All posts by h79snht.top

Manchester City are set to do some internal business quickly this summer, with the side preparing to offer Stefan Ortega fresh terms at the club according to The Sun.

Is Stefan Ortega staying at Manchester City?

The goalkeeper has not been the first choice inbetween the sticks this season for the Premier League side but he has been able to get onto the field quite frequently at the Etihad Stadium. He managed only three appearances in the top flight – but only conceded one – but was handed plenty more minutes in the cup competitions. In the EFL Cup, he appeared a further three times but in the FA Cup he really shone, appearing six times and conceding only once on the way to victory.

Even more impressive is that based on the albeit small 450 minutes played, Ortega ranks extremely highly amongst shot-stoppers in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues. His goals against per 90 of just 0.45 puts him in the top one percent in that figure and even more impressive is that his save percentage of 90.5% per 90 also puts him within that top percentage. It means that, when the former Arminia man has been turned to by Pep Guardiola, he has been a reliable pair of hands inbetween the sticks. He's conceded very little and it's not just down to the players in front of him preventing chances.

He's proven to be a reliable backup option for the club then and the 30-year-old is now set to be rewarded with a fresh deal at City. That's because a report from The Sun states that, with the player having made a big impression on those at the Etihad Stadium, there is a new contract being lined up for the goalkeeper. It would not only extend his stay at the Premier League side but would help see off interest from other clubs this summer, with Bayern Munich having placed him on their target list. Now, City hope to convince him to stay on and will up his pay to around £85,000-a-week in a bid to do so.

When does Ortega's contract expire?

The player's current deal only runs out in 2025 but it shows just how highly he is valued now that the club want to offer him a fresh deal already.

His manager Pep Guardiola has already praised his abilities and performances in the 2022/23 campaign, stating that he has proven to be a "great signing" for the club because he is an "exceptional goalkeeper."

Now, the manager is hoping to keep him on at the club for even longer and could continue to give him further minutes as City look to win almost everything again in the next campaign.

Cricket Australia’s CEO James Sutherland has said that definitions of bouncers and short-pitched bowling may need to be redefined in the aftermath of the inquest into the death of Phillip Hughes

Daniel Brettig04-Nov-20163:52

‘Hughes inquest findings could change cricket’ – Brettig

Cricket’s definition of the bouncer is set to be globally redrawn following a key recommendation of the Phillip Hughes inquest, stemming from testimony from the ICC umpires training manager Simon Taufel.James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia chief executive, acknowledged that Taufel’s query about the definitions of short-pitched and dangerous bowling would necessitate a discussion involving the ICC and the MCC – traditional keepers of the laws of cricket – about changing the definition of a bouncer from a ball passing between shoulder and head height in the standing position.Taufel had told the inquest that it was difficult to define exactly how many short balls Hughes had received because not all of them fitted the definition set out in the laws. Sutherland said the structure of the game’s laws would mean any changes could not be limited to the Sheffield Shield alone, with implications for international cricket and also the tiers below the first-class arena.”The observation of the coroner is there’s some ambiguity between the laws of the game and our playing conditions for Sheffield Shield cricket which were specifically under review by the coroner,” Sutherland told ABC Radio. “I think that by extension because our Shield playing conditions are virtually a mirror of Test cricket playing conditions there is some relevance to international cricket and therefore the ICC.”So we’ll have a close look at that to understand exactly what that was. His findings come from when Simon Taufel was on the stand and was questioned, and that obviously gives rise to something we will pursue and fix up.”The extension applies down through the grades and in community cricket. The foundation for how the game’s played everywhere are the laws of the game. They’re the absolute starting point for everyone, and then each competition has their own playing regulations. In this case for Sheffield Shield cricket we’ll obviously review where there are some grey areas and fix it from there.”The New South Wales coroner Michael Barnes, QC, concluded that Hughes’ death was a tragic workplace accident, a finding Sutherland said he had expected. “Through the proceedings a few weeks ago it was reasonably clear to us it would be something along those lines,” he said.”From the start we really believed it was a tragic accident that occurred on the cricket field and there really wasn’t that much that could have been done about it in the circumstances and I think that’s what the coroner’s found, but at the same time what we want is for the game to be in a place where that sort of thing is far less likely to ever happen again and we’ll implement recommendations as we have done from other separate reviews we’ve conducted ourselves.”The inquest also raised questions about sledging and the spirit of the game. Sutherland sought to draw a distinction between on-field conversation and “banter” and more escalated levels of abuse.”There is a whole lot of discussion around sledging that is unfortunately placed because it’s very generalised,” Sutherland said. “The facts of the matter are, just like on most sporting fields, there’s always been a level of banter on the field. Some people interpret that as sledging and under the broad definition it may well be, but what is specifically not acceptable is abusive behaviour in word or in action, threatening behaviour in words or in action, those things are clearly breaches of the code, they are taking sledging to the extreme where it crosses the line and it’s not acceptable.”There has been plenty of discussion about it and the comments the coroner makes about the spirit of the game … is something we shouldn’t shy away from. That’s always been my view. But when it’s out on the field the responsibility rests with the captains and the umpires, the captains are leaders of their players and teams and then the umpires to adjudicate.”If the lines are crossed then we have very high expectations the umpires will deal with that effectively, and indeed they have the powers to take action, to report players when they believe the line’s been crossed. I have high expectations and I think everyone in international cricket does and from a domestic level we want to see that as well and we need to empower umpires to take action.”

