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Manchester City are now willing to make a £70m January bid for an “absolutely incredible” Real Madrid star, with Pep Guardiola personally a fan.

Man City looking to boost title push by signing new forward

Man City have bounced back from their 2-1 loss at Newcastle United by winning their last two Premier League games on the spin, but they haven’t made easy work of it, scraping past Leeds United 3-2 courtesy of a late Phil Foden winner.

City then travelled to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham and raced into a 5-1 lead, but they only just managed to get over the line, with the hosts fighting back to 5-4, which will be a worrying sign for Guardiola.

Conceding six goals in the last two matches, against two of the weaker sides in the Premier League, suggests the Blues could do with strengthening their defence in January, and a new right-back is of interest, with Newcastle’s Tino Livramento being identified as a target.

However, Guardiola is also eager to upgrade his attacking options, with a report from Spain revealing Real Madrid star Rodrygo is one of the Man City manager’s top targets for the January transfer window.

City are determined to make a move for the Brazilian, with it being revealed they are willing to make a €80m (£70m) offer for his services, and Guardiola believes the forward would be a perfect fit in his system.

The 24-year-old’s agents have been working to secure their client a move away from the Spanish club this winter, offering him to a number of top Premier League clubs, but the Blues are making the most decisive moves to get a deal done.

"Absolutely incredible" Rodrygo may need fresh start

The Brazil international has been a fantastic servant to Real Madrid, with journalist Bence Bocsak praising him for the impact he’s made in the Champions League.

However, the former Santos man, who is regarded as one of the best wingers in the world, may be in need of a fresh start, given that he has now gone 31 games without a goal for the La Liga side, which is the worst streak ever for a Real Madrid attacker.

That’s not to say the Osasco-born forward wouldn’t make an impact at the Etihad Stadium, however, as he has previously shown a keen eye for goal, chipping in with 68 goals and 53 assists in 286 matches for the Spanish side.

Man City now favourites to sign "incredible" £88m star, Pep's captivated by him

City have taken the lead in the race for a Premier League star, with Pep Guardiola a big fan.

ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025

£70m would be a huge fee to pay for a player in such poor form though, and Man City should test the waters with a lower offer to begin with.

Tottenham Hotspur face PSG in the Champions League tonight, looking to inflict revenge on the French outfit after the UEFA Super Cup final back in August.

The Lilywhites boasted a two-goal lead in such a clash but ultimately conceded twice late on, resulting in a penalty shootout – with Luis Enrique’s side coming out victorious.

However, tonight’s meeting at the Parc des Princes presents Thomas Frank with the chance to make amends and help bolster their standing in the league table.

His men are unbeaten in their four outings in Europe to date, previously avoiding defeat against a Ligue 1 outfit, having drawn 0-0 against Monaco back in October.

However, if the Lilywhites are to claim all three points and defeat the reigning champions, the manager will desperately need to make changes after Sunday’s defeat to local rivals Arsenal.

Why Frank needs to revert to a 4-3-3 against PSG

In the clash with the Gunners on Sunday afternoon, Frank decided to swap to a 5-4-1 system, a decision that massively restricted their ability to create chances in the final third.

He started Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha together at the base of the midfield, but the pair were far too defensively minded and unable to progress the ball into dangerous areas.

The pair could only complete one pass into the final third during the clash at the Emirates, with the manager needing to drop the Uruguayan international and revert to his usual system.

Throughout the campaign, the Dane has most commonly utilised a 4-3-3 system, with Palhinha operating at the base with two box-to-box options ahead of the loanee.

Apart from Bentancur, the manager has numerous other high-profile youngsters in his ranks, with many deserving of the opportunity to star at the heart of the side again.

Alongside the former Juventus star, Kevin Danso should be sacrificed to allow two of the aforementioned youngsters to have the chance to impress once again.

