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Alex Morgan was not affected by her sudden change in shirt number as she went on to put an end to her 10-game goal drought for the United States.

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Morgan ends goal droughtUSWNT thrash Dominican Republic Up and running at Gold CupWHAT HAPPENED?

The iconic forward came off the bench to help the USWNT to a 5-0 win against Dominican Republic in their opening game of the W Gold Cup. Morgan scored a late penalty 25 minutes after coming off the bench in a comfortable victory. It is her first goal for the national team since the SheBelieves Cup game against Brazil last year.

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Morgan was sporting an unfamiliar shirt number as she came off the bench. The 34-year-old usually dons the No. 13 jersey for the USWNT but had to switch to No. 7 for the W Gold Cup after being called up late to the squad.

She posted an image of the jersey on social media before the game, writing: "Yes, this feels as weird as it looks."

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Morgan was initially left out of the squad for the inaugural edition of the competition. She was drafted in to replace Mia Fishel after the Chelsea star was ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury in an unfortunate blow for the rising star. Due to her late arrival, Morgan's usual No. 13 shirt went to 18-year-old Olivia Moultrie, who scored twice in the match, forcing the veteran to take another number.

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Two-time World Cup winner Morgan will hope to help fire the national team to a second win in the W Gold Cup when they take on Argentina later in the week, before they round off the group stage with a match against Mexico.

According to The Birmingham Mail, Liverpool are showing an interest in Bayern Munich midfielder James Rodriguez. 

The Colombian is currently on a two-year loan at the German giants from Champions League winners Real Madrid, but the deal is up at the end of the season, and it is unclear as to whether he will return to the Santiago Bernabéu.

The 27-year-old is currently out-of-favour at Munich, and struggling to get a start at the Allianz Arena. That is not too dissimilar to his position at Madrid as well, where he was also not a favourite of then-manager Zinedine Zidane.

The question that many Liverpool fans will be asking is whether he would show a different attitude at Anfield. He notoriously loses enthusiasm and motivation if he finds himself on the bench, which is a vicious cycle as the manager is no longer going to play a player that has no desire to work for his place back in the team.

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However, importantly, it seems hard to believe that Rodriguez would ever suit Jürgen Klopp’s style of play for The Reds. The German deploys a fierce and energetic press from his attacking midfielders, which requires absolute commitment. Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mané are marvellous exponents of this style, which brings a great amount of success. However, with such a perfunctory attitude off the pitch, Rodriguez isn’t going to be too different on the pitch either.

This could be a problematic transfer which could do much more harm than good at Liverpool, and they should surely look elsewhere in the summer than this divisive figure.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly ranted at Raheem Sterling last season in an "embarrassing" dressing room incident, as he urged the winger to improve.

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Sterling was targeted by owner Chelsea paid £50m ($63m) for England winger Has struggled to hit top form at Stamford Bridge WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a new report from the Telegraph, Boehly stormed into the dressing room last April, after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Brighton at Stamford Bridge, and made a beeline for Sterling. He both told the squad that they were in "embarrassing" shape, and also told Sterling that he was a world-class player who needed to bring more to the table in terms of his form and leadership.

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Sterling is said to have taken the criticism well, accepting that Boehly was within his rights to give him his opinion, and has been receptive to feedback throughout his time at Stamford Bridge. However, his form has been patchy since he arrived from Manchester City, scoring 16 goals and registering 12 assists in 68 games. That amounts to a goal contribution every 0.4 games.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Sterling has not scored for Chelsea in the Premier League since November, when the Blues lost 4-1 to Newcastle. He has provided three assists since then, but one has to think that boss Mauricio Pochettino is expecting more from the Three Lions star.

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Sterling will next be in action for Chelsea against former club City on Saturday. The 10th-placed Blues could climb as high as eighth if they win.

New data has revealed which players have the most commercial pulling power across the men's and women's games

Now more than ever, football is a business – and that applies to individual players, too, with lucrative contracts on offer and brands vying for exposure at every turn once you achieve a certain status as a professional. But who are the most marketable players across the men's and women's games?

Sports business media company has crunched the numbers, "applying an advanced science that goes beyond vanity metrics to measure which sports stars offer the most value to brands today". Using extensive data analysis, social media monitoring, economic valuations and qualitative research, they have come up with a definitive list of the 50 most marketable athletes in 2023, with each given a marketability score out of 100 – and 22 of them are footballers.

