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Historically, the winner of Game 1 of the World Series has gone on to win the Fall Classic 64% of the time.

That's good news, of course, if you're a fan of the Blue Jays, who emphatically captured Game 1 of the 2025 World Series on Friday night by a final score of 11–4.

Here are three takeaways from Toronto's series-opening win.

The Blue Jays grinded out at-bats against Blake Snell that paid dividends later in the contest

The single biggest storyline entering the World Series was the Dodgers' starting rotation and its dominance throughout the postseason. Entering Game 1, Los Angeles's starters boasted a 1.40 ERA this postseason, and were coming off a dominant NLCS in which they held the Brewers to a .118 batting average as a team.

Getting to the Dodgers' bullpen was going to be paramount for the Blue Jays, not only against Los Angeles ace Blake Snell in Game 1, but throughout the series.

Snell pitched three scoreless innings to begin the game, but Toronto made him work. The Blue Jays put runners on base in each of the first three frames, driving Snell's pitch count up in the process. In the fourth, the tough early at-bats paid dividends. Trailing 2–0, Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk singled before center fielder Daulton Varsho took a Snell four-seam fastball deep to dead center to tie the game.

The game was all square, which of course was only a precursor for what was to come in the sixth.

The Dodgers' bullpen? Not as good as their starters!

This was a big storyline heading into the World Series. Could the Blue Jays get into the Dodgers bullpen and make the unit pay? As previously mentioned, the Los Angeles starting rotation entered the Fall Classic with a 1.40 postseason ERA. The bullpen, on the other hand, had a 4.88 ERA.

The sixth inning of Game 1 provided a blueprint for how Toronto could win the World Series. Grind out good early at-bats against the Dodgers starters, then attack the bullpen. The Blue Jays posted a nine-spot in the sixth, blowing the game open with the most runs scored in a single inning of a World Series game since 1968. The grand slam from Toronto utilityman Addison Barger – which effectively put the game away – was the first pinch hit grand slam in World Series history.

Three of the nine runs in the sixth were charged to Snell, the remaining six were courtesy of the Los Angeles bullpen. You can't ask for much better than that if you're a fan of the Blue Jays.

The Dodgers need more from the top of their lineup in Game 2 (and beyond)

The Dodgers need more out of the top of their lineup, starting in Game 2. Designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run home run in the top of the seventh, which came with Los Angeles trailing 11–2. Toronto fans are certainly happy that Ohtani's biggest hit of the night came with the game well in hand. He finished 1-for-4. Shortstop Mookie Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman were a combined 1-for-7 on Friday night, underscoring the Dodgers' struggles at the plate.

The track record of those three players is way too good to expect another pedestrian performance in Game 2. More tone-setting at the top of the lineup will be something to keep an eye on for the Los Angeles on Saturday.

The San Diego Padres are in a unique situation as they head towards the 2025 MLB trade deadline. The Friars are holding on to the final wild-card spot in the National League and are certainly in need of upgrades. But they also have players other teams covet, so general manager A.J. Preller could opt to buy and sell, walking a fine line towards competitiveness.

Preller is never scared of making a big deal or taking a huge swing, and this could be the year he truly shines by treading two paths. San Diego has one of MLB's deepest bullpens, a thin starting rotation, and two holes in its lineup, and more on the bench.

What follows is a look at three moves the Padres can make before the trade deadline that would fit what they need to do perfectly.

Trade for Ramon Laureano

A lot has been written about the Padres' need for a left fielder—I know because I've written some of it. While Gavin Sheets has filled in admirably out there, he should be locked in at designated hitter. Big names like Luis Robert Jr. and Jarren Duran have been connected to San Diego, but this might be the right move. Ramon Laureno had his breakout season in 2019, but now, as a 31-year-old, he's breaking out again.

Through the first 78 games of the season, the Baltimore Orioles outfielder is slashing .279/.341/.526 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs. That .866 OPS is his highest since 2019, and his wRC+ (136) is a career-high. Meanwhile, his underlying metrics look outstanding as he's notching near career-bests across the board. As a team, the Padres rank 24th in OPS against righties (.698) and 28th in home runs (63). Laureano's OPS against righties is .918, with a .301 batting average and 10 home runs. He fills a need and is an excellent fit.

