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Brendon McCullum “knocked it out the park” during his interview to become England’s new Test coach and “blew us away with his clarity of thinking”, according to Andrew Strauss, a strategic advisor to the ECB.McCullum’s appointment was confirmed on Thursday after two days of interviews at the start of this week and Strauss, who was part of the interview panel along with CEO Tom Harrison, performance director Mo Bobat and managing director Rob Key, said that he was “delighted” with the decision.”I was involved with the interview process and he knocked it out the park,” Strauss told talkSPORT at the Sports Industry Awards on Thursday night. “But these appointments aren’t about interviews. They’re about approach, really, and about the reputation that people have and I know he’s the sort of guy that the England players will look up to and he’ll be able to show them the way.”He’s done that with New Zealand cricket as captain, he’s done that in the short-format tournaments he’s been involved with. I think he’s going to make a massive impact on English cricket. He’s got such clarity of thought and approach.”He’s a guy who keeps the game of cricket very simple but he’s got a positive intent in everything he does and that’s exactly what the England Test team need right at the moment: some good, strong leadership, some direction. I know Brendon is just so excited about the prospect of coming out here and not just trying to take the English cricket team forward but also doing his bit to take Test cricket forward generally.”Related

• England have found three good men; they need another two

• Educated punt on McCullum offers England's Test team an overdue sense of identity

• Timeline: McCullum's journey from NZ captain to England coach

• McCullum on his coaching philosophy

• McCullum named England's new Test coach

Strauss added that McCullum’s appointment felt “nicely connected” with the positive approach espoused by Key and Ben Stokes, England’s new Test captain, and suggested that they would make some changes in personnel when the squad to play New Zealand at Lord’s on June 2 is announced next week.”The first thing is about mindset, and embedding that mindset in the players,” Strauss told Sky Sports at the same event. “There might be a couple of selection changes, players that play in that style naturally, I would have thought. But the most important thing of all is the connection and alignment between him and Ben Stokes, the captain: them forging a strong, productive relationship is going to be crucial.”He’s a very positive guy with a very clear mindset and he will embed that in that Test team at a time when confidence is a bit low and people need a bit of clarity and direction. He’s an impressive guy. He can’t wait to start – and quite frankly, I can’t wait for him to start.”He was just unbelievably ambitious [as a player]. He used to run down the wicket against some of the quickest bowlers in the world, he always took the positive option, he wasn’t scared of failing.”He wasn’t scared of making mistakes and I think that’s what this Test team needs a bit at the moment. They need someone to back them, they need someone to give them confidence and inspire them and they need to actually break the shackles and realise how good they are and I think he’s the perfect person to do that.”

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O zagueiro Fabrício, titular a da Ponte Preta, espera uma boa participação da equipe na Série B deste ano. Segundo o jogador, a meta de todos é ver o grupo evoluindo nestas próximas partidas de 2022.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

‘Nossa ideia é fazer uma grande Série B, de alto nível, para buscarmos nossos objetivos na disputa. Vamos pensar jogo a jogo, com os pés no chão. Nosso elenco vai se dedicar muito para fazer uma grande competição’, disse.

Ainda de acordo com o jogador, sua ideia é fazer uma segundona de alto nível.

‘Vou trabalhar muito para fazer uma grande Série B. Estou motivado para que essa sequência seja de alto nível para mim e para o grupo’, afirmou.

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The bid can only face a rival bid from Africa now, as FIFA has excluded Europe from process in 2031

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• FIFA announces European bids for 2031 World Cup will be declined
• U.S. Soccer has previously said it will do join bid with Mexico
• FIFA will reportedly decide hosting rights in 2026

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States and Mexico's joint bid for the 2031 Women's FIFA World Cup was handed a major boost when FIFA announced they were excluding Europe from bidding for hosting rights. The U.S. and Mexico – who had previously said they would make a joint bid – can now only face a rival bid from Africa for the tournament.

  FIFA has also only invited bids for the 2035 tournament from Europe and Africa, with all four UK federations launching a joint bid.

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  FIFA said it expects to pick hosts for both tournaments at its annual congress meeting next year, likely on the eve of the start of the Men's World Cup – which is being hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

  U.S. Soccer confirmed they were finalizing a bid upon FIFA's announcement.

