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Portugal – still spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo – have a rich history in the European Championship, and are now one of the leading candidates to lift the trophy, having emerged as one of the continent’s standout nations in recent times.

In truth, such a status has not always been bestowed upon the country, even with glittering figures like Eusebio of the past, with it arguably having been the Ronaldo era that has brought out their best over the last 20 years or so.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon was at the epicentre of Portugal’s success at Euro 2016, but how does their overall record in the competition look? Here is a list of every European Championship campaign, with a detailed look at the tournaments they qualified for.

Year

Stage reached

1960

Failed to qualify

1964

Failed to qualify

1968

Failed to qualify

1972

Failed to qualify

1976

Failed to qualify

1980

Failed to qualify

1984

Semi-finals

1988

Failed to qualify

1992

Failed to qualify

1996

Quarter-finals

2000

Semi-finals

2004

Runners-up

2008

Quarter-finals

2012

Semi-finals

2016

Winners

2020

Round of 16

2024

Quarter-finals

Euro 1984 Portugal go close in first Euros adventure

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

West Germany

D 0-0

N/A

Group stage

Spain

W 1-0

Sousa

Group stage

Romania

W 1-0

Nene

Semi-final

France

L 2-3

Jordao (2) / Domergue (2), Platini

Aside from reaching the last four of the World Cup in England in 1966, Portugal had a relatively meagre record of qualifying for tournament football up until the 1980s, with Euro 1984 having been their first taste of the continental competition.

In an event which comprised just eight teams at the time, the debutants finished second in a group containing West Germany, Spain and Romania, drawing their opening two fixtures before securing a late 1-0 win over the latter side to seal progression.

That set up a semi-final showdown with hosts France at the Stade Velodrome, with a Michel Platini-inspired side eventually running out 3-2 winners after 120 minutes, following a thrilling extra-time that produced three goals. So close, yet so far…

Euro 1996 Poborsky magic denies Portugal semi-final spot

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Denmark

D 1-1

Sa Pinto / B.Laudrup

Group stage

Turkey

W 1-0

Couto

Group stage

Croatia

W 3-0

Figo, Joao Pinto, Domingos

Quarter-final

Czech Republic

L 0-1

Poborsky

30 years on from losing to Sir Alf Ramsey’s eventual champions in ’66, Portugal returned to England in search of another lengthy tournament run, having missed out on the previous two European Championships after failing to qualify.

It all started so well in ’96, with Portugal going unbeaten in the group stage to finish top of the pile, drawing 1-1 with holders Denmark in the opening game, before defeating Turkey and Croatia without conceding a single goal.

Those early heroics set up a quarter-final clash with the Czech Republic for Luis Figo and co, yet it was all to end in heartbreak as Karel Poborsky’s delicious second-half lob sealed a 1-0 win for the eventual finalists.

Euro 2000 Portugal bow out in disgrace after heated semi-final clash

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

England

W 3-2

Figo, Joao Pinto, Nuno Gomes / Scholes, McManaman

Group stage

Romania

W 1-0

Costinha

Group stage

Germany

W 3-0

Conceicao (3)

Quarter-final

Turkey

W 2-0

Nuno Gomes (2)

Semi-final

France

L 1-2

Nuno Gomes / Henry, Zidane (p)

By the time Euro 2000 came around, Portugal were emerging as major players on the international scene, boasting a dazzling forward line that included the likes of Figo, Rui Costa and Nuno Gomes.

After sweeping a tough-looking group including both England and Germany – current Porto boss Sergio Conceicao scoring a hat-trick against the latter – the winning machine then saw off Turkey to reach the last four, where World champions France lay in wait.

Despite taking an early lead through the prolific Gomes, there was to be yet more semi-final heartbreak, with goals from Thierry Henry and a last-gasp Zinedine Zidane penalty in extra-time sending Les Bleus into the showpiece.

Cue a mass headloss from those of a Portuguese persuasion, with one-time Liverpool man Abel Xavier among a trio to be handed lengthy suspensions by UEFA for confronting the referee following the decisive spot-kick decision. Fiery.