While there are sexier options out there, Laureano's contract also has a $6.5 million club option for 2026. He shouldn't cost the prospect capital of the bigger-name outfielders, which will allow the Padres to keep high-end prospects like Leo De Vries, Ethan Salas, and a number of their young pitchers, and he can return cheaply next season. Those things should be enough to entice Preller.

Trade for Charlie Morton

There are a number of pitchers out there the Padres could take a shot at, but it's another member of the Orioles they should target. There are two reasons for this: the cost and the ability to make this deal a package, thereby reducing the return. So far this season, the San Diego has made do with a starting rotation thrown together with duct tape and tissue paper. Joe Musgrove is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, while Yu Darvish and Michael King have both missed huge chunks of the season. That has left a rotation led by Nick Pivetta, backed up by Randy Vasquez, Stephen Kolek, and a cast of fill-ins.

Morton is a 41-year-old rental with a 5.48 ERA, which makes him sound like a punishment, not an upgrade. But the Padres need someone to eat innings, and the veteran righty has two World Series rings and a 3.60 career postseason ERA. Despite his high season ERA, from May 10 through July 10, he was 5-0 with a 2.61 ERA, 2.80 FIP, and a 1.18 WHIP over his previous 51 2/3 innings. Again, he could be a relatively cheap boost to an already good rotation.

Trade Robert Suarez

One thing the Padres have in abundance is high-end relief arms. The Padres have four of MLB's best relievers in All-Stars Robert Suarez, Adrian Morejon, and Jason Adam, plus the hard-throwing Jeremiah Estrada. There is more depth in the minor leagues, which would give them the ability to trade from a strength to get a haul of young players. The top of San Diego's minor league system lacks bats, which has reared its ugly head this season and contributed to the team's awful bench production.

With Emmanuel Clase sidelined due to a gambling investigation, Suarez would almost certainly be the top reliever available. The two-time All-Star closer is 2-4 with a 3.38 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and boasts an MLB-best 30 saves in 33 chances. His 2.27 FIP shows he's been a bit unlucky this season as well. He has an $8 million player option for 2026 he is expected to decline, so he'd be a pure rental, but the Padres have the relievers to replace him as closer. They should take advantage of the market and get as much as they can before he walks.

Como star Alisha Lehmann could not resist cracking a joke after she scored for Switzerland during an international friendly defeat to Belgium. The Swiss' first outing under new head coach Rafel Navarro ended in a 2-1 defeat but Lehmann was still in good spirits afterwards. The former Juventus star stepped off the bench to score Switzerland’s only goal, and followed it up with a wry grin.

• Lehmann strikes and smiles as Switzerland fall to Belgium

  Belgium struck first through Laura Deloose in the 36th minute, with her long-range effort clipping a defender and wrong-footing the goalkeeper. Switzerland’s best moment of the evening belonged to Lehmann, who took advantage of a defensive lapse shortly after entering the match in the 64th minute. Barely settled on the pitch, she pounced on Belgium’s miscommunication, slotting home with trademark composure to level the contest at 1-1, which was her ninth international goal. Switzerland pushed back with intention but were undone again late on, when Tinne De Caigny finished off a swift counter-attack with a towering header to restore Belgium’s lead.

  Speaking afterwards, Lehmann was upbeat despite the defeat. She said: "We did a lot of things well, we had our chances. And we'll learn from the mistakes we made and do better against Wales on Tuesday. It felt good. Also that I got more playing minutes again."

  Her goal was her fourth against Belgium, and she added: "The Belgians seem to suit me."

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• AFP
  

  A journey across continents and leagues

  Lehmann’s path from a talented teenager in Switzerland to a global figure in women’s football has been anything but linear. She moved to England at just 19 after breaking through at BSC YB Frauen, signing for West Ham United in the Women’s Super League. During her three seasons with the Hammers, she became a central figure in their 2018–19 FA Cup run, finishing as a finalist in one of the club’s most memorable campaigns. A short spell at Everton followed in 2021 before Lehmann settled at Aston Villa, where she spent three seasons. But after years in the WSL, she sought a new challenge, one rooted not only in footballing ambition. In the summer of 2024, she left England for Italy, joining Juventus and immediately tasting silverware as the Bianconere captured the Serie A title. The celebrations were exuberant, but her role was often rotational, a reminder of the fierce competition at one of Europe’s giants. In 2025, a fresh opportunity emerged, and Lehmann embraced it and signed with Como Women. 