New South Wales reached 3 for 288 on the first day against Tasmania in Hobart

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Nov-2016
ScorecardPeter Nevill finished the day unbeaten on 73 (file photo)•Getty Images

Axed Test wicketkeeper Peter Nevill sent a message to Australia’s selectors with a patient unbeaten half-century on the first day for New South Wales against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval. Nevill finished the day on 73 from 175 balls, while Moises Henriques was eyeing off a potential fifth first-class century on 94, and they had taken New South Wales to 3 for 288 after George Bailey won the toss and sent the Blues in.Ed Cowan fell early when he edged James Faulkner behind for 8, and his opening partner Daniel Hughes was also caught behind off Faulkner for 30. Kurtis Patterson, who was a contender for selection for the Adelaide Test but lost out to Nic Maddinson, compiled 71 before he was bowled by Sam Rainbird. Only once in his past nine first-class games has Patterson failed to pass fifty in the first innings.His dismissal brought Nevill to the crease to join Henriques at 3 for 129, and by the close of play their partnership had blossomed to 159 runs. Nevill struck eight fours and one six, while Henriques hit 11 boundaries during his 167-ball stay.

Southampton star Romeo Lavia is seen as "most likely" to join Arsenal despite interest from three Premier League rivals, according to reliable journalist Miguel Delaney of The Independent.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners are currently chasing a fair few deals after missing out on their first league title in nearly 20 years last season.

West Ham star Declan Rice, going by consistent press coverage, is the pick of the bunch as Arsenal have already had two bids rejected for the England international.

Rice has apparently already agreed personal terms over a move to the Emirates Stadium but a fee is yet to be agreed, with Arsenal apparently pushing the hardest for his signing.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that Chelsea forward Kai Havertz is attracting Mikel Arteta's serious interest as talks advance over a move and could be done this week.

It appears Arsenal are making progress in pursuit of the aforementioned duo, and according to Delaney of The Independent, they could be joined by Southampton's Lavia.

The Belgium international, who was relegated with his current club last season, could be on the move as Man United, Chelsea, Liverpool and the Gunners eye a move.

However, it appears Arteta's side are firm favourites as they look to make statements this summer, with Lavia "seen as most likely to join" Arsenal.

The Saints apparently want a minimum of £45 million for the teenage midfielder, while treble-winners Man City have a cheaper buy-back clause, they're not interested in exercising it.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

The 19-year-old, despite being a member of Southampton's relegated crop, performed pretty impressively overall despite his tender age.

As per WhoScored, Lavia was a composed and tidy figure in central midfield, averaging a higher pass accuracy (86.4%) than any current Saints regular.

Only Mohammed Salisu made more tackles per 90 than the former Man City starlet with journalists like Lewis Steele of The Mail calling Lavia a "sensational midfielder".

City boss Pep Guardiola also praised the youngster's impact at St. Mary's last season, sharing a real admiration for his ex-prodigy.

"I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing,” said Guardiola.“We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton.“(It’s a) good experience to go to the Premier League and play at this early age. So important.”

تقدم فريق الهلال بهدفين في دقيقتين أمام اتحاد جدة، في المباراة التي تقام بينهما اليوم الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا

الهلال يستضيف اتحاد جدة، على ملعبه “المملكة أرينا”، في إطار مواجهات ذهاب دور الـ 8 (دور ربع النهائي) للبطولة الآسيوية.