Below, GOAL lists those names from least to most marketable, and there are plenty of surprises…

Getty22Sam Kerr – 71.5/100

A Nike athlete, Kerr is a hugely popular figure and plies her trade for WSL champions Chelsea. The Australian superstar is one of the faces of EA FC 24 and previously FIFA, and ranks 47th in the overall list.

AdvertisementGetty21Mapi Leon – 71.6/100

Barcelona defender Leon has become a cult figure in the women's game, and it helps that she's one of the best in the business. An adidas athlete, she's one of the coolest players around and sits 46th in the overall rankings.

Getty20Marcus Rashford – 73.82/100

Rashford has become a role model both on and off the pitch, thanks to his goalscoring exploits for Manchester United and personal crusade for free school meals for underprivileged children in the UK. The forward wears Nike and has worked with the likes of Burberry in the past. He sits 40th in the overall list.

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Getty19Mohamed Salah – 73.88/100

The most prominent Arab player on the planet, Salah has been the face numerous campaigns in his home country, Egypt, where he is a veritable superstar. His popularity in European football is a big help, too. He's 39th in the main rankings.

In his final home game for Athletico Paranaense on Sunday, Vitor Roque received honours ahead of his January transfer to Barcelona.

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Roque set to join Barcelona in JanuaryGets a farewell on the final home gameLeaving Athletico PR after two years with clubWHAT HAPPENED?

In a 3-0 victory over Santos, the Brazilian played his farewell home game for the team at Arena do Baixada. Roque played for eighty-five minutes, ending with a standing ovation from the audience. In January, Roque, who just recovered from an ankle ligament injury, will join Barcelona in a transaction estimated to be for €30 million plus variables.

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In an effort to lessen the shock of Gavi's injury, Barcelona has opted to complete the purchase of Roque in January, as revealed by Barca's sports director, Deco. Gavi will miss the rest of the season due to a major knee injury he sustained during the international break. Deco has decided to sign Roque and has pushed his arrival until the winter transfer window after realising that the team is much weaker without Gavi.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ROQUE?

It will be hard to stop Roque's aspirations from growing when he moves to Barcelona at the age of just 18. Additionally, given Robert Lewandowski's poor performance this season, he may be very important to the Blaugrana.

A Cristiano Ronaldo lookalike has been turning heads in Riyadh, with locals being treated to photo opportunities and a ‘Siuuu’ goal celebration.

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Portuguese superstar in the Middle EastShowing no sign of slowing down at 39Saudi supporters loving the CR7 showWHAT HAPPENED?

The real CR7 is unlikely to go walking the streets of Saudi Arabia by himself, as he would be mobbed by starstruck fans the moment that he stepped out of his front door. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner boasts a level of celebrity that means he has to carefully plan and monitor his movements.

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He would not go out wearing a ‘Ronaldo 7’ jersey either if he were to decide to stretch his legs during a break in playing duties. His doppelganger needs to attract attention somehow, though, and a bright yellow Al-Nassr shirt will help to catch the eye.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Turkish native Gokmen Akdogan is the man in question, with a career being made from bearing some resemblance to Portuguese superstar Ronaldo. He has been out on the streets of Riyadh posing for selfies and entertaining those that found themselves asking: “Is that him?”

Lionel Messi helped Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar and has now teamed up with eFootball 2024 for “another chance at being world champions”.

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All-time great has eight Ballons d'Or to his nameMost decorated player ever after 44 trophy winsFans get the chance to relive iconic momentsWHAT HAPPENED?

The all-time great, who now has eight Ballon d’Or wins to his name, has become the most-decorated player in football history. After lifting the World Cup and landing another Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi headed to the United States to link up with Inter Miami and helped them to a historic Leagues Cup crown within weeks of his arrival – securing him a 44th major honour.

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Messi’s intention is to remain on the trophy trail in 2024, with club and country. He is determined to challenge for MLS Cup glory, while Argentina are preparing to defend their Copa America title. While all of that takes place in the real world, the virtual realm offers just as many opportunities for success.

DID YOU KNOW?

Messi is an official ambassador for eFootball, with KONAMI delivering a simulator to rival the FC offering from EA Sports that previously dominated the market in its FIFA guise. Unsurprisingly, the best player on the planet figures prominently in the promotional material that accompanies an update for 2024 that is now available across all platforms.

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WHAT NEXT?

