In the last five years, batting averages there have diminished as the game has progressed, with spinners having taken more than 100 wickets each on days three and four

Mohammad Isam16-Jun-2025Bangladesh batters are eager to cash in on the Galle pitch before it starts responding to spinners, according to captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The visitors begin their Sri Lanka tour with the Galle Test starting on Tuesday, with recent performances putting both batting units under pressure.Shanto had scored his maiden Test century in the first game during Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2021 – he scored 163 in Pallekele, which remains his highest Test score. This time around, Bangladesh will be playing only their third Test in Galle, the last of which was back in 2017.In the last five years, batting averages in Galle have diminished as the game has progressed – from 45.64 on the first day to 35.61, 28.53, 28.31 and 20.65 in the subsequent days. Spinners have taken more than 100 wickets each on the third and fourth days of Tests in Galle during this period.Related

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Shanto banks on away form, squad flexibility for fresh WTC

“I have some good memories in Kandy, but I want to take the opportunity in Galle,” Shanto said. “Playing spin may be challenging, but there’s also a lot of runs in the first two or three days in Galle. We want to take that opportunity. There will be challenges for the batters as spinners take a lot of wickets in this venue. We have to bat well. We are enjoying each other’s company despite all the challenges.”Shanto said he is pleased with the combination of players he has in the current Test squad, although Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who reportedly has a fever, remains a doubtful starter against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh will take a last-minute call on the playing XI after confirming whether Mehidy is available.”Mehidy is still under observation, but his health is improving. A lot depends on his availability,” Shanto said. “If he is in the team, we can go into the Test with a good combination. I don’t want to reveal where I am going to bat in the Test match. I don’t want my opponent to know. We still have a few things up in the air. Miraz is still not fully well.”I am happy with the Test squad. I think it is also quite positive that we all could agree on this combination. It is a balanced side with enough options for batting and bowling. We can pick the XI depending on the opposition and conditions. We also have to execute our plans by playing good cricket.”Earlier this year, Bangladesh levelled the Test series against Zimbabwe after defeat in the first Test•AFP/Getty ImagesBangladesh’s batting struggles are often attributed to the absence of their batting heavyweights, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. While Tamim has retired from all formats, Shakib could be available just for ODIs. In Tamim’s absence, Bangladesh are yet to settle on an opening pair, while Shakib’s role as a batter hasn’t been totally replaced either. Shanto, though, is hopeful that the current Test players can do their jobs in Sri Lanka.”They are not in the team for the last two or three years; Shakib and Tamim served Bangladesh cricket for a long time,” Shanto said. “But we don’t want to think about the past. We have some experienced cricketers in the squad. They will do well here. I hope those in the team will take the team forward.”Bangladesh will be looking to bounce back after having won just two out of ten completed matches across formats so far this year. In February, they exited the Champions Trophy in the group stage, before going down to Zimbabwe in the Sylhet Test in April. Bangladesh then lost back-to-back T20I series against UAE and Pakistan in May-June. Shanto, however, said that the team will take inspiration from their drawn Test series against Zimbabwe, where they bounced back in Chattogram after the defeat in Sylhet.”We don’t want to think too much about the Zimbabwe series. We came back well in that series,” Shanto said. “It will motivate the team. We are playing in conditions that many of us have played in the past. We have to play good cricket, especially the batters.”We have good memories in Sri Lanka, which will be helpful but every series is a new beginning. The top order has to provide the team with a good start. We have a good squad here, so it will be a great opportunity to do something special here.”

أعلن لويس دي لا فوينتي مدرب منتخب إسبانيا قائمة اللاروخا التي تستعد لمواجهتين في تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وسيلتقي منتخب إسبانيا مع جورجيا يوم السبت 15 نوفمبر، ثم يواجه منتخب تركيا يوم الثلاثاء 18 نوفمبر في مباراتين متتاليتين.

وشهدت القائمة استدعاء لامين يامال الذي عاد للمشاركة والتألق مع برشلونة بعد أن غاب عن قائمة منتخب بلاده بسبب مشكلة في العانة.

