackle won on the road at the Seagulls and the Tricky Trees.

Unfortunately for the 6-foot-3 centre-back, who was once hailed as an “absolute rock” for his nation by European football expert Zach Lowy, no such respite would arrive.

Instead, Bijol’s domestic horrors would follow him to the international stage, as Kosovo got the better of his nation 2-0 to rip up their hopes of World Cup qualification.

Chalkboard

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

Bijol even came out after the 2-0 defeat to lament the loss as a “painful” one to take, with Farke likely now even more willing to drop him for the test of Villa up next, with Unai Emery and Co no doubt wanting to prey on his frail nature, having put four goals past a usually formidable AFC Bournemouth just before the break.

The real question remains – who would come into the side to replace the shaky £15m recruit? Pascal Struijk feels like the obvious candidate, owing to his long-standing Premier League experience, which saw him win a commanding 12 duels against Burnley back in October.

Yet, the Dutchman has only featured in one league win for the Whites this season, which might well alarm Farke as he desperately hunts down all the victories he can get, with a left-field option perhaps taking his fancy more.

Leeds' surprise Bijol replacement

Farke could be prepared to be more risky with his team selections in the near future, as he scrambles to find whatever winning formula is out there.

Starting some promising Leeds youngsters could well be a viable option, as he attempts to instil some fresh blood into his tired set-up.

Alfie Cresswell is perhaps one U21s regular now deserving of some senior minutes, ahead of a declining Bijol.

After all, last season, Cresswell picked up the U21s Player of the Season accolade for his strong defensive performances, with the ex-Norwich City manager also going out of his way recently to label the young captain as a “very talented” gem to keep around for the future.

With seven goals also under his belt at U21 level for the West Yorkshire giants, he would surely complement Joe Rodon well at the back, who has remained in the good books with two league strikes himself.

Games played

36

Minutes played

3,066 mins

Goals scored

7

Assists

2

Tipped to only get “stronger and stronger” in the Thorp Arch youth system by player agent Hayden Evans, it could be deemed a surprise that Cresswell hasn’t been utilised at all in the senior picture yet, knowing Farke’s previous successes in this department with the likes of Archie Gray.

Gray sorted out the Whites during the 2023/24 season when they were short on options in the right-back spot, and with Cresswell also being well accustomed to lining up as a defensive midfielder and as a full-back for the U21s, he would be a worthwhile presence to have around in the current bleak camp, away from just being tipped to oust Bijol.

While Cresswell continues to earn rave reviews, Bijol has failed to settle in England and was noted by Slovenian outlet RTV SLO for contributing to a Slovenia defeat against Kosovo, where “everything went wrong.”

For Farke’s job security, he should ditch the former Serie A titan for the test of Villa, with Cresswell in line for some senior opportunities shortly.

Leeds and 49ers keen to sign Troy Parrott in January after Ireland heroics

This would be much-needed for Daniel Farke.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 17, 2025

Charlie Mulgrew shares "big" contract Celtic should now offer Jurgen Klopp

Ex-Celtic striker Charlie Mulgrew has told the Hoops exactly what they must offer Jurgen Klopp to become their Brendan Rodgers replacement in what would be a sensational move.

The Bhoys are still looking for their next manager as Martin O’Neill continues to be a success as interim boss. The 73-year-old made it two wins from two on Sunday after defeating Old Firm rivals Rangers 3-1 after extra-time in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.

It was just like old times for O’Neill, who watched on as goals from Callum McGregor and a first goal for Callum Osmand ensured that his side got one over on their biggest rivals once again.

Relieved to earn a place in the final, O’Neill told reporters at full-time: “It was an incredible game. We were terrific and got the goal in front and got one disallowed for offside.

“We were in command, but I was saying to [assistant] Shaun Maloney we needed a goal to kill the game off and six or seven minutes later, Rangers get the penalty. I was 73 on Monday… I’m 94 now!”

Victory against Rangers has done O’Neill’s chances of becoming the next Celtic manager no harm, that’s for sure. Although the Northern Irishman was quick to admit that he’s just keeping the seat warm when first arriving, two wins from two has sparked rumours that he could yet get the job until the end of the current campaign.