  "U.S. Soccer, in partnership with CONCACAF and its members, will complete the bid process to host the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup," the federation posted on social media. "We are excited by the opportunity to welcome teams and fans, inspire the next generation and grow the game regionally and globally."

  The U.S. and Mexico have been favorites to host the tournament after pulling out their bid for the 2027 contest, which has now been awarded to Brazil. However, the U.S. Soccer statement on Wednesday did not specifically reference Mexico.

  No African country has ever hosted a Women's World Cup.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The U.S. hosted the Women's World Cup in 1999 and 2003, and Canada hosted it in 2015 – with the CONCACAF nations proving to be successful hosts.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The 2027 Women's FIFA World Cup will be played in Brazil, and come summer 2026, the U.S. and Mexico will reportedly find out of their bid is selected for 2031 hosting rights.

Francesco Totti hinted in October 2024 that he was contacted by Serie A clubs, but reveals that playing at the age of 48 wouldn't have been easy.

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Totti hung up his boots in 2017Contemplated a return to football in JanuaryWas in talks with some Serie A clubs Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Roma legend and one-club man Francesco Totti brought curtains down on his illustrious playing career at the end of the 2016-17 season, retiring just a few months before he would turn 41. However, he revealed that coming out of retirement at the age of 48 would have been an arduous task for him.

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Back in October 2024, the former Italy international hinted at a comeback to professional football, stating that he was in contact with a few Serie A clubs that he chose not to name.

"Some Serie A teams have contacted me. I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life, you never say never," Totti told reporters at an event.

"There are players who have played many years after the end of their career. It also depends on where you play, with all due respect, but if I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well."

However, the 48-year-old, in fact, did not come out of retirement, stating that it wouldn't have been an easy task for him at his age.

WHAT FRANCESCO TOTTI SAID

“There was a chance [of returning to playing football],” Totti told Viva El Futbol (h/t Football Italia).

“It [the team] was in Italy, in Serie A. I was really feeling great, I swear. I trained every day, two hours a day. I was in top shape, in terms of stamina and in every other aspect.

It didn’t go through because I would have had to change too many things—it would have been messy. I would have had to move to a different city. I was supposed to live near [Antonio] Cassano, can you imagine?”

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ROMA?

After enduring a difficult start to the 2024-25 season, which saw them part ways with managers Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric within the space of three months, things have started to look brighter for Il Giallorossi under Claudio Ranieri. They currently stand in eighth place in the Serie A standings and will take on Athletic Bilbao in the Round of 16 of the Europa League.

Former Barcelona stars Neymar Jr. and Memphis Depay have shared messages after the former scored an 'Olimpico' goal for Santos.

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Neymar hits Depay's famous celebrationSays that rivals can be friends as wellDepay shares Neymar's admiration in messageFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Neymar was on fire for Santos when the Peixes took on Internacional de Limeria as he assisted two goals and scored the third on the night in a 3-0 win. After his goal, the Brazilian superstar hit Depay's famous 'blind and deaf' celebration and then took to Instagram to tell the Dutchman that he 'loves' him.

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On Instagram, Neymar shared a photo of his celebration and wrote to his Brazilian Serie A rival: "FRIENDSHIP does exist between RIVALS! Memphis Depay, love u bro!"

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Depay, who currently plays for Santos' rivals Corinthians, then reposted and replied to Neymar's Instagram story and wrote: "My rival in the field my brother outside the field Love you bro! Congrats on the gol Olimpico. You crazy!"

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WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR AND DEPAY?

The Dutchman and the Brazilian have often shared admiration towards each other over the last few years and also shared the pitch earlier this month when Santos lost 2-1 to the Corinthians. The two sides will face off again when they face off against each other in May.

Manchester United players have been discussing the best way forward under Ruben Amorim after a difficult start to life under the Portuguese boss.

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• Amorim yet to get Man Utd firing
• Has clear plan of what he wants team to play
• But players struggling to adapt

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in the Manchester United hot-seat in November but has so far struggled to bring about the upturn in results expected at Old Trafford. The former Sporting boss has a clear 3-4-3 system he prefers to use and appears unwilling to deviate from his plan despite having seen his players struggle to adapt since his arrival. Some stars are now talking among themselves about the current situation and questioning whether a change of plan may the best way forward if results are to improve, according to the .

