Coach Sammy doesn’t want to “let the pitch play on our minds” while his Bangladesh counterpart felt it looked like a “normal Mirpur wicket”

Mohammad Isam17-Oct-2025Going by the reactions of both Phil Simmons and Darren Sammy, how exactly will the pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium play?The Bangladesh and West Indies coaches wore curious smiles when they were asked about the pitch ahead of the first ODI. West Indies coach Sammy said he had “never seen anything like it before,” while his Bangladesh counterpart called it a “normal Mirpur wicket.”A sneak peek of the pitch, captured by one journalist, revealed a black surface – typical for this venue. Sammy said the West Indies players would have to assess the conditions before deciding on how they are going to approach batting here.Related

Bangladesh, West Indies prepare to do battle with puzzles to solve

“I’m not sure if we can replicate it; we’ve never seen anything like that before,” Sammy said. “I don’t know how to describe it. However, we will not let the pitch play on our minds. Wherever we go, the mantra remains the same: you still have to assess the conditions that you are faced with. And then once you’ve assessed it, you’ve got to decide what skill set is required to be successful, and then you back yourself in your delivery. And that’s where you add something to your game: ADD (Assess, Decide, Deliver).”Simmons suggested the pitch would bring some turn into the contest. “It looks like a normal Mirpur wicket,” he said. “So, it usually has some sort of turn in it, which is good.”Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons felt the lack of form of the top order had forced Mehidy Hasan Miraz to curb his attacking style•Randy BrooksWest Indies have brought a group of young batters into the ODI setup for this tour of Bangladesh. Only captain Shai Hope and Roston Chase have played in these conditions previously. Hope said he was sharing his knowledge with the rest of the group.”I am trying to share as much experience as I can,” Hope said. “When you play in foreign conditions, it’s very important as an experienced player or as a senior player in the team to share all the knowledge that you possibly can. In this situation, we all have a desire to do well for the West Indies, and it’s very important as a cricketer, especially as a batter, to come into these conditions and perform well.”So all the little learning that I would have gained from my previous trip – it’s about having those conversations with the remaining batters and trying to get the best out of each and every one of us.”At least West Indies have played in India recently. The home side, on the other hand, have a lot to worry about, especially with their batting line-up. There are only one or two automatic picks, as the likes of Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, and Jaker Ali have all struggled for form recently. The promising opener Tanzid Hasan even lost his place in the ODI side during the series against Afghanistan last week.Because of the lack of form of the top order, Bangladesh coach Simmons felt captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz has had to curb his strokeplay to ensure wickets are conserved. “Because of the start we’ve had, that’s the way he’s had to play – especially the one with him and Towhid Hridoy in that partnership [in the first ODI against Afghanistan].” he said. “He had to build it back. And that’s been the pace that we have to look at. In that situation, he had to play like that, but I’m sure in a different situation, he will play accordingly.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Mais de R$ 220 milhões em reforços entre os anos de 2023 e 2024. Sem técnico. Sem patrocínio máster. Sem Diretor Comercial. Promessas de grandes melhorias no CT Moacyr Barbosa. Três pontos de 12 disputados no Brasileirão. Este é o panorama atual do Vasco.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoNarrador da Globo viraliza ao falar da torcida do Vasco: ‘Aplaude o momento histórico que vivemos’Fora de Campo27/04/2024Fora de CampoJornalistas e influenciadores detonam Vasco após derrota: ‘Ridículo, péssimo’Fora de Campo27/04/2024Fora de CampoJornalista dá forte declaração após goleada do Criciúma em cima do Vasco e detona equipe: ‘Desprezível’Fora de Campo27/04/2024

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

Panorama fora de campo que se reflete nas quatro linhas e sugere ao torcedor, o maior patrimônio do Vasco, que o clube terá mais um ano de sofrimento. São muitos “sem” para uma gestão, que aparentemente, não aprendeu com os erros de um passado recente. 2023 foi logo ali.

O Vasco vai para o quarto técnico no comando e para o terceiro diretor executivo de futebol. Antes de Ramón Díaz, Jorginho e Barbieri foram os treinadores. Como dirigentes cruz-maltinos, Paulo Bracks e Alexandre Mattos antecederam Pedro Martins, que tem o acerto encaminhado.

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Quais são os reforços da “Era SAF”, dentro dos mais de R$ 220 milhões gastos, que são unanimidade? Apenas Léo Jardim, Lucas Piton, Paulinho e Vegetti.