With Ange Postecoglou taking a break from football and reportedly pulling out of the race and other candidates such as Nicky Hayen still in a job, O’Neill may make perfect sense. He’s more experienced than most, especially at Celtic Park, and he is already turning things around.

But he’s not everyone’s first choice. Instead, Mulgrew has urged Dermot Desmond to “go big” and turn to a Champions League winner in Klopp.

Mulgrew urges Celtic to "go big" and hire Jurgen Klopp

Speaking on the latest edition of The Warm-Up Show, ex-Hoops player Mulgrew urged Celtic to hire Klopp and offer the former Liverpool manager a contract worth as much as £7m-a-year, which works out at £135k-a-week.

There’s no denying that it would be an incredible appointment. Klopp transformed Liverpool, awaking English giants and taking them back to Champions League glory, but it seems unlikely that he would make a return to the dugout for Celtic.

Not just Osmand: O'Neill has another future superstar for Celtic's next boss

Celtic have another future superstar who is as exciting as Callum Osmand in their academy.

ByDan Emery Nov 3, 2025

That said, whilst unlikely, all hope isn’t lost. The Liverpool legend recently admitted on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast that a return to management is still possible – saying: “I’m 58, that means I could make the decision in a few years, I don’t know. Do I have to make the decision today?

“Then I will not coach again. But thank God, I don’t have to do that. I can just see what the future brings.”

Celtic submit offer for Mark van Bommel

Starc fires up after search for rhythm but Handscomb hits 'special' hundred

Mitchell Starc revealed he has been working on ironing out some technical issues ahead of the Ashes as he warmed up for the Test series with some hostile bowling on the opening day against Victoria at the SCG.Starc ended the opening day with 4 for 91 from 18 overs, including a particularly rapid spell after lunch, but New South Wales paid the price for dropping Peter Handscomb before he had scored as he forged an impressive century to leave the visitors handily placed on a hard-fought day.”[I’ve been] working on a few things, getting that rhythm back,” Starc said. “Probably my longest layoff injury-free for a long time so trying to find that rhythm through the ODIs [against India]. Just felt like something wasn’t quite clicking there and it felt pretty close today. So, yeah, reasonably happy.Related

  • Steve Waugh sees his own career in Sam Konstas' early challenges

  • England and Australia Ashes squads compared: who comes out on top?

“I tend to be someone [for] who continuous bowling keeps me in rhythm. It was a quick return to playing…I wasn’t going into the ODI series thinking I was cherry ripe.”Starc, who had asked for side-by-side footage of his most recent Test spell in Jamaica where he took 6 for 9 and the ODI in Adelaide to try and see if he could pick out an issues, added he had spoken to Australia coach Andrew McDonald after play to say he felt close to finding his best form again.”I think I’ve sorted it out. It’s just getting the engine going again,” he said. “I couldn’t really pick up too much in the action [from the footage]. I felt like I was pretty close and today I feel like I’m even closer.”Starc, playing just his fourth match since the West Indies tour, struck twice in quick succession after lunch to leave Victoria wobbling on 106 for 4. But Sam Harper, who counterattacked with a 40-ball 54 which included taking 22 off five balls against Starc, added 92 with Handscomb. Then Fergus O’Neill, whose batting has flourished this season, helped put together 84 with Handscomb for the sixth wicket.Shortly after coming to the crease Handscomb edged Josh Hazlewood low to first slip where Jack Edwards, who handed the NSW captaincy to Steven Smith for this match, spilled a regulation catch. Handscomb made it count, reaching his second Shield century of the season from 208 balls with a drive down the ground against Hazlewood. Shortly after, he fell to a Nathan Lyon delivery with a relatively new ball which slid past the outside edge.”Nice to come out here and face such a quality attack,” Handscomb said. “To score runs is always nice, but to do it against those boys was special for me.”Starc provided New South Wales with their first wicket of the day when he trapped Harry Dixon with a searing yorker. Then after lunch he was involved in an engrossing contest with Campbell Kellaway, the 23-year-old opener who is establishing himself as one of the most promising among Australia’s next generation, with the left-hander repeatedly having to sway out of the line of well-directed bouncers.Peter Handscomb celebrates his century•Getty Images

