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From Santanu Chakraborty, United States Seeing Dr.Kamath’s “Memories of 1983” , I could not resist myself to share my own memories with you all

Cricinfo25-Feb-2013Santanu Chakraborty, United States
Seeing Dr.Kamath’s “Memories of 1983”, I could not resist myself to share my own memories with you all. Cricket entered my life nearly 30 years ago when I was almost 10. But till that historic day (25th June, 1983) and even in the next four years, there had not been any occasion of my watching international cricket (even through television).Cricket used to reach me through the articles of Shankari Prasad Basu, Shantipriya Bandopadhyay, Mati Nandy, Mukul Dutta, Ajay Basu or through the voices of commentators like JP Narayanan, Sushil Doshi, Murli Manohar Manzoor, Suresh Saraiya or the voices of news readers like Krishna Kumar Bhargava, Ramanuj Pratap Singh etc. The use of words in those articles or news or the same in those running commentaries along with the added excitement gave me the charm of cricket in those days. Those descriptions, those uses of words and those pulps of emotions were mainly responsible for building up my feel for national and international cricketers at that time.It was a time when I could only imagine what could be an off-cutter or a full toss or a good length delivery or a googly. To me, there was not much difference between a square cut and an on-drive or between a leg glance or a fierce pull. It was such a time that India won the World Cup. Without understanding even 1% of the technicalities of cricket, without even listening to 50% of any of those cricket commentaries in that historic tournament, I enjoyed every bit of it through the documented descriptions in the newspapers. Those printed lines were not just some amalgamation of words for me – they actually were the World Cup for me. It was a time when those articles and reports were also not written with a professionally minded approach. So, the emotions reached the sky’s limit in those articles and there were attempts to establish India as the best team in the world after the World Cup.Although logical thinking told me that it was not so in spite of the fact that I was only in my adolescence at that time (14 years old). But to me, at least for that tournament, India really deserved this victory because of the sheer emotion, self belief, determination and patriotism. There were not too many superstars in the 1983 team. The 1987 team in the Reliance Cup had more superstars. There were no plans or tactics or strategies involved in those 1983 victories. Sourav Ganguly’s India in 2003 was a much better team in terms of planning and strategies. But still India could not win in 1987 and 2003 because they probably did not have that self belief. Therefore, even after 25 years, that unplanned, strategy-less, superstar-less victory has remained India’s sole victory in the World Cup.

During his 14-year reign as the South African keeper, Boucher has had at least six frontline challengers. Only two remain standing

