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O Botafogo está perto de conquistar o primeiro turno do Campeonato Brasileiro. Com 39 pontos, o Glorioso está a 13 do segundo colocado, Flamengo. Caso ganhe a disputa, será um feito inédito para o clube. O Lance! relembra todos os campeões do Troféu Osmar Santos, dado ao campeão do primeiro turno, e do Troféu João Saldanha, do segundo turno do Brasileirão.

+ Confira a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro

Campeonato Brasileiro 2004

Campeão 1º turno – Santos: 41 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Santos: 48 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Santos – 89 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2005

Campeão 1º turno – Corinthians: 42 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Internacional: 44 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Corinthians – 81 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2006

Campeão 1º turno – São Paulo: 38 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – São Paulo: 40 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: São Paulo – 78 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2007

Campeão 1º turno – São Paulo: 39 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – São Paulo: 38 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: São Paulo – 77 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2008

Campeão 1º turno – Grêmio: 41 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – São Paulo: 42 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: São Paulo – 75 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2009

Campeão 1º turno – Internacional: 39 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Cruzeiro: 40 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Flamengo – 67 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2010

Campeão 1º turno – Fluminense: 38 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Grêmio: 43 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Fluminense – 71 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2011

Campeão 1º turno – Corinthians: 37 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Fluminense: 38 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Corinthians – 71 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2012

Campeão 1º turno – Atlético-MG: 43 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – São Paulo: 35 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Fluminense – 77 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2013

Campeão 1º turno – Cruzeiro: 40 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Cruzeiro: 36 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Cruzeiro – 76 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2014

Campeão 1º turno – Cruzeiro: 43 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Corinthians: 37 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Cruzeiro – 80 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2015

Campeão 1º turno – Corinthians: 40 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Corinthians: 41 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Corinthians – 81 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2016

Campeão 1º turno – Palmeiras: 36 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Palmeiras: 44 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Palmeiras – 80 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2017

Campeão 1º turno – Corinthians: 47 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Chapecoense: 32 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Corinthians – 72 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2018

Campeão 1º turno – São Paulo: 41 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Palmeiras: 47 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Palmeiras – 80 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2019

Campeão 1º turno – Flamengo: 42 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Flamengo: 48 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Flamengo – 90 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2020

Campeão 1º turno – São Paulo: 37 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Flamengo: 36 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Flamengo – 71 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2021

Campeão 1º turno – Atlético-MG: 42 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Atlético-MG: 42 pontos[

Campeão do Brasileirão: Atlético-MG – 84 pontos

Campeonato Brasileiro 2022

Campeão 1º turno – Palmeiras: 39 pontos

Campeão 2º turno – Internacional: 43 pontos

Campeão do Brasileirão: Palmeiras – 81 pontos

فسّر تروي ديني، اللاعب السابق ومحلل شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية، السبب وراء عدم إلغاء هدف مانشستر يونايتد الأول ضد نظيره ليفربول، في مباراتهما مساء يوم الأحد في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

واستضاف ملعب “الأنفيلد” مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد في الجولة الثامنة من الدوري الإنجليزي، حيث خسر الريدز بهدفين مقابل هدف.

وسجل بريان مبيومو هدف مانشستر يونايتد الأول قبل مرور دقيقتين من بداية الشوط الأول، وطالب ليفربول بضرورة إلغائه بداع وجود خطأ ضد ماك أليستر في بداية الهجمة.

وتعرض أليستر للتدخل والسقوط قبل أن يحرز مبيومو هدف التقدم لصالح مانشستر يونايتد، ولكن الحكم احتسبه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. شبكة إنجليزية عن استبدال سلوت لـ محمد صلاح أمام مانشستر يونايتد: يدل على شيء ما

وقال تروي ديني، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “أولًا وقبل كل شيء، فان دايك هو من ضرب ماك أليستر بمرفقه، ومن ثم فهو زميله في الفريق”.

وأضاف: “إذا سقط على أرض الملعب لمدة 10/15 ثانية، يجب على الحكم العودة، ولكن كان ذلك في منتصف هجمة مرتدة، المشكلة الآن بالنظر إلى القواعد فإن الجميع يسقط ممسكين وجوههم حتى لو كان كاحلهم هو المُصاب، لذلك فإن الحكام في موقف صعب”.

