Elly De La Cruz has been historic this season and the Cincinnati Reds shortstop has put up some huge numbers. Both good and bad.

De La Cruz enters the final week of the 2024 season with some tremendous numbers. He's currently hitting .261, has an on-base percentage of .343, while slugging .476. He has 25 home runs, 74 RBIs and leads all of baseball with 65 stolen bases. His OPS is .819, he boasts an fWAR of 6.5 and a wRC+ of 121.

His campaign has been historic as the 22-year-old is the first shortstop in MLB history with 25 or more home runs and 65 or more stolen bases in a season. Additionally, he's only the fourth player since 2000 to register 90 or more home runs and stolen bases combined in a season. He's tied at 90 with Jose Reyes's mark from 2007, but trails only Ronald Acuna's 114 from 2023 and Shohei Ohtani's 108 this season. That's some pretty great company to be in.

De La Cruz is electric and has become a budding star, but the Reds have had to take the bad with the good as he's developed. He does lead MLB in stolen bases, but he's also tops in strikeouts (210) and errors (28).

The closest competition for the lead in strikeouts is Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar at 193, so there's very little chance he loses the strikeout crown. The MLB single-season record for strikeouts is 223, set by Mark Reynolds in 2009. The Cincinnati Reds record is Adam Dunn's 222 from 2012. De La Cruz is also on pace to become the first player to lead MLB in strikeouts and steals in the same season.

Despite the negatives, it's easy to see why De La Cruz is so exciting. His StatCast page is a really fun read. He's in the 90th percentile in average exit velocity, 89th in bat speed, 77th in hard-hit percentage, 98th in defensive range, 90th in arm strength and 100th in sprint speed. Then there are some weird takeaways. He's in the 34th percentile in xBA (.244), 25th in percentage of balls squared up, eighth percentile in whiff percentage, and fifth in strikeout percentage.

De La Cruz is a ball of contradictions, but he has a long career ahead of him to iron out his issues. His 2024 season has seen him post ridiculous numbers, both positive and negative. But he's been incredibly fun to watch the entire time.

Whilst it’s often big-money transfers that steal the headlines, nothing beats success from the academy. Discovering the next Harry Kane is still just as important as it was finding the original. Even in football’s current climate, academies still have an invaluable part to play in producing the greatest players in the world.

Whether it’s in English football, Amsterdam or La Masia, the next generation of stars need a platform to start somewhere. Building one of the best academies can be just as crucial as having the largest budget if used right – have both and the possibilities can be endless.

The CIES Football Observatory has now identified football’s best academies based on three factors…

• Players – how many players in 49 worldwide leagues they’ve trained for 3 years between their 15th and 21st birthdays
• Minutes – official game-time from those players in the last year
• Level – the level of clubs those players have played for

Five Premier League sides feature in the top 100 academies in the world, but none of them crack the top ten. Manchester City sit highest at 21st, Arsenal are ranked 48th, and Chelsea just about make the top 50. Meanwhile, Manchester United sit 56th and Liverpool sit 75th in a ranking that they should hope to improve.

10

Velez Sarsfield (Argentina)

One of three Argentine clubs in the top 10, Velez Sarsfield are not a well-known club but their academy has produced some undeniable gems. Both Nicolas Otamendi and Diego Simeone graduated from the Argentine club before enjoying fantastic careers in European football.

The former even became a Premier League winner at Manchester City and is now playing his football at Benfica in the latter years of his career. Nowadays, the likes of Dilan Godoy could be next in line to benefit, having been promoted from Sarsfield’s academy and enjoyed first-team football for the first time this season.

9

Real Madrid (Spain)

A less surprising name on the list, Real Madrid are ranked 9th in CIES’ list of the world’s best academies. It’s easy to assume that they’d be higher, given their place as arguably the world’s biggest team, but their focus has often been set on welcoming Galactico-esque signings such as Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Nonetheless, that’s not to say their academy hasn’t produced some impressive talent in recent years. The likes of Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia both came from Madrid’s academy and both now play their part in Xabi Alonso’s first-team squad.

