All posts by h716a5.icu

James' switch of positions was one of the bright sparks for Sarina Wiegman as the coach experimented with her selection on Saturday afternoon

England were held to a goalless draw by Portugal in their Women's World Cup send-off on Saturday afternoon. Coach Sarina Wiegman will have taken a lot from the game even if the final result proved frustrating for the Lionesses, who dominated and really should've grabbed the win.

The Dutch coach opted to try out a few new things in her team's final game on home soil before flying to Australia, including an inexperienced centre-back partnership of Esme Morgan and Jess Carter which moved Alex Greenwood out to left-back.

Rachel Daly got the nod up front after a stellar season for Aston Villa and she had two great early chances, one of them particularly well saved by Portugal goalkeeper Ines Pereira. The closest England came in the first half, though, was when Georgia Stanway hit the crossbar from close range after a corner caused problems in the box.

After the break, the hosts ramped things up, with one half time sub, Chloe Kelly, denied by Pereira early on before another, Alessia Russo, saw three big chances go amiss. However, the breakthrough just would not come as the Lionesses signed off with an underwhelming draw.

GOAL rates England's players from Stadium MK…

GettyGoalkeeper & Defence

Mary Earps (5/10):

Had a shaky moment in possession in the second half but otherwise commanded her area well in a game where she had very little to do.

Lucy Bronze (6/10):

Got forward a lot to support the attack but wasn't as influential as often.

Esme Morgan (6/10):

Dealt well with the pace of Portugal's attack when they threatened to expose England.

Jess Carter (6/10):

Showed good strength and anticipation to ensure she wasn't caught out by Portugal's speedy forwards.

Alex Greenwood (5/10):

Got forward a lot but wasn't able to have as much influence on England's build-up from a left-back role before coming off after 45 minutes. Set pieces were not as good as usual, either.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Keira Walsh (6/10):

Solid in possession to help England dominate.

Georgia Stanway (7/10):

Did her bit to help England control the game and got into advanced positions, most notably hitting the bar at the end of the first half. Created a lot for others, too, and delivered good set pieces once Greenwood left the field.

Ella Toone (5/10):

Got close to Daly to offer her support and showed flashes of being a goal threat before being subbed off at the break.

GettyAttack

Lauren James (8/10):

One of England's liveliest performers in the first half, gliding past markers, then went up another level in the second half when moved into the No.10 role and was extremely creative. Made a case to start there this summer.

Rachel Daly (6/10):

Made some excellent runs but wasn't always found. Had two great chances early doors – one very well-saved and another she could've done better with. Came off at half time.

Lauren Hemp (8/10):

Another of England's most creative outlets for large parts of the match, putting some great crosses into the box and causing a ton of problems.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettySubs & Manager

Niamh Charles (5/10):

Came on at left-back at half time. Struggled defensively at times but did well to get forward and support the attack.

Alessia Russo (6/10):

Came on at the break and had three huge chances, one that was cleared off the line and another two that she really should've hit the target with.

Chloe Kelly (5/10):

Completed the half time triple sub. Had a good early chance that was well-saved by Pereira and delivered a good cross for Russo but was otherwise quieter than usual.

Katie Zelem (6/10):

Came on with just less than half an hour to go and assumed her role well, breaking up play and keeping things ticking over in midfield.

Laura Coombs (5/10):

Had a great chance shortly after coming on just past the hour mark but her first touch took it away from her.

Katie Robinson (N/A):

Came on for the final 10 minutes and couldn't impact the game much.

Sarina Wiegman (7/10):

Used the match as an excellent opportunity to try out a few things, getting a look at several players in different positions. Might not have seen her team produce a statement performance or great result but will have collected a lot of important information going into the World Cup.

How to watch the Euro 2024 qualifier between the Republic of Ireland and World Cup runners-up France.

The Republic of Ireland embark on their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on Monday when they host France at Lansdowne Road in Dublin.

💻 Watch Ireland vs France with fubo

Stephen Kenny's Boys in Green are expected to be up against it against Kylian Mbappe and co., who come into the game after a resounding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the Irish scraped to a 3-2 win over Latvia in a warm-up friendly last week.

Of course, there is a slight edge to this fixture since the 2010 World Cup play-off scandal, where France advanced to the tournament with the help of a Thierry Henry handball, but it is not likely to weigh heavy on the minds of the younger players.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about the match, including where to watch on TV and stream it live online.