Firdose Moonda11-Jul-2011During his 14 years in possession of the South Africa wicketkeeper’s gloves Mark Boucher has established a personal empire over the berth. No other player has seriously threatened to displace him from the national side; most who tried fell by the wayside, their growth stunted.Some went away, like Nic Pothas and Kruger van Wyk. Others, like Wendell Bossenger and Ahmed Omar, were let down by the system. A few, like Thami Tsolekile and Morne van Wyk, have stayed and are still plugging away, hoping for a chance to challenge the champion again. The reality is that not one of them has stood out as a likely successor.Not that Boucher himself felt that way. “It was like being in a bubble that you don’t want to burst,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “I never took anything for granted, and I knew that to keep my place I had to perform all the time. I never felt that my spot in the side was cemented.”It’s that belief in the impermanence of his spot that pushed Boucher to stay above the competition. “I was criticised big time when I started. People thought Nic Pothas should have taken over. I had a good season with the bat then, but I knew my keeping wasn’t up to scratch.”In 1997, Pothas was Boucher’s only direct competition, and he had the support of many pundits. For five years after that, Pothas stayed in South Africa, but as Boucher got bigger and better and Pothas’ opportunities smaller, he packed up. He joined Hampshire in 2002 and qualified for England five years later. By then he was 34, competing with the likes of Matt Prior, Chris Read and Geraint Jones, and his international future had all but disappeared. His county career is coming to its end, but with distinction. He has scored over 800 runs in every one of the eight seasons he has spent at Hampshire, and is currently being rewarded with a benefit year.As Pothas was on the brink of sailing off, Kruger van Wyk was making his debut. Only a little over five feet, Kruger was the embodiment of dynamite in a small package. He came from the assembly line of adept sportsmen at the Afrikaans Hoer Seunskool (Affies) and was in the same team as AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and Jacques Rudolph. “We really created something special during an era at Affies where we were very keen to dominate cricket at schoolboy level, and we had some great players,” he said.Kruger van Wyk was the spirit of Northerns Cricket for seven years, known for his athleticism, effervescence and enthusiasm. “It was my job to be energetic, to be very neat, to be able to make a difference and try and win games with the gloves and the bat when the opportunity presented itself.” He was a stylish batsman, a hard worker, and a natural with the gloves. He was picked for South Africa A on several occasions but was never able to make the leap up to the national side. “I knew Boucher was doing very well, and I knew that it would be very hard to get a chance while he was there. It might just be a case of being in the right place at wrong time.”In July 2006, Kruger followed his coach Dave Nosworthy and ex team-mate Johann Myburgh to New Zealand. “I saw a great opportunity for me to be challenged in a new environment, and it was a chance I just couldn’t say no to. I wanted to test my skills in different conditions.” Kruger admits that while he was playing in South Africa’s franchise system, “Boucher was the man for the job” at national level. He couldn’t see a way in so he went out to avoid having the door banged shut on him.Bossenger was not so fortunate. He played his cricket in Kimberley, for Griqualand West, a small team in small place, which made it difficult to get noticed. Despite averaging in the high 30s for most of his first-class career, he was frozen out of professional cricket when the franchise system formed in 2004-05. Griquas merged with Free State to form the Eagles, and Bossenger was not contracted.”It was hard at the time, but you can’t be bitter about it,” he said. “I was 27 then and I had to make a decision – am I going to chase this and look for another franchise, or go in another direction?” He chose not to go on the prowl for a place elsewhere. Griquas were then reduced to an amateur side and Bossenger operated as a player-coach. “I felt I had a lot to give and so I tried to mentor people.” He currently works as coach of the Griquas side and the CSA colts, and is content with the way things panned out.Bossenger said he was told by friends that perhaps the reason for his exclusion when the Eagles were formed had something to do with race, and that he lost out on a contract because the franchises felt compelled to sign up a certain number of players of colour. He said that if that was the case, he did not mind. “At that stage transformation was the most important thing in South African cricket, much more important than me getting a franchise contract.”Bossenger’s reference to race carries no animosity. Instead it has the understanding of the very real problems South Africa faces, not just in sport. There is a definite and much-needed push, to give opportunities to people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, but the application sometimes goes awry, as Omar claims happened in his case.

“In the old days the keeper was the guy who had to shout and scream a bit behind the stumps. But now he is one of the leaders of the team. He has to have a good cricket brain and be a lot more involved in the game, much like a catcher in baseball”Morne van Wyk on the changing role of the wicketkeeper