• Lehman explained why she chose Como

  Set on the banks of the iconic Lake Como, the club offered not only picturesque surroundings but also a renewed sense of purpose. 

  She stated: "It's great to wake up every morning to a beautiful view. You wake up much happier." 

  Later, speaking to , Lehmann explained why she chose Como Women: "It’s an independent club, fully focused on women’s football – and that really matters to me. From the start, I could see this wasn’t just another team; it’s a project with real purpose and vision. [So] signing with FC Como Women just felt right.

  "We’re in a moment where women’s football can define itself on its own terms, and independent clubs like Como Women have the opportunity in leading the movement. [It] isn’t just about winning matches. It’s about building something that lasts. This is the first time I’ve joined an independent club. That was a big part of my decision. It shows there is a different way of doing things."

  She added: "I came here to play football and hope to earn my place by working hard. I came here to compete and to grow as an athlete. The rest will come if I stay true to that. For me, it’s simple: I want to play as much as possible, help the team, and enjoy football. What I love is that they [Como] take the game seriously, but also create space for players to be themselves.

  "There’s so much potential here. Italy’s performances have shown the quality and spirit in the game here, and now people are paying attention. I think the league is ready to take a big step forward. With more visibility, investment, and commitment to the players, Serie A Women can become a real force in Europe. Being part of that journey is something I’m really excited about."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next for Lehmann and Switzerland?

  Switzerland will continue their preparation under Navarro with a second friendly in Jerez against Wales on Tuesday. After that, Lehmann will return to Italy to resume her Serie A campaign with Como, where her next league test comes against Parma on December 7.

تحدث أسامة نبيه، لاعب الزمالك السابق، عن الانتقادات التي يتعرض لها حسام حسن، المدير الفني الحالي لـ منتخب مصر، مدافعا في الوقت ذاته عن نجم الأهلي السابق.

وقال أسامة نبيه، في تصريحات لبرنامج الكورة مع فايق، على قناة إم بي سي مصر 2: “ما يحدث مع حسام حسن مبالغ فيه جدًا، لو سنتحدث عن حسام بتاريخه وإنجازته وعطائه للكرة المصرية كلاعب وإضافة في الفترة الأخيرة كمدرب درب العديد من الأندية المصرية، وتأهل مع منتخب مصر لكأس أمم إفريقيا وكأس العالم هذا إضافة كبيرة جدًا له”.

طالع|أسامة نبيه: الزمالك يعاني من مشاكل فنية وإدارية.. ونتمنى مساعدة الدولة

وتابع: “على مر تاريخ منتخبات مصر السابقة لا يرتبط استمرار مدير فني أجنبي أو مصري مع المنتخب إلا بنتائجه”.

وكشف: “لو رجع بي الزمن في تصريحاتي السابقة كنت سأتحدث في اتجاه ثاني آخر بشكل مختلف، ولكن عندما تعمل في عمل عام وضغط كبير بتتشحن مثل ما حدث من حسام حسن في الفترة الأخيرة، الضغط يكون صعبًا جدًا، وتخرج أشياء في محلها وتكون أخطأت فيها، الضغط العصبي الذي تكون فيه ينتج عنه رد فعل دون إرادتك”.

Seamers share eight wickets as table-toppers face awkward final day at Grace Road

