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The pair hit aggressive half-centuries to lift India from 31 for 3; England suffer their first T20I defeat at the venue

Alan Gardner01-Jul-2025India 181 for 4 (Rodrigues 63, Amanjot 63*) beat England 157 for 7 (Beaumont 54, Ecclestone 35, Charani 2-28, Amanjot 1-28) by 24 runs
India inflicted a wounding defeat on England for the second match in succession to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur dug India out of trouble with vibrant half-centuries, and the bowlers all did their bit to keep England’s chase at bay despite a belligerent fifty from Tammy Beaumont.Coming off the back of a record loss in the series opener at Trent Bridge, England kept faith with the same XI – and the same tactics as Nat Sciver-Brunt put India in. England’s seamers backed that call by reducing India to 31 for 3 in the powerplay, only for a fourth-wicket stand of 93 in 55 balls to emphatically wrest the game from their grasp.Rodrigues recovered from a slow start to reel off a flurry of boundaries, eventually falling for 63 off 41. Amanjot was similarly brimming with energy as she brought up a maiden T20I fifty, adding an unbeaten partnership of 57 with Richa Ghosh as India recorded the second-highest total in women’s T20 internationals at Bristol. In all, the last 10 overs leaked 117 runs – India’s third-highest aggregate for the second half of a women’s T20I innings (where ball-by-ball data is available).Amanjot then claimed the key wicket of Sciver-Brunt as England suffered their own powerplay slump at 17 for 3. Beaumont made her first T20I half-century in almost four years, adding 70 off 49 in partnership with Amy Jones, but she was run out by Sneh Rana’s pinpoint throw as the required rate began to climb.Sophie Ecclestone produced some late hitting, and a reminder of her all-round ability, in making 35 off 23 but it was not enough, leaving Sciver-Brunt – who spent much of India’s innings off the field with a “tight hip” – and England coach, Charlotte Edwards, with much to ponder ahead of Friday’s crucial encounter at the Kia Oval.

England’s stumbling start

Since beginning the summer with an opening partnership of 51 against West Indies at Canterbury, Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s stands have since read 0, 0, 9 and 2. That has largely that has been down to Wyatt-Hodge’s struggles – she has made 18 runs in five innings – but here it was Dunkley who was first to go, slapping the ball straight to Deepti Sharma at extra cover and then being sent back after attempting a non-existent single.Wyatt-Hodge managed to end a run of three successive ducks, but her success was relative as she attempted to hit her second ball over the top only to pick out mid-off. Having been dismissed three times in a row by Zaida James’ left-arm spin during the West Indies series, she has now gone two from two against Deepti’s offies.Tammy Beaumont struck her first T20I fifty since 2021•ECB/Getty Images

Beaumont makes her case

Heather Knight’s injury in the third T20I against West Indies opened the door for Beaumont to make a return in this format – albeit in an unaccustomed spot batting at No. 4. And the carnage suffered by England’s top order meant she was in the middle by the eighth ball of the innings anyway. She would soon set about reaffirming her credentials ahead of next year’s home T20 World Cup.From 11 off 10, she struck Radha Yadav for back-to-back boundaries in a 15-run seventh over. She was dropped on 24, a tough caught-and-bowled chance off Amanjot, before crunching Rana for three consecutive fours as England reached the 10-over mark on 76 for 3, marginally ahead of India’s score at same stage.A cut off N Shree Charani’s left-arm spin followed by a single into the leg side brought up Beaumont’s first T20I fifty since she made 97 against New Zealand in September 2021. However, she only faced two more balls. After cutting Radha firmly to backward point, she paid the price for hesitating as Jones called her through, a brilliant throw from Rana catching Beaumont inches short at the non-striker’s end to leave England needing 95 from 51.When Alice Capsey and Jones fell in the same over from Charani, the equation had become 72 off 30 and there would be no great escape, as England lost a women’s T20 international at Bristol for the first time.

