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Manchester United are now in talks to sign an “exciting” forward, who has even been likened to former Liverpool man Sadio Mane, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing low-cost additions to the squad

After missing out on the Champions League last season, Man United will have to err on the side of caution in the transfer market, and having already shelled out around £133m this summer, they may not have much room left to manoeuvre.

New signing

Position

Transfer fee

Bryan Mbeumo

Winger

£65m

Matheus Cunha

Second striker

£64m

Diego Leon

Left-back

£3.5m

The Red Devils were also left frustrated by Brentford playing hardball over the transfer of Mbeumo, with their Premier League rivals raising their asking price during negotiations, which means they may have ended up paying slightly over the odds.

As a result, it would make sense if the remaining additions to the squad were on the cheaper side, and United have now entered talks for a forward, who is set to be available for a bargain fee.

That is according to a report from France (via Sport Witness), which states Man United have entered negotiations with the entourage of FC Metz forward Idrissa Gueye.

Gueye is expected to leave Metz this summer, despite the French side achieving their goal of promotion to Ligue 1 last season, and they are looking to receive a fee close to €15m (£13m), amid widespread interest in his signature.

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The Metz ace is thought to have 10 or more suitors, including the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, so the Red Devils could have a battle on their hands trying to get a deal over the line.

"Exciting" Gueye likened to Mane

While he enjoyed the best years of his career at United’s bitter rivals, Liverpool, there is no denying that Mane was a top-quality forward, scoring 120 goals in 269 games for the Reds, and there is a belief the 18-year-old is a similar type of player.

The teenager has been likened to his compatriot, with journalist Alan Nixon adding the youngster is “rated as highly as Sadio Mane was”, indicating he could be capable of going on to be one of the Premier League’s top forwards.

Unlike Mane, however, the Senegalese starlet’s main position is striker, and he enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with Metz in Ligue 2, picking up five goals and one assist in 17 games, with scout Ben Mattinson lauding him as “exciting”.

Given that Gueye is yet to prove himself at a high level, however, Man United will also need to bring in a proven top-level striker, and they have now opened talks to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for captain Cristiano Ronaldo after he scored in Tuesday's World Cup qualifying win over Hungary.

Ronaldo scores penalty for PortugalHelps secure 3-2 win over HungaryMartinez hails veteran after victoryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo was on target yet again for Portugal on Tuesday, earning and scoring a penalty in a 3-2 win over Hungary. The 40-year-old's goal was his 39th in World Cup qualifying, meaning he is now the joint-highest scorer ever alongside Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz. He's also now three clear of eternal rival Lionel Messi.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo boasts an impressive record on the international stage after scoring 141 goals in 223 appearances for the Portugal national team. The veteran striker may have celebrated turning 40 back in February, but he's shown he's still capable of banging in the goals on the international stage. Portugal manager Martinez is in no doubt about his enduring qualities and was effusive with his praise for his captain after the win.

WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

He told a post-match press conference: "Cristiano Ronaldo? I'm not just highlighting individual performances, but the fact is that Cristiano scored three goals in two games for the national team. He has an exemplary attitude and behavior. A performance worthy of a team captain."

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Ronaldo has now scored 11 goals in his last 12 games for Portugal, who are sitting top of their World Cup qualifying group with six points, three ahead of second-placed Armenia.

After welcoming veteran defender Ashley Young, Ipswich Town are now reportedly prioritising a summer swoop to sign a La Liga forward and welcome a much-needed replacement for Liam Delap.

McKenna: Young's "achievements speak for themselves"

At 39 years old, Young has made the latest move in a career that has seen him with the Premier League, Serie A, and become one of the most experienced players that English football has to offer. Dropping down to the Championship, the former Inter Milan man will be hoping to ensure that Ipswich complete an instant return to the Premier League.

Speaking to the club website after welcoming Young, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “Ashley has had a fantastic career and his achievements speak for themselves. He has maintained an extremely high level of professionalism and competitiveness through his career and he is still playing at a very good level.

“We feel his leadership and experience will be valuable to the group this season and he is very hungry to contribute on and off the pitch. It’s a very strong signing for the group and the club.”

The defender himself, meanwhile, also had plenty of praise for McKenna after putting pen to paper. He said: “He’s a winner and you see that on the training pitch.