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay10-Sep-2025

If Leicestershire’s vision was to clinch promotion to Division One with a resounding victory, it looks unlikely to come to pass this week after a truncated third day of their Rothesay County Championship match left them trailing Gloucestershire by 150 runs.Shan Masood compiled a typically elegant 111 to mark his first-class debut for the county with the 30th hundred of his career but Leicestershire then lost their last six wickets for 22 to trail by 140 on first innings, bowled out for 342 as Gloucestershire seamer Matt Taylor finished with five for 70, backed up by new-ball partner Ajeet Singh Dale’s three for 78.Gloucestershire – who need a victory to keep their outside chance of promotion alive – were eight without loss from four overs in their second innings before a three-hour interruption due to rain, adding just two runs before a resumption at 5.30pm was curtailed after just 13 deliveries due to bad light. With earlier rain having delayed the start by 70 minutes, just 30 overs and one ball were bowled in all.Even if a win eludes them, Leicestershire’s lead in the division is so large that a top-two finish can still be confirmed this week if this match ends in a draw and the clash between third-placed Derbyshire and fourth-placed Middlesex at Lord’s is also drawn.Masood faced 176 balls and hit 13 fours on the way to his eighth first-class hundred in county cricket, having previously made them for Derbyshire and Yorkshire. The left-hander will be 36 next month but retains the capacity to produce moments of sublime skill at the crease, which he underlined with some beautiful strokeplay in this innings.After his 152-run partnership with Lewis Hill on Tuesday had seemed to set up Leicestershire for a substantial reply, there seemed little to suggest that would not happen as a second batting bonus point was secured in a morning session reduced to 50 minutes with Masood and Steve Eskinazi, also making his Championship debut for a new county, having added 82.But that all changed with the last delivery of the session, which resulted in Masood being given out leg before, the former Pakistan Test captain’s body language leaving no doubt that the decision did not meet with his approval.Masood’s dismissal was the catalyst for an unseemly collapse from 320 for four to 342 all out, with the follow-on only just avoided.Having put off taking the second new ball until after lunch, Gloucestershire took it immediately after the break and needed only 10 overs’ use of it to claim the remaining five Leicestershire wickets.Taylor, who had three wickets overnight, beat Ben Cox for pace and had Ben Mike nicking behind to complete his first five-wicket haul in two years.New-ball partner Singh Dale, bound for Lancashire at the end of the season, gained deserved rewards as ex-Middlesex batter Eskinazi’s county debut innings ended on 34 with a catch at second slip. Logan van Beek and Chris Wright became the fourth and fifth batters in the innings to fall leg before, Wright having at least hung around long enough to ensure that the visitors would bat again after the ninth wicket had gone with still one run needed.

Wolverhampton Wanderers fans will already be contemplating the return of Championship football to Molineux next season.

Indeed, the miserable Old Gold are currently sat at the bottom of the Premier League pile on a pitiful two points, which culminated in the dismissal of Vitor Pereira, who had managed to turn around Wolves’ fortunes when coming in mid-way through the 2024/25 season.

Unfortunately, in the here and now, Pereira couldn’t arrest the worrying slide, with the West Midlands outfit now on the hunt for a successor who can somehow lift the downbeat side off the very foot of the top-flight.

Gary O’Neil has already turned down the opportunity to come back to his old stomping ground as a dramatic saviour, with Wolves now having to look at alternative targets.

Wolves' ongoing hunt for a new manager

There have been several different names linked to the Molineux vacancy since Pereira was put out of his misery after a 3-0 defeat away at Fulham.

Rob Edwards has consistently been tipped to leave promotion-chasing Middlesbrough behind in the Championship to return to the side he lined up for as a player. At the same time, Wolves have also utilised their well-known Portuguese connections, with ex-Benfica boss Rui Vitoria allegedly on their radar.

Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas has fired back, though, to state that either Edwards or Vitoria replacing Pereira is considered “unlikely”, with Erik ten Hag also a shout that has been dismissed, as Wolves head into their next league encounter with youth team duo James Collins and Richard Walker at the helm.

A decision will soon have to be made, as Wolves fight a losing battle against the drop, with one name that Thomas hasn’t dismissed, still perhaps in the running as a clear upgrade on the Boro boss.

Why Wolves target would be an Edwards upgrade

Before delving deeper into why this alternative target would be an upgrade on Edwards, it does have to be said that the 42-year-old did a commendable job the last time he was in the top-flight with Luton Town.

Indeed, Edwards did make the Hatters a “difficult” team to beat, as were the words of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta.

But, away from initial admiration, the Championship promotion-winning manager did still take Luton down, with 47 defeats from 103 games in charge of the Kenilworth Road outfit, not exactly music to the ears of those at Molineux who crave a transformative clean slate.

This is where the reappointment of Bruno Lage could be a masterstroke, with reports from Portugal – via Sport Witness – indicating that the 49-year-old is weighing up the possibility of a return to the Black Country, having been on Wolves’ manager shortlist.