Euro 2004 Hosts' fairytale run ends in Greek tragedy

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Portugal

L 1-2

Ronaldo / Karagounis, Basinas

Group stage

Russia

W 2-0

Maniche, Rui Costa

Group stage

Spain

W 1-0

Nuno Gomes

Quarter-final

England

D 2-2 (6-5 on pens)

Postiga, Rui Costa / Owen, Lampard

Semi-final

Netherlands

W 2-1

Ronaldo, Maniche / Andrade (og)

Final

Greece

L 0-1

Charisteas

The stage looked set. On home soil – and bolstered by the emergence of a teenage Ronaldo – Portugal’s ‘Golden Generation’ appeared on course to end their long-awaited quest for a major trophy.

The hosts topped the group yet again courtesy of victories over Russia and neighbours Spain, albeit while having intriguingly slipped up in the opening game against an unfancied Greece side – a foreshadowing, perhaps?

Another tournament match-up with England at the quarter-final stage inevitably led to penalty-shootout heartbreak for the Three Lions, before a place in the showpiece was secured after seeing off the Netherlands in normal time.

Facing off against surprise package, Greece, there surely appeared to be only one winner, yet the footballing gods were in a cruel and wicked mood – Angelos Charisteas’ second-half header capping one of the most remarkable upsets of any era.

Euro 2008 Ronaldo fails to inspire amid early exit

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Turkey

W 2-0

Pepe, Meireles

Group stage

Czech Republic

W 3-1

Sionko / Deco, Ronaldo, Quaresma

Group stage

Switzerland

L 2-0

Yakin (2)

Quarter-final

Germany

L 2-3

Nuno Gomes, Postiga / Schweinsteiger, Klose, Ballack

An emerging star in ’04, Ronaldo was very much at the front and centre of the side by the time Euro 2008 came around, with a nation’s hopes pinned on his relatively young shoulders.

Once again, Portugal came out on top in a competitive group, albeit with a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the final game indicating that it was perhaps not going to go all their own way this time around.

Unfortunately for ‘CR7’ and co, their hopes of avenging their disappointment of four years earlier came to an abrupt halt in the last eight, coming out second best in a 3-2 thriller with eventual runners-up, Germany.

Euro 2012 Ronaldo decision backfires amid shootout heartbreak

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Germany

L 0-1

Gomez

Group stage

Denmark

W 3-2

Bendtner (2) / Pepe, Postiga, Varela

Group stage

Netherlands

W 2-1

Ronaldo (2) / Van der Vaart

Quarter-final

Czech Republic

W 1-0

Ronaldo

Semi-final

Spain

D 0-0 (2-4 on pens)

n/a

Euro 2012 certainly didn’t get off the best of starts for Ronaldo and co, with Portugal beginning the tournament how they ended the previous one four years earlier – losing to the Germans.

After overcoming a stubborn Denmark side – spearheaded by a certain Nicklas Bendtner, it was the final group game where they truly hit their groove, Ronaldo bagging a brace to see off Holland, before netting the only goal in the last four against the Czech Republic.

The subsequent tense encounter with reigning champions Spain – who were in search of a third major trophy in a row – went all the way to the dreaded penalty shoot-out following a cagey goalless draw.

Ronaldo stood waiting to take what he dreamed of being the ‘glory’ fifth penalty, only to see his side bow out before he could step up himself, with Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves failing to convert.

Euro 2016 Football finally comes home for Fernando Santos' plucky side

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Iceland

D 1-1

Nani / Bjarnason

Group stage

Austria

D 0-0

N/A

Group stage

Hungary

D 3-3

Gera, Dzsudzsák (2) / Nani, Ronaldo (2)

Round of 16

Croatia

W 1-0

Quaresma

Quarter-final

Poland

D 1-1 (5-3 on pens)

Lewandowski / Sanches

Semi-final

Wales

W 2-0

Ronaldo, Nani

Final

France

W 1-0

Eder

At last, Euro 2016 saw Portugal right the wrongs of 2004, going one step further to clinch the trophy in Paris.

Under the watchful eye of manager Fernando Santos, it is fair to say that while still blessed with talent, the side was a far cry from the days of the ‘Golden Generation’, even with the mighty Ronaldo in tow.

After scraping through the group as one of the best third-place sides, it actually took until the semi-final stage for the eventual champions to win a game in normal time, having seen off Wales in the last four.