Há responsáveis no Rio de Janeiro, sim. No entanto, os maiores culpados estão nos Estados Unidos. Por que a 777 Partners e a 777 Football Group não se manifestam? Porque os donos da SAF não se comunicam com o torcedor? Qual o protejo esportivo do grupo? São essas e tantas outras perguntas que os vascaínos se fazem e estão sem respostas até então.

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Quem vê se questiona se foi para isso que o Vasco se tornou SAF, que de fato foi uma solução financeira para o clube. Porém, não é o dinheiro que entra em campo.

Grande parte dos que cobram não estão torcendo contra, muito menos estão sorrindo com o caos. Na verdade, só querem parar de ver o Vasco agonizando por mais alguns anos.

Tudo sobre

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One of Vitor Matos’ first transfer targets at Swansea City has now confirmed that he’s received contact from the Jacks ahead of a potential January move.

Vitor Matos instantly pinpoints "clear" Swansea problem

It wasn’t the start that Matos had been dreaming of on Tuesday evening, as Derby County battled to defeat a struggling Swansea, who now sit just two points clear of the Championship’s dropzone.

The former Liverpool coach would have been well aware that it’s not a quick fix in Wales, however, and has already pinpointed one “clear” issue that the Jacks had against Derby.

It’s clear that the young manager learned a thing or two from Jurgen Klopp during his time at Anfield, given his counter-pressing approach, but whether he can instill that approach into his side by this weekend remains to be seen.

Swansea square off against West Bromwich Albion knowing that defeat could leave them in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend.

It’s a squad in desperate need of reinforcements and Matos can’t afford any passengers in his pressing system – making the January window crucial.

It’s then that the new manager could welcome his first signing in Wales after Finland’s Leo Walta revealed contact from Swansea ahead of the winter window.

Leo Walta "ready" for big move after Swansea contact

Following initial reports that Kim Hellberg wanted to bring him to Wales before the manager chose Middlesbrough in controversial fashion, Swansea have kept their interest in Walta alive.

The Sirius midfielder could yet become Matos’ first signing after revealing that he’s already had contact from Swansea. Speaking to reporters, the 22-year-old said: “Yes. Yes, I have heard (from them). That they like me as a player and are interested.

“It’s quite early, we’re still in November. I’m going through different options, and we also have to talk to Sirius about the winter. I’m ready for a good league and to take a place straight away. I am a pretty good player, in my opinion, and I want to take a big step and see how far I can go.”

Instant blow for Matos as "one of Swansea City's key players" could now leave

An immediate concern for the managerial target.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 19, 2025

Still just 22 years old, Walta is undoubtedly one to watch, especially amid Swansea’s interest. The midfielder scored 17 goals and provided three assists in Sweden last season and could quickly become an impressive signing in Wales.

Already a Finland international, Walta is certainly ready to take the next step in his club career. Whether that results in a first signing for Matos remains to be seen, however.

Early blow for Matos: "Top clubs" now moving to sign Swansea's best young star

يستعد فريق ليفربول، بقيادة المدرب آرني سلوت، لخوض مباراة جديدة في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز يوم الأحد، وذلك ضد نظيره فريق وست هام.

ويستضيف ملعب “لندن الأولمبي” مباراة فريقي ليفربول ووست هام، في إطار منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي، موسم 2025/26.

وتنطلق المباراة التي ستجمع بين ليفربول ووست هام في تمام الساعة 2:05 ظهرًا بتوقيت إنجلترا، 4:05 بتوقيت القاهرة و5:05 بتوقيت السعودية.

وكشفت شبكة “thisisanfield” الإنجليزية السبب وراء الموعد الغريب لمباراة ليفربول ووست هام وعدم إنطلاقها على رأس الساعة المذكورة.

اقرأ أيضًا.. محمد صلاح يسعى للتفوق على نفسه في مباراة ليفربول ووست هام

وأوضحت أن كثيرين لاحظوا ذلك التغيير الطفيف في موعد إنطلاق المباراة، الذي بلغ 5 دقائق، ويعود ذلك أساسًا لأسباب البث، بما في ذلك بث مباريات الأحد عبر قناتي TNT Sports وSky Sports.

ويستضيف كريستال بالاس مانشستر يونايتد الساعة 12 ظهرًا بتويت إنجلترا، مباشرة على قناة TNT Sports في المملكة المتحدة، وفي أفضل الأحوال تنتهي المباراة حوالي الساعة 1:45 ظهرًا بتوقيت إنجلترا، وهو وقت كاف للجماهير لتغيير القناة إلى أخرى.