Omar toured with Boucher at the Under-19 level, and was touted as the next best thing to hit Gauteng cricket. He was contracted by the team and played under coach Ray Jennings but was dropped after one first-class game, in which he took three catches. He was brought back into the side in 2003-4, and played sporadically for the next two years, despite being a contracted player.”I was never given any answers for what was happening,” he said. “I wrote letters to the board and the selection panel but every time I questioned what was happening I was told I had an attitude problem. I felt the administration was dishonest at the time and they set me up to fail.”Omar walked away from cricket completely to concentrate on his security business. His tales reek of sourness and were it not for the well-documented racial problems at Gauteng cricket, they would have just come across as complaints from a bitter man.Gauteng can redeem themselves with Tsolekile, who they rescued from an office job in the Cape to help revive his career. Tsolekile, who is also a national hockey player, came closest to replacing Boucher when he toured India in 2005, when Boucher was dropped from the side. But after three Tests, Tsolekile was deemed not good enough. “I thought I was fully ready at the time, but in hindsight I wasn’t. Boucher was the better all-round cricketer,” he said.Tsolekile wanted to work on his batting, but in a formidable Western Province (WP) line-up he was never able to bat higher than seven or eight. “We had guys like Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince in the side, so there was no opportunity to bat higher,” he said. He became known as an exciting lower-order player, not a hardworking grinder like Boucher. In 2007 he lost his contract with the Cobras because of “personality problems” with the then-coach, Shukri Conrad. He took up a job in the WP Cricket Association administration department but “at 27, I didn’t want to sit in an office”.Gauteng approached him two seasons ago to play for their franchise, the Lions, and he has since moved to Johannesburg, where he has captained the franchise, the South African A side, and excelled with the bat. “If I didn’t still have ambition to play for South Africa, I wouldn’t be playing for the Lions,” he said.Like Tsolekile, Morne van Wyk is also still playing, and he still believes he has a few years to give to the national team. Having been a part of the World Cup squad, Morne is positive about his chances of playing more regularly for South Africa because of his experience as a top-order batsman. “If you have a keeper who can bat higher up the order, you have the option of playing an extra allrounder or bowler,” he said.Having been a professional cricketer for the last 14 years, Morne said he has been able to evolve with the process of wicketkeeping and so understands its nuances well. “In the old days the keeper was the guy who had to shout and scream a bit behind the stumps. But now he is one of the leaders of the team. He has to have a good cricket brain and be a lot more involved in the game, much like a catcher in baseball.”Currently the person who is able to do that best is still Boucher. “The hunger is still there,” he said. “I have been training really hard and I’m the fittest I’ve ever been. I have not given up on playing for South Africa in all formats.”That should be taken as a warning by those eyeing a berth in the limited-overs formats, like Heino Kuhn, Davy Jacobs and Daryn Smit. They have to knock down the champion before they stand a chance, and as Bossenger put it, “It should be difficult to play for South Africa.”

England will be upbeat after having the better of the exchanges in the drawn game at Nagpur, but they won’t have pleasant memories of Mohali, the venue of the second Test

S Rajesh08-Mar-2006

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been told why a Phil Parkinson statue at Wrexham should be on hold despite his “phenomenal” achievements.

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Promotion specialist appointed in 2021Has overseen meteoric rise up the EFLChallenge now is to reach the top-flightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Promotion specialist Parkinson was targeted by Hollywood co-owners in North Wales a matter of months after they completed their stunning takeover at SToK Racecourse in 2021. He was talked into joining an ambitious project in front of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary cameras.

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Parkinson has proved to be a shrewd appointment, with the history books being rewritten over the course of his 221-game tenure. Wrexham are heading into the Championship after taking back-to-back-to-back steps up the EFL ladder.

DID YOU KNOW?

The odd question has been asked of Parkinson’s methods, but there is no arguing with his record. He is already the subject of ‘The Boss’ mural in Wrexham and has seen a permanent monument to his success speculated on.

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Former EFL player turned pundit Don Goodman believes it is too early to talk statues at the Racecourse, telling of why Premier League football may be required in order to earn that kind of immortality: “I don't think he'd expect one just yet. I don't want to disrespect Phil because what he's achieved is nothing short of phenomenal.

Mark Robins hasn't got one outside Coventry yet. So, with respect, I think you probably need to achieve just a little bit more for a statue.”

West Ham have made a deadline day move for Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface with Werder Bremen vying for him too.

• West Ham trying to sign Boniface
• Werder Bremen in the race as well
• Striker had a failed move to Milan

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After his loan move to Milan did not go through after he failed a medical, Boniface now has two suitors on the transfer deadline day. According to , West Ham are interested in him and want to hand manager Graham Potter a fresh new forward before the international break. On the other hand, Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen too, are trying to work out a deal, as reported by Sky Sport. While the Hammers are the most interested party behind the striker, they are willing to pay a suitable salary through negotiations. Bremen, meanwhile, are eyeing a loan move, and are in contact with the club and his entourage. Leverkusen, who sacked manager Erik ten Hag on Monday, are open to his departure.

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  Leverkusen had given a green light for Boniface's move to Milan. The Rossoneri had conducted his medical as well but the Nigerian goal-machine had outlined earlier that the deal did not go through due to his recurring knee injuries. Such was the situation that he had thought of a probable retirement. However, now, on the last day of the window, West Ham and Bremen have come knocking on his door.

• DID YOU KNOW?

   Since joining Leverkusen back in 2023, he has scored 32 goals in 61 games.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BONIFACE?

