Negotiations continue over the quarantine conditions the England players and their families will face in Australia

Andrew Miller23-Sep-2021Boris Johnson, the UK prime minister, has made a personal intervention in a bid to ensure this winter’s Ashes tour is able to take place, after raising the issue of a travel ban on the families of England’s cricketers with his Australian counterpart, Scott Morrison, although any special dispensation seems unlikely.Johnson, who is currently on a diplomatic visit to Washington DC, met with Morrison over dinner on Tuesday where he sought assurances about this winter’s series. The first Test is due to get underway at Brisbane on December 8, but the trip remains in doubt after a number of England players expressed reservations about the strict quarantine measures that are likely to be in place for the duration of the tour.”I raised it [with Mr Morrison] and he said he was going to do his best for the families,” Mr Johnson told reporters in Washington. “He totally got the point that for cricketers it is very tough to ask people to be away from their families over Christmas. He merely undertook to come back and see if he could find a solution.”In response, Morrison said: “I would love to see the Ashes go ahead, as I shared with Boris last night. But there’s no special deals there. I don’t see a great deal of difference in skilled workers or students, who will be able to come to Australia when you reach the vaccination rates.”International travel is set to resume when Australia reaches 80% double vaccination for over 16s but, nationally, that figure is unlikely to be reached before the Ashes squad is due to arrive.The ECB has been in extensive negotiations with their counterparts at Cricket Australia in recent weeks, in a bid to find a workable solution to an impasse that could yet derail the tour. At this stage, the prospect remains that England will, at best, send an under-strength squad and, at worst, boycott the series entirely, due to the complex relationship between Australia’s state and federal governments, and the challenge of moving freely around the country through the differing quarantine measures that are currently in place at different venues.Related

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It is understood that the prospect of families not being allowed to join has receded but the 14-day quarantine period could still make it unworkable for many to fly into the tour. One development on the horizon that could yet assist is the New South Wales government announcing they will trial a seven-day home quarantine system from the end of September for those who fit certain criteria although it remains a long way from being an option for the Ashes.With a number of England’s players set to travel direct to Australia from the T20 World Cup, which begins in the UAE next month, CA has promised to give a final update on the Ashes quarantine arrangements by Monday. Despite the threat of withdrawals, Stuart Broad is one player who has committed to travel – potentially even as captain – telling The Mail on Sunday that he “would be happy to get on a plane to Australia in November”.Jos Buttler is one England player who has indicated he may not make the Ashes tour•AFP/Getty ImagesThat sentiment was shared on Wednesday by Dan Lawrence, the Essex batter who featured in three Tests this summer, and who captained his side to a two-day victory over Northamptonshire in their final fixture of the county season. Afterwards told ESPNcricinfo that he would “go in a heartbeat” if selected for this winter’s tour.”It’s such an individual, case-by-case basis,” Lawrence said. “For me personally, I’ve got no reason not to go to Australia, and if I was selected, I’d go in a heartbeat. It’s above my pay grade to find out what’s going on – we haven’t had any information yet, there are still negotiations going on. But just to get on the trip will be my first goal and I’ll be doing everything I can in the next six-eight weeks, because it’s a massive tick in a player’s career to play in an Ashes in Australia.”According to The Times, government support for the Ashes tour has been tempered by frustration at the ECB’s withdrawal from their two-match tour of Pakistan, which was due to take place in Rawalpindi on October 13 and 14. The paper reports that the Prime Minister and senior officials within the Foreign and Commonwealth Office believe that the decision, which was made on player welfare grounds rather than issues of security, has damaged relations between the UK and the Pakistan government.On Tuesday, the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Christian Turner, issued a statement via Twitter, distancing himself from the ECB’s decision not to tour, which he said had been made independently of the country’s government.”The British High Commission supported the tour, did not advise against in on security grounds, and our travel advice for Pakistan has not changed,” Turner said. “I have been a champion of international cricket’s return to Pakistan and will redouble my efforts in advance of England’s autumn 2022 tour. My thanks to all at the PCB who have worked so hard in support of that.”