وواصل: “لا يوجد خطأ فيما حدث، وإذا كان أي من مشجعي ليفربول يقول إن هذا هو سبب خسارتهم للمباراة وأن الهدف كان لا ينبغي احتسابه، فشاهدوا حلقتي لاحقًا الليلة وسأوضح لكم لماذا ليس هذا هو الحال”.

واستكمل: “أنا أحب فان دايك، ولكن هناك شيء ما يحدث على الجانب الأيسر بينه وبين كيركيز، لأن مبيومو على الأرض وينهض ويركض متجاوزًا فان دايك ليسجل الهدف”.

Nottingham Forest have officially lodged a complaint with UEFA following their dramatic 3-2 Europa League home defeat to FC Midtjylland, as the pressure mounts on manager Ange Postecoglou just six games into his reign at the City Ground. Forest chiefs were left incensed by the controversial officiating during Thursday’s European clash, which saw the visitors escape with three points amid a series of questionable decisions from French referee Willy Delajod.

• Forest erupt after Europa League chaos

  According to Delajod’s performance is at the heart of Forest’s outrage. Despite Midtjylland’s bruising, physical approach, the official showed just one yellow card to the Danish side, to wing-back Kevin Mbabu, while three Forest players were booked: Morato, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Referee under fire after Midtjylland mayhem

  A particularly reckless challenge by Denil Castillo on Elliot Anderson early in the contest summed up the inconsistency, with the Midtjylland midfielder somehow escaping with only a verbal warning. Forest sources say the stop-start nature of the officiating killed their rhythm and denied them the chance to build any attacking momentum.

• Ange under fire: Six games, no wins and no mercy

  The defeat has left Postecoglou’s position hanging by a thread. The Australian boss, who only took over in the summer, has endured a nightmare start to life in Nottingham, with no wins from his first six games in charge. This is the worst record by a Forest manager for over 100 years, since John Baynes went winless in any of his first seven games in 1925. 

  Thursday’s loss marked yet another low point, with sections of the City Ground crowd turning on the manager by chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning!”; a brutal soundtrack for a coach already fighting for survival. Fans also resurrected songs for former manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked only last month but has since resurfaced as West Ham boss.

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  Forest at a crossroads before international break

  Sunday’s clash with Newcastle could well determine Postecoglou’s fate. Club insiders admit that failure to end the winless run will almost certainly trigger a managerial change during the break. Forest’s owners are said to be “deeply concerned” about the team’s direction and fear that another loss could see morale sink even lower. 

Few transfer windows have tested Newcastle United’s resolve quite like this one.

The Magpies’ pursuit of a reliable centre-forward has stretched across the summer, with numerous targets identified but deals proving elusive.

Liam Delap and João Pedro went to Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike chose a different project, and Benjamin Šeško slipped away despite strong interest.

Each missed opportunity has increased the pressure on Newcastle’s recruitment team and added urgency to their search.

The situation has been further complicated by Alexander Isak’s public desire to leave St James’ Park.

After being linked with Liverpool all summer, the Swedish striker released a statement on Instagram citing broken promises and his wish for a fresh start.

He has refused to reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s squad, missed the opening Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Liverpool, and reportedly will not return to training.

That has left Newcastle without a senior striker, particularly damaging with Anthony Gordon suspended following his red card against Liverpool.

On Thursday night, a breakthrough came with a club-record £69m agreement for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, a towering 23-year-old who scored 12 Bundesliga goals last term.

Bayern Munich had been circling, but persuasive talks with Howe convinced him of the Tyneside project.

Woltemade’s arrival is significant, but Newcastle may not stop there.

Latest on Newcastle's next striker target

The other name at the heart of Newcastle’s transfer plans is Jørgen Strand Larsen.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Magpies are preparing to return with a third bid for Wolves’ 25-year-old striker after two earlier offers were turned down, the latest worth £55m.

Wolves remain determined to hold onto their “proper No.9”, as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson, who only joined permanently from Celta Vigo this summer after a loan deal was made permanent for £23m.

Strand Larsen has quickly become central to Vítor Pereira’s attack at Molineux. The forward is understood to be open to a move, particularly with the lure of Champions League football at St James’ Park.

Reports suggest he has politely asked Wolves’ hierarchy to consider Newcastle’s approach, but the Midlands club – who have already sold Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri – insist he is not for sale.