وفي حال تأخر انطلاق المباراة عن وقتها المعتاد، فإن الفاصل الزمني بخمس دقائق يهدف إلى إتاحة فترة إضافية للإعلانات أو التحضيرات قبل المباراة لمن ينتقلون إلى تغطية سكاي سبورتس.

كما تعرض سكاي مباراة أستون فيلا ضد وولفرهامبتون ونوتينجهام فورست ضد برايتون مباشرة الساعة 2:05 ظهرًا بتوقيت إنجلترا، إلى جانب تغطيتها لرحلة ليفربول إلى وست هام.

وشددت على أن هذا التعديل الطفيف على الجدول لزيادة نسبة المشاهدة في مباريات متعددة، وليس لشيء آخر.

Mic’d Up: The former USMNT midfielder breaks down the team’s revival, Pochettino’s culture reset and what he expects from next summer’s World Cup.

There was a point earlier this year when just about everyone had questions about the U.S. men’s national team – and those questions came from a very real sense of anxiety. One year out from the World Cup, the USMNT simply didn’t look ready. After an embarrassing CONCACAF Nations League defeat, a new-look squad walked into the Gold Cup amid debates about passion, desire and team culture. 

Dax McCarty was among those asking the same questions. A former USMNT midfielder, McCarty didn’t reach that level because of elite athleticism or technical gifts; he earned it through heart and intelligence. That’s not a slight – it’s the truth. His 13 caps and nearly 18-year MLS career were built on being sharper and more determined than almost everyone around him. And in recent years, he’d watched a U.S. team that seemed to be losing those qualities. 

That’s no longer the case, from his point of view. A string of big results in the fall reinforced that those foundations are back. The U.S. are a team that fights again, and McCarty couldn't be happier to see it. 

"I feel a sense of pride watching this team again, which is something that's really exciting heading into, for me, the biggest sporting event in the history of the sport coming up with the 2026 World Cup," the Apple TV analyst told GOAL. "You just wanted to watch a team that cared, a team that was going to put it all on the line for the red, white and blue and for that jersey. I don't think this is to say that players that represent our country in our national team didn't care before; I think it's just to say that we didn't see that manifest itself on the field all the time, right?" 

You can count McCarty among the believers now. After seeing the U.S. take down multiple World Cup-bound teams, the longtime midfielder believes that this team is now ready for the gauntlet set to come their way next summer. The questions no longer focus on the team’s flaws; they focus on how far this team can go now that this group has put some of those flaws behind them. 

McCarty talks about that evolution and his hopes for the USMNT in the latest edition of Mic'd Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL taps into the perspective of analysts, announcers and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.

GettyON THE USMNT'S GROWTH

GOAL: When we spoke in the summer, it was during the Gold Cup at a time when the USMNT was being criticized. The focus was on passion and effort and, in the months since, that has all changed. The team is winning, but the team is also looking more like what you and many other former players wanted to see: one that fights for everything they get. What has it been like watching that evolution from where this team was this summer to where it is now?

MCCARTY: I think it's easy to take things for granted when maybe the expectation is that certain players are always going to be playing. So that's the thing I can say about Mauricio Pochettino that I've appreciated the most about him, other than the tactics: it's the fact that he has completely reset the culture of the U.S. men's national team. I think [previous manager] Gregg Berhalter did a lot of really good things. You have to give Gregg credit for really galvanizing the team, pushing forward young players that really came into their own and turned into leaders, and really giving them license to make the team theirs. But with that, I think it crept in with a little bit of complacency – that there's this expectation that the same players were going to play all the time. 

Pochettino has completely squashed that, and that is where I think the biggest difference is with the national team right now. You're never quite sure who is going to be in the starting XI because we've seen that Pochettino is not scared to switch up his lineups. I think it has created a real sense of competition and a real sense of pride in all of these players to say, if I'm not starting this game, I might have a chance the next game, and I have to play at my absolute maximum. I have to play at my absolute best if I want to impress him and if I want to stay involved in this team. 

I love the trust that Pochettino has placed in different players. I love the fact that he is trusting young players. Now, we are playing friendlies, quote-unquote, but Pochettino has said that we don't treat them as friendlies; we treat them as finals. We treat them as games that are going to be highly important for us. So the last couple of months have been fun to watch the evolution of this national team. From losing to Mexico and then getting dominated by South Korea — those back-to-back losses were, I think, a real tipping point for Pochettino to make some changes, both formationally and structurally, and he's ended up getting the best out of this group right now. I think every player realizes that every single training session matters, every single game that they play with their club matters, and that is how you're going to get the best out of this group. Pochettino deserves a lot of credit for doing that.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesON THE WORLD CUP DRAW

GOAL: There are two lines of thought when it comes to group stages. Some will want an easy group, one that gives the U.S. a chance to build through the tournament and get a good spot in the knockouts. Others, though, will want a harder one because it will prepare the team for the road ahead while also creating the type of game-changing moments that this tournament needs to provide for American soccer fans. Where do you fall in that? What do you want this team's group to look like?

