'Actions of a madman' – Man Utd flop Antony escapes red card for shock headbutt just days after being sent off for kicking opponent in face

Antony was back in the headlines again, for all the wrong reasons, as the Real Betis star headbutted FC Utrecht's Souffian El Karouani – but somehow escaped a red card. The former Manchester United winger was sent off just a few days ago after accidentally kicking a Girona player in the head from an attempted overhead kick. Now he has been branded a "madman" after luckily escaping another dismissal.

Antony sent off in La Liga

At the weekend, Antony was sent off when his high boot caught Girona's Joel Roca in the face. The former Ajax man made apologetic gestures to the home fans as he trudged off the pitch, before later taking to social media to double down on his contrition. 

He wrote: "Very sad about the red card. All I wanted was to help my team win. A completely unintentional move … sorry to all the fans that have always supported me."

Then, a couple of days after the incident, he admitted it had been "hard to sleep" off the back of his actions. 

The Brazil international added: "I had no intention. That's why we’re going to try to appeal. I won the ball. When I did the (overhead) there, I didn't see it, I was looking at the ball. It was the VAR decision, the referee knows that I had no intention. It was very hard to sleep. I stayed at home thinking all night, I slept very little."

Advertisement'This was deliberate'

On Thursday, however, Antony's luck was in as he escaped another sending off in Betis' 2-1 Europa League win over Utrecht. Despite appearing to headbutt El Karouani in the first half, the 25-year-old wasn't penalised by referee Nenad Minakovic, with not even a free-kick going the visitors' way. That incensed one Dutch pundit, with the analyst describing Antony's headbutt as "actions of a madman".

Former Ajax player Jan van Halst said on Ziggo Sport, via VI: "Unhappy? No, that's an unfortunate statement by the referee. This was deliberate. It is an action of a madman. How do you get it in your head? I've also kicked a ball once, had a duel like that. Then you don't think about making such a movement with your head, do you? Very strange."

'He was in a lot of pain'

Some of Van Halst's colleagues were equally as flabbergasted that Antony received no punishment for his actions. 

Utrecht manager Ron Jans said: "The VAR was not there today. Also with that cross to [Seb] Haller, he is completely held. You have to be lucky with moments like that and we haven't had that a few times. That Virgil van Dijk handball against Olympique Lyon, today two more moments that are ultimately decisive again.

"I think they could have just whistled for a penalty and a red card, and if he had been completely held down. And there was also a moment when they could have been down to 10 men in the first half. But yeah, that doesn't suit us in Europe. Moments like that can be decisive and then they make it 2-0 and you think, 'Oh dear'." 

And Utrecht defender Nick Viergever added: "But he was in a lot of pain for a reason. The referee said he had assessed it and that it was unfortunate. We also had maybe half a penalty moment with Seb [Haller], then it's not easy."

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Getty Images SportWhat comes next for Antony?

Antony, who finally ended his United nightmare earlier this year, had hoped to feature in Betis' clash with rivals Sevilla this weekend as his team appealed against his red card.

"Yes, of course. We have to try [and appeal]. I know how important this game is and I want to play it," said the Brazilian, who is trying to make his national team's World Cup squad next year.

However, Antony has been handed a one-match ban, so he won't be available for the trip to Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday. However, he could return on December 3 for their Copa del Rey clash away at Torrent.

Silk, Weatherald, Hope shine as Tasmania rally from rocky start

The man Jake Weatherald hopes to partner at the top of the Australian order did him a big favour on day one of the opening Sheffield Shield clash between Queensland and Tasmania.Test and Queensland opener Usman Khawaja dropped Weatherald at first slip off the bowling of Jack Wildermuth when he had made just four on Saturday at Allan Border Field.Weatherald took full advantage of his life, hitting two boundaries in the same over. The in-form Tasmania opener went on to make 67 from 99 balls to continue his relentless runscoring over the past 12 months.Related