  Boniface will have only a few hours to see his next destination get determined. He has not been called up to the Nigeria squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches.

Everton are willing to pay the majority of Jack Grealish's £300k-per-week wages as they hope to complete a loan move for the Manchester City outcast.

Season-long loan could cost Toffees £12mGrealish surplus to requirements at Etihad Conversations between clubs are ongoing Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report by the Toffees have not been put off by the Cityzens demands. Everton are prepared to pay the bulk of the 30-year-old's mouthwatering wage, which could result in a loan move worth £12m ($16m). Talks have continued throughout the summer, with Everton looking to establish the parameters to push through a deal.  

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David Moyes' men have already strengthened in the attacking third, with Charly Alcaraz making a permanent switch after a successful loan spell last term, and Thierno Barry joining from Villareal. While Grealish is the odd man out in Manchester, he could still provide the Toffees with an attacking x factor in the new term.  

DID YOU KNOW?

Grealish still holds hopes of breaking into Thomas Tuchel's squad for next summer's World Cup. It would appear the German is a fan of the player, as Grealish was included in Tuchel's first squad as England manager back in November, despite limited playing time for his club.     

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?

If Everton are willing to subsidise the bulk of Grealish's wages, it's hard to see a better move materialising for the former Villa man. It's a mark of Moyes' respect for his talent, as many other sides would likely balk at the finances of such a deal. Either way, most fans of the game would love to see Grealish recapture the form that made him a £100m just four years ago.   

Manchester City have reportedly ruled out a summer move for Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, despite needing a new right-back following Kyle Walker’s departure to Burnley. Pep Guardiola is instead considering Barcelona’s Jules Kounde, although a deal looks difficult at the moment. City are now focused on player exits, but could still act if the deal for Kounde is deemed possible.

Man City won’t move for Livramento this summer

Citizens now targeting Barcelona's Jules KoundeBarcelona hope to renew Kounde’s contract soonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

ESPN have reported that Manchester City are no longer willing to pursue a deal for Livramento, despite previously scouting the Newcastle full-back. Walker’s exit to Burnley had sparked rumours of a move, but no bid was made. Journalist Fabrice Hawkins has now reported that the eight-time Premier League champions are monitoring Barcelona star Kounde, although the Catalan side are working on extending the Frenchman's contract.

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ESPN sources have said that City briefly considered Livramento as Walker’s replacement, but have moved on to other targets. Kounde has been identified as a possibility, though Barcelona are keen to keep him and talks over a new contract are ongoing. With no concrete offers on the table, the Frenchman looks unlikely to head to Etihad Stadium this summer.

TELL ME MORE…

At the moment, Manchester City are short of a specialist right-back, with only Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes as makeshift options. While they’ve already concluded most of their incoming business, Guardiola is still open to reinforcing the backline. However, player sales — including Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips — are currently the club’s top priority.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY?

Guardiola's side may yet go into the new season without a recognised right-back. If they do act in the market, it’s unlikely to be for Livramento or Koundé. For now, Manchester City are content to wait — unless the right opportunity becomes available late in the window.

