All posts by h716a5.icu

Thomas Tuchel has been brutally reminded that England “haven’t played anybody” yet as they prepare to discover their 2026 World Cup group stage opponents. Former Three Lions star Nigel Winterburn has, in an exclusive interview with GOAL, been discussing what success – and failure – looks like for a talented squad that is looking to shake their ‘nearly men’ tag.

Near misses: Can England end 60 years of hurt?

Sir Gareth Southgate guided England to a World Cup semi-final and back-to-back European Championship finals before walking away from the most demanding of roles in the summer of 2024. He came as close as anybody to delivering a first major honour for the Three Lions since 1966.

He did, however, ultimately fall short. Ex-Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel is now charged with the task of getting England over the trophy-winning line. He oversaw a faultless eight-game run through World Cup qualification – with no goals being conceded along the way.

AdvertisementWorld Cup tests: England eased through qualification

The question now is: Can England deliver when it matters most? They have an abundance of talent at their disposal – from back to front – including the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka. With that in mind, would anything less than global glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico be considered failure?

When that question was put to ex-Arsenal and England left-back Winterburn, he – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “I don’t think you could look at it like that. Our history of winning major tournaments, as a nation, is not great. I agree that we have a talented squad, we have some great depth, but we still need to prove ourselves against the real top opposition. The qualifiers that we have just been through – let’s not beat around the bush, we haven’t played anybody. We haven’t been under any pressure. I’d like to see us when we’re against teams like Spain – technically brilliant, keeping the ball, high quality players. How are we going to cope defensively with their movement? How are we then going to break down their structure with our movement of the ball? Will it be quick? Is it too slow?

“It won’t be a failure. A lot of people will be saying there are a lot of teams in tournaments that we should beat and when you get to the knockout stages, that’s when it’s going to be crucial. I think a lot of people will think that if we don’t get to the semi-finals, it would be a huge disappointment.”

Getty Images

Favourites tag: Are England serious World Cup contenders?

Tuchel is aware of the pressure that he operates under, with England’s men national team having gone 60 long years without cause for celebration. He has, however, been quick to point out that their recent record suggests that a standing as favourites should not be enjoyed.

The enigmatic German tactician has said: “We will arrive as underdogs in the World Cup because we haven't won it for decades, and we will play against teams who have repeatedly won it during that time, so we need to arrive as a team otherwise we have no chance.”

“If you've never won Wimbledon, you may be one of the favourites but you are not the favourite. You can go and if you come close, OK, you are within the pool, but you are not the favourite. It is just how it is.

“There is Brazil, there is Argentina, Spain, France and they just did it recently. It doesn't mean we have no chance and we know very well. First we will qualify and then we will know exactly why we go there.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWorld Cup draw: Who will England face in the group stage?

England will, whether Tuchel likes it or not, be one of those expected to compete for the ultimate prize at FIFA’s flagship event next summer. They can call upon too many world-class operators not to be considered serious contenders.

The plan will be to establish early momentum, before any long-term targets are set, with the Three Lions set to discover their group stage opponents when the 2026 World Cup draw takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on December 5.

The Philadelphia Phillies were dealt an unfortunate blow to the bullpen on Sunday after veteran right-hander Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games after violating MLB's Joint Prevention and Treatment program, per multiple reports.

As part of his suspension, the 29-year-old will be ineligible for the postseason even if the Phillies qualify. Alvarado tested positive for exogenous Testosterone.

This season, Alvarado has made 20 relief appearances and owns an ERA of 2.70. He's recorded a team-high seven saves and has 25 strikeouts across 20 innings on the mound. Considering the team has played 45 games this season, Alvarado won't be eligible to return until there's just 37 games remaining.

This is Alvarado's fifth season with the organization, having joined in 2021. Last season he had a 4.09 ERA with 13 saves and 63 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings.

With Alvarado out of the mix, it's possible Jordan Romano or Matt Strahm will be called upon to handle the bulk of the late-inning work, while the team will likely explore options to add another arm to the bullpen.

As it stands, Philadelphia sits second in the NL East with a 27–18 record, just 1.5 games behind the division-leading New York Mets.

Liverpool’s crisis has deepened, with a point gained against Leeds United at Elland Road only fanning the flames that have engulfed the Merseyside outfit this season, so brittle and flimsy and susceptible to crumbling at the slightest flash of danger.

