WATCH: Throwback! Man Utd greeted by monstrous 'Welcome to Hell' tifo as they step out to face Galatasaray in Rams Park cauldron in Istanbul

Galatasaray fans put on an incredibly intimidating display with a 'Welcome to Hell' tifo for Manchester United ahead of their Champions League clash.

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United face Galatasaray in IstanbulHome fans put on awesome displayThrowback to clash 30 years agoWHAT HAPPENED?

The two teams walked out onto the field at Rams Park on Wednesday to the awesome display in the stands. Fans made the image of a lion's face on one end, with a message saying "Welcome to Hell" in the middle stand.

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The message is a reference to a heated clash between Galatasaray and United 30 years ago. The Red Devils travelled to Istanbul for the second leg of their Champions League second round tie in 1993 and were met with a wild atmosphere, with fans holding up banners that read "Welcome to Hell". United needed a win but were held to a goalless draw and crashed out of the competition.

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United must do on Wednesday what they failed to do 30 years ago – get a win against the Istanbul giants. The Red Devils were bottom of the group heading into the clash in Turkey, with Galatasaray and Copenhagen sitting a point ahead of them.

Leeds Could Make Harrison Unplayable By Signing £10m Star

Leeds United are yet to sign anyone in the summer transfer window to bolster the squad ahead of their Championship challenge next season, however, outgoings are already starting to take shape.

Robin Koch has joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan for the season, whilst Weston McKennie has returned to Juventus following his loan spell and Brendan Aaronson has signed for Union Berlin.

Newly-appointed head coach Daniel Farke will now be tasked with identifying the right players to join the project at Elland Road and help the side compete for an instant bounce-back to the Premier League next season.

This week The Athletic's Leeds reporter Phil Hay has revealed the recruitment plans and a number of potential targets that the club's hierarchy are looking to acquire over the coming weeks ahead of their return to action next month.

One player who has been linked is Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer, an incredible talent who could be the perfect player to work alongside Jack Harrison next season – who is expected to be retained by the West Yorkshire club this summer.

How good is Gustavo Hamer?

The talented Netherlands international joined Coventry three years ago and has been a revelation at the club despite only costing £1.5m, an absolute steal when considering his impact in the centre of the pitch.

According to SofaScore, Hamer was the highest-rated player for the Sky Blues over their latest campaign in the Championship, with his explosive performances and attacking-minded style of play. helping them achieve a play-off final berth.

Over 41 Championship appearances, the 26-year-old – hailed "unbelievable" by former Coventry City goalkeeper Marko Marosi – scored nine goals, registered ten assists and created a whopping 16 big chances.

gustavo-hamer-coventry-championship-leeds

No Leeds player in their entire offered more shots on goal per game or key passes and only Rodrigo scored more goals (13) than Hamer over last season, as per WhoScored, a testament to the influence he could have on improving Leeds' performances next season.

Not only that, Hamer – who has a reported valuation of £10m – has been the recipient of high praise during his first 12 months in the second tier, with Ali Maxwell of the 'Not The Top 20' Podcast claiming that the midfielder was one of the best pieces of business they've done recently.

"Gustavo Hamer is the class act in the Coventry side, one of the best pieces of recruitment in the summer [of 2020]."

The Coventry star could use his keen eye for playing a killer final ball and attacking qualities to form a fantastic partnership with Harrison next season, playing behind the popular winger in midfield and providing goal-scoring opportunities to boost Harrison's output next season in the Championship.

Harrison wasn't at his free-flowing best throughout the 2022/23 campaign, but still posted some impressive numbers, scoring six and registering ten assists in all competitions. Such numbers would surely only improve if a creative asset like Hamer joins the team with the Leeds winger potentially set to become a more unstoppable member of the squad.

As a result, the Whites must make the signing of the Coventry star a top priority before the window is said and done.