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“On the sidelines at the games, I get to see that day in, day out. He was a massive pull. Obviously, I worked with him at [Manchester] United. I knew his beliefs, I knew what he wants to do with the club, I’ve seen what he’s done with this club as well.”

After adding crucial experience to their side, however, Ipswich’s summer business looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve set their sights on a replacement for ex-star striker Delap.

Ipswich prioritising Romero move

According to reports in Spain, Ipswich are now prioritising a deal to sign Isaac Romero, who would be arriving to replace the departed Delap this summer. Sevilla are reportedly open to the forward’s departure, which should hand those at Portman Road the chance to come swooping in at the right price.

The 25-year-old striker struggled to adapt to La Liga last season after scoring 11 goals in 15 games in Spain’s second tier in the campaign prior and could now be on his way out of the club.

If his agent’s eye for marketable talent is anything to go by he’s certainly got potential however – his AS1 group also represent £115m Chelsea star Moises Caicedo, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

On paper, his arrival would be a risk for Ipswich but perhaps one worth taking. At his best, Romero starred in Spain’s second division and a return to a similar level may yet see him rediscover that clinical form.

Whilst Romero won’t steal the same headlines as Delap’s arrival did last summer, he could prove to be the clinical goalscorer that McKenna desperately needs in the Championship next season.

Despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back option, Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly preparing an offer to re-sign a Premier League defender.

Daniel Levy: "Failure is not an option"

The biggest decision of Tottenham’s summer so far has undoubtedly been the appointment of Thomas Frank after showing Ange Postecoglou the door. The decision to sack Australian is one that split opinion just weeks after the Lilywhites ended their trophy drought by winning the Europa League against Manchester United.

Levy has since spoken for the first time since sacking Postecoglou, revealing that it was a difficult decision emotionally. He told reporters: “I don’t regret appointing Ange, I’m very grateful to Ange. In his first season we finished fifth and in his second we were over the moon to win a trophy.

“But we need to compete in all competitions, and we felt that we needed a change. Emotionally it was difficult but we feel that we’ve made the right decision for the club. “I’ve got very broad shoulders. Failure is not an option, the desire [is] to succeed. And because it’s so difficult, I want to succeed even more.”

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Whether those in North London agree with the decision or not, Postecoglou’s departure has since opened the door for Frank to step into the hot seat for the biggest job of his career.

It has been a long time coming for the Dane, who took Brentford to new heights despite often lacking in resources. Now at Tottenham, he has the chance to prove that he belongs at the very top by turning things around in North London.

That turnaround must start away from the pitch and in the transfer window, however, with names such as Antoine Semenyo alongside a name that Spurs fans know well already among the headlines on that front.

Tottenham preparing offer to re-sign Cirkin

According to reports relayed by The Northern Echo, Tottenham are now preparing a formal offer to re-sign Dennis Cirkin despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back clause from Sunderland.

The left-back has blossomed into an impressive talent since swapping Spurs for Wearside and now finds himself back in the Premier League with the Black Cats. That return has not gone under the radar, however, and Levy now has his sights set on a reunion.

Cirkin would not only hand Frank an instant boost in his backline but also help Spurs to fill their homegrown quota in the Champions League next season. On all fronts, it is a deal that may make sense for the Lilywhites.

Sunderland are reportedly eager to keep hold of Cirkin and tie their defender down to a new contract. Whether they are able to convince their defender to ignore the interest of his former club remains to be seen, though.

Alas, having already lost Jobe Bellingham for big money, the Black Cats have proved their ability to drive a hard bargain and with no buy-back clause to fall back on, Spurs could yet face some tough negotiations.

Arsenal have agreed to tie rising star left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly down to a new long-term deal, in what is a major boost for Mikel Arteta, but according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s not the only one poised to commit his future at the Emirates Stadium.

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The teenage defender enjoyed a stellar breakout season over the course of 2024/2025, cementing himself as Arteta’s preferred left-back option with a string of impressive displays, which included excellent showings against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

He also scored his first senior goal for Arsenal during their 5-1 win over Man City, and his big-game displays have earned Lewis-Skelly an official nomination for this year’s PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Lewis-Skelly earned his first senior caps for England at international level along the way too, so you’d be hard-pressed to find another player who’s enjoyed the 2025 this young man has.

