Brazil arrived at the FIFA World Cup 2026 carrying familiar expectations. Every tournament begins with the Selecao being discussed among the favourites, and every generation eventually gets measured against the country’s rich history of success.
Yet as the group stage unfolds, one uncomfortable reality is becoming impossible to ignore: Brazil are still waiting for Neymar.
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While Lionel Messi is scoring hat-tricks for Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo is leading Portugal’s attack, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe remain central to England and France’s ambitions, Brazil’s biggest superstar continues his recovery programme away from the spotlight.
The contrast could hardly be more striking. Brazil’s opening performance exposed familiar problems
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Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco did little to ease concerns. Carlo Ancelotti’s side controlled periods of the match but lacked the creativity, unpredictability and cutting edge that have long been associated with Brazilian football. There were moments of quality, but there was also a sense that something was missing whenever Brazil entered the final third.
That “something” has often been Neymar for more than a decade.
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Even at 34, Neymar remains Brazil’s all-time leading scorer and arguably the only player in the squad capable of consistently transforming a game through individual brilliance. When opponents sit deep and space becomes limited, Brazil have traditionally looked towards him to unlock defences. Against Morocco, there was no such figure.
Neymar treina em campo com a seleção brasileira pela primeira vez nos Estados Unidos. Dê tênis e não chuteira, o camisa 10 fez exercícios físicos, ainda sem contato com a bola ou os demais jogadores. Via: @geglobo ????️@CBF_Futebolpic.twitter.com/rssViN9UMA
Neymar’s inclusion in Brazil’s World Cup squad was one of the most debated decisions before the tournament.
The veteran forward arrived carrying a calf injury suffered while playing for Santos and had not fully recovered when Brazil’s preparations began. Nevertheless, the coaching staff and medical department believed his experience and quality justified taking the risk.
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So far, that gamble has produced little return. The forward has yet to participate in full training, missed the opener against Morocco and has now been officially ruled out of Brazil’s clash against Haiti. His availability for the final group-stage match against Scotland also remains uncertain.
The longer the tournament progresses without Neymar, the more questions Brazil will face about whether they should have selected a fully fit alternative.
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More than goals and assists
Statistics only tell part of Neymar’s importance. As defender Danilo recently explained, opponents often dedicate two or even three players to marking him. That alone creates space elsewhere on the pitch.
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Neymar changes defensive structures before he even touches the ball. Managers alter tactical plans because of him. Defenders hesitate when he receives possession. Midfielders drop deeper. Full-backs become more cautious.
Very few players in world football command that level of respect. Brazil’s current attack contains quality, but none of the available forwards generate the same level of fear among opponents.
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Rivals have their stars. Brazil do not.
Perhaps the biggest concern for Brazil is what is happening elsewhere in the tournament.
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Messi has already reminded the world why he remains football’s greatest showman. Ronaldo continues to lead Portugal despite being 41 years old. Mbappe is spearheading France’s pursuit of another World Cup title. The stars are delivering when their countries need them most.
Brazil, meanwhile, are still waiting for theirs to even step onto the pitch. At a World Cup where individual moments often separate champions from contenders, that is a significant disadvantage.
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The knockout stages remain the target
To be fair, Brazil’s medical staff are focused on the bigger picture. The objective is not necessarily to have Neymar available for Haiti or even Scotland. The priority is ensuring he is fit enough to influence the knockout rounds, where tournaments are usually won and lost.
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Ancelotti knows that a half-fit Neymar could become a liability. But he also knows that a fully fit Neymar could still become Brazil’s most important player.
For now, Brazil continue their World Cup journey without their talisman. Yet with every match he misses, the spotlight grows brighter and the pressure increases.
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Because while other contenders are being carried by their superstars, Brazil are still waiting for theirs to arrive.
The ‘Prestianni Rule’ was executed for the first time in Friday’s match between Paraguay and Turkiye.
Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón was given a straight red card in the first half for covering his mouth during a confrontation, becoming the first player to ever be sent off for doing so.
The infraction came during first-half stoppage time in the Group D match when Almiron and Mert Mulder exchanged words following a foul near midfield. Almiron covered his mouth while saying something to Mulder, who immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton for punishment.
Barton went to video review and quickly ruled that Almiron would be given a red card and ejected.