The two Melbourne teams finished in the bottom two positions on the points table

AAP25-Nov-2023Wet weather brought an end to drab WBBL campaigns from both Melbourne sides in Stars’ rain-affected derby win at the MCG on Saturday night.Annabel Sutherland top-scored as Stars were bowled out for 118, and Kim Garth’s early wickets in Renegades’ run chase gave Stars, the hosts for the game, the upper hand.Garth reduced Renegades to 12 for 2 inside three overs before rain temporarily forced players off the field and sent most fans in a crowd of 5933 heading for cover. Play returned for only another nine balls as Hayley Matthews (17 not out off ten balls) tried valiantly to put Renegades in front on the DLS chart.But Renegades’ 27 for 2 from 5.3 overs was still eight runs short of a par score when rain ended the match for good.The result left Stars (six wins in 14 games) and Renegades (two wins in 14) filling the bottom two places on the table. It was Stars’ fourth win from their last five matches, giving them an idea of what might have been had they started the season in better form.That’s that – the umpires break the news to the two captains•Getty ImagesGarth, who returned figures of 2 for 2 in her two overs, dismissed Renegades openers Tammy Beaumont and Emma de Broughe within three balls in the third over of the innings after stand-in captain Sutherland (36) lifted Stars to a respectable total batting first.Sutherland smacked six boundaries in her 36 off 28 balls and put on a club-record fourth-wicket stand of 45 with Tess Flintoff (22 off 23 balls).Both Sutherland and de Broughe were out caught off Harmanpreet Kaur, who returned 2 for 13. Matthews (2 for 20), Georgia Prestwidge (2 for 27) and Georgia Wareham (2 for 18) were the other main wicket-takers.The rain-affected match was a disappointing end to former Australian international Jess Duffin’s professional career after the cross-code athlete announced her retirement before the match. Duffin didn’t bat or bowl but claimed he catch that dismissed Alice Capsey for a second-ball duck off Georgia Prestwidge’s bowling.Stars were again without regular captain Meg Lanning, who sat out the final three games of the season for personal reasons. Lanning announced her retirement from international cricket earlier this month, saying she had lost the hunger to perform at the international level.

Harvey Elliott has been warned he needs to leave Liverpool in pursuit of regular football after leading England Under-21s to the Euros final.

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• Elliott starring for England U21s
• Had limited game time at Liverpool
• Told to pursue Anfield exit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Elliott has been in inspired form for England's Under-21 side, scoring four goals in the ongoing European Championship to help Lee Carsley's side reach the final. Two of those strikes came on Wednesday evening in the 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, including an 85th-minute winner.

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  The 2024-25 campaign was a tough one for Elliott. He made 28 appearances for Liverpool but managed only two starts in the Premier League, both of which came when the title was already wrapped up. He has previously admitted his frustration with his limited role at Anfield and former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor has now urged the midfielder to leave Merseyside this summer.

• WHAT AGBONLAHOR SAID

  Agbonlahor said as quoted by : "He deserves to go and play and start week in, week out. He is 22 now and everyone has said this about James McAtee at Manchester City but he needs to play. He needs to be getting 40 games a season and he isn't getting that at Liverpool.

  "I would push for a move if I was him. I know it is hard to leave a big club like Liverpool but for him and the club, a move is perfect.

  "I am sure Liverpool will look at it, and realise the fee has probably gone up for how good he has been [at the Euros]. He might not think he is too far off at Liverpool and go to a team fighting for Europe, or try a different league."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ELLIOTT?

  While his future looks to be up in the air, Elliott's next assignment comes in the Euros final with England set to battle Germany on Saturday night.

The U.S. didn't get many clean looks at goal, but Richards made the most of it when he did, scoring game-winner in 63rd minute

AUSTIN, Texas – Not every game is going to be an instant classic. You can't always win 5-0, can't always score a stunning goal that will live on forever in the memories of all who saw it. Sometimes tight games can be decided by just one moment of quality, and something that looks ugly suddenly reveals its beauty.

That was what happened Thursday between the U.S. men's national team and Saudi Arabia.

Nobody will file this one under classic, but the USMNT still managed to escape Austin's Q2 Stadium with a narrow, but deserved, 1-0 win, and with it, advance to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Gold Cup.

There were few real chances and even fewer moments of actual soccer, as both teams labored through what turned into an sluggish game. Saudi Arabia were just fine with that, totally content to pack the middle. That was their plan all along: frustrate, delay and turn this into a game of moments, not a track meet.

They were daring the USMNT to find a way to beat them.

After several rounds of beating their heads against the proverbial wall, the "somehow" finally came in the 63rd minute, when Chris Richards was able to score off a Sebastian Berhalter set piece, sliding the ball into the back of the net.

It was Richards' second career goal – and first in more than two years – and it felt like a big one as it sealed three points and guaranteed spot in the knockout rounds. Mexico and Costa Rica have also clinched quarterfinal spots. 

“Man, I don't even know, I just saw I saw the ball coming in my way, and I figured I needed to get something on it,” Richards said on FOX after the game. “It was a great delivery and I just had to do what I had to do… It was a tough game, a tough opponent, props to them. But that’s CONCACAF for you – sometimes you've got to get physical, sometimes you've got to get nasty. I think that's exactly what we did tonight.”

