Category Uncategorized

A review of Steve Waugh’s latest book, Out Of My Comfort Zone

Peter English24-Nov-2005
Steve Waugh, Viking, A$49.95Steve Waugh’s career was an epic so it’s not surprising he produced a doorstop that dwarfs the Almanack. Waugh’s cover is a shade of baggy green and his devotion to it is a theme throughout the 800 pages of memories. However, the big statements delivered by his batting and in captaincy press conferences are replaced by brief judgments as he records the key moments of his career as studiously as he compiled his popular diaries.Unfortunately, the tour books are part of the problem. Through the diaries most details were recorded in satisfying, if sometimes repetitive, detail; in the life story the events from him being kicked out of the nets as an aggressive 12-year-old by Barry Richards to his farewell a year later are dutifully reported but not pored over, making it a great resource tool instead of a thrilling, moving and thought-provoking experience. The match-fixing and betting scandals that so affected his brother are covered in less than a chapter and the famous SCG century, an experience which was the subject of the book , is dusted in three pages.Waugh is at his best when discussing his great innings and his feelings, which were usually masked by the Iceman glare. The twin hundreds at Old Trafford in 1997 and the series-sealing double-century against West Indies in 1995 are compulsive but short reading, and his re-telling of the vulnerability at the start of his career, when he felt isolated as a new player, and at the end as he debated the merits of family life and retirement is also impressive. The variety of coverage is strong enough to hold interest but if finishing it is a mission you want to accept then be prepared for hands that ached as much as Waugh’s during his Old Trafford double.

Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the Ahmedabad Test, with the BCCI saying on the fifth morning of the match, that “a specialist opinion will be sought” to treat his lower-back injury.On Sunday, the fourth day, as India tussled for first-innings honours with Australia, Iyer couldn’t come out to bat, with the BCCI saying that he had been sent for scans after he “complained of pain in his lower back following the third day’s play”. India finished on 571 for a lead of 91. ESPNcricinfo understands Iyer was not present at the ground at any point on Sunday.The injury will particularly worry India since back trouble has dogged Iyer over the last few weeks: it kept him out of the first Test of this series, as well as the three-match ODI series against New Zealand that preceded it.After this Test match, Iyer’s next assignment is to captain Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, which begins on March 31. Knight Riders are scheduled to play their first match of the tournament on April 1, against Punjab Kings in Mohali.

Robert Lewandowski has admitted that he is embracing a reduced role at Barcelona, focusing on quality performances over chasing minutes this season.

Veteran striker shifts focus from minutesLearning from fatigue and injury setbacksBarca eyeing long-term successor optionsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Polish superstar Lewandowski has openly acknowledged a change in perspective as he enters the final year of his Barcelona contract. The 37-year-old, who has yet to start a La Liga game this season and missed the opener through injury, insisted he is no longer focused on the number of minutes he plays but instead on delivering when it matters most.

Last season at this stage, Lewandowski had already scored three goals, but this year he has largely been limited to substitute appearances as Ferran Torres continues to impress under new boss Hansi Flick, who was chosen in the previous game against Rayo Vallecano, when expectations were set on Lewa to start. Despite the reduced role, the veteran striker stressed that the quality of contribution outweighs quantity as he adapts to his current situation.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT LEWANDOWSKI SAID

Speaking while on international duty, Lewandowski reflected on his new outlook, saying: "This year, I’m personally approaching my situation differently: I’m not so focused on the number of minutes I get, and I’ll have conversations throughout the season…I don’t think I have to play by decree either: we have a squad that allows us to rotate, and that’s important. Sometimes it’s more important to focus on the quality of the minutes than the quantity.

"This season we’ll constantly analyse how I’m feeling. Last season I played a lot of games and at a high intensity. There were times when I felt very tired, and I was also injured towards the end of the season.

"We know that when the Champions League starts, there’s very little recovery time between games, and it’ll be important to manage the wear and tear well. I think this start to the season will be just as difficult as the last, so we have to be prepared."