وسجل هدف الهلال الأول الصربي ألكساندر ميتروفيتش، في الدقيقة 40 من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة عن طريق ركلة جزاء نفذها بنجاح. هدف الهلال الأول أمام الاتحاد في دوري أبطال آسيا.. ميتروفيتش

وأضاف سالم الدوسري الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 42، بعد انطلاقة هلالية سريعة مستغلًا تقدم دفاع الاتحاد، وعرضية أرضية للقادم من الخلف الدوسري. هدف الهلال الثاني أمام الاتحاد في دوري أبطال آسيا.. سالم الدوسري

طالع | تقارير سعودية: الهلال يحسم مصير نيمار

وكان الاتحاد قد تأهل إلى دور الـ 8 بعد الفوز على نافباخور الأوزبكي في دور الـ16 بمجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب 2-1.

بينما فريق الهلال تخطي عقبة سباهان أصفهان الإيراني، بالفوز عليه 6-2 بمجموع مواجهتي الذهاب والإياب بدور ثمن النهائي.

يسعى البرتغالي فيتور بيريرا، رئيس لجنة الحكام الحالي لتطوير منظومة التحكيم في مصر لكنه يركزه في نفس الوقت في الرد على أي انتقادات يتعرض لها بالأدلة.

وعلم “بطولات” أن بيريرا كان يوثق تدريبات الحكام في الاختبارات البدنية بـ”كاميرا هاتفه” حتى يكون مستعدًا لأن يرد على من يشكك في نتائج الاختبارات.

وقام بيريرا رئيس لجنة الحكام الحالي بتصوير نتائج الاختبارات منعًا للتلاعب، بالإضافة لتصوير اختبارات الحكام من على أرض الواقع.

وكان بيريرا تقدم بطلب رسمي إلى اتحاد الكرة لصرف بدل للحكام عن مشاركتهم في الاختبارات البدنية التي أجراها، ووافق الاتحاد على طلبه، ومن المنتظر أن يتم صرف بدل للحكام خلال الأيام القليلة المقبلة.

طالع أيضًا | بمباركة اتحاد الكرة.. تحالف بين الحكام الدوليين للتخلص من بيريرا

ويهدف تدخل بيريرا إلى تحسين ظروف عمل الحكام وتحفيزهم على بذل المزيد من الجهد خلال المباريات، وهذا الأمر يعكس تقديره لجهود الحكام ورغبته في مساعدتهم على أداء وظائفهم بشكل أفضل.

Tottenham Hotspur have “asked to be informed” on the situation of PSV Eindhoven forward Xavi Simons as Spurs eye a move, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has many plates spinning at N17 as the official arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou is imminent, with the Austrailian set to start work on July 1.

Despite this, it has been reported that Postecoglou has already held transfer strategy meetings with Levy, where they have discussed potential targets for the summer window.

Of these possible signings, it is believed that Tottenham are chasing a new goalkeeper to succeed Hugo Lloris, with the north Londoners apparently close to signing Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

Meanwhile, the capture of a new centre-back or two is seen as a top priority, and there are reports of Tottenham advancing in talks to re-sign Clement Lenglet on a permanent deal from Barcelona.

However, as Spurs hold a serious interest in Leicester City star James Maddison, supporters could well expect a few additions in more attacking areas of the pitch.

Lucas Moura will leave the club and Arnaut Danjuma has returned to parent club Villarreal, meaning the Lilywhites need more forwards.

As a result, alongside Maddison, reliable journalist Romano has shared news on Twitter of Spurs’ fondness for PSV forward Simons.

The 20-year-old has been in really good form in the Eredivisie, prompting Tottenham to make contact over a swoop for Simons.

Postecoglou’s side, like Man Utd, Arsenal, Brighton, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, have “asked to be informed” of his situation as Paris-Saint Germain still haven’t made moves in activating their cheap buy-back clause for Simons.

Who is Xavi Simons?

The Netherlands international has been pivotal for PSV, averaging more attempts at goal and successful take-ons per 90 than any member of their current squad (WhoScored).

Chipping with 19 Dutch top flight goals and eight assists last season, former Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart has also tipped him to be a worldbeater.

“When I look at his potential, I see that he can become the best soccer player in the world,” said van der Vaart.

“Believe me: In a few years we’ll all be saying: ‘It’s good to be able to have this kid in our national team.’”

