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Leeds United could well travel to Bristol City this coming Friday with no new additions to show for their January transfer window business, Daniel Farke potentially risking it all and opting to rely on the group he already has at his disposal instead of splashing the cash.

Yet, there could well still be various twists and turns awaiting the Whites with the potential for last-ditch deals to still get over the line before the window officially slams shut on the West Yorkshire titans tomorrow.

With Farke and Co potentially trying to get transfers in right until the death at an anxiety-ridden Elland Road, the Championship promotion hopefuls could strike gold by landing this defender who could prove to be their very own Jarrad Branthwaite.

Leeds going in for Premier League colossus

Football journalist Alan Nixon has reported recently that Leeds are very much interested in bringing Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall to the club, the 6 foot 4 colossus a decorated servant at the City Ground by notching up an impressive 226 appearances to date but appears to be heading for the exit door.

Only starting five games this campaign for Forest – with his last full 90 minutes coming against Burnley in September last year – Leeds could offer Worrall more first-team opportunities to bolster their back four.

With a fee of £6m reported to be enough to land the out-of-favour 27-year-old in a last-gasp move, it would be a bittersweet severing of the ties for Worrall to walk away from his boyhood club.

Yet, Leeds would land an exceptional defender for the level if a move could be pulled off with the authoritative centre-back even displaying shades of Everton star Branthwaite's game when selected – the breakthrough Toffees centre-back an in-demand property himself this window.

How Joe Worrall compares to Jarrad Branthwaite

Casting an eye over FBRef, Worrall and Branthwaite have various similarities in the way they conduct themselves on a football pitch, with the two players noted as similar players, as per the stat-based website's comparison model. Unsurprisingly, this should make Leeds even more excited at the prospect of landing their £50k per week target.

Both are classy operators of the ball, with Worrall coming in at an 84.1% pass completion percentage per 90 minutes over the last year compared to Branthwaite's slightly lesser 78.1%.

With Leeds excelling at playing out from the back slowly before finding eventual holes in the opposition this season – Joe Rodon averaging a 91% pass accuracy at the heart of defence so far – Worrall would slot straight into the Whites first team rather effortlessly.

Moreover, both defenders go toe-to-toe when it comes to shot-creating actions – the 27-year-old Forest man coming in at 0.62 shot-creating actions to Branthwaite's slightly higher 0.74. The table below helps to further showcase their similarities.

Tackles won

1.02

1.11

Aerials won

2.45

2.58

Carries

21.4

21.1

Completed passes

28.2

29.6

Passes into final 3rd

1.02

1.58

Progressive passes

1.63

1.84

With Branthwaite plying his trade in the EFL before exploding into life when a move to Everton came about, Leeds will hope Worrall can smoothly transition back to the demands of Championship football on the contrary after playing his part in Forest staying up last season in the division above.

As there's still no expected date for when Pascal Struijk will return from a recently sustained injury blow – leaving Leeds to field Whites veteran Liam Cooper in the FA Cup last match – signing Worrall before the closing of the window feels like a sensible decision to make.

Farke will know what it takes to win promotion up to the Premier League as was showcased in his multiple heroics at Norwich City, but new reinforcements here and there would significantly boost his side's chances regardless.

Worrall, in particular, could well prove to be a shrewd bit of business that enables Leeds to make that next step up again to the top flight.

Perry’s career-best 7 for 22 hands Australia a 6-0 points lead to put England under the Ashes blowtorch