He added: "Let’s not kid ourselves, I was injured for two weeks. But the season has just started; it’s very long. I wasn’t under pressure to play as many minutes as possible as quickly as possible. I know August is the month to get into rhythm, but everything starts in September, so I knew I had to take it easy."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lewandowski’s recalibrated approach comes after a gruelling 2024-25 season in which he scored 42 goals but fading in decisive matches due to fatigue and injury. The striker admitted that physical exhaustion left him short of strength in the campaign’s final stretch, and he is determined not to repeat those mistakes.

With Barcelona eyeing long-term replacements, including English hero Harry Kane as a possible 2026 arrival, Lewa’s words signal a pragmatic acceptance of his evolving role. He could also be considering winding down his career elsewhere, with potential options in MLS or Saudi Arabia once his deal expires. Still, for now, Barca will rely on his goals and experience in Champions League and title-deciding matches, with the veteran keen to be sharp when the stakes are highest.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Blaugrana face a delicate balancing act and Flick has to juggle a veteran like Lewandowski, who remains invaluable for big nights, with emerging forwards such as Torres and potential reinforcements in the pipeline. Lewandowski’s acceptance of a rotational role may ease dressing-room pressure, but it also signals that the Catalans must accelerate succession planning.

With speculation growing that the Polish striker could finish his career outside Europe, Barcelona’s reported interest in Kane and other forwards underlines their intent to prepare for life beyond him. For now, though, the immediate challenge is to keep Lewandowski fit, fresh, and decisive in the Champions League campaign and in La Liga’s crunch title races.

Mexican club Chivas have registered players sharing the names of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane for the new season which has sparked a buzz among fans.

Namesake of Ronaldo and Zidane register for Mexican team ChivasJoins Carlos and RobinhoCoached by former Barcelona player MilitoFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Cristiano Ronaldo Rojas Vidal, 16, and Zinedine Sidane Hernandez Quezada, 18, have been added to the Mexican side's squad. They join players called Roberto Carlos Alvarado Hernandez and Angel Robinho Romero Quintero, who were already part of the team, ahead of the upcoming Apertura season The Guadalajara club will hope the four players live up to their famous namesakes.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

With Ronaldo, Zidane, Carlos and Robinho being some of football’s greatest players, whose careers are filled with accolades and trophies, it is no surprise parents are inspired to name their children after such legends. In an interview in 2023, Sidane’s father confirmed so, saying: “It's a real tribute to Zinedine Zidane. I played football in Mexico and I've always had a lot of affection for France and Brazil. He's a player who really left his mark on me. Why with an S and not a Z? Because when it came to registering him in Mexico, the person didn't write it correctly.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Chivas are coached by former Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito, who spent four years at the club from 2007 to 2011 and was part of Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning side in 2011. 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO, SIDANE AND CHIVAS ?

Chivas hope the young players can perform well without being weighed down by the expectations their names bring. The players, in turn, aim to impress coach Milito and earn starting spots for the Mexican side.

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford after a drawn-out transfer saga.

Mbeumo signs for Man UtdJoins on five-year dealFollows long transfer sagaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After weeks of negotiations and rejected bids, United have signed the Brentford winger for a reported deal worth up to £71 million ($95.5m). The Red Devils have confirmed the 25-year-old has penned a deal until 2030 with the option of another year.

AdvertisementGetty/GOALWHAT MBEUMO SAID

The Cameroon international admitted that he wanted to move to United as soon as "there was a chance" to join the Premier League giants, while also giving his backing to head coach Ruben Amorim

He told the club's website: "As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up. My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players. Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While Mbeumo will be thrilled to join United, the winger has a big job on his hands; namely, to help right a ship that has been sinking in recent years. The Red Devils struggled for goals last season as they finished 15th – five places behind Brentford – and now they will hope Mbeumo, who is one of their most expensive signings ever, can help solve that big issue.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GOALWHAT NEXT?

Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, will soon link up with his new United team-mates as they head to the United States for a pre-season tour.

The club's director of football, Jason Wilcox, added: "Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional, his remarkable consistency has put him amongst the most productive players in England for the last three seasons. Bryan’s belief in our project and determination to join the club confirmed that he was the perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture that we are developing. We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the pre-season tour. The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new team-mates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead."

