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Yamal: The Rising Star Where Messi Sees Himself
Sports Desk
14 Dec 2024, 10:13
Photo: Collected
In a short span of time, Lamine Yamal has dazzled the football world with his performances for Barcelona and Spain. Already breaking numerous records, Yamal is hailed as one of the brightest young talents in global football today. Many see shades of Lionel Messi in him, and Messi himself agrees.
During a recent event at the Adidas headquarters in Germany, Messi was asked to name a standout player from the new generation. The football legend highlighted Yamal.
Messi remarked, “There’s a great generation of young footballers coming through. They have many years ahead of them. If I had to choose one, based on age and potential, I’ve heard many name Lamine Yamal—and without a doubt, I would too.”
He added, “I agree with that assessment, but ultimately, it depends on him and many other factors, because that’s how football is. But there’s no doubt he has a fantastic future ahead.”
Yamal joined Barcelona’s academy at the age of seven and made his first-team debut at just 15. He has already played over 70 matches for the club and was instrumental in Spain’s recent European Championship victory.
At the last Ballon d’Or ceremony, Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young footballer of the year. He also recently became the youngest player to win the prestigious Golden Boy award.
Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, left Barcelona in 2021 against his wishes after a 21-year career that saw him win a record 34 trophies for the club. He remains Barcelona’s all-time leader in appearances and goals.
Since Messi’s departure, Barcelona has struggled to replicate its former glory. However, under German coach Hansi Flick, the team is currently leading La Liga this season and has climbed to second place in the newly revamped Champions League standings.
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Babar Overtakes Kohli as Second-Highest T20I Run-Scorer
Pakistan’s Babar Azam has moved up to second place on the list of highest run-scorers in international T20 cricket, surpassing Virat Kohli. On Monday (November 18), the former Pakistan captain overtook Kohli during the final T20 match against Australia.
India’s Rohit Sharma currently tops the list of all-time T20I run-scorers with 4,231 runs. Kohli, who had been in second place, accumulated 4,188 runs in 125 matches before retiring after winning the World Cup. Both Rohit and Kohli have retired as World Cup winners.
Babar played an innings of 41 runs in the final T20 against Australia, bringing his total tally to 4,192 runs in 126 matches at an average of 40.30. This includes 3 centuries and 36 half-centuries. He is now just 40 runs behind Rohit’s record of 4,231 runs, which was achieved in 159 matches.
Pakistan is set to play a three-match T20 series against Zimbabwe next month, giving Babar an excellent chance to surpass Rohit and become the all-time leading run-scorer in T20Is.
Notably, no other Pakistani batter has scored as many T20I runs as Babar. The second-highest T20I run-scorer for Pakistan is the current captain Mohammad Rizwan, who has scored 3,329 runs in 104 matches, placing him seventh on the all-time list.
Bangladesh Women's ODI Squad Announced For Ireland Series
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) revealed the Women's squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Ireland, scheduled as part of the ICC FTP program. The series is set to begin on November 27 and will be hosted at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
The 15-member squad will be led by Nigar Sultana Joty, with Nahida Akter as her deputy. Additionally, there are five players named as standbys.
The Irish women's team will arrive in Bangladesh on November 22. The three ODIs will be held at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on November 27, 30, and December 2. Following that, three T20s will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on December 5, 7, and 9.
Bangladesh Women's ODI Squad Against Ireland Series:
Nigar Sultana Joty (Captain), Nahida Akter (Vice-Captain), Murshida Khatun, Farzana Haque, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostari, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Sultana Khatun, Taj Nehar, Sanjida Akter Meghla
Standby Players:
Dilara Akter, Disha Biswas, Jannatul Ferdous Sumna, Sharmin Sultana, Fariha Islam Trishna
Schedule for Ireland Women's ODI Series:
November 22: Arrival of the Ireland Women's team in Dhaka.
1st WODI: November 27, Mirpur
2nd WODI: November 30, Mirpur
3rd WODI: December 2, Mirpur
Argentina on Verge of WC spot; Brazil, Uruguay Eye Crucial Wins
In the last match of the World Cup qualifiers in the Latin American region, Brazil drew against Venezuela, but Argentina lost to Paraguay. The two teams will take to the field again in the morning. Where Brazil's opponents are Uruguay and Argentina will play against Peru. These two football superpowers will end their 2024 international mission with this match.
On Wednesday (November 20), Argentina will host Peru at La Bombonera Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina at 6 am Bangladesh time. The five-time world champions will play against Uruguay at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador, Brazil at 6:45 am Bangladesh time.
