New Zealander cracks 64 and then bowls miserly spell to extinguish Derbyshire hopes

ECB Reporters Network02-Jul-2023Mitchell Santner delivered a top all-round performance as Worcestershire Rapids beat Derbyshire Falcons by 28 runs at Derby to book a place in the Vitality Blast quarter-finals.The New Zealander hammered 64 including five sixes off 46 balls as the Rapids raced to 222 for 5 with Adam Hose smashing an unbeaten 42 from 21 balls. Wayne Madsen scored 63 from 32 balls but the Falcons were bowled out for 194 with Pat Brown taking 3 for 35, Usama Mir 3 for 38 while Santner claimed 1 for 28 from his four overs.The result means the Falcons miss out on a place in the last eight while the Rapids finish third in the North Group.Brett D’Oliveira’s decision to bat was vindicated and he set the tone by driving Alex Thomson over long-on for six. Jack Haynes matched him by pulling Zak Chappell over wide long-on as 15 came from the second over but the fast bowler responded in his next over when D’Oliveira sliced him to cover.The Rapids reached 70 for 1 at the end of the powerplay after 17 came from George Scrimshaw’s second over with Haynes and Santner both picking up boundaries.Mattie McKiernan stemmed the flow with two tight overs but the Rapids reached the halfway stage handily placed on 94 for 1.The Falcons spinners were keeping the Rapids in check but when Scrimshaw returned, Santner cut him over point for six and drove him square for another four.The stand was worth 72 off 55 balls when Zaman Khan bowled Haynes with a swinging yorker and conceded only three from the 13th over. But Santner tore into McKiernan in the 15th, smashing the legspinner for four consecutive sixes as 29 came from the over.Chappell returned to york Santner as he made room to drive and Scrimshaw had Kashif Ali caught at deep midwicket before Khan pinned Ben Cox lbw with another full length ball. But Ed Pollock smashed a free hit for six and cleared the ropes at deep square before Adam Hose cut loose in the final over.He pulled and ramped Chappell for three sixes and with 27 coming off the over, the Falcons had leaked 43 from the last two with Hose and Pollock plundering 43 from 11 balls.It left the Falcons with a tough chase and Tom Wood went in the third over when he pulled Dillon Pennington to deep square leg. Haider Ali went in the fourth when a pull at Brown looped to mid-on but Harry Came gave the Falcons hope by pulling Pennington for six and four.The Falcons were 57 for 2 after the powerplay and Came and Madsen kept them on track by adding 71 from 38 balls before Came was stumped off a wide from Mir.Madsen hoisted Mir for a big six onto the top deck of the media centre but Leus du Plooy was well caught at long-off by Jake Libby when he tried to clear the ropesBut Madsen was still there and after reaching yet another 50 from 26 balls, he drove Adam Finch for his third six before Brooke Guest pulled the seamer over the ropes.The Falcons were starting to believe but off the last ball of Finch’s over, Madsen sliced a drive and was brilliantly caught by Brown running in off the cover boundary. Guest fell to Santner in the next over and as the asking rate climbed, the Falcons fell to earth with Brown striking twice in the final over to seal a memorable day for the Rapids.

