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The head of America's top domestic league says the tournament was a significant moment for soccer in the country

Don Garber dubbed CWC "incredible success"Three MLS clubs participated, combining for one winThe commissioner attended final as Chelsea beat PSGFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

MLS commissioner Don Garber is full of praise for the revamped Club World Cup, dubbing it an "incredible success" and a "proud moment' for soccer in the U.S., saying the competition served as a perfect test run for the 2026 World Cup.

"This was a Herculean task. I don't think everyone understands how difficult it is to have dozens and dozens of matches, all running several times a week, in stadiums that have never hosted this type of competition," Garber told Reuters.

"Everything wasn't perfect but nothing in life is perfect,” Garber said. "If you strive to make progress every day, to innovate both on and off the field, you can achieve something special. I look forward to seeing what this tournament can be in the future."

AdvertisementWHAT DON GARBER SAID

Garber hailed the impact of the CWC.

"Whenever you do something new that changes people's perspective on international competition, there are always questions about how it will come together and what impact it will have," he said. "We always have a bit of a chip on our shoulder here in the U.S. soccer business."

He also said he was proud of the performances the participating MLS clubs – Inter Miami, Seattle Sounders and LAFC – although Lionel Messi's squad was the only one of the three to win a game and get out of the group stage.

"It surprised a lot of people." he said. "For decades, we've been trying to show the world we can be an influential, meaningful part of the global soccer conversation."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The expanded 32-team tournament, the brainchild of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, was played across 12 venues in 11 cities in the United States, and considered something of a dry run for the 2026 World Cup. Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 in the final, but there was a strong global presence throughout, with Fluminense making the semifinal.

While acknowledging that Europe's clubs remain dominant on the world stage, Garber said the CWC offered a platform for emerging clubs and leagues.

"There's a lot of positive things happening in Brazil, in the United States," he said. "Some of the leagues that don't get as much exposure as the super clubs were able to stand tall."

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GARBER AND MLS?

MLS returns to play Wednesday night. America's top flight has four more match weeks before opening Leagues Cup opens with matches against Liga MX teams later this month.

Chelsea lost 2-0 to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the Premier League on Sunday, but they could still have a successful end to the 2024/25 campaign.

The Blues are fifth in the league, on course to qualify for the Champions League, and are in the final of the Conference League after their semi-final success over Djurgarden.

Enzo Maresca and the board, however, already have one eye on the upcoming summer transfer window, as the club have reportedly held talks to sign a LaLiga star.

Chelsea at the front of the queue to sign LaLiga star

According to The Boot Room, Chelsea are one of the teams eyeing up a deal to sign Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, and they have already held talks with his representatives over a move to Stamford Bridge.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claims that the Blues have had meetings with the player’s camp to convince him to make the move to England, but he is unwilling to make a final decision until the end of the season.

It also reveals that Arsenal and Chelsea are the two teams at the ‘front of the queue’ to land the Spain international, who is also of interest to Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Liverpool.

Possessing a reported release clause of £48m, it’s not a move that would totally break the bank, which is certainly good news.

If Williams does decide to move on from Athletic Club this summer, Maresca’s side appear to be well-positioned to swoop in, which should come as great news for Cole Palmer.

Why Nico Williams would be amazing with Cole Palmer

The Chelsea superstar would surely love it if the club signed the Spanish winger because they could be amazing together at the top end of the pitch next season and beyond.

Palmer, as evidenced by the 38 ‘big chances’ he has created in the Premier League since the start of last season, is an attacking midfielder who is constantly looking for a defence-splitting pass to create chances for his teammates.

Williams is a winger who has shown that he can finish chances effectively in LaLiga and in the Europa League this term, which suggests that he could make the most of the high-quality opportunities that the England international consistently creates.

Starts

21

12

xG

3.84

2.85

Goals

5

5

Big chances missed

2

2

Assists

5

2

As you can see in the table above, the Spanish sensation has outperformed his xG in both competitions, whilst only missing four ‘big chances’ in 33 matches.

These statistics suggest that he has the finishing quality to find the back of the net on a consistent basis if provided with the constant stream of ‘big chances’ that Palmer has proven he can create at Premier League level.

Williams, who was dubbed a “relentless” dribbler by analyst Ben Mattinson, would also come in as another young talent with room to improve at the age of 22, which means that the Spaniard and Palmer, 23, could be an exciting pairing for Chelsea for many, many, more year to come.

It is now down to the Blues to win the race for his signature in the summer transfer window because his electric pace and lethal finishing could make him an amazing partner for their creative maestro in the Premier League next season.