Facing host nation France in the final, disaster struck as Ronaldo was forced off with injury after 25 minutes, making an already sizeable task even tougher. With the skipper roaring his teammates on from the sidelines, however, up stepped unlikely hero, Eder to seal the win in extra-time. Euphoric.

Euro 2020 Holders sent for an early bath in Seville

Round

Opponent

Result

Goalscorers

Group stage

Hungary

W 3-0

Guerreiro, Ronaldo, Ronaldo (pen)

Group stage

Germany

L 2-4

Ronaldo, Jota / Dias (og), Guerreiro (og), Havertz, Gosens

Group stage

France

D 2-2

Ronaldo (pen x2) / Benzema (2, 1 pen)

Round of 16

Belgium

L 0-1

T. Hazard

Five years on from lifting the trophy, Portugal produced a relatively limp defensive of their crown in the belated tournament in 2021, having crashed out in the first knockout round.

The holders had been part of an undoubted ‘Group of Death’ that included both France and Germany, eventually progressing in third place with that man Ronaldo remarkably netting five times in those opening three games.

Any ambitions of retaining their title were swiftly extinguished in the last-16 following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium in Seville, Thorgan Hazard scoring the game’s solitary goal.

Euro 2024 Portugal survive penalty drama before France defeat

It was a tale of two shootouts for Portugal at Euro 2024, as after winning their group as expected, the relief of squeezing past Slovenia in the last 16 was quickly replaced by the despair of being sent home by France in the quarter-final.

Things had started well as a late comeback victory saw off the Czech Republic before some comical Turkey defending gave them a helping hand in their second group game.

With top spot secured, Portugal were able to afford a 2-0 defeat to Georgia, handing their opponents a first win at a major international tournament.

The round of 16 is where the drama really began. Despite Portugal’s perfect performance from the spot in the shootout – with Diogo Costa creating history by saving all three Slovenian spot-kicks – it was a penalty in extra time from Cristiano Ronaldo that made the headlines.

The Al-Nassr forward had the chance to all but win the game for Portugal, but he burst into tears after he was denied by Jan Oblak.

Ronaldo went on to redeem himself in the shootout, but Costa could not repeat his heroics when another goalless draw led to France scoring all their penalty kicks, with João Felix’s miss ultimately sending Portugal home.

Buttler’s 75 under intense pressure came despite father’s hospitalisation the previous day