Ten teams will run the gauntlet in Colombo, but only four will go on to the World Cup in England in June 2017

Shashank Kishore06-Feb-2017

It is an anomaly that the qualifying event for a World Cup in England is being played in Sri Lanka, but that, perhaps, will be the last thing on the minds of the 10 teams fighting to be a part of the biggest event in women’s cricket.In principle, identifying four more contenders to join Australia, England, New Zealand and West Indies for the World Cup in June spells expansion and indicates the drive off the ICC to promote the women’s game. But, there is a serious gulf in the quality of the teams in the Qualifier.Thailand, for example, will be playing their first 50-over game ever on February 8 – and it will be against India, the tournament favourites. Some recent match practice might have helped even the scales, but Thailand, in the last one year, have only played five T20s. The threat posed by Zimbabwe, Papua New Guinea and Scotland seems similarly underwhelming. Expecting a level-playing field in the competition – where three teams from two groups of five will progress to the Super Six stage – would be far-fetched.The Qualifier may well become an opportunity for the bigger sides – India, South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – to get more game time and fine-tune their combinations in preparation for the World Cup. Bangladesh and Ireland, who have been in the fringes of women’s cricket showed sparks of their ability at the World T20 in India last year, would be keen to play the role of a banana skin.The four teams who progress to England will also be a part of the next ICC Women’s Championship table. Considering most of the top-eight nations play a minimum of five ODIs in a series, with three of them counting towards the championship, the new entrants could potentially stand to play a lot more than the 21 games they were guaranteed over a three-year window from 2018 to 2020.Here is a look at all the teams in Qualifier, which begins on February 7, their key players and their chances of making the World Cup.IndiaMithali Raj leads a strong side full of options•International Cricket Council

They are still hurting from a first-round exit in the 2013 World Cup and an inability to make the semi-final of the World T20 in 2016. Mithali Raj and co. could have earned direct entry for the coming World Cup had they beaten Pakistan in a series, but that was a non-starter because of political tensions. India are looking at this tournament as an opportunity to prepare back-ups for the injured opener Smriti Mandhana and their bowling spearhead Jhulan Goswami.Recent form: Won the Asia Cup T20 by beating Pakistan in the final in Bangkok in December with Raj making an unbeaten half-century in the chase. Prior to that, they beat West Indies in the three-match ODI series at home, but lost the T20Is.Chances of making it: A largely spin-based attack will thrive on Sri Lankan pitches. Add a much-improved batting unit, and they have every chance of making the final.South AfricaLegspinner Sune Luus was the highest ODI wicket-taker in 2016•Getty Images/ICC

At the World Cup in 2013, they were the rank outsiders who made it past the group stages. At the World T20 that followed, they made their first-ever semi-final. Those performances earned them a Test, a direct sign of improvement in women’s cricket, later that year. Having failed to make the semi-finals of the World T20 in 2016, the team has had a change of guard with Dane van Niekerk, who made her debut as a 15-year old, taking over the captaincy across formats from Mignon du Preez. If their warm-up performance, where they shot out a strong Indian batting line-up for 155, is anything go by, they will be more than a handful.Recent form: They gained valuable match-time in subcontinent conditions beating Bangladesh 4-1 last month. In October, they registered their first-ever ODI win over New Zealand, but eventually lost the series 5-2.Chances of making it: Their sheer athleticism in the field, and a largely improved bowling attack that has had vital contributions from spinners recently – Sune Luus finished as the top ODI wicket-taker last year, with 37 in 22 matches at an average of 20.40 – make them a definite threat in conditions that may not be too alien, after all.PakistanPakistan nearly made it to the semi-final of the World T20 last year•IDI/Getty Images

In 2011, the PCB managed to do what even bigger boards like Australia and England did much later: 19 top cricketers were awarded central contracts following their Asian Games gold-medal performance in Guangzhou. At the World T20 last year, improvements surfaced when they came within touching distance of a semi-final. At the World Cup in 2013, they were merely looking at “gaining experience.” Now, they want a lot more.Recent form: They beat Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Thailand en route to the Asia Cup final, which they lost to India. Prior to that, they were whitewashed 5-0 in the ODIs in New Zealand. The improvements from their point of view: they topped 220 in two matches, and then ran the hosts close in the only T20I on tour.Chances of making it: Their opening game against South Africa on February 7 could likely determine the group toppers. Should make it into the Super Six stage, but have to be vary of Bangladesh, who recently beat South Africa to register their first ODI win over a Full Member.Sri LankaSri Lanka depent on Chamari Atapattu for most of their batting firepower•IDI/Getty Images