GOALKick-off timeDate:March 27, 2023Kick-off time: 2:45pm ET Venue:Aviva Stadium, Dublin

The game between Ireland and France will take place on Monday March 27, 2023 and it is scheduled to kick off at 2:45pm ET.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesHow to watch Ireland vs France online – TV channels & live streamsTV channels & streaming options

Country TV channel Live stream

U.S.FS1fubo

In the United States, the game can be streamed live online with fubo – sign up to watch here – or watched live on TV on FS1.

GettyTeam news & squadsIreland team news

There will be a number of changes to the Ireland team that defeated Latvia last Wednesday, with Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu expected to replace Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher between the posts.

Atletico Madrid right-back Matt Doherty wore the captain's armband in the last game, but his place is under threat from chief captain Seamus Coleman, with the Everton defender enjoying more regular game time in the Premier League.

Midfielders Josh Cullen and Jason Knight are likely to come into the reckoning, having been rested, but Will Smallbone's performance against Latvia has given the head coach a dilemma. Sheffield United centre-back John Egan is expected to return to the heart of the defence, while Evan Ferguson, who was recently included in the 2023 NXGN list, will continue to lead the attack.

Ireland are missing a number of experienced campaigners for the game, including Fulham centre-back Shane Duffy, 60-cap winger Robbie Brady and forward Callum Robinson, who has eight goals to his name for the Boys in Green.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Bazunu, Kelleher, TraversDefenders:McClean, Coleman, Doherty, Egan, O'Dowda, O'Shea, Collins, OmobamideleMidfielders:Hendrick, Browne, Cullen, Molumby, Knight, McGrath, Sykes, SmallboneForwards:Parrott, Ogbene, Idah, Obafemi, Keane, Ferguson, JohnstonFrance team news

The Euro 2024 qualifying campaign marks something of a turning point for Les Bleus, with experienced heads such as Raphael Varane and Hugo Lloris passing the torch to a new generation, while Mbappehas been handed the captain's armband.

Didier Deschamps' decision to give the honour to the Paris Saint-Germain striker ahead of Antoine Griezmann prompted a flurry of controversy and headlines, but the noise has evidently not distracted the players, who put on a polished display against the Dutch last time out.

As such, Deschamps is unlikely to make many changes for the game against Ireland. Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate will continue as the centre-back pairing in front of new number one, Mike Maignan. Mbappe, Griezmann and Kingsley Coman will provide the pace and guile to support either Randal Kolo Muani or Olivier Giroud in attack.

Position Players

Goalkeepers:Samba, Maignan, AreolaDefenders:Pavard, Disasi, Upamecano, Kounde, Konate, Todibo, TheoMidfielders:Fofana, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Veretout, K. Thuram, CamavingaForwards:Mbappe, Griezmann, Giroud, M. Thuram, Muani, Diaby, ComanHead-to-head record

Date Result Competition

May 28, 2018France 2-0 IrelandFriendlyJun 26, 2016France 2-1 IrelandEuro 2016Nov 18, 2009France 1-1 IrelandWorld Cup 2010 play-offNov 14, 2009Ireland 0-1 FranceWorld Cup 2010 play-offSep 7, 2005Ireland 0-1 FranceWorld Cup 2006 qualifying

France have not lost in their last seven meetings with Ireland, recording four victories and three draws against the Boys in Green. The last time Ireland beat France was on October 14, 1981, when goals from Frank Stapleton and Michael Robinson helped them on their way to a famous win in the 1982 World Cup qualifying stage.

The last meeting between the sides was a friendly game in 2018, which France won 2-0 thanks to goals from Giroud and Nabil Fekir. Interestingly, among those to play in that game was Declan Rice, who later switched international allegiance to England.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesUseful linksIreland team pageFrance team pageEuro 2024 qualifying newsEuro 2024 qualifying tablesWho are France's all-time top scorers?Live soccer on TV & streaming in the U.S.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is giving Jurgen Klopp “a decision” to make, with the Liverpool defender back in training following a hamstring injury.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Picked up knock against VillaHas sat out four gamesInjury setback for BajceticWHAT HAPPENED?