The versatile full-back/midfielder was so convincing, in fact, that Real started to express an interest in Lewis-Skelly amid their repeated links to fellow star Gunners defender William Saliba.

His contract was set to expire in 2026, which would’ve undoubtedly piqued Xabi Alonso’s interest further, but according to reliable media sources, Lewis-Skelly won’t be going anywhere any time soon.

The Athletic claim these fresh terms could see Arsenal’s sensation become “one of the best-paid young players in the world”, and you can argue this lucrative new pay-packet is very much deserved.

News of Lewis-Skelly’s extension comes as more welcome news for Arteta, who recently saw Gabriel put pen to paper on a new deal until 2029.

Talks are ongoing over more new contracts, with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri all set to be rewarded with new offers to remain in N5 for the foreseeable (Charles Watts).

Ethan Nwaneri set to sign new Arsenal deal with Myles Lewis-Skelly

According to Romano, Lewis-Skelly’s new contract could be immediately followed by Nwaneri penning new terms.

According to the reliable transfer journalist, it is merely a “matter of time” before Arsenal’s fellow PFA Young Player of the Year nominee also signs his extension, following Nwaneri’s own impressive campaign.

The 18-year-old became Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant in 2022, and he’s followed up that early promise with an array of convincing outings across 2024/2025.

Nwaneri scored nine goals and notched more assists over 37 appearances in all competitions last term, and he’s likely to play an even more regular role in 2025/2026, as Arteta seeks to end the club’s long wait for a league title.

“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” said Arteta after Nwaneri scored his first ever Champions League goal in January.

“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”

This summer is huge for Liverpool if they are to maintain the success they’ve endured throughout Arne Slot’s first season in charge of the football club.

His side claimed the Premier League title with multiple games to spare, but the real challenge will come next campaign, with a real battle expected at the top end of the table.

Manchester City and Arsenal are likely to spend big this summer to try and close the gap produced by the Reds in recent months, which could bring a tasty battle for the title in 2025/26.

However, if Slot’s men aren’t to get left behind by their rivals, they too will have to enter the transfer market and make key reinforcements in numerous areas across the pitch.

In recent weeks, one player has constantly been touted with a switch to Anfield, with another update in recent days shedding light on the situation in such a department.

Liverpool’s hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer

Dean Huijsen is the man most linked with a summer move to Liverpool, after previously holding talks with his representatives over a switch to join the Reds.

The Spaniard has a £50m release clause within his current deal at Bournemouth, but LaLiga giants Real Madrid have now made their own move for the 20-year-old sensation.

It remains to be seen if Slot’s men can complete a deal for him, turning their attention to another target in the form of Benfica star Tomas Araujo, according to Anfield Watch.

The report claims that the Reds’ hierarchy are keen on a move for the 22-year-old, who could also cover at right-back if needed, with Manchester United and Chelsea also keen on his signature.

It also states that the Portuguese youngster currently has a €80m (£67m) release clause in his deal, but it’s unclear whether a deal could be done for less than such a fee.

Talks have also allegedly been held with the player’s agent, Ali Barat, who coincidentally is also advising Huijsen. While Barat is driving Huijsen’s move to Stamford Bridge, discussions have also been held between Liverpool and the agent regarding a move for Araujo.

Why Liverpool’s £67m target would be the dream Huijsen alternative

Slot has done an excellent job in creating a seamless transition between taking the reins last summer from Jürgen Klopp, putting them level with Manchester United on 20 league titles in their history.

Their defensive department has played a key role in achieving such a record, conceding just 37 times in their 36 outings to date – the second-best record of any side in England’s top-flight.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have played a key role within the backline this campaign, with a move for any of the aforementioned targets adding further depth to the defensive unit.

Huijsen would undoubtedly be the supporters’ first choice given his rise in the Premier League with the Cherries, but a deal for Araujo could prove to be an excellent one should he move to Merseyside.

When comparing his stats to those of the Spaniard, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be to Slot’s squad.

Araujo, who’s been labelled “complete” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst completing more take-ons, handing the side the added ball-playing option within the backline.

He’s also managed to win more tackles and come out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – offering a superb option within the backline to further bolster their defensive quality.