Wolves have arguably been on a decline since the one-time Liga Portugal champion left the building, with Lage’s tenth-place finish during the 2021/22 season yet to be bettered by the litany of managers that have come into the Old Gold dug-out since.

2024/25

16th

Pereira

2023/24

14th

O’Neil

2022/23

13th

Lopetegui

2021/22

10th

Lage

Lage also turned the Old Gold into a well-oiled machine when he was at the helm, which they are in dire need of right now, as only 43 goals were leaked across 38 league contests.

His fellow compatriot and ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal would even label his one full campaign in the dug-out as “the best success story in the Premier League”, with Lage even taking the West Midlands titans to the brink of a Champions League spot at one point, having masterminded a 1-0 away win at Manchester United in early 2022.

19 Premier League wins would come his way, subsequently, with Edwards stuck on just six, in stark contrast, from his time at Kenilworth Road.

With Lage favouring a 4-3-3 set-up, too, much like Pereira, the hope will be that Setubal-born boss can get the ball rolling again immediately on his return, having been described as “one of the best men I have met in football” by ex-Wolves skipper Conor Coady.

After all, he fared well last time out when the pressure was on him, having had to replace a modern Molineux great in Nuno Espirito Santo, as the “excellent” head coach – as he was once labelled by rival Premier League manager Thomas Frank – now tries to steer the ship back on course again.

Wolves in contact for new manager Abel Ferreira as Jeff Shi receives reply

A new name on the Molineux radar.

ByCharlie Smith Nov 6, 2025

Liverpool, in many ways, are evidence of money not being everything in football. The club had always spent wisely when led by Jurgen Klopp, cashing in for big money and carefully picking budding talents to develop into superstars.

This summer, having won the Premier League so spectacularly with Arne Slot last year, FSG felt it was the right time to hit the big button and indulge in a spending spree. Many high-level signings have arrived at Anfield.

However, Liverpool may still be frustrated to have missed out on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, especially now that Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for a year with a knee injury.

Liverpool may well return for the England defender, but Guehi isn’t the only Premier League talent they plan to bid for in 2026.

Liverpool still interested in Premier League star

There’s no question that Liverpool need to reinforce their central defence next year. However, Slot might also feel his midfield needs some work. Tactical imbalances have knocked the Reds out of kilter.

That’s why FSG dream of signing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton next summer, retaining an interest in the England international. That’s according to the Daily Mail, who believe the Eagles hope to tie the 21-year-old down to a new deal to ward off persistent suitors.

Valued at £75m, Wharton has been a revelation at Selhurst Park, instrumental under Oliver Glasner.

Liverpool will be confident that they can secure the maestro’s signature, but his performances have also attracted the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

The competition is thick, but this is a player worth pushing for. It might even prove to be a signing that eclipses all others the Merseysiders could make, even landing Guehi.

What Adam Wharton would bring to Liverpool

Described as “the best U21 player in the Prem” by one analyst, Wharton has been exceptional since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers for £22m in February 2024.

A master of the pass and tenacious when winning the ball back, Wharton has played 53 times for his London-based club, nestled in the centre of the park.

He has been vital in constructing an enviable style of play, Glasner utilising him as an all-encompassing engine.

Crystal Palace

9

26

Man City

15

21

Arsenal

14

19

Chelsea

13

19

Liverpool

13

19

Palace have not the same calibre of firepower in the final third as some of the Premier League’s biggest hitters, but they aren’t half bad in front of goal.

Much of this stems from slick build-up play from midfield, and Wharton has been at the very heart of this, with no player matching his five big chances created so far.

As per FBref, the Three Lions star ranks among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for through balls and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Liverpool are suffering from a degree of isolation between the thirds right now. This has been accentuated blindingly by Alexis Mac Allister’s poor form.

And that’s why Wharton could be such an incredible addition, opening up a dimension and weaving together the disjointed midfield and frontline parts.

Liverpool have an elite group of players capable of dominating English and European football for many years. But something is missing, to be sure, and a player of Wharton’s style could work wonders in easing the midfield load on Ryan Gravenberch’s shoulders and restore the title-winning fluidity that worked so well last season.

Klopp sold Liverpool star for £9.5m, now he's outperforming Salah & Wirtz

Liverpool must rue selling a star who is outplaying Florian Wirtz and playing like Mo Salah.