The Report by Valkerie Baynes07-Jul-2019
A stunning performance with the ball by Ellyse Perry handed Australia a thumping 194-run victory over England and a commanding lead in their Ashes contest.Perry claimed a career-best 7 for 22 in a brilliant display, which saw her surpass assistant coach Shelley Nitschke’s 7 for 24 against England in 2005 as the leading ODI bowling figures for an Australian woman and also claim fourth spot on the all-time list.Australia’s victory means they lead England by six points to nil and the hosts must win the four-day Test match, worth four points, starting on July 18, and then win at least two of the remaining three T20s – and lose none – in order to wrest the Ashes from the tourists.Perry’s devastating opening spell, in which she claimed 5 for 12 off six overs, including two wickets in as many balls and two maidens, ruined any hopes England had of pulling off a record chase of 270 to better their previous best of 243, achieved against New Zealand in 2008. Instead, England found themselves merely clinging on to avoid their worst defeat. It ended up being their second-heaviest loss in women’s ODIs, by margin of runs, as they posted their lowest total against Australia, and third-lowest ever.England’s top order, which – with the exception of Tammy Beaumont’s glittering century in the previous match – came into the match under some pressure, and they crumbled again in the face of Perry’s onslaught.She struck with her third ball of the day, an away swinger that tempted Amy Jones to send a leading edge straight to substitute fielder Nicola Carey at mid-on. Jones had shown good form during the recent series against West Indies, twice threatening to score a maiden century, but her returns so far this summer against Australia have been 0, 5 and 0.Beaumont could not reprise her previous innings when she fell plumb lbw to Perry, who then had Sarah Taylor out for a duck on the next ball, an excellent outswinger which drew an edge to wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy. Megan Schutt chimed in with the wicket of Nat Sciver, another dead-on lbw dismissal.England captain Heather Knight became Perry’s fourth wicket, caught behind as the hosts fell to 18 for 5. England were 21 for 6 when Perry struck again with another solid lbw to dispose of Danni Wyatt for just 1.Schutt clean bowled Fran Wilson, who arguably carried significant hopes of an England recovery having scored 91 against Australia in a warm-up match the weekend before the series started.Jess Jonassen snared the last wicket, trapping Laura Marsh lbw, but Perry had done the rest, accounting for Anya Shrubsole – one of only three England batsmen to reach double figures – and Sophie Ecclestone.Australia’s total of 269 for 7 was set up by Meg Lanning, who scored 69, and Healy’s 68. Sciver took 3 for 51 for England, who went into the match a bowler down after experienced quick Katherine Brunt was forced out with an ankle injury suffered while celebrating a wicket in the previous match, and did well to keep Australia’s score below 300.Despite needing a mammoth effort and many of their batsmen going into the match under some pressure to score runs, England had no reason to doubt their ability to take the battle to Australia, but Perry knocked the fight out of them.Knight acknowledged there was now a lot riding on the Test, with England needing to “restart the series”.”We can’t feel sorry for ourselves,” she said. “Obviously it will hurt a lot but we’ll have to turn this around very quickly to prepare for the Test match and try to restart the series because we’re still a chance. We need to have honest conversations about why things haven’t worked for us. Not sure why that is, but credit to Australia. They played brilliantly today and were too good for us.”The last two games were more frustrating, today we were blown away. First two, we competed for long period of time. Today hurts more. We’ll reassess where we’re at and where we need to take it. We’ve got to go out there and be positive, a change of format will be good for us.”Australia captain Meg Lanning was pleased with her side’s performance, which was yet another improvement on their previous two victories.”All-round we were even better than the last game,” Lanning said. “With the bat we were in a position to get a few more but England came back at us. But the bowling performance was excellent, Ellyse Perry leading the way.”

West Ham United chiefs have made a decision regarding David Moyes' contract as The Telegraph journalist Jason Burt makes a "high-profile" managerial claim.

Moyes pressure mounts after 6-0 loss to Arsenal

The Hammers remain winless in 2024 and succumbed to what was a pretty embarrassing 6-0 loss to title-contenders Arsenal at the London Stadium last weekend, with former captain Declan Rice putting in a Man of the March performance against his ex-club.

Moyes dealt contract worry as West Ham consider "perfect" trophy-laden boss

He’s won nine pieces of silverware.

ByEmilio Galantini Feb 8, 2024

It was West Ham's most regrettable day of the campaign to date, and one which heaped even more pressure on under-fire boss Moyes. Fans were already divided over whether to offer the Scotsman a contract extension, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.

“A really poor day for us,” said Moyes on West Ham's defeat to Arsenal.

“Very difficult to explain how we played so poorly. Arsenal played exceptionally well, we must give them the credit. The disappointing thing for me is, since I’ve come back to the club, I don’t think my teams defend like that ever. The disappointing thing is we were weak today, didn’t do the jobs well enough, didn’t fight to contain harder. We could have conceded other goals as well.”

Sunday's result has plunged Moyes' future into further doubt, regardless of the 60-year-old recently stating that talks were "well down the line" over fresh terms at Rush Green.

14th

22/23

6th

21/22

7th

20/21

16th

19/20

"We'll get back on it now the window is shut,” said Moyes on his new contract at the start of February. "We're well down the line and moving on with it. We'll pick that up again in the next few weeks."

Moyes and West Ham were criticised for their failure to sign a winger in the January transfer window as well, with the Irons now desperately short of options out wide following the departures of Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals.