However, one short ball Kellaway couldn’t avoid slammed him on the left hand causing significant pain and a lengthy delay. But he was able to resume and brought up a 96-ball fifty before gloving Starc down the leg side. It was a clear deflection and Kellaway began to walk but then stopped leaving the umpire to raise his finger.”Old Starcy fired up a bit there and got the ball whizzing through, which with the summer of cricket coming up, it’s exciting to see,” Handscomb said. “[It was] amazing from Campbell. You take a few body blows, a few finger blows, it’s never nice.”For him just to knuckle down and keep fighting and keep trying to just focus on the next ball, sticking to his process and putting everything else out of his mind was a class act. Sort of showing that he is going from strength to strength as a batter and doing some pretty amazing things at the top of the order in the Sheffield Shield, which is a tough ask.”Starc struck again at the start of his next over when Ollie Peake slashed to gully where Kurtis Patterson took an excellent catch. His figures took a dent after tea as Harper began the session in dramatic fashion with two fours and two sixes. It included a huge hook which lost the ball in the stands, in the process racing to a 38-ball fifty, before picking out deep square leg when he couldn’t resist having another dip.Among other members of Australia’s Test attack, Hazlewood ended wicketless after seeing the early opportunity against Handscomb go begging but again looked in excellent rhythm as he had during the recent white-ball matches against India.Lyon had struck in the morning session when he had Marcus Harris caught at short leg off an inside edge. He finished with 2 for 65 from 21 overs. Sean Abbott, one of the reserve quicks for Perth, initially went at more than four an over but clawed things back and struck to remove O’Neill via an inside edge.Shortly after lunch, Will Salzmann was subbed out of the game with a hamstring injury under the trial being run by Cricket Australia for the first five rounds of the Shield season. He was replaced by Ryan Hicks. It was the second time NSW had made use of the rule after Abbott suffered a split webbing against Victoria in Melbourne.

Rangers open talks to sign "quality" attacking star ahead of Aberdeen for Rohl

Ahead of the January transfer window, Rangers have reportedly opened talks to sign Galymzhan Kenzhebek from Kazakhstan side Yelimay.

Danny Rohl is reportedly keen to mark his own stamp at Ibrox and that could yet see a number of fresh faces arrive. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell already confirmed during the international break that Rangers will be busy in the winter window and there’s no doubt that he’s got plenty of making up to do after a disastrous summer.

The former Everton chief also revealed that there could yet be more additions behind the scenes in Glasgow, saying: “It’s an exciting time because we’re starting to look at the way we’re organised from a sporting perspective and say ‘well, what does great look like?’, where we are against that standard, and who can help us reach that standard.

Rangers star was berated by Clement, now he could become their own McTominay

Glasgow Rangers could unearth their own Scott McTominay in this star who was once criticised by Philippe Clement.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 19, 2025

“We have been talking about making some new appointments and we have made some new appointments. I’m really pleased with the appointment of Jaymes Monte, in particular, a guy from Dundee, previously worked with Hudl, and probably our first ever appointment in that data space.

“He’s going to provide us with a lot of insight in relation to data, not only from a recruitment perspective but also from analysis of opposition, our own game, and then medical, sports science and coaching.”

Organisation behind the scenes would certainly help Rohl’s side on the pitch, but the German also needs fresh faces. On that front, names such as David Watson are already being mentioned.

The Kilmarnock midfielder is one of the best young talents in Scotland and Rangers have already reportedly opened talks to secure his signature as early as the January transfer window. His arrival could be the start of a winter window to watch from all involved at Ibrox, too.

Rangers open talks to sign Kenzhebek

According to reports in Kazakhstan, as relayed by Glasgow Times, Rangers have now opened talks to sign Kenzhebek from Yelimay in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old winger will be out of contract at the start of January, allowing the Gers to swoop in and potentially land a free deal.