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This is a new rule added by FIFA ahead of the World Cup to avoid any discriminatory statements being made by players.
It was created after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni covered his face with his jersey to reportedly make a racist remark to Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League game in February.
“If you have nothing to hide, you don’t cover your mouth when you say something. It’s as simple as that,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said of the new rule, per Yahoo! Sports. “If a player covers his mouth and says something that has a racist consequence, he obviously needs to be sent off. There must be a presumption that he said something he shouldn’t have.”
The Ultimate X match for the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) X Division Championship at Slammiversary on June 28 was set on Thursday night’s “Impact.”
Cedric Alexander, the current X Division champion, knew he was going to defend the title against Leon Slater already. But the four new challengers were announced. Frankie Kazarian, KC Navarro, Mr. Elegance, Fabian Aichner and Amazing Red joined the fray.
Frankie Kazarian makes his entrance during Showdown at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 7, 2025.(Kevin Sabitus/WWE)
Alexander defeated Slater for the X Division Championship a few weeks ago, thwarting Slater’s chance at becoming the longest reigning X Division champion of all time. Aichner made his presence known after the match and threw his hat in the ring weeks later. Kazarian has been in and out of TNA since 2003 and has been the X Division champion six times.
KC Navarro and Mr. Elegance have yet to win any titles in TNA, but are poised to get their hands on gold.
Meanwhile, Amazing Red is a TNA original and he was announced for Slammiversary earlier in the week. He could have been challenging Mustafa Ali for the TNA International Championship, but is now in one of TNA’s most innovative matches.
It’s sure to be one of the most exciting matches on the card for Slammiversary.
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Leon Slater makes his way to the ring during SmackDown at OVO Arena Wembley in London on Jan. 16, 2026.(Georgiana Dallas/WWE)
Mustafa Ali has been the TNA international champion since Rebellion in April. He’s has been one of the more dominant champions on the roster, only rivaling TNA world champion Mike Santana, and with the Order 4 behind him, the sky seems to be the limit.
TNA announced that Ali will have to put his title on the line at Slammiversary as one of the six championships being defended on the card. It will be in an open challenge format.
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So, for now, Ali’s opponent remains a mystery. But there’s not a shortage of potential challengers who could step up and grab the championship from Ali’s grasp.
American professional wrestler Tasha Steelz speaks during SiriusXM’s Busted Open Broadcasts Live Special WrestleMania Party at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas, on April 2, 2022.(Omar Vega/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
While those who have departed TNA received a ton of coverage over the course of the week, TNA announced a slew of re-signings as well.
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Tasha Steelz and Trey Miguel both re-signed with the company, TNA announced. The company also announced it officially signed Allie.
The announcements bolster the TNA roster as the company appears headed for a new era after Slammiversary.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
Alex Eala battles world No. 13 Linda Noskova as she eyes a place in the 2026 Berlin Open final.
Berlin Open schedule
June 20, Saturday
8pm (tentative) – Alex Eala vs Linda Noskova
Philippines’ Alexandra Eala serves the ball to Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina during the women’s singles quarter-final match at the WTA500 Berlin Tennis Open tournament in Berlin on June 19, 2026. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines–Alex Eala looks to turn the tables on Linda Noskova in their semifinal showdown at the 2026 Berlin Open on Saturday.
Their match is scheduled for 8 p.m. (Manila time) at Steffi Graf Stadium.
The last time Eala faced Noskova, she absorbed a 6-2, 6-0 loss on the hard courts of Indian Wells last March.
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Eala, who is enjoying a phenomenal grass-court campaign, is well aware of the challenge posed by the world No. 13 from Czechia.
“She’s a big hitter, and she’s young, but she has a lot of experience, and she’s very powerful,” Eala said of Noskova, who beat Paula Badosa to advance to the semifinals.
“My last match with her proved to be very difficult for me. So, coming into the semifinals, I hope to prepare and make some improvements and show what I’ve got.”
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Team India will take on Afghanistan at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk in Chennai on Saturday, June 20 in the third ODI of the three-match series. The Men in Blue have already clinched the series by winning the first two matches. They would now be aiming for a 3-0 clean sweep.