The full list of resolutions passed at the ACA meeting

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Jul-20171. Statement in support of cricket
Players resolved first and foremost to express their highest respect for the game of cricket and its fans, and for the great honour of being a professional cricketer in Australia. Players expressed their desire to be on the field playing the game they love, interacting with the fans and supporters of cricket and representing their states and countries as soon as possible.2. Response to the behaviour of CA: players will support their team-mates
Australia’s male and female cricketers expressed disappointment at the conduct of CA during the MoU negotiations. And were concerned that 20 years of good faith partnership had been disrespected and disregarded by CA. The players noted with great pride that the efforts by CA to divide them has had the opposite effect. That across domestic and international lines and between men and women, resolve and unity had grown even stronger. And that for CA to have thought otherwise was to misunderstand what it means to be a member of a team as an Australian cricket player.3. Fair remuneration
Not all players reach the top level of cricket. If they do, players have a relatively short career at that level. As such it was important for all players, men and women, domestic and international to be fairly remunerated for their efforts. The Executive noted in relation to CA’s March offer, that with the removal of accounting tricks and with more realistic assumptions, the overall funding to the players is significantly less than how it has been presented to the players.4. Players to stay united as a matter of principle
The players have resolved that, unless contractually obliged, no male or female players intend to play for a Cricket Australia (CA) team whilst fellow players remain unemployed due to the absence of an MoU. This is an outright rejection of CA’s attempts to divide and rule. It is a resolution which will be revisited at the next and subsequent ACA Executive meetings, since the players remain hopeful that common sense will prevail and a new MoU can still be agreed on fair terms.In terms of contractual obligation:The Executive noted that all players with valid and enforceable contracts (such as multi-year State or BBL deals) will continue to honour them, and will expect their employers to do the same. This includes an expectation of the players sharing in revenue as contained in those contracts. If this is not honoured by their employer, then the enforceability of these contracts will also become questionable.The Executive noted legal advice that a State Player may “accept” or reject an offer to participate on a Tour with CA, such as the proposed Australia A Tour of South Africa.Australia’s Women’s World Cup Squad will continue and complete their Tournament as they agreed to do in good faith prior to the expiration of the MOU. The ACA wished them the best in their endeavours.5. Upcoming Australia A Tour of South Africa by CA
All Australian professional cricketers are not obliged to and are unavailable to Tour South Africa as a part of the Australia A team without an agreed MoU. This decision has been made consistent with resolution 4 above that, unless contractually obliged, no player intends to Tour for a Cricket Australia team whilst others are unemployed courtesy of the expired MOU. And is done in possession of legal advice examining the MOU and mandated player contracts that:The players cannot be contractually required by CA to participate and play in an international Tour, including the Proposed Australia A Tour, beyond 30 June 2017 because:
(a) in the case of CA Contracted Players, their contracts with and obligations to CA will all have expired on 30 June 2017.
(b) in the case of the more than 50% of State Contracted Players, their contracts with and obligations to CA (and their State Associations) will have expired on 30 June 2017.
(c) in the case of the remaining State Contracted Players on multi-year contracts extending beyond 30 June 2017, their State Player Contracts and the MOU acknowledge that a player can either ‘accept’ an offer by CA to Tour or not; there is no compulsion to do so. Also for the period beyond 30 June 2017 there are many important issues that are not agreed in the State Player contract, such as the form of Tour Contract that would apply if no MOU is in place, the applicable Squad, Team and Tour Payments and any applicable list of CA protected sponsors.This decision not to Tour in the absence of a renewed MoU has been discussed and endorsed by the Australia A squad in solidarity. The Australia A squad wishes to represent Australia, and is willing to give CA another opportunity. They will gather in Brisbane on Monday to prepare for the Tour, in a gesture of the players’ continued good faith and in hope that CA will reciprocate by agreeing an MOU on fair terms as soon as possible.6. Tours of Bangladesh and India