Whilst Kenzhebek has only ever played twice outside of his home country, 12 goals and six assists in 36 league games this season suggests that he’s ready to break away courtesy of a move to Scotland.

Praised for his “quality” ball carrying ability by scout Kai Watson, the prospect of signing Kazakhstan should excite Rangers fans. Whilst he’s not the finished product, the potential is certainly there for all to see.

The fact that the Gers can beat Aberdeen and Celtic to his signature should also give them added incentive to get the deal over the line in January.

Rangers can forget about Souttar and Cornelius by unleashing "left-footed Van Dijk"

Sanju Samson: I really enjoyed the pressure of an India-Pakistan game

Varun and Kuldeep shared six wickets in the final against Pakistan, before Sanju Samson steadied India’s chase

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Sep-20253:23

‘Clueless batting from Pakistan’

Varun: “Yeah, I feel great. Definitely, at that time, I was going for the wickets, and Fakhar [Zaman] and Sahibzada Farhan were going well. Yes, I had done some plans, and it worked out and the way Kuldeep came and finished – yeah, it gave me memories of KKR, when we were playing together. He’s always a star. He’s the best one of the best spinners.”If you see the trend in the last few matches, [in] the first ten overs, everyone is going berserk if they don’t lose wickets. After that, we knew that if we bowl on the right space, and [on the] right line and length, we can curtail them. And obviously, I would like to mention Hari [team analyst]. He’s a guy who’s done a lot of work behind the scenes, and due credit to him also.”Kuldeep: “Of course, it’s very important to bowl [well] in the middle overs. And, of course, me, Varun and Axar playing together is obviously a luxury to have. Everyone has a different role, so obviously they started really well, after 10-11 overs, they were like 100 for 1. We knew that if we get a couple of early wickets; probably not early, but after ten overs, we got a couple of wickets from him [Varun]. Obviously, it’s not going be easy for [a] new batter to come and score runs easily. Obviously, when I was bowling in the fourth over, I was looking to get them out.”Before the game, he [Hari] just sent the screenshot of the lengths of the lengths where we’re going to bowl to the batters. Especially, big thanks to Hari, and obviously [a] masterclass from Tilak – he was unbelievable today.”Sanju Samson: “Yeah, I really enjoyed the pressure actually. I have not played many India-Pakistan games, but today, I think the pressure was all over there. Three wickets down in the powerplay, so I just had to use my experience, calm the nerves down, and just watch the ball and react. That’s what I did, and it came off nicely. I think I had a really good partnership with Tilak, and really enjoyed playing the game today.”As you all know that the game dictates what type of cricket you need to play, and according to the conditions, you have to respect the conditions, you have to respect the situation. I think that’s what we have learned. Years and years of IPL, years and years of cricket, and that’s what cricket has taught us. So I just had to go out there and then look to time the ball, and that’s what really helped me.”Closer ones [games] are really good. That’s when your characters are being tested and that’s when you also get to test your own mental abilities. So I think that’s a really good awareness which we had just before the World Cup. I think this game was really crucial. Some of these knockout games do actually prepare us for the big games coming a few months ago [later]. And you’ve made some potent contributions.”Shubman Gill: “[Feels] pretty amazing. The whole tournament unbeaten, so it feels pretty amazing to be here in this position. Pretty amazing [to play with Abhishek Sharma]. We have played almost all our cricket together, and I think we know each other pretty much inside out, and it’s amazing to be able to bat with him. The way he bats, [he] takes off the pressure off the non-striker, whosoever is there, and he’s been phenomenal this tournament.”The conversation was to take it as deep as possible. The target wasn’t much, but it was important to soak in the pressure in the start. Losing three wickets early, [it’s] never easy, but I think the way first the partnership for us with Sanju and Tilak, how they batted, and then how Dube came in and hit those big sixes for us was very important.”[In the] final, playing against them, 30 runs in three overs, there wasn’t much panic, but the game can go both ways. You have seen, especially on a slow kind of a wicket, the boundaries are big here, so you really need to connect to be able to get those sixes and, like I said, the way both of them batted, first soaking in the pressure and then got the balls in the zone and they made sure that they hit it out of the park.”