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He partnered with captain Jordan Silk to rescue the visitors’ innings after Silk’s decision to bat first looked to be backfiring horribly.Reeling at 33 for 3, Tasmania steadied and were 299 for 6 at stumps. Silk led the way with 104, his 13 first-class century, and Bradley Hope made 76.Weatherald is coming into Ashes selection calculations thanks to his run of form. He was Shield’s leading runscorer season and made 183 in July for Australia A against Sri Lanka. But he said after Saturday’s play that he had heard “nothing” from national selectors.”It was a good – a bit of luck. You need that when you’re opening,” Weatherald said of his early life. “I was happy with how I moved after that – it was a rough little start.”You probably get a little bit of that, ‘I get an opportunity to kick on now, have that bad shot, that rash shot, out of the kitchen’. Sometimes you just miss it or snick it straight to slips and you get out, so it was good I kicked on from there. I felt really good.”He hit eight boundaries and had a crucial 80-run stand for the fourth wicket with his captain before Michael Neser took a sharp reflex return catch with one hand.Weatherald said he and Silk tried to put the pressure back on the Queensland attack in their stand.Silk went on to make his 104 from 170 balls and was filthy with himself when he was also out caught and bowled to Mitch Swepson. The spinner’s catch was much more straightforward thanks to a leading edge.Wildermuth was eventually rewarded when he trapped Hope lbw, ending his 171-ball knock.Jake Doran and Nikhil Chaudhary were the not out batters, while Neser (2-53 from 18 overs) was the only multiple wicket-taker.Tasmania suffered a blow when Australian all-rounder Beau Webster was ruled out of the game because of an minor ankle injury.

Better than Ange: Celtic reach out to hire "tactically unbeatable" manager

Never a dull moment at Celtic, is there? Earlier this week, Brendan Rodgers tendered his resignation and within hours, Martin O’Neill was back at a club where he enjoyed so much success.

“I’m only here for a few weeks”, he reiterated time and time again. We’ll have to see whether that’s the case.

An Old Firm on Sunday could change the mood but the Irishman’s second spell at Parkhead has already started triumphantly.

O’Neil jumping up and celebrating a goal at Paradise in 2025? Who’d have thought it? Not us, that’s for sure.

That said, even if he does enjoy an unbeaten second spell in Scotland, it’s unlikely he’ll be here for very long.

The latest on Celtic’s managerial hunt

Two primary names have been in the conversation to become the new Celtic manager; Ange Postecoglou and Kieran McKenna.

Sadly for the Hoops, they’ve been met with two roadblocks. Reports indicate that McKenna is keen to stay with Ipswich Town for the time being, while Postecoglou is keen to continue to test himself in the Premier League.

Ange enjoyed a great deal of success the last time he was in Glasgow and even if he did win the Europa League with Spurs, his time south of the border has been unconvincing.

Ange’s record at Celtic

Games

113

Wins

83

Draws

12

Defeats

18

Points per game

2.31

Goals

284

Goals conceded

108

Trophies won

5

Sacked by Tottenham Hotspur after finishing just outside the relegation places, he then endured a sticky winless period at Nottingham Forest that saw him given the boot after a matter of weeks in the hot seat.

Ange’s stock, therefore, has arguably never been lower.

So, who do Dermot Desmond and Co turn to next? Reports indicate it could be a manager in Belgium.

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According to Voetbal Nieuws, via Sport Witness, Celtic have made initial contact in a bid to hire Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen.

Hayen has emerged on the Bhoys’ radar in the last few days but now it’s thought talks have taken place, with Celtic set to offer what is described as a ‘huge’ salary to tempt him away from Brugge.

That said, it’s noted that a hefty compensation fee will be required in order to bring him to Scotland.

Hayen is rated highly and drew 1-1 with Celtic in last season’s Champions League.

What makes Hayen such a good manager

Celtic fans may dream of a Postecoglou return or for McKenna to come to Paradise, but in Hayen then would find an extraordinarily good young manager.

Aged 45, the coach is still very much in the infancy of his career but he’s begun turning heads in Brugge after an interesting rise up the ladder.