Valkerie Baynes08-Aug-2020Jos Buttler played his part in England’s thrilling victory against Pakistan believing that if he didn’t make runs, he was probably playing his last Test.Buttler made the frank admission after scoring 75 and sharing a century stand with Chris Woakes, who finished not out on 84, to help England chase down an imposing fourth-innings target of 277 with three wickets in hand and a day to spare.It came as Buttler faced increasing criticism over his batting – his Test average had dropped to 31.63 going into this, his 45th Test – and he had a poor game behind the stumps, missing three chances during Pakistan’s first innings.”If I’d taken those chances, we’d have won two hours ago,” Buttler told Sky Sports after play. “I’m very aware I didn’t keep well, I missed some chances and at this level you can’t afford to do that no matter how many runs you score. You’ve got to be better, I know that.”Definitely thoughts go through your head, like potentially if I don’t score any runs I’ve probably played my last game. Those kind of things are in your head, but you’ve got to try and shut them out and try and focus on the here and now and play the situation and I’m pleased that I was able to do that.”Buttler’s Test average since the start of 2019 was even worse at 24.46, with four half-centuries going into this match. He showed glimpses of improvement with 67 in England’s series-deciding third-Test win against West Indies, and 38 out of an under-par 217 in the first innings against Pakistan.Buttler’s errors behind the stumps were undeniably costly, a dropped catch and missed stumping twice letting off Shan Masood on 45 before he went on to top score for the match with 156. He also missed a run-out chance with a wayward throw in Pakistan’s first innings. And while the mistakes didn’t ultimately affect the result, they contributed to England being under huge pressure as they were asked to post the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase at Old Trafford.Buttler’s status as a great of the white-ball game has not been questioned and those credentials came in handy during England’s pursuit. In fact, his captain, Joe Root, called upon Buttler’s skill in that area when he came in with his side 106 for 4, having lost Ben Stokes and still needing 171 runs.The tempo of the run chase became particularly important because, Buttler said, he wanted to “take the new ball out of the equation” by guiding England as close to the target as possible before it became available, especially with the pitch misbehaving at times.Ollie Pope saw that first-hand, so to speak, when he gloved a Shaheen Shah Afridi ball that reared off a length to gully.”After I saw that ball to Popey it felt like if you just try and stay in and bat the time you’re going to be a bit of a sitting duck,” Buttler said. “So I wanted to be positive, try and put pressure back on Pakistan and try and replicate a one-day chase.”In terms of how many overs was it till the new ball, if we were going to get close we didn’t want to leave, say, 50 with the new ball to come. I thought that was going be tough work, having a harder ball, seeing the indifferent bounce, so try and break it down to try and score at four an over.”The plan worked. By the time Pakistan took the second new ball, England needed just 13 runs to win and, although Buttler was out by then, he had left his side in a strong position and in the capable hands of Woakes.Butter later told a press conference: “Joe actually said before, ‘remember who you are, you enjoy chasing targets down, try to limit it to a one-day game’.”A game like today really suited me and suited my eye, in terms of the run chase and breaking it down to more of a one-day game and trying to tick runs off and get us to the finishing line.”Buttler also revealed that his belief had faltered “at times” recently as his place as England’s first-choice keeper-batsman came increasingly up for debate.”There have been some lonely nights thinking about it,” Buttler said. “But runs aside, if you are a wicketkeeper in this team, you have to take chances. You have to keep better than I did in the first innings. I know that. I don’t need other people to tell me that. I expect it of myself and to play international cricket for England there’s a level required.”Not only did victory come with doubts swirling around his own performances, it also came at a time of off-field turmoil for Buttler, whose father was admitted to hospital after watching the day’s play on Friday, following a run of recent health scares. He was allowed to return home on Saturday, and Root was full of praise for Buttler’s fortitude.”It says a huge amount about him as a person, to be able to carry that, and to be able to use that or park that going into this innings,” Root said. “Only he will know which way around he did that. But I’m sure it’s very difficult thing not to think about. To be able to deal with that and still play in that manner was exceptional.”One of his big traits is that, under pressure, he puts in big performances. Another example of that was that final ODI against Australia on this very ground. You can deal with those high-pressure situations but to have that external pressure as well, I’m chuffed to bits for him, it must have been very difficult to deal with.”

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have made quite the impact at Wrexham, with their exploits considered to make rival supporters jealous.

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Stunning takeover completed in 2021Overseen back-to-back promotionsFully invested on and off the fieldWHAT HAPPENED?

Every club wants owners that are fully committed to the collective cause, with assistance from the boardroom being offered on and off the pitch. Hollywood co-chairmen at SToK Racecourse have quickly become the poster boys for such support, with faith and funds aplenty being invested in North Wales.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Red Dragons have taken flight into League One, courtesy of back-to-back promotions, and continue to see their stock soar around the world courtesy of the award-winning ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series. Understandably, the attention they have received has not been universally embraced within the football community.

WHAT TRUNDLE SAID

Quizzed on whether EFL foes are envious of what Wrexham have going on, former frontman Lee Trundle – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “I think it makes fans jealous. Fans would be more jealous. If you’re a player and coming to play against them, I think you understand that if you were part of that squad, what a great ride to be on. Not only what they are doing football-wise, going through the leagues, but the way the club is off the field as well. It’s brilliant what’s going on at Wrexham at the moment. When you say jealousy, I think that comes from the fans when you see on social media and hear fans speak, it is coming from a lot from them. In the professional realm, and in teams, I think they respect what Wrexham are doing.”

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GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Trundle added on the impact that Reynolds and McElhenney have made since completing a stunning takeover in 2021: “When they do stuff and they speak, when they do stuff on social media and the documentary, they come across as honest people – I don’t think they are in it to just try and get that fame, or be an owner and then sit back and let the club run how it is. You can see that they want to be hands-on, not only in the football team but helping with Wrexham as a place – going into the town and making that better, getting involved with charities around the city. It’s brilliant and I think they are great for football.”