The Spurs star who should start against PSG

Archie Gray has previously been utilised in midfield by Frank over recent times, with the Spurs star having huge expectations after his £40m move from Leeds United last summer.

He’s only made six appearances across all competitions, even being named on the bench against Arsenal, but unfortunately for him, there are two other impressive options ahead of him in the pecking order.

Pape Sarr has been a key first-team member in North London this season, as seen by his tally of 11 appearances out of a possible 12, but Frank made the decision to start him on the bench last weekend.

He came on with just 24 minutes remaining in the contest, subsequently registering 100% of the passes he attempted – even managing to have an impact despite the embarrassing defeat.

As a result, the Dane must start him ahead of Palhinha in Paris this evening, but he must also introduce Lucas Bergvall to the side to complete the three-man midfield.

The Swedish youngster joined the Lilywhites for just £8m last summer, with many supporters expecting the teenager to link up with the club’s academy system at first.

However, the injury-hit campaign in 2024/25 allowed the 19-year-old to stake his claim for a regular starting role – already racking up a total of 60 senior appearances for the club.

He’s been out with a concussion over the last few weeks, with Bergvall only making one appearance in November after being replaced after just seven minutes of the meeting with Chelsea.

The Swede was an unused substitute against the Gunners last weekend, but this evening should be the game in which the manager recalls him to his starting eleven.

Bergvall has already impressed in the Premier League this campaign, with his underlying stats showcasing he’s able to produce the goods on the big occasions.

The teenager, who’s been dubbed just “like Modric” by The Athletic’s JJ Bull, has completed 2.1 successful dribbles to date – with such a figure ranking him in the top 4% of all players in the division.

Games played

9

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

83%

Dribble success

75%

Tackles won

2.8

Duels won

6.8

Recoveries made

3.8

Shots taken

1.2

He’s also made 2.8 tackles and won 6.8 duels per 90, with both of the aforementioned tallies ranking him within the top 25% of all other midfielders in England’s top-flight.

Such numbers highlight why he’s the perfect box-to-box option, with Frank needing to utilise him alongside Sarr if the club are to be victorious later on tonight.

It’s evident that the 5-4-1 system failed to catch the eye against Arsenal on Sunday, which should see the Dane match up with Enrique’s men in the Champions League this evening.

A trio of Palhinha, Sarr and Bergvall is the best option at the manager’s disposal, with such a partnership potentially allowing the side to get back to winning ways.

Frank can fix creativity woes with Spurs star who's "impossible to defend"

Tottenham Hotspur have massively struggled within the attacking third under Thomas Frank as of late.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 25, 2025

New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner sat down to address the team's offseason, the future of manager Aaron Boone and the franchise's young stars in an interview with YES Network Tuesday. He also spoke to one of baseball's hottest topics: how do you keep up with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

The Dodgers signed Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract in November and followed that up with a five-year, $74 million deal for outfielder Tommy Edman a few days later. The offseason spending didn't end there, though, with the defending World Series champions committing $445.5 million in guaranteed dollars this winter, according to . They signed the coveted Japanese pitching prospect Roki Sasaki, then brought in top free agent reliever Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million contract a few days later.

L.A.'s rampant spending to stay competitive begs the question of how other MLB teams keep pace, even for the high-rolling Yankees. Steinbrenner acknowledged the Dodgers' shopping spree can't be reproduced, but a lot still needs to go right to bring home the Commissioner's Trophy after the World Series.

"Well, look, it's difficult for most of us owners to be able to do the kind of things that [the Dodgers are] doing," Steinbrenner said to Meredith Marakovits of YES Network via Brendan Kuty of . "Now, we'll see if it pays off. They still have to have a season relatively injury-free for it to work out for them, and it's a long season, as you know, and once you get to the postseason, anything can happen. We've seen that time and time again."