After being relegated with Waasland-Beveren in 2020/21, it was with Welsh part-timers Haverfordwest County where the Belgian rediscovered his mojo.

How that move came about was strange. He wasn’t just the manager but he was also the technical director.

While their marriage lasted less than a year, he left quite a mark on the Welsh side, largely due to his footballing philosophy.

In Wales’ top-flight, not many favoured an attractive and passing style of football in such a physical league but Hayen certainly made it work.

Before Brugge faced Manchester City last term, Haverfordwest’s owner, Rob Edwards, noted: “We just went into games expecting to win. We felt we were going to win every game, despite the position we were in. We broke our [records for] biggest away win and biggest home win in the same week. We became a really ruthless team that tried to play football in a different way to what the league is used to, playing out from the back, possession-based. Cymru Premier League is a very direct, physical league.”

Now at Brugge, he ironically replaced Ronny Delia in the hot seat and very quickly led the capital club to the Belgian top-flight title. Unlike Ange, whose struggles in England are well documented, Hayen is currently at the top of his game; his stock has never been higher. Postecoglou, on the other hand, well his reputation is on the floor.

In Hayen, Desmond would be hiring a forward-thinking manager, one who employs attacking and attractive football, someone who would suit Celtic’s principles. It may sound like Postecoglou but the 45-year-old has recent form on his side; Brugge sit second in the Belgian top-flight.

One analyst on social media has already described him as “tactically unbeatable” and a “man made for the elite level of football”.

His results don’t lie either. Last season, Club Brugge defeated Aston Villa and Sporting CP in the league phase of the Champions League. They drew with Juventus and then beat fellow Italian side, Atalanta, over two legs in the play-offs to reach the last 16 where they eventually came unstuck against Villa.

While Desmond’s initial ambitions will be built on winning the title, improving in Europe certainly wouldn’t go amiss. Hayen looks like he could improve Celtic in a whole host of areas.

Salah upgrade: Liverpool prepare British record bid to sign £131m magician

Where to begin? That sentence, perhaps, sums up the malaise at Liverpool this season, the catastrophic failure that has tainted not just the form of Arne Slot’s side but the culture and the club-fanbase connection too.

The overwhelming frustration that the supporters have felt since this abject run of results started is clearly shared by the players, with Mohamed Salah’s audacious outburst after Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United leading to an overspill that has threatened to engulf the club.

Slot is walking a tightrope, now, but the plain truth is that FSG are right to givew the head coach their overwhelming support. Backing a player, even Salah, over the boss is something the ownership simply cannot do, even with Slot pitted against a peerless hero, even against Salah.

This is a mess of a situation, so far removed from the culture and stability that has left rivals so envious over the past decade, Jurgen Klopp starting the fire.

Salah’s calculated gambit will prove the end for one of Liverpool’s leading parties, to be sure.

Liverpool already looking at big-money Salah replacement

Slot and Salah’s long-term futures at Anfield are now mutually exclusive, with the Egyptian King’s incendiary comments after being benched for three successive games confirming a breakdown in the relationship between the two.

The Premier League champions have been sent in a tailspin, and Salah’s divorce from Slot’s plans stands as a symbol of the staggering collapse.

But, whichever side of the fence you stand on, there’s no denying that Salah is 33 years old and has been well below expectations this season, just five goals and three assists to show for his campaign, 19 matches in.

That’s why Spanish sources suggest plans to sign Desire Doue from Paris Saint-Germain have been ramped up, with FSG ready to launch a British-record €150m (£131m) bid in 2026.

Doue, 20, was crowned the European Golden Boy after his incredible breakout campaign in Paris, now established as one of the most talented wide attackers in the world.

He is not as polished as Salah in his prime, but this would be the perfect signing to replace the £400k-per-week superstar on Merseyside, should push come to shove.

Why Doue would be a Salah upgrade

Doue is quite the talent, unique in his dynamic and versatile wing play. He is a talented technician, but he also wears his qualities with such personality and gusto, splitting defences open with fleet footwork and calculated passing.