The home-grown Reds star picked up a muscle complaint during a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa on September 3. He has not played since, sitting out four games in all competitions, but is now back in full training ahead of a Premier League trip to Tottenham on Saturday.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Klopp is not ruling Alexander-Arnold into his plans just yet, but the 24-year-old is in contention for game time. The Reds boss has said when delivering an update on his buccaneering right-back: “Trent trained yesterday normal. Will train today normal. So then we have to make a decision. But will be in the squad, I’m not a doctor so cannot make that decision, but it looks like he can be in the squad tomorrow and play.”

WHAT THEY SAID

While Alexander-Arnold is ready to return, Stefan Bajcetic has suffered a setback in his recovery from an adductor problem and experienced midfielder Thiago Alcantara – who has not played since April – is working his way back from hip surgery. Klopp added: “Stefan had a little, little, little, little setback. The problem with Stefan, I can imagine everybody wants to see him play more. I want (too) but we have to be really careful. Now, it’s a little, little, little, tiny calf issue. That’s how it is when you’re six months out and we try everything to get him up to speed without pushing him. Train, make a very specific plan for him, but in the end it’s disappointing for him, of course and for us as well. He got another one so we have to take him out for a little bit. He can work on pretty much everything else but not playing. That’s it I would say. Thiago still out, Conor [Bradley] still out. I think that’s it.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Liverpool remain unbeaten in the 2023-24 campaign, with 16 points collected from six games in the Premier League while also reaching the fourth round of the Carabao Cup and opening their quest for Europa League glory with a victory away at LASK.

A win in their last league game will put Hobart Hurricanes in the semi-final but they will need to be cautious against Barbados Tridents who will be eager to get their first win on board

The Preview by Rachna Shetty27-Sep-2014Match factsSunday, September 28, 2014
Start time 1600 local (1030 GMT)The Barbados Tridents bowling attack will have to step up their game to make up for Jeevan Mendis’ absence•BCCIBig pictureAfter a middling loss to Kings XI Punjab, two successive wins have taken Hobart Hurricanes closer to a knock-out spot. The wins have also showed contrasting facets of the side. The first win, fashioned by a staggering knock, was followed by a calmer, calculated demolition of Northern Knights that, along with depth in batting and bowling resources, saw Hurricanes use the conditions intelligently.That nous will be needed when they take on Barbados Tridents in their last league match on Sunday. A win will put them in the semi-final but a loss would leave them dependent on other results. It will also boost Tridents chances of a semi-final place as the CPL 2014 champions have one extra league game than the other four teams and victories in their last two games would bring Tridents to eight points, leaving the last semi-final spot dependent on net run rate.Unlike Hyderabad [Hurricanes’ last venue], dew is unlikely to play a big factor given the start time of the match and the pitch has offered some support to the spinners. In their few games so far, Hurricanes have appeared to struggle against slower pace and they could be challenged by Tridents’ bowlers like Jeevan Mendis and Ashley Nurse. In fact, the Tridents spin attack in the last two games has largely held the bowling together, even as the seamers have struggled and it will be crucial for them to keep up the performance, even in the absence of Mendis, who has returned to play for Sri Lanka in the Asian Games. The scores of 170+ belie the fact that the Tridents batting has been propped by individual performances instead of collective ones, a shortcoming they need to address urgently.Form guideBarbados Tridents LLWWW (completed matches only, most recent first)
Hobart Hurricanes WWLLWWatch out forThe performances of their spin bowlers has been one of the positives for Tridents in an otherwise shaky campaign. Jeevan Mendis has been at the forefront of the spin attack, with six wickets in two games so far at a neat 5.62. However, with the spinner leaving for his Sri Lanka commitments, the Tridents seamers will need to step up their games.Before the match against Northern Knights, Shoaib Malik had scored 97 runs in 11 games for Hobart Hurricanes at a strike rate of 103.19. Against Knights, Malik was the driving force of the 100-run stand with Blizzard and showed deft footwork during his innings. His return to form is important for Hurricanes as they look for stability in their middle order.Stats and trivia Two of the Tridents frontline seamers – Ravi Rampaul and Jason Holder – have economy rates of 10.57 and 12 respectively after two games. Tim Paine needs 65 runs to reach 1000 T20 runs Between them, Jonathan Carter and Dilshan Munaweera have scored more than 60% of the Tridents’ runs in the tournament so far. Quotes”We have got a few of us who have played for CSK before and we have little bit of experience in these conditions. We do our best to make sure we pass it on to everyone else.”