After the draw, shining light Dominik Szoboszlai was breathless and incredulous, echoing, surely, the disbelief of so many of a Reds persuasion across the globe. How has it come to this? Why are the Premier League champions so incapable of completing the basics?

Szoboszlai is the cream of a withered crop on Merseyside right now, but it’s clear, proven, that he can’t do it alone. Liverpool have so many strugglers, and who better to epitomise Slot’s side’s collapse than Ibrahima Konate?

Ibrahima Konate's performance at Elland Road

Konate, 26, is out of contract at the end of the season, and while this should be a season of importance for the Frenchman, winning better terms at Anfield or canvassing his qualities for suitors from elsewhere, he has not fallen but plummeted by the wayside.

It was a needless challenge on substitute Wilfred Gnonto, and that sparked the home side’s comeback. This was hardly an outlier for the hulking centre-half.

But, away from the most glaring blunders, Konate also lacks any semblance of control or confidence, and surely Slot has got to consider dropping him now, with the star having started every single Premier League match so far this season.

When are the mistakes going to stop? When is the storm going to abate? Konate, for all his woes this season, is not the only Liverpool defender who is flattering to deceive.

In fact, the France international’s scrutiny, an intense spotlight beaming onto him at all times, is detracting from the consistent problems of another.

Liverpool superstar could now be dropped

Virgil van Dijk has been a pillar of strength for so many years at Liverpool, but we are receiving a bitter taste of life without such a player in the rearguard, with the 34-year-old brought down from his indomitable self this season.

That missed deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day at the start of September continues to look more damning, and sporting director Richard Hughes is bound to be weighing up a move for the England international, whose contract at Selhurst Park expires in June, this winter, lest Liverpool’s crisis devolve into something even worse.

To say that Van Dijk, Liverpool’s supreme captain, should be dropped is a bold claim. Some would say brazen. Many would disagree.

However, the Netherlands captain has been woefully out of sorts over the past couple of months, and Konate’s error-strewn displays have disguised his own shambolic efforts. Liverpool were under the cosh at times, but Van Dijk did not step forward and make a tackle, not one.

He put Liverpool in danger with a careless headed backpass in the first half that required intervention from Konate, and he has lost the confidence and clarity that has been firmly fixed for the lion’s share of his illustrious Liverpool career.

The 34-year-old was handed a 6/10 match rating by The Liverpool Echo, largely due to his aerial dominance, but this was hardly a convincing display from the skipper, nor was it a good representation of his leadership ability.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Touches

62

83

Shots (on target)

1 (1)

1 (0)

Accurate passes

40/49 (82%)

57/62 (92%)

Chances created

0

0

Dribbles

0/0

0/0

Ball recoveries

4

1

Tackles won

1/2

0/0

Interceptions

0

1

Clearances

4

15

Duels won

7/10

12/14

Neither centre-back has covered themselves in glory for Liverpool this season – far from it – and with the January transfer window fast approaching, it feels likely that a deal will be explored, frantically, for Palace’s Guehi or any number of other earmarked targets who might restore some balance to a team that have lost their way – and are showing little sign of escaping from the bog.

The new Trent: Liverpool shortlist "one of the best players in the world"

Liverpool have not replaced their iconic full-back’s presence down the right channel.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 6, 2025

Keep up to date with all the movements around the counties ahead of the 2026 men’s county season