Bigger talent than George: Chelsea in talks to sign £42m "wonderkid"

Chelsea could be edging closer to signing a Bundesliga starlet

ByRoss Kilvington May 11, 2025

Manchester City’s mass-squad overhaul continues.

In January, the Sky Blues spent around £180m, which was more than the other 19 Premier League clubs combined, recruiting Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico González, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah.

Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola’s spending spree is not forecast to stop there, with the Sky Blues seemingly planning to splash the cash this summer too.

With Man City stalwarts Kyle Walker and Kevin De Bruyne, possibly alongside others too, on their way out, do they have their eye on a “ridiculously talented” forward?

Man City's potential new attacker

According to a report by Foot Mercato, Gabriel Sara is one of Manchester City’s ‘top targets’ this summer, claiming that initial contact has already been made between the club and the player’s entourage.

Born in Brazil, Sara began his career at São Paulo, before spending two seasons with Norwich City in the EFL Championship, making 96 appearances for the Canaries, scoring 21 goals and registering 17 assists, leading analyst Ben Mattinson to describe him as “ridiculously talented”.

Thus, he earned a big-money move to Galatasaray last summer, the Turkish giants paying a reported £15.3m to secure his services, the highlight of his time in İstanbul being his goal during the Intercontinental Derby victory over Fenerbahçe at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium in September, with Okan Buruk’s team currently on course to a domestic double.

So, would Sara be a good signing for Man City, and how would he fit into Guardiola’s team?

Why Man City could be targeting the new Bernardo Silva

As referenced earlier, Walker and De Bruyne are already confirmed departures from the Etihad this summer, but there could be more, with Bernardo Silva a prime candidate.

Since arriving from Monaco for a reported fee of £43.6m eight years ago, Silva has made 399 appearances for the Citizens, set to become only the 12th player in club history to reach 400 against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night.

Ben Littlemore of Transfermarkt labels Silva an ‘unsung hero’, adding that he was absolutely pivotal to Man City’s success under Guardiola. However, this season, the Portuguese international has endured a sharp decline, with Adam Drury of Goal believing his time is up at the highest level.

Thus, he could leave the club this summer, but would Sara be a good replacement? Well, let’s compare the duo to find out.

Appearances

41

44

Minutes

3,196

3,454

Goals

2

4

Assists

8

4

Shots

72

43

Take-on success %

64.7%

42.5%

Progressive carries

23

125

Progressive passes

66

157

Pass completion %

82%

87.1%

Big chances created

12

8

Ball recoveries

53

109

Average Sofascore Rating

7.19

7.18

As the table outlines, Sara and Silva are stylistically very similar, on top of the fact that they’re both diminutive and left-footed.

Of course, Sara has a long way to go to be as good as Silva, lagging behind in terms of progressive carries, progressive passes, pass completion percentage and ball recoveries, although the Brazilian has created more chances and been successful with a higher proportion of his take-ons this season.

It’s also worth considering the respective level at which the duo are currently playing at: Global Football Rankings believe the Premier League to be the strongest division in the world, with the Süper Lig down in 18th place.

Nevertheless, Sara is still only 25 years old, and appears as though he would slot into a Guardiola team nicely.

Best signing since Haaland: Man City consider move for £85m "genius"

Man City are looking to make a move for a teenager who is one of the best in Europe

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 25, 2025

استقر البلجيكي يانيك فيريرا، المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، على قائمة بدلاء فريقه في مواجهة اليوم الجونة، التي ستجمع بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وياتقي الزمالك مع الجونة، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي، في إطار الجولة الثامنة من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

الزمالك يدخل المباراة محتلاً صدارة جدول الدوري المصري برصيد 16 نقطة، من 7 مباريات، فاز في 5، وتعادل في مباراة وخسر مثلها.

طالع أيضاً.. موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة الزمالك والجونة اليوم في الدوري المصري

على الجانب الآخر، يتواجد فريق الجونة في المركز السادس عشر بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، ولديه 7 نقاط من 6 مواجهات، حقق الفوز في مباراة، وتعادل في 4، وتلقى هزيمة واحدة.

وشهدت دكة بدلاء الزمالك أما الجونة تواجد عمر جابر، وسيف جعفر، وشيكو بانزا يجاور ناصر منسي. بدلاء الزمالك أمام الجونة في الدوري المصري

محمد عواد وعمر جابر وسيف جعفر وأحمد عبد الرحيم “إيشو” وأحمد حمدي وأحمد شريف وشيكو بانزا وعمرو ناصر وناصر منسي.