India’s stumbling start

England started poorly with Capsey conceding 11 off the first over, with Smriti Mandhana, fresh off a T20I hundred at Trent Bridge, immediately back into her groove. But Lauren Filer quickly made the breakthrough from the other end, cramping Shafali Verma with one back of a length that flicked the gloves through to Jones.Lauren Bell’s first over cost just two runs, and although Rodrigues picked off a couple more boundaries, there were signs of England’s greater intensity in the field: Ecclestone pulling off a diving stop at mid-off; Dunkley pouncing on a Rodrigues drive to then shy at the non-striker’s end.That was topped by Bell’s flying catch at mid-on to dismiss Mandhana for 13, as Em Arlott claimed the big wicket with her fourth ball. While the shot would have cleared several members of the England team, Bell was able to leap and contort herself in the air to hold on brilliantly.With Filer stooping for a low take in the following over to dismiss India’s returning captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, India were seemingly in trouble on 35 for 3 at the end of the powerplay.Jemimah Rodrigues scored her first fifty against England in white-ball cricket•Andy Kearns/Getty Images

Rodrigues chimes in

Coming in at No. 3, Rodrigues took some time to get her eye in. She was initially troubled by Filer’s pace when she went short, and was going at just above a run a ball for the first half of her innings, happy to rebuild in partnership with Amanjot.At 64 for 3 after 10 overs, India then needed to kick on, and Rodrigues provided the impetus. She responded to a blow on the helmet from Arlott by creaming the seamer over long-on to start a sequence of 6, 4, 4. She greeted the returning Filer with two impudent scoops over the keeper – the second of which almost went for six – and a slash through third, at which point she had scored 10 of India’s 13 boundaries. In between she brought up a 33-ball half-century, her first against England in 21 limited-overs internationals.Amanjot then picked up the cudgels to take three more boundaries off Ecclestone, cutting and sweeping with elan, as India produced consecutive overs worth 16, 18 and 15. Although Rodrigues was out shortly after, slapping Bell to cover to end a scintillating stand, only one side had the momentum.

Amanjot ices the cake

Batting as high as No. 5 for the first time, allrounder Amanjot showed considerable poise throughout her innings. She had one early boundary – chipping Linsey Smith over mid-off to bring cheers from the India supporters in the crowd – and was 18 off 18 balls before tucking into Ecclestone, England’s premier spinner.She then accelerated brilliantly through the back of the innings in partnership with Ghosh, bringing up her maiden international half-century from 35 balls as England’s frailties from the first T20I reemerged. Ghosh thundered six boundaries in a 20-ball cameo, though she had a life on 12 when Beaumont inexplicably made a hash of a top-edged sweep at square leg.While Bell finished with fine figures of 2 for 17 and Ecclestone looked sharper in her second match back, India’s swashbucklers were brutal on the rest.

Nottingham Forest have been handed a boost in their bid to sign Aberdeen defender Luke Turner.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Nottingham Forest News that the Scottish Premiership side will not be offering the Irish defender a new contract, meaning that he will become a free agent.

Speaking to the Press and Journal, Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin said: “Luke has had a really good loan period over in the Northern Ireland and has done particularly well. We just believe it’s a little bit short for what we’re looking for in that area.

“We’ve got another one of two good young centre-backs coming through the system and you’re always wary of blocking that pathway.”

The next Scott McKenna

With Turner set to go on trial at Forest, if the 19-year-old is to earn himself a deal with the club, then Cooper will be hoping that he can replicate the progression shown by Scott McKenna, who is also an Aberdeen youth product.

The 25-year-old has been immense for Forest and has played a key part in helping the club achieve their ambition of reaching the Championship play-offs.

If Turner – who has been dubbed “outstanding” – is to win a contract at the City Ground, then the starlet will certainly have a role model on whom to base his game and aid his development.

However, it is also important to not get too far ahead, with the teenager’s experience of first team football limited to the Northern Ireland top flight and Republic of Ireland second tier.

Having been told that his contract at Aberdeen will not be renewed, the 19-year-old is set to leave without making a senior appearance for the Dons, yet more evidence towards the notion that the club do not rate him.

A particular comment made by Goodwin came across as harsh when he said: “We’ve got another one of two good young centre-backs coming through the system and you’re always wary of blocking that pathway.”

Cooper will be hoping that Turner can prove his doubters wrong and earn himself a career at Forest. After all, with the Reds’ history with youth products, it bodes well that they are interested in signing him.

In other news – Imagine him & Johnson: Cooper must seal Forest swoop for “magic” 20-goal livewire

Barcelona could be set to lose out on Joao Felix as Benfica's president has confirmed "ongoing" negotiations with the Atletico Madrid attacker.