It's showtime as winless Hong Kong take on wounded Afghanistan to kick off Asia Cup

Afghanistan will be particularly concerned by the form of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who endured a rough week in the recently-concluded tri-series

Danyal Rasool08-Sep-20254:10

What was the biggest turning point in Rashid Khan’s career?

Big picture: First of three big tasks for Hong KongMeasured by eyeballs, this is the largest non-ICC international tournament cricket has to offer, even if an opener between Afghanistan and Hong Kong doesn’t help make the case for that argument. But in a tight format, there is little bloat, and Hong Kong have the misfortune of being grouped with three legitimate contenders for the trophy.They have played 16 T20Is this year, but nothing that comes close to the sharp uptick in quality they will need to reckon with in a group that also includes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They got to the UAE almost three weeks in advance, and booked themselves four warm-up games to get into tune ahead of the tournament: a pair against Oman, as well as two against local club sides. That they split the fixtures with each opposition is perhaps suggestive of their level, as well as the task that lies ahead of them against last year’s T20 World Cup semi-finalists.Related

Back-to-back games plus travel 'not ideal' – Asalanka, Rashid on gruelling schedules

Kaushal Silva on coaching Hong Kong: 'No one is going to hand us anything'

'Maybe I have something…' – the phenomenal rise of Noor Ahmad

Stats – Nawaz sets new benchmarks as Afghanistan sink to record low

Asia Cup 2025: Politics, passion and a stage for new rivalries

However, there may not be a better time for Hong Kong to play Rashid Khan’s men. The fixture comes just two days after Afghanistan suffered a bruising defeat in the tri-series final against Pakistan, their batters looking totally ill-equipped against Pakistan’s spinners on a turning track in Sharjah. The emotional toll of that defeat, as well as the quick turnaround, offers Hong Kong a potential opportunity to catch Afghanistan out in Abu Dhabi.Realistically, though, that possibility is remote. Afghanistan are among the best sides in these conditions, and have a win over Pakistan as well as two against UAE from the tri-series under their belt. They boast a well-rounded bowling attack, as well as a batting lineup that combines destructiveness with a more classical poise. They demonstrated their strength in depth by rotating half the side against UAE in a dead rubber before the tri-series final, and still ended up winning. The shorter format and the timing may give Hong Kong the feeling they have a chance, but victory would still make this the greatest upset in Asia Cup history.Form guideAfghanistan: LWWWL
Hong Kong: LWWLW15:43

Can Afghanistan make the final of the Asia Cup?

In the spotlight: Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hong Kong’s openersAfghanistan’s highest profile players are invariably the bowlers, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz bucks that trend. However, Afghanistan’s biggest batting superstar endured a rough week in the recent tri-series, scoring just 98 runs at under 110, 40 of which came in a dead rubber against UAE. The impact of his early dismissals has been somewhat mitigated by the remarkable consistency of Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal, but none have the explosiveness Gurbaz does when in full flow. Simply put, Afghanistan won’t make a deep run without his impact, and a game against Hong Kong represents an ideal opportunity to blast his way back to form.If Afghanistan’s opener has hit a dry patch, that certainly can’t be said for his Hong Kong counterparts Zeeshan Ali and Anshuman Rath. Far and away Hong Kong’s two leading run-scorers, they have demonstrated themselves to be consistent as well as dynamic, with strike rates hovering in the mid 140s. Both boast T20I hundreds this year, while Rath’s consistency, in particular, has made Hong Kong especially dependent on his runs. He has scored a further five half-centuries, and averages just under 50 for the year, the standout innings an unbeaten 59-ball 100 in a mauling of Singapore. Hong Kong need a fast start, and in that department at least, their openers have a track record of taking care of business.Team newsSince reintroducing Noor Ahmad into their side, Afghanistan have favoured the extra spinner. Expect a similar team to the one that played Pakistan in the final.Afghanistan (possible): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Darwish Rasooli, 5 Karim Janat, 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Rashid Khan (capt), 8 Mohammad Nabi, 9 AM Ghazanfar, 10 Noor Ahmad, 11 Fazalhaq FarooqiHong Kong (possible): 1 Anshuman Rath, 2 Zeeshan Ali (wk), 3 Babar Hayat, 4 Nizakat Khan, 5 Matthew Coetzee, 6 Yasim Murtaza (capt), 7 Ehsan Khan, 8 Aizaz Khan, 9 Ateeq Iqbal, 10 Nasrulla Rana, 11 Ayush ShuklaNoor Ahmad and Afghanistan will be expected to be a formidable force in familiar Abu Dhabi conditions•AFP/Getty ImagesPitch and conditionsAbu Dhabi is considered slightly less conducive to spin than Dubai, which may dull Afghanistan’s edge marginally. It is expected to be warm and humid in the evening, as is routine in the UAE this time of year.Stats and trivia In 21 years of their presence in the Asia Cup, Hong Kong have lost all 11 matches they have played. Afghanistan have a better T20I record in Abu Dhabi – the venue of the match – than at any other ground in the UAE, winning 11 and losing 5. However, they lost their only match against Hong Kong at this venue, in 2015.