In the hunt for a new goalkeeper, Newcastle United have reportedly held talks with another target away from the heavily linked Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili for Eddie Howe and his side this summer.

Newcastle transfer news

Mamardashvili has consistently been the subject of interest from the Magpies, who have reportedly been weighing up a move worth £30m this summer. But with the shot-stopper yet to get any closer to a move to St James' Park, Newcastle may have no choice but to turn their attention elsewhere in the coming months.

Newcastle ready to listen to offers for £100,000-p/w player who Howe loves

He will be allowed to leave.

ByTom Cunningham May 29, 2024

Their search for a goalkeeper follows Loris Karius' exit as a free agent and doubts over Martin Dubravka's future, given that he is now 35 years old and out of contract next summer. Nick Pope, meanwhile, has just returned from a lengthy injury blow and isn't getting any younger himself at 32 years old, opening the door for a fresh face in the goalkeeper department.

A deal to welcome a new shot-stopper would fit the current trend at Newcastle too, given reported deals to bolster their defence through Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo, who are both closing in on free deals upon the expiry of their current Bournemouth and Fulham contracts.

Following in their footsteps may not be Mamardashvili, however. According to Ben Jacobs, Newcastle have held talks with Filip Jorgensen's agent over a potential move this summer. The Villarreal shot-stopper, like Mamardashvili, is still a young goalkeeper at just 22 years old – a year younger than his fellow La Liga man – and has now emerged as an ideal alternative.

Alas, the Magpies aren't alone in their interest. As reported by Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea have contacted Villarreal about a potential deal for Jorgensen to potentially commence a Premier League battle to land the La Liga ace in the coming months of the transfer window.

"Revelation" Jorgensen has something Mamardashvili doesn't

If Newcastle miss out on Mamardashvili this summer, then Jorgensen would be an ideal alternative to turn to. The Villarreal goalkeeper is a similar age and the numbers show that the Magpies wouldn't be losing out on any quality. In fact, it could be argued that the Dane is the same level as the Valencia goalkeeper.

Clean Sheets

6

13

Saves

143

103

Save Percentage

72.2%

73.8%

Pass Completion Rate

80.7%

53%

What's most impressive is Jorgensen's pass accuracy, particularly when considering that it's an area that Mamardashvili struggles in. As Newcastle look to become a side consistently stepping on the front foot, building from the back using a goalkeeper with such talent can quickly prove to be the key, making Jorgensen an important target.

The 22-year-old has certainly earned plenty of fans in Spain too, with La Liga Extra dubbing him "fantastic" at the start of April following an excellent display against Atletico Madrid. Now it's Newcastle who could benefit from such displays, should they push ahead and beat Chelsea to the goalkeeper's signature in the summer transfer window for Howe.

Jake Lush McCrum believes playing in a competitive series prior to the season will only be an advantage