They need to look no further than their 2013 World Cup exploits in India, where they ousted the hosts and beat England to qualify for the second round. Familiarity of conditions will be an advantage, but their batting has regressed. Lack of power hitters and fitness that was rated by their own coach Hemantha Devapriya as “not up to standard” makes them vulnerable to meltdowns.They are over-reliant on Chamari Atapattu, the only Sri Lankan to score two ODI centuries in women’s cricket. Absence of a proper domestic structure has resulted in them having to learn on the job in international cricket.Recent form: Sri Lanka made totals of 168, 173 and 161 in the first three ODIs against England. Against Australia, they passed 150 just once in four ODIs. They lost both series. The defeat to Bangladesh in the Asia Cup T20 further exposed how much ground they have lost.Chances of making it: The lack of wins recently makes it a question of form v confidence. They could face stiff competition from Ireland for the second spot in the group stages.The other contendersIreland, semi-professionals fighting for recognition, will bring into the tournament their experience from the World T20 in India last year. With money being pumped into their development activities and teams visiting their shores ahead of tours of England, players are finally getting good exposure. That some of them have earned contracts with Women’s Big Bash League frachises through ICC’s Associate Rookie Programme – Kim Garth, who featured for Sydney Sixers in the final two weeks ago – is an indication of how far the sport has come.As things stand, Ireland are the best-placed among the sides that don’t yet have international status to make the World Cup. Bangladesh may also be in the hunt for a Super-Six berth, but for Zimbabwe, Thailand, Papua New Guinea and Scotland, this will be an opportunity to understand where they stand on the global stage and what they need to do to bridge the gap.

حقق فريق برشلونة فوزًا ضد نظيره أتلتيكو مدريد، مساء يوم الأحد، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

وفاز برشلونة على كتيبة دييجو سيميوني بثلاثة أهداف دون رد، في ختام منافسات الجولة التاسعة والعشرين من الليجا (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

وكُشف عقب اللقاء عن هوية رجل المباراة حيث فاز بالجائزة نجم برشلونة، روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، بعد تألقه في مباراة الأمس.

وقدم البولندي أداءً رائعًا في المباراة حيث سجل الهدف الثاني، وصنع الأول لـ جواو فيليكس والثالث لـ فيرمين لوبيز.

وارتفع رصيد برشلونة بعد ذلك الفوز إلى 64 نقطة، بفارق 8 نقاط عن ريال مدريد صاحب المركز الأول.

Liverpool are a club that boasts one of the richest histories in the English game, however, had only briefly returned to the pinnacle before they were dragged back down.

Fans had to wait 30 painstaking years before a Premier League title came to Anfield, with FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League victories having supplemented Jurgen Klopp’s success.

The hope is that, following a year of rebuilding and steady progression, this summer could mark the catalyst to once again pit them against the imperious treble-winning Manchester City.

If anyone can topple them, it is surely the Reds, who remain in a prime spot despite their tough recent campaign. After all, they are the only side other than Pep Guardiola's to boast a league title since 2017, having pushed them further than any other team.

Having already secured the acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister, the German tactician will be well aware that this is not enough to return them to the top alone.

Fortunately for fans, further reports have emerged this month continuing to link them with a swoop for Gabri Veiga.

Despite his €40m (£34m) price tag, he could actually pose another coup, especially given how his early-career form mirrors that of a true Anfield legend.

Could Gabri Veiga emulate any Liverpool legends?

Whilst one journalist, simply titled Rimedi, referred to the Spaniard as a “baby Kaka”, it is instead Steven Gerrard that it could be argued the 21-year-old truly imitates.

After all, in his prime, the Scouse general was actually an attacking midfielder, full of energy, passion, aggression and, above all, immense quality.

Viega seems like he is in possession of all of these attributes, having enjoyed a standout year for Celta Vigo in his homeland.

As a childhood fan of the club he stars for, the youngster’s tally of 11 goals and four assists in La Liga from midfield is a startling figure. When compared to other midfielders across Europe, he also ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

For comparison, although it was under the pragmatic stylings of Gérard Houllier, the former Aston Villa manager could only muster 15 goal contributions of his own across all competitions at the same age, 21. However, in his true prime he was a real offensive threat, even notching 38 goal contributions across just one year in the 2005/06 campaign.

Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig sought to outline the other qualities that have helped make Veiga shine, noting his strengths as: “pace, passing, technique, shooting, off-the-ball movement, bravery, work rate”.

These are all attributes that saw Gerrard earn such success early in his glistening career, in which Jamie O’Hara has told talkSPORT (via Anfield Watch) that he was “the best midfielder the Premier League has ever seen.”

Although Veiga is unlikely to reach those levels that very few ever have, his emergence as a similar type of bustling goal-scoring midfielder could help rebuild Klopp’s dynasty, to once again make them challengers for the elite competitions.