اقرأ أيضاً.. وكيل لامين يامال: لديه مشكلة بسيطة ولا أفهم سبب الضجة حوله قائمة منتخب إسبانيا في التوقف الدولي القادم:

في حراسة المرمى: آوناي سيمون- دافيد رايا- أليكس ريميرو

خط الدفاع: لابورت – فيفيان- جريمالدو- ماركوس ليورنتي – مارك كوكوريلا – باو كوبارسي- دين هويسن- بيدرو بورو

خط الوسط: فابيان رويز- زوبيمندي- ميكيل ميرينو- أليكس جارسيا- بابلو باريوس- أليكس باينا- بابلو فورنالس

خط الهجوم: أورايزبال- يريمي- داني أولمو- فيرمين لوبيز- لامين يامال- فيران توريس- سامو- بورخا إيجليسياس.

It’s been an excellent day for all concerned at Arsenal, following the big news today that defender William Saliba is poised to commit his future, but as one star prepares to sign an extension, another is eyeing the exit door.

William Saliba on the verge of signing new deal in boost for Arsenal

The Frenchman’s contract was due to expire in 2027, dealing a major worry for Mikel Arteta amid interest from Real Madrid.

Saliba rejected Arsenal’s initial proposal, but the Gunners have since made an improved attempt to tie the defender down, which is now on the verge of being accepted as sporting director Andrea Berta successfully thwarts Real in their pursuit of a star centre-back.

His new deal will run until 2030, and Saliba is expected to put pen to paper in the next few days, as per David Ornstein who originally broke the news.

Jurrien Timber

7

William Saliba

4

Jeremy Doku

4

Riccardo Calafiori

3

Declan Rice

2

via WhoScored

According to other previous reports, this offer could make Saliba one of Arsenal’s highest earners, with journalist Dean Jones reporting that his salary may increase to around £300,000-per-week – putting him above the likes of Kai Havertz (£280k), Gabriel Jesus (£265k), Martin Odegaard (£240k), Declan Rice (£240k) and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres (£200k).

Speaking of Jesus, who remains in rehab after tearing his ACL in January, an update has now come to light on his future.

The Brazil international picked up a season-ending injury at a terrible time midway through last season, just as he was hitting a purple patch of form, and the arrival of Gyokeres this summer has pushed him further down Arteta’s pecking order.

Once Havertz also returns from his knee problem, there will be hardly any room for the 28-year-old, who was signed from Man City for £45 million in 2022.

Gabriel Jesus ready to green-light Arsenal exit in January

According to journalist Mark Brus, via The Daily Briefing, Jesus is ready to green-light an Arsenal exit in January, and is tempted by the prospect of a return to Brazil as he looks to battle his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Everton and West Ham have made approaches for the forward too, but that is as far as it has gone thus far. Berta and Arsenal are also prepared to grant Jesus a leave, as the north Londoners want to get his sky-high wages off the salary bill.

Why Arsenal must sell Gabriel Jesus

The South American has always delivered his best effort in red and white with a ferocious work rate, but the presence of Gyokeres and Havertz unfortunately negates any need for him.

His versatility has also been valuable. However, it is hard enough for Arteta to give super subs Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard enough deserved game time without throwing Jesus into the mix, so a transfer is definitely best for all parties.

According to ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown, Berta is indeed “ready” to accept suitable bids.

Liverpool and Arne Slot have faced a hefty amount of criticism throughout the early weeks of the 2025/26 season, with analysts and rivals criticising the Premier League champions’ tactical imbalances.

Signs of defensive issues and a struggle to maintain a lead lend credence to this viewpoint, sure, but it only stretches so far. Liverpool haven’t quite been at the races this season, and yet they have pranced into a five-point lead at the top of the table, and they won their Champions League opener too.