Argentina has recently failed to win three of the last five matches. Of these, two were losses. One was a draw. Despite being at the top of the CONMEBOL region in the World Cup qualifiers, there is not much relief in the Argentine camp.
Lionel Messi's team lost 2-1 to Paraguay in their last match. As a result, the Peru match was a fight for them to turn around.
Like Argentina, Brazil was also winless in their last match. In the match against Venezuela, Darival Junior's disciples drew 1-1. In the last match of this year, the Selecao will play against the powerful Uruguay.
The Selecao lost in their last match against Uruguay in a Copa America match, the two-time world champions beat Brazil 4-2 in a tiebreaker.
Argentina is at the top of the 2026 World Cup Latin American qualifiers with 22 points from 11 matches so far. Brazil is in fourth place in the table with 17 points from the same number of matches. Uruguay is in second place with 2 points more than Brazil from 11 matches. Peru is in ninth place out of 10 teams with 7 points.
Meanwhile, fans of Brazil and Argentina in Asia are eagerly waiting to watch the match between the two Latin superpowers. The two matches will not be broadcast live on any channel in the Indian subcontinent. However, the good news for Argentina and Brazil fans is that they can watch the game live on their mobile phones by downloading the Sportzfy and Yalla Shoot TV apps.
Brazil vs Uruguay: Kick-off Time, How to Watch, Line-ups
Brazil will look to settle the score against Uruguay in a South American World Cup qualifier, hoping to avenge their Copa America exit earlier this year.
The last encounter between the two teams took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where Brazil was eliminated after a goalless draw ended in a penalty shootout loss to Marcelo Bielsa's squad.
Heading into November's international fixtures, Brazil has regained momentum in their World Cup qualifying campaign. The five-time world champions started with a shaky record, losing four of their first eight games and risking an unprecedented failure to qualify.
However, back-to-back victories over Chile and Peru in October have propelled Dorival Junior's side to fourth place in CONMEBOL’s 10-team standings. The top six teams will secure direct spots in the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Uruguay enters this round of matches sitting third in the table but struggling for form. La Celeste hasn't won or scored in their last four qualifiers, a concerning drought they'll aim to end against Brazil.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Brazil vs. Uruguay live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier match in the U.S.:
TV channel:
Live stream: Fubo
In the United States, this game is available for live TV Broadcast on NBC Universo. Streaming options are available on Fubo, which is currently offering a 7-day FREE trial to new members.
For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $59.99, a $20 savings. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Brazil vs. Uruguay kick-off?
This CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier clash takes place at the Fonte Nova Arena, Brazil, and kicks off on Tuesday, November 19 at 9:45 p.m. local time.
Brazil vs Uruguay: Where to Watch
The Brazil vs Uruguay match will be broadcast live on Globo (open TV), SporTV (cable TV), and on the streaming platform Globoplay.
Brazil and Uruguay in the Qualifiers
The Brazilian national team is coming off a frustrating 1-1 draw against Venezuela away from home. Brazil currently sits in fourth place in the Qualifiers with 17 points, five behind the leaders Argentina.
Uruguay, on the other hand, started the Qualifiers strongly but has struggled in recent months, facing internal unrest with players expressing dissatisfaction towards coach Marcelo Bielsa. Nevertheless, La Celeste is currently in second place with 19 points.
Probable Line-ups
Brazil: Ederson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, and Abner; Bruno Guimarães and Gerson; Savinho, Raphinha, Vini Jr., and Igor Jesus. Coach: Dorival Junior.
Uruguay: Rochet; Nández, Giménez, Mathías Olivera, and Saracchi; Ugarte and Bentancur; Pellistri, Maxi Araújo, and Rodrigo Aguirre; Darwin Núñez. Coach: Marcelo Bielsa.
Officiating for Brazil vs Uruguay
Referee: Piero Maza (CHI)
Assistants: Claudio Urrutia (CHI) and Jose Retamal (CHI)
VAR: Juan Lara (CHI)
Argentina Bounces Back with a Win Against Peru
In their final match of the year on Wednesday (November 20), Argentina faced Peru at home in Buenos Aires. Following their defeat to Paraguay, an injury-hit Argentina team made a strong comeback, defeating Peru 1-0 under coach Lionel Scaloni.
Before the match, Scaloni struggled to set up the starting lineup due to injuries to five key players. As a result, Atlético Madrid's Giovanni Simeone was called up. However, the team’s performance showed no signs of disruption.
In the first half, Messi, Martínez, and the team threatened Peru's defense but couldn't find the back of the net. However, in the 55th minute of the second half, Lautaro Martínez broke the deadlock. A brilliant cross from Messi on the left side of the penalty box was met with a half-volley by the Inter Milan striker, giving Argentina the lead.
