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They are low on confidence, their ODI form has hit a terrible trough, and on Tuesday they travel to a bogey venue to meet fearless opponents who have little to lose

Sharda Ugra at Sophia Gardens03-Jun-20193:16

Dilshan wants Mathews to bat at No. 4

If the Sri Lankans had to pick a ground in the UK where the grace of the gods and good fortune would fall their way, Cardiff would not be it. Not only have Sri Lanka lost every one of the six matches – one Test and five ODIs – they have played at Sophia Gardens, the results have been dire. Be it the 136 all out to New Zealand two days ago in their world cup opener, losing a spot in the Champions Trophy final to India in 2013, or a second-innings collapse from hell.In this World Cup squad, Thisara Perera and Suranga Lakmal are survivors of the epic high-speed meltdown of 2011, when Sri Lanka, left to bat for no more than a session and a bit, caved in for 82 in 24.4 overs.It is not the kind of record to be reminded of when trying to get a foothold in the World Cup after an opening fixture that had them get booed off the ground. Cardiff is not the kind of place Sri Lanka produce their best, except on Tuesday they have no choice. Given a tongue-lashing in Sinhala by Lasith Malinga, demanding that the team take the loss against New Zealand personally, and their confidence at a low ebb, it is perhaps unreasonable that Sri Lanka find themselves in the squeaky-bum seat after one defeat in a long competition.Lasith Malinga in action in Sri Lanka’s World Cup opener against New Zealand•Getty ImagesBut it is Sri Lanka’s poor ODI form in the run-up to the 2019 World Cup that has their opponents unafraid to diss them. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib saying cheekily, “one-two years Sri Lanka have been struggling in one-day matches, we have the opportunity to do well against them. If we played 50 overs in batting maybe we will beat them.” He did respectfully add, “But they are also a good team, Sri Lanka, we cannot take easy.”Sri Lanka know that their best chances lie in a full 100-overs game, actually, because should weather forecasts of regular rain on Tuesday come true, Afghanistan’s heavier hitters stand a better chance than their own under-confident line-up.Confidence is an ephemeral thing and the lack of it, says Ashantha de Mel, chief selector and also Sri Lanka’s team manager at the World Cup, can also permeate across decision-making. De Mel pointed out that while he was involved in picking the XI in the match against New Zealand, he stayed away from what followed. “It is not my area, not under my purview… but we underperformed. Looking from outside, from layman’s point of view… they look a little low in confidence… they are tentative, caught in two minds.”De Mel was speaking to ESPNcricinfo and when asked about the much-criticised choice of having Angelo Mathews move down the order from No. 5 to No. 6, said it came from a decision not to expose Mathews to the New Zealand seamers, having lost three wickets in the first 10 overs. “It could have worked, it might not have worked… If you are in confidence (sic) you won’t make that kind of call… my point in telling you low in confidence is in telling you when they sent another guy in, because they were not sure. But if you are sure you will go in and take the brunt… when you are low in confidence you always try to take the safer route instead of taking the bull by the horns and being up front.”The Sri Lanka batsmen struggled against the short-pitched stuff•Getty ImagesMathews he said had played 200 games, and had “much more experience than the guys who went [in his place]… That I am just saying that is one of the reasons I feel they are low in confidence… when you are trying to move the batting like that you are not sure of yourself.” Sri Lanka’s problem was not one of ability, he was sure, it was one of a mindset into which they had slunk. “We had a bad game, we understand that, meaning it was really bad, I don’t want to look back, I’m telling our team to look forward… our focus now is to beat Afghanistan.”While de Mel spoke of forgetting the past and moving ahead, Malinga threw an entire basin-full of guilt and mortification at his teammates – only when asked questions in Sinhala. “When a game starts, it doesn’t matter that they are the number one or number ten in the ICC rankings because the scorecard reads zero without any wickets or runs.” The defeat against Afghanistan at the 2018 Asia Cup, he said, had to matter, “We can’t go to that match without thinking about that loss. Each player must realise how to approach such a game. Therefore a 50-over game or a shortened game due to rain, we must adopt to those situations because it’s a must-win for us tomorrow.”To imagine that a team that has made three World Cup finals, winning one, and the semi-finals in 2003 (plus three World T20 finals in the last decade), must teeter nervously against a team that only became an ICC member in 2001, is beyond the pale for a proud cricketing country and its fans. The question of every man’s internal confidence or his skill deficit became secondary – Malinga’s address to his teammates was almost biblical.”We can’t repeat the same mistakes over and over. As a senior player and as a member of the squad, I hope everyone will have that fear of not doing their duty and shame of losing. Everyone must realize that it’s a must that they perform because if not our cricket would not go forward.”Forward or back? That’s the damn problem with being tentative. On Tuesday, Sri Lanka will decide what step they will take.