Players expressed a strong desire to Tour both Bangladesh and India and urged CA to support them by renewing an MoU on fair terms, allowing the Tours to proceed.However, due to the fact of unemployment and the resolution above, absent an MoU there are no professional cricketers presently obliged or available to Tour.7. The Summer of Cricket
All players expressed a strong desire to participate in the Australian Summer of Cricket and urged CA to support them by renewing an MoU on fair terms so the Summer can proceed.8. Rescuing tours and the Summer of Cricket should there be no MOU: the Employment rights of players
To rescue the Tours and the Summer of Cricket referenced above, if there was no agreed MoU, the ACA will be discussing with the players the assignment to the ACA of an exclusive option to employ or second them.’In contract’ players will also participate in the discussion regarding assigning rights to the ACA to allow them to Tour. This means the ACA could offer to facilitate the availability of players on the right terms to assist those games and series that we all wish to see played.This may extend to the ACA offering the players back to CA on the right terms for the purposes of rescuing the Summer of Cricket. This would be best achieved by an agreed MOU.This option is available to the ACA and could be exercised absent an agreed MOU.It should be regarded as an option for rescuing tours and the Summer of Cricket absent an agreed MOU which remains the clear preference.9. Restraint of Trade
Players have resolved to support any out-of-contract players who are restrained from post-employment professional cricket opportunities. This would apply to any refusal to provide an out-of-contract player with a No Objection Certificate (NOC).It would also apply to any threat to lock players out of future employment opportunities if they engage in an ‘exhibition game’ to raise money for their unemployed team-mates.10. Intellectual Property of the players and The Cricketers’ Brand
The ACA Executive noted that with the passage of the June 30 deadline The Cricketers’ Brand was now looking to sign Sponsorships and arrange Player Appearances on behalf of Australia’s greatest players, now unemployed, and in consultation with player agents.The Cricketers’ Brand has been given approval to work with agents to commence the process of signing Sponsors and to deal with Broadcasters wanting to use these players’ attributes.*Those State players with multi-year State Playing Contracts will continue to honour those agreements, including to attend player Appearances as directed.**CA retains some rights to use out of contract players’ attributes for game promotion and development.11. WaMCAP (Women and Men Cricketer Assistance Plan) funding distribution to players in need
The ACA Executive approved the making of payments to players who need financial assistance from the WaMCAP fund.12. Revenue sharing for all men and women who play professional cricket
The players have affirmed their commitment to all male and female players at both international and domestic level receiving a ‘fair share’ of the revenue they generate for the game. And again, expressed a willingness to make sensible changes to the current model to reach agreement.13. Mediation is still the right process
The players affirm their view that third party mediation at CEO level remains the right process to resolve the current impasse.14. Grassroots Cricket Investment
The ACA Executive continued its call for a review into the current under investment in grassroots cricket and for recommendations to be developed for increasing grassroots investment.And noted that the current level of underinvestment seemed incompatible with the CA decisions to:
– Almost double the number of CA employees over the last five years;
– Grow CA cash reserves to the current level of approximately $70 million; whilst
– Allowing grassroots investment to stagnate at the level of only approximately 12% of revenues.