Despite consistent attacks throughout the match, Argentina couldn't add to their tally but secured a 1-0 victory.
With this win, Argentina remains at the top of the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers standings. They now have 25 points from 12 matches, including eight wins. Meanwhile, Ecuador's 1-0 victory over Colombia has shuffled the standings, with Ecuador moving up to third place and Colombia dropping to fourth.
Brazil Ends Year in Frustration: Another Draw Against Uruguay
In the last Copa América, Brazil suffered a heartbreaking exit in the quarterfinals, losing to Uruguay in a penalty shootout. On Wednesday morning, they had a chance to avenge that loss, but the five-time world champions failed to capitalize. The Seleção settled for a 1-1 draw against Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup South American qualifiers.
This marks Brazil’s second consecutive game dropping points. In their previous match, they also drew 1-1 with Venezuela. Failing to finish 2024 on a high note left coach Diniz and the Brazilian team in disappointment.
The match was held at the Arena Fonte Nova stadium, where Brazil hosted Uruguay. At one point, Vinícius Júnior and his team faced the looming threat of a home defeat. After a goalless first half, Uruguay took the lead in the 55th minute, leaving Brazilian fans anxious and uncertain—could their team equalize?
Brazil didn’t take long to respond. Just seven minutes later, they leveled the score, bringing relief to the thousands of fans clad in yellow jerseys. The match stood at 1-1.
In the final minutes, the crowd hoped for another goal from stars like Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior. However, Brazil couldn’t find the back of Uruguay’s net again. The match ended in a draw, forcing both teams to share the points.
IPL Auction in Jeddah: / Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Move into Cricket
Saudi Arabia is taking a significant step into cricket by hosting the IPL auction in Jeddah, marking the kingdom’s first major foray into the sport. The two-day event, where franchise representatives are expected to spend over ₹600 crore (approximately $71 million), underscores Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions to integrate cricket into its growing portfolio of sports investments.
A Gradual Build-Up
Saudi Arabia’s interest in cricket is not entirely new. The Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF) has cultivated relationships with key figures like BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who attended IPL 2023’s opening match. Additionally, state-backed entities like Visit Saudi and Aramco have sponsored IPL teams and secured high-profile deals with the ICC, including naming rights for match awards at World Cups. Even Rajasthan Royals showcased Neom, a futuristic Saudi project, on their jerseys this year.
Staging the auction in Jeddah aligns with Saudi Arabia’s "Vision 2030" goal of making India its largest source of tourists. The auction, viewed by over 20 million people last year, guarantees significant visibility in the Indian market, bolstered by consistent promotional efforts during IPL broadcasts.
A Disruptor in Global Sports
While cricket infrastructure and domestic interest in Saudi Arabia remain minimal, the kingdom’s track record in other sports highlights its transformative potential. It has reshaped boxing, football, and golf by luring top athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and hosting high-profile events like the LIV Golf league, which disrupted the PGA Tour before transitioning to a more collaborative model.
These investments are part of a broader strategy under "Vision 2030," spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to diversify the economy beyond oil. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has been instrumental, acquiring assets like Newcastle United in the Premier League and exploring cricket’s potential.
Challenges and Opportunities
Saudi Arabia’s cricket aspirations face obstacles, including limited infrastructure and ICC regulations that cap overseas players in new leagues. However, experts believe the kingdom is shifting from disruptive tactics to a collaborative approach, integrating into existing structures rather than creating competing leagues.
Simon Chadwick, a professor specializing in Middle Eastern sports, observes that lessons from controversies like the LIV Golf saga have prompted a more strategic investment approach. Instead of pursuing a standalone cricket league, Saudi Arabia may opt to invest in established IPL franchises or persuade teams to host matches in Saudi Arabia once stadiums are built.
The Road Ahead
Saudi Arabia’s ultimate ambitions in cricket could reshape the sport. The kingdom is reportedly interested in IPL investments and potentially hosting matches, leveraging its financial clout to integrate into the cricketing mainstream. There are also rumors of interest in England’s Hundred competition, especially with the proximity of its Newcastle United ownership to Durham, a key cricketing hub.
While the PIF plans to reduce its proportion of overseas investments, the appointment of Australian Danny Townsend as CEO of its sports subsidiary indicates a long-term focus on cricket. Despite its relatively modest entry, Saudi Arabia’s potential to revolutionize cricket through wealth and strategic planning remains immense.
The IPL auction’s relocation to Jeddah symbolizes more than just a change of venue—it signals Saudi Arabia’s calculated move to make cricket a cornerstone of its global sports ambitions.
(Based on espncricinfo)