Santos x Portuguesa: onde assistir ao vivo, horário e escalações das quartas de final do Paulistão

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos recebe a Portuguesa, neste domingo (17), pelas quartas de final do Paulistão. A bola rola a partir das 20h (de Brasília), na Vila Belmiro, com transmissão da TNT (TV fechada) e Max (streaming).

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasNotíciasPaulistão: como foram os últimos jogos entre Santos e Portuguesa?Notícias17/03/2024Palpites de HojePalpite: Santos x Portuguesa – Campeonato Paulista – 17/3/2024Palpites de Hoje17/03/2024NotíciasDomingueira! Fature mais de R$2.000,00 com as vitórias de Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona, Vasco, Santos e São PauloNotícias16/03/2024

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

O Peixe terminou a fase de grupos do Paulistão com 25 pontos, tendo a segunda melhor campanha geral. Já a Lusa fez 10 pontos e entra no mata-mata com menos pontos conquistados.

Tem favorito? Com R$100, você fatura R$400 na Lance! Betting se Nova Iguaçu e Vasco empatarem!

✅FICHA TÉCNICA
Santos x Portuguesa
Quartas de final do Paulistão

Data e horário: domingo, 17 de março de 2024, às 20h (de Brasília)
Local: Vila Belmiro, em Santos (SP)
Onde assistir: TNT (TV fechada) e Max (streaming)

continua após a publicidade

⚽ PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

SANTOS
João Paulo; Aderlan, Gil, Joaquim e Felipe Jonatan (Hayner); João Schmidt, Diego Pituca e Cazares; Otero, Furch e Guilherme. Técnico: Fábio Carille.

PORTUGUESA
Thomazella; Marco Antônio, Robson e Patrick; Borel, Leandro, Ricardinho, Zé Ricardo e Pedro Henrique; Henrique Dourado e Victor Andrade. Técnico: Pintado.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Veja confrontos do mata-mata do Paulistão

Tudo sobre

Onde assistirPaulistãoPortuguesaSantos

Andre Russell retires from IPL, to join KKR as 'power coach'

Russell will work with new head coach Abhishek Nayar, Southee, Watson and Bravo in the KKR backroom

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Nov-2025Andre Russell, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) legend, has decided to call time on his IPL career after not being retained by the franchise ahead of the 2026 season, and announced that he would be joining the team’s support staff as its “power coach”.”I’ve made a decision to retire from the IPL. I’ll still be active playing in various leagues all around the world and all the other KKR franchises,” Russell said in a video message. “I had some amazing time and great memories. hitting sixes, winning games, MVP and all of those things. But sometimes you just have to know when to hang up the boots. When I made this decision, I just felt like ‘yes, this is the best decision’. I don’t want to fade out. I want to leave a legacy and it’s best to retire when fans ask ‘why, you still have some more in you, you still could go for a bit longer’ than say, ‘yeah, you should have done it years back’.”We are part of the Instagram world, so when you’re going through your feed, you keep seeing yourself in different jerseys and, you know, friends, team-mates sending you stuff and, like, ‘you’re looking good in this jersey, what do you think’ and I’m like, ‘hmmm, I look weird in that jersey’. And it’s just those thoughts that’s been going through my head. I had a few sleepless nights. There have been a lot of conversations, between me and Mr Venky Mysore, and also Mr Shah Rukh Khan, about another chapter in my IPL journey, and they have shown me respect and love and they appreciate whatever I have been doing in the field and to be in a set-up where I’m familiar, that matters to me a lot.”Russell, who was part of KKR’s title-winning teams in 2014 and 2024, was also the IPL’s Most Valuable Player in 2019. Russell won 16 Player-of-the-Match awards at KKR, only behind Sunil Narine’s mark. And that long association has been strengthened with a position in the team’s support staff as “power coach”.