ByDan Emery Oct 6, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

São Paulo e Flamengo se enfrentam pelo segundo jogo da final da Copa do Brasil no domingo (24), às 16h (hora de Brasília), no Morumbi. As escalações já estão confirmadas. Confira abaixo.

RelacionadasFlamengoEscalação do Flamengo: Rossi titular e Gabigol no banco; saiba onde assistir à final da Copa do BrasilFlamengo24/09/2023FlamengoQuantos títulos de Copa do Brasil o Flamengo tem?Flamengo23/09/2023Copa do BrasilCopa do Brasil: veja histórico de duelos entre São Paulo e FlamengoCopa do Brasil23/09/2023

+ O Lance! de volta às bancas! Seja uma das 100 pessoas a ganhar a revista pôster do campeão da Copa do Brasil

ONDE ASSISTIR / TRANSMISSÃO: Globo (televisão aberta), SporTV (televisão fechada), Amazon Prime Video (streaming) e Premiere (pay-per-view)

+ Copa do Brasil: vem com a LIVE da Lance! Betting no YouTube para curtir e faturar em São Paulo x Flamengo!

Para o Tricolor, a conquista da Copa do Brasil é a oportunidade de faturar uma taça até então inédita na história do clube. Das principais competições, nacionais e internacionais, é o único troféu que o São Paulo ainda não conquistou em sua história.

Pelo lado do Rubro-Negro, o titulo nacional é uma oportunidade de aliviar momentaneamente a pressão da torcida, insatisfeita com os resultados obtidos em 2023. Caso o Flamengo perca a taça para o São Paulo, esse seria o quarto vice-campeonato do clube no ano – junto da Supercopa do Brasil, Recopa Sul-Americana e Campeonato Carioca.

Além disso, a final da Copa do Brasil coloca em disputa uma premiação de R$ 70 milhões para o clube vencedor, valor recorde. O segundo colocado leva para casa R$ 30 milhões.

O São Paulo chega para a decisão após sofrer derrota por 2 a 1 diante do Fortaleza, no Morumbi, pelo Brasileirão. O jogo ficou marcado pelo primeiro gol de James Rodriguez com a camisa do clube.

+ Triplique a banca com São Paulo! Se o Tricolor for campeão sem sofrer gols, sua aposta de R$10 retorna R$33,50!

O Flamengo, por sua vez, desembarca na capital paulista após um empate em 0 a 0 diante do Goiás, também pelo Brasileirão, e com uma tremenda crise para administrar: durante a semana, o vice-presidente de futebol do clube, Marcos Braz, se envolveu em confusão com um torcedor em um shopping do Rio de Janeiro.

+ Olho por olho? Se o Flamengo devolver o placar de 1×0 no Morumbi, sua aposta de R$10 retorna R$85!

SÃO PAULO x FLAMENGO
COPA DO BRASIL – FINAL (2º JOGO)

Data e hora:24 de setembro de 2023, às 16 horas (de Brasília)
Local:Estádio do Morumbi, em São Paulo (SP)
Árbitro:Braulio da Silva Machado (Fifa/SC)
Assistentes:Bruno Raphael Pires (Fifa/GO) e Bruno Boschilia (Fifa/PR)
VAR:Paulo Cesar Zanovelli da Silva (Fifa/MG)
Onde assistir São Paulo x Flamengo:Globo (televisão aberta), SporTV (televisão fechada), Amazon Prime Video (streaming) e Premiere (pay-per-view). OLance!acompanha o duelo em tempo real

PROVÁVEIS ESCALAÇÕES

SÃO PAULO (Técnico: Dorival Junior) – ESCALAÇÃO CONFIRMADA
Rafael; Rafinha, Arboleda, Beraldo e Caio Paulista; Pablo Maia, Alisson, Rodrigo Nestor e Wellington Rato; Lucas Moura e Calleri. Técnico: Dorival Júnior

Desfalques:Galoppo (cirurgia no joelho esquerdo), Igor Vinícius (transição após cirurgia no púbis), Erison (estiramento na coxa esquerda), Marcos Paulo (ruptura do ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho esquerdo)

FLAMENGO (Técnico: Jorge Sampaoli) – ESCALAÇÃO CONFIRMADA
Rossi, Wesley, Fabrício Bruno, Léo Pereira e Ayrton Lucas; Pulgar, Thiago Maia, Gerson, Arracaeta, Bruno Henrique e Pedro.