MatériaMais Notícias

da bwin： Horas antes da partida decisiva pela Copa do Brasil e o clássico contra o Corinthians mais importante do ano, a torcida do São Paulo já estava em um ritmo caloroso e frenético de festa.

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da 888casino： Perto das 15h (de Brasília), os arredores do estádio tricolor já estavam extremamente movimentados. Com pessoas de todas as idades, a festa com os fogos começou cedo. Mas o grande destaque foi para a preparação para receber o ônibus da delegação são-paulina, que chegou quando eram aproximadamente 18h (de Brasília). Vale destacar que a bola rolaria somente uma hora e meia depois.

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Com expectativa de mais de 62 mil ingressos vendidos, os torcedores faziam de tudo para conseguir se preparar para a recepção do São Paulo. Haviam pessoas em cima de placas, árvores, nas grades do estádio… Por onde se olhasse, existiam torcedores com o manto tricolor.

Quanto as músicas, desde as tradicionais das organizadas do time até mesmo cantos provocativos destinados para o Corinthians. Minutos antes do ônibus são-paulino, o “Telezão”, chegar, a festa intensificou com sinalizadores, fumaças vermelhas e fogos de artifício. Um corredor foi organizado com bandeiras e cantos estrondosos. Sem dúvidas, umas das festas mais bonitas dos últimos tempos e das últimas decisões, podendo ser considerada até mesmo histórica.

Dentro do Morumbi, a torcida já começou a ovacionar desde os primeiros gestos dos goleiros no aquecimento. Quando a delegação rival subiu para aquecer, os cantos de provocação voltaram mais uma vez. Para o São Paulo se classificar, precisa reverter a derrota sofrida no jogo de ida.

Leeds United have the opportunity to cement their place in the Premier League next season, ending their two-year exile from the top-flight after promotion from the Championship.

The Whites will need to invest heavily in the playing squad to hand Daniel Farke the chance to consolidate next year, in what’s likely to be an extremely difficult campaign.

The last six teams who have achieved promotion to such a division have all been relegated the following year, with the German aiming to be the man to buck such a trend.

However, if he is to achieve such a feat, he will need to be brutal with his squad, cutting players out and signing top-level talents to boost his ambitions of achieving his goal.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in identifying players who could bolster the side at Elland Road.

Leeds’ pursuit of new signings this summer

Even though the transfer window isn’t officially open yet, Leeds have already made moves for multiple players to try and provide needed talent and depth to key areas of the squad.

It was reported in recent days that they had made contact to sign Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters this summer, with the 28-year-old’s deal at St Mary’s set to expire at the end of June.

However, the opposite side of the pitch has also been one of interest, with the Whites earmarking Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas as a summer target, according to the Daily Mail.

The report claims that the Reds are open to allowing the 29-year-old Greek international to depart this summer, potentially moving in a double deal with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during the off-season.

It also states that he may want to leave Anfield this summer to gain valuable first-team minutes elsewhere after starting just eight league games under Arne Slot in 2024/25.

Why Leeds’ target would be the dream Firpo replacement

Junior Firpo has set the Championship alight this campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch in the club’s success and ability to claim promotion.

The Dominican international featured in 32 league matches this season, registering 14 combined goals and assists, a simply staggering tally for a left-back.

However, the 28-year-old’s future looks up in the air this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June, with no new deal appearing on the horizon.

He’s since been touted with a return to former club Real Betis this summer, which could see his four-year spell in Yorkshire conclude in the coming weeks.