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• Benfica want Felix back from Atletico
• Barcelona hoping for another loan
• Return to Atletico might not be an option

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Felix's future remains uncertain after his loan spell at Barcelona came to an end. Despite the forward's desire to stay at Camp Nou, Barcelona's priorities appear to have shifted towards other targets, namely Nico Williams and Dani Olmo. The Catalan giants have shown reluctance to meet Atletico Madrid's hefty €80 million (£68m/$87m) asking price for Felix, stalling any potential negotiations.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With Barcelona hesitating to make a formal bid and a loan deal seemingly off the table, Benfica have reportedly entered the fray with an offer of a cut-price deal for Felix. The forward, who became the fourth-most expensive player in history when he moved from Benfica to Atletico Madrid for £114 million ($147.26m) in July 2019, is now the subject of a potential return to his former club for just £12.7 million ($16.41m), while Atletico is holding out for a fee above £21 million ($27.13m). As part of the proposed deal, Benfica would purchase 50 per cent of Felix's rights, entitling Atletico to half of any future transfer fee.

• WHAT RUI COSTA SAID

  Benfica president Rui Costa has acknowledged that the club are indeed in talks with Atletico but refused to divulge any further details when asked about the negotiations for Felix and Renato Sanches.

  "It wasn’t just Di María who did it [returning to Benfica]. We also proved that with Gonçalo Guedes. What we want are good players and if we can have players who also know the club and know Portuguese football, it’s an advantage," Costa told reporters in Switzerland.

  When pressed about the potential returns of Felix and Sanches, Costa added: "These are ongoing negotiations and therefore should not be discussed publicly, as that is not helpful. Many names have been mentioned, and other names are also being mentioned."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  One of the main obstacles for Benfica in re-signing Felix is his substantial £6.7 million ($8.65m) annual salary, which would make him one of the club's highest earners, alongside Angel Di Maria and Juan Bernat. To facilitate this potential deal, Benfica might consider selling defender Antonio Silva, who has attracted interest from top clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Newcastle.

Batting coach praises Angelo Mathews’ effort after dismal Sri Lanka display in first Test

Andrew Fidel Fernando22-Jan-2021On the first day of the first Test, Sri Lanka batting coach Grant Flower was at a loss as to how to explain his team’s cavalier approach and catastrophic collapse. After a much better start this time around, Flower was pleased at the grit his batsmen showed, albeit on a flat surface.Angelo Mathews led Sri Lanka’s batting effort with his unbeaten 107 off 228 balls. He batted in long partnerships with Dinesh Chandimal, who made 52 and Lahiru Thirimanne, who hit 43. Sri Lanka went to stumps at 229 for 4.”A much better day than last time, and that’s down to the batsmen just applying themselves much more,” Flower said. “Today it was a flat wicket. It didn’t turn much. There was a bit of bounce for the seamers. So the guys just had to bat, apply themselves, and wait for the loose ball. Jimmy Anderson bowled really well as he always does, but the spinners didn’t get a lot of help from the wicket.”Angelo Mathews showed his experience again and got another really good hundred. He’s showed what a good player he was. Hopefully we can put on another 100-150 tomorrow and put England under pressure.”Related

• Niroshan Dickwella's dance of destruction. Or creation. Or whatever it is

• James Anderson delivers another performance to treasure on day of England toil

• Sri Lanka's top five show their mettle – three days too late

• Angelo Mathews edges day for Sri Lanka after arm-wrestle with James Anderson

Flower was critical of three of Sri Lanka’s four dismissals, however, including that of Thirimanne, who edged Anderson to the keeper soon after lunch.”We still gave them three wickets,” he said. “I thought Thirimanne could have left his ball. That said, I thought he played very well.”Sri Lanka also maintained a run rate of only 2.63, with Anderson bowling ten maidens in his 19 overs, and the remaining bowlers conributing eight maidens collectively.”At stages we were a bit slow. We lost some wickets at crucial stages. But also given how we’d played in the first innings of the first Test, the guys probably thought we needed to dig in a bit more and put a larger price on their wickets. You can’t be too critical. And you’ve got to give credit to the English bowlers, especially Anderson.”On Kusal Perera’s dismissal, Flower was critical but not severe. Perera was out in Anderson’s third over, attempting to thump him over mid-on, but managing only to send a catch to first slip. It was the first ball in which Anderson came around the wicket to him.”That wasn’t a good shot at all, and I’m sure he’ll be the first to admit that,” Flower said. “He does have a bit of a licence to play the way he does. That’s why we’ve selected him. But you’ve got to give respect to a bowler like Anderson. You’ve got to have a bit of a look. He wasn’t in control of that by any means. That’s not a technical thing. That’s just a mental thing for Kusal. He showed in the second innings of the first Test what he can do when he applies himself.”