Maddy Cusack’s ‘irrepressible spirit’ was broken by football say family as they pay heartbreaking tribute to star and confirm Sheffield United will investigate tragic death

Along with a heartbreaking tribute, the family of the late Maddy Cusack have confirmed that Sheffield United have launched an inquiry.

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Maddy Cusack was found dead in SeptemberFamily release mother's funeral speechAnnounce Sheffield United's investigationWHAT HAPPENED?

Cusack, the vice-captain of the Blades, was the first player to make 100 appearances for the women's squad and the longest-serving member of the team. On September 20, the 27-year-old passed away at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire. Derbyshire Police declared at the time that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Nevertheless, a statement given by her mother Deborah at a funeral ceremony in October has finally been made public by her family and uploaded on the JustGiving page of the Maddy Cusack Foundation. The family released an additional statement in addition to the speech, stating that Sheffield United have agreed to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Maddy's passing.

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“My beautiful daughter, Madeleine. The saddest and most utterly heartbreaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak to you today is because of football," read the statement on X.

"From February this year, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that we had so fiercely protected was allowed to be broken.

"Those who knew Maddy well will be aware that she had no long standing mental health issues or troubles. Not that there would be anything to be ashamed of if there were, but there were not.  Those that didn’t know her need to know that."

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It has also been revealed that Sheffield United have opened an investigation into the death of their former vice-captain.

"Maddy was a happy-go-lucky, carefree girl with everything to live for and by last Christmas could be described as being at her happiest. This all changed gradually from February this year," read the statement.

"It is no secret, nor should it be, that Sheffield United Football Club have agreed at the request of Maddy’s family to carry out a thorough external investigation into the events that her family believe contributed significantly to her passing at the tender age of 27."

Last month, the Blades also launched a formal investigation into the club's, then-coach, Jonathan Morgan. However, the reason behind the investigation hadn't been revealed as the manager stepped away from his post following the inquiry.

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WHAT NEXT?

An inquest into Cusack's untimely passing was opened at Derby Coroner’s Court in October and adjourned, with the cause of death yet to be established. Her family will now wait for the results of the investigation from Sheffield United which will look into the events they believe "contributed significantly" to her tragic death.

Injury blow for PSG as starlet Warren Zaire-Emery ruled out for rest of year after sustaining ankle injury on France debut

Paris Saint-Germain star Warren Zaire-Emery has been ruled out for the rest of the year after sustaining an ankle injury while on international duty.

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Zaire-Emery injured on France debutDiagnosed with a sprained ankleTeenager ruled out for rest of 2023WHAT HAPPENED?

The 17-year-old made his France debut and scored as they beat Gibraltar 14-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying. Almost immediately after his goal, however, he had to be taken off with an injury that he sustained as he was tackled as he hit the shot.

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The loss of the midfielder will come as a big blow to PSG. Zaire-Emery has been in excellent form for the French champions this season, scoring two goals and registering five assists in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

WHAT PSG SAID

PSG have since confirmed he has been ruled out until the start of 2024, saying in a statement: "Victim of a medium-severity sprain to his right ankle, Warren Zaire-Emery will remain in treatment until the winter break."

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PSG will have to make do without one of their top performers when they take on Monaco in Ligue 1 on Friday. The title holders are top of the table with a one-point lead over nearest challengers Nice, who host Toulouse on Saturday.

Vilas, Clark stop Worcestershire's winning run

ECB Reporters Network10-May-2017
ScorecardJordan Clark was in scintillating form with bat and ball•Getty ImagesLancashire Lightning recorded their second successive victory in this year’s Royal London One-Day Cup when they defeated the previously undefeated Worcestershire Rapids by 152 runs at Emirates Old Trafford.The result keeps Lancashire’s hopes of qualification from the North Group very much alive, although they probably still need to win all three of their remaining North Group games. Despite this unexpected reverse, Worcestershire are still expected to finish in the top three, thereby ensuring their progression.The game was a triumph for Dane Vilas, who made his maiden Lancashire century in his side’s 313 for 5, but it was even more memorable for Jordan Clark who followed his 79 not out by taking 4 for 34 as Worcestershire managed only 161 all out in 34.5 overs in replyThe first half of Lancashire’s innings was characterised by steady accumulation punctuated by the regular loss of wickets; the second half by a magnificent, unbroken 160-run partnership between Vilas and Clark, the latter’s power-hitting contrasting pleasantly with the South African’s inventive strokeplay and astute innings management.These qualities were noticed by their absence earlier in the morning when Alex Davies had lost his middle stump to the twelfth ball of the day, bowled by John Hastings, and Haseeb Hameed, having batted competently for 36, edged Josh Tongue to Ben Cox when shaping to work the ball to third man.The 19-year-old Tongue soon collected his second notable wicket when Liam Livingstone obligingly pulled him to Ross Whiteley at deep square leg. It was not the subtlest of traps and Lancashire’s problems were compounded five overs later when Karl Brown was bowled by Brett D’Oliveira for a well-made 77-ball 63 which had included four fours and two sixes.Vilas marked his arrival at the wicket by reverse sweeping his first ball from Moeen Ali for four but the England off-spinner claimed an important wicket shortly after when he had Steven Croft lbw for five, leaving Lancashire on 153 for five in the 32nd over.D’Oliveira’s well-controlled leg spin earned him figures of one for 32 from his ten overs but the other bowlers came in for severe punishment as Vilas and Clark’s partnership gathered pace. Ali, who was twice lifted for straight sixes by Clark, finished with one for 75 as the pair set a new List A sixth-wicket record for Lancashire against Worcestershire.Vilas hit twelve fours and, having reached his fifty off 49 balls, took a further 34 deliveries to reach a hundred which was completed off the fourth ball of the final over. Clark, whose batting has been one of the features of Lancashire’s early season, finished with 79 not out off 58 balls. He hit four fours and three sixes. Tongue was the only Rapids bowler to take more than one wicket and he finished with two for 46 off seven overs.Needing to score at 6.26 runs per over to win, Worcestershire’s innings started badly and got progressively worse. Ali completed a poor match when he was well beaten by James Anderson and caught behind in the third over after the resumption.Tom Kohler-Cadmore mis-drove Kyle Jarvis to Stephen Parry three overs later and even the 59-run stand between Daryl Mitchell and Joe Clarke was halted by the loss of four wickets in 21 balls for 12 runs.Mitchell departed for 29 when he chipped Parry to Brown at midwicket and D’Oliveira then feathered a catch to Davies off Clark, who also had his near namesake athletically caught by Anderson for 36.When Whiteley was bowled by one that kept a little low from Clark, Worcestershire were 82 for six in the eighteenth over and their plight became even worse four overs later when Ed Barnard, having made eight, chopped the suddenly unplayable Clark on to his stumps.Brief partnerships merely delayed the inevitable but it allowed Simon Kerrigan to take two wickets and Jarvis to remove Leach for 12.