Former Nepal captain Gyanendra Malla has announced his retirement from international cricket. Malla, 32, played 37 ODIs and 45 T20Is in his career.Malla scored 876 runs in ODIs, with seven half-centuries. His knock of 75 against Namibia in 2022 remains his highest score in the format.In T20Is, he amassed 883 runs at a strike rate of 120.29, scoring one century and two fifties. His 107 against Bhutan in 2019 is the second-highest individual score by a Nepal batter in T20Is.”With a heavy but deeply grateful heart, I feel it is now the right time to announce my leave from International Cricket,” Malla tweeted. “This sacred game, that has been the essence of my existence – from playing locally to playing at the National level – has taught me invaluable lessons about life, determination, and the power of unity. With every stride on the pitch, I felt the pride of representing my country, donning the cherished colors that symbolized a nation’s hopes and dreams.”To my teammates, thank you for being more than just colleagues; you became my family, and together we forged an unbreakable bond. To my coaches and support staff, your guidance and belief in me have been instrumental in shaping my career. And to my supporters, your cheers echoed in my heart, fueling my spirit on the field. Through the highs and lows, your unwavering support held me steady.”This isn’t a farewell; it’s a new chapter in my journey. A journey where I will continue to be a staunch supporter of the sport, a witness to its evolution, and a proud flag-bearer of the country I love dearly.”Malla led Nepal in ten ODIs, out of which they won six. In T20Is, the team won nine of the 12 matches under him.During his career, Malla was part of some memorable moments in Nepal’s cricketing history. He played an important hand in Nepal’s 80-run win against Hong Kong in their opening match at the 2014 T20 World Cup. He was also the first to score an ODI half-century for Nepal, doing so against Netherlands in 2018 in the team’s maiden 50-over appearance.Malla represented Nepal in two Under-19 World Cups, in 2006 and 2008. In the 2006 edition, he scored 46 in the Plate semi-final as Nepal shocked South Africa by two runs. Two days later, Nepal beat New Zealand by one wicket in the Plate final.

Sri Lanka, who were in the driver’s seat with Pakistan 101 for 5 in reply to their 312, will need quick wickets on the third morning to bounce back

Danyal Rasool17-Jul-2023

Stumps A see-sawing day ended with Pakistan wresting back the momentum from Sri Lanka thanks to a counter-attacking partnership between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman. Half-centuries for the two in an unbeaten stand of 120 means Pakistan are now just 91 runs behind Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 312, and might well have made a deeper dent into that deficit if monsoon rains hadn’t brought the day to a premature close.But it was more the speed of the run-scoring than the accumulation which impressed. Across 38 overs, Pakistan scored at just a tick under five, spearheaded initially by Shan Masood. But Agha and Shakeel, traditionally much more conservative in their approach in international cricket, took the baton and ran with it in a frenetic final hour that saw all of Sri Lanka’s bowlers put to the sword as Pakistan stormed back into the contest.Related

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The fast bowling poetry of Naseem and Afridi

Finding themselves five wickets down with a deficit greater than 200 and Nauman Ali to come in next, most Pakistan sides would have gone into their shell. But instead of waiting for Prabath Jayasuriya or Ramesh Mendis to invariably find a ball that breached their defences, the pair began to exploit gaps, rotate the strike, use their feet and find the boundary. Shakeel’s drive over Jayasuriya’s head early on was a statement of intent and a couple of slogs over cow corner from Agha forced Sri Lanka’s best bowler out of the attack. Both players brought up fifties, and as the runs continued to flow, Sri Lanka appeared to run out of ideas, turning to Kasun Rajitha’s pace.The middle session had moved the game along more than the entirety of the first day, with Sri Lanka’s spinners demonstrating clear superiority over their counterparts in these conditions. Jayasuriya’s three wickets put Sri Lanka on top even as Pakistan took the attack to the bowlers. Masood’s 30-ball 39 epitomised that approach as Pakistan moved along at 4.71 runs per over, though it did come with the loss of half the side.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Abdullah Shafique survived an exceptionally close lbw shout in the first over before Imam-ul-Haq fell playing a rash cover drive in the second, spooning it into backward point’s lap. Masood’s arrival heralded the start of the only passage in that phase where Pakistan were dominant. Picking up from an impressive display in the two-day warm-up game in Hambantota, Masood continued in the same fashion. He was adept at carving the ball through the covers, exploiting gaps and getting the run rate ticking.His approach against the quicks necessitated Sri Lanka turning to Jayasuriya as early as in the ninth over, and Masood showed him enough respect to play out a maiden. Ramesh was not afforded the same regard, Masood saving the shot of the innings so far for him, dancing down the track to clobber him over mid-on for a colossal six to get to 39. The very next delivery, though, had him pinned back on leg stump. The umpire didn’t raise the finger but Sri Lanka reviewed, and Hawkeye flashed up three reds, sending a disbelieving Shan on his way.By now, Jayasuriya had already begun to work his magic, sending Shafique on his way with a hint of extra turn. It would get better for Sri Lanka, when Babar Azam top-edged an arm ball straight up to the keeper, exposing Sarfaraz Ahmed and an inexperienced lower-middle order with Pakistan still 239 runs behind.Mastery against spin is considered one of Sarfaraz’s strengths, but a sweep too many off Jayasuriya found him struck adjacent enough to be given out lbw in the last half-hour before tea. It left the two new men in Pakistan’s middle order, Agha and Shakeel, to hold Sri Lanka’s relentless spinners off.Prabath Jayasuriya gave the afternoon session to Sri Lanka•Associated Press