Their stance mirrors Brentford’s firm rejection of Newcastle’s advances for Yoane Wissa earlier in the window. Nevertheless, Newcastle remain undeterred.

With Isak unavailable and Wilson gone, Howe sees the Norwegian as the ideal fit for his high-pressing, direct system.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With Woltemade’s arrival all but secured, the coaching staff view Strand Larsen not as a replacement, but as an upgrade on the German – potentially giving Newcastle two very different attacking options heading into a demanding season.

How Strand Larsen compares to Woltemade

The potential of signing both Strand Larsen and Woltemade has sparked debate among supporters and analysts alike.

Both are young, tall centre-forwards with room to develop, yet their statistical profiles highlight different strengths.

Stats – 2024/25
Stat	Jørgen Strand-Larsen	Nick Woltemade
Matches Played	35	28
Goals	14	12
Assists	4	2
Progressive Passes	29	52
Progressive Carries	17	32
Source: FBref

Strand Larsen was consistent for Wolves in the Premier League last season, scoring 14 times and registering 18 goal involvements across 35 appearances.

His efficiency in front of goal is reflected in a 61.1% shot-on-target rate – impressively high for a striker taking regular attempts.

Per 90 minutes, he averaged 1.15 shots on target, underlining his ability to work goalkeepers with relatively few wasted efforts.

While not prolific in ball progression, his 0.59 progressive carries and 1.01 progressive passes per 90 demonstrate a willingness to link up play.

By contrast, Woltemade’s numbers at Stuttgart last term illustrate a more versatile and mobile profile.

Despite featuring in only 28 Bundesliga matches, he recorded 14 goal involvements and averaged a higher volume of progressive actions – 1.72 carries and 2.89 progressive passes per 90.

His overall involvement in attacking moves was greater, reflected by 4.38 shot-creating actions per 90 compared to Strand Larsen’s 1.46.

Physically taller at 1.98m, the German also excels at dropping deeper to knit midfield and attack, though his shot accuracy (50% on target) lags behind his Norwegian counterpart.

Defensively, Woltemade again offers more.

He averages 0.56 tackles and 1.28 blocks per 90, showing greater defensive contribution in Newcastle’s high-pressing style.

Strand Larsen, meanwhile, contributes less off the ball (0.35 tackles, 0.66 blocks per 90), though his aerial strength (1.93m frame) provides a different outlet.

Taken together, these statistics explain Newcastle’s thinking. In Woltemade, they gain a forward comfortable carrying and distributing the ball, useful against teams who defend deep.

In Strand Larsen, they would secure a more clinical, penalty-box striker, adept at punishing defensive lapses and capitalising on crosses.

Having both options would give Howe tactical flexibility, allowing for different styles depending on the opposition.

The reality is that Newcastle’s hopes of re-establishing themselves as Champions League regulars rest on finding a reliable source of goals.

Isak’s impending exit has created a void, and while Woltemade’s signing has eased immediate concerns, the addition of Strand Larsen would truly transform their attacking department.

Whether Wolves can be persuaded before the deadline remains to be seen, but Newcastle’s persistence suggests they are ready to push hard.

Bruno will love him: Newcastle open talks to sign "£100m-plus footballer"

Newcastle could make an ambitious late move, much to the benefit of Bruno Guimaraes.

By
Will Miller

Aug 29, 2025

If Arsenal’s victory over Nottingham Forest was about sweeping joyous football and a team that reminded us of 2022/23, the 2-0 win over Athletic Club in the Champions League was more about attrition.

It was a reminder of the progress and changes Mikel Arteta has made to his team since 2022. Arsenal are more stern; they’re difficult to break down and it’s about trying to find a way to win at all costs. They did that in Bilbao on Tuesday evening.

This was not their finest performance in Europe over the last few years, far from it, but they found a way and their ability to get over the line courtesy of their impressive defence was seen again.

This was the Basque club’s first game in the Champions League for 11 years. The first time the euphoric theme song had been played inside their stadium for over a decade. It was never going to be an easy tie. It proved just that.

Ultimately, the north Londoners left it late but headed back to the English capital with a pair of substitutes to thank. This time it wasn’t about the shiny new toys, as it was against Forest. This time, it was two of the old guard who rescued Arsenal.

How Arsenal won in Bilbao

Heading into this clash, Arteta made just one change to his starting XI, which saw Declan Rice come into the team at the expense of the injured Martin Odegaard.