However, whilst supporters would be devastated, they shouldn’t worry, with a deal for the £17m-rated Tsimikas allowing them to forget about the departing full-back.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Liverpool star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – offering Farke the added quality he’s been searching for in the defensive department.

The Greek star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one journalist, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

18

32

Goals & assists

1

14

Progressive passes

8.6

5.4

Shot-on-target accuracy

50%

35%

Pass accuracy

84%

80%

Passes into the final third

4.9

6.5

Tackles won

2.2

1.1

Interceptions made

1.3

1.2

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – still handing Farke an excellent attacking option.

However, defensively, Tsimikas has dominated, winning more tackles per 90 and making more interceptions – offering added defensive quality to a backline which will come under huge pressure in the Premier League.

Any deal for the Liverpool ace would be one that could allow for an excellent option at full-back for the manager, also offering him the needed top-flight experience within the squad.

Whilst a new deal for Firpo is something which most supporters want, the 29-year-old offers a superb alternative should the Dominican depart Elland Road this summer.

Perfect for James: 49ers want to sign "outstanding" PL star for Leeds

Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be perfect for Dan James.

ByDan Emery May 14, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

da marjack bet： Em situações delicadas no Campeonato Brasileiro, onde brigam para fugir da zona do rebaixamento, América-MG e Corinthians têm no mata-mata um alento. Nas quartas de final do torneio, as suas equipes se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (5), pelo confronto de ida, em Belo Horizonte. Portanto, sabia onde assistir América x Corinthians pela Copa do Brasil, além das prováveis escalações, arbitragem e outras informações.

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da stake casino： Após eliminarem Internacional e Atlético-MG, respectivamente, Coelho e Timão têm no mata-mata a possibilidade de ser campeão nesta temporada. Ambos estão mal no Brasileirão e, por isso, podem apostar todas as fichas na Copa do Brasil.

Do lado americano, o técnico Vagner Mancini terá o atacante Everaldo, que já vestiu a camisa corintiana. Já pelo Timão, a grande novidade é Renato Augusto, recuperado de uma lesão na panturrilha e que viajou para Belo Horizonte. Recém-contratado, o argentino Matías Rojas também está na capital mineira, mas aguarda a situação contratual para ser registrado pelo Timão.

continua após a publicidade

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AMÉRICA-MG X CORINTHIANS
COPA DO BRASIL – QUARTAS DE FINAL – JOGO DE IDA

Local:Arena Independência, Belo Horizonte (MG)
Data e hora:5 de julho de 2023, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro:Leandro Pedro Vuaden (RS)
Assistentes:Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correia (FIFA/RJ) e Kleber Lucio Gil (SC)
Árbitro de vídeo:Wagner Reway (VAR-FIFA/PB)
Onde assistir:Globo (para São Paulo e Minas Gerais, exceto Juiz de Fora), SporTV, Premiere e Prime Vídeo (para todo o Brasil)

AMÉRICA-MG

Matheus Pasinato; Marcinho, Éder, Maidana e Danilo Avelar; Lucas Kal, Breno e Emmanuel Martínez; Felipe Azevedo (Rodrigo Varanda), Everaldo e Gonzalo Mastriani (Aloísio). Técnico: Vagner Mancini.

Desfalques: Ricardo Silva, Matheusinho, Adyson, Dadá Belmonte e Luan Campos (lesionados)
Pendurados: Alê, Emmanuel Martínez e Everaldo

CORINTHIANS

Cássio; Bruno Méndez, Gil, Murillo e Matheus Bidu; Roni (Fausto Vera), Maycon, Ruan Oliveira (Renato Augusto) e Guilherme Biro; Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto.Técnico: Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Desfalques: Chrystian Barletta e Ángel Romero (processo de transição física)
Pendurados: Fábio Santos e Matheus Bidu

Tudo sobre

América-MGCopa do BrasilCorinthians

Leeds United is currently the home to various talents who have made their names across Europe before moving to Elland Road over the last couple of seasons.

Brenden Aaronson is just one player who cost big money to secure a move for his signature, costing a fee in the region of £25m during their final season in the Premier League back in 2022/23.