He was hailed as a “magician” by talent scout Jacek Kulig after his “incredible performance” against Inter Milan in the Champions League final last year, a fine indication of his ability to showcase his skills on the grandest of stages.

Moreover, the France international is able to balance his output; not shy to shoot, he is a fierce playmaker, and this is why he could prove such a perfect upgrade on the ageing Salah.

Doue has yet to get going in Ligue 1 this season, but Sofascore data presents an average of 5.1 duels and 1.5 tackles in the league last year, underlaying a return of 16 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, and plenty of flashy dribbling besides.

Salah’s deterioration this season has been well documented, but he was in contention for the Ballon d’Or last year, and when looking at how he compares to Doue over the past year, you begin to see why this French up-and-comer is so highly touted.

Mo Salah vs Desire Doue (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Salah

Doue

Goals scored

0.52

0.55

Assists

0.30

0.35

Shots taken

3.07

2.90

Shot-creating actions

4.09

5.13

Touches (att pen)

8.72

6.27

Pass completion (%)

70.2

82.0

Progressive passes

4.06

6.19

Progressive carries

4.11

5.02

Successful take-ons

1.34

2.66

Ball recoveries

2.70

4.82

Tackles + interceptions

0.70

3.64

Data via FBref

Doue is a combative player, and the energy and mobility he would add to Liverpool’s right flank would help steer Anfield back into calmer waters, flowing toward the attacking successes and fluency of last year.

It is clear that some measure of change is needed, and while FSG will fight tooth and nail to retain Salah’s services for now, Doue would mark a significant upgrade, nailing down the right-sided wing for many years to come.

Salah is a one-of-a-kind sort of winger, and Liverpool would likely fall by the wayside if signing someone mimicking his style. Doue is his own player, and his creative emphasis would help service the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the centre.

In this way, he would prove an upgrade on a legend whose Liverpool career sadly seems to be winding down.

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Sheffield-born takeover candidate makes key contact in race to buy Sheffield Wednesday

One of Sheffield’s own is now in the running to buy Sheffield Wednesday, according to reports, after taking a key step ahead of the December 5 deadline.

Sheffield United merger rejected

The Owls have reportedly set a soft deadline of December 5 to find a new owner and narrow their search down. So far, they’ve not been short on candidates. Several potential buyers have shown proof of funds worth £50m and some have even been shown around the club’s facilities.

The biggest headline so far has arrived courtesy of Sheffield United, however. Wednesday’s rivals reportedly enquired about buying the club and were keen to merge the two Steel City rivals together in controversial fashion.

Unsurprisingly, any talks of that merger taking place have been shut down almost as quickly as they started gathering pace. Sheffield Wednesday, like many others, are keen to keep the derby alive and kicking instead, which is set to see them turn to other candidates.

Just who wins the bidding war is the big question. Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reportedly among the interested parties, as is John McEvoy.

Many were quick to criticise Ashley at Newcastle in the past, but it’s worth noting that he cleared all of the Magpies’ debt. Financially speaking, he would arguably be a wise option.

Alas, it’s not just Ashley in the running. New names are now beginning to emerge and that includes Sheffield’s own Ryan Howsam. The Staysure founder has been based in Dubai in recent years, but could yet return to his home town to save his local club.

Who is Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidate Ryan Howsam?

So, is Howsam the man for the job? His impressive portfolio, which includes Avanti, PayingTooMuch, The Rock Group and several digital travel investments, certainly suggests that he’s got the funds to complete a takeover, but it would be his first venture into football.

The prospective owner has reportedly been given access to the club’s data in a key step towards potentially buying the club. He also recently told This is Money when asked about a return to England: “I would come back to the UK in a heartbeat if the environment was right.”

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It would be fairly fitting for a Sheffield-born candidate to complete the takeover, but administrators would need to ignore their hearts and ensure that Howsam is the right man for the job.