Games played

27

30

Minutes played

2239

2324

Progressive passes

5.3

4.9

Pass accuracy

85%

83%

Tackles won

1.7

1

% of tackles won

75%

64%

Take-on success

55%

40%

Aerials won

61%

60%

His dominance over Huijsen is there for all to see based upon the stats produced by the pair, undoubtedly being the better option when pursuing a move for another centre-back this summer.

Whilst Araujo would cost a little bit more than the Spaniard, it’s a worthwhile investment, having all the tools to develop further, given his tender age of just 22.

If the club are to maintain the success endured this campaign, added squad depth is certainly needed, with a big-money deal for Araujo undoubtedly handing Slot just that.

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Chelsea are now racing Arsenal for the signing of a £68m defender who is a “hybrid between Gabriel and Saliba”, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new defender

The Blues took a huge step towards qualification for the Champions League on Sunday afternoon, picking up a 3-1 victory against Premier League champions Liverpool. If Enzo Maresca’s side manage to seal a top-five finish, they should be in a strong position to sign some top players in the summer transfer window, and they have set their sights on bringing in a new centre-back.

AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen once again caught the eye at the weekend, scoring the equalising goal in his side’s 2-1 triumph at Arsenal, and the Spaniard is among the main targets in defence, with positive talks over a deal being held back in April.

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Another option is Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, with the west Londoners now believed to be seriously considering a move for the 19-year-old, having held a long-standing interest.

Hato is not the only young centre-back on the shortlist, however, with a report from Defensa Central detailing that Chelsea are now in the race to sign Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande, but there could be fierce competition for his signature.

Arsenal are keen on the centre-back, who is viewed as a potential replacement for William Saliba, while Real Madrid and Newcastle United are also in the running, but a deal will not be cheap. Sporting CP have set an asking price of around €80m (£68m), so the Blues must be willing to spend big in order to get a deal over the line.

Diomande dubbed "hybrid between Gabriel and Saliba"

It is little wonder that Arsenal are also in the running for the 21-year-old, given that he could be a like-for-like replacement for Saliba, having been compared to the Frenchman and centre-back partner Gabriel by football scout Ben Mattinson.

There are also signs the youngster could be a good fit in a Maresca system, given his ability in possession of the ball, completing a total of 1581 accurate passes in the Liga Portugal last season, the fifth-highest number of any player.

There has been a heavy focus on bringing in talented youngsters under BlueCo, and Diomande certainly falls into that category, so he could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, although the £68m asking price is a little steep, considering he is unproven outside Portugal.

Well, we aren’t sure even the most die-hard Arsenal fans saw last night’s result coming.

The Gunners played host to European juggernauts Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, and to say it was the best performance of the Mikel Arteta reign wouldn’t be hyperbole.

They just about edged the first half and then utterly dominated the Spanish giants in the second to come away with a sensational 3-0 victory.

It was a stellar display to a man, although a couple of starters just about stood out, including Declan Rice and someone who proved he wouldn’t look out of place starring for Los Blancos.

Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Arsenal

Statistics

Real Madrid

3

Goals

0

1.51

Expected Goals

0.50

2

Big Chances

0

2

Big Chances Missed

0

12

Total Shots

9

11

Shots on Target

3

9

Shots in the Box

5

490

Passes

435

9

Free Kicks

8

All Stats via Sofascore

Rice's magical game vs Real Madrid in numbers

Arsenal fans like to sing that they got Rice for half price when they paid a club-record £105m fee for him in 2023, and while some may see it as a joke, last night suggested it is not.

The former West Ham United captain was incredible from the first whistle to when he came off, covering every blade of grass and still providing a consistent threat through well-timed runs.

He opened the scoring with a Roberto Carlos-esque free-kick – with him in the stands, mind – and then somehow scored an even better one 12 minutes later, placing it so perfectly in the far corner that Thibaut Courtois had no chance of saving it.

On top of winning the game for the North Londoners, the Englishman is now the first player to score two direct free-kicks in a UCL knockout game.

Unsurprisingly, such a sensational display impressed the press, with the Express’ Charlie Parker-Turner awarding him a 9/10 at full-time, which was more than backed up by his stats.