In the morning, Pakistan bowled Sri Lanka out for 312, but not before Sri Lanka had added a useful 70 runs with the last four wickets.Over the course of a slightly scrappy morning session, Dhananjaya de Silva stood out. Having been unbeaten overnight on 94, he was in no rush to snatch at the three-figure mark, taking about half an hour to get to the mark with a whip towards fine leg. Alongside Ramesh, who was offering doggedness but not many runs, de Silva prioritised survival over quick run-scoring. It was an arrangement Pakistan were content with as the spinners operated on autopilot while they awaited the new ball, and a slash from Ramesh off Abrar Ahmed soon brought the gritty partnership to an end.Babar called up Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for an extended spell with the new ball. Afridi’s pace was up and he found more movement, but it was Naseem who ended up in the wickets, dispatching Jayasuriya with a short delivery the tailender got a feather to. And when de Silva decided it was time to up the ante, he fell as soon as he played an attacking shot, a mistimed drive over backward point caught brilliantly by a scampering Masood. By now, though, he had scored 122, rescuing an innings that badly needed salvaging after the first session yesterday.Sri Lanka’s Nos. 10 and 11 held Pakistan off much longer than anticipated, though, and scored runs while doing it. Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando added 29 runs for that last wicket, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed 300, and perhaps edging the session in their favour.That dominance looked to have been underscored firmly through the afternoon, but Pakistan’s late onslaught means the Test remains finely balanced under Galle’s mercurial skies.

GOAL takes a look at the top threads that teams will don at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, one winner, and $1 billion in prize money – but it’s also a showcase of fresh kits from around the globe.

From European giants like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich to lesser-known clubs such as Esperance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Al Ahly, teams from six continents will take the field – and many are debuting new looks for the tournament. stick with their iconic white, Chelsea in royal blue, and Bayern in their signature red.

But some clubs are getting bold. Borussia Dortmund’s eye-catching collaboration with KidSuper brings streetwear flair to the pitch, while Inter Miami’s third kit in a striking teal is already a fan favorite. Not all designs have landed, though – Manchester City’s new look has sparked more confusion than praise.

In a tournament full of global flair, the kits may be as memorable as the football. GOAL ranks the top seven kits from the 2025 Club World Cup.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowSeattle Sounders7Seattle Sounders x HOMETEAM collaboration

The collaboration takes their 2025 Home shirt and spins it with a design inspired by the song "City in Motion" from rising local hip-hop artist, Yonny, and it's honestly just a fun spin on things. The Sounders players won't wear the shirt in games themselves; rather, this is a streetwear design from a limited-edition collection, but it dons the Club World Cup patches and is a symbol of their participation in the tournament this summer.

The classy vertical stripes of Rave Green and Seattle Blue are joined by a graffiti-style design on the back of the shirt, paying tribute to a "city on the move."

Advertisement6Esperance De Tunis third kit

Tunisia, we were not aware of your kit game, but we are now. Their blue third kit is the stuff of dreams.

This is a classy, classy kit. It reeks of elegance. It feels like walking down a street in Venice, with a canal man rowing beside you, and the people you walk past are all sipping wine in extravagant clothing.