Having won the league at a canter last term and having strengthened considerably this summer, the Reds would be forgiven for having started the year without the cast-iron sureness of last year, especially since many late goals have been scored already, and tough opponents such as Newcastle United, Arsenal and Everton have been put to the sword.

Alexander Isak has only just been integrated after his record-breaking move, and there’s no denying Florian Wirtz, 22, has left something to be desired since completing his £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.

However, these things will come, and anyway, Liverpool’s pre-existing superstars remain at the top of their game, having been recognised for their talents at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday evening in Paris.

Liverpool's Ballon d'Or nominees

Ousmane Dembele completed his redemption arc and was crowned the Men’s Ballon d’Or winner after leading Paris Saint-Germain to a quadruple and their first-ever Champions League title.

The 27-year-old scored 35 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions, and was awarded the Champions League and Ligue 1 Player of the Season honours.

There’s no question that he was a deserving winner; however, he bested several rivals who would have fancied themselves worthy of the award themselves.

Mohamed Salah might have felt a sense of grievance, and not for the first time. The 33-year-old Egyptian came fourth after scoring 34 goals and supplying 23 assists for Liverpool last season, spearheading Slot’s title charge.

It was one of the greatest individual campaigns in Premier League history, and that’s inarguable. But it wasn’t enough for Salah to reach the podium for the maiden time in his career.

Likewise, Virgil van Dijk may have furtively scratched his head after learning his spot was 28th. The captain and defender supreme for the English top-flight champions, he has been a monstrous presence in Slot’s system, but the fact that no centre-half ranked higher than him is perhaps a marker of the award’s lopsidedness.

Alexis Mac Allister was also on the list, coming in at 22nd.

New boy Wirtz came in at number 29, and fans are now eagerly anticipating his clicking into gear and making good on the “generational talent”, as he has been named by journalist Chris Stonadge, that prompted FSG to spend the big bucks.

Wirtz will fancy his shot at claiming that iconic golden ball in the future, but Salah and Van Dijk are approaching the end of their chances.

Who might challenge Liverpool’s German playmaker in the years to come? Well, Dembele might be the talk of the town right now, but the Anfield side actually have their own version, and he’s been slated for a shot down the line.

Liverpool's future Ballon d'Or candidate

Liverpool have a team that is replete with talent, both young and old. Many players’ ceilings reach high above, but none more so than Rio Ngumoha, who, having turned 17 last month, is already riding the crest of a wave in Slot’s squad.

Poached from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, Ngumoha quickly established himself as a cut above the others in the Reds academy system, making his professional debut aged 16 as Liverpool beat Accrington Stanley 4-0 in the FA Cup. He didn’t score, the electric-paced left winger, but he caught the eye.

However, Ngumoha clearly had a fan in Slot, featuring heavily throughout pre-season. Liverpool sold Luis Diaz this summer, but a direct replacement was not welcomed through the gates. Herein lies the biggest endorsement, with Ngumoha entrusted with a regular first-team role.

And Slot was vindicated at St. James’ Park, when Ngumoha finished coolly after Dominik Szoboszlai’s dummy to seal all three points at the last moment, silencing an until then raucous Newcastle crowd, relishing in their second-half comeback.

Youngest Scorers in Premier League History
#	Player	Age
1	James Vaughan	16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days
2	James Milner	16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days
3	Wayne Rooney	16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days
4	Rio Ngumoha	16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days
5	Cesc Fabregas	17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

One of the youngest goalscorers in Premier League history, Ngumoha is mooted for a starting berth when Liverpool host Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the England U19 international make a good impression once more.

The sky is the limit, and even then, it might be too low. Ngumoha must be inculcated into the way of things over a number of years, his prodigious potential drip-fed to the Premier League and to Europe, where he has already made his bow.

The teenager is in the right setting, to be sure. And there is no question that he has the capacity to succeed.

In fact, Ngumoha has actually been billed as having the talent to wedge his way onto the elite table down the line, with Chelsea youth coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst raving about the player’s brilliance even as a kid, saying, “he is one of the best academy talents I have come across.”