The suspensions handed out to Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez has meant Pakistan have had to rejig their bowling plans going into World Cup 2015, which, bowling consultant Mushtaq Ahmed said, is “difficult”

Umar Farooq16-Jan-2015Pakistan’s bowling line-up has been built around offspin since World Cup 2011, with one man in particular, Saeed Ajmal, claiming a majority of their wickets. However, the illegal bowling action suspensions handed out to him and Mohammad Hafeez have meant Pakistan have had to rejig their plans with the ball, going into World Cup 2015. That, according to bowling consultant Mushtaq Ahmed, has made things “difficult”.”Unfortunately you all know what happened to Saeed Ajmal and Hafeez, we got stuck,” Mushtaq said in Lahore. “So when you don’t have a thing which you require, then you have to rely on other things. And you can’t rely on a young offspinner in such a big event. I think whatever resources we have, we have to trust and believe in them.”We were used to Saeed Ajmal, he’s our legend and has been our number one bowler, and it’s very difficult to make a combination without him. But if you remember the scenario when Waqar Younis returned home due to injury before the 1992 World Cup … so this shouldn’t be a problem. I will give credit to Saeed Ajmal, he always says teams don’t win because of individuals, teams win if we play as a united team. We will feel his absence but the new players have to play their role and if we play as a unit I am hopeful we can deliver.”Legspinner Mushtaq, who was part of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup squad, said pitches in Australia are likely to help legspinners considerably and they will prove to be a wicket-taking option in the showpiece event. “If you look back, legspinners have been very successful in Australia. I have my personal experience; I have toured five-six times to Australia and have a very successful ratio bowling over there. The way Yasir Shah and Shahid Afridi have been bowling, I think they will make a difference for Pakistan as we do get bounce on the wickets of Australia and when a legspinner gets bounce, he becomes a wicket-taking option.”He said that he, along with head coach Waqar, was trying to develop belief in the team. “We don’t have the ball in our hand, but we have lot of belief. If we believe that we can win, then our belief will be shifted onto the players. Waqar Younis is trying to develop this culture, whatever you have to do, you have to have belief. We are developing this culture.”With Ajmal’s absence and Hafeez unavailability as a bowler, middle-order batsman Haris Sohail could chip in with his left-arm spin, but Mushtaq said a lot could not be expected of him, despite his recent showing against New Zealand in the UAE, where he took six wickets in five ODIs.”We can’t rely on Haris Sohail, if I talk honestly, but the temperament he showed against New Zealand … he bowled very well in 10 overs. Our regular spinners were giving 50 runs and he was giving 40 and taking three wickets against a team that was in form. He has improved a lot, I believe in him and as a spin-bowling coach I believe that he will do very well because he has very good temperament.”Pakistan have completed a five-day camp and are now set to leave for New Zealand, where they will play a series of ODIs in the lead up to the World Cup.

Arsenal's best player has moved to Old Trafford, much to the dismay of both the Gunners and Manchester City, who had been favourites to sign him

Getty ImagesWinner: Jose Mourinho

It's been quite the start to the New Year for Jose Mourinho. Having successfully drawn Antonio Conte into an undignified war of words with his customary lack of humility, the Manchester United boss has landed Pep Guardiola's primary January transfer target. 

Guardiola, of course, fully backed Manchester City's decision to withdraw from the race to sign Alexis Sanchez, having understandably concluded that the Chile international was not sufficiently committed to joining the club, given his sudden interest in earning more money elsewhere. 

However, Mourinho will not care in the slightest. After being forced to endure so much talk of how everyone wants to play for Pep, the Portuguese will be delighted at having shown the Catalan that both he and United retain the ability to trump their great rivals.

AdvertisementGettyWinner: Fernando Felicevich

As we learned from the farcical fees involved in Paul Pogba's return to Old Trafford in 2016, Manchester United, like so many other clubs, have no issue with heeding to the outrageous demands of avaricious agents. 

Therefore, it was not in the least bit surprising that the Red Devils were willing to deal with Alexis Sanchez's representative, Fernando Felicevich, who had agreed financial terms with City on behalf of his client, only to then break that accord when it became clear that there was more money to be made at United. 

Indeed, the total package is now set to surpass the £60m deal that City had agreed with Arsenal last summer, which is staggering when one considers that we are talking about a 29-year-old with no re-sale value.