8

Defensor SC (Uruguay)

Like Sarsfield, Defensor SC’s inclusion on this list will surprise many, but the Uruguay-based side have trained as many as 88 current professional players at the time CIES conducted their rankings.

They have been one of the most consistent breeding grounds for young talent in South America and have helped the likes of Maxi Gomez on their way. Given the influence that South America has on the transfer market these days, with Moises Caicedo and Murillo arriving before thriving in the Premier League, Defensor could be ones to watch.

7

Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)

Having trained 77 active players, Dinamo Zagreb find themselves higher than Real Madrid on this list. Having produced the likes of Luka Modric, however, that should come as little surprise.

It’s not just the veteran midfielder still representing the academy, either. Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol also graduated from the Croatian club and is now a Premier League winner. Now, questions will arrive as to who the next big product to come out of Zagreb will be. Whoever it is has quite the shoes to fill.

6

Sporting CP (Portugal)

The academy that made the one and only Cristiano Ronaldo, Sporting CP discovered a gem and have used their academy ever since. These days, graduates such as Goncalo Inacio, Geny Catamo and Geovany Quenda are stealing the show in products that reflect the success of Ronaldo after the academy was named after one of football’s greatest-ever players.

Aside from the Real Madrid legend, one stat which really stamps home the impact of Sporting’s academy is the fact that 10 of their graduates played their part in Portugal’s Euro 2016 victory.

5

Boca Juniors (Argentina)

The second Argentine team in the top 10, Boca Juniors remain one of the biggest clubs in South America and their academy reflects that. Icons such as Carlos Tevez have come through what is known as ‘The Boca Factory’ and the likes of Alan Varela and Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur have followed suit in recent years.

The Boca Factory doesn’t look likely to cease production anytime soon, either, given Valentin Barco has emerged from the academy into European football in the last two years.

4

Ajax (Netherlands)

Who remembers Erik ten Hag’s 2018/19 Champions League side? It was built on the success of Ajax’s famous academy and would have been enough to make the late-great Johan Cruyff proud.

In a golden generation, Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van de Beek all stole the spotlight and soon secured moves to some of Europe’s biggest clubs in Barcelona and Manchester United. Whilst those in Amsterdam are still seeking their next crop of generational talent, they have still made CIES’ top 10 football academies in the world.

3

River Plate (Argentina)

Argentina really is the place for young talent. Alongside Boca and Sarsfield, River Plate have been ranked inside CIES’ top 10 and sit as high as third. It’s no wonder, either. They’ve trained 97 active players and are responsible for blessing European football with talents Julian Alvarez and Real Madrid’s latest young gem Franco Mastantuno.

When it comes to attacking stars, there aren’t many more reliable clubs in world football than River Plate. Both Madrid clubs have benefitted from that and Man City could be next in line if Claudio Echeverri realises his increasingly-impressive potential.

2

Barcelona (Spain)

Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez – the list could go on. La Masia remains the most famous football academy in world football, even if CIES have deemed it second best. Just when they seemed down and out on Europe’s top table, the Spanish giants turned towards their academy to unearth some undeniable gems.

The odds that they would find the exact player to take Lionel Messi’s throne seemed impossible, but up stepped Yamal – a player who already looks destined to break records at just 18 years old.

1

Benfica (Portugal)

It takes a lot to beat La Masia and Barcelona on this list, but Benfica have done exactly that. Edging out their Spanish counterparts, Benfica trained as many as 93 players during CIES’ latest ranking and many of those stars are performing at the highest level.

Some of the best talents to benefit from their focus on young stars over the years include Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves – now one of the best midfielders on the planet – and Man City’s Bernardo Silva many moons ago.

It’s an academy which has funded Benfica over the years thanks to big-money moves for Joao Felix as well as others and now one that they’ll hope to see result in Liga Portugal glory in years to come.

Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus was forced to sit out their last match in the Champions League after picking up a knock, with supporters understandably hoping that he doesn’t also miss their crunch clash with Man United this weekend.

It is perhaps the worst time to face Ruben Amorim’s side right now, with the Red Devils winning three out of their last four Premier League games and starting to look fairly solid after months of topsy-turvy form.