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is waiting to discover if Napoli will increase their bid for him as he aims to leave Anfield this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Nunez eyeing Liverpool exit
• Napoli want striker
• Yet to meet Reds' asking price

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per Corriere dello Sport, Nunez is waiting to see if Napoli will increase their offer to sign him this summer, as he is prepared to leave Anfield in this transfer window. The Serie A club have thus far made an offer of €55 million (£47m/$64m) plus €5m (£4m/$6m) in bonuses. The report claims that the Reds want €60m (£52m/$70m), so the two sides are not far apart when it comes to their valuations.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Nunez is reported to earn a salary of €5.5m (£5m/$6m) at Liverpool, which equates to around £91,000-per-week. The Uruguay international wants to improve that salary if he moves to Napoli, but it is currently unclear if Antonio Conte's side would be willing to meet both the club's and the player's demands.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 26-year-old struggled last season as he attempted to lead the line for Arne Slot's side. He scored five goals and provided three assists in the Premier League and was limited to just eight starts.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The ball appears to be firmly in Napoli's court when it comes to the direction of this transfer. Nunez is willing to move, and Liverpool have set their price; it remains to be seen if the Serie A side take the steps required to get this deal done.

Following the win in the Mohali ODI against Australia, they moved past Pakistan to become the top-ranked team in ODIs

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Sep-2023

India have moved past Pakistan to become the No. 1 ranked team in ODIs ahead of the World Cup at home. As a result, they now occupy the top spot across formats, having already been No. 1 in Tests and T20Is. India are only the second team in men’s cricket history to achieve this feat after South Africa did it in August 2012.India are on 116 rating points, one ahead of Pakistan, after their victory over Australia on Friday. However, they could still slip down the table if Australia win the remaining two matches in the series.Related

Washington, Ashwin or Axar? This aside, India have most bases covered ahead of World Cup

One last chance for India and Australia to tinker before big guns return

Audition time for Ashwin and Washington, much to prove for Iyer and Suryakumar

Shami gets five, India batters dazzle in comfortable win against Australia in 1st ODI

Over the course of this month, India, Pakistan and Australia were all in contention for the top spot. Pakistan emerged with it at the end of the Asia Cup, even though they had a poor tournament. Australia’s challenge fell away after they lost three straight ODIs to South Africa. India went on to win their eighth Asia Cup title after consigning Sri Lanka to a heavy defeat in the final and backed that performance up by dispatching Pat Cummins’ team with ease. Mohammed Shami picked up a career-best five-for and four of their top six scored half-centuries.India also have four players occupying the No. 1 positions across formats: Suryakumar Yadav is the No. 1 batter in T20Is, Mohammed Siraj is the No. 1 bowler in ODIs while R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are at the top of the bowling and allrounder charts in Tests.India are set to play two more ODIs against Australia, in Indore and Rajkot respectively. They will also be playing two World Cup warm-up matches before opening their campaign in the tournament proper against Australia on October 8 in Chennai.

The Spanish champions are edging towards completing their second major summer signing, but how exactly will he fit into Hansi Flick's starting XI?

It looks like Barcelona will finally get their man. After more than 12 months of intense speculation, Nico Williams has reportedly agreed to a six-year deal with the Catalan giants, who are now set to trigger the €58 million (£50m/$67m) release clause in his Athletic Club contract.

Work must be done to ensure Barca can fit Williams' salary within La Liga limits, with sporting director Deco expected to sanction several sales in the coming weeks. Ansu Fati and Ronald Araujo are among the outfield players likely to be on the chopping block, while Marc-Andre ter Stegen seems increasingly certain to depart after the arrival of Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

There should, then, be no repeat of the Dani Olmo registration fiasco that provided an unwanted sideshow for so much of Barca's 2024-25 campaign. Bayern Munich and Arsenal have also been linked with Williams, but he's made it clear that Catalunya is his first-choice destination, with even claiming he is willing to take a wage cut.

Barca certainly feels like a natural next step for Williams after four seasons of impressive growth at Athletic Club. The 22-year-old has become one of the most consistent performers in La Liga while also earning a regular role in the Spain national team, and should have little trouble making the transition to Hansi Flick's side.