Desfalques: Allan (lesionado) e Varela (transição física)

Annerie Dercksen’s maiden ODI century – which came off the back of two successive 50-plus scores and is also the fastest by a South African in the format – headlined South Africa’s consolation win at the women’s tri-series in Colombo.With South Africa out of contention for Sunday’s final, they put together their most complete performance of the competition and posted their fifth highest score in all ODIs thanks to contributions from the lower order, which ultimately won them the game.Dercksen arrived at the crease with South Africa on 85 for 5 as offspinner Dewmi Vihanga ripped through their top and middle-order. She consolidated with Nondumiso Shangase before sharing a 112-run seventh-wicket stand off 88 balls with Chloe Tryon, a seventh-wicket record for South Africa, to put them in sight of a big score. Tryon smashed 74 off 51 balls and was part of a 66-run stand off 30 balls with Nadine de Klerk which pushed South Africa over 300 and asked Sri Lanka to complete their highest successful chase.Related

• Nilakshika Silva, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Sugandika Kumari give Sri Lanka rare win over India

• Centurion Rodrigues, all-round Deepti take India into tri-series final

Sri Lanka have already done that once before against South Africa – when they also chased down a 300-plus total – and were in a good position on 160 for 3 in the 30th over. But Ayabonga Khaka’s double-strike, which included the dismissal of Chamari Athapaththu for 52, and a career-best 5 for 34 for Tryon, including a hat-trick, ended their chances of another historic win.Instead, the records were all Dercksen’s after she became only the second batter to score a hundred at No.7 or lower in women’s ODIs and capped off a breakthrough series as a batter.Dercksen scored her first half-century just two matches ago, at this tournament, and finished as the leading run-scorer from the league stage. Her maturity and aggression rescued South Africa after a start which turned in the wrong direction and should see her bat higher up the order in future.Dewmi Vihanga picked up a five-for•SLC

Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits put on 68 for the first-wicket and were both batting well when Vihanga first struck. She drew Brits forward and took the edge and Hasini Perera took a good, low catch at slip to give Sri Lanka their first. In her next over, Vihanga beat Wolvaardt’s inside-edge and bowled her and in the over after that, had Miane Smit caught slog-sweeping at midwicket.Just when Vihanga may have thought things couldn’t go better, she plucked two more in her next over: Lara Goodall caught at slip and Sinalo Jafta, bowled while giving the charge. Vihanga, at 19 years old and playing in her third ODI, had her first five-for and is the second-highest wicket-taker of the series behind Sneh Rana.Sri Lanka had the opportunity to run through South Africa from there but Dercksen stood in their way. She hit the third ball she faced over Vihanga’s head for four and there was no looking back. Dercksen favoured the area down the ground, where three of her five sixes were scored, including the one that took her to the century.Dercksen’s innings was laced with cuts and pulls off the back foot and, unusually for her, a selection of sweeps including a reverse off Athapaththu. She dominated the partnership with Tryon, and scored 77 of the 112 runs they put on and it was only when she was dismissed, in the 44th over, that Tryon took over.She charged Sugandika Kumari and hit her for six, moved across the crease to send Manudia Nanayakkara over midwicket and then took three sixes off Athapaththu before missing one and being stumped. De Klerk finished unbeaten on 32 off 19 balls and South Africa would have been comfortable with the target they set Sri Lanka, who began well in pursuit.Chloe Tryon scored a half-century and took a five-for, which included a hat-trick•SLC