West Ham are reportedly exploring potential replacements for Moyes in the event he leaves, with Burt now sharing an update on the club's managerial situation.

West Ham make Moyes contract decision amid "high-profile" manager claim

The reliable journalist wrote in a piece for The Telegraph this week that West Ham have decided to postpone Moyes renewal talks, and it is believed that a number of "high-profile" unnamed managers are interested in the potential vacancy.

Indeed, it is believed numerous bosses of calibre are eyeing up the job, and London Stadium chiefs are well aware of this. It's apparently given West Ham something to think about, as the east Londoners will also be considering potential backlash from some supporters if they do decide to retain Moyes.

The 60-year-old guided West Ham to their first major trophy since the 1980s with a Europa Conference League triumph in Prague, but domestically, they just about avoided relegation to The Championship.

Since Moyes took over from Manuel Pellegrini in late 2019, West Ham have also qualified for Europe in three of the last four campaigns.

Chelsea have reportedly submitted a formal bid for Boca Juniors' wonderkid Aaron Anselmino but it is well short of the teenager's release clause.

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Chelsea make an offer for AnselminoArgentine wonderkid have been a long-term targetThe bid is allegedly worth around $18m (£14m)WHAT HAPPENED?

Anselmino, born on April 29, 2005, in Bernardo Larroude, Argentina, is a product of Boca Juniors' esteemed academy. The young defender made his first-team debut in June 2023, showcasing his potential and earning praise from coaches and fans alike. Despite his limited senior appearances, totalling just 10 games, Anselmino has demonstrated significant promise, which has caught the attention of top European clubs including Chelsea.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to Chelsea have submitted an offer of $18m to Boca Juniors. However, this bid falls short of Anselmino's release clause, which is set at $25m (£20m). Hence, the negotiations between the two clubs will be crucial in determining whether Chelsea can secure the young Argentine's services.

DID YOU KNOW?

Anselmino is primarily a centre-back but can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder, adding to his versatility on the field. Standing at 1.86 meters (6'1"), he possesses the physical attributes necessary for top-level football and hence could emerge as an ideal replacement for Thiago Silva in Chelsea' backline.

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GOALWHAT NEXT?

Chelsea are not the first club to show interest in Anselmino. Earlier in January, Manchester United were reportedly keen on signing the young defender. However, a move did not materialize, and Anselmino subsequently signed a contract extension with Boca Juniors on January 9, 2023. His current contract runs until December 21, 2028.

Sunderland are still searching for a new manager after the sacking of Michael Beale, and a "magnificent" boss is believed to be keen on taking the job.

Sunderland manager latest

The Black Cats relieved Beale of his duties last week, following a poor run of form that saw his side slipping down the Championship table. Since then, Mike Dodds has been in interim charge at Sunderland, but things didn't start under him, with another defeat coming their way against Swansea City at the Stadium of Light.

That has highlighted the need to find a long-term replacement for Beale as soon as possible, and a number of potential candidates have emerged in recent days. Paul Heckingbottom is one player who is reportedly in the mix to be Sunderland's next boss, having most recently managed Sheffield United last year, prior to losing his job at Bramall Lane. Marek Papszun is more of a left-field option who has emerged, with the 49-year-old currently without a club.

Reims ace Will Still is also a name who isn't going away, having been mooted as a managerial target for the Black Cats in the past, with his future in France up in the air.

Alex Neil keen on Sunderland job

According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon on Patreon [via Football League World, former boss Alex Neil is interested in becoming Sunderland's next manager, having been in charge at the Stadium of Light in the past in what is an eye-catching update.

The Scot's most recent job was at Stoke City, where he managed between 2022 and 2023, while his stint with the Black Cats was a short one in 2022, lasting just 24 matches. He guided them to the Championship in that time, however, sealing promotion from League One after a playoff final win over Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley.

Neil certainly represents an interesting option for Sunderland, and the fact that he already knows the club well means he could be a safer appointment than others.

Michael Beale

2023-2024

Tony Mowbray

2022-2023

Alex Neil

2022-2022

Lee Johnson

2020-2022

Phil Parkinson

2019-2020

Jack Ross

2018-2019

Chris Coleman

2017-2018

Simon Grayson

2017-2017

David Moyes

2016-2017

Sam Allardyce

2015-2016

He also generally adopts a 4-2-3-1 formation as his go-to system, which is similar to Beale, so the squad could find it easy enough to adapt to the change. Meanwhile, Peter Reid waxed lyrical over him during his time as manager, saying:

"I thought they were tremendous. They were solid at the back. I think Alex Neil has done a magnificent job, I thought Pritchard played well, Roberts played really well, but in general he’s just made them hard to beat and they always keep going and that typified it at Wembley."