Steinbrenner is optimistic about his own team, no matter the landscape, boldly claiming that the Yankees have a better team now than one season ago, even after Juan Soto chose to sign with the New York Mets. The Yankees signed Paul Goldschmit and traded for Cody Bellinger to help fill the offensive gap left by Soto's departure. They splurged themselves on free agent pitcher Max Fried, with an eight-year, $218 million deal.

Although this offseason is about keeping up with the Dodgers, Steinbrenner is optimistic for his Yankees in 2025.

A 113-run partnership for the fourth wicket between captain Tom Bruce and Curtis Heaphy, and a strong bowling performance led by Ajaz Patel and Blair Tickner took Central Districts past Hobart Hurricanes. That earned Central Districts their first points in GSL 2025.Having chosen to bat after losing their first and second matches in the competition having opting to field, Bruce got in after another poor start, with Central Districts losing Dane Cleaver and Will Young by the end of the powerplay, which came with 37 runs on the board.It soon became 40 for 3 in the eighth over, bringing Bruce and Heaphy together. And they were unseparated for 12 overs, batting through to the middle of the last over of the innings and scoring quickly. Their 113-run stand came in 73 balls, with Bruce being the aggressor by contributing 61 in 35 balls, and Heaphy 50 in 38. When Bruce fell, to Odean Smith, Central Districts had 153 on the board, and Matthew Forde went 6, 6 and 2 off the last three balls to take them to 167.The reply from Hobart Hurricanes was poor. They were two down in the powerplay, like Central Districts, and three down for 38 by the end of the eighth over. It got worse, as the wickets kept falling, and six batters were back in the dugout by the end of the 15th, with just 84 runs on the board. Ajaz had two of those six, and ended with figures of 4 for 18.That Hobart Hurricanes put up a fight and got to within 16 runs of matching their opponents was down to Mohammad Nabi, and his 65-run stand with Fabian Allen for the seventh wicket. Nabi scored a 25-ball 43, and Allen an unbeaten 36 from 16 deliveries with five sixes.The defeat meant all three of Hobart Hurricanes, Dubai Capitals and Central Districts are on two points from three games each. But Hobart Hurricanes are at No. 3 on the five-team table, followed by Dubai Capitals and Central Districts, who are at the bottom, based on their net run rates.

Jaiswal hit the only six of the session and found a way past Archer, who dismissed him in both innings of the Lord’s Test

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jul-2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal showed off his flexibility – with his body and his batting style – to stay unbeaten in the opening session•Getty Images

KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal batted through the morning unscathed in Manchester to provide supporting evidence to Shubman Gill’s belief that this was “a good toss to lose”.Ben Stokes asked India to bat first after winning his fourth consecutive toss of the series, citing the gloomy overhead conditions, but his seamers failed to make inroads. Jaiswal rode his luck early on, with Chris Woakes repeatedly beating him on the outside edge, but there were no genuine chances in the first two hours of the match.Rahul continued his impressive form, going past 400 runs in the series and becoming the fifth Indian batter to score 1,000 Test runs in England. He played the ball as late as possible and was happy to play senior partner: after Jofra Archer dismissed Jaiswal in both innings at Lord’s, Rahul soaked up 25 balls in Archer’s initial five-over spell.

Jaiswal – who had to replace a broken bat early in the session – largely played within himself, prompting Alastair Cook to suggest on the BBC’s Test Match Special that he must have been reminded of his responsibilities by India coach Gautam Gambhir between Tests. But he did hit the only six of the morning shortly before lunch, throwing his hands at a back-cut when Stokes dropped short and wide.No team has ever chosen to bowl first at Old Trafford and gone on to win a Test match, and Stokes’ belief that his team can defy that trend will be tested after a wicketless first session. The morning started with the stands half-empty and long queues outside, which Lancashire said were prompted by strict bag searches.

As Rangers’ search for a manager continues, a TalkSPORT pundit has shared what he’s heard from one candidate’s camp that reflects badly on Kevin Thelwell and the Ibrox higher ups.