 

The inconsistent Melbourne Renegades look settled in the top four after three wins on the spin, while Elyse Villani has impressively led Perth Scorchers from the front

Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins28-Dec-2017Rising Renegades, hapless Heat At last. Since the very start of this competition in 2015, Melbourne Renegades have threatened to contend. But so far, their only consistent quality has been inconsistency. When losing a close one early this season – another common trait – it looked the same old story.But three wins on the spin has popped them into the top four, looking one of the most settled squads in the league. They did the double over Brisbane Heat in style, first holding them back from chasing 133, then pulverising them for 66 bowling first.At the top of the list, Sophie Molineux cannot be far from an Australian call-up, while Sri Lankan powerhouse Chamari Atapattu is fresh off one of the greatest ever ODI innings against Australia at the World Cup. The first drop is Jess Duffin, the former Australian international, a great poach from crosstown rivals Melbourne Stars. At four, there has been no better acquisition than New Zealand allrounder Amy Satterthwaite, the skipper who holds her side together with bat and ball.With an attack led ably by Australian T20 offspinner Molly Strano, along with the league’s quickest seamer in Lea Tahuhu, the Renegades may be going places. We thought the same of Brisbane a fortnight ago but one win in four starts puts them well off the pace. Getting bowled out in such dismal fashion will badly dent their confidence.Villani finds range, but Stars find a wayLike the Renegades, consistent inconsistency has been Elyse Villani’s story in national colours. But cricket’s shortest format is Villani’s natural habitat, where she can clear her mind and swing.Leading Perth Scorchers for the season in place of injured recruit Meg Lanning, Villani hasn’t let the newfound responsibility cramp her style. To the contrary, she slammed her second and third fifties of the competition so far. A hefty 84 off 53 balls on Boxing Day was enough to knock off the Stars’ impressive score of 164. A day later, she went faster, with 72 off 44. This time, she was dismissed before the end, and Melbourne’s green team held off Scorchers by 12 runs.The double has seen Villani skip to the top of the runs list, with 261 in five innings. Her nominal captain, Lanning, led the list in the first two WBBL editions, with 502 last year and 560 the year before that. If Villani can stay consistent, there could be records in her future. Nine hits to go.Slow over rates are overrated, but are fines fine?On the list of positives, Cricket Australia has listened to concerns from last year and abolished the practice of docking partial points for slow over rates. Under the old system, half a point could be deducted for being tardy with the overs, but in a system where each win is worth two points, losing half a point effectively meant losing a whole win.Less positive is moving to a fines system, like the men’s competition. While the amounts liable are lower in the WBBL, each player on a team can be fined $AUD250 for a slow rate, which can be halved to $125 if the club doesn’t appeal the charge. This takes it into the realm of your average Australian parking ticket, but in a league where base contracts are worth just over AUD$10,000 for a two-month season, something about financial stings still doesn’t sit right.Games that are on the line will likely see players taking their time to make sure they get the final few deliveries right. Observers have also raised the question of whether over rates are as important for games that aren’t televised. It’s a tricky problem without an obvious answer, but it still seems like there must be a better way.New Year’s HeaveA quintet of fixtures awaits before clearing the throat to sing . The carnival returns to Adelaide for the third time in four weeks, the Strikers fresh from a week off to tackle Heat in two rubbers. The second of those, on New Year’s Eve, is the televised feature game of the round. If the visiting Brisbane side can’t find something, their finals hopes will be close to over.It is a similar story for Hobart Hurricanes, who have the daunting task of playing the Thunder on consecutive days over the weekend. The talent divide between these sides is as pronounced as any two teams in the WBBL. Hurricanes have home advantage with the games played in Launceston, but little else.On a brighter note, Saturday’s early game has the Scorchers up against the top-ranked Sixers in a replay of last year’s final. With two quality outfits full of international talent, don’t miss the scenes from Western Australia’s picturesque Lilac Hill ground.

قيم واين روني، أسطورة نادي مانشستر يونايتد، المدرب روبن أموريم، عقب الخسارة المذلة التي تعرض لها الشياطين الحمر يوم أمس الأحد أمام مانشستر سيتي بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واكتسح مانشستر سيتي نظيره مانشستر يونايتد بثلاثة أهداف دون مقابل يوم أمس الأحد على ملعب الاتحاد، وذلك لحساب قمة الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

اقرأ أيضًا .. هالاند بعد الثلاثية أمام مانشستر يونايتد: هذا هو لاعب مانشستر سيتي الذي نحتاجه

ويرى روني في تصريحات إلى “بي بي سي سبورت”، أن مانشستر يونايتد يعاني بالفعل مع أموريم وربما يحتاج إلى تغيير المدرب في المستقبل.