Spurs’ face-off against United will be the first time both sides have met since the Lilywhites’ historic Europa League final triumph in May – a match which gifted Tottenham their first piece of major silverware since 2008 and granted them a pathway into Europe.

The stats heavily favour Thomas Frank, with the north Londoners standing out as United’s major bogey team of the last 24 months.

Tottenham have won five and drew two of their last seven meetings in all competitions, and if they beat them again on Saturday, it’ll be the first time any Spurs side has won three consecutive league games against United since the 1959/1960 season.

That being said, Tottenham’s home form is a real cause for concern right now. No side has lost more Premier League home games than Spurs in 2025 (9), and Frank’s team is currently ravaged by injuries.

Kudus, who’s dazzled as their key attacking star since joining from West Ham for £55 million in the summer, even drawing comparisons to Mousa Dembele, joined their extensive absentee list earlier this week after missing training prior to Tottenham’s 4-0 rout of FC Copenhagen.

Tottenham absentee list

Problem

Estimated return date

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

22/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Not having the winger available for their looming clash with United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be a bitter blow for Frank, but they’ve now been handed a positive update.

Tottenham given Mohammed Kudus update after four-word Man United statement

The African was left out of Spurs’ squad to face Copenhagen but was in attendance to watch his side triumph, and he was questioned about his condition in the mixed zone after full-time.

When asked if he would be fit to face United, via Standard Sport, Kudus replied:

This comes as a very encouraging update as Kudus strongly suggests that he could be ready for selection, but Frank will provide an even more definitive update in his pre-match press conference.

The Ghanaian has been a revelation under Frank, averaging more successful takes-ons per 90 than any other player in the top flight according to WhoScored, with Kudus chalking up five goal contributions to boot.

The 25-year-old is poised to play a key role for Tottenham as they chase more major silverware and Champions League qualification this season, and having him return could be vital as Frank looks to put last weekend’s dismal home performance against Chelsea behind him.

Kudus’ creativity, dribbling, close control and one-v-one ability have been a nightmare for opposing full-backs so far this term, with the former Ajax star and Joao Palhinha standing out as the club’s best buys of the summer.

Kudus already boasts one goal and an assist in three total outings against Man United, so Amorim knows all about the threat he poses.

It’s just shy of four full years since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

You’d have to search far and wide to find a Magpies fan who would contest PIF’s shrewd appointment, with the club having risen from the dangers of the relegation zone to a new reputation as regular European contenders and trophy winners besides.

Howe has welcomed many exciting talents to St. James’ Park on the transfer front, but he’s also elevated formerly struggling stars to a new, respected status.

Howe's rekindled Newcastle stars

Newcastle are unrecognisable from the motley group who toiled their way through the final pre-PIF years.

And Fabian Schar is utterly transformed. Journalist John Gibson once branded ther Swiss international as a “walking mistake”, but went on to remark that he has “eliminated” the flaws from his game.

Dynamic and dependable in central defence, Schar has stood strong despite the impetus on investment in recent years. But he’s not the only one.

Joelinton’s resurgence in the Premier League has been a wonderful thing. Arriving in 2019 for a club-record £40m fee, the Brazilian was billed as the club’s long-term solution at number nine. That failed miserably, but he has been refashioned into a robust and tough-tackling midfielder.

Part of Howe’s core group of mainstays on Tyneside, Newcastle would not have reached their giddy heights without Joelinton’s energetic and combative presence in the middle of the park, a counterpoint to the elegance and technical control of Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

1

Bruno Guimaraes

163

2

Fabian Schar

160

3

Dan Burn

158

4

Jacob Murphy

144

5

Joelinton

138

Joelinton will be an inspiration to Newcastle stars looking to knuckle down and make improvements, weathering the adversity that falls upon those younger stars looking to make their way.

Lewis Miley will hope to take a leaf from the 29-year-old’s book, but there’s actually another up-and-comer in black and white who might be Howe’s next version of the powerful talent.