The only question mark is how exactly Flick is planning to tweak his line up to accommodate Williams. Barca were the most scintillating attacking team in Europe last term, and there is a risk of the frontline being thrown out of balance if the manager doesn't get this decision right…

• Getty Images
  

  Yamal kinship

  It's not difficult to understand why Williams has been a long-term priority target for Barca. He's registered an impressive haul of 18 goal involvements for Athletic over the past year, and has also been a tremendous sidekick for Lamine Yamal at international level.

  Yamal usually steals the headlines when Spain play, his dazzling two-goal display against France in the semi-finals of the Nations League being the latest example, but Williams also plays a vital role in Luis de la Fuente's set-up. Williams is not quite as unpredictable as the Barcelona wonderkid, but he is equally as adept at stretching defences and providing teasing crosses.

  Indeed, it could even be argued that Williams outshone Yamal during Spain's run to Euro 2024 glory, as he capped a stellar tournament by scoring in the final against England. At club level, Williams' numbers don't yet match up to his compatriot, but that could easily change at Barca.

  The main thing, from the Blaugrana's standpoint, is that both youngsters bring the best out of each other. Despite being separated by roughly 70 meters across the pitch, Williams and Yamal have a natural kinship that has helped transform Spain back into the most feared national team on the planet again, and Barca will be hoping it can get them over the line in the Champions League next season.

Advertisement

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Straight swap

  For the money being paid, there is no chance of Williams being just a squad player at Barca. He is being touted to be a starter on the left wing, a role currently occupied by Raphinha.

  Last summer, Barca's pursuit of Williams left Raphinha disillusioned. At that stage, the Spain attacker looked like an obvious upgrade on the Brazilian, who had endured a largely frustrating 2023-24 campaign under Xavi.

  But when the deal didn't go through, Raphinha stopped sulking and set about proving Barca's recruitment team wrong. Flick put the former Leeds United man's versatility to far better use than Xavi ever did, and he quickly became the driving force behind the team's assault on all three major trophies.

  In 55 appearances across all competitions, Raphinha recorded a combined total of 56 goals and assists. The 28-year-old finally unlocked his world-class potential as Barca clinched a domestic double and reached the Champions League semi-finals, setting a shining example with his work rate and professionalism. Raphinha's influence was so great he may even be rewarded with the 2025 Ballon d'Or. As such, after such a glorious redemption story, it would be incredibly harsh if Barca go through with their original plan to drop him for Williams.

  There is, however, no doubt that Williams is more of an old-school left-winger than Raphinha. In Flick's system, the Brazil international has taken on more of a playmaker role while tucking inside to lead Barca's press from the centre. In stark contrast, Williams will hug the touchline and look to attack his marker at every opportunity.

• Getty/GOAL
  

  Raphinha in the Ronaldinho role

  The obvious solution, then, is for Flick to make Raphinha Barca's new Ronaldinho. He featured as a No.10 in six games last season, with his standout display coming in a 5-0 Champions League demolition of Young Boys, in which he produced a magical pass for Robert Lewandowski's opening goal before scoring the second himself.

  Raphinha is quite capable of dancing past multiple defenders and conjuring up incisive through-balls from nowhere, while he also boasts the agility and control to change direction quickly under pressure. Barca can rely on Raphinha to be their creator-in-chief, just as they did with Ronaldinho in the Frank Rijkaard era.

  Interestingly, though, Raphinha sees himself more in the mould of another of the club's iconic Brazilian No.10s. "Off the pitch I am a bit more like Ronaldinho and on the pitch a bit more like Rivaldo, more focused, more serious," he said when quizzed on comparisons with Ronaldinho in March.

  It would be more accurate to describe Raphinha as a hybrid of the two, combining Ronaldinho's flair with Rivaldo's goal-scoring instincts. But the bottom line is: he is far too good to sit on the bench. Raphinha can continue to evolve alongside Williams, Flick just has to make the necessary adjustments.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield implications

  Flick has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation in his time at Barca so far, risking an ultra-high backline so as to focus on suffocating the opposition to regain possession quickly and look for the most direct route to goal. The No.10 position has, for the most part, been shared between Olmo and Fermin Lopez, who have both excelled.