وقال روني: “أريد أن أكون داعمًا وإيجابيًا قدر الإمكان للمدرب واللاعبين، لكن من الصعب جدًا الجلوس هنا والقول إننا نشهد تقدمًا، أو على الأقل نرى أشياءًا ستحقق نتائج في المستقبل القريب”.

وأضاف روني في حديثه: ”لا نرى أيًا من ذلك، وهذا صعب للغاية. كانت هناك صورة قرب نهاية المباراة رأيت فيها جماهير مانشستر يونايتد تغادر أرضية الملعب”.

وأوضح: ”كان بإمكانك سماع الجماهير تردد اسم أموريم، لكنني أعتقد أن ذلك كان مؤثرًا جدًا لدرجة أن جماهير يونايتد غادرت المباراة، كما تعلمون انتهت المباراة، وأعتقد أنهم شعروا بخيبة أمل كبيرة مما رأوه. من الصعب أن نرى كيف سيستمر هذا الوضع”.

وأردف روني: ”ما هي الأنماط؟ ما الذي نراه وما الذي قد يحسن الفريق في المستقبل؟ أعتقد أنه بعد العام الماضي الذي أقيل فيه إريك تين هاج وحل محله روبن أموريم بدأنا نسمع عن أداء الفريق، وأن الوضع سيتغير”.

واختتم: “أعتقد أنه لو كان المدرب صادقًا مع نفسه، لكانت الأمور قد تحسنت”.

River Plate are pushing to retain Franco Mastantuono until the end of the year, despite reaching an agreement over his transfer with Real Madrid.

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River Plate keen on having Mastantuono beyond Club World CupWant youngster to play in Copa LibertadoresMadrid have already triggered player's release clauseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Madrid have already reached an agreement to complete Mastantuono's signing in August, after he features for River Plate in the Club World Cup. However, River Plate are determined to keep hold of their most coveted talent until the end of the year, a recent report from claims.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Although Madrid have beaten Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of Mastantuono and have also agreed to cover the taxes in addition to the player's €40 million (£34m/$45m) release clause, one key detail is yet to be sorted out. The relationship between both clubs is excellent, but River Plate president Jorge Brito is insistent on retaining the 17-year-old's services until the end of the year, while Madrid want to bring him to the Bernabeu in August. Brito is hopeful of lifting the Copa Libertadores trophy at the end of this year, and wants Mastantuono to star for the club in the tournament. Having already conveyed his intentions to the player's entourage and Real Madrid, Brito wants to fight to keep hold of his jewel despite knowing that it'll be a challenging task.

"If the player decides to leave, goes and executes the clause, there's not much we can do. We must respect the contract we have, defend the club's interests to the last cent, and try to retain the player as long as possible…," Brito told Argentina recently, well aware that everything depens on the player's will.

DID YOU KNOW?

For now, all signs point towards Mastantuono becoming a Madrid player in August. The teenager acknowledges the efforts Los Blancos put in helping him realise his dream of featuring in the famous white jersey. At the same time, he is also in love with the idea of bidding adieu to River Plate by helping them win the Copa Libertadores in November. As things stand, the decision of whether to join Madrid in August or continue with Los Millonarios until the end of the year rests completely on the Argentine international.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

It remains to be seen what happens with Mastantuono. He will feature in the Club World Cup with River Plate and could also meet his future employers in the knockout stages, should both sides make it far enough.

A “sensational” Manchester United player is now one step away from an exit, amid a contract stand-off, and there is a feeling he could join a rival Premier League club, according to a new report.

Major rebuild needed at Old Trafford

Ruben Amorim has pulled no punches when talking about the squad he’s inherited, making a big statement after his side’s 3-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion back in January.

“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you [media] want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that. Here you go: your headlines.”

Since then, there have been very few signs of improvement, with the Red Devils languishing in 14th place and exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Fulham, so it is clear that a major revamp will be needed in the summer.

Man Utd and Ratcliffe now preparing offer to sign £65k-p/w Barcelona ace

The Red Devils are lining up a bid for a midfielder, who could be an ideal option for Ruben Amorim in the middle of the park.

ByDominic Lund Mar 12, 2025

There have been widespread recent reports suggesting Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford could be coming to an end, while there is also doubt lingering over Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who haven’t exactly been prolific in front of goal this season.

However, Man United may also have to brace for another departure that is likely to sting a lot more, with a report from Spain revealing Kobbie Mainoo is now one step away from an Old Trafford exit.