Latest on Rangers' search for a manager

After confirming that Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour, Rhys Owen and Sal Bibbo will lead Rangers against Dundee United this weekend, it’s clear that the 49ers are still finalising their next manager.

It’s no real surprise that they’ve shown plenty of patience when deciding the next man for the job, however. After all, Russell Martin lasted just 123 days and represents the dire start that the 49ers have endured at Ibrox. Simply put, after that failure, they must get their next appointment right.

With their patience has come several candidates, ranging from the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer all the way to current favourite Kevin Muscat. The latter has emerged as an option for the second time in his career, having been linked with the job before Philippe Clement arrived in 2023.

Unlike 2023, however, the job could now be Muscat’s to take. The 52-year-old has enjoyed an excellent spell at Shanghai Port and is on course to win the Chinese Super League with just four games to go. But that hands Rangers quite the dilemma.

Rangers share coaching news as four faces named to staff ahead of Dundee United

The Gers will hope for a bounce back result at Ibrox.

ByBen Goodwin Oct 16, 2025

If they want to hire Muscat, then they may be forced to wait until November 22 before he officially arrives. That means that they’d have to find a temporary solution for the next seven games in a decision that would certainly do Thelwell no favours.

The sporting director is already under pressure and one talkSPORT pundit has now shared news that may only compile his misery at Ibrox.

Tanner shares "rumbles" in Gerrard camp

Speaking about the Liverpool legend’s recent decision to reject a return to Ibrox, talkSPORT pundit David Tanner shared what he’s heard from Steven Gerrard’s camp about Rangers, the 49ers and Thelwell.

Given how things have started for Thelwell, from appointing Martin to signing a group of players that are yet to make their mark, more criticism is the last thing that he needs.

In the end, however, the 49ers were seemingly not ready to compromise their sporting director’s role to welcome Gerrard back to Ibrox. Whether they live to regret that decision will certainly be interesting to watch in the coming months.

Real Madrid are facing fresh injury concerns ahead of El Clasico as Dean Huijsen’s fitness remains in doubt. The 20-year-old centre-back, who suffered a micro-tear in his left soleus muscle against Villarreal, is racing against time to recover before the high-stakes clash with Barcelona. With key defenders like Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold also sidelined, Madrid’s backline faces a major test in the coming weeks.

• Growing concern around Huijsen's injury ahead of El Clasico

  Madrid are hopeful yet cautious as Huijsen fights to return in time for El Clasico. Though the calendar shows 10 days to go, the club's optimism is mixed with anxiety. The Spaniard picked up a micro-tear in his left soleus muscle during the clash against Villarreal, where he completed the match despite discomfort. What was initially seen as a minor overload turned out to require a two-week recovery period. The defender left Spain’s national camp and began intensive rehab under Madrid’s medical team. He has since spent long hours at the training base, combining gym work with physiotherapy, while also taking short breaks in Malaga to stay mentally fresh, according to . The goal remains clear: to be fit in time for Barcelona.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Huijsen in race against time

  Huijsen’s injury was expected to sideline him for 12–15 days, meaning a return just before the showdown against Barcelona. However, his progress has been slower than previously hoped and this has already ruled out of the upcoming league clash against Getafe. The medical staff remain cautious, aware that soleus injuries are notoriously tricky and prone to relapse. Any miscalculation could set the defender back weeks further complicating Real’s already stretched defence.

  Madrid’s plan B is clear with Raul Asencio being the leading alternative, currently ahead of David Alaba in the pecking order. Coach Xabi Alonso could also reshuffle, moving Ferland Mendy to full-back and shifting Alvaro Carreras into the centre, though that scenario seems unlikely. The ideal pairing remains Eder Militao and Huijsen, provided the youngster proves his full fitness in time.

• Madrid’s defensive dilemma

  Huijsen’s absence compounds Madrid’s wider injury troubles. Club captain Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold are both recovering from muscle injuries, while Militao is only just returning from a long ACL layoff. Carvajal, who suffered a thigh strain at the Metropolitano, is expected to return around the same time as Huijsen, while Trent continues light training but isn’t yet match-fit.