It doesn't feel like a football kit, but Kappa absolutely nailed the shirt. The mix of blue and gold with a mosaic-like print deployed to depict the flooring of Tunisian houses is just so, so good.

5CF Monterrey's entire CWC collection

have killed it with this design. All three shirts are incredible and offer a different look for the Mexican side.

Their home shirt comes in an elegant long-sleeve design that is nothing short of fantastic. The combination of navy and white with the collar is superb, and the design of the white, looking like dripping paint, is so unique, too.

Then, their away shirt and their third kit – come on now. Just the complete package. Another Puma collaboration with Kid Super, the white Away kit is slick with hints of blue and black as shadowy figures throughout, and then the Mexican flag coming down from the collar is a fantastic touch, too. The third, a fantastic pink kit, is not a shirt for everyone, but it's fun and has a killer design. It will look great on the pitch, and surely the Liga MX fanbase will sport it in the crowd to stand out during this tournament.

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4Borussia Dortmund Home x Goalkeeper kit

Superb, by all accounts. The design across the shoulders of the kit is pretty wicked. Dortmund have been known to be the for years, but they manage to rock a unique look every single time they debut a new kit – and this Puma x KidSuper collaboration is just the latest example.

The collar is a brilliant touch, too, but where the action really happens is with their pink goalkeeper kit.

Need we say more about it? It's gorgeous. The yellow collar, Puma logo, and badge with the subtle print across the shoulders pop terrifically. Just a brilliant set of shirts.

MatériaMais Notícias

O torcedor do Grêmio perdeu a paciência com elenco e, principalmente, com o técnico Roger Machado, que teve a sua demissão pedida na última sexta-feira, após o revés do Tricolor em casa para o Ituano por 1 a 0 pela Série B.

– VEJA A TABELA DA SÉRIE B

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Chateados com o desempenho, os tricolores nas arquibancadas demonstraram irritação acima do normal com o treinador. Em dado momento, os gritos por Renato Gaúcho voltaram a ecoar na Arena.

Na coletiva de imprensa, o técnico Roger Machado admitiu o clima pesado nas arquibancadas e entendeu a chateação do torcedor com uma atuação abaixo do esperado dentro do seu estádio.

– Clima hostil pelo mau resultado. O torcedor está no direito. Não é a primeira vez. Talvez hoje de forma mais veemente – declarou o comandante.

‘FANTASMA’ DE RENATO GAÚCHO

Ídolo da torcida, o treinador está desempregado desde a saída do Flamengo. No Tricolor, o comandante faturou diversos títulos, sendo o principal a Libertadores da América na temporada 2017.

Jamie Gittens raced away from Borussia Dortmund training after his proposed move to Chelsea fell through before the Club World Cup.

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• Gittens leave training in car
• Move to Chelsea broke down
• Dortmund set to play at Club World Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gittens was filmed leaving Borussia Dortmund training in a car shortly after news broke confirming his transfer to Chelsea had fallen through. The Premier League side had been keen to sign the young winger ahead of the first summer window's deadline so he could play in the Club World Cup, but they failed to reach an agreement with Dortmund in time and he will remain with the Bundesliga giants for now.

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  Chelsea will likely remain in contact with Dortmund so they can sign him during the next transfer window, which opens on Monday next week. It will then remain open until the first day of September, handing the Blues plenty of time to complete a deal later in the summer.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  For now, head coach Enzo Maresca will have to make do with the wide options he currently has at his disposal, but he has had his squad strengthened already this summer with Liam Delap and Mamadaou Sarr arriving from Ipwsich and Strasbourg respectively.

واصل الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي تشيلسي مشواره في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية بعدما حقق الفوز على حساب بالميراس 2-1 وتأهل إلى نصف النهائي.