The American has so far failed to demonstrate why the hierarchy forked out such a hefty fee for his signature, struggling to make a real impact under Daniel Farke in recent weeks.

Whilst he scored the opener against Swansea City last weekend, it was only his second goal contribution of the calendar year, struggling to produce any tangible results in their hunt for Championship promotion.

He’s since been unable to match the levels produced by one player who starred in Yorkshire after his own transfer from the Swans multiple years ago.

Pablo Hernandez’s stats for Leeds United

Over the years, Leeds has been the home to countless icons, with Pablo Hernandez undoubtedly cementing himself as a modern-day hero for his heroics at Elland Road.

The Spaniard originally moved on loan from Swansea back in 2016/17, before joining permanently in the January of that campaign after impressing in the first half of the season.

Such a move would be the springboard for his success with the Whites, with Hernandez going on to register 36 goals and 41 assists from 175 outings, helping the club lift the Championship title at the close of the 2019/20 campaign.

He was a pivotal part of Marcelo Bielsa’s side that season, remaining a key member of the squad the following year as the club ended their long wait for Premier League football.

Whilst he left the club back in 2021, current boss Farke already has his own version of the fan-favourite, playing a vital role in their own ambitions of returning to the top flight.

The player who’s become Farke’s own Hernandez at Leeds

The plethora of attacking talent on the books at Leeds has contributed to their phenomenal attacking record, which has seen them score 78 times in the league this season – by far the highest tally in the division.

Joel Piroe has been central to such a record, netting 15 league goals to date, a tally which is the highest within the current first-team squad – producing key goals at various moments.

The Dutchman arrived in a £10m deal from Swansea back in the summer of 2023, following in Hernandez’s footsteps in joining from the Welsh outfit and having an immediate impact in Yorkshire.

The similarities to Hernandez continue, with the 25-year-old also able to feature in the number ten role, as seen in certain matches this season, with the “superb” star, as dubbed by one analyst, key to the club’s recent success.

During his final Championship campaign in Yorkshire, the Spaniard notched a total of 18 combined goals and assists back in 2019/20 – cementing himself as a key member of Bielsa’s squad.

Piroe has already registered a combined 21 contributions with seven matches remaining this campaign, with any hope of securing promotion potentially down to whether he can continue to produce the goods in the final third.

He’s been subject to criticism in recent times, but it’s safe to say the club wouldn’t be in this current position without his goals, certainly playing a key role in their promotion ambitions.

Whilst it’s unclear whether he will be able to cut it in the Premier League, Piroe has a huge job to catapult the side into the top flight between now and the end of the season.

His goals could provide the difference over the next couple of weeks, with the Dutchman able to cement his place in the Whites’ history books should he produce the goods and fire them back to England’s top-division.

Huge upgrade on Meslier: Leeds big move for "world-class" GK

Leeds United could land a player who could end Illan Meslier’s time at Elland Road.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 1, 2025

An Ipswich Town “monster” looks to be interested in leaving Portman Road this summer after two big clubs made new approaches.

Ipswich Town relegation on the cards despite Chelsea draw

The Tractor Boys look to be on course for an immediate return to the Championship from the Premier League despite holding Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Kieran McKenna’s side actually went into half time 2-0 up after goals from Julio Enciso and Ben Johnson, however, an Axel Tuanzebe own goal and a Jadon Sancho equaliser late on ensured the points would be shared.

Ipswich are now 14 points away from safety with just six games remaining, meaning their relegation could be confirmed this weekend if results don’t go their way.

Talking after the draw, McKenna said: “I thought it was a really good game. Really proud of the group again. First half was difficult and our resilience was really good. Second half we played well, really even. It was a big blow them getting a goal so early in second half. It took an incredible strike from Sancho off the bench. We gave everything and showed our quality.”

Relegation could result in a number of Portman Road exits, and one star who looks destined to leave is Liam Delap.

Romano: Ipswich Town eyeing move to sign "fast" new Liam Delap replacement

He’s currently in the Championship.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 11, 2025

It has been claimed that if Ipswich drop down to the Championship, his release clause will lower from £40m to £30m, and some big clubs are making moves for his services.