This weekend, after Manchester United have completed their trip to Tottenham Hotspur, Ruben Amorim will know exactly where his side stand after the mini-revival of recent weeks.

But for the Red Devils to have gone four matches without a defeat in the Premier League is a significant step forward, and, at the least, an illustration of improvements being made at the Theatre of Dreams.

Too often, Man United have seen false dawns, upswings in form that fizzle out at the first sight of adversity. But Amorim’s system has been long in the making, and the readings from recent weeks speak of a team knitting together, developing physically and mentally. There is, however, much still to improve on.

We are not looking at a mayfly of a resurgence but a potential for sustainability, competing for Europe and competing for silverware. INEOS’ transfer dealings this year look to be paying off, but so too are the pre-existing players rising up and making progress.

And who better to epitomise that than Bruno Fernandes?

Bruno Fernandes is still Utd's main man

This summer, Fernandes rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The temptation was there, especially after such an abject 2024/25 campaign, but the 31-year-old decided he had unfinished business in Manchester.

Despite tactical imbalances in his deeper midfield role, Fernandes remains the glue holding Amorim’s system together. As per Sofascore, he has made 6.1 recoveries, 1.8 tackles and won 5.8 duels on average in the Premier League this term, fighting tooth and nail to charge his team.

But the Red Devils captain is at his rip-roaring best when creating and orchestrating the attack. Already he has peeled away from the rest of the division’s finest playmakers in chance creation metrics this term.

Fernandes has been joined by Casemiro in upholding the midfield, and one of the principal reasons that they are starting to play with more fluency and a deeper understanding is that the forwards are working harder, dropping deep

Matheus Cunha has been a revelation in this regard, but he hasn’t been the cream of the attacking crop.

The Man Utd star outperforming Bruno

Fernandes might be the linchpin in the middle for this Manchester United side, but Bryan Mbeumo has enjoyed a sensational start to life at Old Trafford, dovetailing into the system and elevating it.

With three goals and an assist across his past four matches in the Premier League, the Cameroon international is kindling the prolific ability that saw him exceed expectations with Brentford last term, leading to the initial £65m capture of the wide forward, who said upon arrival that United is “the club of my dreams”.

Commitment and desire. Too often have United’s signings in this post-Fergie world seemingly arrived for bumper fees and fallen by the wayside after not putting in the hard graft.

But players like Mbeumo and Cunha are hungry for success at the highest level, and the former in particular has been a revelation in the final third, not just providing a clinical output but dazzling with his all-round play.

Mbeumo hasn’t quite hit the same level that he was enjoying at the Gtech last season, but given his performances in Manchester have led analyst Umir Irfan to declare he’s “one of the best in the world”, given “how complete he is”, things are only going to improve as Amorim’s set-up strengthens.

Given that he is setting the pace in front of goal for United, it feels like Mbeumo is shaping up for a talismanic role, one that could even see him eclipse Bruno down the line.

Mbeumo’s strength and athleticism have made him a tough adversary for even the finest defenders in the Premier League, and, along with Cunha, his signing tells of a new strategy at Old Trafford that focuses on adding Prem-proven players to the ranks.

A “sorcerer” with the ball, as has been said by content creator Adam Joseph, Mbeumo has added strings to the Man United attacking bow, and he’s only just getting started.

Regarded as a rare type of wide forward whose prowess lies across a range of different attacking qualities, Mbeumo has demonstrated this in recent months, showing already that United have received bang for their buck.

As per data-driven platform FBref, the 26-year-old ranks among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this season for goals scored, but also among the top 11% for through balls and the top 2% for crosses into the penalty area per 90.

Whether his service his provided as the chief goal-getter or through bouncing against centre-forward Benjamin Sesko, Mbeumo has what it takes to lead from the front at Old Trafford, and that’s something (Fernandes notwithstanding) that has been decidedly lacking in recent years for the outfit.

After a recent upswing in form and performances, Amorim will have sensed that he might be able to make something of his tenure at Man United.

With forwards like Mbeumo integrating seamlessly and proving they have an unquenchable desire for success, he might just find his time at the club is only getting started.