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Aug-2020A number of English and Australian players taking part in a bilateral limited-overs series in September are set to miss their respective teams’ IPL 2020 season-openers, thanks to the tournament’s quarantine protocols. Rajasthan Royals could be disproportionately affected by this; Steven Smith is part of Australia’s 21-member squad touring the UK, and while England haven’t named their squad yet, it’s likely Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler will be part of it. The status of Ben Stokes – who is in New Zealand for personal reasons – is as yet unknown.Rather than seeing this as a disadvantage, however, Royals’ chief operating officer Jake Lush McCrum believes his team will benefit from having a group of key players come into the IPL having just finished a competitive limited-overs series.”English and Australian players will be competing against each other in a high-quality series right before the IPL which has many positives because it’ll enable them to be at full match fitness,” McCrum said in a limited media interaction. “They’ll be competing at the highest level before the IPL where they’ll be playing against the best players day in, day out.”They may miss the first match due to the protocols put in place by the BCCI but we believe the protocols are necessary to keep everyone safe.”We have an excellent and high-quality team with good depth and have the ability to have an extremely competitive team to deal with the absence of these players. Of course once these players join the squad, they will provide a huge boost to the team.”Uncertainty continues to surround the participation of South African players in the IPL, with the country’s borders still sealed as it grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic. David Miller is the only South African in Royals’ squad, and McCrum was confident the batsman would make it to the UAE in time for the tournament.”Flights are being organised for the South African players and support staff to get them across to the UAE,” McCrum said. “David’s going to be in the UAE well in advance of the IPL to have plenty of time for preparation and he’ll be ready for the first match. We’re really excited to see him in a Royals’ shirt and hopefully, the fans are too!”While everyone involved in the IPL will be in a bio-secure bubble throughout the duration of the tournament, Royals have taken care to ensure their players and staff will have some level of freedom within that bubble, to the extent of arranging accommodation that includes a private beach. McCrum has personally flown over to UAE to oversee arrangements before the team flies out.”The important thing we’ve looked at is the freedom of the players, yes they’re in a bio secure environment, but we need to ensure they have as much outdoor space as possible,” McCrum said. “Having a private beach was really important to us which we’ve managed to secure with high-quality rooms, team room, recreational facilities and a good variety of dining facilities to cater to all needs. We have also ensured we have a segregated section of the hotel to ourselves, to help reduce the risk of COVID further.”The UAE has managed to contain the pandemic to a large extent, with 6383 active cases – and 57,794 recoveries – as on Monday. Asked whether restrictions on players could be eased if the country goes out of lockdown while the tournament is on, McCrum said the team would wait and watch as the situation evolves.”With regards to the strict BCCI protocols we’re following, it means staying in the bio-secure environment in the hotel,” he said. “We will see how the tournament progresses and what the rules are but all we can say is that we will follow the BCCI rules at all times.”

The American defender helped keep the Red Devils in a shock draw at Selhurst Park

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Richards started and played 90 minutesUnited dominated but couldn't find the netPalace still looking for first winWHAT HAPPENED?

Crystal Palace and U.S. international Chris Richards are still looking for their first three points of the season, but they'll be more than content with a draw against heavily-favored Manchester United.

Richards had arguably his best performance of the season in the 0-0 draw, having five tackles, five clearances and two interceptions in the contest.

Manchester United largely dominated proceedings, with 66.8 percent of total possession and 15 shots compared to Palace's nine. Still, held firm at Selhurst Park to secure the upset.

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Palace has three points in their opening five matches, raising concern they might be one of the Premier League teams fighting for survival this season. Still, this result has to be a confidence boost for Oliver Glasner's side.

With Mauricio Pochettino now officially on board as the U.S.'s new manager, Richards will want to prove he deserves to remain within the national team's starting XI. He didn't disappoint Saturday.

DID YOU KNOW?

Palace aren't off to the best of starts this season, but it pales in comparison to their worst-ever start in the 2015-16 season. During that campaign, Palace lost all their opening five matches.

Palace was last relegated in 2005 and have been in the Premier League since the 2013-14 season after securing promotion.

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WHAT NEXT FOR RICHARDS, PALACE?

Richards and Palace will hope their winless spell comes to an end next week when they face another struggling side in Everton on Sept. 28.

R Ashwin trained with the team on Thursday, but Capitals will wait take a call on his availability

Alagappan Muthu24-Sep-20205:41

Where should Dhoni and Iyer bat for their teams?