Liam Delap open to Ipswich Town exit to sign for Chelsea

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea and Man Utd have been making new approaches to sign Delap from Ipswich in recent weeks.

The striker is a top target for the Red Devils, however, it is added that Delap is interested in leaving Ipswich for Champions League football, something Chelsea may be able to offer ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Delap has scored 12 top flight goals this season and has been praised on multiple occasions this season, including from teammate Alex Palmer, who called the forward a “monster”.

“You look at him and he’s a monster. He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy – and also the talent. So for us to have him and him be playing as well as he is at the moment, he’s going to have a big part to play the rest of the season.

“He’s a proper striker, and I think for us as well he’s an outlet. He’s a big physical boy. He’s not huge but he’s got that raw strength. Even build up, he helps us stick and set, so he’s not just a goal scorer. He’s an all-round striker.”

Games

34

Goals

12

Assists

2

Yellow cards

10

Minutes played

2,422

Unfortuantely, it looks as if Delap’s days as an Ipswich player are numbered, so his next move could be one to keep an eye on, should the Tractor Boys go down in the coming weeks.

South Africa seamer replaces Naveen-ul-Haq for second half of group stage

ESPNcricinfo staff21-May-2024Hampshire have signed Ottniel Baartman, the South Africa seamer, for the second half of their Vitality Blast campaign. Baartman replaces Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq, who has pulled out for personal reasons.Baartman, 31, has yet to be capped by his country but was named in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad and could make his debut in their series in the West Indies starting later this week. He played under Adi Birrell, Hampshire’s head coach, for back-to-back SA20 champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where he was also a team-mate of Liam Dawson.”I’m really looking forward to joining up with Hampshire Hawks for my first experience of county cricket,” Baartman said, “it’s great to link back up with Adi Birrell and Liam Dawson who I know well from the SA20. I’ve heard great things about the atmosphere at Utilita Bowl and I can’t wait to get playing in front of the Hawks fans this summer.”Related

• Visa issues stop Baartman joining Hampshire for Blast

• SA20 breakout star Baartman stakes his claim for a World Cup spot

• Handscomb to captain Leicestershire's T20 side despite recent BBL snubs

• Dwarshuis joins Durham for Vitality Blast campaign

Baartman will take over from Michael Neser, who has signed for the first eight Blast group games, joining Ben McDermott among Hampshire’s overseas options. He will be available for six fixtures in July, starting with the trip to Middlesex, as well as the knockout stages in September if Hampshire progress.Giles White, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said: “It’s a great boost to the squad that Ottniel is available and keen to join us after the World Cup. He fits the role perfectly and comes off the back of an outstanding domestic summer in South Africa.”

da bwin： Liverpool have recently made a new approach to sign a £40m star who is open to the idea of moving to rivals Manchester United.

Liverpool close to new Salah and Van Dijk deals in boost for Slot

da brwin： The Reds are on course to win the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season at Anfield, however, a lot of the talk at Anfield has been on the futures of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

Alexander-Arnold looks likely to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, although Liverpool have seemingly made progress on keeping both Van Dijk and Salah on Merseyside.

Reliable reporter David Ornstein of The Athletic has recently claimed both Van Dijk and Salah are “on the brink of signing two-year extensions” at Liverpool.

“Resolving contract situations regarding key personnel was one of the biggest challenges Richard Hughes inherited when he started work as Liverpool sporting director just over a year ago.

“It’s been a long road but with Salah and Van Dijk on the brink of signing two-year extensions, it will provide the perfect boost for Arne Slot’s side as they close in on being crowned Premier League champions. There has always been confidence internally at Anfield that the duo would stay put.”

Related £70m PL star wants to sign for Liverpool & he'd be a better move than Isak

Liverpool may decide to make a move for a player who would be a better addition than Alexander Isak.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 9, 2025

There could still be more Anfield departures alongside Alexander-Arnold, though, with Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both linked with exits.

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been mooted as a potential attacking addition ahead of Slot’s second season, and a new update has now emerged over a move for the former Manchester City youngster.

Liverpool make new approach for Ipswich star Delap

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have made a new approach over a deal for Delap in recent days. The Reds, alongside Chelsea, are keen to get ahead in the race to sign Delap, who has a £40m release clause in his contract. However, should Ipswich suffer relegation, that figure would drop to £30m.