ESPNcricinfo staffKeep up to date with all the movements around the counties as preparations are made for the 2026 men’s county seasonDerbyshireIN: Matt Montgomery (Nottinghamshire)
OUT: David Lloyd (retired), Alex Thomson (released)
OVERSEAS: Caleb JewellDurhamIN: Kasey Aldridge (Somerset), Archie Bailey (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Mitchell Killeen (Essex), Paul Coughlin (Lancashire)
OVERSEAS:EssexIN: Mitchell Killeen (Durham), Zaman Akhter (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Nick Browne (retired), Adam Rossington, Jamal Richards (both released)
OVERSEAS: Simon HarmerGlamorganIN: Sean Dickson (Somerset)
OUT: Sam Northeast (Kent), Tom Bevan (released)
OVERSEAS: Colin IngramGloucestershireIN: Craig Miles (Warwickshire), Will Williams (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire)
OUT: Archie Bailey (Durham), Ajeet Singh Dale (Lancashire), Zaman Akhter (Essex), Dom Goodman (Sussex), Tom Price (Sussex), Josh Shaw (Somerset)
OVERSEAS: Cameron Bancroft, Gabe Bell (April-May), D’Arcy Short (T20), Liam Scott (May-July)HampshireIN: Jake Lehmann (UK passport)
OUT: Keith Barker (Warwickshire), Benny Howell (Nottinghamshire), Joseph Eckland (released)
OVERSEAS: Kyle Abbott, Michael Neser (April-May)KentIN: Sam Northeast (Glamorgan), Matt Milnes (Yorkshire)
OUT: Jack Leaning (Sussex), Nathan Gilchrist (Warwickshire), George Garrett (retired), Marcus O’Riordan, Mohammed Rizvi (both released)
OVERSEAS: Keith DudgeonLancashireIN: Paul Coughlin (Durham), Ajeet Singh Dale (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Will Williams (Gloucestershire), Josh Boyden (released)
OVERSEAS: Marcus Harris, Chris Green (T20)LeicestershireIN: Stephen Eskinazi (Middlesex), Jonny Tattersall (Yorkshire), Josh Davey (Somerset), Ben Green (Somerset)
OUT: Louis Kimber (Northamptonshire), Chris Wright, Harry Swindells (both retired), Matt Salisbury, Roman Walker (both released)
OVERSEAS: Peter Handscomb, Keshav Maharaj (April-July)MiddlesexIN: Caleb Falconer (academy)
OUT: Stephen Eskinazi (Leicestershire)
OVERSEAS:NorthamptonshireIN: Louis Kimber (Leicestershire), Calvin Harrison (Nottinghamshire)
OUT: Freddie Heldreich (released)
OVERSEAS: Matthew Breetzke, Nathan McSweeney, Harry Conway (April-May), Yuzvendra Chahal (July-Sept)NottinghamshireIN: Benny Howell
OUT: Calvin Harrison (Northamptonshire), Matthew Montgomery (Derbyshire), Sammy King, Dane Schadendorf (both released)
OVERSEAS: Kyle Verreynne, Fergus O’Neil (April-June)SomersetIN: Josh Shaw (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Kasey Aldridge (Durham), Sean Dickson (Glamorgan), Josh Davey (Leicestershire), Ben Green (Leicestershire), Andrew Umeed (released)
OVERSEAS: Riley Meredith (T20), Migael PretoriusSurreyIN: Ralphie Albert (academy)
OUT:
OVERSEAS:SussexIN: Danny Briggs (Warwickshire), Jack Leaning (Kent), Dom Goodman (Gloucestershire), Tom Price (Gloucestershire)
OUT: Ari Karvelas, Bertie Foreman, Archie Lenham, Zach Lion-Cachet, Henry Rogers (all released)
OVERSEAS: Jaydev Unadkat (June-Sept)WarwickshireIN: Keith Barker (Hampshire), Nathan Gilchrist (Kent), Jordan Thompson (Yorkshire)
OUT: Danny Briggs (Sussex), Craig Miles (Gloucestershire), Moeen Ali (retired)
OVERSEAS: Beau Webster (April-July)WorcestershireIN:
OUT: Tom Hinley, Yadvinder Singh (both released)
OVERSEAS: Usama Mir (T20), Ben Dwarshuis (T20)YorkshireIN:
OUT: Matt Milnes (Kent), Jordan Thompson (Warwickshire), Jonny Tattersall (Leicestershire), Dawid Malan (Gloucestershire)
OVERSEAS:

Sports presenter Laura Woods has revealed how she was left terrified and anxious after being targeted by a 'relentless' stalker. She suffered for three years before the perpetrator was eventually handed a 14-month jail term and a restraining order banning her from going near Woods' home. Woods has opened up on her ordeal in a candid interview and explained the impact it has had on her life.

Woods back to work after collapse

Woods has this week returned to work after a concerning collapse on live television during coverage of the Lionesses' friendly against Ghana. The popular host fell forward and was caught by pundits Ian Wright and Anita Asante ahead of kick-off, with coverage then switching immediately to an advertising break. Katie Shanahan took over hosting duties, telling viewers: "As you may all be aware, Laura Woods fell ill at the start of the programme. We want to reassure you that she's doing OK. We all send her our love."