Ultimately, the decision rests with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and those high up at Sunderland, but if they have faith in Neil having unfinished business and returning, it is a decision that needs to be trusted.

Sunderland could take huge risk on 3-5-2 coach who's unbeaten v Black Cats

Sunderland could take a massive risk by appointing this Michael Beale successor.

ByKelan Sarson Feb 22, 2024

Someone like Still could arguably represent a more exciting appointment, considering he is only 31 years of age, bringing fresh ideas and long-term potential with him to the club, but Neil has been there and done it, having more experience, making this one to monitor.

Elliot Lee announced the beginning of his pre-season campaign at Wrexham with a topless photo as his side prepare for the upcoming League One season.

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Wrexham players return for pre-seasonMidfielder Lee posts shirtless photo Looking ahead to League One campaignWHAT HAPPENED?

The former West Ham academy product played a huge role in securing Wrexham their second-straight promotion by finishing in the top two of League Two to ascend to League One at the first time of asking. After enjoying a celebratory trip to Las Vegas with the Red Dragons squad as part of his summer break, the 29-year-old returned to the Welsh outfit to be put through his paces this week.

AdvertisementWHAT ELLIOT LEE SAID

The former Luton Town player posted a shirtless photo of himself in an Instagram story at Wrexham's training ground, and captioned it: "Back at it."

He also posted a clip of him interacting with team-mate George Evans on the pitch.

InstagramTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Lee's Wrexham, arguably, face their biggest test yet when they prepare for life in League One. Former goalkeeper Ben Foster said the squad are good enough to play in the English third-tier when they were in the National League. So now that they are at this level, this will truly test their credentials – as they aim to create history with a third-straight promotion.

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Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT?

After finding out their fixture list for the upcoming campaign, Wrexham will step up their pre-season efforts before heading out to North America for friendlies against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Vancouver Whitecaps in the coming weeks.

Waqar Younis also returns as bowling coach but there are likely to be conflict of interest queries around Misbah’s appointment

Umar Farooq04-Sep-2019Misbah-ul-Haq has been handed unprecedented influence over Pakistan cricket, with the PCB confirming his appointment as coach of the national side, as well as – uniquely – chief selector. Pakistan’s most successful Test captain will also be reunited with Waqar Younis, who has been named bowling coach. Waqar was head coach twice during Misbah’s near-seven-year tenure as captain, the pair working well together in registering some of Pakistan’s finest successes in the period. Both have been given three-year contracts.Speculation had been rife about Misbah being appointed for a while now – though both positions were advertised publicly, the PCB actively chased Misbah. He delayed applying formally for the position and the reason, ESPNcricinfo understands, is because of yet another role he is due to take up: that of the PSL side Islamabad United’s head coach. Eventually, Misbah applied hours before the deadline, was interviewed, and ended up beating Mohsin Khan and Dean Jones, who had also applied. From being a shock candidate to take the captaincy less than a decade ago, Misbah is now, arguably, the most powerful man in Pakistan cricket.Applications were not especially abundant. Waqar was the only one who turned up for the interview after another shortlisted candidate, Mohammad Akram, withdrew at the last minute. This is Waqar’s fifth term with Pakistan in a coaching capacity, having served as bowling coach of the side in 2006-07, bowling and fielding coach briefly in 2009-10, head coach in 2010-11 and again from 2014 to 2016. The end, when it had come, wasn’t a pleasant one as he resigned three months before his contract was to end after a poor World T20. He will be replacing Azhar Mahmood, who was released alongside Mickey Arthur, the previous head coach, after the World Cup this year.ESPNcricinfoIf Misbah’s multiple roles weren’t already a talking point – and he was part of the selection of all province squads for domestic cricket too – he was also part of the very committee that reviewed Arthur’s tenure after the World Cup and then decided to not renew his contract. Now, in effect, one of those responsible for the decision to release Arthur has succeeded him.The PCB had used a five-member panel with two independent former cricketers – Intikhab Alam and Bazid Khan – as well as governing board member Asad Ali Khan, Wasim Khan (chief executive, PCB) and Zakir Khan (director – international cricket) for the recruitment process.The board had also sought candidates for the batting coach role, but didn’t shortlist the only applicants – Mohammad Wasim and Faisal Iqbal. Both were ignored and with Misbah at the helm, the PCB has decided to call in an assistant coach from the NCA as support staff.Of Misbah’s numerous roles, his position as head coach of a PSL franchise and the national team raises questions of a potential conflict of interest – much in the way it had with his predecessor. Arthur was also coach of Karachi Kings during his time as Pakistan coach. The matter was taken up by Ehsan Mani after becoming PCB chairman and he promised to form a policy on dual roles that caused potential conflicts of interest.Before becoming chairman, Mani had questioned the situation of national coaches working with domestic teams. But with Misbah now holding three roles, a definitive position on the issue may not be forthcoming. Last year, under Mani, the PCB did remove chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq from the PSL player draft committee because of a potential conflict of interest since he was involved with a talent-hunt programme run by one of the tournament’s franchises, Lahore Qalandars. Tauseef Ahmed, part of the national selection committee while also serving as Islamabad United’s spin coach, was also left out of the PSL draft committee.The first assignment of the Misbah-Waqar combination will be the upcoming three-ODI and three-T20I home series against Sri Lanka, which will be played from September 27 to October 9. Their first series in the World Test Championship will be in Australia, where Pakistan will play in Brisbane (November 21-25), followed by a day/night Test in Adelaide (November 29 – December 3).