Howe's new version of Joelinton

Joelinton might not have worked out as a free-scoring forward, but he’s been an indispensable part of the Newcastle journey under Howe’s management.

And while he has struggled to click into gear since joining from Sheffield United for £15m in 2024, William Osula may yet follow in his teammate’s footsteps.

Last season, Osula was on the backbench for much of the year, unable to earn a single start in the top flight and struggling to impress when presented with rare opportunities. Former Newcastle defender John Anderson said he was “disappointed” with the striker during one match against Leicester in April.

But with three goals and an assist across nine matches this term, the Denmark U21 international is showing improvements in the final third, with Howe claiming “he’s done his chances no harm”, in regard to a more important role, after scoring against Liverpool in the Premier League in August.

Having rejected a £30m offer from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, Howe clearly sees the potential in his young star, who could enjoy a Joelinton-like resurgence, especially with several showings this term seeing him lean out toward the right flank, bespeaking a potential role shift down the line, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa nailed down at the top of the pecking order up front.

His performance against Liverpool, showing tenacity and drive, led journalist Thomas Hammond to hail the young star for “becoming a fan favourite”, and if he can maintain the quality to match, it could be a fruitful future for Osula in England’s north east.

Osula is far below the level of consistency required to upset Woltemade’s claim for the star spot at number nine, but he’s certainly going the right way about it.

Question marks were raised when United turned down a big offer for his signature this summer, but, just like with Joelinton, one who seemed certain for the axe may yet rise to a prominent position in Howe’s Newcastle squad.

Before Dan Burn: Newcastle "leader" is the first player Wilson must ditch

This Newcastle United star, who was once called a leader by Alan Shearer, is now on borrowed time on Tyneside.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 13, 2025

Liverpool were left furious after Virgil van Dijk’s first-half header against Manchester City was ruled out for offside, despite Andy Robertson not touching the ball. The Dutchman thought he had equalised from a Mohamed Salah corner, but VAR sided with the on-field officials. And here's why Arne Slot's team did not end up getting a goal that could have had a big impact on the game.

Van Dijk goal ruled off in Man City loss

Liverpool were denied what they believed to be a legitimate equaliser in the first half of their Premier League clash with City at Etihad Stadium. After falling behind to Erling Haaland’s opener, Van Dijk met a corner from Salah and directed a powerful header past Gianluigi Donnarumma, seemingly restoring parity for the visitors. The Liverpool captain sprinted away in celebration, only for the assistant referee’s flag to cut short the jubilation.

Robertson was deemed to be in an offside position during the play, standing just a yard from Donnarumma inside the six-yard box. Although the Scotland international made no contact with the ball and attempted to duck out of its flight path, VAR confirmed that his movement was enough to interfere with the goalkeeper’s ability to play the ball. The Premier League’s Match Centre later clarified that Robertson’s proximity constituted “an obvious action which impacted an opponent’s ability to play the ball,” meaning the goal could not stand.

The decision proved divisive, particularly as Donnarumma appeared unlikely to have reached the header regardless of Robertson’s position. While City took advantage of the reprieve and doubled their lead before the interval, Liverpool’s players were left visibly frustrated — with Arne Slot animatedly remonstrating with the officials on the touchline. It was a key moment in a match where fine margins once again played a decisive role.

AdvertisementFans fume at VAR's offside decision

@TheKopWatch commented on X: "Side netting. GK is getting nowhere near it. Robertson doesn’t block his view of the ball. How on earth is that disallowed?"

@markgoldbridge wrote: "Got to say that is a joke. Keeper is at full stretch and Robertson isn't interfering with play. Another shocker."

@Abdulba71267148 fumed: "Complete robbery."

@JonnyGibson33 explained: "He's miles away from the keeper the ball, literally moving away from the goal and then ducks. Incredible decision."

@holly82649091 claimed: "They want a title race between Arsenal and City."

@mo11salahh took shots at the inconsistency: "Bernardo Silva against Wolves last season. Robertson against city this season. Man City goal given. Liverpool goal NOT given."

Getty Images SportWas Robertson actually in Donnarumma's 'line of sight'?