India beat Afghanistan by seven wickets in the first ODI played in Dharamsala. In a game reduced to 25 overs per side, they bowled first and held the opposition to 194 as debutants Gurnoon Brar and Harsh Dubey claimed three scalps each. In the chase, India got over the line in 22.5 overs as Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 84 off 66 balls.
The Men in Blue thumped Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI in Lucknow. Sent into bat, India posted 402 as Gill hammered 154 off 110, while Ishan Kishan scored 125 off 79 balls. In the chase, Afghanistan were all-out for 232 in 44.3 overs as Arshdeep Singh and Brar claimed three wickets each.
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Team India’s ODI record in Chennai
The ongoing match between India and Afghanistan marks the Men in Blue’s 16th ODI clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Out of the earlier 15 one-day matches they have played at Chepauk, India have won eight and lost six, while one game produced no result.
Team India’s first ODI in Chennai was against Australia in the 1987 World Cup. They suffered a one-run heartbreak in this game, falling tantalizingly short in a chase of 271. India’s most recent match at the venue was also against the Aussies. This match was also played as part of the ODI World Cup in 2023. India won this game by six wickets as KL Rahul scored 97* off 115.
India hammered New Zealand by eight wickets in December 2010 in the fifth ODI of a five-match series. Batting first, the Black Caps were bowled out for 103, a total India chased down in 21.1 overs. Yuvraj Singh was the Player of the Match for scoring 42* off 46 and claiming 2-5 in two overs.
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India also registered an impressive 35-run win against South Africa in Chennai in October 2015. Batting first, the Men in Blue scored 299-8 as Virat Kohli hit a magnificent 138 off 140 balls. In the chase, the Proteas were held to 264-9 despite AB de Villiers’ 112 off 107 as Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed three wickets and Harbhajan Singh two.
Wales are preparing for head coach Craig Bellamy’s possible move to Burnley with a shortlist of potential successors which includes former Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper.
Football Association of Wales (FAW) bosses held informal talks with Cooper before news emerged of Burnley’s renewed interest in Bellamy, while ex-Wolves manager Rob Edwards is also under consideration.
Burnley have not yet reached an agreement with the FAW, which wants at least £1m in compensation.
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If Bellamy rejoins the club where he worked as an assistant coach under now Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany, the FAW already has a list of possible replacements.
Former Forest and Swansea City boss Cooper is a leading candidate and would not require a compensation fee as he has been out of work since leaving Danish side Brondby earlier this year.
Like Cooper, Edwards would have been in a strong position to get the Wales job when Bellamy was appointed in 2024, had he not been at a Premier League club – Luton in Edwards’ case.
The FAW has also kept tabs on Eric Ramsay, the former Wales and Manchester United assistant coach who was briefly in charge of West Bromwich Albion during the 2025-26 season.
Tommy Fleetwood remains optimistic about his chances at the US Open, despite a challenging second round leaving him seven shots adrift of leader Wyndham Clark, as conditions are poised to become even more formidable over the weekend.
The Englishman carded a one-over-par 71, placing him joint 22nd after Friday’s play.
Fleetwood, who will again play alongside Ludvig Aberg, faced the tougher side of the draw, missing Thursday’s more favourable scoring conditions that Clark capitalised on, before battling stiff winds as the course dried out on Friday.
Forecasters predict gusts could reach 33mph on Saturday afternoon, suggesting significant shifts are possible.
Reflecting on his performance, Fleetwood admitted: “I should have shot a couple better and that’s a little bit frustrating, but at the same time you take what you get and I did a lot of good stuff and at the end of the day we’re still in a pretty good position.”
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Wyndham Clark leads the US Open on -7 after two rounds (Getty)
He highlighted the unpredictable nature of the tournament, adding: “You have one person that is a long way in front and Wyndham has had an unbelievable two days and aside from that you have three under which is the next best score. Anyone who’s made the cut and has a good front nine and is three or four under, you are only three shots from second place.
“That’s what US Opens are like. If you make the cut you just never know what can happen if you grind it out, depending on conditions. I don’t feel like I’m in that bad of a position. I’d like to be a couple back, but there’s 36 holes to go and you just have to keep fighting the golf course and see where you end up.”