There was perhaps a surprise in defence too. Riccardo Calafiori, who spent a lot of last season out with injury, played his fifth game in a row, starting ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly and new signing Piero Hincapie.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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It’s evident Arteta really values the way the Italian can drive forward and invert from left-back.

A lot of the praise come full-time was deservedly sent the way of Calafiori and his fellow defenders, not least Cristhian Mosquera, who continues to go from strength to strength in Arsenal colours.

William Saliba, who? The young Spaniard has ensured that Saliba’s injury hasn’t impacted the side at all.

While the hosts did not dominate possession, they had their spells in the game, but ultimately they came to very little. Gabriel and Mosquera were titans at the back, the former winning five of his six duels and the latter winning seven of his 13 battles.

It was perhaps up front where the Gunners struggled most on this occasion.

A few days ago, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke dazzled as they defeated Ange Postecoglou’s men but on this occasion, they found it more difficult.

Madueke was still a consistent threat, attempting four dribbles but unlike Forest, he struggled to create. He provided five key passes a few days ago but none on Tuesday.

On the other hand, Eze really found his work difficult. He made one key pass and didn’t have a shot. His magic abilities were limited but he will no doubt have brighter nights in Europe this season.

What that meant is that with just under 20 minutes to go, Arteta needed a rescue act. He got that courtesy of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

With Madueke and Eze entering the building, it looked like their days as regular starters were numbered but they issued a reminder on Tuesday night that they are still part of this squad.

Within 36 seconds of coming on Martinelli showed he’s made for European away nights, bursting clear of the Bilbao defence before coolly slotting the ball past Unai Simon having been subbed on for Eze.

Martinelli was involved in the second goal too, acting as the supply line for Trossard who scored his first goal of the campaign with just three minutes to go.

It was a difficult night for the Gunners, one where they had to suffer, and it was made trickier by the midfield three.

Arsenal star must be dropped after Bilbao

Against Liverpool a few weeks ago, a match in which Arsenal set up tactically in a similar fashion to Tuesday evening on the continent, Arteta selected a midfield three of Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Rice.

For Zubimendi and Merino, this week’s clash was one with extra narrative. Once of Real Sociedad, they were heading back to the club’s rivals. They knew what this game and type of atmosphere would bring.

Unfortunately, they struggled to make much of an imprint on the game. Merino was perhaps the biggest culprit in that regard.

Merino’s time at Arsenal has been curious. In midfield, he’s showcased his technical ability but also his flaws. It’s actually up front where he’s shone most, notably scoring six times towards the back end of last season when operating as an emergency striker.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

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He has showcased he can do it from deeper areas too, scoring a hat-trick for Spain against Turkey over the international break.

However, he had no such joy in Bilbao on Tuesday. In fact, Arteta should have picked a more creative outlet with Odegaard out injured, perhaps Ethan Nwaneri.

Merino vs Bilbao

Minutes played

90

Touches

40

Accurate passes

21/28 (75%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

0

Shots

1

Dribbles

0

Ground duels won

2/6

Aerial duels won

3/7

Possession lost

11x

Fouls

3

Stats via Sofascore.

Fielded in the ‘Odegaard role’, the 29-year-old struggled to get on the ball much, ultimately having just 40 touches, 16 fewer than goalkeeper David Raya, not what you want from a midfielder on a big night in Europe.

Described as “clunky” by the Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid, with those touches, he completed just 75% of his passes. Only one of those passes transpired into a key pass or a goalscoring opportunity.

Usually heralded as something of a duel monster, Merino struggled in this capacity too.

The Spaniard won just two of his six ground duels. He also only won three of his seven aerial battles. This wasn’t a good night for him and Arteta must consider dropping him to the bench when they take on Manchester City this weekend.

Merino and Rice as the two 8s in this team simply doesn’t work. They are fantastic players, but they look a lot better when paired with someone more creative.

Arteta must heed that warning against Man City, or else it may be another struggle for Arsenal to create. Stable and tenacious Merino may be, but his influence on this Arsenal team wanes significantly when he plays in Odegaard’s position. It must not happen again.