Man Utd are also keen on signing Delap, and the forward is interested in the idea of moving to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Liverpool see Delap as a top target, though, and he actually shares the same CAA Stellar agency as Reds defender Ibrahima Konate. The 22-year-old has been a shining light for the Tractor Boys this season, scoring an impressive 12 goals in 30 Premier League games.

Delap’s next destination could be one of the transfer sagas of the summer, and by the looks of things, Liverpool and FSG are keen to win the race following this new update.

Dempsey questioned Donovan's absence ahead of the 2014 World Cup, when the forward took a sabbatical one year out from the competition

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Dempsey criticizes Donovan on podcastBrings up 2013 sabbatical, questions former teammateChristian Pulisic's father, Mark, raised similar criticismFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Clint Dempsey criticized former U.S. men's national team member Landon Donovan for his choice to take a sabbatical away from the game in 2013. The move, which many at the time questioned, ultimately cost Donovan a spot on the 2014 World Cup roster, ex-manager Jurgen Klinsmann confirmed in 2024.

Donovan was absent for 144 days, and on his podcast , Dempsey sounded off on his former teammate.

"The analogy I use is you have the opportunity to go plant the crops, harvest the crops, and then you're sitting at the table it's time to eat, and you're showing up when it's time to eat," he said. "It's kind of like, 'Where were you when we were grinding in the sun, putting that stuff out there, the away games, your back against the wall?'

"I don't know what he was dealing with and what he was going through, but to build your teammates' trust and all that, you've got to go through the wars with them, the battles with them. You've got to be able to look and say, 'Hey, they're not going to flake on you. When your back's against the wall and you need to win, they're going to be right there with you.' So I can't say what the situation was, but that's how I looked at that."

The comments, made last week, echo a recent spotlight on Donovan after he had critcized current USMNT star Christian Pulisic for requesting to skip the Gold Cup due to fatigue.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

On a FOX broadcast Sunday, Donovan aimed a dig at Pulisic on-air while Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were celebrating their EURO Nations League title.

“This is what it means to represent your country,” Donovan said on air. “If you don’t want to take it seriously as a professional soccer player and someone who gets the opportunity to wear the jersey, then don’t come in.”

He added, “I can’t help but think about our guys on vacation, not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It’s p*ssing me off.”

Pulisic's father, Mark, responded to Donovan on social media Sunday, bringing up the American's 2013 sabbatical as well while telling him to "look in the mirror."

WHAT DEMPSEY ADDED

Dempsey, however, did agree with Donovan on his remarks about Pulisic's absence. The former striker claiming he "doesn't understand" why the AC Milan star would need a break due to fatigue, one year out from the World Cup.

“I’m a big fan of Christian. I think what he’s been able to do for both club and country has been amazing,” Dempsey said on the podcast. “And in terms of American players playing abroad, him and Antonee Robinson have been the most consistent and the top players in terms of flying that flag for us.

“In terms of his situation, I can’t say what it is. I don’t know the ins and outs of it. But in terms of my situation, when I played in Europe and came back, there were times where I was tired. I had to get a PRP injection in my adductor. I had to maybe rest for some of the friendly games so that I could be fit to play in the tournaments."

Dempsey is one of the most decorated players in U.S. history, winning three Gold Cups and helping the Americans finish as a runner-up in the 2009 Confederations Cup to Brazil.

“Whether it was Gold Cup, whether it was Copa [América], whether it was the Confederations Cup, whether it was the World Cup," he said. "I wasn’t gonna miss competitions. That’s just the kind of guy that I always was. So for me, I don’t understand it because that wasn’t my mentality. I always wanted to play in those games."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

The USMNT plays in an international friendly against Switzerland Tuesday, followed by the CONCACAF Gold Cup beginning early next week.