Rice’s game in numbers

Minutes

80′

Expected Goals

0.47

Goals

2

Expected Assists

0.08

Touches

43

Shots on Target

4

Dribbles (Completed)

1 (1)

Lost Possession

4

Clearances

1

Interceptions

1

All Stats via Sofascore

For example, in his 80 minutes of action, he scored two goals, produced a combined expected goal plus assists figure of 0.55, took 43 touches, took four shots on target, completed 100% of his dribbles, lost the ball just four times, made one clearance and one interception.

In all, it was the sort of showing that proves Rice more than belongs at the very top of the game, just like his teammate who also shone last night.

Arsenal's other stand-out player

As mentioned above, there were sublime displays across the pitch for Arsenal last night, but when it came down to it, the other starter who impacted the game as much as Rice was Bukayo Saka.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

It was the Hale Ender’s first start since his hamstring injury in late December, and while he didn’t score, he was undoubtedly the best attacker on the pitch.

What made him so devastatingly effective in the first half was his ability to cut in and use his left foot or run to the byline and use his right – David Alaba just didn’t know what he was going to do.

Then, in the second half, he was the one who won the two free-kicks for Rice, as the Real players couldn’t do anything but foul him.

He ended up winning 100% of his duels on the night and did so well that former professional turned pundit Daniel Sturridge claimed that he “proved” he’d be good enough to star for Real Madrid.

He left quite an impression on others in the media as well, with Parker-Turner awarding him a 9/10, while content creator Joe Thomlinson simply described his showing as “utterly ridiculous.”

Ultimately, it might only be half-time in the tie, but Arsenal deserve all the plaudits they’re getting at the moment, and it was just another night in which Rice and Saka reminded the world that they are some of the very best in the business.

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In the last few years, we have gone from “if” to “when” for South Africa’s women, and while Sunday might seem like India’s date with destiny, don’t be certain they won’t miss it

Firdose Moonda01-Nov-20251:36

WWC final – ‘The pressure is less on South Africa’

Remember the artistic hunter? If not, let South Africa’s director of national teams and high performance, Enoch Nkwe, remind you: “It’s an attacking brand of cricket that finds a way to win games even on the back foot,” he had told ESPNcricinfo at the 2023 World Cup two years after debuting those words.At the time, South Africa’s senior cricket teams had collectively reached just one global ICC final, at the women’s T20 World Cup earlier in the year. Now, just under two years on, they have reached four and won one. Hunters? We can understand that by the way they have gone after trophies. But artistic? On the evidence of this Women’s World Cup, hell, yes!Sandwiched between two of their lowest World Cup scores, South Africa reeled off five wins that showed off their full range. They bounced back strongly against New Zealand, handled pressure spectacularly against India and Bangladesh and showed how they could dominate against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. To top it off with a semi-final performance of utter heroism against England was Frida Kahlo-esque in that it underpinned South Africa’s “artistic hunter” cricketing identity. Laura Wolvaardt was artistic; Marizanne Kapp was the hunter. But don’t forget everyone else. There’s no masterpiece without depth and South Africa have plenty.Related

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Tazmin Brits has been more slightly miss than hit but her three hits were crucial, and the most crucial wasn’t even the biggest one. Her 45 in support of Wolvaardt in the semi-final was arguably more important than her century against New Zealand and both those knocks were left in the shade by Nadine de Klerk.This has been a coming-of-age tournament for de Klerk, who has grown into her role as a finisher and struts around with an aura of belief that is starting to encircle others too. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has slipped down the wicket-takers’ list but had statement performances against New Zealand and Sri Lanka. And Chloe Tryon, the veteran, made contributions of 49 and 62 in successful chases against India and Bangladesh and 33* in the semi-final and has shown an appetite for the big occasion.In Tryon and Kapp is the story of the evolution of this South Africa team. They are two of the original group of six players who were contracted by Cricket South Africa when it first issued deals for women in 2013. In the 12 years since, South Africa have played in two 50-over and one T20 World Cup semi-final and two T20 World Cup finals. If ever anyone needed proof that professionalisation brings results, this is it.That’s the win, and South Africa are in the final•AFP/Getty ImagesBut professionalisation also demands consistent evolution and South Africa have not always kept up.A similar group of players carried South Africa through tournament after tournament. They achieved some incredible things – the 2017 ODI World Cup and 2020 T20 World Cup semi-finals – but their crowning moment came when, against the odds, they got to the 2023 T20 World Cup final, at home, amidst turmoil. Destructive opening batter Lizelle Lee had retired over disagreements with the team management, and inspirational captain Dane van Niekerk was left out of the squad for failing a fitness test. Still, South Africa rode a wave and reached the final.The next 18 months were fraught. Sune Luus was removed as interim captain and Wolvaardt, by far the most talented batter in the squad, installed in her place. Long-serving head coach Hilton Moreeng was replaced by an interim, Dillon du Preez. And Shabnim Ismail, the OG of fast and fierce in the women’s game, retired. Somehow, South Africa still got to another T20 World Cup final in October 2024, and should have won after beating Australia in the semi-final. They played their best game too early and the heartbreak of losing a match they were favourites to win left many shaken. Would it ever get that good again?2:42