Tottenham: Spurs Set For Imminent Signing Talks

Tottenham Hotspur talks to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba will take place in these next few days, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

Spurs are set to bolster their squad this summer as chairman Daniel Levy, buoyed by the incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou, looks to this transfer window for upgrades.

A major overhaul is possible too with Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier and Ben Davies’ futures all hanging in the balance. Meanwwhile, Spurs could also attempt to sell Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon, Tanguy Ndombele and Harry Winks (The Telegraph).

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is another player who could make way and free up space for Postecoglou signings before the start of 2023/2024.

In terms of who they could be, Spurs are reliably believed to be closing in on Lloris’ successor, with Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario set to undergo a medical this weekend ahead of his proposed move.

Tottenham are also chasing a central defender, with Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo among the targets. However, Tapsoba appears to be taking centre stage, as some reports suggest he is likely to join if an official approach is made.

If that is indeed the case, reliable reporter Romano may have good news for Spurs supporters, as it is now expected that the north Londoners will imminently open formal talks.

The Burkina Faso international is apparently top of their transfer list, and in the next few days, negotiations over his signing will commence.

What’s been said about Edmond Tapsoba?

Commentator Mark Lovell is among Tapsoba’s biggest fans, calling him “top quality” all the way back in 2020, and it’s safe to say the defender has maintained that form as a consistent starter for Leverkusen right now.

Meanwhile, at international level, Tapsoba has been described as “fundamental” in past seasons by journalist Bruno Alemany.

Man Utd Hold Talks To Sign "Intelligent" £13m Eriksen Heir

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move for Wolfsburg midfielder, Felix Nmecha, with the German maestro potentially set to be available on the cheap this summer.

What's the latest on Nmecha to Man United?

According to SPORT1, the Red Devils are said to have 'thrown their hat into the ring' with regard to the signing of the 22-year-old, with the Premier League giants ready to rival Borussia Dortmund in the battle for the playmaker's signature.

The report suggests that United have already held talks with the player's father ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford, with the youngster potentially set to be available for as little as €15m (£13m), due to his expiring contract.

This comes amid reports that Newcastle United are also readying a bid for the former Manchester City youth product, ensuring that Erik ten Hag and co may have a fight on their hands if they are to land an agreement.

Who is Felix Nmecha?