  If both miss the Clasico, Federico Valverde is likely to fill in as a makeshift right-back, a role he has handled impressively earlier this season, providing both defensive stability and attacking width.

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• Getty
  

  Madrid hopes to retain top spot in La Liga

  With Barcelona just behind Los Blancos in the league and Madrid’s defensive depth being tested, Huijsen’s recovery has become a central storyline heading into the Clasico. The young defender has shown promise since breaking into the first team, earning praise for his composure and aerial strength. His potential absence could force tactical reshuffles, testing Madrid’s resilience. However, Madrid’s medical team are wary of rushing any player back, particularly with Champions League fixtures against Juventus and Liverpool looming.

علق محمود عبد الرازق شيكابالا لاعب الزمالك السابق على فوز بيراميدز بلقب السوبر الإفريقي على حساب نظيره نهضة بركان المغربي.

وتوج بيراميدز ببطولة السوبر الإفريقي للمرة الأولى في تاريخه على حساب نهضة بركان المغربي، بهدف دون رد أحرزه فيستون مايلي.

وقال شيكابالا ضيف الكورة مع فايق قناة ام بي سي مصر 2: “فريق بيراميدز أصبح منظما ويعمل بشكل صحيح، رغم الشكوك السابقة حول المشروع”.

طالع|محمد بركات: أجانب بيراميدز صنعوا الفارق.. وبيزيرا بديل شيكابالا في الزمالك

وتابع: “مباراة الأهلي كانت نقطة تحول إيجابية لبيراميدز، خاصة أنها جاءت مبكرًا ووضعته على الطريق الصحيح ورغم غياب الجماهير، فإن المدرب يورتشيتش يعوض هذا النقص بعمله الكبير”.

وأضاف: “فوز الزمالك على ديكاداها جاء في توقيت مناسب وأعاد الأمل والثقة حول الفريق، كما أعاد دعم بعض الأشخاص الذين كانوا قد ابتعدوا، خاصة من خارج النادي، والذين قدموا مساعدات مالية كبيرة، ومنهم لجنة الاستثمار”.

وكشف: “هناك أندية استعادت أراضيها بدعم استثنائي، والزمالك يستحق معاملة مشابهة، وإلا فإن النادي قد يواجه خطر الاختفاء في المستقبل إذا لم تحل أزمة أرضه”.

وواصل: “أحمد فتوح يجب أن يكون متواجدًا في كأس الأمم الإفريقية وكأس العالم، ومستواه لا يجب أن يهدر أما الونش، فعودته والمشاركة 90 دقيقة تعد بمثابة صفقة جديدة”

واختتم: “وبالنسبة لطارق حامد، إذا أراد إنهاء مسيرته في الزمالك، يجب فتح الباب له، لأنه لاعب وفي ويستحق استثناءات، ويمكن أن يكون قدوة للجيل الجديد حتى لو عاد لستة أشهر فقط”.

Celtic are back from the international break and find themselves preparing for a tough run of fixtures, including the start of their Europa League campaign under Brendan Rodgers.

The Irishman has spoken in frank fashion about the frustration he faced during the summer transfer window, claiming his side ‘weren’t ready’ for their Champions League playoff match against Kairat Almaty after the Parkhead hierarchy failed to push critical deals over the line.

Not Nygren: Rodgers must bench Celtic flop to hand new signing a debut

Brendan Rodgers must drop this Celtic lightweight to unleash one of his new signings.

ByDan Emery Sep 14, 2025

Nevertheless, the Bhoys brought in ten new players by the end of the market period before Kelechi Iheanacho was released from his Sevilla contract to sign as a free agent.

However, the lack of synergy between the Celtic board and Rodgers has been on show for all to see, and one of his lesser-spotted summer signings has now sent an intriguing social media message that may explain his own situation in a little more detail.