WWC final: Can South Africa make room for Klaas?

The Mandla of South African cricketIn the aftermath of that, and almost out of nowhere, Mandla Mashimbyi, a stalwart of the men’s domestic game, was named national women’s coach in December last year. “We liked his approach, of a people-first culture, and his understanding of our cricket system,” Nkwe said. “He aligned with our philosophy.”That is significant because what Mashimbyi found in the women’s camp was a problem he knew exactly how to solve. “When I came into the job, the one thing that I picked up was probably the division that was within the team, not necessarily in a malicious way, but I just thought maybe we could be better in making sure that we are more of a united front as a team,” he said in his pre-final press conference. “And also certain skills with certain players that I felt needed to improve for us to actually come here and become a force.”What’s important for me was just to give them love, always give them the care and the energy, and be consistent in doing that. That builds trust. It was most important to make sure that we get the environment right. The talent we’ve always had, that’s why we’ve been in finals before. It was just about making the environment stronger.”Speak to the men’s players Mashimbyi has coached and they say the best thing about playing under him was how he made them feel. “The biggest difference is that he doesn’t make the team environment tense,” Tabraiz Shamsi told ESPNcricinfo. “He laughs and jokes with players rather than having a situation where the coach is the boss and everyone must call him coach or the environment is tense and you can’t joke with him and tease him.” Lizaad Williams called him “loveable” as a coach: “Almost like a big teddy that you cuddle.”Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp – the artist and the hunter•ICC via Getty ImagesGiven the state of the women’s team and the behind-the-scenes issues of uncertainty they were dealing with, having a coach who chose the soft life and would nurture them seemed the right fit.But before you box Mashimbyi, who has the stature of a friendly giant, as just a nice guy, stop.He also came with a track record of massive success in the men’s game. Mashimbyi won nine trophies as assistant coach and two as head coach at Titans and was involved in the union’s decision to sign a 17-year-old Dewald Brevis and, more recently, Lhuan-dre Pretorius. “He backed them both from the get-go. Their talent is now for all to see now but he is the guy who identified that talent. He said about Dewald, ‘let’s sign him now, he is going to be the real deal’, and we weren’t that sure. The same with Lhuan-dre, he backed him to play a whole season when he was still at school. Mandla has got a proper track record of success,” Jacques Faul Mashimbyi’s former boss at Titans, told ESPNcricinfo.And he also knows how to handle players when things are not going according to plan. “He has got the unique ability to back players and put an arm around them when it’s not going so well,” Faul said. “He’s a bit of a philosopher in his own right and he really knows the game. He is a deep thinker of life, not just of cricket.”2:43