“So Kolkata, I’ll be back. I’m here now just to say that I’ll be a part of the KKR support staff,” he said. “When I heard that name, you know, coming from Mr Venky, I said, you know, ‘power coach, hmmm’. That describes Dre Russ. That describes Andre Russell, because the power that I possess when I bat, the energy that I show in the field, with the ball in hand, I can help in any department.”Russell made the news public on Sunday, which also is the last day for players to register for the next IPL auction, which will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16.At KKR, Russell will be part of a new-look back room, to be headed by new coach Abhishek Nayar, who has replaced Chandrakant Pandit. Tim Southee has been appointed bowling coach, Shane Watson has joined as assistant coach, and Dwayne Bravo remains in his capacity as team mentor.8:52

Who saw the Russell release coming?

As for releasing him ahead of the latest auction, the franchise had deliberated the move ahead of the 2025 mega auction too, before deciding to stall that call. Russell had retired from international cricket in July, having only played the T20 format after the 2019 World Cup. Ahead of the 2025 mega auction, Russell was among the five players retained by KKR, for INR 12 crore. But as per the IPL’s retention formula, INR 18 crore was added to KKR’s purse for the 2026 auction once they released Russell.Russell was among the big names released by KKR along with Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and others. KKR will have the strongest purse at the IPL auction with INR 64.3 crore, but with just 12 players currently they have a lot of slots to fill.Russell, 37, has been a constant for the franchise since IPL 2014, after starting out with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2012. A bona fide T20 great, Russell is also a legend of the IPL, one of only two players to score over 2000 runs and pick up 100 wickets in the tournament, Ravindra Jadeja being the other.In 133 appearances for KKR over the years, Russell scored 2593 runs with 12 fifties, and scored at a strike rate of 174.96, hitting 220 sixes along the way. With the ball, he picked up 122 wickets, including three four-wicket hauls, and took 40 catches.

Cummins 'running out of time' as Perth D-day looms but Ashes hopes alive

Coach Andrew McDonald said the captain has had a ‘positive week’ but conceded time was running short for Perth

Alex Malcolm10-Oct-20251:14

Mitchell Starc: Smith ‘has been a great sounding board’ for Cummins

A decision on Pat Cummins’ availability for the first Ashes Test is set to be made next Friday with Australia coach Andrew McDonald admitting his captain is running out of time to be fit for Perth but there remains confidence that Cummins will play some part in the series.Cummins had a scan earlier this week on the lumbar bone stress in his lower back and McDonald confirmed on Friday that the injury had improved.But Cummins is still yet to bowl with just six weeks to go before the first Test begins in Perth on November 21 which has led to doubts over his availability.Related

Boland: 'I've got my own internal motivations'

Green ruled out of ODI series against India with side soreness, Labuschagne called up

Cummins says he's 'less likely than likely' to play in the first Ashes Test

Brook: Cummins' Ashes doubts 'play into England's hands'

Ashes tracker: Labuschagne shines as Konstas stumbles

McDonald said the latest scan had allowed Cummins and the medical staff to add some different elements to his training that has been restricted to lower leg strength work only over the past month. He added that a decision would be made late next week as to whether he can progress to bowling with an eye to playing in the first Test but admitted the timeline was getting very tight.”We still aren’t further advanced on whether he’ll play the first Test,” McDonald told reporters on Friday. “We are definitely running out of time around that. He’s added some variables into his training. I think by this time next week, we’ll be in a position where we’re better informed to make a judgment around what that first Test match looks like.”He’s had a positive week, and so we’ll just wait for that information to come in. Anyone that knows the nature of those injuries, you do add the variables in and it’s about how you recover from adding the variables into your training. It’s not as quick as everyone thinks it is. We look forward to a positive outcome next Friday and then making some decisions around what it looks like for the first Test match.”