MCCARTY: I don't really think it matters, if I'm being honest. I think you want to have a group that will be challenging enough to test the team before the knockout stage, but also not too challenging to the point where you risk not advancing. That's kind of the rub, right? I don't think the USMNT is going to see a group that is going to be a 'group of death.'

Obviously, being a host country, you're in Pot 1, so you avoid all of the best teams in the competition, and that is a positive. But you also know that some of these teams that are going to be in Pot 4 that qualify through the playoffs from Europe – they're going to provide you with good tests. Because of how hard it is to qualify from places like Europe or South America, you have to expect, if you get one of those teams in Pot 4, that that'll make things challenging and that'll make things interesting.

I want the U.S. to have a balanced group. I want them to have a team that will be seen as on their level and can give them a real test in the group stage, but I also want them to play against teams where they can be on the front foot. They can really get this country behind them. Maybe if they score a couple of goals, they can really galvanize the nation to say, 'Okay, the USMNT is playing well, they're scoring goals, they have confidence,' and we can really get behind them to make a deep run in this tournament.

GettyON HIS EXPECTATIONS

GOAL: You look at this last year, and it's been a rollercoaster, right? Lots of highs and lows. There have been times where the public was willing to write this team off and, now that they're winning, the public is excited about how far this team can go. For you, has the expectation change? What do you really believe this team can do?

MCCARTY: My expectation hasn't changed at all, and I say that knowing how poor the U.S. was playing three or four months ago. I was always under the impression that form is temporary and there are going to be growing pains throughout this whole process. Now, it was frustrating for me. I remember thinking after some of these losses, if Pochettino has a plan, I'm unable to see that right now. 

I think Pochettino's whole point was that it's okay if you don't see it from the outside, but I promise you, you need to just trust the process and the plan. I was skeptical, but my expectations really haven't changed, because even when the U.S. wasn't playing well, I know that with their most talented players fit and healthy, they are going to be a challenge for any team in the world. Really, I genuinely believe that – but it's just a matter of what kind of form this team is in. 

My expectations four months ago were that the U.S. was going to get out of their group and win a knockout-round game, and then from there, see how it goes. Now, my expectations are exactly the same. I expect them to get out of their group. I expect them to win a knockout game, and then, from there, once you get to the Round of 16, you see based on the matchups. Is it going to be a different expectation if they're playing against a more middle-tier European team than if they're playing against Argentina? … I would love to see the U.S. make a deep run. I don't think a semifinal or quarterfinal run is outside the realm of possibility. 

I love the fact that Pochettino has said, 'Look, our goal is to win the World Cup.' Why else would we play in the tournament? He should be saying that, and the players should be saying that. … It's about the margins and it's about your best players, and it's about the superstars being able to put the team in a position to win the game. From there, anything can happen. I'm not bold enough to say that I am confident the U.S. can win the World Cup, but I am confident enough to say that they should get out of the group — and they should win a knockout-round game or two.

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GOALPREVIOUS EDITIONS OF MIC'D UP

Nov. 15: Kacey White: ESPN analyst and NWSL legend on the hectic college soccer season, why UNC may struggle to repeat, and who could win

Nov. 14: Taylor Twellman: Apple TV analyst breaks down MLS schedule change, Son Heung-Min’s rise with LAFC, playoff upsets, and Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez dilemma

Nov. 4 – Geoff Shreeves: CBS Sports Golazo analyst on Arsenal's depth, Liverpool's struggles and Wrexham's Championship reality check

Oct. 29 – Kaylyn Kyle: Apple TV analyst on Thomas Muller and 'amazing' Vancouver Whitecaps, reborn Inter Miami, and Canada's 2026 World Cup ambitions

Oct. 24 – Steve McManaman: ESPN analyst on Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid, El Clasico, and why 'excellent' Jude Bellingham must be in England squad

Oct. 20 – Alexi Lalas: FOX analyst praises Mauricio Pochettino for adding bite to USMNT, but says 'jury's still out' on World Cup success