The one-cap Germany international – who previously turned out for England at youth level – began life on the books at the Etihad, before sealing a free transfer switch to Germany back in the summer of 2021, following his old brother, Lukas who had made an earlier £11m move to Wolfsburg.

In the case of the younger man – who made just three appearances for City at first-team level – the promising midfielder appears to have blossomed following that move to the Bundesliga outfit, with current boss Niko Kovac having recently stated:

"Previously, he never got into a rhythm. He played in so many different positions. Now he's playing in midfield and you can see his technical ability. He has [also] improved physically."

That consistent run in the side in a midfield berth appears to have paid dividends for the Hamburg native as he racked up three goals and six assists in 30 league games in 2022/23, having also received hefty praise from journalist Josh Bunting, who stated:

"He’s very quick,technical ability is good, a ball carrying number 8, strong in his duels and has an intelligent eye for a final pass."

Man United's Christian Eriksen

That latter trait could ensure that Nmecha proves to be a dream heir to current United man Christian Eriksen, with the 31-year-old having also been lauded as a "player who plays with intelligence" by club legend, Paul Scholes.

Having been signed on a free transfer last summer, the Danish ace went on to provide two goals and ten assists in 44 games in all competitions in the most recent campaign, thus mirroring Nmecha in that ability to be a creative spark from the centre of the park.

A more youthful alternative to the one-time Tottenham Hotspur man may be in order amid Eriksen's recent woes since returning from injury, however, with journalist Scott Saunders highlighting the 120-cap gem's physical shortcomings after stating that he is "bypassed too easily in a deep role".

Nmecha, therefore, could offer greater athleticism in that midfield berth – shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 19% among his European peers for successful take-ons – as well as a superior defensive presence, with the 6 foot 2 starlet ranking in the top 7% for aerial duels won.

Eriksen, by contrast, ranks in just the bottom 18% and the bottom 12% for those same two metrics, respectively, while the experienced asset also averaged just 0.8 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per game from his 28 league outings, while the former City ace averaged 1.4 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game from his 30 league appearances.

With Nmecha evidently able to replicate Eriksen's creative brilliance as well as being able to offer a greater work ethic in midfield, the £2k-per-week ace could well represent a long-term successor and replacement for the gifted Dane.

Tough Bengal, clinical Jharkhand through to semi-final

Bengal knocked Maharashtra out in a last-over thriller chasing 319 while Jharkhand dismantled Vidarbha for 159 as both teams marched into the knockouts

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Mar-2017With three needed off three balls, and a spot in the Vijay Hazare semi-final up for grabs, Aamir Gani pulled off a delightful inside-out cover drive for four to ensure Bengal chased down their target of 319 in style.Gani’s cameo followed sturdy contributions from the top order as Shreevats Goswami (74 off 88 balls), Anustup Majumdar (66 off 59 balls) and Sudip Chatterjee (unbeaten on 60 off 51 balls) all made half-centuries and did an excellent job keeping up with the asking rate.That meant Maharashtra were knocked out of the knockouts, and that Rahul Tripathi (95 off 74 balls) and Nikhil Naik’s (63 off 52 balls) efforts were in vain. They had smashed 109 runs in the last 10 overs to put a strong total on the board, and then their bowlers had pushed Bengal pretty hard in the chase as well. Shrikant Mundhe dismissed the set batsman Majumdar in the 49th over to force the equation to 15 needed off 10 balls with five wickets in hand and Shamshuzama Kasi struck with the third ball of the final over. The next one, however, was smashed for the match-winning boundary.Bengal would have to face the MS Dhoni-led Jharkhand in the semi-final on Friday, a six off his bat making sure his team would be one of the final four. The six-wicket victory though was set up by the bowlers who reduced Vidarbha to 159 for 9 after they had chosen to bat first. Only Ravi Jangid (62 off 87) and Ganesh Satish (35 off 54) made any contributions of note. Rajneesh Gurbani, the No. 9, did his best to make 22 off 70 balls so that Vidarbha at least played out their quota of overs. Considering they were 18 for 4 at one point, that was something of a consolation for Faiz Fazal and his men.Jharkhand’s Monu Kumar was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 27. Varun Aaron (1 for 41) and Shahbaz Nadeem was at his stifling best, picking up 1 for 13 from eight overs. Their good work was supported by the batsmen with Ishank Jaggi top-scoring with 41 off 61 balls and remaining unbeaten.