Woods later posted an update to confirm she was feeling better and thanked those who had helped her for their assistance. She posted on social media: "Gosh that was a bit weird. Sorry to worry everyone, I'm OK, the wonderful paramedics at Saints have said its probably a virus, just need a bit of rest and hydration. I'm really embarrassed that happened on TV, but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight. And to Wright and Neets for catching me and sorry again x."

AdvertisementGetty'Terrifying' stalker ordeal revealed

Woods has given a new interview following her return and opened up on other difficult moments of her life, including her stalker ordeal. Liverpool fan Harneet Kaur inundated Woods with threats over the course of three years.

She told : "For three years, she would go to extreme lengths to make my life very uncomfortable. There were birthday cards that would say: ‘Today’s the day you were born and tonight’s the night you’re going to die.’ I would receive monthly funeral letters, because she had signed me up to these things. She sent the animal welfare team around about my dog. “She called the police and said she had seen me being dragged into my house by a man with a knife. 

"In 2023, I was in Poland, covering Oleksandr Usyk’s fight with Daniel Dubois, and she emailed me while I was on air. It was a video of my front door and a message, saying: ‘I know you’ve got three cameras in your house.’ I started going through all the video footage to see if anyone was in there. It was terrifying. It was every possible way you could conceive that she would try to get to me. Dating websites, spam websites, it was relentless – I couldn’t understand how one person could do it all.

“There was a video she posted with a gun in America at a shooting range, and it was directed at me. It was just too much, and it changed the way I felt about London. I lived on my own with my dog, and I felt very exposed. I didn’t want to be there any longer. It spun me into quite a bad place. Suddenly I was extremely anxious and low.”

Woods hits back at trolls

Woods has also had to cope with plenty of difficult times during her career. She has previously revealed she has received death threats and abuse from trolls and still gets some comments that leave her baffled.

"I saw one message from someone saying: ‘I’m so disappointed that Laura fronts the Lionesses coverage.’ And I thought: ‘Really? You’re saying you don’t want somebody who protects women’s sports to present women’s sports?’ Work that one out for me," she explained.

"As you get older, I think the filter comes off a little. You just say, for want of a better phrase, ‘F— it’. One week people will think what you’ve said is brilliant, then the next week they will demonise you. It always comes in waves. It just depends how big that wave is.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportHaaland jokes with Woods as title race hots up

Woods was back to work in midweek in time for Manchester City's Champions League win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. A post-match interview with goalscorer Erling Haaland entertained fans as the Manchester City striker was informed Woods is an Arsenal fan and quipped: "She probably doesn't like me then!"

Just two points currently separate Arsenal and Manchester City at the top of the table ahead of the latest round of fixtures. Arsenal host bottom side Wolves on Saturday, while Manchester City head to Crystal Palace.

In both of his first two MLB seasons, Paul Skenes has posted a sub-2.00 ERA. This is a feat many pitchers dream of and Skenes has already accomplished this twice.

At 23 years old, Skenes is the youngest MLB pitcher since 1985, when 20-year-old Dwight Gooden posted a 1.53 ERA, to come in below 2.00. Skenes's achievement is something that shouldn't go unnoticed.

However, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year was critical of his ERA when speaking after Wednesday night's game. They do say you are your own biggest critic.

"I'm actually worse than I was last year," Skenes said, via ESPN. "It was 1.96 last year. I'm 1.97 this year. Just got to be better. No, it's cool. I don't come into the year with any numerical goals."

Skenes is the top contender for winning the NL Cy Young Award this season, and with the stats he put up this season, it's completely understandable why. Across 187.2 innings pitched in his sophomore season, Skenes threw 216 strikeouts (tied for third-most in the league) and notched a 0.95 WHIP. His ERA and WHIP from this season are numbers the Pirates haven't seen in over 100 years—his ERA is the second-best behind Wilbur Cooper's 1.87 in 1916 and his WHIP is the second-lowest in franchise history behind Babe Adams's 0.90 in 1919.

Chelsea are weighing up the possibility of an early January move for one ‘magnificent’ forward with an agreement already in place for his arrival next year.

Liam Delap succumbs to another Chelsea injury blow

Liam Delap’s Chelsea career has descended into frustrating misfortune following another significant injury setback.