The USMNT have now advanced past the group in all 18 editions of the tournament, and only once failed to reach the semifinals – in 2000 when they lost to Colombia in a penalty shootout. The U.S. have won the Gold Cup seven times – in 1991, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2021. Mexico has won the tournament nine times, including in 2023.

Richards was a deserved scorer, having been one of the standout players throughout due to his contributions on both ends of the field, throwing his body all over the pitch to keep the USMNT alive throughout.

"You know, there's not so many amazing moments, but sometimes you have to play games like that where you have to find that that one moment where we're going to break them down and be able to score a goal," Tyler Adams said. "And Chris obviously scored a great piece. Sebastian Berhalter, obviously, with an amazing set piece. So good at set pieces. And everyone was just out there competing for one another."

Sometimes, all it takes is a set-piece finish from a center-back, one of the foundational sequences of this sport. It isn't pretty, but it's enough, especially in a tournament setting. After losing four straight games entering this tournament, the USMNT have back-to-back Gold Cup wins, and – with one more group stage game Sunday night against Haiti – they'll leave Austin with their mission accomplished.

GOAL rates USMNT's players from Q2 Stadium.

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense

Matt Freese (6/10):

Was called on to make one save on his near post in the first half, which was about the same amount of effort he had to put into the entire Gold Cup opener.

Max Arfsten (7/10):

Very lively in the first half, headlined by a fancy flick deep in his own half. Had more freedom than Freeman on the other side and he did have a few dangerous forays forward, particularly early.

Tim Ream (6/10):

Was so often the safety net, recycling the ball to when the U.S. couldn't get through the defense, so he wound up with a lot of passes. Didn't have to do much else, in truth.

Chris Richards (9/10):

Made the biggest defensive play in the first half and nearly got a goal early in the second. That goal did come later, solidifying a clear Man of the Match award for the central defender.

Alex Freeman (6/10):

Had one big misstep as he jumped in for an interception, only to see the ball slip by to a running winger. Otherwise, did fine in a more defensive role than we're used to seeing with Orlando City.

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Luca de la Torre (6/10):

Did well on the ball, but wasn't really dynamic enough to help the U.S. break through a very clogged midfield. Taken out midway through the second half as a result.

Sebastian Berhalter (7/10):

Struggled a bit in the first half, but more than made up for it with his fantastic set piece on the goal. It could be a breakthrough moment for him in his third senior cap.

Malik Tillman (5/10):

Through little fault of his own, he struggled to find the game throughout. With Saudi Arabia clogging the middle, there was just so little room for Tillman to operate, which meant few chances for him to get on the ball.

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Diego Luna (6/10):

Probably his quietest game in a USMNT shirt, but that's largely due to how loud he's been otherwise. Was just unable to really find space to operate with the opposition so bunkered in.

Patrick Agyemang (6/10):

Had a few moments in which he was able to break loose and threaten the defense, but didn't have the quality to turn those moments into chances. It seemed as if he'd get through for one good look eventually, but it never came.

Jack McGlynn (6/10):

A bit unfair to him to have to come off early, but the U.S. just needed something else out wide. Even so, he did create the USMNT's best look of the first half with a fantastic ball across the face of goal.

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Tyler Adams (6/10):

Good to see him back after a foot injury limited him throughout the last week. Will be huge for the U.S. to have him ready for the knockouts.

Damion Downs (6/10):

Almost got through on goal once, but was tackled before he could really get a good look.

Brenden Aaronson (6/10):

Came on with 15 minutes ago to get fresh legs onto the field. With the U.S. already leading and pretty content, there weren't many chances to make an impact on the attacking end.

Miles Robinson (N/A):

Was brought in for the game's final moments to see things out from a defensive point of view.

Johnny Cardoso (N/A):

Same as above. Not much to be done before the final whistle.

Mauricio Pochettino (6/10):

He probably couldn't have predicted just how defensive Saudi Arabia would be, which led to a pretty unattactive game. He made tweaks throughout to try and open things up, but he'll be pleased to have seen a set-piece goal, given how hard it was to get any of those tweaks to work.