Tommy Fleetwood is confident he can still challenge for the US Open title (Getty)
While Clark holds a commanding lead, the chasing pack features a host of major champions. Sheffield’s Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffle are both at three under, with Collin Morikawa at two under and Justin Thomas one under. World number one Scottie Scheffler and world number two Rory McIlroy are both at level par, teeing off an hour and a half before the final group.
Scheffler, who is attempting to complete a career grand slam, quietly moved into joint 11th with a two-under 68. The four-time major winner commented: “The tournament is halfway done. I did a good job of kind of hanging in there the last two days and hopefully start making a bit of a move over the next couple of days.”
With challenging conditions expected to intensify, the stage is set for a dramatic weekend where resilience and strategic play will be paramount.
Long after Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti had eased to the pace of a training game, and Carlo Ancelotti was actually playing some of the positives down, there was suddenly a rush of energy near the press conference room. People were hurrying over, in a way they weren’t quite doing for Matheus Cunha or even Vinicius Junior.
In the corridors leading up from the Philadelphia Eagles dressing room, where the post-game media duties were taking place, was a proper constellation of stars.
All of Romario, Bebeto, Rivaldo and Kaka were just… milling around waiting to go somewhere. They were so idle, in fact, that they were happily posing for the multiple requests for selfies. People were of course doing the cradle celebration to Bebeto, who was only too delighted to smile along.
Now with silver hair, the former striker was wearing a resplendent blue suit and pink tie, making him look like a Republican senator.
On his lapel, though, was one reason for all the fuss. He and Rivaldo had little pins of the World Cup itself, given they’ve actually won it.
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Romario wasn’t quite dressed like that, since he is working for Brazilian television. The star of USA 94 in fact conducted the flash interview with Vinicius.
Vinicius Junior isn’t fazed by much but perhaps an interview with Romario did it (AP)
While the Real Madrid forward is hardly fazed by much, you can imagine how intimidating it could be to be interviewed by a legend who has done what you never have but an entire nation is desperate for
And that, as well as all the buzz around legends, raises something else around this Brazil team. It was already written in these pages last week that the famous yellow shirt has lost its allure. That goes hand in hand with how this team – at least as a concept – have lost their fear factor.
Sure, you are still wary of them. You wouldn’t want to face them in the knockouts. But are you really scared of them? Are you intimidated by what they can do to you in an instant, in the way Romario or Bebeto could?
You can see all of that old awe in the very wonder at their presence. They inspire delight because of how devastating they used to be.
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Even in victory, this Brazil team aren’t as intimidating as previous iterations (Getty)
The likes of Cafu, Rivaldo and Bebeto still have an aura about them (Reuters)
One of many tricks such stars pulled is that they actually played in dour sides – in both 1994 and 2002 – but what lasts in the memory are the moments of magic; those flashes when they’d suddenly illuminate and decide a match in seconds.
That’s what this shirt used to represent. It was spectacle, sparkle and… stardust. It was awesome, as they say here, but in the truest sense of the word.
You were afforded a rare glimpse of a higher level of player. You feared what they could do to you. This was Brazil.
Now, it’s just another good team, with some stars. If England were to face them in a potential quarter-final in Miami, could they really be considered favourites?
The 1994 Brazil team were actually pretty dour but the moments of magic live long in the memory (Getty)
Brazil haven’t even had a properly good World Cup since they last won it.
Little wonder they’ve lost their fear factor. In the 24 years since Rivaldo, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho all won it – and the other two ‘Rs’ were also here tonight in even more elevated circumstances – Brazil have got past the quarter-finals just once. And that ended up being the worst experience of the lot, as a home World Cup clouded by so much nervous energy collapsed into that 7-1 humiliation against Germany.
They’ve otherwise been beaten by France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Croatia in relatively staid eliminations.
The former winners present in Philadelphia aren’t just heroes, then. They’re ghosts, whose success haunts every team. You can see some of this – the sense of some kind of mythic quest – in one of the main obsessions around the team.
They are still looking for the messiah, the singular figure arising out of their history to carry the team again.
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Neymar’s time as the golden boy of Brazilian football has passed (Reuters)
So it is that Neymar is in the squad almost as a totem, with Endrick now the chosen one. The majority Brazilian crowd were desperate for his eventual introduction from the bench, especially when Raphinha went off injured. Endrick offered real spark and then scored, only for the strike to be ruled out for offside.