“The biggest variable that we need to add in is bowling and if you looked at a reasonable time frame for Patty to get ready, we feel as though he can do a shortened preparation, unlike other bowlers that probably need a longer prep. But even if we were to shrink that prep down, we’d start to take on some risk around soft tissue [injuries], some skill readiness as well, making sure he’s prepared to do the job there.”Andrew McDonald on the balancing act with Pat Cummins

Even if Cummins was ruled out of the first Test, McDonald was reasonably confident he could play a part in the Ashes series.”I haven’t really delved into what it looks like without him for five Test matches because the information and the week that he’s had would suggest he’s going to play some part as it sits right now,” McDonald said.”Can that change with new information when we start to add some more variables into his training? Could that go backwards? There is a possibility of that. And for those who have had lumbar bone stress, they would understand that it’s a journey to add those variables in, how you pull up, recover, and that can ebb and flow a little bit across the rehab. So we’ll just see how it plays out. At this stage there’s no thinking that he will be ruled out for the whole series.”McDonald believes it is possible for Cummins to be ready for the first Test in Perth off a preparation of less than six weeks of bowling. But he said Cummins, the selectors and the medical staff would have to weigh up the risk and reward of rushing him back.”The biggest variable that we need to add in is bowling and if you looked at a reasonable time frame for Patty to get ready, we feel as though he can do a shortened preparation, unlike other bowlers that probably need a longer prep,” McDonald said.”But even if we were to shrink that prep down, we’d start to take on some risk around soft tissue [injuries], some skill readiness as well, making sure he’s prepared to do the job there and then is it advantageous for us to get him up and running in a series even if he’s a little bit underdone and grow throughout the series as well.”Pat Cummins has not bowled since the Caribbean tour in July•AFP/Getty ImagesIf Cummins were to be ruled out, McDonald was confident the team could cover his absence across all aspects of the game. Cummins’ bowling will be sorely missed but Scott Boland was already pushing for a first choice spot in the XI and has an incredible Test record in Australia where he averages 12.63.If another injury were to happen to one of Australia’s quicks then the likes of Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and Sean Abbott will come into consideration.Doggett is set to be ruled out of a second straight Sheffield Shield game for South Australia with a minor hamstring issue but it is understood to be a conservative decision and that he will be fully fit for the third round that starts on October 28. Neser bowled well in Queensland’s first Shield match against Tasmania while Abbott is set to play his first four-day game of the season for New South Wales against Victoria next week after being left out of the ODI squad to face India. He has been named in the T20I squad which will rule him out of the third Shield round at least.Cummins’ calm leadership in what looms as a frenzied Ashes would also be missed if he were to be ruled out at any stage but McDonald believes Steven Smith, who is an outstanding tactician, would step in seamlessly if needed.”It’s highly likely that Steve would be that the person that we turn to,” McDonald said. “George Bailey would have to tick that one off. Steve’s incredibly experienced. He’s done a good job as recently as Sri Lanka, when Pat wasn’t on that tour. So that’s the person that we’ve turned to. I don’t see that changing.”Cummins batting contributions in recent years at No.8 have also been vital, particularly in pressure moments having won Australia two Test matches at Edgbaston and Christchurch in nail-biting run chases.McDonald was confident Mitchell Starc could step back up to No. 8 after a impressive performance in the World Test Championship final in June while he cited Boland and Nathan Lyon’s crucial tenth-wicket partnership against India at the MCG last summer as a sign of their ability. Josh Hazlewood has also had large 10th wicket stands in Test matches with Cameron Green and Starc over the last the last two years.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus