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James McClean has heaped praise on his Wrexham team-mate Paul Mullin and hit back at those who label the striker a tap-in merchant.

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McClean praises team-mate MullinFormer Premier League winger joined Wrexham in AugustMullin finding form after lung punctureWHAT HAPPENED?

McClean has been used to playing with Premier League-quality strikers during his career, but he has insisted that he rates Mullin very highly. The Republic of Ireland international only joined Wrexham in August, but has already struck up a good partnership with the 29-year-old striker. Last week he set up Mullin's equaliser before then scoring himself as Wrexham beat Port Vale in the EFL Trophy.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

In 2021 Mullin gave up the chance to play in League One with Cambridge United in order to play for Wrexham in the National League. Last season he scored 38 goals in 46 league games as the club owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney secured promotion to League Two. Speaking to the Leader, former Premier League star McClean shared just how good he thinks Mullin is.

WHAT JAMES MCCLEAN SAID

McClean said: "I rate him [Mullin] very highly, his record speaks for itself. He is a striker who can score all different types of goals; he is not just someone who scores six-yard tap-ins. We are very lucky to have him."

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MULLIN'S REMARKABLE RECOVERY

Mullin suffered a punctured lung and four cracked ribs during Wrexham's pre-season tour in the United States, but McClean feels that the striker is almost back up to top speed. "It was a serious injury but he is probably up to full-match sharpness now," McClean said. "That's great for us because he is starting to get that goal tally up which is good to see so long may it continue."

Ahead of South Africa’s departure for the World T20, coach Russell Domingo feels that his side’s consistency in the shortest format will hold them in good stead at the tournament

Firdose Moonda10-Mar-20164:14

‘We have to learn from our mistakes’ – Du Plessis

For all the unwanted accolades Russell Domingo earned this summer – he oversaw South Africa’s longest winless streak in Test cricket since readmission in which they were also bowled out for their two lowest scores – he remains their most successful major tournament coach and therein lies the chance for him to declare this season a success. Domingo has been in charge for two ICC tournaments, the World T20 in 2014 and the 2015 World Cup. South Africa reached the semi-finals in both tournaments and he has reason to believe they can go one, or even two better at the World T20 in India.”We’ve got a chance. We are one of the most consistent sides in this format. We can go there very confident,” Domingo said on the eve of South Africa’s departure for India. “We have prepared very well. We have some of the best players in the world. We’ve got a seriously good side. We’ll be there and thereabouts.”Cleared action doesn’t guarantee Phangiso spot in XI

Despite having his bowling action declared legal, Aaron Phangiso may still be on the sidelines for the World T20, as he was during the 2015 World Cup. Phangiso was the only member of South Africa’s 2015 party who did not play a single game and has since struggled to establish himself against an array of personal problems. He remains back-up to Imran Tahir.
“I can’t guarantee anybody a spot. We need to get there and play our best starting XI,” Russell Domingo, South Africa’s coach said.
Phangiso’s remodeled action has not yet been tested in international cricket. He was rushed through two tests after being reported for a suspect action during a domestic game last month. Phangiso’s action was found to be illegal after a first round of tests.
Domingo explained Phangiso will get a chance to put his new action to the test in the warm-up matches before South Africa decide on their final XI.
Phangiso is one of only two black African players in the squad and there could be pressure to play him as the country’s sports minister got involved in the controversy around the bowler’s action.

South Africa signed off on their home season with a 2-1 series defeat to Australia, but victories over England and India in India in the shortest format would seem to put them among the favourites. However, a difficult few months headlined by Test defeats and talk of AB de Villiers’ workload management means they will fly under the radar for a change and Domingo is quite happy with that. “We are all pretty chilled. I don’t think there is a weight of expectation around our team or any of the teams because of the nature of the competition,” he said.The structure of the tournament – two groups of five teams with each team playing each other only once – means the chances of slipping up are greater, so Domingo is encouraging his team to “keep it simple,” and not look for a special formula. “You can’t get too fancy, you can’t get too funky. There is no magic wand to wave. The sides that do the basics really well in high-pressure games, they usually come out on top,” he said.South Africa were that side for five successive limited-overs matches at home when they came from behind to beat England 3-2 in an ODI series and win the first two T20s. All those wins and the first against Australia came chasing, which has allowed South Africa to bury one ghost but resurrect another. “We’ve chased really well which is a big bonus but we need to defend a score. We need to find ways of scraping,” Domingo said.Domingo’s way of helping them find that is to ensure they have clarity of thought rather than an overload of technical expertise. “I can’t hit my players if they bowl a no-ball, or slap them on the wrist,” he said. “If you make a mistake, the last thing a player wants to hear is, ‘Why did you bowl that?’ Encouraging them and working on their thought processes is the key. If your thoughts are clear you have got a better chance of executing your plan.”Faf du Plessis has already bought into that philosophy and emphasised that the fundamentals should be South Africa’s focus as they head to into the World T20: “This team has had really good results in the subcontinent but we’ve got some of work to do to make sure we are ready for that first game. We’ve got to work on the basics.”

Meet the biggest starts in 1FF

These three players represent the competitive spirit and football quality. With their skills on the field, they are ready to make a difference and captivate the fans with their performance. These are the players to watch in every match, as they promise excitement and memorable moments for 1FF.

Mateo Morales (ST – CAM)

Mateo Morales is the most skilled striker in Angelenos. His passion for football and his family made him move from Mexico, where he was born, to Los Angeles, where he now lives.

His left leg is one of the best in the league. That is why he is known as "El Francotirador – The Sniper". He has the goal in his mind and puts the ball where he imagines it.

AdvertisementJalen Duke (LB – CB)

Duke is a native United States player.He usually plays as Left Back with the number 39. In his youth formation he used to play as center back, so he has all the conditions to play in both positions.

Coaches and fans compare him to legendary players such as Cafu and Dani Alves.

When not in the field, he enjoys exploring the beaches of California, finding peace in the waves and drawing inspiration from the ocean.

Alex León (CM – CAM)

Alex Leon is the team's best midfielder. He wears the number 10 in honor of his idols Carlos Valderrama and Juan Roman Riquelme. His ability with and without the ball makes him a complete player. He has vision, ball control and determination to play.

He is 26 years old and was born in Colombia. He can play as an attacking midfielder. He usually goes with his friends to home matches and is an extra motivation for him.

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Noah Drakenburg (ST)

Noah is a Swedish left-footed striker to watch on the pitch. He has skill, confidence, good ball control and dribbling.

A born competitor, Noah thrives under pressure and is always hungry for success. He embraces the physical battles with opposing defenders, using his strength and agility to outmuscle them and create space for himself in the box.

Noah Drakenburg's dominant right foot is his weapon of choice. His powerful and accurate shots strike fear into the hearts of goalkeepers, and his ability to find the back of the net from various positions and angles makes him a constant threat in the attacking.

Mikel Arteta will hope to learn a lot about his squad over the next few weeks, but some players will be under brighter spotlights than others

Arsenal kicked off their pre-season schedule with two 1-1 draws last week, against Watford and Nurnberg respectively, with Brazilian forward Marquinhos and Bukayo Saka both on the scoresheet. Both results won't have been of much concern to Arteta, who was mainly assessing his options and taking a closer look at some of his younger players looking to make an impact.

Kai Havertz made his debut for the Gunners at the Max-Morlock-Stadion, and he is the first of several new faces to have already arrived at the Emirates Stadium this summer as Arsenal aim to keep progressing after their runners' up finish in the Premier League.

A British record deal for Declan Rice was completed over the weekend, along with the £40m ($51m) capture of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, while the Gunners have also been strongly linked with Southampton's Romeo Lavia and Real Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda.

But there are also several members of Arteta's pre-existing group who will have points to prove over the next few weeks. Some are playing for their futures and others will be out to defy their critics, with a view to giving Arteta a selection dilemma when Arsenal's 2023-24 Premier League opener rolls around in August…

(C)Getty ImagesKai Havertz

Arsenal's decision to invest so much money in Havertz has raised a few eyebrows, not least because three years on from his initial arrival in the Premier League, it's still unclear what his best position is. The German became a Champions League winner at Chelsea, and recorded 32 goals and 15 assists across 139 games for the club in all competitions, but never delivered the goods on a consistent basis.

Havertz was also among the Blues' worst performers during a disastrous 2022-23 campaign, and the club's willingness to sell him to a direct rival speaks volumes. Still, Arteta believes he can unlock the 24-year-old's full potential, and it will certainly be fascinating to see how he fits into Arsenal's lineup.

It seems most logical for him to be used as a direct replacement for Granit Xhaka on the left of the Gunners' midfield three, but Arteta will have the chance to try him in several different positions during pre-season. Havertz will need to hit the ground running, though, or else critics of his move across London will start sharpening their knives once again.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesFolarin Balogun

Balogun has been one of the most talked about footballers on the planet over the last few months, and for good reason. He started banging in the goals almost instantly after joining Reims on loan from Arsenal, which sparked a drawn-out international allegiance tug-of-war between the United States and England.

The 22-year-old ended up choosing the USMNT, and he now has another big decision to make on his future at club level. The likes of Juventus, Milan, Inter, Marseille and RB Leipzig have been linked with moves for Balogun, who has made it clear that he "definitely won't go on loan again".

Much could depend on how well the young forward plays during Arsenal's upcoming run of friendlies, which will be his final chance to convince Arteta that he deserves a place in his starting XI. If Balogun lights up the Gunners' pre-season, there will be no reason for him to leave or for the club to sell him – but he will need to outshine his main competitor for a No.9 berth, Gabriel Jesus.

(C)Getty ImagesTakehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu is a useful asset for Arsenal, as he proved once again last season. The two-footed Japan international can play on both sides of the defence, he's cool and calm on the ball under pressure, and he can break the lines effectively with his passing and dribbling ability.

But he missed the backend of last season through injury, and will surely now have a tough time getting back into the team in his preferred right-back spot. Ben White remains first choice there for now, but Timber will push hard to replace him, and Tomiyasu is destined to slide further down the pecking order.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney could still be usurped on the left, but it will be essential for Tomiyasu to prove his fitness in the next few weeks. If he lags behind after his injury lay-off, the 2023-24 campaign could prove to be a very long one for the versatile Japanese defender.

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GettyEmile Smith Rowe

There's no way of sugar-coating it; the 2022-23 season was a complete disaster for Smith Rowe. He missed the start of the campaign after undergoing groin surgery, and didn't return to the pitch until January.

Smith Rowe was then reduced to a bench role, and finished the season without a single start to his name, leading to huge question marks over his future at the Emirates. But the 22-year-old may just have earned himself a lifeline with his superb performances for England at the U21 European Championships.

The Young Lions stormed to their first Euros triumph in 39 years in Georgia, and Smith Rowe played a key role during his six appearances while chipping in with two goals and an assist. He's currently taking a deserved break, but it will be crucial for him to transfer that form to Arsenal when he returns and show that he still has plenty to offer Arteta.

Both Kings XI and Royal Challengers are fresh off sparkling wins, but neither team will rest on their laurels as another defeat would push them to the brink of elimination

The Preview by Akshay Gopalakrishnan08-May-2016Match factsTuesday, May 9, 2016
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)4:05

Agarkar: Will be tough for Punjab to get past Bangalore

Big PictureWith a top four that would be the envy of any Twenty20 team in the world, how Royal Challengers Bangalore find themselves second from bottom of the points table is a question that the team management would be asking itself.Batting has been Royal Challengers’ stronger suit, and unlike the previous seasons, they haven’t relied on a few individuals. Virat Kohli has already struck two centuries this season and AB de Villiers has three half-centuries. Shane Watson has played some vital knocks, like the 13-ball 36 against Rising Pune Supergiants on Saturday. Sarfaraz Khan and Sachin Baby have caught the eye with scoops and reverse-scoops, while KL Rahul has been successful at the top with orthodox shots.Royal Challengers’ weak link has been the bowling. Thrice they have allowed teams to chase down totals in excess of 180. On an average, Royal Challengers have conceded 9.45 runs an over – the worst among all teams – and Watson, at 8.26, is the team’s most economical bowler.By contrast, Kings XI Punjab have thrived with the ball. Sandeep Sharma and Mohit Sharma have nailed inch-perfect yorkers in the end overs, playing key roles in each of Punjab’s three wins this season. That Mohit has added the offcutter to his back-of-the-hand legcutter augurs well for the hosts. Axar Patel’s quick fizzers and Marcus Stoinis’ slower balls add more variety to the attack. M Vijay, the captain, has multiplied the efficiency of the attack with smart field placements. He is also Kings XI’s highest run-getter this season with 229 runs in nine matches at an average and strike rate of 25.44 and 118.04, including two fifties.The form of David Miller and Glenn Maxwell, however, continues to be a cause for concern. The two have a combined tally of 310 runs in nine matches.Form guideKings XI Punjab WLWLL (last five matches, most recent first)
Royal Challengers Bangalore WLLLWIn the spotlightStoinis has proved a valuable addition to Kings XI. He has crunched 112 runs in four innings, striking at 130.23, to add to four wickets. Besides, he has shown the ability to hold his own in the slog overs with yorkers and cutters.Chris Jordan had an ordinary IPL debut, for Royal Challengers, giving away 43 runs for the wicket of Thisara Perera. Having come in as a replacement for the injured Mitchell Starc, he has big shoes to fill. Can Jordan match the Sharmas on Monday?Team newsKings XI may stick to the same team that toppled Delhi Daredevils.Kings XI Punjab (probable): 1 M Vijay (capt), 2 Marcus Stoinis, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 David Miller, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Gurkeerat Singh, 9 Mohit Sharma, 10 Sandeep Sharma, 11 KC CariappaRoyal Challengers have already paid the price for using an occasional wicketkeeper in Rahul. He has fluffed stumping chances and allowed the ball to sneak through. It was one such missed stumping, of Andre Russell, which might have cost Royal Challengers their match against Kolkata Knight Riders. Will they pass the keeping gloves to Kedar Jadhav? Rahul, though, has come good with the bat, which means that Sachin Baby may have to be left out to accommodate Jadhav. Royal Challengers also made the bold move of dropping Chris Gayle against Supergiants. Will they be tempted to give him another go? If Gayle makes the cut, Travis Head is likely to miss out.Royal Challengers Bangalore (probable): 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 Chris Gayle/Travis Head, 3 KL Rahul, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 Shane Watson, 6 Sachin Baby/Kedar Jadhav (wk), 7 Stuart Binny, 8 Parvez Rasool, 9 Chris Jordan, 10 Varun Aaron, 11 Yuzvendra ChahalPitch and conditionsThe Mohali surface has helped the spinners this season. Teams have enjoyed chasing at the venue, although the last two matches have suggested otherwise. Cloud cover is expected, but there is no rain forecast.Stats and trivia Wriddhiman Saha’s 52 against Daredevils was his first fifty-plus score in the IPL after 19 innings. The last time he passed 50 was in the 2014 final, when he scored an unbeaten 115 against Knight Riders. Virat Kohli went past 500 runs for the season during the course of his unbeaten 108 against Supergiants. Kohli did so in his eighth innings, making it the fastest by any batsman in a season. The record previously belonged to Kohli’s team-mate, Chris Gayle, who took nine innings in 2011.Quotes”Sarfaraz Khan isn’t going to get more than 10-15 balls to play. You can’t afford to have too many in the field who aren’t up to the mark with their speed. You need guys who are fit, and can get to the ball quickly to save you 5-6 runs in the field. Sachin Baby is committed and works on those things. I’d be committed to anyone who gives me 120 per cent in the field.”

Former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder believes he should have beaten Lionel Messi to the 2010 Ballon d'Or back in 2010.

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Lionel Messi won 2010 Ballon d'OrSneijder finished in fourth in standingsBelieves he should've won the awardGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Sneijder had an incredible season in 2009–10, helping Jose Mourinho's Inter win the Champions League, Coppa Italia, and Serie A. After that, Sneijder's Netherlands lost to Spain in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa. Conversely, Messi won the La Liga title in that season, and ultimately, his second Ballon d'Or. The Dutchman has now revealed that he should have had his name on the highly coveted individual award ahead of the Argentine.

AdvertisementWHAT SNEIJDER SAID

“It was a little unfair that I didn’t win the 2010 Ballon d’Or and Messi did“, Sneijder said in an interview with Egyptian channel Alhayah TV, via . "But, I’m not a guy who cries about that. The Ballon d’Or is an individual award, and I prefer to win collective trophies. If I had to choose between the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, I would choose the Champions League I won, I’m very happy with that title. We deserved to win in the 2010 final against Spain, but they were incredible and beat us. Reaching the final was a wonderful achievement that I dreamed of and I’m still heartbroken to have lost.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

In the final voting list for the 2010 trophy, Sneijder came in fourth place. Messi received 22% of the vote, more than his Barcelona colleagues Andres Iniesta (17%) and Xavi (16%), while the Dutchman received 14%. Sneijder, who hung up his boots back in 2019, still appears upset over Messi's victory, although acknowledges that his biggest career regret is losing to Spain in South Africa.

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WHAT NEXT FOR SNEIJDER?

The Dutchman has now retired and is currently involved with FC Utrecht in an unannounced role. The player called it quits on the field in 2019, playing his final season with Qatari side Al-Gharfah.

First India then Australia: neither side was able to take control on day two of the second Test in muggy Brisbane

The Report by Daniel Brettig18-Dec-2014
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:06

Will India be happy with 408?

First India then Australia: neither side was able to take control on day two of the second Test in muggy Brisbane.The visitors’ loss of six for 87 at the steady hands of Josh Hazlewood gave the hosts a better sight of the batting crease than they could have expected after day one, but a trio of wickets to the speedy Umesh Yadav left the captain Steven Smith a little shorter of support than he would have preferred. Storms threatened all day but it was ultimately poor light that brought the day to an early close.India’s captain MS Dhoni was arguably the more content of the two captains, having made enough incisions to expect the possibility of a first innings lead on day three. Indiscriminate strokes meant that David Warner and Shane Watson both squandered strong starts, and Chris Rogers was cramped and then caught by Dhoni from the fast and hostile Umesh as refreshments were being served.Much now rests on the shoulders of Smith, who looked in sublime touch on his way to an unbeaten 65 but also lost Shaun Marsh, for once making neither a duck nor a hundred for Australia. Warner seemed intent on replicating his twin hundreds in Adelaide, helped once again by India’s curious preference for bowling around the wicket to him.He surged to 29 in 27 balls, but the 28th was short and fast from Umesh, prompting a miscued pull that was taken in the slips. Rogers showed sound judgement around off stump and appeared to enjoy the extra pace on the ball, while Watson played through the line with confidence after getting fortuitously off the mark when a Varun Aaron bouncer skimmed off the surface and took the shoulder of his bat.Storm clouds were gathering around the Gabba when Dhoni introduced R Ashwin’s offbreaks, and he kept mid-on up as Watson sweated on a chance to flay the slow bowler down the ground. Dhoni was to be rewarded for this when Watson did not get all of his attempted strike, Shikhar Dhawan taking the catch and Virat Kohli screaming his delight at Australia’s disconsolate No. 3.Rogers’ exit on the stroke of tea brought Shaun Marsh to the middle for the first time in a home Test since his horrid series against the same opposition in 2011-12, but he looked in sturdy enough touch until top edging a pull at Aaron that Rahane circled around without ever looking like he was going to take it. India’s chagrin was brief, however, as Marsh angled his bat at a rapid delivery from Umesh and was taken neatly by Ashwin in the slips, using every centimetre of his tall frame to clasp it.Dhoni and Ashwin had contributed a useful 57-run union in the morning, but Hazlewood’s tight lines, bounce and hint of swing were justly rewarded with handsome figures that put his more experienced counterparts in the shade. The ball of the day was saved for Ajinkya Rahane, who had reached 81 and looked good for many more.Less threatening was Mitchell Starc, who struggled notably for rhythm and confidence as Smith looked for bowling options after being shorn of Mitchell Marsh due to a hamstring problem.The Gabba air was even heavier than it had been on day one, rain seeming imminent but staying away across the morning. Such atmospherics favoured swing, and combined with a pitch that had dried and quickened appreciably, it made for ideal pace-bowling climes.Hazlewood was freed up from the cramps that afflicted him late on the first evening, and found nifty movement to go with his steep trajectory. Rahane was in fluent touch, and proved it by snicking a delivery that most would not have got near – Brad Haddin’s fifth dismissal out of five, on the way to equalling the Australian record with six.Dhoni began as though intent on being an immovable object, hardly flinching when struck on the arm by Hazlewood and the shoulder by Mitchell Johnson. His barely discernible evasive action for the latter blow had the umpire Marais Erasmus calling dead ball when Dhoni ran, the pair engaging in animated discussion as a result.Watson came on to relieve Hazlewood, and second ball drew an edge from Rohit Sharma that Smith caught brilliantly in his outstretched right hand, having initially tried to reach it with both palms. Smith’s ebullient celebration indicated his desire to cut through the Indian tail, but another indifferent spell from Starc allowed Dhoni and Ashwin to mount a pesky stand.Australian shoulders slumped a little, but Hazlewood’s second spell of the morning brought further indications of his quality. Ashwin edged to first slip with a slightly closed bat face, and Dhoni touched a nip-backer he was trying to leave.Aaron was pouched at short leg – by the substitute Marnus Labuschagne – in what would have been the final over of the session, and the half-hour extension was enough time for Nathan Lyon to also account for Umesh. His day was far from done though.

This could be it for several Mexico national team players.

Juan Carlos Osorio has called in 26 players to be part of his squad to face Iceland and Croatia in March friendly matches, but the Mexico manager says he already knows who will be on his list to go to the World Cup. We've seen over the past few years, though, that Osorio is now willing to have his mind changed. The players not currently on the list still could change his mind, while some of the players who may be set for the trip to Russia could need to shore up their spot.

Starting from most necessary to least, we've taken a look at the players who have to impress the Colombian coach and his staff this month to have any chance of fulfilling the dream of representing their country at the sport's biggest stage. 

GettyOmar GoveaJuan Carlos Osorio recently visited the 22-year-old in Belgium, where the midfielder plays for Royal Excel Mouscron. The San Luis Potosi native clearly is on the radar, but he's played just 16 minutes with El Tri. He needs to add to that total this month to have a chance at the final squad.AdvertisementAdam HungerJorge Hernandez"Burrito" played the second half of El Tri's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in January, following up on a decent showing in the Gold Cup. After not being called in for a World Cup qualifier in his career, though, it's tough to imagine the 28-year-old will be at the World Cup finals without doing something extraordinary in the final tune-ups.Getty ImagesJonathan GonzalezThe 18-year-old midfielder has only suited up for Mexico once, but Osorio and his staff like what they've seen from Gonzalez. He still needs to work for his place on the roster, which the Mexican federation has taken great pains to note was not guaranteed in exchange for the California-born midfielder's decision to file a one-time switch after representing the U.S. at the youth level. Gonzalez is a talented player, but does he do enough to merit a spot in Russia? He'll have to prove it.ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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USA Today SportsEdson AlvarezThe 20-year-old defender only recently was back in the Club America starting lineup thanks to a mix of injury and suspension. His struggle for club minutes is a concern, but his versatility may outweigh those issues. Across an already thin back line, Alvarez's ability to come in as a right back, a center back or even play in the midfield is attractive to Osorio. Solid cameos in March may lock up a spot, though a poor performance could raise doubts.

Some of the game's greatest have featured for Portugal, but only the best are allowed in our all-time XI!

Portugal first qualified for the World Cup in 1966, as a team featuring legendary Ballon d'Or winner Eusebio finished in third place.

Their golden generation arrived in the 1990s with legends like Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Paulo Sousa turning Portugal into a force to be reckoned with.

Trophies evaded that crop of players, however, as Portugal had to wait until 2016 for their first major piece of silverware when they won the European Championship at the expense of France.

They then lifted the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League to build on their first success.

Plenty of superstars have featured for Selecao throughout the years, but only the greatest ever can make it into their all-time best XI!

GK: Vitor Baia

One of the most decorated goalkeepers of all time, Vitor Baia made an impression with Porto before catching the eye of Portuguese national team selectors.

He made his senior debut in 1990 at the age of 21 and went on to make 80 appearances for the national team until 2002, playing a starring role at Euro 1996 and 2000, as well as the 2002 World Cup.

At Euro 2000, it was Baia who stopped Arif Erdem's penalty in a 2-0 win over Turkey in the quarter-finals.

Then came Luiz Felipe Scolari as Portugal's manager and Baia never played for his country again.

That doesn't stop him from beating Rui Patricio to the No.1 jersey in this dream team, though!

AdvertisementRB: Joao Domingos Pinto

Regarded as one of the greatest Portuguese defenders of all time, Pinto represented his country for more than a decade, featuring in one World Cup and one European Championship.

He appeared in 70 games for Portugal and captained them 42 times.

After failing to help Portugal qualify for the 1994 World Cup, Pinto was reduced to tears on the field.

Bobby Robson, who coached him at his club Porto once famously said: "Pinto has two hearts and four legs. It's extremely difficult to find a player like him."

Imago ImagesCB: Fernando Couto

Couto played at the 2002 World Cup as well as three European Championships during a 14-year spell for Portugal.

He made his debut for the senior team in December 1990 in a 1-0 friendly win over United States.

He went on to represent Portugal at the Euro 1996, scoring a memorable goal against Turkey in the group stages.

Couto also featured at Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup and became the first Portuguese player to reach 100 caps, in October 2003.

He then captained Portugal at Euro 2004, where they reached the final.

The defender played 110 games for Portugal before hanging up his boots.

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GettyCB: Pepe

One of the best defenders of his generation, Pepe was actually born and raised in Brazil but opted to play for Portugal and thus gets to partner Couto at the back.

Since 2007, he has made over 125 appearances for Portugal and has played at three World Cups and four Euros.

Pepe was part of the Portugal team that won Euro 2016, as well as the one before that reached the semi-final of Euro 2012.

Gio Reyna is seeing questions asked of his future at Borussia Dortmund, but the USMNT star reportedly has no desire to move in January.

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Midfielder remains a key man for his countrySeeing limited game time at club levelInterest shown ahead of winter windowWHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international has nursed his way through more injury problems in the 2023-24 campaign, making it difficult for him to make the desired impact at club level. He has continued to be called upon by his country, with the U.S. into another CONCACAF Nations League semi-final.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Reyna has, however, taken in just 127 minutes of Bundesliga action this season – with only one start handed to him. His performances have been doing little to convince BVB boss Edin Terzic of his worth, leading to suggestions that a new challenge could be sought in the winter transfer window.

DID YOU KNOW?

are reporting, though, that Reyna has shown no interest in heading elsewhere. Several clubs are said to have cast admiring glances in the direction of the 21-year-old playmaker, but he is knocking all approaches back as he still wants to make his mark in Dortmund.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Sky transfer expert Florian Plettenberg has said “the whole situation can change in the summer, then it depends on Reyna”, but for now the USMNT star is ready to stay put and fight for the game time he craves heading towards the 2024 Copa America that will be staged in the United States next summer.