Related They lost the ball 25x: Arteta must never start Arsenal duo together again

Arsenal sealed a 2-0 win over Athletic Club in their opening Champions League clash of the season.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 16, 2025

كشف الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، عن وجوده اتجاه لدى ييس توروب المدير الفني لـ فريق الكرة بـ الأهلي لإجراء بعض التغييرات على قوام التشكيل خلال مباراته المقبلة أمام إيجل نوار بدوري أبطال إفريقيا.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع إيجل نوار مساء السبت المقبل، ضمن لقاءات إياب دور الـ32 من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وقال أحمد شوبير في تصريحات إذاعية عبر أثير “اون سبورت اف ام”: “كوكا لن يشارك في مباراة الدوري القادمة، لكنه سيكون متواجدًا في مباراة إفريقيا، وبالتالي قد يكون محمد شكري هو الظهير الأيسر في اللقاء المقبل، كما قد نشهد مشاركة مصطفى شوبير في حراسة المرمى”.

وأضاف: “الثنائي محمد هاني وياسر إبراهيم سيواصلان التواجد في الدفاع، بينما قد نرى ياسين مرعي أو العش في التشكيل المقبل، وفي وسط الملعب من الممكن أن يبدأ أليو ديانج أساسيًا بعد الأداء المميز الذي قدّمه في المباراة الماضية، المدرب سيقيّم الوضع قبل أن يقرر ما إذا كان الفريق بحاجة إلى تدعيمات جديدة”.

وتابع: “عودة أشرف داري ستكون إضافة قوية لدفاع الأهلي، فهو لاعب مميز لكن يعاني من سوء حظ بسبب كثرة الإصابات”.

طالع | بن رمضان: توروب إضافة قوية للاعبي الأهلي.. ونحاول تطبيق أفكاره

وأردف: “من المنتظر أن يعود خلال أربعة أو خمسة أيام، والمدرب سيتابع حالته، إضافة إلى تقييم أداء بيكهام، قبل اتخاذ قرار بشأن التعاقد مع مدافع جديد أو ظهير أيسر، خاصة أن الفريق لا يملك ظهيرًا أيسر صريحًا في الوقت الحالي، إذ إن أحمد نبيل كوكا لاعب وسط في الأساس”.

وواصل: “توروب أشار إلى أن اللاعبين لم ينفذوا خطته بنسبة 100%، لكنهم قدموا جزءًا كبيرًا منها، وأكد أنه سيمنحهم الفرصة للتطور”.

وأتم: “بصراحة أعجبتني تصريحاته، فهو يتحدث بتوازن وهدوء، لا يبالغ في المدح ولا يحمل اللاعبين المسؤولية بشكل مبالغ فيه، وهذا أمر إيجابي جدًا في بدايته مع الفريق”.

After an impressive start in the Premier League, Sunderland now reportedly face the threat of losing one of their star players amid fresh interest from rivals Aston Villa.

Le Bris: Sunderland have to be "adaptable" against Forest

Without a defeat in three Premier League games, Sunderland sit as high as seventh and now have the opportunity to extend Ange Postecoglou’s winless start at Nottingham Forest. Victory could even take the Black Cats to as high as second in the Premier League if a number of results go their way, but Regis Le Bris is well aware that Forest will not be a simple game despite recent form.

After last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, in which summer signing Reinildo received a red card, there’s certainly plenty to think about for the Sunderland boss.

As far as promoted sides are concerned, it’s worth noting that those in Wearside as well as Leeds United and Burnley have enjoyed a refreshingly solid start as they look to become the first sides in six to secure safety in their first season back in the top flight.

A number of players have particularly stood out at the Stadium of Light so far this season, with new signings such as Nordi Mukiele already settling in well. Meanwhile, those who were already at the club have also made the step up with unexpected ease. But what that has done is hand Sunderland a potential transfer dilemma.

Aston Villa interested in signing Wilson Isidor

As reported by Football Insider, Aston Villa now want to sign Wilson Isidor after the Sunderland forward impressed against them last weekend. The forward equalised in clinical fashion to make it three goals in three Premier League games at the Stadium of Light.

It’s the type of form that was always likely to attract suitors, but also the type that has seen Sunderland slap a £35m price-tag on their talented forward. If Villa want to steal in and sign the Black Cats star, it simply won’t come cheap.

Villa’s interest in a clincial forward like Isidor should come as no surprise. Unai Emery’s side have scored just one goal all season, which came against Sunderland last time out, and Ollie Watkins only extended his goal drought by missing a penalty in the Europa League this week.