  They will, though, be relegated to a place among the substitutes if Raphinha is moved into the middle. Dropping them deeper won't be an option, because of the brilliant partnership that Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have formed just in front of the defence, with Gavi currently serving in a back-up capacity.

  Doubts would inevitably be raised over Olmo and Fermin's futures if this happens, and Flick could switch to a 4-4-2 so as to put one of them in the centre next to Pedri or De Jong, with Raphinha supporting Lewandowski, but that could adversely affect Barca's pressing game.

  One way or another, Williams' arrival is going to upset the apple cart. At least one key player is going to be phased out, with Yamal perhaps the only untouchable figure in Flick's ranks.

Her 63 trumps Bryony Smith’s half-century in entertaining contest between two sides needing to win

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2023

A brilliant all-round performance from England’s Emma Lamb ensured Thunder kept alive their hopes of qualifying for finals day in the Charlotte Edwards Cup following a thrilling 16-run victory over South East Stars.Electing to bat at Blackpool’s Stanley Park, Thunder posted 165 for 5 with Lamb’s 63 the highlight of an entertaining contest between two sides needing to win to have any chance of progressing.The game remained in the balance for much of the afternoon with Stars giving themselves a great chance after an opening stand of 87 before Thunder’s bowlers struck back in emphatic fashion to dismiss the visitors for 149.Lamb dominated the Thunder innings from the start, hitting the first ball for a boundary before tucking into the Stars’ bowling with a combination of power and finesse.Liberty Heap offered good support from the other end, hitting two fours of her own off Claudie Cooper’s first over as the opening pair reached an impressive 50 without loss off the first powerplay.It could have been much better for Stars however. Sloppy ground fielding became infectious and a truly bizarre sixth over saw Cooper put down consecutive caught and bowled chances offered by Heap before Lamb was also easily grounded in the deep.The first-wicket partnership was finally broken in the eighth over for 58 when Phoebe Franklin uprooted Heap’s middle stump with the opener departing for 19.Joined in the middle by Fi Morris, Lamb continued to attack with the England international bringing up her half-century with a delicate scoop shot off Ryana MacDonald-Gay before hitting the same bowler for two consecutive sixes.Lamb’s dismissal for 63 after skying a Franklin delivery to Kalea Moore triggered a mini collapse from the hosts as Deandra Dottin and skipper Ellie Threlkeld both departed cheaply to Danielle Gregory to leave Thunder 120 for 4 and in danger of wasting their good start.But Naomi Dattani proceeded to hit an excellent 30 off 18 balls to give the Thunder some priceless momentum as they closed on 165 for 5 with Morris the last batter out for 44 in the final over.Stars’ reply set off in thrilling style with Bryony Smith and Paige Schofield attacking Mahika Gaur and Kate Cross from the outset.By the end of the powerplay, Stars were 55 without loss and looking hungry for more with Smith bringing up her half-century off 31 balls with six fours and two sixes as the opening partnership shot to 87 off 58 balls.Then came the turning point of the innings with Olivia Bell bowling Smith for 51 before trapping Scholfield in front for 31 two balls later to leave the visitors 88 for two and Thunder with renewed hope.Hope turned to expectation when two wickets fell in consecutive Lamb balls with Aylish Cranstone brilliantly stumped by Threlkeld without scoring and MacDonald-Gay feathering her first ball behind as Stars were reduced to 95 for 4.Cross returned to remove Tash Farrant, caught and bowled for six with Franklin falling the same way off Tara Norris for 12 as Stars’ began evaporating in the Blackpool sunshine.Dattani completed an excellent all-round performance by picking up the wickets of Moore and Alexa Stonehouse with the visitor’s innings petering out to close on 149 all out.

Pressure on Javier Mascherano and his men to perform after draw against East-leading Philadelphia

An 86th-minute free kick golazo from Lionel Messi helped spark a late comeback for Inter Miami as they earned a point on the road against the Philadelphia Union in a 3-3 draw Saturday night.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner stepped up with the trailing by two goals with four minutes to spare, drilling home a brilliant left-footed strike from the top of the box for his sixth goal of the MLS campaign. With a boost of momentum, the South Beach side, in the last minute of stoppage-time, found an equalizer on a goal by Telasco Segovia.