The opening pair of Hasini Perera and Vishmi Gunaratne put on 52 and it was Tryon’s introduction that separated them. Her second delivery was tossed up, Perera tried to drive and spooned a catch to Dercksen at cover. Four overs later. Tryon switched to around the wicket and had Gunaratne caught at backward point.Athapaththu was in at No. 4 and gave Tryon a taste of her own medicine when she took 10 runs off her fourth over, including her first six.Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarickrama’s third-wicket partnership grew to 52 and and they took Sri Lanka to the halfway stage on 124 for 2 but debutant legspinner Seshnie Naidu ended their stand. Samarawickrama tried to hit the first ball of Naidu’s fourth over out of the ground but was caught at mid-off.Athapaththu brought up a 17th career half-century and kept Sri Lanka in the hunt but Khaka was brought back at a crucial time. In the 30th over, with Sri Lanka needing 156 runs to win, Khaka returned and Athapaththu sliced her to cover to all but end Sri Lanka’s hopes. In her next over, Khaka bowled Nilakshika Silva with the slower ball.Sri Lanka continued to bat proactively even as the asking rate climbed and then they were snubbed out in the 42nd over, when Tryon took three in three.She had de Klerk to thank for the first after she ran in from deep backward square and took a diving catch to remove Vihanga. Off the next ball, Sugandika Kumari was caught at backward point and then Malki Madara got a faint edge to Jafta to complete Tryon’s hat-trick.Sri Lanka were bowled out for 239 in the 43rd over and lost by 76 runs.

The Champions League has only just undergone a major shakeup with the introduction of the 'league phase' in 2024, but UEFA wants to keep evolving the competition and the next set of format changes coming into force the season after next are expected to make even more of the action accessible to fans. A big part of that is copying a season-opening tradition used in American sports.

• New commercial strategy identifies need to evolve

  UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC, formerly European Club Association), announced a new commercial strategy that will run for six years from the start of the 2027-28 season, through to the 2032-33 campaign.

  UC3 has been created as the exclusive rights management company for the Champions League and all of UEFA’s other club competitions, trusted as the "commercial steward of the world's premium international football club competitions".

  The plan is for UC3 to "imminently go to market with an innovative media, sponsorship and licensing rights strategy for the UEFA Men's Club Competitions cycle post 2027". In the changing media and entertainment landscape, a new strategy will seek to maximise opportunities and grow visibility.

  UC3 said: "At the heart of the strategy is the recognition that media markets are changing fast, with new global, digital-first entrants offering differentiated fan propositions, whilst established broadcast partners remain eager to ensure optimal visibility for the competitions across Europe and the world."

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  Change to the Champions League format

  Barring occasional scheduling conflicts, men's Champions League football – up to the final – has long been a permanent fixture of Tuesday and Wednesday nights. But with UC3 trying to find ways to increase the visibility for all clubs when the competition gets going, Thursday is being introduced as an extra matchday to spread the opening games across more days.

  Part of that will see the first Tuesday become the exclusive domain of the holders, who will begin the entire league phase with at home with no other competing fixtures. All eyes will be on them – it means that, had it already been in place, the first game of this season's Champions League would have been Paris Saint-Germain welcoming an opponent to Parc des Princes. It is similar to how seasons begin in U.S. sports, for example in the NFL where the previous season's Super Bowl champion is always first up on a Thursday night, before the rest of the teams begin on the Sunday.

• New approaches to sponsorship and licensing

  Through UC3, UEFA and ECF want build up sponsorship and licensing that will again "expand the reach" of their competitions, primarily the Champions League.

  UC3 explained: "The approved commercial strategy also introduces new approaches to sponsorship and licensing packages that create stronger alignment between brands and media partners, opening up opportunities for new partnerships that will expand the reach of the competitions in key regions while preserving their premium nature. Details will be announced at a later date. UC3 and Relevent Football Partners will look to enhance and build on the already long-standing portfolio of partners for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Youth League and the UEFA Futsal Champions League."

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  Champions League on Netflix?

  Champions League football is already no longer exclusively held by traditional broadcast media. That began to change when Amazon Prime Video secured the rights to show a Tuesday night game from each matchweek in the UK. Disney+ has also entered the space this season, taking over broadcast rights for the Women's Champions League across Europe.

  UEFA want to appeal to the streaming platforms as they look to drive up revenue from selling the rights, which could fetch $5.9 billion or more when the next cycle begins in 2027. It was reported last week that Netflix, which has been progressively expanding its own sporting portfolio, has been specifically sounded out to gauge interest in bidding for a Champions League rights package.

  Broadcast contracts have historically been three years at a time, but CBS managed to secure a six-year deal for the rights to broadcast the Champions League to an American audience and such longer deals could become more of the norm if it brings in the bigger bucks.