Sunderland star Habib Diarra injury return date, how many games he'll miss

A blow for the Black Cats…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 23, 2025

The Midlands club are crying out for more firepower and it could come at the expense of Sunderland, who would be feeling the full effect of the Premier League’s ruthless streak.

Former England striker Peter Crouch has spotted a striking similarity to his playing days after Newcastle sealed the signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

Newcastle finally end striker saga

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has finally landed long-term target Wissa after losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool on a dramatic final day of the summer transfer window.

Brentford’s 28-year-old DR Congo international, who was born in France, has joined the Magpies for an undisclosed fee, which is understood could eventually amount to £55million, and will wear the club’s famous number nine shirt.

Wissa’s efforts to force his way out of Brentford have not differed too starkly from the tactics employed by Isak in engineering his move, but one way or the other that Magpies now have their new look strike partnership.

Indeed, his addition to an attacking pool already boosted by the signing of Germany international Nick Woltemade, who arrived at the weekend, gives Howe plenty of options for new systems and formations, though fans will have to endure an international break before they see their new faces in action.

“I’m really happy to be here and to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League,” Wissa said as he posed for pictures on Monday in Alan Shearer’s iconic number nine shirt.

“I’m very, very excited to put on the black and white shirt. I’ve got dreams, I’ve got faith, and now I will do my best to make it all happen. I can’t wait to get started.”

Woltemade and Wissa anointed the new Crouch and Defoe

Newcastle targeted Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike earlier in the summer and the plan was to use the Frenchman in a front two with Isak, but whether or not Howe is intent on doing the same with Woltemade and Wissa remains to be seen.

One thing is for sure though, the pair bring plenty of complementary traits to the table, with Woltemade’s massive 6 foot 6 frame sure to be a focal point for the likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga to aim at, while Wissa’s industriousness and ability to be in the right place at the right time was evident in his partnerships with both Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney.

And Crouch, who formed an iconic partnership with Jermain Defoe, has reacted on X to the suggestion that the Newcastle pair could be the next generation’s little and large duo.

Standing at 6 foot 7, Crouch is slightly taller than the 6 foot 6 Woltemade, but like Crouch the Germany international is known for having the old cliche of ‘good feet for a big man’.

Wissa is two inches taller than the 5 foot 7 Defoe, but if he can replicate the goalscoring record of the former Tottenham and Sunderland legend, who is the tenth best Premier League goalscorer of all time with 156, there won’t be anyone on Tyneside complaining about his transfer fee.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes that the international calendar should be changed in order to accommodate winter World Cups in the future. With the 2034 edition currently scheduled to take place in the height of summer in Saudi Arabia, football's showpiece could follow Qatar's lead in 2022 and move to the winter, which saw domestic seasons start earlier and finish later.

Getty Images Sport2022 World Cup set the benchmark

With temperatures hitting as high as 39c in the day in the height of summer in Saudi Arabia, there is a strong possibility that the 2034 World Cup will need to be played in the winter. Indeed, average temperatures are a much more bearable 22c in December, and it means that the Saudi Arabia World Cup may be pushed back in the calendar.

It wouldn't be the first time this has happened in the competition's history, with the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, won by Argentina, setting the benchmark. While this did mean that the footballing calendar was adjusted for an earlier start and a later finish for leagues in Europe, it would vastly improve conditions for players and fans alike.

Infantino has suggested that a change to the calendar could become a permanent move further down the line, meaning some domestic seasons would run into June rather than finish in mid-May.

Advertisement'The best month to play football is not used very much in Europe'

Speaking at the European Football Clubs' annual assembly in Rome, Infantino said talks are already underway to alter the footballing calendar. "We are already into the nitty-gritty, we are discussing all the time," Infantino is quoted as saying by The Times.

"It’s not just about one World Cup – it’s a general reflection – even to play in some European countries in July is very, very hot, so maybe we have to think. Actually, the best month to play football, which is June, is not used very much in Europe. Maybe there are ways we can optimise the calendar, but we are discussing it and we will see when we come to some conclusions. We just have to have an open mind.

"It is a fact that in the world, if you want to play at the same time everywhere, you can play in March or in October, most likely. Because in December you cannot play in one part of the world and in July you cannot play in another part of the world. We need to consider all these elements when we speak about national team competitions, national team release, about club competitions, and see how we can make it better for the benefit of everyone. So there is a lot at stake."