An FA Cup classic awaits Manchester United in the quarterfinals, with Liverpool next to travel to Old Trafford in just over two weeks time.

Last night, Erik ten Hag's side picked up an important 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in a tie that saw plenty of attacking action as well as poor finishing.

Forest vs MUFC

0-1 W

MUFC vs Fulham

1-2 L

Luton Town vs MUFC

1-2 W

Aston Villa vs MUFC

1-2 W

MUFC vs West Ham

3-0 W

Despite dominating the ball in the first half, the Red Devils were extremely vulnerable in transition, with the hosts able to register 12 attempts compared to United's nine.

However, after the break, the visitors looked like the only team that would go on to win the tie, limiting Forest to four shots, and they eventually got their goal with minutes to go via a Bruno Fernandes free kick, which was nodded home by Casemiro.

Casemiro's performance in numbers versus Forest

After being replaced at the weekend due to a head injury, Casemiro returned to the starting XI alongside Scott McTominay in midfield, his seventh consecutive start in 2024.

Out of all the attacking quality up front, it was the Brazilian defensive midfielder who handed Ten Hag the victory, saving United from playing extra time, which would have been the aim given the Manchester Derby is looming.

Throughout the tie, the 32-year-old was relatively composed on the ball, having a pass accuracy of 87% while only losing possession seven times. Casemiro combined well with Antony and Fernandes, in particular, in spells, with quick passages of play allowing him to have three strikes at goal.

However, there were still signs that suggest his athleticism, physicality, and ability to cover ground are all declining, with the midfielder losing 50% of his 12 duels and being dribbled past four times. That said, there was one player on the field whose performance may have gone slightly under the radar.

Andre Onana's performance against Forest

Andre Onana has received plenty of criticism this season – notably being targeted for the way he "makes the defence nervous", as per club legend Paul Scholes – but he is finally showing the Premier League why Ten Hag was so keen to sign him in the summer.

In truth, the Cameroon goalkeeper has almost been set up to fail, with the Red Devils conceding another 16 shots yesterday, their 116th across the last six games. Nevertheless, United still somehow walked away with a clean sheet last night, which was all down to the number 24.

The 27-year-old made pivotal saves in both halves, and the table below shows his key statistics from the tie, which prove United wouldn't have beat Forest without him in between the sticks.

Goals conceded

0

Saves

5

Saves inside the box

4

Clearances

1

Punches

1

Pass accuracy

82%

As can be seen in the table above, Onana made five saves in the tie, with 80% of them being from shots inside the box, which highlights how many opportunities the Tricky Trees were able to have in dangerous zones. His performance had similarities to the one during United's 2-1 win over Aston Villa recently, where the former Inter star prevented 1.56 goals, and without his saving ability, United could have conceded at least a couple of goals.

The experienced shot-stopper was also proactive, making one clearance and one punch while also having a pass accuracy of 82%, which allowed Ten Hag's side to remain in control, and that was particularly evident in the second half.