A new Rashford: Man Utd flop is becoming a "worry long-term" for Amorim

Man United are improving but still have plenty of problems.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 4, 2025

MLS Golden Boot leader Cristian Arango has been suspended for four matches for violating the competition's anti-harassment policy.

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• Arango to serve a four-match ban
• Was found guilty of violating anti-harassment policy
• Real Salt Lake accept the punishment

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The disciplinary action remains shrouded in mystery as both parties have refrained from disclosing what led to the suspension. Despite the lack of transparency, Real Salt Lake has expressed its full cooperation with the league's investigation into Arango and has accepted the decision.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Arango will miss some pivotal games due to his suspension. These include regular-season away matches against Los Angeles FC and the Colorado Rapids over the next week. Additionally, he will be absent from the MLS All-Star Game on July 24 and Real Salt Lake's Leagues Cup home match against Atlas on August 1. Inter Miami's Lionel Messi is also a doubt for the MLS All-Star Game as the Argentine superstar sustained a foot injury during Argentina's Copa America final victory over Colombia on Sunday.

• WHAT REAL SALT LAKE SAID

  Real Salt Lake have released an official statement, which reads: "Real Salt Lake's Chicho Arango has been suspended for three RSL matches and the upcoming All-Star game for a violation of the MLS Anti-Harrasment Policy. The club has fully co-operated with Major League Soccer's investigation and accepts the disciplinary decision."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Arango currently leads MLS' Golden Boot rankings with 17 goals. This achievement ties the Real Salt Lake single-season record set by Alvaro Saborio in 2012. This season, he ranks second on the team with 11 assists, underscoring his importance to the club's offensive strategy.

Arsenal have jumped ahead of the competition in the race to sign Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna after making an offer to the defender.

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• Arsenal offer deal to defender
• Chelsea also in talks with him
• His contract runs until 2027

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners have approached the centre-back with a long-term plan that in Italy claims is more intriguing to him than the offers presented by the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen. According to , Liverpool, West Ham and Juventus are also interested in the Italy international, but have not made concrete offers so far.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The north London team are hopeful of reaching an agreement with the 22-year-old by the end of the week, the report says, while claims that he is open to joining the Gunners and that they and Chelsea are the only teams in talks with him.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Calafiori has been a key figure for Bologna since joining from Swiss side Basel last year. He featured 33 times in all competitions as the team, then coached by current Juve boss Thiago Motta, qualified for the Champions League. He also made his national team debut in early June before playing in all three of Italy's Euro 2024 group stage matches, but was suspended for their last-16 loss to Switzerland last week.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CALAFIORI?

  The ex-Roma and Genoa player will have to consider his options as Arsenal and Chelsea attempt to lure him to the English capital and will hope that an agreement can be reached with Bologna, where his contract runs until 2027.

Reassuring medical opinion about the long-term effects of his concussions helped the opener prepare for his debut

Andrew McGlashan07-Jan-20211:28

Mike Hussey: Will Pucovski looked very composed at the crease

Reassuring medical opinion that he did not need to be concerned about long-term damage helped prepare Will Pucovski for his Test debut after what he admitted had been a “rollercoaster” period following a ninth concussion last month.Pucovski was felled by a bouncer from Kartik Tyagi the Australia A match against India at Drummoyne Oval in early December and was ruled out of contention for the first two Tests of the series. It was no given that he would be brought into the side at the first opportunity, and in the days leading up to the SCG match he visited an independent neurologist alongside the specialists used by Cricket Australia.The advice he received allowed him to look Australia coach Justin Langer in the eyes and tell him he was ready and available. A couple of days of nets followed, before he was told on Wednesday that he was in the side, forming a new opening partnership with David Warner.”It’s been quite surreal… it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, getting hit about a month ago and been to millions of different doctors it feels like trying to get a bit of clarity and a bit of an answer as to what the go was and everything along those lines.”But I managed to get through all the protocols and put myself up for selection and lucky enough to get selected. Has been a bit of a whirlwind but awesome to be here.”The maturity with which Pucovski speaks about all topics from batting, dealing with concussions and his mental health has always stood out and he is aware that he needs to be sure life after cricket is not impacted by what takes place on the field.”When you get the information from doctors that things are actually going okay and there’s nothing too much to worry about long-term at this stage it makes it a lot easier for you,” he said. “It’s one of those things with your head, you don’t want to risk it because you’ve got a long life after cricket and a long life after sport [that] you want to be fit and healthy for.”I sought some different opinions on what was going on and I was pretty satisfied I’m in a pretty good place to continue even if I get hit again it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. But we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”A moment to cherish for Will Pucovski, handed his baggy green on Test debut•Getty Images