AFPNo visa problems for countries at the 2026 World Cup

The FIFA President is also adamant that there will be no visa issues at the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in North America next summer, adding: "There will be no issues with regard to visas for the participating teams and we are hoping to announce something soon for fans. We have excellent discussions with the US government, there is White House task force headed by President Trump," he said.

Furthermore, Infantino added that he hopes Israel's upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy won't be targeted by protesters after a ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza.

"Now there is a ceasefire everyone should be happy about that and support the process," Infantino said.

"It goes beyond football but it includes football as well. The ceasefire agreement is fantastic news for the whole world."

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19 nations have qualified for the 48-team World Cup

At the time of writing, 19 nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with Japan the first none-host to secure their spot in the US. With South American qualifying wrapped up, 2022 winners Argentina and the World Cup's most successful side, Brazil, have also secured their spot stateside.

The likes of England, Portugal, Spain and France are also expected to jet across the Atlantic next summer as they quartet seek to maintain their 100% start to their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns. The latest side to book their ticket are Algeria, who qualified on Thursday. 

Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Jude Bellingham's brother Jobe as Ruben Amorim sees the young midfielder as a perfect fit for his 3-4-2-1 system. Bellingham followed in his elder brother Jude's footsteps and signed for Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window from Sunderland but the youngster has struggled for regular game time in Germany under Niko Kovac.

• Bellingham struggling in Germany

  After starring for Sunderland in the Championship last season and helping them secure a promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, a club where his elder brother Jude had previously thrived. He eventually sealed a move to the Bundesliga, as Dortmund agreed to pay the Black Cats a €33 million (£28m/$38m) transfer fee. Jobe was expected to have a similar impact as his sibling, however, so far this season, the midfielder has struggled to solidify a place in Dortmund's starting lineup. He has featured in eight matches across all competitions, accumulating just 281 minutes of action. He has been named in the starting XI only three times – twice in the Bundesliga and once in the Champions League – while failing to register a goal or an assist.

  Bellingham has also been accused of holding back Dortmund this season, as Germany legend Dietmar Hamann said: "The momentum Niko Kovac has brought to the table is truly impressive. Finally, consistency. The whole team is finally working for the win. I don't think they'll be able to keep up with Munich until the end, because Bayern seem to be able to step up a gear when necessary. But BVB's development is really good. Just imagine if they had even won the games in Turin and at St. Pauli. Then they'd be on Bayern's level. The only cause for concern seems to be Jobe Bellingham. Young, expensive and, so far, not even half as good as Jude Bellingham. It's not getting any easier for him."

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  United eyeing a move for Bellingham

  Despite signing a five-year contract only a few months ago, Bellingham is already being linked with a move away from Dortmund and according to , United are closely monitoring the youngster's situation, potentially plotting a move to bring him back to his homeland. The report adds that Red Devils boss Amorim is an admirer of the midfielder and he believes that Bellingham would nicely fit his complex 3-4-2-1 setup, as his physical strength will be of great use at the centre of the park. 

  However, United are not the only club chasing Bellingham as they are likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, who are also in search of a midfielder. Palace know that their star player Adam Wharton could depart Selhurst Park next summer, amid interest from European giants like Real Madrid, while United also have their eyes on the England international. As a result, the Eagles have seemingly begun their search for Wharton's replacement already. 

• United looking to bolster midfield

  Amorim spent heavily to strengthen United's attack in the last summer transfer window, as the club brought in big names for big money, in Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. Midfield, however, still remains an area of concern. The Red Devils need a long-term replacement for an ageing Casemiro, while home-grown star Kobbie Mainoo could exit Old Trafford due to a surprising lack of game time this season. 

  United had also pushed to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton towards the end of the summer transfer window but a move for the Seagulls star failed to come to fruition due to his massive £115m ($156m) price tag ($156m). Some reports have suggested that United could make another move for the youngster at the turn of the year.

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  Liverpool test up next for United

  After a series of poor results throughout September, which saw United drop to the 14th position on the league table, the team finally regained confidence by comprehensively beating Sunderland just before the international break. Amorim's team will now aim to make it two wins in a row next Sunday as they visit Anfield to take on champions Liverpool in a key Premier League clash. The Merseysiders are in a slump after three straight defeats, so now could be the perfect opportunity.