Leeds United confidently put Cardiff City to the sword 2-0 last time out in the Welsh capital, with now ex-Bluebirds boss Erol Bulut relieved of his duties in the aftermath of Daniel Farke’s Whites picking up a straightforward three points.

The away side needed to get back to winning ways after a flat 1-0 loss to Burnley the match before, with the hosts brushed to one side eventually, to allow Leeds to pick up their third win of the early Championship season so far.

Farke would have been pleased with his side’s performance on the road, as Leeds new boy Largie Ramazani opened his account for his new club to get the Whites up and running away from home, before reliable impact substitute Joel Piroe delivered the goods again to make sure of the win.

Ramazani & Piroe's performances vs Cardiff

The 2-0 victory wouldn’t have been possible without the exploits of this attacking duo, with the ex-Almeria man standing out for the majority of the contest down the right channel, before Piroe was drafted in late on to make sure of the three points.

Despite scoring the decisive opener in the first half, the former Manchester United youth product could have even more to shout about from a goalscoring perspective on his first start for his new employers, with one big chance missed on top of a fierce effort thankfully beating Jan Alnwick.

As the game wore on, Farke decided that a change in personnel in the attacking positions was needed, with Piroe known to be a dependable option to throw into games when opposition legs are tiring.

The former Swansea City man only needed 16 minutes of action against Hull City to score at the back-end of August, with only 14 minutes needed in Wales for the Dutchman to leave his impact on yet another Championship tie.

Amazingly, the instinctive 25-year-old would only need to amass four touches of the ball to find the back of the net, with his crucial strike against the Bluebirds taking his Leeds total goal tally to 16 strikes from 56 games.

Both players moving forward will undoubtedly help their side when contests become even more nervy and tense as the season drags on, but both Leeds assets find that their pay packets are lesser when weighed up next to Sam Byram’s – according to Capology – despite the fact the ageing full-back’s own importance has definitely begun to wane in Farke’s camp.

Byram's wage in 2024

As per Capology, Byram currently finds himself earning a healthy £20k-per-week at the West Yorkshire club, despite only averaging ten minutes of action this season when thrown into action four times in the league. His only start came in the EFL Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

The 31-year-old could still be seen as a useful utility figure to have around, considering the fact that the ex-West Ham United man can play at both left-back and right-back if needed, but his wage still feels extortionate next to other more key first-team presences.

Looking at the table above, away from the aforementioned Ramazani and Piroe both earning a lesser £17.5k-per-week and £15k-per-week respectively, both Ilia Gruev and Mateo Joseph – who have been largely everpresent this season under Farke in the league – also both earn £5k-per-week less than the reserve defender.

With Isaac Schmidt now at the German’s disposal in defence too, who can also play in either full-back spot, Byram gaining consistent minutes for his employers on a week in week-out basis looks like it’ll be harder to come by.

Farke will have to have some conversations with the 31-year-old down the line about his immediate Whites future, with his contract up next summer, whilst Ramazani, Piroe and the other named faces aim to play a major part in Leeds finally winning promotion back up to the Premier League.

Leeds wanted to sign £29m star in the making but Orta got Aaronson instead

The Whites failed to secure a deal for the impressive attacking midfielder that summer.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 23, 2024

Gary Neville may be the man to "save" Manchester United, former Match of the Day host Des Lynam says.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man Utd are currently 13th in the Premier League
• Have struggled in early days under Amorim
• Lynam wants Neville in the Old Trafford hot seat

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United’s season hit another low point with a 3-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford last week, marking their 10th loss of the campaign. Since Amorim’s appointment in November, they have had four defeats in six home league matches. Alarmingly, this slump includes six losses in their first 12 home games, a statistic not seen since the 1893-94 season when the club was still known as Newton Heath.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Brighton match offered little to cheer about, with Bruno Fernandes’ penalty standing as the team’s sole shot on target. Despite reportedly boasting the league’s second-highest wage bill and spending nearly £600 million on players over the last three years, United have struggled to find cohesion or consistent performances.