Pucovski admitted he had a slightly restless night knowing he was going to debut, but that the occasion itself did not feel as overwhelming as he thought it might. He was given the option over whether to face the first ball and after some back-and-forth decided to dive straight in.”In my head I think I’d built up I was going to be ridiculously nervous and it wasn’t that bad in the end. I was just excited that the opportunity had finally got there. In that sense it was actually quite calming in a way. It was pretty cool going out to bat”It was one of those days where I was just absolutely loving it. Probably my favourite day of cricket to date and it’s just a really exciting experience playing your first game for Australia but on top of that obviously with a bit of background to get to the position I’m in, it was just pretty awesome to be out there.”

Real Madrid's winger overcame a rough game one performance to put on a brilliant show as Brazil earned first Copa America 2024 victory

When you hear the name Selecao, you often think of Brazilian greats, and that often correlates with sensational footballing skill. A goal, footwork, a certain skill move – there's a certain aura around that aspect of the game.

It's called Samba Football, or locally, it's referred to as GingaThere are two main influences on Brazilian footballing style. First, a martial art called Capoeira: an ancient technique originating from Angola, including skills such as kicking, headbutting, deception and evasion. Secondly, the samba dance: a solo dance that is typically performed standing with a straight leg movement involving a slight bending of the knees.

Friday evening, Vinicius Jr. found his inner-samba.

It was a sensational display from the Real Madrid superstar, and it felt like a moment in which he truly showed the world he has what it takes to be the face of the next generation of the Selecao.

It began with a ridiculous rainbow near the sideline, and it was followed by a first-half brace.

After a disappointing matchday one showing, a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica, Brazil bounced back against Paraguay Friday night. With a stunning 4-1 result, the Selecao finally found a sense of identity on the pitch.

Although things started on a low note, a missed penalty kick attempt from Lucas Paqueta, Brazil fought until they broke the deadlock – three goals in 15 minutes. Vini opened the scoring in the 35th minute, with Savio following suit eight minutes later for his first international goal. The Real Madrid winger's brace arrived in first-half stoppage-time, just second before the whistle.

Paraguay, however, handed the Selecao a scare just three minutes into the final 45 minutes. A long-distance effort from Omar Alderete earned them a goal back, but that's all it was. One goal. In the 65th minute, Paqueta redeemed himself, handed another opportunity from the penalty spot and this time, finding the back of the net.

It wasn't the prettiest performance, and some horrendous defending from Paraguay gifted at least two goals, but in the end? A win is a win.

Brazil are officially up and running at Copa America, but now their biggest test of the tournament yet awaits on matchday three: Luis Diaz and Colombia, for a chance at winning the group stage,

GOAL rates Brazil's players from Allegiant Stadium.

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Alisson (6/10):

  Got a hand on Paraguay's opener – will be upset to not have kept it out. Otherwise, played his role effectively.

  Danilo (6/10):

  Played his role well as captain, de-escalating multiple scuffles. Not sure he's still the best option on the right, though. Little to zero high-quality overlap play with Savio.

  Marquinhos (6/10):

  Was exposed multiple times centrally by Paraguay's attack, but was absolutely pin-point with passing out of the back.

  Eder Militao (6/10):

  Not his most intimidating performance defensively, but was effective in moments.

  Wendell (6/10):

  A bit sloppy going forward, but looked more comfortable than Arana on matchday one.

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  Midfield

  Bruno Guimares (7/10):

  Showed veteran leadership across the match, and was cool, calm and composed all match.

  Joao Gomes (7/10):

  Another slick evening in the midfield. Did well to link the two ends of the pitch and was solid centrally.

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  Attack

  Savio (7/10):

  Never a bad night to bag your first international goal. Showed why he deserved the nod over contenders on the right wing.

  Lucas Paqueta (5/10):

  Missed his first penalty, scored his second. Wasn't particularly effective at the 10, otherwise.

  Vinicius Jr. (9/10):

  There was something special about Vini's performance. From a first-half rainbow flick to some silky footwork in the box, he was feeling himself. Add in a first-half brace, and it's a strong night.

  Rodrygo (6/10)

  It's incredibly hard to judge someone being forced to play in an unnatural position. He certainly was a threat, and tied up with defenders, but nothing truly came as a result of his showing at the 9.