The controversy stems from Law 11 of the FA’s rules on offside, which outlines that a player can be penalised even without touching the ball if they “make an obvious action which clearly impacts on the ability of an opponent to play the ball”. In this instance, Robertson’s quick duck to avoid Van Dijk’s header was deemed an “obvious action”. Officials concluded that his proximity to Donnarumma caused hesitation in the goalkeeper’s movement, constituting interference.

The Premier League’s post-match explanation described Robertson as being “in an offside position directly in front of the goalkeeper”. However, replays suggested the full-back was actually slightly to Donnarumma’s left, leading to debate over whether the “line of sight” element of the rule applied. While Robertson’s motion to evade the ball was instinctive, officials interpreted it as influencing Donnarumma’s reaction, and therefore as active involvement in the play.

The controversy reignited broader frustrations over VAR’s inconsistency in judging offside interference. Similar incidents in previous seasons have seen goals allowed when players appeared to obstruct goalkeepers, further blurring the line between passive and active involvement.

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VAR continues to split fans on a weekly basis

The fallout from the disallowed goal is likely to continue, with Liverpool supporters and pundits demanding greater clarity from the Premier League’s officiating body. While the decision may have adhered to the letter of the law, the interpretation will once again draw criticism for its subjectivity — particularly in high-stakes fixtures like this one.

City, meanwhile, took full advantage of Liverpool’s deflation, controlling the tempo in the second half to preserve their lead and maintain their unbeaten home record.

تحدث هيمير هالجريمسون، مدرب منتخب أيرلندا عن لقطة طرد المهاجم البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو، في مباراة المنتخبين خلال تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وكانت الجماهير البرتغالية تنتظر تحقيقها نتيجة إيجابية والفوز ضد أيرلندا لحسم بطاقة صعودها لكأس العالم بشكل رسمي، قبل أن يتأجل حسم الصعود للمونديال بعد الهزيمة بهدفين نظيفين.

ورد هيمير هالجريمسون مدرب منتخب أيرلندا خلال مؤتمر صحفي بعد الفوز ضد منتخب البرتغال على البطاقة الحمراء التي تلقاها كريستيانو رونالدو.

أقرأ أيضاً.. موقف رونالدو من خوض أولى مباريات البرتغال في كأس العالم 2026

وقال هالجريمسون في تصريحات نشرتها “أبولا” البرتغالية: “أشاد بي رونالدو لأنني ضغطت على الحكم وأنني كنت ذكياً لكن تصرفه السخيف بمهاجمة لاعبنا هو ما أدى للبطاقة الحمراء ولا علاقة لي بالأمر”.

وأضاف: “لقد فقد كريستيانو رونالدو تركيزه قليلاً وربما كان ذلك بسبب الجماهير، لقد شعر بالإحباط وتصرف بطريقة لا ينبغي أن يتصرف بها”. 

وكان كريستيانو رونالدو قد ذكر في مؤتمر صحفي قبل المباراة حول هالجريمسون: “أعتقد أن هالجريمسون سيحاول الضغط على الحكم، أنا متأكد من أنه ذكي ويعرف ما يجب فعله وأين يجب أن يضغط، عملت في مجال كرة القدم لسنوات عديدة وهو يعرف كيف يخفف الضغط عن اللاعبين، إنها مباراة حاسمة لهم لكن ستتاح لهم فرصهم ولديهم فريق جيد لكنني أعتقد أن البرتغال ستلعب مباراة جيدة وتفوز”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O goleiro brasileiro Max Walef, ex-Fortaleza, está pronto para deixar o Dnipro-1, da Ucrância. A guerra com a Rússia, que já perdura cerca de um ano e meio, afetou o futebol da região do Leste Europeu, que também teve que se adequar em meio aos conflitos. Na última temporada, o Dnipro-1, atual vice-campeão do Campeonato Ucraniano, teve que mandar as suas partidas na Eslováquia, longe da sua cidade.