There is an ongoing contract stand-off with Mainoo, who is keen on a big new contract as a reward for his solid performances, but the lack of progress could push him towards seeking a move elsewhere.

Chelsea could be waiting in the wings to sign the midfielder, having identified him as an ideal target, and former scout Mick Brown has revealed United could be willing to accept a £70m bid to raise funds for other transfers.

"Sensational" Mainoo would be a big loss

It is a major flaw of the PSR system that Premier League clubs are often forced to cash-in on their academy graduates for ‘pure profit’ to comply with financial rules, and if United do decide to accept a £70m bid, the 19-year-old could be a real loss.

Sky Sports’ Joe Thomlinson has lauded the central midfielder as “sensational” this season, having received regular game time whenever fit, although he’s had a stop-start campaign due to injury issues, which means he hasn’t really managed to kick on.

Mainoo’s performance in the FA Cup final last season showcased just how good he can be on his day, however, receiving the Man of the Match award after playing a huge role in United triumphing over rivals Manchester City.

Given the financial issues United are facing, it could be tempting to cash-in for a £70m fee, but it would be painful to see Mainoo in a Chelsea shirt.

Meg Lanning had earlier struck a half-century in an absorbing contest which came down to the last ball

Andrew McGlashan19-Oct-2023

Annabel Sutherland made a crucial impact at the end•Getty Images

Melbourne Stars 165 for 8 (Lanning 55, Sutherland 34, Gardner 2-23, Cheatle 2-37) beat Sydney Sixers 163 for 9 (Gardner 72, Brown 35, Sutherland 4-27) by two runsAnnabel Sutherland produced the final twist to a thrilling opening match of the WBBL season with her double-wicket over denying Sydney Sixers after stand-in captain Ash Gardner had looked set to conjure a remarkable comeback for the home side.Gardner, leading the side in the absence of the suspended Ellyse Perry, marshalled a stand of 84 in 7.4 overs alongside Maitlan Brown after Sixers, chasing 166, had slumped to 71 for 6 in the 11th over.However, having got the equation down to 15 off 12 balls, Gardner then struck a boundary off Sutherland to make it 11 from 11 when she was cleaned up. Sutherland then sent down a big full toss that was called no-ball, but three deliveries later had Brown caught in the deep to claim her best WBBL figures which had followed an important contribution with the bat.It left eight needed from the final over which proved out of reach for Linsey Smith and Lauren Cheatle against England allrounder Alice Capsey although the last delivery was a borderline wide.

It's not a wide and the Stars get home! Quite the finish at North Sydney Oval #WBBL09 pic.twitter.com/DgRKBdcCcX

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 19, 2023

“When we rewatched it, we were, surely that’s got to be a wide,” Gardner said. “I can’t remember where Linsey was standing, whether the wide line did move, guess they’re those things, those little moments. We probably shouldn’t have got it to that point, we should have iced it earlier in the game.”The result meant that Stars captain Meg Lanning, who missed all of last season, began with a victory which she had helped lay the platform for with a 34-ball 55.Lanning’s innings, alongside useful contributions from Sutherland and Maia Bouchier lifted Stars to a healthy total. Her innings included a pulled six onto the hill and her trademark square drive was on display.But she had earlier been grateful for the DRS when given out caught behind on 12 with the replay confirming she had clipped her pad. Lanning had shown good form on her return for Victoria in the WNCL with three half-centuries in four innings and continued that in the green of Stars, reaching her fifty in 28 balls.Meg Lanning reached a 28-ball fifty•Getty ImagesAfter Gardner had removed Lanning, Sutherland and Bouchier gave Stars a platform for a strong finish with 42 runs coming in four overs but Sixers were able to pull things back a little despite Stars holding their power surge overs until the 18th and 19th.Kim Garth, who had been impressive against West Indies, started the chase with a maiden to immediately apply pressure to the home side. It was 10 balls before Garth conceded a run then Suzie Bates skied her high to mid-off.Sixers then suffered another major blow when Alyssa Healy, two balls after sending Sophie Day for six, clothed to mid-on.One of the notable moments of the game came when 18-year-old fast bowler Milly Illingworth struck in her first over trapping fellow debutant, 17-year-old Kate Pelle, lbw with a quick full delivery. Speaking the day before, Lanning, her Victoria team-mate, had noted her pace and the first ball of Illingworth’s over was clocked at 121kph.Sixers’ hopes further faded when Erin Burns, who had starred as a finisher last season, fell for a duck and when Sutherland struck in consecutive overs it appeared game over. Because of Gardner it wasn’t, until Sutherland came back at the death.