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  Subs & Manager

  Raphinha (6/10):

  Replaced Savio, but didn't do much.

  Douglas Luiz (6/10):

  Replaced Guimares, locked down the midfield.

  Endrick (N/A):

  Late sub to close out the match.

  Andreas Pereira (N/A):

  Replaced Paqueta late, was rather lively.

  Gabriel (N/A):

  Subbed on late for Militao.

  Dorival Junior (5/10):

  Without Vini's brilliance, this result isn't as one-sided as the scoreline makes it look. The Selecao still look like square blocks trying to be put into round holes at times. Dorival needs to figure out what to do at the striker spot, because Rodrygo is not successful there.

  To beat Colombia, a performance like this will not be good enough, regardless of the scoreline.

Acting chair Imran Khwaja can take the permanent role if he maintains current voting deadlock for another two rounds

Daniel Brettig and Osman Samiuddin19-Nov-2020Greg Barclay, New Zealand Cricket’s representative on the ICC board, is one vote away from becoming chair of the global governing body, with India’s imprimatur, but the acting chair Imran Khwaja will be able to take the permanent role if he can maintain the current voting deadlock for another two rounds.ESPNcricinfo has learned that Barclay, the NZC chairman, emerged with a 10-6 majority in the first round of voting held on Wednesday, one short of the 11 votes required for a two-thirds majority and the chair under the ICC constitution. The quirks of the system allow for the incumbent, in this case Singapore’s Khwaja, to hang onto the chair if three rounds of voting pass without a two-thirds majority being reached.While the voting takes place by secret ballot, Barclay was understood to have entered the process with the backing of the BCCI, Cricket Australia and the ECB – the “big three” bloc that took a controlling financial stake in world cricket’s affairs in 2014 before their changes were walked back somewhat under the chairmanship of Shashank Manohar from 2015 to June this year.ALSO READ: Three rounds of voting to select new ICC chairmanKhwaja, a long-term representative for the interests of the game’s smaller nations, served as Manohar’s deputy and was the first candidate to emerge in opposition to the ECB’s former chairman Colin Graves, who was forced to drop out of the race earlier this year once his earlier support from the BCCI evaporated due to Barclay’s candidacy and hesitance among other nations.Having joined the ICC as the NZC representative in 2014, Barclay has earned a reputation as an honest broker and won respect from numerous more seasoned cricket administrators in that time. Nevertheless, some doubts have remained about his ability to “carry the room” as an independent chair given the strong influences of the BCCI, ECB, and CA.Sourav Ganguly, the BCCI president, has been a notable force in the jockeying for votes, working the phones to discuss matters of the game’s governance with undecided board members. It is unclear which side of the voting divide the ICC’s independent board director, Indra Nooyi, has landed on.Unsurprisingly, the central conflict so far as votes are concerned has revolved largely around money, and the ability of two contrasting world views to deliver more cash over the next broadcast rights cycle to Member nations.Khwaja’s position, shared by the experienced PCB president Ehsan Mani and the ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney, is that the staging of as many ICC events as possible, packed up in a long-term broadcast deal, stands the best chance to offer a more significant portion of money to the nations that need it most – essentially all boards other than those of India, England, and Australia.The opposite view is that bilateral tours, buttressed by the additional context of the World Test Championship and the ODI league, can still provide vital cashflow to all nations involved, balanced out with still frequent but fewer ICC events. There was particular consternation when Sawhney proposed the re-introduction of a Champions Trophy-style event in years not already occupied by ODI or T20 World Cups. By way of a rebuttal, Ganguly has spoken of an annual tournament involving India, Australia, England and one other nation on a rotation basis.Another tension is that between the ICC board as the game’s peak decision-making body and the striving of ICC management to have a greater say as to cricket’s global direction. This much was made clear in the recent advertising of a new position, that of “vice-president – strategy”.Its position description includes the following summary: “The role will report to the ICC’s Chief Executive Officer and will be responsible to support in formulating and implementing the ICC’s strategy, with a focus on key critical projects, building the future of the sport, business development and best practices by working closely with key stakeholders.”This is the kind of modus operandi that the ICC’s Members have long deemed to be the territory of Member chairs in discussion at the board table, rather than a function of management. The ICC’s governance is also under review, in a process led by the CA chair Earl Eddings, after it was commissioned by Manohar shortly prior to his departure.