Oct. 17 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst backs December Barcelona-Villarreal match in Miami, but warns 'if you allow La Liga, you're allowing everybody'

Oct. 16 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst unconvinced by USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino, but calls recent results 'his most impressive window'

Oct. 2 – Clive Tyldesley:CBS analyst on Americans in the Champions League, 'big year' for USMNT at the World Cup and protecting young footballers

Sept. 30 – David Villa: Spain legend and DAZN analyst on Barcelona's Champions League hopes, 'amazing' Lamine Yamal and 'great opportunity' for U.S. to host World Cup

Sept. 17 – Stu Holden: FOX analyst on Gio Reyna's revival, Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan future and how Mauricio Pochettino can form 'U.S. team that makes us excited'

Sept. 11 – Maurice Edu: Apple TV analyst grades Mauricio Pochettino's first year as USMNT boss, wonders where Weston McKennie has been?

Sept. 9 – Sacha Kljestan: Apple TV analyst urges USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino to stick with core group, weighs in on MLS and Inter Miami's Luis Suarez

Aug. 28 – Keith Costigan: Apple TV analyst on Arsenal's need for a trophy, why 'writing off Liverpool is absolutely silly' and how Club World Cup can spark MLS growth

Aug. 21 – Marcelo Balboa: Apple TV analyst calls out fellow former USMNT players for vitriol toward Christian Pulisic, hails impact of Son Heung-Min in MLS

Aug. 15 – Nedum Onuoha: ESPN analyst on why Antonee Robinson is 'as good as any' defender in Premier League, concerns over Alexander Isak, expected Man City rebound

Aug. 6 – Kasey Keller: ESPN analyst calls out Mauricio Pochettino's underwhelming record with USMNT, hails Matt Turner's 'brilliant' return to MLS

July 31 – Andres and Nico Cantor: Father-son analysts on Mauricio Pochettino's chief challenge with USMNT, and Inter Miami's Leo Messi 'completing football

July 29 – Dax McCarty: Apple TV's Dax McCarty on why MLS was right to suspend Lionel Messi, the new Leagues Cup format, and why Club America is favorite

July 25 – Derek Rae: ESPN commentator on Gio Reyna's flawed fit at Dortmund, why 'nobody knows' how good 22-year-old USMNT midfielder can be

July 7 – Callum Williams: Apple TV, world soccer commentator on the impact of Brazilian teams at the Club World Cup

June 27 – Kyle Martino: TNT analyst on USMNT goalscoring void, the state of the program and the return of Showdown to NYC

June 23 – Dax McCarty: Apple TV analyst on the opportunity, pressure facing Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT ahead of World Cup

June 19 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst on why he's bullish about Club World Cup, memories of playing in CWC, how 2026 World Cup could be 'biggest sporting event ever'

June 17 – Herculez Gomez:ESPN analyst on Christian Pulisic controversy, state of USMNT, fractures in fan base and his admiration for 'highly relatable' Diego Luna

June 11 – Diego Valeri: Apple TV+ analyst on Lionel Messi’s MLS impact, supporting rival Sounders at Club World Cup, and U.S. and Argentina ties

May 21 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV+ analyst on 'exciting' matchups in the Club World Cup, why a top European team will win, and how Inter Miami can benefit

May 13 – Kay Murray: ESPN FC analyst on Americans supporting Club World Cup, European teams vying for trophy, and whether an MLS team can make a run

May 9 – Luis Garcia: ESPN Analyst on Barcelona and 'fantastic' Lamine Yamal, why Real Madrid lack a philosophy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool

May 1 – Derek Rae: ESPN analyst on Harry Kane's trophy quest, Gio Reyna's Borussia Dortmund struggles, the meaning behind 'the smell of the stable'

April 28 – Christina Unkel: CBS Sports rules analyst on VAR challenges, 'visibility' in refereeing, former players becoming officials

April 25 – Alejandro Moreno: ESPN FC pundit on Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid disappointment, Carlo Ancelotti's final season, 'best in the world' Lamine Yamal

April 24 – Bradley Wright-Phillips: Apple TV analyst on the 'brilliance' of Lionel Messi, 'chippy' Inter Miami, and why Kevin De Bruyne's next team should be NYCFC

April 22 – Ali Krieger: ESPN analyst on Naomi Girma's Chelsea move, the 'amazing' Emma Hayes and why NWSL 'can't just dilute the league by expanding'

April 16 – Jamie Carragher: CBS analyst on Club World Cup and packed schedule, 'disappointing' Trent Alexander-Arnold, 'delightful' Mo Salah deal