Spin took 13 out of the 15 wickets that fell on the first day of the Dhaka Test. New Zealand sunk to 46 for five in response to Bangladesh’s 172 all out, and finished the day on 55 for five as Mehidy Hasan Miraz took three wickets and Taijul Islam two. The Bangladesh spinners gave back what their batters suffered at the hand of the New Zealand spinners.Play was called off at 4:16pm, at least 14 minutes before the scheduled end, as bad light took effect on a murky day in Dhaka. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Philips remained unbeaten on 12 and 5 respectively after the visitors ended up losing half their side in 49 minutes.Mehidy removed Devon Conway when the left-hander left an arm ball from the offspinner. Taijul removed Tom Latham in the next over, caught behind to a delivery that kept low, caught well by wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan. Taijul struck in his next over too, when Henry Nicholls was caught at mid-on by Shoriful Islam.Related

• Sodhi backs New Zealand's 'experienced heads' to bounce back from Sylhet Test loss

• Hathurusinghe on Shanto's captaincy: 'He was commanding respect, demanding the standard'

• Why Mushfiqur Rahim was out for obstructing the field and not handling the ball

Mehidy then had two in three balls in the 12th over when Shahadat Hossain took a good catch at short-leg, to remove Kane Williamson. One ball later, Tom Blundell was trapped dead in front of the stumps.New Zealand’s spin trio had earlier led the way as Bangladesh folded for 172. Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel took eight wickets between them while Tim Southee took the other one that went to the bowlers. Mushfiqur Rahim, meanwhile, was given out obstructing the field, a dismissal that came at a critical moment for the visitors.Mushfiqur and Shahadat Hossain had only started to resurrect Bangladesh with a 57-run stand after they had fallen to 47 for four, before the 88-Test veteran had a brain-fade moment. Otherwise though, Bangladesh’s batters got out to soft shots as the visitors pounced on the mistakes.Mushfiqur Rahim had steadied Bangladesh before he was out obstructing the field•BCB

Bangladesh lost four wickets each in the day’s first two sessions. The root of the rot was in the sixth over when Bangladesh opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy tried too many things in the day’s first over of spin. Patel started off with deliveries that spun and kept low, to which Joy tried everything including a wild slog.The wicket followed soon after, when Santner had Zakir Hasan top-edging an attempted hoick towards long-on. It took a top-edge, and Williamson took the easy catch at mid-on for eight. Within four balls, Patel had Mahmudul caught at short leg, catching the inside edge with a poke. Mahmadul made 14.Mominul Haque fell caught behind attempting a near-impossible cut shot against Patel. The ball had spun back at him, stayed a tad low, as Mominul, for the second time in this Test series, was caught behind off the inside edge. Glenn Philips had got him in Sylhet, while Patel had him in the first innings in Dhaka.It was clear that batting wasn’t going to be easy on this pitch, so Najmul Hossain Shanto attempted to hit his way out of trouble. It lasted just 14 balls when his third attempt to reverse-sweep ended up in him being pinned lbw by Santner.Mushfiqur and Shahadat batted out the 13 overs before lunch with a little more ease, as Bangladesh went to lunch at 80 for four. Both batters used a bit more commonsense in their approach, which they were also expected to do after lunch.Forty-seven minutes after the break, Mushfiqur did the unthinkable. After he defended a Kyle Jamieson delivery in the 41st over, for reasons best known to him, Mushfiqur tried to pat away the ball that was already a fair distance from his stumps. New Zealand appealed immediately, and the TV umpire obliged with the obstructing the field decision.Mushfiqur made 35 off 83 balls with three fours and a slog-swept six. Shahadat followed him back to the pavilion in another 20 minutes, Phillips having him caught down the leg-side for 31. He struck two fours in his 102-ball stay.Phillips then removed Nurul for seven runs, with the bat turning in his hand as he attempted to hit out at the offspinner. Santner had Mehidy caught at slip for 20, in the over before tea. Phillips added his third when he had Taijul lbw for six, with the batter not attempting a shot.Southee, who didn’t concede a run in his first five overs, took the final wicket in his sixth over, when he had Shoriful Islam caught behind for 10. TV umpire Ahsan Raza decided that Tom Blundell took the catch cleanly after the on-field umpires couldn’t ascertain the legality of the catch.The 15 wickets that fell on Wednesday is the most on the first day of a Test in Bangladesh, while the 13 taken by spinners is the joint-highest along with the India-Australia Indore Test earlier this year.