USWNT player ratings vs South Africa: Trinity Rodman shows why she's up next as Megan Rapinoe says goodbye

As the U.S. women's national team said goodbye to one superstar winger in Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman showed why she may very well be next in line.

Rodman scored the first goal in a 2-0 win over South Africa in what was Rapinoe's 203rd and final USWNT cap. The young attacker was far and away the best player on the pitch, even if all eyes were on Rapinoe as she looked to end her USWNT career in true Rapinoe-like fashion.

She got close, nearly scoring from one free kick. Ultimately, Rapinoe won't be credited with a goal contribution, but she did the next best thing in setting up Emily Sonnett's goal to make it 2-0.

Rapinoe said goodbye shortly after, although not before being forced to do her iconic pose one last time in a USWNT shirt. While this day was very much about Rapinoe, it was also about a new generation in stars, players like Rodman and Mia Fishel, the latter of whom made her USWNT debut.

GOAL rates the USWNT players from Soldier Field:

GettyGoalkeeper & Defense

Casey Murphy (6/10):

Had very, very little to do as South Africa struggled to do much of anything in the attack.

Casey Krueger (7/10):

A strong performance in her first game since missing the World Cup. With games like this, she'll definitely remain in the pool.

Tierna Davidson (7/10):

Another player back after missing the World Cup, Davidson showed good chemistry with Girma as she looks to get back into the picture on the road to the Olympics.

Naomi Girma (8/10):

Another game, another composed performance from Girma, who will seemingly be doing this for the next 15 years.

Crystal Dunn (7/10):

A solid game from Dunn, although she had to do very little defensively.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Emily Sonnett (8/10):

Scored just her second international goal, and it will be a memorable one considering the occasion. Very cool of her to give Rapinoe her moment given how few she herself has gotten to celebrate like this.

Lindsey Horan (7/10):

Was oh so close on a bicycle kick, which would have been ridiculous. Outside of that, another good shift in midfield after a fantastic effort in the previous game. Played a bit higher up early before moving back after substitutions.

Andi Sullivan (6/10):

Largely on clean-up duty, helping prevent South Africa from doing much of anything.

GettyAttack

Trinity Rodman (8/10):

An absolutely dominant performance that the USWNT will hope is a sign of things to come. So dynamic, and not even just on her goal, as she would have had another one if her shot didn't nearly go through the frame of the goal.

Alex Morgan (7/10):

Set up Rodman's goal, so the playmaking is still there. However, it's been a while since Morgan has scored. It won't matter too much as long as she keeps the attack ticking, but we'll see what the next coach thinks on the road to the Olympics.

Megan Rapinoe (7/10):

Won't get credit for the assist, but her set piece delivery basically set up Sonnett's goal. One more chance to celebrate after creating one more goal, a fitting farewell.

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Alana Cook (7/10):

Performance didn't drop off at all once Girma came out, which is a big compliment to Cook.

Midge Purce (7/10):

Had the honor of being the one to replace Rapinoe, and she honored her in the right way by bringing plenty of sauce. Fantastic on the ball in attack before switching back to defense due to substitutions.

Savannah DeMelo (6/10):

Valuable minutes for the Racing Louisville star, who is still very, very inexperienced despite her World Cup run.

Mia Fishel (6/10):

Showed exactly why USWNT fans have reason to be excited for her. A good first impression as she made things happen in the attack.

Emily Fox (6/10):

You know what you get from Fox. Steady and solid, so didn't learn anything new here!

Lynn Williams (6/10):

Given a decent runout after balling out in the first game of this window.

Twila Kilgore (7/10):

Consider it mission accomplished. Got Rapinoe a proper farewell, introduced new faces and reintroduced a few more. For an interim coach, that's all you need to do.

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