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+ Confira os palpites dos jornalistas do Lance! para a 31ª rodada do Brasileirão

Portanto, nesta temporada, Max decidiu rescindir o seu contrato ao saber que o clube teria que voltar para a cidade de Dnipro. A região é alvo de constantes bombardeios e o clima de apreensão aumentou internamente, já que não há uma certeza em relação ao fim da guerra.

Max Walef foi contratado para reforçar a equipe ucraniana na temporada passada e encerra a sua passagem pelo clube com 57 partidas ao todo. Em 25, o brasileiro saiu de campo sem ser vazado. O goleiro foi decisivo na campanha do vice-campeonato ucraniano, terminando o torneio sem sofrer gols em metade dos jogos – foram oito “cleansheets”.

Além disso, Max foi o goleiro que ficou a maior quantidade de minutos seguidos sem ser vazado, sendo crucial também na campanha da equipe na Conference League.

O goleiro atou durante 13 anos no Fortaleza, participando de conquistas históricas pelo clube: o título Brasileiro da Série B em 2018 e o bicampeonato da Copa do Nordeste. Max Walef se despediu do Leão em 2022, justamente na temporada em que se destacou como titular da primeira campanha do Tricolor na Libertadores em sua história.

+ Mesmo com derrota na Sul-Americana, Fortaleza está no caminho certo para se tornar clube modelo no Brasil

Agora, devido aos conflitos no território ucraniano, o goleiro brasileiro se viu obrigado a rescindir o seu contrato com o Dnipro-1 e está livre no mercado para negociar com clubes interessados, considerando até mesmo um possível retorno ao Brasil.

Rashid Khan takes three wickets in a set as Southern Brave suffer third straight defeat

ECB Media18-Aug-2025

An all-action display from Sam Curran and another eye-catching half-century from Jordan Cox eased reigning champions Oval Invincibles to a seven-wicket win over Southern Brave and extended their lead at the top of the table.Set 134 to win, Invincibles lost their openers cheaply, Will Jacks and Tawanda Muyeye both falling to Craig Overton, but Cox continued his red-hot form with a classy 37-ball 56 and Curran capped a fine all-round performance by making an unbeaten 50 from 32 deliveries.Cox fell to Tymal Mills with 15 still required but captain Sam Billings struck three boundaries to ensure there were no further alarms as the visitors sealed the win with 11 balls to spare, their fourth victory in five.Invincibles overcame Brave in last year’s final and they made an impressive start at Utilita Bowl, Australia left-armer Jason Behrendorff making early inroads when he had both James Vince and Leus du Plooy caught at short third by Tom Curran, who then knocked back Laurie Evans’ off stump to leave the Brave 32 3.Things went from bad to worse for the hosts when Rashid Khan was thrown the ball. Six days ago, the Afghan leggie returned figures of 0 for 59 at Edgbaston but he was irrepressible against Brave, striking three times in his opening set to send Jason Roy, Michael Bracewell and James Coles on their way. Those scalps took Rashid to a competition-high haul of 10 in the Hundred this summer.With the Brave sinking fast at 44 for 6, Hilton Cartwright and Jordan Thompson counterattacked, the latter making a sprightly 13-ball 24 before nicking off to Sam Curran, who then castled Cartwright (42 off 30) with a pinpoint yorker.Curran struck again to dismiss Jofra Archer with a super-slow delivery before Mills was the last man out, run out by the live-wire Curran, to end the Brave innings on 133 from 98 balls, not enough to prevent last year’s runners-up slumping to a third straight defeat.Sam Curran, the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “It was a really big win. The way the table is at the moment, we knew it was such a big game, they’re a really good team.”I’m just really enjoying it. It’s a lovely bunch of guys. We’ve been together a while and turning up to work and playing with your mates and having coaches who know you is great.”On sharing a 101-run partnership with Cox, he said: “He’s special, the way he’s playing is incredible. The way he’s striking the ball is so clean and so skilful. Our partnership took the pressure off early. We knew they had some key bowlers and thankfully we saw them off and got the win.”