• WHAT DES LYNAM SAID

  Veteran broadcaster Des Lynam has reignited calls for Neville to take charge at Old Trafford, in his column for. Lynam expressed his belief that Neville’s deep connection to the club, combined with his leadership qualities and business acumen, make him the ideal candidate to restore United’s fortunes.

  "A few years ago I suggested that the only man who could steer United back to their former glory was their one-time captain Gary Neville," he wrote. "I put it to him and while I touched something of a nerve, Gary made it clear that his business interests and his punditry for Sky would take precedence over any thought of engaging in football management agai

  "But here goes – Neville would still be the best man for the job. He has Manchester United blood running through his veins. He is deeply hurt by the club’s present predicament. He has a powerful personality and would be a strong presence in the dressing room. Oh and the money men had better watch out, Neville is an astute businessman. My plea to him was over three years ago but as the men with their furrowed brows took their temporary residence in the United dugout, Neville has remained the best candidate, in my mind. He is hugely successful as a broadcaster but then almost every Tom, Dick and Rio has had a go at that."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  In an attempt to inspire Neville, Lynam invoked a quote from Fidel Castro, stating: “'Men do not shape destiny, destiny produces the man for the hour.' Outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens."

Manchester United will have walked off the Selhurst Park pitch gobsmacked at the fact they were unable to find the back of the net across the full 90 minutes, as the Red Devils and Crystal Palace played out an eventful 0-0 draw.

Erik ten Hag’s men had the chances to win the contest, but on the other hand, a couple of fantastic saves by Andre Onana for the away side in the second half also ensured the Eagles weren’t victorious towards the close of the back-and-forth Premier League clash.

It was a wasteful display by the Man United attackers throughout, with Bruno Fernandes one of the main guilty culprits of not putting his chances away, on top of also looking complacent against Oliver Glasner’s Eagles on the ball.

Fernandes' performance vs Palace

The usually exciting to watch Red Devils captain wasn’t at his electric best whatsoever in South London, despite being fresh off an EFL Cup display against Barnsley which saw him pick up two assists from the substitutes bench.

Of course, that was against League One opposition on home soil, with Palace a far trickier test back in the bread and butter of league action, which was seen in the Portuguese midfielder’s out-of-sorts display.

From his 113 touches of the ball, the rusty 30-year-old – who is usually a focal point when it comes to United’s creative game – only managed to notch up two key passes, with possession also squandered an alarming 34 times.

Moreover, the lacklustre United number eight failed to hit a single shot on target when venturing forward versus the Eagles, with one effort agonisingly hitting the crossbar when Ten Hag’s men were dominant in the first 45 minutes after Alejandro Garnacho had also fluffed his lines.

As a result of the away side’s ineffective finishing, the hosts would grow in confidence and could have nicked a win late on, to really add insult to injury for the Red Devils.

Garnacho's performance vs Palace

As much as Fernandes put in a disappointing display, he wasn’t the only notable underperformer in attack, with the aforementioned Garnacho also having an afternoon to forget in the frustrating stalemate.

The South American has been a positive all season long for his stuttering side with a goal against Southampton despite the 20-year-old only being present on the pitch for 17 minutes before he would then win himself a starting spot at Selhurst Park.

Ten Hag must have wished he’d gone with a different face down the wings after the 0-0 draw was over and done with, as Garnacho just never looked convincing in front of goal.

Minutes played

90

Goals

0

Assists

0

Shots

3

Big chances missed

2

Touches

40

Accurate passes

19/20 (95%)

Successful dribbles

0/2

Total duels won

1/8

Possession lost

11x

He ended up spurning a number of chances that came his way, with two big chances missed in the goalless contest, whilst also never looking confident running forward with pace having completed neither of his two dribble attempts.

Only winning a meagre one duel from eight attempted too, it could now be the case that Ten Hag drops his misfiring winger for his side’s opening Europa League fixture this mid-week back at Old Trafford, as Dutch outfit FC Twente travel to Manchester attempting to cause an upset.