WWC final: Harmanpreet and Tryon will be key players

That might explain why South Africa’s tournament did not implode after they were blasted out for 69 by England, and also why they could come back to beat them so soundly in the semi-final. Not only did South Africa pay no heed to the bilateral history in which they had only beaten England once in eight meetings dating back to 2022, but also to a massive financial disparity in their capacity to develop. One insider suggests England spends more on the women’s game than South Africa spends on the entire game, which is plausible given the economic disparities of the two countries. South Africa’s main currency, though, is hope. And for the last 34 years, since readmission, while rugby and football have enjoyed continental and global success, the promise of it is what cricket has traded on.In the last two-and-half years, the “if” South African cricket could win something has turned to “when” and it now even has a date: June 14. When Temba Bavuma and his Test team lifted the mace, they also stripped off the veil that blurred their vision of the final hurdle. But the path to reaching finals was cleared by the women’s team first as they became the first senior side to reach a World Cup final, and they did it at home.If people thought it was fluke or the fortunes of fate that got them there in 2023, they could not argue with the stunning semi-final win over Australia that booked them a spot at the T20 World Cup final in 2024 and now the history-defying feat over England that has put them in their first 50-over World Cup final.In India against India, who may believe this is their date with destiny, South Africa will know they are entering not just as underdogs but with an expectation that they are only the supporting cast. But it’s not South African to turn up at someone else’s party and not enjoy yourself. So whatever happens, South Africa will give India something to remember.

Ben Stokes has followed through on England’s mantra of going hard from the start, but they’ll need to hold their nerve when plans go awry against an experienced Australia side

Ian Chappell18-Jun-2023Call it what you like – Bazball, if you must – but England have made it very clear under Ben Stokes: “We play aggressively against all teams, including Australia.”What England do is actually employ an old but clever tactic – they try to win from the first ball in an attempt to take the draw out of the equation. By attacking sensibly, the England batters score quickly in order to gauge the opposition’s reaction. They got an immediate response from Australia captain Pat Cummins, who surprisingly preferred Scott Boland’s steadiness over Mitchell Starc’s wicket-taking ability and then set some unusually deep fielders.Related

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Aggressiveness is a major change from an England side who mostly used conservative ways in the past. However, having witnessed a classic Joe Root century and then surprisingly declaring on the first evening of the series, Stokes could happily rate the first challenge a success.Stokes, like Cummins, is a good captain. He is absolutely correct to try and win from the first ball because it empowers his team and is the best way to unsettle the opposition. What he’s yet to discover is how seeking wickets in preference to looking at keeping the opposition’s run rate down will work against Australia over a five-Test series.In addition to a vastly experienced Australian attack and their ability to weather an assault, the batting line-up has also been well tested. There’s the solidarity and strong mentality of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who Australia will rely on for heavy scoring in the series.Travis Head has been counterattacking for some time and he has experienced success with the ploy against Test attacks. Australia will also be hoping Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green have a good series, but if David Warner overcomes the Stuart Broad hoodoo and scores freely, then the England bowlers will feel extreme pressure.

Stokes is absolutely correct to try and win from the first ball. What he is yet to discover is how seeking wickets in preference to looking at keeping the opposition’s run rate down will work against Australia over a five-Test series

That highlights a problem for England; the advanced age of their experienced pace bowlers. Jimmy Anderson and Broad are both excellent bowlers but if either suffers an age-related injury, it places a huge burden on the rest of the attack. This is especially so because England are uncertain what Stokes provides as a bowler, and spinner Moeen Ali doesn’t have a good record against Australia’s attacking batters. Under assault, the England attack is less likely to hold their nerve than Australia’s line-up.Australia have a very experienced and good attack. Therefore, much will depend on England’s ability to maintain Stokes’ tactics when faced with an Australian assault and whether they still “think wickets” when things go awry.Field placings will play a big part if the batters of both sides continue to succeed with the plan to attack.The captain who finds the correct spot for his fielders, and they then hang on to the catches, will hit upon a good recipe for winning a tightly contested series. Australia have an advantage as their bowling attack is likely to create more chances and is backed by a superior catching unit. As a team Australia are also more likely to effect the occasional spectacular run out; they are the better overall fielding side.It’s a brave captain who continues to seek wickets (especially with the improved bats of these days), rather than depending purely on run-saving, but to do so increases his team’s chances of victory. The braver individual favours a desire for wickets and will reap the rewards over a five-Test series.Both teams have tried using a bouncer barrage, but neither has achieved much success with the move in the past. Both captains need to remember that an accurate and surprise bouncer’s greatest attribute is that the batter is uncertain when it will rear its ugly head.Stokes’ tactic of not giving Anderson the new ball is probably because when the lacquer wears off a Dukes ball, it starts to swing more. Another example of Stokes’ lateral thinking.The Ashes favours the Australian team except for one small detail; this series is played in the UK. Australia haven’t won a series in England since 2001, and trying to break that hoodoo adds further to the Ashes drama.