وأقيمت مباراة تشيلسي وبالميراس على ملعب “لينكولن فاينانشال فيلد” في مدينة “فيلادلفيا بحضور جماهيري وصل إلى 65 ألف متفرج بقيادة الحكم، علي رضا فغاني.

وافتتح تشيلسي النتيجة في الدقيقة 16 عند طريق، كول بالمر، وانتهى الشوط الأول على هذا الحال.

اقرأ أيضًا | وقح وسرق فوزنا.. كوليبالي يفتح النار على حكم مباراة الهلال وفلومينينسي بعد توديع كأس العالم للأندية شاهد أهداف مباراة تشيلسي وبالميراس في كأس العالم للأندية

في الشوط الثاني، استطاع إستيفاو أن يسجل هدف التعادل لصالح بالميراس وهو اللاعب الذي من المفترض أن ينتقل إلى تشيلسي بعد نهاية البطولة بالدقيقة 53.

واستمر التعادل حتى الدقيقة 83، لكن النيران الصديقة كانت لها الحسم بعدما كانت هناك عرضية من، جوستو لاعب تشيلسي ولكنها غيرت اتجاهها فور اصطدامها بحارس بالميراس، ويفيرتون.

ليخطف تشيلسي بهذه النتيجة الفوز والتأهل إلى نصف النهائي ويضرب موعدًا مع فريق برازيلي آخر وهو فلومينينسي الذي أقصى الهلال بعد الفوز بنفس النتيجة 2-1 يوم أمس، الجمعة.

West Ham United could be set for an important upcoming window and Graham Potter could ring the changes this summer after a frustrating campaign in East London.

West Ham looking to climb the table ahead of important summer

Compared to their recent Premier League seasons, it is fair to say that West Ham have fallen below expectations. Julen Lopetegui tried and failed to appease the hierarchy and supporters, leading to Potter’s appointment back in January.

Since the Englishman’s arrival, the Hammers have taken 11 points from a possible 27 in the English top-flight. That has been enough to see off the threat of relegation, while there is still scope to finish above the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Crystal Palace if they can string together a timely run of results.

However, there is an overwhelming feeling among the fanbase that their recruitment last summer hasn’t entirely worked out, something that could lead to movement in both directions during the off-season.

Evaluating the forward line, Evan Ferguson is unlikely to stay at West Ham beyond his loan stint. The Republic of Ireland international hasn’t delivered a single goal since joining from Brighton, which may pave the way for Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto to come in for a fee of £21 million.

West Ham’s unfortunate circumstances in attack

Evan Ferguson

0 goals in 5 appearances

Michail Antonio (injured)

1 goal in 15 appearances

Niclas Fullkrug

2 goals in 11 appearances

Danny Ings

1 goal in 15 appearances

Defensively, the Irons also want Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer, furthering suspicions that Potter could put his foot down in search of a new-look starting line-up ahead of next season.

Arming his group with exciting options is set to be a priority for Potter, that much is certain, but supporters may now have a glimmer of who could make way to fund his rebuild over the coming months.

Graham Potter set to put West Ham quartet up for sale

According to Claret and Hugh, West Ham could allow Kostas Mavropanos, Emerson, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug to depart. Maxwel Cornet may also be permitted an exit once he returns from his loan spell at Genoa.

Referring to the quartet mentioned, they claim a combined £310,000 per week total in wages at the London Stadium, which could help to fund a summer of spending should they all find suitable destinations.

97th percentile for passing: West Ham step up pursuit of "incredible" star

The Hammers have now accelerated their plans to sign a midfielder, who could be perfect for Graham Potter’s system.

ByDominic Lund Mar 20, 2025

Carlos Soler is another loan star unlikely to earn a permanent stay in East London, indicating that Potter has decided to rip up parts of his squad to start afresh in what is set to be a new dawn under his stewardship.

West Ham fans will be happy to hear progress is underway ahead of the summer. Now, it is up to the remaining crop to prove they deserve to be a part of his long-term plans by delivering consistent Premier League results.