GOAL wasn’t the most complimentary about the Argentine winger post-match either, handing out a low 5/10 rating to the 20-year-old and stating that he ‘has to find an end product’ more consistently.

Ten Hag has already shown that he’s unafraid to ruffle a few feathers with his team selecton choices – showcased in Marcus Rashford having to settle for a place on the substitutes bench against Palace – and the Dutchman would raise more eyebrows if he ditches both Fernandes and Garnacho next, even after their poor displays.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd were let down by 4/10 star who lost the ball 34x

His night against Palace was more frustrating than Zirkzee

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 22, 2024

علقت جماهير ليفربول على أداء الدولي المصري محمد صلاح، في مباراة باريس سان جيرمان بمنافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا 2024/2025.

وشارك محمد صلاح أساسيًا في مباراة ليفربول وباريس سان جيرمان ضمن منافسات ذهاب دور الـ16 بمسابقة دوري أبطال أوروبا، والتي انتهت بفوز الريدز بهدف دون رد، على ملعب “بارك دي برانس”.

وتُقام مباراة الإياب بين فريقي ليفربول وباريس سان جيرمان على ملعب “أنفيلد” يوم الثلاثاء القادم 11 مارس الجاري.

اقرأ أيضًا.. فيديو | بديل محمد صلاح يهدي ليفربول فوزًا قاتلًا على باريس سان جيرمان في دوري أبطال أوروبا ملخص لمسات محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وباريس سان جيرمان بدوري أبطال أوروبا 

ولم يتمكن محمد صلاح، من تسجيل أو صناعة أي هدف طوال المباراة وغادر اللقاء بحلول الدقيقة 85 وحل هارفي إليوت بدلاً منه.

وكالعادة عبرت جماهير ليفربول عن آرائها في أداء النجم المصري، خلال مباراة باريس سان جيرمان، عبر مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي المختلفة. ردود أفعال جماهير ليفربول على أداء محمد صلاح أمام باريس سان جيرمان

“صلاح قدم أداءً سيئًا مرة واحدة، لذا يبدو هجومنا سيئًا، ثم كل من ينتظر سقوطه يحصل على فرصته، مريض حقًا”.

Salah had one bad performance so our attack looks shit , then everyone waiting for his fall get his chance 😂 , really sick — Mohamed Salama (@mohamedsalama_R) March 5, 2025

“حقيقة.. بالنسبة لي، محمد صلاح هو أفضل لاعب في العالم منذ عام 2018”.

Fact. For me, Mohamed Salah has been the best player in the world since 2018👍🏻 — A.B.L (@aalk89372) March 5, 2025

“يمكن لمحمد صلاح أن يودع الكرة الذهبية إذا كان مستواه في دوري أبطال أوروبا سيكون بهذا الشكل، يكفيه في كثير من الأحيان المساهمة بالأرقام على الرغم من عدم ترك منافسه ولو مرة واحدة، لكن الليلة لم نر ذلك ولا ذاك، لقد بدا وكأنه صغير أمام نونو مينديز”.

Mohamed Salah puede decir adiós al Balón de Oro si su nivel en Champions va a ser este. En Premier le vale muchas veces con aportar cifras pese a no irse ni una sola vez de su rival. Pero esta noche hemos visto que ni una ni la otra. Parecía un alevín contra Nuno Mendes. — Diego (@DiegoGarciia_8) March 5, 2025

“محمد صلاح يجب ألا يشم رائحة منصة التتويج بالكرة الذهبية”.

mohamed salah doit jamais sentir l’odeur d’un podium ballon d’or — 🇵🇸 BRENNAN JOHNSON LA MISSION LOCALE RECRUTE (@jibril0212) March 5, 2025

“كلمتي إذا لمس محمد صلاح كرة ذهبية فإن كرة القدم ستنتهي إلى الأبد”.