One of Ancelotti’s most important responsibilities with this team might be to temper all of that, to bring the kind of balance that his famous composure lends itself to. Here, he had to explain why Rayan initially came on.
The win over Haiti otherwise duly showed how this Brazil aren’t quite one level or the other. They don’t look elite as a side, but there is quality in moments. They are exceptional in certain positions, but so mediocre in others.
They put on a bit of a show, but that in a game where it was still occasionally difficult not to turn to your phone for distraction. Maybe the most important development, however, is how they are picking up momentum as Ancelotti gradually figures things out.
Carlo Ancelotti is slowly figuring things out as Brazil boss (AP)
Vinicius made it two goals in two, while scoring another that is classically Vinicius. How many times have we seen him outstrip a defence to finish like that?
He may not yet have the aura that his predecessors present here tonight did, but it shouldn’t be forgotten he’s one of the best in the world.
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The same could be said of Alisson for his position, and the goalkeeper even added to the show with one fine turn.
Gabriel and Marquinhos are both so secure at centre-back. Bruno Guimaraes is sought-after in the engine room and, for all the focus on the midfield, were the workmen of 1994 and 2002 like Mauro Silva and Kleberson really better?
Matheus Cunha may have offered Ancelotti an answer to one of his problems (AP)
The first showed a poacher’s instinct. The second was the type of thrashed high finish he has already made a trademark for Manchester United.
Just when you thought the chance had gone, Cunha produced something. Maybe it will be like that for the team as a whole.
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Typically, though, just as one solution presented itself another problem arose. Raphinha went down injured, when he’d been so impressive in stretching the game.
Ancelotti addressed this in the same tempered way. Maybe it will be the story of their campaign.
No, Brazil do not have that fear factor. But they do have something, and it can grow.
Brazil overcame Haiti 3-0 in their Group C clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia. Matheus Cunha struck a brace while Vinicius Junior also got on scoresheet for the Selecao, who although lost Raphinha to an unfortunate injury in the first half.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side, whose campaign began on a frustrating note with a 1-1 draw to Morocco, dominated the proceedings right from the off.
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It took Brazil 23 minutes to finally break the deadlock as Vinicius’ initial effort was parried away by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide before Hannes Delcroix’s attempt to kick it away came off Cunha instead.
The Manchester United forward doubled their advantage 13 minutes later when Vinicus released him with a wonderful through ball. Cunha raced through acres of space at the back to connect with it and produce an emphatic finish.
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Vinicius then turned goalscorer himself with an equally fine finish as Brazil led 3-0 at half-time. The second half was rather laborious with Ancelotti’s side slowing the tempo, but Haiti’s lackluster attack did not cause Brazil any trouble.
With four points in two games, the five-time world champions take top spot in Group C and will progress into the knockout stages as winners if they beat Scotland on matchday three.
Here are the player ratings for Brazil:
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Brazil Player Ratings
Alisson Becker – 7/10
An easy game for Brazil’s talismanic custodian Alisson, who was a mere spectator for much of the game but was on guard whenever Haiti threatened to attack. His Cryuff turn on Haitian forward Jean-Ricner Bellegarde had fans raving about him.
Danilo – 6.5/10
Coming in place of Roger Ibanez, Danilo was a nice passing outlet for Brazil on the right while also coming up trumps defensively with five defensive contributions.
Marquinhos – 7/10
The PSG star cleaned up everything in front of him to deny Haiti any chance at the Brazilian goal while also looking dominant in the air. He was central to building play from the back and completed 95% of his passes.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7/10
An assured presence at the back, Magalhaes rarely put a foot wrong. His passing was top-notch and won 100% of his duels.
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Douglas Santos – 6.5/10
Another fine display from Douglas Santos, who guarded the left flank with utmost vigilance without ever compromising on his forward forays.
Lucas Paqueta – 7.5/10
A ball-winning machine who repeatedly recovered possession for his side and made the assist for Vinicius Junior’s goal.
Bruno Guimaraes – 7.5/10
Guimaraes dominated the midfield battle, jumping into duels and spraying passes all around the pitch, some of which got his teammates into good positions too.
Casemiro – 5/10
The Brazil veteran was uncharacteristically sloppy in passing while his hopeful punts also looked wayward. Off the ball too, Casemiro showed little movement.