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  Amorim's methods are said to have led to "growing concerns" in the dressing room that United will not improve unless the boss is willing to "tweak the system." However, Amorim has already stated publicly he has no intention of changing "as there is no second way." Former defender Gary Neville has also hinted a change of approach could be a good idea as "the more you lose, the more difficult it is to convince the players of the idea."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Amorim has lost eight of his 20 games in charge of Manchester United since replacing Ten Hag.

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  Amorim and Manchester United will try again on Sunday in the Premier League against Tottenham. Ange Postecoglou's side are also enduring a difficult time and will head into the weekend two points worse off than United and a place below the Red Devils in the table.

Antony scored his first Real Betis goal in only his second game for the club as the Brazilian matched an embarrassing Manchester United record.

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Antony flops for Man UnitedScores in second game for BetisMatches shocking United recordFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Antony joined Real Betis on loan in January from United and has made a bright start so far; setting up a goal for his side in the 2-2 draw against Athletic Club last week and on Saturday he scored at Celta in the 11th minute of the contest.

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According to Squawka, the Brazilian has now scored as many league goals (one) in two matches for Betis as he did for United across 37 games and two seasons. The £85 million ($106m) recruit may go down as one of the worst signings in United's history but at this rate, teams may be interested in his signature this summer.

DID YOU KNOW?

Since joining United from Ajax in 2022, the 24-year-old has scored just 12 goals and bagged a paltry five assists in 96 appearances for the Premier League side.

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AFPWHAT NEXT?

After this Betis game, Antony could feature for the Spanish team when they travel to Gent in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Capsey youngest-ever winner, Eve Jones first domestic player to be named women’s Player of the Year

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Sep-2021Joe Root and Eve Jones have been voted winners of the cinch Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) men’s and women’s Player of the Year awards, with Harry Brook and Alice Capsey each picking up Young Player of the Year.Root has scored six Test hundreds in the year to date, including three in consecutive games against India this summer. Jones, meanwhile, becomes the first women’s domestic professional to win the award, after playing a leading role for her sides, Central Sparks and Birmingham Phoenix, across three different competitions in the ECB’s expanded structure.”I’m very proud to receive the cinch PCA Men’s Player of the Year award,” Root said. “It means a huge amount to be recognised by your fellow professionals. You spend a lot of time playing alongside them and for them to vote for me is really quite humbling. A lot of my heroes when I was growing up are on that trophy so I’m chuffed to be alongside them.”I’ve been in good touch and had a good understanding of how I wanted to score my runs this year. There have been some really close games and it’s been very enjoyable. I’ve scored runs against the best teams in the world so that has given me confidence, even as an experienced player.”Jones, 29, was one of the 41 new members inducted to the PCA after the introduction of women’s domestic contracts for 2021. She scored more than 800 runs across the Hundred, Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Charlotte Edward Cup, her form subsequently winning her a maiden contract in the Women’s Big Bash League.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”I never expected to pick up an award like this, so I’m really delighted that my fellow players have voted for me to win,” Jones said. “It means a great deal. Some fantastic players have won this award so it’s nice to follow in their footsteps and get my name on the trophy alongside theirs.”It’s been a long time coming for a lot of the girls to dedicate more time to playing and training, so I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a professional throughout the last year. Having cricket as my main career is something that I’ve dreamed of for a long time.”Arguably the star of the summer across men’s and women’s cricket was teenage allrounder Capsey, who picked up winner’s medals with both Oval Invincibles in the Hundred, and South East Stars in the Charlotte Edwards Cup. Despite not yet being contracted, or a PCA member, the PCA Women’s Committee voted to make non-members eligible, enabling Capsey to be named the inaugural women’s Young Player of the Year – and become the youngest-ever winner of a PCA player-voted award.Capsey was just 16 when she played on the Hundred’s opening night at the Kia Oval, going on to score 150 runs to go with 10 wickets in Invincibles’ run to the title. She also made 203 runs and took seven wickets in Stars’ domestic T20 triumph.”It’s a massive honour and not something I really expected,” Capsey said. “When I got the phone call it hadn’t even been something that I’d processed in my mind. I can’t really put it into words. I’m not even a PCA member yet so to win the award is just incredible.”It’s a huge honour and it will probably be the one of the best awards that I win in my career. To be the first person to have your name engraved on the trophy will be really special.”Brook, the 22-year-old Yorkshire batter, enjoyed a breakthrough season in white-ball cricket in particular, scoring 486 runs at 69.42 in the Vitality Blast and a further 189 in five Hundred innings for Northern Superchargers. He was also Yorkshire’s second-leading run-scorer in the Championship, with 797 at 37.95, including two hundreds.”It’s really nice to have received the most votes to win the cinch PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year – I’m really happy with the award,” he said. “It’s always great playing in front of a packed crowd at Headingley, and the Hundred was awesome as well. I can’t wait to keep doing it for years to come.Related