Ma parole si Mohamed Salah touche un ballon d’or le football sera fini pour de bon — Kenny 🕷️ (@wikenH) March 5, 2025

“نفس الشيء بالنسبة لمحمد صلاح الذي قدم أسوأ مباراة في موسمه، غائب تمامًا”.

Idem pour Mohamed Salah qui a fait le pire match de sa saison. Complétement absents. — Motte Christian (@ChristianMotte) March 5, 2025

“اليوم لم يسجل محمد صلاح أي هدف”.

Today, Mohamed Salah With 0 Score. pic.twitter.com/2ZhYdC7W0w — Likör~™ (@CmLikor) March 5, 2025

Davina Perrin top-scores for home side after strong start from openers

ECB Reporters' Network12-Sep-2021

Central Sparks are through to the knockout stages of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy after defeating South East Stars by 115 runs at New Road. Sparks sealed a fifth win in six games to guarantee a top three spot with a game to spare.On a used pitch, useful contributions from four of the top five batters enabled Sparks to post a competitive 230 target. Then spinner Georgia Davis, making effective use of the new ball, was the star of the Sparks attack as they bowled out the Charlotte Edwards Cup winners for 114 in just 31.3 overs.The last seven wickets fell for just 27 runs as Davis finished with 4 for 26 from her 10 overs and then fellow spinner Ria Fackrell chipped in with three wickets.Sparks elected to bat and were given an excellent start by openers, captain Eve Jones and Marie Kelly. They scored 67 runs during the initial 10-over Powerplay with Jones striking Alice Davidson-Richards for a huge six backward of square.Jones made 39 off 38 balls before she chased a widish delivery from Ryana Macdonald-Gay and was caught behind with 71 on the board. Kelly tried to hit Phoebe Franklin over the top but was taken at mid-on and in the next over Gwenan Davis went lbw to Macdonald-Gay for 0.Sparks needed to regroup and Davina Perrin and Thea Brookes batted sensibly to add 55 for the fourth wicket in 10.1 overs. But, after reaching 155 for 3, the innings went into sharp decline with five wickets tumbling for 23 runs in just 5.5 overs.Perrin, having made an accomplished 43, slapped a delivery from Dani Gregory to extra cover and Bryony Smith struck twice in the same over. Brookes, on 33, went lbw after attempting to sweep and Fackrell pushed forward and was caught behind.The wickets continued to tumble with Sparks keeper Chloe Hill, on 1, being run out and Kalea Moore bowling Izzy Wong. But useful late order runs from Emily Arlott, who hit 20 not out, Clare Boycott and Davis lifted the final total to a competitive 229 in 49.1 overs.Macdonald-Gay, a late replacement for Grace Gibbs, finished with excellent figures of 9-1-31-2 with Davidson-Richards and Smith picking up two wickets apiece.But Davis immediately put the Stars on the back foot with the new ball in dismissing openers Smith and Davidson-Richards inside the initial Powerplay. Wong bowled a probing initial eight-over spell and also rewarded when Kirstie White holed out to mid-on and then sub Grace Potts direct hit from mid-on ran out Aylish Cranstone.Fackrell made two breakthroughs in her first over to dismiss top-scorer Alice Capsey, who made 26, and Emma Jones and there was more joy in her next over as Kira Chathli lobbed up a catch to slip attempting a sweep.Davis came back into the attack to have Franklin caught behind and Mcdonald-Gay lbw and it was all over when Moore hit Eve Jones to mid on.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras está cada vez mais próximo de anunciar um novo reforço para esta nova temporada. Na noite desta quinta-feira, o volante Jailson desembarca em São Paulo para dar início aos procedimentos de assinatura de contrato com o Verdão. O jogador passará por exames na sexta-feira e, se tudo estiver certo, deve fechar com o clube até dezembro de 2022, ou seja, por um ano.

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As partes já se acertaram nos últimos dias e finalizaram o acordo com o atleta, que está livre no mercado desde que conseguiu sua rescisão junto ao Dalian Pro, da China, ao entrar com recurso na Fifa pela falta de pagamento de salários nos últimos quatro meses de 2021. O Alviverde já vinha monitorando a situação do meio-campista e concluiu o negócio vencendo a concorrência.