Celtic loanee Jahmai Simpson-Pusey sends cryptic Instagram message

Taking to Instagram, Celtic summer signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey changed his profile picture on the platform to reflect a message that said ‘Delays teach patience, which prepares you for blessings’ after failing to make a first-team appearance since arriving on loan from Manchester City.

Becoming the Hoops’ eighth addition of the window, the 19-year-old has also been left out of the Bhoys’ Europa League squad by Rodgers alongside Callum Osmand, Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura, causing some to question why he was acquired in the first place.

For now, Lennoxtown product Dane Murray appears to be ahead of Simpson-Pusey in the pecking order and is usually first in line to come off the bench when Rodgers decides to shuffle his backline around.

Regardless, there is a long season ahead for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, and there is every chance that the England youth international could have a part to play as his loan club pursue another domestic treble.

What has Brendan Rodgers said about Jahmai Simpson-Pusey?

Shortly after his arrival in Glasgow was confirmed, Rodgers admitted to the press before his side defeated Aberdeen in August that Simpson-Pusey may be some way off featuring regularly due to his lack of a full-intensity pre-season.

He stated via Sky Sports: “He’s a little bit away in fairness to Jahmai. He’s been training with the small group at Manchester City and isn’t quite up to speed yet. You can see his quality straightaway and it’s just going to take a bit of time in terms of his fitness and the intensity.”

Clearly, Simpson-Pusey is a man with plenty of talent, given he claimed the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last term and also made six appearances in the first-team under Pep Guardiola.

Now, he faces the challenge of nailing down a regular slot in Celtic’s backline, which may require persistence as the Manchester-born man looks to unseat the likes of Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty over the coming months.

سلطت صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية الضوء على المنتخبات الإفريقية المتأهلة إلى بطولة كأس العالم المقبل 2026 والتي تقام في كندا والمكسيك والولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وتُعد تلك هي النسخة الأولى بعد زيادة عدد المنتخبات إلى 48 بدلًا من 32، حيث سيتم تقسيم الفرق على 12 مجموعة، على أن يتأهل متصدر ووصيف كل مجموعة إلى دور الـ16، إلى جانب أفضل 8 منتخبات احتلت المركز الثالث في المجموعات.

وفقًا لقواعد فيفا فإنه يتأهل 9 منتخبات بشكل مباشر من قارة إفريقيا، إلى جانب آخر محتمل من خلال الملحق، إلى جانب 8 متأهلين من آسيا، بخلاف آخر محتمل من الملحق، و6 متأهلين من أمريكا الجنوبية، وبالمثل مرشح محتمل من المرحلة الفاصلة.

ويعتبر منتخب المغرب أول المتأهلين إلى كأس العالم من قارة إفريقيا كما تأهل منتخب تونس بعد فوزه القاتل على غينيا الاستوائية بهدف دون رد عن طريق محمد علي بن رمضان، في الجولة الثامنة من التصفيات.

وتأهل منتخب مصر إلى كأس العالم 2026 بعد فوزه على جيبوتي بثلاثية نظيفة خلال اللقاء الذي أقيمت على ملعب استاد محمد الزاولي.

وتأهل منتخب الجزائر أيضًا لكأس العالم 2026 بعد فوزه على الصومال بثلاثية نظيفة، إلى جانب تأهل كل من غانا، الرأس الأخضر وجنوب إفريقيا، وأخيرًا كوت ديفوار والسنغال.