April 14 – Kevin Egan: Apple TV+ host on the 2026 World Cup, 2025 Club World Cup and growth of game in America

April 11 – Kay Murray: ESPN FC host on Harry Kane and Bayern Munich's Bundesliga ambitions, 'undeniable talent' of Gio Reyna, and Ballon d'Or race without 'a standout contender'

April 8 – Kevin Egan: Apple TV analyst on possible Kevin De Bruyne link with Lionel Messi and MLS, Cavan Sullivan's 'swagger' and 'next-level' Wilfried Nancy

March 26 – Kasey Keller: 'Guys that would rather be on the beach' – ESPN's Kasey Keller knocks 'general malaise' of USMNT players, says Mauricio Pochettino must show 'he's 100 percent committed'

March 21 – Kaylyn Kyle: Apple TV studio analyst on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the 'chaotic' nature of MLS, why NWSL player exodus could 'hurt the league

March 13 – Micah Richards: CBS Sports analyst on Man City's future, why Real Madrid will win Champions League, and that bet with Jude Bellingham

March 11 – Antonella Gonzalez: Apple TV’s Antonella Gonzalez on interviewing Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, the rise of Latin American influence in MLS, and being a Hispanic woman in broadcasting

March 4 – Nico Cantor: CBS Analyst on 'world-class' Mauricio Pochettino, 'mixed' Champions League format, and why USL can compete with MLS

Feb 26 – Andrew Wiebe: Apple TV analyst Andrew Wiebe on San Jose Earthquakes' 'massive offseason', Kevin De Bruyne's potential MLS arrival, league’s growth

Feb. 20 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV's analyst on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 'laying an egg' in MLS playoffs, Cavan Sullivan, and why Cincinnati are a threat

Feb. 18 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV analyst on USMNT World Cup aspirations, Mauricio Pochettino, and team's signature wins – or lack thereof

Feb. 11 – Maurice Edu: Apple TV analyst on national team's potential, Cavan Sullivan's 'borderline arrogance' and 'global shop window' of MLS

Jan. 30 – Keith Costigan: Apple TV commentator on Mo Salah and Liverpool, the Olivier Giroud experiment at LAFC and more

Jan 28 – Nigel Reo-Coker: CBS Sports Golazo Network analyst on the new Champions League format, state of American soccer and Aston Villa

Jan 20 – Kate Scott: CBS Sports host on the American soccer psyche, USMNT's 'statement' hire in Mauricio Pochettino, 'enormous' 2026 World Cup and why Liverpool will win Champions League

Jan 13 – DaMarcus Beasley: USMNT legend on Lionel Messi's mindset, the 'good groove' for MLS and why Mauricio Pochettino is the 'right man for the job'

Jan. 9 – Callum Williams: Soccer analyst on Lionel Messi and 2025 Club World Cup, 'naivety towards' South American soccer, 'preposterous' that Jack Grealish has 'lost it'

Jan. 2 – Jenny Chiu: CBS reporter on 'big changes' by Emma Hayes, Mauricio Pochettino's 'pedigree' and possible UCL glory for Inter

Dec. 17 – Stu Holden: FOX Sports analyst on the evolution of the American game, why Christian Pulisic will be 'best U.S. Soccer player of all-time'

Dec. 12 – Brian Dunseth: Turner, Apple TV analyst on Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and USMNT's future under Mauricio Pochettino

Dec. 5 – Jalil Anibaba: Apple TV analyst on MLS Cup predictions, Inter Miami hiring Javier Mascherano and MLS's 'disheartening' coaching diversity issue

Nov. 21 – Andres Cantor: Telemundo legend on Mauricio Pochettino's Argentine mindset, the USMNT and having a front-row seat for the rise of the American game

Nov. 16 – Matt Doyle: Apple TV analyst assesses Inter Miami's defensive 'insanity,' whether Neymar could join Lionel Messi, MLS Cup favorite

Nov. 7 – Gary Neville: Veteran analyst talks USMNT World Cup hopes, 'hell of a player' Christian Pulisic, 'relentless' David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo to MLS

Oct. 31 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN FC analyst on Mauricio Pochettino's impact, the USMNT's 'wide-open' striker race, and a player pool 'that lacks accountability'

Oct. 29 – Rebecca Lowe: NBC host on the growth of soccer, the 'incredible' Emma Hayes and 'profile-raising' Mauricio Pochettino

Oct. 24 – Andrew Wiebe: Apple TV analyst on MLS playoffs, Lionel Messi's 'nuclear form' and how Inter Miami can become league's 'greatest team of all time