Given the source of their considerable wealth, City are hardly in a position to take the moral high ground on such matters but both the club and Guardiola deserve credit for refusing to be drawn into a bidding war by Felicevich. 

It would be nice if other clubs followed suit and adopted a similarly strong stance against agents but, at the end of the day, City took a stand because they could afford to do so.

Guardiola ultimately decided that with Gabriel Jesus set to make a quicker-than-expected return from injury, the runaway Premier League leaders did not need to sign Alexis at all costs, particularly as making him their highest-paid player could have destabilised the squad.

United, by contrast, wanted to make a statement signing and are willing to pay whatever it takes to stop their city rivals from becoming even stronger, even if it meant making another agent even richer. 

So, while Felicevich has acted with little integrity, he is poised to secure both a transfer and more money for his client.

In short, he is getting exactly what both he and Alexis wanted and, in the modern game, the bottom line really is all that matters.

Getty ImagesWinner: Sergio Aguero

"It's an honour for me to have Aguero under my command," Pep Guardiola enthused earlier this month. "Aguero is the kind of player that in a matter of seconds can score two goals. He is an essential player for us."

In light of the persistent pursuit of Alexis, Aguero could have been forgiven for querying his manager's definition of the word 'essential', given the Chilean's arrival would have seen him slip to third place in the pecking order at the Etihad, behind both the former Barcelona forward and Gabriel Jesus. 

As it is, though, Aguero is now in a position to continue strengthening the argument that he should remain City's first-choice centre-forward, even after his young Brazilian team-mate returns from injury. 

Sunday's trip to Anfield did not go well for Aguero, whose ineffective display contrasted starkly with the exhibition of exuberance by Liverpool counterpart Roberto Firmino at the other end of the field.

However, the Argentina international has still scored four times in four outings since the turn of the year and now, following the collapse of the Alexis deal, he has even more time as City's undisputed No.9 to prove himself truly essential to the City cause.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesLoser: Arsene Wenger

To paraphrase a famous movie quote, you either leave a hero, or hang around long enough to become the villain. This is the sorry fate now facing Arsene Wenger, who runs the risk of ruining his legacy with his gross mismanagement of Arsenal's season. 

Indeed, for some disgruntled fans, the Frenchman has long since become the cause of the club's problems, not the solution to them. 

Wenger holds the kind of power at the Emirates that is now almost non-existent anywhere else in football, so he has to take the majority share of the blame for the fact that the Gunners allowed their two best players, Alexis and Mesut Ozil, enter the final year of their respective contracts, thus creating a debilitating air of uncertainty surrounding the club.

As a result of Wenger's stubbornness and total lack of a contingency plan – which was painfully exposed by the ham-fisted attempt to sign Thomas Lemar before the close of the summer transfer window – Arsenal are now set to lose their main forward to a top-four rival midway through a season which already looks likely to end without qualification for the Champions League.

Whereas Liverpool were prepared and extremely well remunerated for the loss of Philippe Coutinho, Arsenal are desperately trying to plug the holes on a sinking ship. 

Indeed, should Arsenal fail to finish in the top four for the second successive season, it is difficult to foresee them reclaiming their position among England's elite any time soon. 

Wenger has had several chances to bow out on top, with an FA Cup win. Instead, he looks set to leave Arsenal exactly where he found them 22 years ago: languishing in mid-table.

That would be a sad end for the man responsible for 'The Invincibles'. But, to paraphrase another famous movie quote, if Wenger is looking for the guilty, he need only look into a mirror.

Real Madrid-bound teenager Endrick has admitted he is a bigger fan of Cristiano Ronaldo than Lionel Messi ahead of Brazil's clash with Argentina.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Endrick set to join Real Madrid next summerChooses ex-Blancos star over MessiBrazil to face Argentina in crunch CONMEBOL gameWHAT HAPPENED?

Endrick has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence over the past year at Palmeiras. The Brazilian youngster impressed enough to attract the attention of Real Madrid, who triggered the €60 million (£52m/$64m) release clause in his contract last December.

AdvertisementCesar Greco/PalmeirasTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Endrick is set to complete his switch to Santiago Bernabeu next summer, but is already getting his taste of football at the highest level with Brazil. The 17-year-old made his international debut as the Selecao slumped to a surprise 2-1 loss against Colombia in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifier, which left them down in fifth in the CONMEBOL standings. The fixture list doesn't get any easier for Brazil either, with a huge clash against arch-rivals Argentina up next.