Joe Root back at No. 1 in ICC Test rankings

Somerset scattered like seagulls before Brook books in

Capsey stars as South East Stars claim Charlotte Edwards Cup

Eve Jones joins Melbourne Renegades for the WBBL

“The best players back it up year after year and hopefully I can do that. There’s still things to work on in my game and there’s a big winter coming up where I can try to become better and better.”Rob Lynch, the PCA’s chief executive, added: “A huge congratulations must go to the four main award winners at this year’s cinch PCA Awards – all of you are thoroughly deserving recipients.”I would also like to put in a word for the winners at the cinch PCA Awards who have been announced throughout the last few weeks. Your performances have been absolutely sensational during what has been a memorable season with the return of capacity crowds.”Finally, thanks must also go to cinch for making the PCA Awards possible and for the company’s commitment to supporting the professional game across the board. It is valued by everyone within the game and long may our partnership continue.”

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O treinador Abel Ferreira é o atual bicampeão da Libertadores. Além de títulos, o português carrega consigo também o bom aproveitamento na competição, sendo o segundo melhor no quesito considerando todos os técnicos que possuem ao menos 20 jogos no torneio. O levantamento foi feito pelo perfil OptaJoao.

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No Palmeiras desde 2020, o comandante (ou um membro de sua comissão técnica) esteve em campo 20 vezes, vencendo 14 e contabilizando 70% de aproveitamento.

Acima do português está apenas Alejandro Sabella, que comandou o Estudiantes entre 2009 e 2011, com 71%.

Abel Ferreira chegou ao Palmeiras em outubro de 2020. Na equipe, conquistou uma Copa do Brasil e duas Libertadores.

Leicestershire’s success limited on opening day at Merchant Taylors’ School

ECB Reporters Network11-Jul-2021Middlesex 280 for 3 (Robson 138*) vs LeicestershireSam Robson’s first century since the season’s opening day gave Middlesex the early advantage in their LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Leicestershire at Merchant Taylors’ School.After acting captain Tim Murtagh won the toss, the former England opener struck 13 fours in his unbeaten 138, sharing half-century stands with Josh De Caires, Stevie Eskinazi and Daryl Mitchell as the hosts reached 280 for 3 before bad light ended play three overs ahead of the scheduled close.Ben Mike, Ed Barnes and Abidine Sakande took a wicket apiece for the visitors.Robson was positive from the outset, getting well forward in defence against the seamers. Boundaries though were few and far between, a straight drive off Sakande a rare exception.At the other end De Caires, in only his second game for the hosts, survived a bang on the helmet as he and Robson raised 50 for the first wicket, only the second time a Middlesex opening pair had managed the feat all season.The stand reached 73 before De Caires chopped a short one from Ben Mike into his stumps, part of an eventful spell for the seamer which included an official warning for running on the pitch.Robson’s 50 came soon afterwards from 72 balls with four fours and he and Eskinazi prospered either side of lunch despite some miserly bowling from Will Davies and Callum Parkinson.The 50 partnership was raised before fate took a hand and Eskinazi pulled up after taking a sharp single and had to retire injured.Max Holden, recalled to the first XI in the wake of skipper Peter Handscomb’s positive Covid test, survived an early caught behind shout to hit some stylish boundaries. However, he failed to make the most of being dropped at second slip by Marcus Harris off Barnes, edging the same bowler through to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis shortly afterwards.Robson though continued unperturbed, cutting Sakande to the point boundary to reach his century from 172 balls on the stroke of tea.The centurion rode his luck a little in the final session, flashing a couple through the slips and surviving a confident appeal for lbw from Davies.But New Zealand international Mitchell played with increasing assurance for his 38 and it was a shock when he drove Sakande to Harry Swindells with the pair just shy of a century stand.