Isaksson-Hurst then took his effusions one step further: “I told his brother I expect him to see him on the Ballon d’Or list one day, I believe he can do that.”

Not bad, Rio. Of course, the toughest part is still ahead of him, and it’s a long and treacherous road at that. But Ngumoha has the potential to become a focal point at Liverpool, and fans must be excited as they watch him develop and bloom and grow into superstardom.

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This former Liverpool prospect has the potential to become a player worthy of a place in Slot’s squad.

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Angus Sinclair

Sep 22, 2025

Benjamin Cremaschi, the 20-year-old American midfielder on loan from Inter Miami, made his long-awaited Serie A debut for Parma on Oct. 29, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute in a 2-1 defeat to AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. He replaced Adrián Bernabé as part of a triple change by coach Fabio Pecchia with Parma trailing 1-0.

AFPTwo months in the making

Cremaschi’s debut came nearly two months after his loan move from Inter Miami was announced on Sept. 2. The midfielder joined the Italian club on a deal through June 2026, with Parma holding an option to make the transfer permanent.

Prior to this appearance, Cremaschi had been named to Parma's matchday squad twice but remained unused as he adapted to Italian football. His introduction against Roma marked a significant milestone in his European career after accumulating 107 appearances for Inter Miami across all competitions.

AdvertisementAFPParma's struggles

Cremaschi entered a difficult match situation, with Roma leading 1-0 when he stepped onto the Stadio Olimpico pitch. The hosts would double their advantage through Artem Dovbyk in the 80th minute before Parma pulled one back through Alessandro Circati five minutes later.

Despite the late push, Parma couldn't find an equalizer in the 2-1 defeat. The result continues a challenging start to the season for Parma, who sit in the bottom half of the Serie A table at 15th after a difficult opening to their campaign. 

GettyLoan move follows time at Inter Miami

Cremaschi's loan to Parma came after he publicly expressed frustration about his situation at Inter Miami under coach Javier Mascherano. In August, the midfielder voiced concerns about inconsistent playing time and being deployed in various positions rather than in his preferred role.

"I'm frustrated, I want to play. I think the most important thing for me is to be at a very high level, and to get there, I need minutes and experience," Cremaschi said. "I've played very little in these recent games, and I don't think it's because of my level."

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Serie A opportunity represents new challenge

Cremaschi will now look to build on his debut with more minutes in future Parma matches. The team faces Bologna this weekend on Nov. 2. 

Arsenal are now willing to go all out to sign a “special” £130m Real Madrid star, who has made a fantastic start to the 2025-26 campaign.

Gunners looking to make another statement signing

Stan Kroenke & co backed Mikel Arteta considerably in the summer transfer window, making a number of statement signings, including Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze, and the owner has thus far been rewarded for spending big.

Indeed, the Gunners have made a flying start to the Premier League campaign, sitting top of the table after collecting 16 points from their opening seven matches, which is made even more impressive by the fact they’ve had some very tough fixtures.

Eze has received regular game time since his arrival, chipping in with two assists in the Premier League, and the England international may be set to keep his place in the side, given that Martin Odegaard continues to struggle on the injury front.

The Norway international was brought off after just half-an-hour in the 2-0 triumph over West Ham United, with it since emerging he has suffered MCL damage to his knee, but there is yet to be an update on when the captain could return.

It has subsequently been revealed that Arsenal may also look to bring in a new attacking midfielder, with a report from Grada3 revealing they are one of many clubs in the race for Real Madrid star Arda Guler.

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The likes of Newcastle United, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Guler, but the Gunners are thought to be particularly keen, with the report stating they are willing to do whatever it takes to ‘entice’ the 20-year-old.

Kroenke is prepared to go all out for the Turkey international, but it may take a huge offer to get a deal over the line, with previous reports suggesting he is valued at over £130m.

Signing "special" Guler would be statement of intent

With Odegaard and Eze on the books, there are doubts about whether it would be necessary to bring in another attacking midfielder, but it would be a major statement of intent if Arsenal were able to get a deal done.