Compared to someone like Ashley, Howsam is far from experienced in the world of football and the Owls simply need to steady the ship. It must also be noted that it may yet be neither of those options who emerge as frontrunners to buy the club.

With time ticking by before the December 5 deadline, Sheffield Wednesday must assess every possible option before making their final decision.

Mike Ashley position clear as Sheffield Wednesday takeover reaches final candidates

Their new McTominay: Man Utd in talks to sign £25m future "superstar"

Over the last couple of years, Manchester United have shifted their focus in the transfer market to landing young talents who can make an immediate and long-term impact at the club.

Such a strategy may prove to be a risky one, but the benefits massively outweigh the negatives, with the huge development and room for profit no doubt a real contributing factor.

Leny Yoro joined the Red Devils in a £52m deal from Lille last summer, with the Frenchman seen as a huge addition for the backline in their attempts for Premier League glory.

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro

At just 20, he’s racked up nearly half a century of appearances at Old Trafford and is likely to remain a key member of Ruben Amorim’s squad for the foreseeable future.

However, with January rapidly on the horizon, the hierarchy look set to make yet more additions, which could see numerous other youngsters take the jump to move to Manchester.

Man Utd’s hunt for new additions in January

Elliot Anderson is the player who has mostly been linked with a move to join United this winter, with the 23-year-old seen as the club’s marquee addition for the upcoming window.

However, his potential move to Old Trafford would likely be a club-record one for Amorim’s men, as current employers Nottingham Forest are currently demanding £100m for his signature.

Such a price tag is to be expected given his recent rise, which has seen him cement himself as a regular starter in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in 2025.

However, he’s not the only youngster in their sights, with AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit another talent the hierarchy are considering, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report states that the Red Devils have already reached out to the Dutch outfit over a move for the 19-year-old star, with a £25m price tag currently being mooted for his services.

The article also claims that local rivals Liverpool are also interested in a move for the teenager, but it remains to be seen where the player himself would prefer to move.

How Smit compares to Scott McTominay

United’s academy setup has often produced numerous top-level talents, with midfielder Scott McTominay just one player who has placed himself in that bracket.

The Scottish international rose through the ranks at Old Trafford, before making himself known to the supporters in the first team ranks – subsequently racking up a total of 255 appearances for the club.

However, last summer, the hierarchy decided it was best to move him on and cash in on his services, with the club offloading him to Napoli in a deal worth a reported £25m.

Such a decision has massively backfired, with the midfielder scoring 13 times in all competitions last season, resulting in the 28-year-old winning the Serie A MVP award for 2024/25.

He’s carried his phenomenal form into his international career as of late, even scoring a remarkable bicycle kick against Denmark this week to secure Scotland’s place at the 2026 World Cup.

His move away from Old Trafford has made him an elite-level talent, but the club could be about to land their next version of the star with a move for Smit in the coming months.

The Dutch youngster has also made a name for himself in recent months, as he’s already registered six combined goals and assists in his 19 appearances across all competitions.

He’s become a box-crashing midfielder who likes to pop up with a goal or an assist, something which McTominay has done excellently since his transfer away from his boyhood club.

Smit, who possesses “superstar potential” according to Ben Mattinson, has also completed 88% of the passes he’s attempted – resulting in 2.1 chances created per 90 this campaign.

Games played

19

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

88%

Chances created

2.1

Successful dribbles

1.2

Dribble success

50%

Recoveries made

6.3

Tackles in final third

0.9

Other figures, such as 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 and a 50% dribble success rate, further showcase his talent in possession, which makes him a huge threat in attacking areas.

Out of possession, the youngster has also thrived, subsequently making 6.3 recoveries per 90 and 0.9 tackles per 90 in the final third of the pitch – numbers which could add a new dimension to Amorim’s side.

£25m for a youngster with Smit’s quality and potential is an excellent deal, but the Red Devils board will need to act quickly to avoid missing out to Liverpool.