اقرأ أيضًا | “ماركا”: “سلاح مفاجئ” سر تأهل منتخب المغرب إلى نهائي كأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا

ووصفت “آس” تأهل المنتخبات الإفريقية أنها تباينت بين الطموح واستعادة القوة، مثلًا ذكرت أن المغرب وتونس يهيمنان بقوة، مصر والجزائر يستعيدان قوتهما مرة ثانية، غانا تسعى إلى إثبات نفسها والرأس الأخضر تحتفل بظهورها التاريخي لأول مرة، السنغال وكوت ديفوار وجنوب إفريقيا كل منها مشاريع مستقبلية قوية. منتخب مصر.. “صلاح هو مصر.. وهذه أكبر مخاطرة له”

تأهلت مصر بثبات مستوى وظهور مميز متصدرة مجموعتها بـ8 انتصارات وتعادلين فقط، ويبقى صلاح، القائد الخالد في التاريخ والرمز الوطني لمصر مفتاح الهجوم للفراعنة مدعومًا بنجم آخر وهو عمر مرموش وموهبة مثل إبراهيم عادل.

استعاد رجال حسام حسن هويته وتوازنه بين الخطوط إلا أن اعتمادهم على الأداء البدني لصلاح قد يكون نقطة ضعف أمام منافسين أكثر قوة، الهدف هو التألق مجددًا في كأس العالم وتجاوز خيبة أم نسخة 2018. المغرب.. “شكوك حلول استمرار التألق بسبب الركراكي”

كان المغرب أول منتخب إفريقي يحجز مكانه في كأس العالم 2026 بعد تأهل شبه مثالي إذ لم يتلقَ أي هزيمة ولم يستقبل سوى هدفين فقط.

” أسود الأطلس” يرغبون في التأكيد على أن ظهورهم التاريخي في نسخة قطر 2022 لم يكن صدفة، والآن لديهم ضغوطات بسبب كأس الأمم الأفريقية القادمة على ملاعبهم.

وعلى الرغم من تحقيق رقم قياسي بـ 16 فوز متتالي إلا إن كرة القدم التي يقدمها وليد الركراكي، أصبحت محل شك بسبب عدم اعتماده على نمط تكتيك معين بل اعتماده الأكبر على الموهبة الفردية للاعبين. منتخب تونس.. “جدار صلب لم يُختبر ضد المنتخبات الكبيرة”

اكتسحت تونس مجموعتها في الصدارة برصيد 28 نقطة من 9 انتصارات وتعادل واحد و22 هدفًا مسجلًا ولم تستقبل شباكه أي أهداف ليصبح ثاني منتخب إفريقي يتأهل بعد المغرب.

تحت قيادة سامي الطرابلسي، أظهر الفريق تطورًا تكتيكيًا وتوازنًا كبيرًا ، برز وتألق حنبعل، لاعب مانشستر يونايتد السابق ونجم بيرنلي الحالي، وبن رمضان لاعب الأهلي المصري كأعمدة أساسية في وسط الميدان.

سيسعى الطرابلسي، إلى تعزيز فريقه بلاعبين مزدوجي الجنسية مثل آدي سانتوس وشرميطي، مع أقوى دفاع في إفريقيا سيكون التحدي المقبل هو مقاومة هجوم المنتخبات الكبيرة في كأس العالم. منتخب الجزائر.. “الحنين إلى نسخة 2014”

ستعود الجزائر إلى كأس العالم بعد تأهل مقنع، حيث ضمنت مكانها بفوزها على الصومال بثلاثية نظيفة بقيادة محمد عمورة الذي سجل هدفين بفضل خبرة محرز.

يجمع الخُضر بين القوة والتوازن تحت قيادة بيتكوفيتش الذي اكتسب الفريق معه صلابة وثباتًا في الأداء لكن التحدي الذي يواجههم يكمن في الحفاظ على هذا الثبات أمام الفرق الأوروبية خلال المونديال، والسؤال المطروح هو هل يستطيع الجيل الجديد تحمل ضغط استعادة إنجاز عام 2014؟ منتخب غانا.. “مواهب صاعدة لكن لا تمتلك الصلابة الدفاعية”

وضعت غانا نفسها كـ قوة إفريقية عظمى متصدرة مجموعتها برصيد 23 هدفًا مسجلة و6 أهداف ف مرماهم.