Outros clubes do Brasil, como o São Paulo, e alguns europeus chegaram a tentar levar Jailson, porém o interesse do Palmeiras acabou se destacando na preferência do jogador, que vai desembarcar em São Paulo na noite desta quinta-feira, de Porto Alegre no fim da tarde, onde tem residência.

Nesta sexta-feira, na parte da manhã, ele deve passar por uma bateria de exames acompanhados pelo Palmeiras e, se aprovado, assinará em seguida o contrato até dezembro de 2022, portanto duração de uma temporada. O anúncio do clube deve acontecer também nesta sexta, porém a apresentação do jogador deve ficar para a próxima semana, assim como outros reforços.

Jailson chega para repor a saída de Danilo Barbosa, que estava emprestado pelo Nice, da França. O Palmeiras, porém, não conseguiu entrar em acordo para estender o empréstimo e então foi ao mercado. Vale lembrar que elenco já havia perdido outro peça da posição, que foi Felipe Melo, que não teve seu contrato renovado e deixou o clube. Hoje o volante ele está no Fluminense.

A “very jittery” Everton player has been lambasted for his performance for his country during the international break, getting a 1/10 rating from one publication.

Pickford starts in England defeat

Many Blues heroes are off representing their respective nations currently, with Premier League action making way for international commitments, much to the frustration of many supporters.

One such figure is Jordan Pickford, who has become England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for many years now, starting in major tournaments and rarely letting the Three Lions down, most famously proving to be the penalty shootout hero against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup.

On Thursday evening, however, the 30-year-old suffered a shock defeat at home to Greece, with former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley seeing his chances of getting the manager’s job hampered greatly.

Pickford was bailed out hugely by a goal-line clearance by Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, having dawdled in possession in the first half, and soon after he missed an attempted punch and the visitors scored, only to see the goal ruled out for offside. He still conceded twice, however, arguably not doing brilliantly for either goal, even if they may be a little harsh.

Pickford's England performance slammed by media

It was a miserable night for Pickford, who rarely looked like the best goalkeeper that England have to offer, with talkSPORT even handing him a 1/10 rating. Meanwhile, speaking on ITV after the game, Roy Keane wasn’t impressed with the Everton stopper, saying:

“It sends a message about concentration levels, and that spreads throughout the team. Again there’s a lack of urgency. What’s he [Pickford] doing?! Do it quickly. Brilliant defending, very unlucky by Greece but a lovely message for defenders – never give it up. He [Colwill] chased it and did brilliant. But not a good message from Pickford to send.”

Meanwhile, speaking alongside Keane, Ian Wright claimed Pickford was “all over the place” and “very jittery”, with plenty of criticism coming his way.

The Blues ‘keeper has always been a divisive figure among the footballing public, with some impressed by the consistent job he has done for England, but others feeling that a big mistake is never too far away.

His character also splits opinion, and while a chunk of supporters like his extrovert style and passion, others feel he isn’t a calming influence on his teammates, making saves for the camera and being too noticeable in matches.

In fairness to Pickford, he has rarely let England down, as mentioned, and he has bailed Everton out many times in recent seasons during relegation battles, but he has made an iffy start to this season for both club and country.

Related Friedkin's top pick could now give Everton green light to replace Dyche

He’s under pressure at his current club…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Oct 10, 2024

At Tottenham earlier in the campaign, he got embarrassingly robbed of possession by Son Heung-min, who then tapped into an empty net, and there have been rumours that Sean Dyche is ready to drop him. Granted, he made a big penalty save from Anthony Gordon last weekend, but improvements are needed in his all-round game.

On a largely perfect night for the USMNT, other than Luna's nose, they cap the January camp by trouncing Los Ticos 3-0

ORLANDO – Spoiler alert: don't expect any real U.S. men's national team losers. That's because there was nothing really to complain about on Wednesday night. The USMNT ran away with a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, one that concluded this January camp on yet another high following a 3-1 win over Venezuela last weekend. Two games, six goals scored and only one conceded – it's hard to find losers there.