Oct. 17 – Jamie Carragher: Veteran analyst talks USMNT, slams Man City over legal case, questions Mauricio Pochettino despite 'great' hire

Rahul anchored the chase, ending up unbeaten on 58; India still at No. 3 on WTC points table

Sidharth Monga14-Oct-2025

India sealed the series 2-0 after an hour’s play•BCCI

It took India a little over an hour on the final day and a further loss of two wickets to knock off the 121-run target to seal the 2-0 series win against West Indies. The win took them to 61.9% points on the World Test Championship points table, still at No. 3.KL Rahul anchored the chase, ending up unbeaten on 58, taking his series tally to 192, only behind Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 219. Kuldeep Yadav was the leading wicket-taker with 12 strikes. This was also the first series win for captain Shubman Gill after drawing 2-2 in England.India began the day needing 58 runs to win after they had declared their first innings in only 4.5 sessions and then enforced the follow-on. They ended up bowling 200 overs on the trot and were set 121 to get.India lost B Sai Sudharsan and Gill on the final morning. Sudharsan, whose No. 3 position is not yet sealed, might leave the series with some doubt still. He scored 87 in the first innings, but got out playing a loose drive in the second, resulting in a stunning slip catch by Shai Hope.Gill looked in a hurry to end things, hit a six and a four in a Roston Chase over, and then ended up skying one.Rahul was more solid, and punctuated his effort with two sixes, one a straight loft against Khary Pierre and the other a slog-sweep off Jomel Warrican, who got him out in the first innings.This was India’s tenth straight win against West Indies. This was also India’s 122th Test win, going past South Africa to No. 3.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named Bihar’s vice-captain for the first two rounds of the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season that kicks off on October 15. The squad will be led by batter Sakibul Gani.The appointments came just two days prior to the start of the season after the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) had to make a late scramble to appoint a selector, on an ad hoc basis, to join a two-member panel following a BCCI order. The BCA has been directed to appoint a five-member selection panel at the earliest.Suryavanshi’s elevation came on the back of a rich run of form for India Under-19 on the tour of Australia, where he contributed fast starts up top. He smashed a 78-ball century in the first four-day match in Brisbane and finished as the second-highest run-scorer of the multi-day series, scoring 133 runs in three innings as India won 2-0.Related

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Prior to that, Suryavanshi was also among the runs in England, hitting 143, the fastest century in youth one-dayers, in Worcester this July. In five matches, he amassed 355 runs at a strike rate of 174.01, comfortably finishing as the highest run-getter of the series.Suryavanshi, 14, has played just five first-class games since debuting in January 2024 at 12 years and 284 days, but has aggregated just 100 runs in ten innings, with a best of 41. India Under-19 commitments have meant Suryavanshi is yet to have a straight run of games in India’s premier first-class competition.Earlier this year, Suryavanshi hit the headlines by becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20s when he hit 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in Jaipur in an IPL 2025 game.Having made history just a few months earlier for being the youngest to be picked in the IPL at 13, Suryavanshi featured in seven games in the 2025 edition, all as an opener. He made 252 runs at a strike rate of 206.55.Bihar endured an abysmal 2024-25 season, finishing with no wins. They managed a solitary point in seven games – losing six of those outright to be relegated. Bihar are part of the Plate league, and will open their campaign against Arunachal Pradesh in Patna, before taking on Manipur in Nadiad from October 25.Suryavanshi’s temperament and run-scoring ability have elicited calls for him to be a part of a more established first-class structure in India. There have been murmurs of a possible switch from Bihar. However, for now, the BCA is keen on doing all they can to retain Suryavanshi in a bid to return to the Elite league.Suryavanshi is unlikely to feature in the entire Ranji season as he’s also in the running for a berth in India’s squad for the Under-19 World Cup in early 2026.

Bihar Ranji Trophy 2025-26 squad

Piyush Kumar Singh, Bhashkar Dubey, Sakibul Gani (capt), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (vice-capt), Arnav Kishor, Ayush Loharuka, Bipin Saurabh, Amod Yadav, Nawaz Khan, Sakib Hussain, Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Sachin Kumar Singh, Himanshu Singh, Khalid Alam, Sachin Kumar

Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to honour the late Diogo Jota after sending his family and his Portuguese team-mates a special gift to commemorate their 2025 Nations League triumph. The Liverpool forward and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car crash in Spain in July, leaving the footballing community in mourning. And although Jota is gone, Ronaldo is helping to keep his memory very much alive.