From the edge of the box, Segovia curled home an effort into the top corner of the net to make it 3-3 in the dying seconds of the match – completing the riveting comeback and earning Miami a point on the road.

With the result, though, Miami are still winless in seven of their last eight matches. It was a dominant performance from the Union all match long, but a bit of Messi magic went a long way to ensure Miami didn't leave empty handed.

Quinn Sullivan, U.S. men's national team call-up for the CONCACAF Gold Cup training camp, opened the scoring for Philly as the 20-year-old nailed a belter of a curling effort just seven minutes in off a short corner kick.

MLS Golden Boot leader Tai Baribo then doubled the Union's lead minutes before halftime, furthering their advantage ahead of the break. Miami earned a goal back in the 60th minute off a lovely header from winger Tadeo Allende – the beginning of their eventual comeback.

Baribo, however, responded with his second of the game to make it 3-1 with 16 minutes to spare, thinking he'd bagged the dagger that earned his club all three points. That was until Messi stepped up.

His brilliant free kick brought the South Beach club back into the mix as the final whistle neared. It wasn't a pretty game for the by any means. Their defense was exploited all match long, and Philly outshot them 18 to 10.

With just one win in their last eight across all competitions, though, a point might be viewed as successful for Miami.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Subaru Park.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• Goalkeeper & Defense

  Oscar Ustari (6/10):

  A few nice reaction saves, but his struggles showed. Not much he could do on the opening two goals, and on the third, his defense let him down.

  Noah Allen (5/10):

  Appeared to miss his mark on Sullivan's goal for Philly's opener, but hard to pin it on him alone. Miami's best defender of the night, that mishap aside.

  Tomas Aviles (4/10):

  Surprisingly inserted into the XI for the first time in five weeks, and was outclassed all match. Caught out multiple times, he couldn't handle the pressure from the Union attack.

  Gonzalo Lujan (4/10):

  Slow and unaware all night long. On Miami's second goal, he was beat to the ball despite having two steps on the attacker – just a poor performance overall.

  Ian Fray (5/10):

  Didn't excel, but wasn't particularly poor, either. A fine performance, but against the Union, fine isn't good enough.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Jordi Alba (5/10):

  Played out of position further up the pitch, he brought nothing additional to the attack – which was the intention of the switch. Not his fault, as a defender.

  Sergio Busquets (6/10):

  Strong centrally, per usual – but with few creators surrounding him, he struggled to find outlets with which to pass to.

  Yannick Bright (N/A):

  Subbed off at 38 minutes in due to injury.

  Tadeo Allende (6/10):

  Really nice header, perfect run. However, he was poor in the final-third throughout the match – struggled in build up and transition, but came up big with his goal, sparking the eventual comeback.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Lionel Messi (7/10):

  Played frustrated all evening until that magical free kick. He was at his best for eight minutes of the game, and it earned them a point – would it have been three if he played like that longer?

  Luis Suarez (3/10):

  Invisible the entire game. A few pieces of hold-up play, but just completely ineffective otherwise.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Federico Redondo (6/10):

  Replaced Bright and held his own well for 60-plus minutes. Tucked in alongside Busquets, he had a rather solid second half.

  Fafa Picault (N/A):

  Brought on late to try and secure a result, but wasn't able to make a lasting impact.

  Marcelo Weigandt (2/10):

  Just so poor. Came into the game and committed multiple fouls and then found himself out of position on Philadelphia's third goal. Should be thankful Messi rescued him from his own cameo.

  Telasco Segovia (9/10):

  Scored a goal that was flagged for offsides, and then bagged the game-tying strike with a lovely finish. He did exactly what he was asked of, and you could not ask for more. Well done.

  Javier Mascherano (3/10):

  Got everything wrong from his XI to the tactics. Jordi Alba deployed higher up the pitch left his defense without a leader, while slowing down the counter-attack during regulation. Miami offered few ideas going forward or defensively. Eight minutes of Messi magic should not redeem how poor this club was set up throughout the match.