كان النجم محمد قدوس، لاعب توتنهام هوتسبير الحالي هو القوة الإبداعية لمنتخب غانا، ويتكون الفريق بين الشباب والحماس ويتميز بكثرة المواهب، لكن تذبذب أدائهم الدفاعي لا يزال يُمثل مشكلة.

يسعى “النجوم السوداء” إلى استعادة توازنهم بعد فترات الصعود والهبوط التي عاشوها خلال السنوات الأخيرة وخاصةً بعد فشلهم في التأهل إلى كأس الأمم الأفريقية المقبلة. منتخب الرأس الأخضر.. “ظهور جديد وصفر خبرة”

صنعت الرأس الأخضر تاريخًا بتأهلها إلى كأس العالم لأول مرة مُتوجة بذلك طفرة في نمو المنتخبات الإفريقية الصغيرة التي بدأت مشاريعها في كرة القدم منذ سنوات.

حقق المدرب بيدرو بريتو “بوبيستا” تماسكًا وانضباطًا تكتيكيًا واضحًا، وستكون مشاركتهم الأولى في كأس العالم تجربة ذات قيمة ويتمثل التحدي الذي يواجههم هو المنافسة دون ضغوطات أو مفاجآت وبأسلوب لعب منظم وجريء. جنوب إفريقيا.. “عودة مرتقبة لكنها لا تزال بعيدة عن الصفوة”

ستعود جنوب أفريقيا إلى كأس العالم بعد غياب دام 16 عامًا حتى بعد تجاوزها لخصم نقاط في التصفيات، أظهر الـ “بافانا بافانا” شخصية قوية وسرعة هجومية كبيرة خلال التصفيات، قد يؤثر قلة خبرتهم في البطولات العالمية سلبًا عليهم، سيكون الهدف هو المنافسة بكل فخر وإثبات أن كرة القدم الجنوب إفريقية تعود مرة أخرى إلى الصفوة. كوت ديفوار.. “قوة متجددة والكثير من الأهداف”

سيطرت كوت ديفوار على مجموعتها بقوة، وأظهرت تقدمًا كبيرًا بـ جيل كتبت له الأقدار بأن يستعيد أمجاد حقبة دروجبا، أنشأ مدربهم إيميرس فاي، هيكلًا متوازنًا يُمكنهم من هز الشباك، على الرغم من أن دفاعهم لا يزال يثير القلق، إذا حافظوا على تركيزهم وقوتهم البدنية، فقد يُصبحون أحد مفاجأة إفريقيا في عام 2026. السنغال.. “قوة وطموح”

أكدت السنغال مكانتها كقوة إفريقية بعد تأهلها والتي أظهرت صلابتها المعهودة وقوتها البدنية، يعتمد “أسود التيرانجا” على الاستمرارية والخبرة، ويتمثل التحدي الذي يواجههم في تحسين أدائهم الهجومي وتجنب الخوف الذي كلفهم الخروج من نسخة 2022، إذا نجحوا في ذلك سيصلون إلى أبعد مدى في البطولة.

حصلت منتخبات الكونغو الديمقراطية والكاميرون ونيجيريا والجابون على فرصة ثانية بفضل أدائها الحاسم في الجولة الأخيرة، مع أن فريقًا واحدًا فقط سيتأهل لمونديال 2026.

نيجيريا ضمنت مقعدها في الملحق بفوز ساحق على بنين بنتيجة 4-0، وأنهت الجابون البطولة ضمن أفضل الفرق التي احتلت المركز الثاني برصيد 22 نقطة، ستخوض الكاميرون، التي حلت خلف الرأس الأخضر، الملحق تحت ضغط بسبب حاجتها لاستعادة هيمنتها القارية، فيما تصل الكونغو الديمقراطية إلى النهائيات بلاعبين مؤثرين ومبدعين.