Former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has hailed the starlet in the past, saying: “He is very effective, he scores a lot with little space, he has a special talent. He shows it better closer to the goal.”

This season, the Turk appears to have come on leaps and bounds, having already chipped in with six goal contributions in La Liga, meaning he needs just two more to match his tally across the whole of the 2024-25 campaign.

Guler would perhaps be a luxury signing for Arsenal, rather than a necessity, but Ancelotti’s comments, and the start he has made to the season, suggest the starlet has all the attributes to become one of the world’s best midfielders.

Liverpool have ebbed and flowed this season, but the Reds fanbase will expect Arne Slot’s side to bury the three-game losing run that chased them into the October international break and start performing with the coherence and quality of champions.

After all, the Merseysiders breezed their way through the 2024/25 campaign, winning the Premier League title with relative ease after Jurgen Klopp stepped down from his post.

But so much upheaval this summer was always going to knock things out of kilter.

Liverpool’s attacking synergy has been anything but smooth this season, even with an excess of world-class quality welcomed down Anfield Road, even with Hugo Ekitike firing on all cylinders since joining and reminding Alexander Isak his berth at number nine is anything but secure.

But with things not quite right on the attacking right flank, rumours have circulated pertaining to interest in Bournemouth superstar Antoine Semenyo, whose form this term suggests he would be a credit to any side across Europe.

Why Liverpool want Antoine Semenyo

For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has been a gift from the gods.

But nothing lasts forever, and the Egyptian King is into the penultimate year of his £400k-per-week contract. He is 33 years old, and his performances haven’t been good enough this season.

It’s with this in mind that Liverpool have focused their sights on Bournemouth’s Semenyo, who has been among the most prolific wingers in Europe so far this season, six goals and three assists across seven matches in the Premier League.

Valued at £75m, Bournemouth are aware of Liverpool’s interest, with sources reporting this month that the 25-year-old is at the top of Richard Hughes’ wish list.

However, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also hot on the Ghana international’s tail.

Semenyo’s multi-positionality is an attractive feature of his. Dangerous across the left wing and right, he is a menace of a footballer and hailed by one Premier League analyst this season as being “one of the best players in the world” at the moment.

Right winger

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Left winger

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Centre-forward

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Bournemouth’s £75m valuation is a reflection of that market value. Semenyo, to be sure, would cost a pretty penny.

But Liverpool might manage to save millions. Sure, a Salah replacement will be required in the coming transfer windows, but Slot already has a Semenyo-type player at his disposal.

Liverpool's own version of Semenyo

Semenyo is a rare type of forward, two-footed and confident across a range of different attacking roles. It is no coincidence that the rise and rise of Andoni Iraola’s outfit has coincided with his own.

He would strengthen Liverpool’s team, no doubt, but Slot might actually already have his own version of the maverick in the young Rio Ngumoha.

Handed his professional debut during the FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley in January 2025, Ngumoha excelled as an up-and-comer at Liverpool last season, poached, aged 15, from Chelsea’s youth academy despite his prodigious potential.

The winger’s long-time youth coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, said “he can reach any level he wants”, having been awed many a time over the years by Ngumoha’s pace and power and confidence on the ball.

He said, “I don’t say it lightly, he is one of the best academy talents I have come across, and I have seen some top players become superstars. What makes him stand out is his one-v-one ability on the ball – he can break lines, drive at players, beat players on either side and end product.

“I told his brother I expect him to see him on the Ballon d’Or list one day, I believe he can do that.”

One online youth football promoter has even gone as far as to claim that Ngumoha “will become one of the best wingers in the world”. Early days, early days, but the teenager has the talent, and each passing performance merely adds grist to the hype mill.

The hype is real, and Ngumoha’s match-winning goal at St. James’ Park in August, on his Premier League debut, has only increased the fanfare around the 17-year-old’s potential.