The 22-year-old suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder during Saturday’s goalless draw at Bournemouth, leaving the field in obvious discomfort after landing awkwardly following a challenge with Marcos Senesi.

Medical staff immediately applied a makeshift sling before Delap trudged directly towards the tunnel, his arm immobilised to prevent further damage.

Enzo Maresca then delivered a concerning post-match update that confirmed initial fears.

Reports suggest Delap faces approximately six to eight weeks sidelined, which comes as another devastating blow for the young forward after he was previously out of action for weeks with a hamstring injury.

Chelsea signed Delap from relegated Ipswich in June, beating the likes of Man United and Newcastle to his signature after an impressive maiden Premier League season.

The Winchester-born striker finished as Ipswich’s leading scorer with twelve goals across thirty-seven appearances last term, accounting for thirty-three percent of their total output despite their eventual drop to the Championship.

Estevao 2.0: Chelsea looking to sign "one of South America's biggest jewels"

Chelsea could pick up their next Estevao.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 8, 2025

Delap also earned a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination and convinced Maresca – who previously managed Delap during his tenure overseeing Man City’s Elite Development Squad – that he represented an ideal target man.

However, the Englishman has since struggled to establish himself at Stamford Bridge, managing just sporadic appearances whilst failing to register a single Premier League goal for his new employers.

Player

Pedro

Guiu

Delap

Games

18

8

11

Minutes

1377′

280′

453′

Goals

4

1

1

Assists

3

1

0

His only Chelsea strike this season arrived against Barcelona in the Champions League, providing brief optimism before this latest injury.

Marc Guiu replaced Delap against Bournemouth but was rusty throughout, highlighting Chelsea’s lack of alternative options, and it has led to suggestions that Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha could arrive earlier than anticipated.

Chelsea weigh early January move for Emanuel Emegha

According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea chiefs are evaluating whether to bring forward Emegha’s arrival from their sister club following Delap’s injury blow.

The Blues confirmed a deal worth around £22 million several months ago, that was scheduled to deliver Emegha to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

However, Delap’s absence has prompted internal discussions about accelerating that timeline to January.

Strasbourg initially resisted any mid-season departure for their captain, but circumstances have shifted considerably.

Argentine forward Joaquin Panichelli has emerged as Liam Rosenior’s first-choice striker, demonstrating excellent form which suggests the Ligue 1 side could accommodate Emegha’s premature exit.

The 22-year-old Netherlands international stands at a towering 6 foot 5 and recently earned his maiden senior caps for his country, establishing himself as one of France’s most promising attacking talents.

Should Chelsea trigger the January switch, they would also likely compensate Strasbourg by funding an immediate replacement through BlueCo’s multi-club network.

Emegha, who’s been called ‘magnificent’ by critics, scored 14 French top flight goals last season and ended the campaign as one of Ligue 1’s top scorers.

He’s also bagged seven goals across 11 appearances in all competitions this season, so he’s a man bang on form right now regardless of Panichelli’s rise.

Harshit Rana had aggressively pointed to the dressing room after getting rid of Dewald Brevis in the first India vs South Africa ODI

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Dec-20252:05

Harshit Rana: ‘Don’t care about outside noise; focus is on cricket’

Harshit Rana has been pulled up and has had a demerit point added to his disciplinary record for his gesture at Dewald Brevis after dismissing the batter, which was a breach of the ICC’s code of conduct, in the first India vs South Africa ODI in Ranchi on Sunday.In a statement on Wednesday, the day of the second ODI, ICC said Rana’s gesture “breached Article 2.5” of the code, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter”. It was Rana’s first offence in a 24-month period.A level 1 breach such as this carries a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50% of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.Related

Harshit takes the first step in fast bowlers' race for 2027 WC

The incident took place in the 22nd over of South Africa’s chase of India’s 349, when Rana dismissed Brevis caught at deep point by Ruturaj Gaikwad and pointed in the direction of the dressing room.Brevis fell at a crucial juncture in the game when South Africa were 130 in the 22nd over and he was in a strong-looking partnership with Matthew Breetzke, who was South Africa’s top-scorer with 72. Rana had earlier sent back Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock and finished with 3 for 65. Virat Kohli had earlier scored 135 in 120 balls – a record 52nd ODI century for him – to headline India’s batting effort after South Africa had won the toss and inserted them.Rana admitted to the offence after the charge was levelled by on-field umpires Jayaraman Madanagopal and Sam Nogajski, third umpire Rod Tucker and fourth umpire Rohan Pandit.

Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is reportedly set to retire after collapsing during a training-ground exercise test with Sao Paulo and later being diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, a condition affecting heart rate and blood pressure. The 34-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club last December, has now informed Sao Paulo of his intention to end his career following the frightening incident.

Former Chelsea star hospitalized after collapsing in training

Oscar was hospitalised after collapsing while using an exercise bike during an interval test at Sao Paulo’s training facility, prompting immediate admission to the ICU for monitoring. Subsequent examinations confirmed he had suffered vasovagal syncope, a condition that causes a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. Following discussions with the club, Oscar has now expressed his desire to retire, as reported by Brazilian outlet Globo, with a formal announcement expected soon.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesOscar set to retire just a year after return to Brazil

The shock news brings a dramatic halt to a career that began at Sao Paulo, peaked at Chelsea, and saw an unexpected rebirth in China before his emotional return to Brazil last year. His comeback season had already been disrupted by a fractured vertebra, during which early signs of a potential heart issue were reportedly detected. This latest episode has underlined the long-term health risks involved, leading the midfielder to prioritise personal wellbeing over continuing his professional journey. Oscar wrote on Instagram, "Everything will be alright, God willing,” to reassure his followers following his hospital admission.

Oscar's storied career…

Oscar had joined Sao Paulo last December on a three-year deal after nearly eight years in China, where he became one of the league’s standout performers both statistically and in silverware. Earlier in his career, he made 203 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 38 goals, winning two Premier League titles, the Europa League and the League Cup before completing a record transfer to Shanghai in 2017. His time in China saw him collect major trophies and amass substantial earnings, but his return to Brazil has unexpectedly ended on medical grounds rather than sporting terms.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesOscar's official retirement to be announced soon…

Sao Paulo are now expected to collaborate with Oscar and his medical team to finalise the formal retirement announcement and outline the next steps in his transition away from the pitch. The player, who reassured supporters following his hospitalisation, will likely focus on recovery and long-term health management as he adjusts to life after football.

There was definitely some magic in the air at Great American Ballpark on Friday night.

The Milwaukee Brewers, powered by Christian Yelich and his custom Bob Uecker bat, a perfect tribute to the late former MLB catcher and announcer, stormed back to erase an 8-1 deficit and win a franchise record-tying 13th straight game with the 10-8 win over the Reds. And while the victory was undoubtedly one of the Brewers' most improbable of the season, there was never any doubt, particularly among Yelich.

Down 8-1, the 2018 National League MVP looked at his manager Pat Murphy in the dugout and firmly guaranteed his club would emerge victorious.

"… He told me on the bench, straight up, it was 8-1, he said, 'We're going to win this game,’" Murphy said, via Adam McCalvy. "How do you make that statement? He looked at me and said, 'We're going to win this game.'

"And then—it happened."

Yelich himself confirmed that his bold declaration also happened.

"Yeah," Yelich said when asked if he had said that to Murphy, via the . "We've been in that situation before. We seem to always kind of make it close. Just with the way our team is, I knew we weren't going to get our doors blown off. We were going to find a way to get back into that thing. Just kind of a room full of fighters and guys that don't care what the scoreboard says…

Spurred by a Yelich RBI double and Andrew Vaughn three-run homer, Milwaukee put up a five-spot in the top of the third inning to quickly cut into the deficit, then tied the game in the top of the fourth inning thanks to—guess who—Yelich.

A never-surrender type attitude certainly was paramount to the Brewers' victory, but it would be naive to think that there wasn't a little Uecker magic going on at the ballpark. Yelich, who was dealing with an injury last summer, was unable to use the blue Louisville Slugger, which featured a picture of the iconic announcer, a tribute to his signature play-by-play call and was designed for MLB's Players' Weekend.

But there he was on Friday night, using the bat en route to a 4-for-5 performance at the plate, the perfect tribute to Uecker, who passed away in January.

"…When it comes to that guy [Uecker], nothing surprises me," Yelich continued. "You guys have been around him a lot too. Stuff like that, that's just part of 'Ueck. If you know 'Ueck, you know crazy things like that are going to happen when he's involved. It just adds to how special tonight was with the guys and the comeback win… Just a pretty cool, full-circle moment."