Players can put themselves in Messi’s shoes as they chase down domestic and international glory by collecting a series of “in-game Player Cards” that feature iconic moments from the most distinguished of careers, with the man himself embracing the opportunity to get “one step closer to play for that world title, to playing on the world stage for Argentina, getting another chance at being world champions”. Messi has remained coy regarding his plans to grace the 2026 World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, but KONAMI are giving him a chance to relive what it felt like to enhance his record-breaking medal collection.

Wrexham coach Phil Parkinson is confident that Steven Fletcher will make an impact when he returns after undergoing knee surgery this week.

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Fletcher had knee operationSet for spell on sidelinesParkinson backed him to returnWHAT HAPPENED?

Fletcher had a successful operation on his right knee and faces a long period on the sidelines as he begins his recovery.

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The former Burnley, Wolves and Scotland striker joined Wrexham in a free transfer in September and has since scored twice in 10 matches for the League Two side.

Parkinson says the striker's knee had been causing problems for the 36-year-old for some time, but he still wanted to play for the Welsh side and has been backed to play a key role once he is fit again.

WHAT THEY SAID

"We knew Fletch's knee was coming to the point where he needed an operation," Parkinson said. "He's subsequently had his operation this week and he's going to have a spell out. But he couldn't carry on the way he was going. He was putting himself up for selection, but his knee was swelling up after each game and he needed a clean out.

"We'll be looking forward when he returns and he'll be firing all cylinders. The impact when he's come off the bench has been exceptional. His personality has been really good around the training ground. When youngers strikers in the group see Fletch out at the end practising his finishing and working on aspects of his game, he's a great role model."

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While Fletcher recovers from his injury, Wrexham will take on Mansfield in the FA Cup on Saturday and continue their efforts to win promotion from League Two.

The race to win the MLS Cup is well and truly on, but which teams are looking strong, and whose hopes of a title are slipping away?

The 2023 MLS Playoffs are upon us, and the field this year feels as open as ever. There's no obvious winner, for sure, and, in a league defined by chaos, there will be plenty of teams feeling like they have a chance at winning silverware in early December.

Last year's champions, LAFC, are involved after winning arguably the best MLS Cup final we've ever seen. They'll face the Houston Dynamo in the Western Conference finale, with the U.S. Open Cup winners looking to complete an unthinkable run to another finale. Their opponents in 2022, the Philadelphia Union, are now out, leaving the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati to duke it out for Eastern Conference supremacy

But who are the favorites, who are the dark horses and which teams should start looking toward next year already? GOAL has you covered…

Getty Images4Houston Dynamo ⬆️

Even in getting this far, you have to admit Ben Olsen has worked wonders with this team. His hiring was criticized by some but, since arriving, Olsen has led the Dynamo to a U.S. Open Cup title and, now, a spot in the Western Conference finals. They topped Sporting KC to get there, just edging out a win thanks to a goal off a set piece.

The goal came from Franco Escobar and it came from a fantastic ball in from Hector Herrera. The Mexican midfielder has been rejuvenated since the start of the season, and the Dynamo's supporting cast has reflectively followed the example their captain has provided them.

They're lacking star power, sure, but this Dynamo team clearly knows how to play knockout soccer, although they'll likely be big underdogs when they face last season's MLS Cup winners on the road in the conference finale.

Next match: at LAFC (12/2)

AdvertisementGetty3Columbus Crew ⬆️

It wasn't easy and it required all 120 minutes, but the Crew escaped Exploria Stadium with the result they needed.

The Crew took down Orlando City, 2-0, in Florida, making something of a statement to move on in the Eastern Conference. Winning on the road is no easy task, particularly in the playoffs, and the Crew hadn't been a great road team all season long. No matter, though, as everything came together for them to take down the Lions.

After a Christian Ramirez finish to open extra time, Cucho Hernandez scored another goal, his fourth of the playoffs, as he remains arguably the most dangerous weapon left in these playoffs. There may not be a striker in MLS you'd take over him and, fortunately for the Crew, he's peaking at the right time.

With the Colombian firing and the pieces around him all playing their part, the Crew are as dangerous as can be. They'll need to be road warriors once again at FC Cincinnati next round but, with a win over Orlando in their back pocket, they'll feel just fine about their chances.

Next match: vs FC Cincinnati (12/2)

Getty Images2LAFC ↔️

It wasn't a typical LAFC performance that got them here. Last season's MLS Cup champions were an attacking behemoth, one that often brought Gareth Bale, of all people, off the bench. And, on their best days, LAFC can still be that. They do have Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela still, after all.