Direct and dynamic with startling close control on the ball, Ngumoha has all the skills required to become a superstar, and his natural potency and the trust Slot has shown in him already this season tell much of his potential.

Ngumoha’s height was recorded at 5 foot 7 at the start of the season, but his physical growth continues, and it’s becoming clear he will not be a diminutive wideman but a force to be reckoned with, Lamine Yamal-esque, even, as his winged feet carry him up and down the flank, leaving defenders for dust.

That crucial goal against Newcastle United at the start of the season also emphasises a positional understanding and coolness in the big moments, and this is something Semenyo has added to his game spectacularly across the past few months.

The Cherries star was already considered one of the best wingers in the business for his efforts last year, with Tottenham lodging an enquiry for the talent this summer, rebuffed upon the south coast side’s £70m demands.

If he keeps on playing as he is, that figure might prove to be a bargain down the line, but with such thick competition for his signature, Liverpool might want to hold fire and instead continue the emphasis on developing Ngumoha, who is the real deal and could play with a frightening quality and control in a couple of years, when he reaches physical and technical maturity.

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Ahead of Manchester United’s trip to face Liverpool, club legend Paul Scholes has taken aim at three Old Trafford stars who are “not capable” of playing their part.

Fernandes calls for "stability" at Man Utd

While a trip to Anfield will bring back bad recent memories for United, Ruben Amorim’s side are actually facing the Reds at a good time.

Liverpool entered the international break off the back of three-straight defeats in all competitions, and are potentially vulnerable to another upset on Merseyside.

United, meanwhile, defeated Sunderland in comfortable fashion before the break in a game that featured a second goal in as many games for Benjamin Sekso and a solid debut performance from Senne Lammens. The victory has, at least somewhat, eased growing pressure on Amorim — but club captain Bruno Fernandes is still calling for more “stability”.

For the time being, Amorim’s job is safe even after another disappointing start.

As the rumours continue to surround potential candidates to replace the former Sporting CP boss, including the likes of Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, INEOS are seemingly ready to back their man.

That’s not to say that things won’t change, however, and club legend Scholes has now slammed three players who are “not capable” of helping to save Amorim’s job.

Scholes slams Man Utd trio who are getting "found out"

Speaking to The Times, Scholes slammed Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro — describing them as “not capable” and “not strong enough” in a scathing review.

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All in their 30s, Scholes may have a point. Although Maguire has rediscovered some of his best form at times, questions are still asked about his ability to take United back into European football.

Shaw, meanwhile, continues to struggle on the injury front and remains a player that United should have replaced at this stage. Similar can also be said for Casemiro, even after he put a very bad run of form behind him not so long ago.

Moultie's brace in a 3-1 victory over Portugal showed just how potent the still just 20-year-old can be for the USWNT

Sunday in East Hartford, Connecticut, the US women’s national team played the 12th game of a transitional year defined by coach Emma Hayes’ efforts to expand her player pool in preparation for the 2027 World Cup.

While trialing new talent and refining her roster, the reigning gold medalists have nine wins and three losses in 2025, collecting one of each in this past week’s friendlies against Portugal. 

Fittingly in a year that’s prioritized folding younger players into the program, Sunday’s comeback victory was punctuated by a 20-year-old with still-burgeoning USWNT potential: Olivia Moultrie, the versatile attacking talent and Portland Thorns’ top scorer.

And while the USWNT are still set to face New Zealand on Wednesday in Kansas City to wrap up the October camp, Moultrie has already made her mark on this window.

• Getty Images
  

  Doubling her pleasure

  In front of the USWNT’s second-largest crowd at the home of the UConn Huskies, Moultrie rotated into a notably young starting XI – with an average age of 20.7 and three teenagers on the field. And it took just 44 seconds for Moultrie to score the first of her two goals.

  The early goal was reminiscent of Thursday’s loss, when Rose Lavelle scored just 33 seconds into a match that ended 2-1 in Portugal’s favor. The parallels pulsed for a moment, as Jessica Silva drew level for Portugal in the fifth minute on Sunday.