Big pictureEven when he wasn’t playing, wasn’t anywhere near the Indian team for major parts of the last 12 months, the focus was forever on MS Dhoni. Why should it change now that he’s back?There is raging debate over the Chennai Super Kings captain pushing himself down the order, and while he isn’t the type to respond to them, here is a stat that is worth remembering. In the IPL, any time Dhoni bats at No. 5 or above, his team has a win percentage of at least 57. When he comes in at No. 6 and below, that figure drops to 37 or worse.The Delhi Capitals may well be happy that all the focus is on their opposition. They have a strong core of young Indian batsmen who are learning all the time and a strike bowler who basically rejects the concept of pressure. Maybe, just maybe, that’s enough to secure what will be only their third victory over the Super Kings since 2013.In the news Ambati Rayudu (hamstring) and Dwayne Bravo (knee) are recovering from injuries and won’t be available for selection. Capitals said they wanted to wait and see how R Ashwin and his injured shoulder pull up in training on Thursday before making a call on his playing the game tomorrow.Likely XIsChennai Super Kings: 1 Shane Watson, 2 Faf du Plessis, 3 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 4 Sam Curran, 5 Kedar Jadhav, 6 Ravindra Jadeja, 7 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 8 Deepak Chahar, 9 Shardul Thakur/Karn Sharma, 10 Piyush Chawla, 11 Lungi Ngidi/Imran TahirDelhi Capitals: 1 Prithvi Shaw, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Shimron Hetmyer, 4 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 5 Rishabh Pant (wk), 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Axar Patel, 8 R Ashwin/Amit Mishra, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Anrich Norje, 11 Mohit SharmaStrategy punt Since IPL 2018, Rishabh Pant has an average over 40 and a strike rate above 150. Only four other men are in the same bracket and he hits harder (166) than every single one of them. Even AB de Villiers (164). But if Lungi Ngidi keeps his spot and ups his game, the threat can be managed. His head-to-head against Pant in the IPL goes six balls, seven runs and two dismissals. Although Shane Watson hasn’t quite come off yet, it can be frightening when he does. Since IPL 2018, he has a strike rate of 185 and hits a boundary every 3.8 balls – and that’s between overs seven and 15, when fielding restrictions are relaxed. So the Capitals will need a plan, which might well revolve around Axar Patel (38 balls, 42 runs, five dismissals) or Amit Mishra (68 balls, 79 runs, six dismissals) Stats that matter Among players with a minimum of 100 runs in the IPL since 2019, Sam Curran’s strike rate of 194 is second-best, only behind Andre Russell. The IPL’s greatest ever bowler, Lasith Malinga, picked up at least two wickets for eight matches straight in 2012. No one’s beaten that streak just yet, but Kagiso Rabada has already matched it. He really has been that good in the IPL. Dhoni needs two sixes to get his tally up to 300 in T20 cricket. The average score in Dubai over the last one-and-a-half years of T20 cricket is 153. Fast bowlers take twice as many wickets as spinners (four per game vs two per game), but spinners have been better at keeping the runs down (6.7 vs 7.7)ALSO SEE: CSK vs DC live score 25th September, 2020

Celtic could be ready to try and make a big move this summer if the latest reports are anything to go by, with Brendan Rodgers keen to strengthen one of his side's problem positions.

Bhoys need a new no.1

It is no secret that the Scottish Premiership champions will be searching for a new man between the posts this summer after Joe Hart announced his retirement. The ex-England international arrived at the club ahead of the 2021/22 campaign and has appeared over 150 times for Celtic, missing just one Scottish Premiership game last season to help his side scoop silverware.

Bad news for Iwata as Celtic eye swoop for £4m star

The Hoops are reportedly interested in signing the talented young central midfielder.

ByDan Emery Jun 5, 2024

But he announced in February that he would be bringing his long career to an end this summer, explaining:

"I will be 37 at the end of this season. What direction the club wants to go, whether I fitted into that, I wasn't too sure. We didn't even have that conversation.

I certainly wasn't interested in going and trying to play anywhere else.

So I felt, right, I wanted to be strong and fit and ultimately happy. If there is such a thing, I feel I am in that place, and I feel like it's the right time."

In the time since, Celtic have been linked with a whole host of shot-stoppers, including Anthony Patterson, Altay Bayindir, Asmir Begovic and most recently Bayern Munich youngster Daniel Peretz. Now, a fresh update has seen them linked with a familiar face once more.

Celtic plotting £10m move for Kelleher but there's a snag

That comes in the shape of Liverpool no.2 goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, with Rodgers' side reportedly plotting a move to sign the Irishman.

Kelleher is keen to become first-choice after another season of bit-part action, appearing 26 times in all competitions for the Reds largely courtesy of an injury to Allison.

Earlier in the campaign, he spoke of his need for regular gametime, revealing that "whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No. 1”. His teammates certainly believe he is good enough to, with Virgil van Dijk dubbing him "world-class" after he helped his side to Carabao Cup success earlier in the season.

After scooping the man of the match award for his winning goal, the ex-Celtic man explained: “He should have got it. I’m probably one of his biggest fans, I think.

“I have always said he is world class and he stepped up today, again. It’s good to see. He’s a good boy, good goalkeeper and that’s what we need at a club like Liverpool.”