Overall, it was another impressive showing by Onana, who was handed an 8/10 match rating by the Manchester Evening News, and he should be thanked for his role in yesterday's victory. His confidence is increasing with each game, but he is set for a much busier time on Sunday at the Etihad.

Australia pacemen has match figures of 9 for 60 as Tasmania have just one wicket intact with a lead of only 36

Alex Malcolm20-Oct-2019Australia paceman Mitchell Starc proved why he is such a valuable asset on flat pitches, tearing through Tasmania’s top and lower order to put New South Wales on the brink of victory on day three at Drummoyne Oval.Starc took 4 for 20 in 19 blistering overs as Tasmania crumbled to 9 for 132 in their second innings with a slender lead of just 36 heading into day four. He had match figures of 9 for 60 from 43.3 overs after claiming 5 for 40 in the first innings.Starc picked up both openers when Alex Doolan failed to get on top a cut shot to be caught at point and Jordan Silk was lbw caught on the crease by a ball searing into middle from around the wicket.Tasmania could not find a way to get the scoreboard moving against an unrelenting New South Wales attack. Beau Webster was castled by a sharp inswinger from Trent Copeland.Test batsman Matthew Wade was uncharacteristically restrained, crawling to 40 off 113 balls before Sean Abbott found his outside edge.Tim Paine was caught at square leg, cramped for room trying to pull Abbott to leave Tasmania 6 for 112 before Starc returned to fire a missile into the base of Alex Pyecroft’s middle stump. He also found the outside edge of Sam Rainbird. Lawrence Neil-Smith and Riley Meredith bravely held out to stumps.Earlier, Meredith’s maiden five-wicket haul dragged Tasmania back into the game after twin centuries from Moises Henriques and Steve Smith put the Blues in a position to only bat once in the match.Meredith picked up three wickets in two overs with some express pace of his own. He bounced out Henriques before rattling the stumps of both Peter Nevill and Smith. His yorker to remove Smith was especially impressive, leaving the world’s No.1 Test batsman in a tangle.New South Wales went from 3 for 286 to 9 for 338 when Meredith had Abbott caught at leg slip. Nathan Lyon produced a useful cameo of 30 while Kurtis Patterson, batting at No. 11 with a runner due to his quad injury, contributed 16 not out in a tenth-wicket partnership of 28.

A brilliant showing from captain James Rodriguez has Colombia in the Copa America semifinals after a pounding of Panama

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Colombia advance to Copa America semifinalsDominate Panama 5-0James Rodriguez notches three goal contributionsGetty ImagesTELL ME MORE

Colombia are onto the Copa America semifinals after absolutely pummeling Panama 5-0 Saturday night in the quaterfinals.

Los Cafeteros were on the front foot immediately, opening the scoring in the 8th minute through Jhon Cordoba. A James Rodriguez corner kick found the head of the forward, with the goal setting the tone early.

Rodriguez then doubled their lead in the 15th minute from the penalty spot, with Los Cafeteros' captain notching a goal and an assist early on in the contest. Colombia added a third just before the halftime break via Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, who lobbed the goalkeeper after some brilliant service from Rodriguez with a cheeky attempt.

Panama responded with some halftime adjustments, but it was too little too late, as Colombia's three-goal first half told the story. They added a fourth in the 71st minute through a long-range effort off the boot of Richard Rios, and a fifth in the 92nd minute after Miguel Borja bagged a goal from the penalty spot late.

AdvertisementDID YOU KNOW?

Colombia have the longest unbeaten streak in global men's soccer in the international game at the moment. Defeating Panama moved their incredible record to 27 straight matches without a defeat. Their last loss arrived in February 2022, at the hands of Lionel Messi and Argentina.

Getty ImagesTHE MVP

James Rodriguez:

MVP of the tournament so far? It's safe to say he's in contention for it.

Saturday marked his fourth and fifth assists of Copa America 2024, while he found the back of the net for the first time. He put on a passing clinic, was an ace from dead ball set-piece attempts and captained his country to their 27th-straight match unbeaten. A job well done.

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Getty ImagesTHE BIG LOSER

Panama's defense:

Conceding inside the opening 10 minutes is never ideal, but conceding twice in the opening 15 minutes is unacceptable. For a team that was on unexpected run at this Copa America, it all crashed down quickly. It began with a missed mark on the Cordobaa corner kick, and then it was sloppy goalkeeping from Orlando Mosquera to concede the penalty.

After a heroic group stage showing, it was a poor knockout round.