Portugal endured a calamitous evening in Dublin, as their pursuit of a World Cup spot in 2026 was delayed by a 2-0 defeat to Ireland. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo was given his marching orders on the hour mark when he lashed out at Dara O'Shea with an elbow to the defender's back to cap a frustrating evening for the Seleccao after Troy Parrott scored twice in the first half to secure a famous Irish win.

Portugal will rue their inability to fashion a meaningful chance on Caoimhin Kelleher's goal in an opening salvo as Ireland defended resolutely, camped on the edge of their box while the visitors boasted more than 80 percent of possession in the first 15 minutes of action. 

The hosts were not cowed by their lack of control, looking to turn the high Portuguese line with long-range passes through the channels, and after a Goncalo Inacio back pass from a rare Irish attack left Diogo Costa short, Ireland won a corner. The resulting ball in was nodded back across goal by Liam Scales, allowing Parrott to turn in from close range. 

That established something of a pattern for the remainder of the half, with Ruben Dias and Inacio frequently having to turn back towards their goal to quell the advances of Parrott and Chiedozie Ogbene as the Ireland attackers looked to latch on to long balls. Ogbene's curled effort almost doubled the lead but struck the outside of Costa's far post, but on the stroke of half-time, Parrott added to the host's lead, cutting in from the left channel and finishing through Ruben Neves' legs into the bottom corner.

While Roberto Martinez' side again took the lions share of possession to open the second half, they appeared increasingly frantic. Ronaldo cut the most frustrated figure, remonstrating with team-mates for their wasteful final ball, and it was of no surprise when the Portugal captain lost his head, lashing out at O'Shea with an elbow. After a VAR check, the referee sent the 40-year-old off, who mimicked a crying face to the Aviva Stadium crowd. 

That did little to instil any urgency into Portugal, who continued to shift the ball sideways in front of a resolute Ireland defence. Martinez' side were largely kept to speculative pot shots on Kelleher's goal, with Goncalo Ramos' volleyed effort from the edge of the box the only effort that had the Brentford man scrambling. Portugal will now have to beat Armenia on Sunday to secure their place at next year's World Cup.

GOAL rates all the Portugal players from the Aviva Stadium…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Diogo Costa (4/10):

  Was caught short by a poor back pass in the build up to Ireland's opener, but his lunging tackle was also clumsy. Little he could do about the second. 

  Joao Cancelo (4/10):

  Despite being camped in the Ireland half for the best part of a half, he showed little of his quality in the final third. Subbed at half-time after picking up an early yellow.

  Ruben Dias (5/10):

  Defended well on the turn at times, but still looked rushed by Parrott and Ogbene.

  Goncalo Inacio (3/10):

  His terrible back pass could have resulted in a penalty, instead it brought corner that saw Ireland take the lead. The high line did not do him any favours. A torrid time all round. Yanked at half-time.

  Diogo Dalot (4/10):

  Drafted into the left-back position in Nuno Mendes and Nuno Tavares' absence. Rasped a half-volley over the bar on the stroke of half-time.

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  Midfield

  Ruben Neves (4/10):

  Found himself dropping in to defensive positions after his centre-backs were turned by Ireland's long balls. Tried valiantly to bloke Parrott's effort for the second goal. A game enough showing.

  Vitinha (5/10):

  Recycled possession and kept things moving along. Not his fault that there was next to no attacking incision ahead of him. 

  Joao Neves (4/10):

  Energetic and industrious but lacking his usual quality. 

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  Attack

  Joao Felix (4/10):

  Got into dangerous areas but looked racked with doubt at the crucial moment. 

  Cristiano Ronaldo (2/10):

  Started with a speculative back heel attempt on goal, followed it up with a tepid free-kick. A largely anonymous first half saw him lose his head in a febrile atmosphere. Deservedly sent off. 

  Bernardo Silva (4/10):

  A few jinking runs aside, a very quiet evening for the Manchester City star. 

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  Subs & Manager

  Nelson Semedo (4/10):

  Chased down some lost causes gamely. 

  Renato Veiga (5/10):

  Ireland's willingness to sit on their lead meant he had an easier 45 minutes than Inacio. Little to report.