Kelleher's bit-part role for Liverpool (Premier League)

Appearances

15

Clean sheets

4

Save %

71.4%

Saves per 90

3.07

But his future may now lie away from Liverpool, and that has sparked interest from a whole host of clubs, with Celtic firmly among them. As per Football Insider journalist Pete O'Rourke, Rodgers and Celtic are plotting a move for the Irishman but may hit a snag over his valuation.

The Hoops are "unlikely" to be able to pay the full £20m asking prtice for the goalkeeper, who still has two years left to run on his £10,000 a week deal at Anfield. In fact, it is claimed that they are only going to be able to "sanction a deal worth around £10m", just half of what other clubs may be able to offer up for the 26-year-old.

It is added that Liverpool are "set to hold out for much more" ahead of the new season, which could see Celtic miss out on their long-term goalkeeping target unless they are able to up their offer.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has opened up about the abuse and mental toil he went through during his injury-hit career.

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Jones speaks about abuse in careerDefender retired in AugustJones focusing on coaching careerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Jones retired from football in August having been without a club after leaving United in June 2023. The defender had been tipped to be a future Manchester United great by his then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson but failed to live up to the promise as injuries plagued his career. Since retiring, he has opened up about how difficult it was to suffer abuse for poor performances and the mental turmoil of injury setback after injury setback.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT JONES SAID

Writing for , Jones said: "I'd had lots of public situations like that to deal with down the years without responding in that positive way, and had often ended up just trying to avoid them.

"It got so bad for a while that I would be walking down the street, worried about what people would say to me in case I got abuse, and thinking about what I'd say next. I just wanted to keep my head down when I was in a crowd, and it was the same on social media, which is why I came off it for a while.

"If you knew me, you knew all I wanted was to be able to play football – but it is as if people thought I just woke up each morning and decided I was injured.

"You want to say something back, especially when they said it to my face, but it has never been in my character to do that. I've always been humble and down to earth, and I've never taken myself too seriously."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Jones spent 12 years at United and made 169 Premier League appearances for the club. He made just six appearances in the division after the start of the 2019-20 season, none of which came in his final season (2022-23) at Old Trafford. Jones' injury troubles hampered his consistency and form and left him struggling mentally as well as physically, but he is now focused on coaching.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR JONES?

Jones wishes to put his troubled playing career behind him and ensure he becomes the best coach he can. The former defender has almost completed his UEFA Pro Licence and believes his time learning under some of the best managers in the game will help him.

He added: "I learned so much from all the different managers I played for and the team-mates I played with, in lots of different competitions at club and international level. I have built up and stored all of that information, and feel I could use it to really help players and get them to the next level."

Alyssa Healy produced the decisive innings as the Sixers just beat the weather after an impressive display in the field

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Oct-2020Sydney Sixers 1 for 47 beat Adelaide Strikers 7 for 68 (Kapp 3-14) by nine wickets (DLS method)Ellyse Perry struck the winning runs in her first match for more than seven months as the Sydney Sixers beat both the Adelaide Strikers and the weather with two balls to spare on a grey, wet day at North Sydney Oval.After appearing set to join the other three games in being abandoned, the skies broke for long enough for a contest initially reduced to nine overs. The Sixers were impressive from the start, a superb catch at backward point by Jodie Hicks setting the tone, and the Strikers slumped to 4 for 14 as Lisa Griffith struck with her first two balls in Sixers’ colours. They did well to scramble as far as 68 largely through Bridget Patterson’s 28 and after three overs of the chase the Sixers only had 13.However, Perry and Alyssa Healy then cut loose against Amanda-Jade Wellington before the rain returned with the contest seven balls short of the minimum five overs required. For the Australia players involved there may have been flash backs to the T20 World Cup semi-final at the SCG when the rain relented just enough to finish the game – the electronic screen couldn’t cope with it all which left ground staff racing to keep the players updated on the traditional scorecard – and Perry swiped a leg-side boundary to get the Sixers up and running.The other game at North Sydney Oval between Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Stars briefly began as a 15-over match before being washed out while the two games at Hurstville Oval – Brisbane Heat verses Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers v Hobart Hurricanes – were called off without a ball bowled. It meant the opening two days of the WBBL only saw three positive results.