If he can replicate McTominay’s incredible nouse for goals and assists within the final third, it would be a phenomenal piece of business that could take the club to the next level in the years ahead.

Next Carrick: Man Utd want to sign "one of the best CMs in the PL" for £60m

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'I strive to reach Real Madrid level' – Como star not giving up on Bernabeu dream after first meeting with 'football legend' Xabi Alonso

Former Real Madrid youth player Jacobo Ramon wants to return to his boyhood club one day after first meeting with 'football legend' Xabi Alonso. Ramon left Madrid in the summer to join Como to grow under the tutelage of Cesc Fabregas but the 20-year-old is determined to improve his game as he wants to reach the 'Real Madrid level' and return to Santiago Bernabeu someday.

Ramon shining at Como after Madrid exit

Ramon, a graduate of Real Madrid’s famed La Fabrica academy, rose through the youth ranks before earning a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti, featuring in three La Liga matches and one Champions League game in the 2024-25 campaign. Como paid a transfer fee of €2.5 million after coach Fabregas called the youngster and convinced him that the club was the ideal place to continue his career. Though sold to Como, Madrid have retained a buy-back option on the defender.

In the current 2025-26 season, Ramon has appeared in eight Serie A games out of their 10 outings and has started in seven of them. Last weekend, the 20-year-old starred in defence as Como held reigning champions Napoli to a goalless draw. Despite his bright start in Italy, he hinted that he still has a return to Madrid in mind for the future.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'I strive to reach Real Madrid level'

Speaking to , Ramon said: "I strive to reach 'Real Madrid level', which is the highest level. I'm super happy here, I'm doing what I have to do. And in the future, we'll see."

Reminiscing the first time he caught up with current Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, Ramon said: "I remember perfectly when he came into the locker room. It was the first time I'd ever met a football legend like Xabi! It was incredible. He loved the rondos, the small-sided games, he was always involved. And his team always won! He hasn't lost his long-range shooting touch (laughs). Not much, because it was already the first team. But I was very excited; I saw my progress. It was like coming full circle."

When asked if player Alonso is similar to the manager version of the Spaniard, Ramon added: "Yes, even though we were just kids. It shaped us more as people. It instilled values like humility, hard work, and effort. But he already demanded high pressing, good organisation, and personality on the ball. He asked us to play out from the back. A bit like what this Real Madrid team is trying to do."

How Ramon joined Como

Speaking about his transfer to Italy, Ramon had earlier told : "Cesc and I immediately understood each other. The project is ambitious; I found a perfect environment and many friends already in the team. I started straight away with two games as a starter and I couldn't have asked for more. He told me I was perfect for him, and I was thrilled to come. I've already learned a lot [from Fabregas] in just a few weeks. He did a great job last year, and having him as my coach is a privilege. Nico Paz is a close friend; I'm not surprised by what he's showing. I know his talent well and hope he stays with me for a long time at Como."

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Getty ImagesWhen will Ramon play next?

Ramon will be back in action for Como on Sunday as Fabregas' side take on Cagliari in a Serie A clash. Como, who have not lost a game since August 30, will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to 10 games across all competitions with a win at home. 

Memories and moments: Five of the best from the Women's World Cup

From Harmanpreet Kaur’s 171* to Anya Shrubsole breaking hearts, we look back fondly at the past three tournaments

Vishal Dikshit26-Sep-2025

Alyssa Healy bosses the 2022 knockouts

The Australians are known to step up on the big stage, against the best opponents, and in the knockouts. Alyssa Healy did it all at once and on her own in the 2022 edition to send Australia to their seventh ODI World Cup.Batting first in the semi-final against West Indies, Healy raced to a 91-ball century after being given a life early, but then sped from 50 to 100 in just 28 balls for her maiden World Cup hundred to finish on 129 off 107, studded with 17 fours and a six that set up their 157-run victory.Four days later, she hit new highs – again after being given a life – with a commanding 170 against England to take home the Player of the Match and Series awards along with the main trophy. Her magnificent knock helped her finish the tournament with 509 runs, the most in a World Cup edition.”It was an amazing 50-over World Cup for the Australian women’s team, but for me personally the innings in the final was pretty special,” Healy later told ESPNcricinfo. “To contribute and get them over the line in a big match was obviously pretty special for our group.”