There were plenty of winners to go around, however. In an MLS-heavy camp, Caden Clark and Brian White netted their first USMNT goals. Patrick Agyemang, netted his second – after scoring his first against Venezuela. All three were well-taken finishes that no doubt left Mauricio Pochettino smiling on the sideline.

The goals weren't the only things to bring joy to Pochettino. His veteran goalkeeper, Zack Steffen, made multiple highlight reel saves in his first real chance post-2022 World Cup. An experienced defense stood tall, as Pochettino would expect it to. And, in the midfield, Diego Luna showed what Pocehttino so jokingly described as "big balls" to shake off a shattered nose to provide one of the best assists you'll see at this level.

Plenty of reason to celebrate, particularly for Pochettino. It was another game that will leave most people in USMNT colors feeling better than when they arrived. It was a near-perfect night for everyone – well, except for Luna's nose.

GOAL breaks down the winners and losers from Inter&Co Stadium.

Getty Images SportWINNER: Zack Steffen

Wednesday night marked Zack Steffen’s first USMNT appearance in three years. It’s realistic to say that, if it didn’t go well, it well could well have been his last. Steffen, all but out of the picture since his 2022 World Cup omission, is fighting for a spot and, if Wednesday was any indication, he’s got a lot of fight left in him.

Steffen made three saves, including two absolutely stunning diving efforts, to keep Costa Rica at bay. They were the type of saves that an international goalkeeper has to be able to make, and Steffen stretched out and got his hand to it both times.

"It was massive," Steffen said of the effort in the first half. "Massive for me, massive for the team, because at that point it was 1-0. It was good, of course, to keep the ball out, and it's always fun to make saves in the upper 90. Those always make for good photo shots."

Steffen was in a cheerful mood, and rightfully so. He'd done plenty to impress Pochettino, who pointed to the obvious: Steffen kept the ball out of the back of the net.

"It's clear that Zack was really good," Pochettino said. "Today he performed really, really well and made a few saves that were amazing. That shows the quality of a keeper because, for me and for us, I think the keeper needs to make saves. At that, today, he was great. Then we can add in different areas to work with the keeper, but the most important thing in this type of situation is to make saves and show his quality. I'm so happy for him because he was great."

Where he stands now, only Pochettino knows. Steffen could only have helped his case. For him, they were a long time coming, as he continues to put the 2022 World Cup disappointment behind him.

"it's been a couple of years and a hard road, man," Steffen said. "Yeah, a hard road mentally. I'm just happy to get back out on the field, first and foremost."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLOSER: Costa Rica

These two teams were relatively similar in experience level, although veteran Tim Ream does drag the USMNT averages up quite a bit. Either way, these were two, generally young and inexperienced teams looking to impress new coaches. Only one left much to be happy about.

Miguel Herrera, the former Mexico and new Costa Rica boss, won't have much to be thrilled with after this match, one which was played with an entirely domestic-based squad. Los Ticos showed flashes, testing Steffen a few times but, by and large, this was the USMNT's game.

Both teams surely had nerves given their lack of minutes at this level, but only the USMNT overcame them. Costa Rica, at times, fell right into them, with the defense, in particular, struggling to play out of the back at times throughout.

This was Herrera's first game and, once he gets his squad together, it's surely going to get better from here. For the players, though, this won't be one to remember.

Getty Images SportWINNER: The veteran centerback duo

This was the first time Ream and Walker Zimmerman had played together since the 2022 World Cup. More specifically, this was the first time since the USMNT were eliminated at that World Cup at the hands of the Netherlands. More than two years later, they didn't skip a beat.

"For centerbacks, especially when you have two veterans, two guys who played a lot of games, a lot of minutes, even a World Cup, it's just about communication," said Ream. "It's just about being on the same page and knowing each other's tendencies. Neither of our tendencies has really changed since the World Cup. It's easy to step back in next to him. The communication really, really high and really, really good. It just made it that much easier."