  But Moultrie struck again just five minutes later, capping her brace within 10 minutes of her 10th cap for the USWNT. 

  “Starting fast, I think, is the thing the U.S. women's national team is kind of known for, right?” Moultrie said. “And we want to keep that going. But then… how do we maintain our momentum after that? Obviously, conceding is not what we want, but I think where we kind of improved from the last game was then we came back again and we got another one.

  “And then we put ourselves in the driver's seat for the rest of the game, and found our control.”

  It was Moultrie's second international brace. The then 18-year-old scored two of the USWNT's five goals in a 5-0 win over the Dominican Republic on Feb. 20, 2024. Just three weeks ago, Moultrie scored her first NWSL brace, securing a 2-1 win for the Portland Thorns over Bay FC.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Making her mark in NWSL

  Moultrie is a midfielder for the Thorns, where she’s having a tremendous season, leading the three-time NWSL champions with eight goals and one assist, as is tied for the sixth-most goals in the league. Scoring or not, she’s consistently dangerous in attack, something she’s translated well this window for the national team.

  In NWSL, Moultrie claims the highest shot creating actions (125) in the league and clocks the highest shot creating actions per 90 (5.43). Sunday, Hayes started her on the right but gave her freedom to float in.

  “I think she's having an outstanding season,” Hayes said. “I think she's a goal threat. I played her off of the right but coming inside. I knew there would be second spaces inside the box. I think she exploited them well.”

• Red Bull
  

  Turning pro at just 13

  Moultrie is a familiar name for U.S. soccer fans.. She turned professional at 13, filing an antitrust lawsuit against NWSL in order to lift its age limit. She debuted for Portland at 15 and made her first appearance for the USWNT at 18 – and clocked her 10th cap on Sunday.

  Her national team journey is still in its early embers. But her commitment to growth and ability to translate club form to national team duty is evident. And her composure in the elite ranks is notable as, something she credits to kick-starting her career so early.

  “I've been experiencing it for a while – joining the Thorns when I was 13, and trying to put myself in those situations,” she said. “And honestly, I just think my journey to be here has set me up for situations like this. And I'm just extremely grateful for the people who believed in me and who put me in those situations. 

  “But there's a lot of work left still to do. I still want to grow and get better. And like I said, all eyes on '27, and what it looks like once we get there.”

  Moultrie has the maturity and focus of a gifted young footballer who has played professionally for more than five years, even though she just recently turned 20.

  “I remember when I got the job,” Hayes recalled, “she sent me an email, literally immediately, saying, ‘Coach, is there a chance I could connect and catch up and just get your thoughts on what you're looking for?’ And I thought, this is someone who is going somewhere, and wants to go somewhere.” 

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  Patience is a virtue

  Known as a manager who develops players, Hayes emphasized that Moultrie’s game is still a work in progress, stressing that patience is key.

  “Sometimes she wants it yesterday,” Hayes said. “But the things I've asked her to work on, she's working on them. I don't think she's the finished article, but I think she's much better than she was 12 months ago. 

  “Firstly, because she's fit and healthy. Second of all, because she's getting more disciplined in the position. And then finally, I think she's able to be a bigger goal threat as a result of those two things, great development resilience-wise.” 

  There’s one more game left in this window. After that, Moultrie heads back to Portland where she’ll prepare for a playoff push with the sixth-place Thorns. In a few weeks, Hayes will call in her final roster of 2025, marking the final window of a year that in many ways has been the last, expansive tryout for the 2027 World Cup squad.

  Moultrie can head toward that final window knowing she’s made it clear that she is, as Hayes put it, “going somewhere.” And she’ll be hoping that the destination is Brazil for the World Cup.

كشف هاني أبو ريدة رئيس اتحاد الكرة، عن تفاصيل علاقته مع الثنائي حسام حسن المدير الفني لـ منتخب مصر ومحمد صلاح قائد الفراعنة، موضحًا حقيقة وجود خلافات معهما.