The 171* Harmonster in the 2017 semi-final

0:45

Harmanpreet on her 171*: ‘A lot of things changed in women’s cricket’

If there was one recent World Cup that gave women’s cricket lift off, it was in 2017, and if one had to pick a knock from that tournament that did the same, it would be Harmanpreet Kaur’s epic 171* off 115, that too in a rain-curtailed match.Despite a strained shoulder, Harmanpreet knocked the daylights out of the Australia attack in unexpected and unprecedented fashion, relentlessly belting 20 fours and seven sixes. She raced from 50 to 100 in just 26 balls and then from 100 to 150 in just 17 balls. Her barely believable manner of eliminating Australia from the tournament was immediately chronicled in cricket history.”That knock was really special to me and for women’s cricket,” Harmanpreet said last month in Mumbai. “After that knock a lot of things changed personally in my life, and especially in women’s cricket also, because at that time I didn’t really know what had happened because I was totally off social media. But when we came back to India, and even though we lost the World Cup [final], the amount of people who were waiting for us, cheering for us, that was something very special. Still, when I remember that innings I get goosebumps.”

Jhulan Goswami’s peach to Meg Lanning in the 2017 semi-final

It’s highly likely that had it not been for Harmanpreet’s jaw-dropping 171*, the world would have celebrated this dismissal a lot more. Australia would have barely recovered from that knock when the experienced Jhulan Goswami bowled an absolute peach to one of the most feared batters in the world. It started on a short of length and angled in from Goswami’s tall release, and as Meg Lanning covered her off stump, the ball straightened and then seamed away just a hint to knock over the top of off stump. Lanning’s walk as soon as the bails went flying and Goswami’s lion-like roars were testament to the worth of the wicket and the magnitude of the occasion.Goswami later revealed she had asked the India coach to drop her from the XI after she went wicketless in the first two games. But Tushar Arothe asked her to lead the bowling attack, and she did it with aplomb.”Meg Lanning is among the best players in the world and she is very strong square of the wicket,” Goswami said later. “Two days before the match I told Mithali [Raj] to bat in a way that I can bowl square of the wicket and then she will give me the feedback. That’s how I prepared. Luckily everything went our way.”

Sri Lanka’s first big World Cup triumph

A last-ball six. A one-wicket victory. Their first against a big-four side. The most sixes in an innings by a Sri Lanka batter in women’s ODIs. Sri Lanka did the unthinkable in their first match of the 2013 edition, by bringing down the defending champions, England, in a see-saw affair for the ages.England put up a competitive 238 for 8 and saw a 23-year-old Chamari Athapaththu lead Sri Lanka past 100 in the 23rd over to set things up. But Sri Lanka slipped to 157 for 5 with 82 to get from 71. No. 6 Eshani Lokusuriyage then not only chaperoned the lower order and the tail but also struck at 136.58 with three sixes under immense pressure to stretch it to the final over with wickets tumbling. With nine to get from six, Lokusuriyage hammered a six on the second ball but was run-out two balls later with scores level before Dilani Manodara smashed a six to seal a historic win.”The first thing that comes to my mind when you mention the 2013 World Cup was how we rushed the field after the win. I can see it so clearly in my head,” then captain Shashikala Siriwardene recalls. “We were running towards her (Manodara) and she was running to us. It was incredible.”Our lives and our cricket changed with that match. It started with that game. We actually didn’t celebrate massively. We shouted a little bit in the dressing room, and the coach (Harsha de Silva) said a few words. And then we just went to our rooms. But I couldn’t sleep! I was up most of the night remembering all the little things in that match, and the big moments. I was overjoyed. It was only the next day that I got a little sleep. I think that happened to a lot of the others as well.”