WHAT ENDRICK SAID

Ahead of that contest, Endrick has admitted that he prefers Real Madrid and Portugal legend Ronaldo to Messi, despite the fact the Inter Miami man now has eight Ballon d'Or awards and a World Cup winners' medal to his name. "About Messi, it's phenomenal. Very good, best in the world again," the Palmeiras star told a press conference. "I just want to enjoy the moment of being able to play against him, being in the same stadium as him, looking at him up close, I only saw him in the video game. Messi is a great player, but I'm more of a fan of Cristiano Ronaldo. Now I'm seeing Messi up close, it's going to be wonderful."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Endrick does not, however, consider Ronaldo to be the greatest player of all time. In his eyes, that title belongs to the late Brazil icon Pele, as he added: "Pele is the King. There is no one who will come close to him. There is no one to be compared to. I thank God that he existed and I could have seen his films. Technology allows me today. I thought it was really cool."

Rising United States star Rokas Pukstas has decided to sign a new contract at Hajduk Split despite interest from other teams in Europe.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Pukstas agrees new deal with HajdukMidfielder will sign until 2027Impressing in Croatian top flightWHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder has agreed to extend his stay at the Croatian club. According to, he will sign an extension that keeps him tied to Hajduk until 2027. Pukstas' current deal runs until 2025 but he will put pen to paper on a new contract soon.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Pukstas' impressive performances for Hajduk and the United States youth teams have reportedly caught the attention of several teams across the continent. The 19-year-old has already scored three goals in seven league games for Hajduk this season, despite having to overcome a cruciate ligament injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

Pukstas joined Hajduk from the Barca Academy in his homeland in 2020 and rose through the youth system to make his first-team breakthrough in 2022. He has made 12 appearance for the USA Under-20s, including in the U20 World Cup this year where they reached the quarter-finals.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PUKSTAS?

Pukstas will hope to maintain his strong form for Hajduk to boost his chances of playing a key role for the national team at the Olympic Games in Paris next year. He will also have his eye on making the cut for the 2026 World Cup with the USMNT.

Persistent rain forced the match between Namibia and Nepal to be abandoned after only 7.4 overs of play in Bready in the World T20 Qualifier

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Jul-2015
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsStephan Baard struck a 26-ball 39*•ICC/SportsfilePersistent rain forced the match between Namibia and Nepal to be abandoned after only 7.4 overs of play in Bready in the World T20 Qualifier. The start to the game was delayed to the weather and the match was first reduced to 17 overs a side. The weather relented for a brief period as Namibia, who were inserted in to bat before the interruption, kicked into gear immediately.Stephan Baard and Gerrie Synman hit five fours and two sixes together and added 36 runs in 29 balls before Synman was caught off the bowling of Paras Khadka. Baard and Raymond van Schoor took Namibia to 54 for 1 in seven overs as rain forced another break in play. They managed to get on for another four balls, but unrelenting rain finally forced the game to be called off.

Jude Bellingham gave Real Madrid a scare when picking up a shoulder injury, but he is expected to be fit for Champions League duty against Braga.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Midfielder has been starring for the BlancosPicked up a knock in last La Liga outingIn contention to face Braga in European competitionWHAT HAPPENED?

The Blancos are set to face Portuguese opposition at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. Having already taken maximum points from their opening three games in Group C, the Liga giants have plenty of margin for error in their bid to reach the knockout stages.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

No risks need to be taken on Bellingham’s fitness, with the England international having become a talismanic presence in the Spanish capital. He has already hit 13 goals through 14 appearances in all competitions and is expected to land the prestigious Golden Boy award for 2023.

DID YOU KNOW?

Carlo Ancelotti may decide to rest the talented 20-year-old against Braga, with there bigger challenges to come for Real, but the all-action midfielder appears to be in contention for a starting berth. Real released images from their final training session on Tuesday, with Bellingham among those being put through their paces.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Ancelotti did his best to play down concerns regarding Bellingham’s fitness after seeing him left sporting heavy strapping on his shoulder during a domestic meeting with Rayo Vallencano on Sunday. The England ace will be desperate to figure in midweek European action, with it now up to his manager to decide how many minutes he can play.