Atletico Madrid are nearing a deal to sign Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen, potentially ruling out Cristian Romero's transfer.

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• Romero heavily linked with Atleti
• La Liga giants near deal for Hincapie
• Argentine defender's exit potentially blocked

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Romero is determined to leave Tottenham this summer, with Atletico Madrid seemingly interested in acquiring his services. However, Romero's exit could be in jeopardy following the news that the Liga giants are nearing a deal to sign Piero Hincapie.

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  According to Catalan outlet , Atletico have set their sights on signing Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Hincapie this summer, with Los Rojiblancos already establishing contacts with both the player and his entourage. They have also reciprocated Atleti's interest by showing a willingness to leave BayArena and arrive at the Metropolitano. Head coach Diego Simeone likes the player's versatility, as the Ecuadorian can operate both as a centre-back and a left-back. However, his signing could complicate the potential arrival of Romero.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Romero has already stated that he "would love to play in La Liga". Spurs have placed a €70 million (£59m/$79m) price tag on the Argentine international, with Simeone reported to have already had talks with the player.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CRISTIAN ROMERO?

  The 27-year-old is currently enjoying his vacation after helping Spurs win the Europa League last month. He will return to action for pre-season with Spurs next season, with his future clearly up in the air.

The Argentine coach is expected to be officially announced by Cruz Azul in the coming days.

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Larcamon hasn't been officially announced, but club president confirms deal Larcamón finished with a 10-3-6 record at NecaxaCruz Azul reached the semifinals under Vicente SánchezFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Cruz Azul are set to make the arrival of Nicolás Larcamón official in the coming hours, confirmed club president Víctor Velázquez. The Argentine manager joins following a short tenure with Club Necaxa and will take over from interim coach Vicente Sánchez—who, despite leading the club to the CONCACAF Champions Cup title, will not continue at the helm.

Sánchez’s exit, though surprising given the recent trophy, was part of a larger strategic vision. Velázquez explained that Larcamón fits the long-term profile the club has been searching for.

“We had several interviews with Nicolás, analyzed his methodology, and presented our project. From the outset, we envisioned a team that plays proactive football, applies pressure high up the pitch, and embraces a modern style that excites fans. Nicolás embodies those qualities and aligns with the type of players we have,” said Velázquez.

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Regarding Sánchez’s departure, Velázquez was clear there is no animosity. On the contrary, he praised the Uruguayan’s professionalism and reiterated that he could return to the club in the future.

“He came in to replace Martín Anselmi, and we were always transparent that this was a short-term assignment. Thankfully, he brought us a title, but he also understood that this was a defined stage of our project. We’re grateful for his contribution and his dedication to the club,” he said.

The former player’s departure drew criticism, as he left behind an impressive record of 17 wins, 8 draws, and just two losses. He also went on an unbeaten run of 19 consecutive matches, further highlighting the surprising nature of his exit.

AFPDID YOU KNOW?

Off the pitch, Cruz Azul are actively reinforcing their squad ahead of the Apertura 2025. One of the most talked-about potential signings is Serbian striker Luka Jović, currently with AC Milan. Velázquez confirmed that the club has already initiated contact.

“Any team would want a player like him. Yes, we’ve had some talks, and we hope things mature positively in the coming days. Hopefully, he joins Cruz Azul,” Velázquez stated.

However, the club’s focus remains on building a cohesive unit over chasing marquee names for publicity.

“It’s not about big-name signings. We’re looking for players who adapt to our playing model. That’s been the key to building a competitive and exciting team—maximizing talent within a strong collective identity,” he concluded.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL?

Cruz Azul are set to kick off its Apertura 2025 campaign in a month’s time, facing Mazatlán FC in its opening match. While no official signings have been confirmed yet, several names are reportedly on the club’s radar -including Argentine midfielder José Paradela, who played under Nicolás Larcamón at Necaxa last season.

With Larcamón now leading the team from the sidelines, Cruz Azul are widely expected to be a serious title contender in the upcoming tournament.