• Footballing world rocked by Jota's death

  Liverpool forward Jota died at the age of 28 following the accident in the Spanish province of Zamora this summer, with the former Wolves man marrying his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom they had three children together, just 11 days prior to the crash. Less than a month before, Jota had been part of the Portuguese side that pipped Spain to the 2025 Nations League trophy after beating the European champions on penalties. As the tributes poured in to toast the memory of the Portugal international, Ronaldo admitted this was all so unfair. 

  He wrote on X at the time: "It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you had only just got married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you."

  Portugal, Liverpool, Wolves, and more have continued to pay tribute to Jota, who was a popular figure among his team-mates. Now, it appears the Al-Nassr striker has come up with a classy gesture of his own for Jota's family. 

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• Ronaldo honours Jota

  According to Portuguese outlet Sic Noticias, the 40-year-old has teamed up with luxury brand Jacob & Co to make personalised watches for his Portuguese team-mates, including Jota, to commemorate their Nations League triumph in Munich. The report adds that Ronaldo had these watches made and sent them to his compatriots before their World Cup qualifying game against Armenia. The ex-Real Madrid man also took the time to send one to Jota's family. 

  Journalist Nuno Luz said: "These are details that are done without advertising and that show the genuine way that Cristiano Ronaldo is. Often, people from outside have an image of him that does not correspond." 

  It is not known how much the watch costs but the report adds that it is likely to be worth several thousand euros each.

  On social media, Jacob & Co wrote of the design: "A skeleton dial, custom design and the Portuguese coat of arms — a watch as exceptional as the champions themselves."

• 'The world has been together'

  Jota's funeral took place at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Portugal just two days after his death. Following the service – which was attended by a host of Liverpool players and many close friends, family, and former team-mates – Portugal boss Roberto Martinez spoke to the media. The former Everton manager reflected on how this tragedy had brought the "world together".

  He said in an emotional speech: "I wanted to say it is a really, really sad day as you can imagine. But today was a day [that showed] we are a very, very large but close family. We are Portugal. We are together. The world has been together and their spirit will be with us forever. Thank you for all of your messages and support. Today we are one football family."

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  What comes next for Portugal?

  Months on from Jota's death, his Portugal side went on to top their World Cup qualifying group, ensuring their fairly serene passage to the 2026 World Cup in North America. Ronaldo's team will eagerly await what their World Cup warm-up fixtures will be and which sides they will face in their group as they seek to win this iconic competition for the first time. They may have extra motivation to come out on top following Jota's passing, in addition to the fact it is likely to be Ronaldo's last major tournament before his retirement.

Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner was rung up on strikes by Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty during the fifth inning of Sunday's game, and after expressing his dissatisfaction with the call from home plate umpire Derek Thomas, he was promptly ejected from the game.

Shortly thereafter, Cubs manager Craig Counsell got face to face with Thomas and was dealt a similar fate to that of Hoerner: an early trip to the locker room.

After the game, Hoerner spoke to reporters and addressed his frustration over the call and his ejection, laying out to the media exactly what he told Thomas after the called third strike.

"I don't think it's really that often you can verbatim say to the press afterwards what got you thrown out. I said, 'You're having a really bad day,'" Hoerner told reporters, via Marquee Sports Network.

The 28-year-old suggested he didn't make any obscene comments or anything of that nature after being called out on strikes. Hoerner claims to have given Thomas an honest assessment of his performance behind the plate, and in turn was tossed from the game.

Update: This video shows Hoerner was telling the truth about what he said:

Hoerner went 0-for-2 with a fly out and a strikeout prior to his ejection. He was replaced at second base by Vidal Brujan, and Chicago would go on to lose, 4–0.

Usually in baseball, the true blockbuster trades take place the All-Star Game. This can create awkward situations at the game itself—remember shortstop Manny Machado's 2018 exit from the Baltimore Orioles?—but rarely does it affect the balloting for the Midsummer Classic.

That's not the case this year. On Sunday, the Boston Red Sox traded designated hitter Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants for four players—in effect forcing him to change horses in mid-All-Star race.

As Tim Healey of pointed out Monday, Devers's nearly 800,000 All-Star votes will now transfer from the American League to National League. That puts him a distant second to baseball's most famous designated hitter—Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The new American League leader is Ryan O'Hearn of the Orioles, who is slashing .310/.391/.502 in a solid year for the league's most disappointing team.

Devers previously made All-Star appearances in 2021, 2022 and 2024. He is 1-for-2 lifetime with a double and a walk in the contest.