In this camp, Pochettino generally relied on the veterans in the centerback position. Ream and Zimmerman were joined by Miles Robinson, who started as a right-back that really was like a third centerback. The lone newcomer in that position was George Campbell, who didn't see the field on Wednesday after starting over the weekend.

"George was amazing," Pochettino said. "In the first game, I was so pleased with him. He finished a little bit tired in that first game against Venezuela, and then we wanted to play also with Walker and then Tim, with also the possibility of Miles Robinson. We only conceded one goal [against Venezuela] and that was on a set piece, but the performance was really good from the centerbacks. And the defensive line did really well in the two games."

Most of the competitors for this spot on the USMNT are in Europe. Several were playing in the Champions League earlier on Wednesday. Ream, in particular, will feel he's still in the mix. Zimmerman and Robinson, too, given their performances this camp. The competition is heating up, and there are plenty of familiar faces.

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AFPLOSER: Diego Luna's nose

We'll let Pochettino say it.

"I was very surprised he broke his nose, but I didn't want to say anything because he was bleeding," Pochettino told TNT after the match. "Not have too much drama, you know. I don't want to scare them. I said 'How do you feel?' and he said 'Please coach, let me keep playing, at least until halftime, and then I'll go out. Doctor, give me the OK.' Then an assist and we scored."

Added Pochettino with a laugh, "I said 'big balls.’ He showed great character."

That says it all. The assist to Brian White in the 21st minute was fantastic, a display of Luna at his creative best. The fact that he did it with cotton plugs in his nose made it even wilder. Postgame, Luna headed to the hospital as a precautionary measure but, before that, he made his presence known.

Luna may find it tough to breathe for a little while with a busted up nose. A worthy sacrifice, he'll probably say. It made for one heck of a picture and, ultimately, he got the job done anyway – especially as Pochettino literally put a new shirt on Luna after removing the blood-staine one on the touchline.

Add it to the list of memorable Luna moments. It was his first true impactful performance in a USMNT shirt, and it was unforgettable. The one least likely to forget it? Pochettino, who no doubt came away impressed with his young No. 10.

"He showed great character and great quality," Pochettino said. "It's a player that, for sure, we are going to have a consideration for in the future."

A rapid half-century from Milton Shumba – the first of his T20I career – powered Zimbabwe to a six-wicket victory against Scotland in Edinburgh. Set 178 for the win, Zimbabwe chased down the target with five deliveries to spare, and in the process, sealed the three-match series 2-1.Zimbabwe began their chase well, thanks to a 60-run opening stand between Regis Chakabva (25) and the captain Craig Ervine (25). However, both batters fell in quick succession, and Zimbabwe soon found themselves precariously placed at 63 for 3 in the 10th over, needing another 115 runs from just 64 balls.Shumba and Wessley Madhevere then stabilised the innings, keeping the scoreboard ticking, but the pair initially struggled to find the boundaries – Zimbabwe managed just five between the 10th and 16th overs – and eventually found themselves staring at a required run rate of 14.The momentum swung decisively Zimbabwe’s way in the 17th over, bowled by Alasdair Evans, who till then had conceded just 15 runs. Shumba clubbed Evans for three consecutive sixes, before Madhevere added a fourth, as the visitors took 25 runs off the bowler. Shumba and Madhevere followed it up with a 14-run over off Safyaan Sharif, meaning Zimbabwe needed just 17 from the last two overs.Madhevere was eventually run out for 43, ending a fourth-wicket partnership of 99 runs, but Shumba remained unbeaten on 66 to take Zimbabwe home. In total, Shumba stroked two fours and six sixes.Earlier, Scotland, opting to bat, had put up 177 for 4, on the back of a 30-ball 54 from the opener George Munsey. Scotland were in a spot of bother at 77 for 3 in the ninth over, but handy knocks from Richie Berrington (44) and Calum MacLeod powered the team to a competitive total.