And it was Bouanga that provided the only goal LAFC required, as they ground out a win in Seattle to return to the Conference Finals. Playing in Seattle, Bouanga's goal was all him, although you could argue that the Sounders didn't show him nearly enough respect to close him down. His run down the left-hand side proved unstoppable, with his shot beating Stefen Frei to give LAFC the only goal they'd need.

From there, LAFC proved they can play a bit of bunker ball, conceding 70 percent of possession. They never folded, though, and their MLS Cup defense will continue because of that.

Next match: vs Houston Dynamo (12/2)

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USA Today Sports 1FC Cincinnati ↔️

They made everyone sweat a little bit with a grueling penalty shootout in the first round. And then they did it again in the conference semifinals, waiting until the last possible moment to make it happen. The Supporters' Shield winners did, in fact, make it happen, though, as their march toward MLS Cup continues.

MLS Defender of the Year candidate Yerson Mosquera scored a last-gasp winner, as FC Cincinnati squeaked out a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union. They did so without the actual MLS Defender of the Year, Matt Miazga, who was suspended for this one but will be back for the Conference Final vs the Columbus Crew.

The Supporters' Shield winners remain the clear favorites and, having survived this massive test against last season's Eastern Conference champions, they'll be a bit more battle-hardened as they march into a Hell is Real derby.

Next game: vs Columbus Crew (12/2)

The English midfielder added to his record-breaking start in the Spanish capital, while his attacking partner bagged two assists

Vinicius Jr provided a duo of assists, while Jude Bellingham was back among the goals as Real Madrid saw off Braga to pick up a tricky Champions League away victory. Los Blancos took a 2-0 lead, but the home side worked their way back into the game, forcing Madrid to see out a nervy 2-1 win.

Rodrygo opened the scoring for Madrid, but it was Vinicius who created it. The winger beat his defender before poking a ball to the near post, which Rodrygo steered into the net — his first goal since early August. The two nearly combined for a second after 30 minutes, but Rodrygo was ruled offside after his tap-in found the net.

Bellingham came close to doubling Madrid's lead early in the second half, only to see a half volley sting the palms of Matheus. He didn't miss at the second time of asking, though, threading the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box after a Vinicius pass.

The home side responded less than five minutes after, with Alvaro Djalo putting the finishing touch on a well-worked move down the right wing. A Kepa Arrizabalaga blunder almost handed them a second, but Madrid were otherwise reasonably steady as they picked up their third Champions League win in a row.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Estadio Municipal de Braga…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (5/10):

Probably shouldn't have been beaten at his near post for the goal. Almost gave up a second after a blunder. Madrid never really look secure with him in goal.

Dani Carvajal (7/10):

Played very high up the pitch in the first half, looked comfortable defending more in the second. A full-throttle 90 minutes.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

His recovery pace was vital on a few occasions, and he produced some important blocks, too.

Nacho (5/10):

Did some tidy defensive work, but he failed to close down goalscorer Djalo when Braga pulled one back, and his side was easily exploited. Seems certain to lose his place when Alaba returns.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Scampered forward on the left, and linked up well with Vinicius, but he was out of position on the Braga goal. His defensive issues are concerning.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

A good kind of frantic at the base of midfield. Won the ball a lot, and kept it moving. Solid when moved to the left in the final minutes, too.

Luka Modric (7/10):

Tidy on the ball, and a pleasure to watch in tight areas. He may have lost a step athletically, but he remains as classy as ever.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Not involved too much on the ball, but vital defensively and covered ground out of possession.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Struggled to get involved in the early goings, but linked up well with the front two as the first half wore on. Took his goal wonderfully after the break as he was impactful even when short of his spell-binding best.

Getty ImagesAttack

Rodrygo (7/10):

On the scoresheet for the first time since August 11, though he really couldn't miss from close range. Had a second ruled out, and faded after the break. Scores at a better rate in the Champions League than La Liga.

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Set up the first goal with a wonderful piece of skill. Put a lofted effort wide shortly after. A constant threat on the wing, and quite comfortably the best player on the pitch.

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Subs & Manager

Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

Calmed things down at the base of midfield after being introduced.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Brought on for defensive cover at left-back.

Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

Made the decision to rest Kroos and Tchouameni, presumably with one eye on the Clasico this weekend. Madrid controlled the game for an hour, but allowed the hosts back into it. He will take the three points, even if the unsteady end to the game is cause for concern.