  Trincao (4/10):

  Little impact after his introduction, shortly after Ronaldo's dismissal.

  Rafael Leao (4/10):

  An anonymous showing off the bench.

  Goncalo Ramos (5/10):

  His chest and volley was a rare moment of quality for an under-performing outfit. Forced a smart stop out of Kelleher.

  Roberto Martinez (3/10):

  Devoid of any real tactical ideas. His team look rudderless when Ronaldo has an off night. Is that good enough heading into a major tournament? 

Ahead of the Ashes, Australia offspinner says Shoaib Bashir, England’s current No. 1 spinner, “has been okay”

Alex Malcolm31-Jul-2025Australia’s greatest ever offspinner Nathan Lyon believes that left-arm spinner Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner, and says offspinner Shoaib Bashir, England’s currently injured No.1 spinner and likely Ashes tourist for 2025-26, “has been okay”.Speaking at a Cricket Australia sponsorship announcement in Sydney on Thursday, Lyon said former England seamer James Anderson had revealed to him that Bashir had been selected to try and replicate what Lyon does in Australia. But Lyon believes Leach is still the best spinner England has.”I obviously played with Jimmy Anderson last year at Lancashire, and they basically said that they’re picking Bashir to do what I do,” Lyon said. “So I took a little bit of pride out of Jimmy respecting a little bit of what I’ve been able to do in my career. But Bashir has been okay.Related

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“Jacob Bethell is playing this Test match [at The Oval against India], and he looks like he’ll take up the spin bowling from Liam Dawson. But in my eyes, Jack Leach is still their best spinner.”Leach, 34, has not played for England since last year’s tour of Pakistan, where he had a modest series compared Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who spun Pakistan to victory in the final two Tests. Leach’s return of 16 wickets at an average of 31.43 and a strike rate of 50.75 in three Tests in that series were still well ahead of Bashir’s nine wickets at 49.55 and 79.44, respectively.England have since committed to Bashir as the No.1 spinner across their last three series – against New Zealand, Zimbabwe and India. When he suffered a series-ending finger injury in the Lord’s Test of the ongoing series against India, Liam Dawson returned as England’s sole spinner for the fourth Test in Manchester after eight years in the Test wilderness. Dawson has since been left out for the fifth and final Test at The Oval, with England picking four fast bowlers as well as Jacob Bethell as a part-time left-arm spin option in place of Dawson.Leach took 6 for 63 in his most recent outing, for Somerset against Durham at Taunton, in what turned out to be a two-day game on a pitch that was described as “appalling” by Ian Botham. Leach is currently the fourth-leading wicket-taker, and the leading spinner, in division one of the County Championship this season, with 39 wickets at 24.76, including two six-wicket hauls.Jack Leach played three Tests on the last Australia tour in 2021-22•Getty ImagesLeach played three Tests in Australia on the 2021-22 Ashes tour, taking just six wickets at 53.50, and was left out of the final Test in Hobart. Instead, England picked four seamers in a pink-ball game where Lyon did not bowl a single delivery as Australia won inside three days.Bashir, meanwhile, was sent on the England Lions tour of Australia earlier this year to play three four-day games against Cricket Australia (CA) XI and Australia A, although none of them was played at Test venues.He returned match figures of 2 for 91 and 1 for 109 in the two fixtures against the CA XI in Brisbane. Against Australia A in the unofficial Test at Cricket Central in Sydney, which the Lions lost by an innings, Bashir got 1 for 74 in the only innings he bowled.

“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions. But I’m not going to let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here”Nathan Lyon believes spinners will have their share of role to play in the Ashes this summer

Lyon himself was left out of Australia’s most recent Test match, against West Indies in Jamaica, as the selectors opted for four quicks in a pink-ball game that ended inside two-and-a-half days. But he believes spinners will have their share of role to play in the Ashes in Australia despite the pitches being very seam-friendly in recent years.”It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” Lyon said. “But I’m not going to let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here. Our guys know how to play spin really well in this country. That’s probably what helped me produce my skill to where it is at the moment. I know I’ll keep trying getting better, and we’ll see how their spinners go.”