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Vinicius Junior – 8.5/10
The Real Madrid ace followed his opening day goal against Morocco with another sweet strike here to make it two in two. But his brilliant link-up with Cunha after running into acres of space in midfield for Brazil’s second of the evening takes the cake.
Matheus Cunha – 9/10
An electric display in the first half, justifying his start with penetrative runs inside the box and scoring twice in a gap of just 13 minutes to give his team a healthy 2-0 cushion after just 36 minutes.
Raphinha – N/A
It started off brightly, with the forward getting into some promising positions that unsettled the Haitian defense but Raphinha’s night was cut short with a hamstring injury that forced him off after 39 minutes.
Substitutes
Rayan – 6.5/10
Came in for the injured Raphinha but hardly provided attacking threat.
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Endrick – 6/10
Got his first minutes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and had the ball in the back of the net at one point too, but it was ruled out for offside.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7.5/10
Looked promising every time he was on the attack, even rattling the bar once.
Ederson – N/A
Made just eight touches on the ball in nine minutes of action.
Danilo Santos – N/A
Came on as part of a double substitution with Ederson late on and couldn’t get involved in the proceedings much.
India captain Shubman Gill did not explain the reason behind KL Rahul’s absence while speaking at the toss (Image credit: BCCI)
NEW DELHI: India made three changes to their playing XI for the third and final ODI against Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, with KL Rahul missing out as Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat first.India have already sealed the three-match series with a 2-0 lead and will be aiming for a clean sweep after their dominant 170-run victory in Lucknow.
Why is KL Rahul not playing vs Afghanistan?
India brought back Prasidh Krishna, Harsh Dubey and Nitish Kumar Reddy for the Chennai ODI. As a result, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and KL Rahul were left out of the playing XI. Nitish returns after missing the second ODI due to soreness in his left thigh, while Ishan Kishan takes over wicketkeeping duties.Interestingly, India captain Shubman Gill did not explain the reason behind Rahul’s absence while speaking at the toss.After losing the toss, Gill admitted that India would have preferred to bat first on the Chennai surface.“Looks like a very good wicket. Would’ve batted first as well. Was pretty hot in the last match and it’s going to be no different here. It’s about being consistent in the areas we’re looking at. We’ll be chasing in this match, and chasing big scores consistently and comfortably is one area where we haven’t quite ticked the box yet. That’s what we’ll be looking at today. Three changes. Prasidh, Harsh and Nitish Reddy are back,” Gill said.Afghanistan skipper Shahidi said the conditions and pitch influenced his decision to bat first.“We want to bat first today. It’s always hot in India in this month. Wicket also looks good. It’s dry and hard. Hopefully we have a good start in the batting. In last two games we missed some areas and didn’t play the way we have played in the past. Hopefully we recover today and have good partnerships and bowl in the right areas. Four changes. Nabi is back, Azmat is playing. (Reads from his palm) Zia ur Rahman and Fareed Malik are in,” Shahidi said.Afghanistan made four changes to their side, bringing in Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
India vs Afghanistan 3rd ODI: Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi, Fareed Ahmad Malik.India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (capt), Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Harsh Dubey, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav.
In the end, it was try-scoring highs that convinced Grace to keep going.
“It’s a bit of an addiction because the feeling of playing and scoring is something that you want to keep experiencing again and again,” said the wing.
“One day I will be too old to even think about doing it again, so that’s why I am giving it everything to come back.
“I am confident I will get back to my best. I have rehabbed with some of the best in the world and know what I need to do and where I need to get myself.”
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Grace is a realist. His medical record adds to the challenge, but he aims to prove he is worth a shot, be that in league or union.
“I just want to get to a point where I feel strong and confident before I even start thinking of talking to anyone,” said Grace, who works with Sale’s staff three times a week along with his own gym work.
“I don’t want to go to a club when I am not fit. I want to be able to hit the ground running, or at least be ready to do a pre-season.
“One of the reasons that I said I was going to quit straight after the injury was that I don’t want to let anybody down.
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“If someone puts the time, effort and money into you it is horrible when you don’t deliver what is expected.
“I feel that I have let clubs down because I have been willing to give 100% for them but physically haven’t been able to.”
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