وقال هاني أبو ريدة في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة أبو ظبي الرياضية: “لا أريد أن أقلل من حجم إنجاز حسام حسن، المجموعة التي وقعنا فيها بتصفيات كأس العالم واجهها بها منتخبات قوية وأخرى ضعيفة، وهناك الكثير من المفاجآت في مثل هذه التصفيات، والتأهل لم يكن بالسهولة التي يظنها البعض”.

وواصل: “أشكر الجهاز الفني على جهده والوصول لكأس العالم، هناك منتخبات كبيرة مثل نيجيريا تخوض الملحق، ويجب على الجهاز الفني واتحاد الكرة أن يواصلا توفير كل السبل لتحقيق هذه الإنجازات”.

وبسؤاله هل سيخضع الجهاز الفني للتقييم بعد كأس أمم إفريقيا؟، أوضح: “المنتخب المصري قادر على الوصول لأبعد نقطة في البطولة، واللاعبون لديهم ثقة ورغبة كبيرة في تحقيق أفضل النتائج، ونحن ننتظر منهم أداءً جيدًا، والجماهير دائمًا تترقب أي إخفاق ليحدث ضجة على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، وهذا اعتدنا عليه”.

وبسؤاله هل العلاقة متوترة بينك وبين حسام حسن؟، أجاب: “هذا غير صحيح، ففي البداية كان هناك تخوف وقيل إنني ضد حسام حسن، لكن عندما بدأنا العمل على أرض الواقع اتضح أن الأمر مختلف تمامًا، ووجد الجهاز الفني مني كل الدعم، والعلاقة أكثر من طيبة، ومن موقعي كرئيس اتحاد الكرة، أقدم كل الدعم للجهاز الفني”.

وما إذا كان المنتخب قادرًا أن يفوز بكأس أمم إفريقيا؟، أوضح: “ذات مرة، المنتخب كان به عناصر جديدة، وقيل أنه سيخرج من البداية ولعبنا نهائي البطولة، الأمر يتوقف على ظروف المنتخب في التوقيت نفسه، ولما لا نصل إلى أبعد نقطة؟”.

طالع |هاني أبو ريدة يرد على أنباء توتر علاقته مع الأهلي.. وموقفه من نشر تسجيلات الفار

وحول علاقته مع محمد صلاح وتعامل اتحاد الكرة والجهاز الفني معه؟، أردف: “محمد صلاح يمتلك نضجًا على أعلى مستوى، وفي الفترة الحالية كقائد لمنتخب مصر أنا فخور جدًا بطريقة تعامله مع زملائه”.

واستطرد: “أحيانًا يأتي من ناديه ليفربول للانضمام إلى المعسكرات الخارجية، لكن ما أعلمه عنه أنه يحرص على التواجد مع زملائه ويشاركهم الرحلة بالطائرة ويقول إن أسعد أوقاته تكون برفقة زملائه في المنتخب، وأعتقد أنه يقوم بدور جيد جدًا”.

وأضاف: “النضج الذي يتمتع به محمد صلاح، سواء على المستوى الشخصي أو في إدارته لزملائه داخل المنتخب، هو على أعلى مستوى ونحن من جانبنا نوفر له كل الدعم، وهو حلقة الوصل بين اللاعبين والجهاز الإداري بالنسبة لي، فكل مطلب يتعلق باللاعبين يأتيني من خلاله، ولم يسبق له أن طلب شيئًا لنفسه، بل دائمًا ما يطلب ما يفيد زملاءه”.

وأتم: “أما عن تقييم أداء المنتخب ومحمد صلاح، ففي بعض المباريات كان الأداء أكثر من جيد، وفي أوقات أخرى واجه حسام حسن إصابات أو لاعبين غير جاهزين فنيًا، والهدف الأساسي كان التأهل، وما هو قادم سيكون أفضل مع تركيز أكبر، ولدي أمل بأن الأداء سيتحسن في الفترة المقبلة”.