Anya Shrubsole breaking hearts, again and again

First South Africa’s and then India’s. Anya Shrubsole broke millions of hearts two game days in a row when she sealed two knockout thrillers to help England lift their fourth World Cup title, in 2017.It came down to the last over in the semi-final against South Africa, when England needed three runs but with only three wickets in hand. After Shabnim Ismail conceded just one run on the first two balls and dismissed Laura Marsh, Shrubsole came down the pitch and hit the winning boundary to leave the South Africa players distraught and in tears.When a nail-biter loaded in the final too, it came down to Shrubsole again, this time with the ball when India were just 11 away from their maiden World Cup triumph, but with only two wickets and two overs left. Shrubsole started her last over with the wicket of Deepti Sharma, and three balls later rattled the stumps to remove Rajeshwari Gayakwad and stamp England’s name on the trophy with her historic six-for, to be named Player of the Match.”I’m a little bit lost for words, if I’m honest,” she said soon after the game. “Just an unbelievable game.”

منتخب مصر يٌعلن تشخيص إصابة كريم فؤاد.. ومدة غيابه

أعلن منتخب مصر الثاني، عن تشخيص إصابة كريم فؤاد لاعب فريق الكرة بـ الأهلي، أثناء تواجده في تدريبات الفراعنة خلال المشاركة ببطولة كأس العرب.

وسقط منتخب مصر، في فخ التعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل فريق أمام منتخب الكويت، في اللقاء الذي أقيم في الجولة الأولى.

وتعرض كريم فؤاد لإصابة خلال مران الفريق أمس، تمثلت في كدمة بالركبة، وعلى إثرها قام الدكتور أيمن زين، طبيب المنتخب، بإجراء الإسعافات الأولية.

وفي صباح اليوم، توجّه اللاعب برفقة طبيب المنتخب إلى مستشفى “سبيتار” لإجراء الفحوصات والآشعة اللازمة.

طالع | أحمد حسن: هذا ما حدث وقت ركلة جزاء أفشة أمام الكويت.. والبعض يتصيد للحضري

وأعلن الدكتور أيمن زين أن نتائج الآشعة أثبتت إصابة اللاعب بجزع في الرباط الداخلي للركبة اليمنى، إضافة إلى جزع في رقعة الرباط الصليبي.

وأوضح زين أن الحالة تستلزم علاجًا تحفظيًا لمدة تتراوح بين أربعة وستة أسابيع، مع التأكيد على التنسيق الكامل مع الجهاز الطبي للنادي الأهلي بشأن متابعة البرنامج العلاجي.

Phillies Postgame Show Roasts Own Player After Weird Delay

There was a 19-minute delay during Monday night's Mets-Phillies game at CitiField. The delay came after Alec Bohm grounded into a double-play during the top of the fifth inning. As Bohm was called out at first he looked towards center field and then he kept looking back as he walked back to the dugout.

Before play could continue with the next batter umpires stopped the game to find out what was wrong. After some confusion the SNY broadcast determined that Bohm was claiming to be distracted by a parabolic microphone set up in center field.

The microphones were eventually removed and play continued, but people immediately began pointing out that the mics were not new. In fact, they'd been there all season. Even worse, the Phillies home broadcast looked into it and determined that they'd been there for .

This information was revealed during Phillies Post Game Live as Ricky Bottalico roasted Bohm for wasting everyone's time.

"Let's talk about Alec Bohm over at third base," said Bottalio. "Okay Alec, you had a good deefensive game but what really kind of got to me? You caused a 19-minute delay on something that's been there since at least 2017. We went back and checked. That exact same thing has been there since 2017."

The media in New York wasn't happy either as WFAN's Boomer Esiason tweeted that the delay was "asinine."

What none of the annoyed viewers took into account was the possibility that the microphone had been distracting players since 2017 and maybe Bohm was the first one brave enough to speak up.

Unfortunately for the Phillies, that's where the heroics ended as the Mets outscored Philadelphia 10-0 after the delay.

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