World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      England’s best player’s so obvious it isn’t even close – Southgate didn’t play him against USA & the result was dismal

      by

      ENGLAND’S best footballer is Phil Foden.
      It’s not even close.
      Phil Foden is obviously England’s best playerCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate’s baffling choice is clearly responsible for Friday’s forgettable matchCredit: Getty
      Piers is saying what we’re all thinkingCredit: Facebook
      He’s the most wondrously gifted player we’ve had since Paul “Gazza” Gascoigne.
      And he’s been proving it with dazzling performances, week in week out, for Manchester City in both the Premier League and Champions League.
      Which all begs the question: why the hell didn’t manager Gareth Southgate bring him on in England’s World Cup match against the United States on Friday night?
      As an equally bemused Wayne Rooney said: “If you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him.”
      READ MORE WORLD CUP 2022
      Yet for some unfathomable reason, Southgate stubbornly refused to throw Foden into action despite England, so thrilling in the 6-2 rout of Iran, playing like the zombified patients in the Robert De Niro/Robin Williams movie Awakenings after the medication wears off.
      Southgate’s explanation afterwards was almost as incomprehensible as his decision.
      “We love Phil, he is a super player,” he said.
      So why leave him on the bench?
      Most read in The Sun
      “We didn’t quite have that same zip,” Southgate admitted.
      So why not bring on the guy with the most zip?
      Then came his inexplicable excuse.
      “We didn’t feel it was right for Phil [to play] in the middle because he doesn’t play there for his club.”
      Sorry, what?
      a) Foden has played down the middle for City on numerous occasions, and b) City boss Pep Guardiola said: “For Phil, responsibility is not a problem.
      “Since day one going to bigger stages, bigger scenarios and important games, it’s not a problem. He loves to play. He can play in all five positions up front: winger on both sides, striker through the middle and in the pockets like an attacking midfielder.”
      Did Southgate not hear this assessment from the world’s top manager?
      Or did he choose to ignore it?
      Either way, he dropped the ball, and the result was a dismal performance and dire 0-0 draw.
      Southgate’s been a very good England manager, but his instinctive timidity in the final cost us the Euros.
      He would do well to heed Albert Einstein’s warning: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result.”
      Read More on The Sun
      You don’t win World Cups by keeping your best, most exciting player off the pitch.
      Get a grip Gareth, take the safety pads off, and start Foden in every game for the rest of this tournament. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain 1 Germany 1: Super-sub Fullkrug keeps German World Cup hopes alive with late equaliser after Morata opener

      by

      ON a night when we’d expected to wave auf wiedersehen to the Germans, they simply put on a display of their age-old resilience.Hansi Flick’s side had slipped the noose earlier in the day, when Costa Rica surprisingly defeated Japan and spared them the prospect of elimination after just two matches. 
      Niclas Fullkrug’s late equaliser rescued a draw for Germany against SpainCredit: Getty
      Spain looked to be heading for victory thanks to Alvaro Morata before Fullkrug’s strikeCredit: Getty
      And after trailing to a classy Alvaro Morata opener, Germany sub Niclas Fullkrug thumped a powerful late equaliser to earn a point against the eye-candy Spaniards. 
      Victory over Costa Rica is now highly likely to see the Mannschaft advance into the last sixteen – and the way they refused to yield against a high-quality Spanish side, you can’t entirely begrudge them.
      Herr Flick’s boys played in this first genuine heavyweight clash of the World Cup – Antonio Rudiger having an effort ruled out for offside and Spanish keeper Unai Simon kept busy. 
      But the thrills and the flair belonged to Spain, who are employing an updated version of tiki-taka under Luis Enrique and making the world smile along with them. 
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Despite Costa Rica chucking them a lifeline, there was a serious matter of German pride being restored after that shocking late collapse against Japan. 
      Flick bolstered his midfield by bringing in Leon Goretzka and dropping Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, with West Ham’s Thilo Kehrer added to defence. 
      After their group-stage exit in Russia four years ago and their last-16 defeat by England at last summer’s Euros, Germany’s formidable aura had well and truly evaporated. 
      This looked like the glamour tie of the entire knock-out stage when the draw was made, yet that was based on Germany’s grand footballing history rather than a record of two wins from nine games. 
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      A competitive game saw both sides struggle for chancesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Germany thought they’d taken the lead through Antonio Rudiger – but VAR ruled for offsideCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      From the start, it was high-grade stuff – Germany threatening on the break, Spain joyful with their pass-and-move game, reminiscent of vintage Barcelona or the Spanish side which one three major trophies in a row between 2008 and 2012.
      Gavi and Pedri, emerging as the new Xavi and Iniesta, were a proper pair of artful dodgers. Behind them was Sergio Busquets, the anchorman from the original line-up.  
      After one such passing routine, Dani Olmo – who plays his club football in Germany with Leipzig – thundered a shot which Manuel Neuer pushed onto the bar at full stretch, just seven minutes in.   
      Jorbi Alba drilled one into the side-netting but the Germans were also having their moments, Serge Gnabry shooting wide after a dozy pass from Spanish keeper Unai Simon. 
      Morata finally put Spain ahead in the 62nd minuteCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Morata’s goal sparked wild celebrations from teammatesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      From an Olmo break, Ferran Torres blazed a sitter over the bar – but had his embarrassment lessened by an offside flag.
      Gavi – built like a sparrow, feet like a phantom – is going to be a genuine world great and, for a little fella, he clearly relished a scrap too. 
      Yet for all Spain’s dominance, Germany thought they had the lead five minutes before half-time. 
      Alba tripped Gnabry, who swung in a deep free-kick. Antonio Rudiger was presented with a free header and planted into the net – only for the robot linesman to exterminate German goal celebrations. 
      Spain certainly didn’t look comfortable set-pieces and when Busquets was booked for a cynical job on Jamal Musiala, Rudiger was presented with another chance – his angled shot stinging the palms of Simon.
      Fullkrug had the last laugh as he played the role of super-sub in the 83rd minuteCredit: EPA
      The 29-year-old, who only made his Germany debut this month, was playing in the second division last seasonCredit: Reuters
      It was a match which didn’t deserve a Mexican wave but it got one anyway – who are these people? Certainly not football lovers.
      Germany were pressing with aggression and when Spain were dispossessed close to their own box, Josh Kimmich drilled a shot which Simon dived to push away. 
      Confidence was growing among Flick’s men, every time Spain’s defensive vulnerability became apparent. 
      With Spain looking becalmed, Luis Enrique turned to the bench and sent Morata on in place of Torres, switching Olmo to the left flank – and it worked a treat. 
      Soon Olmo fed Alba, who centred low for Morata to score with a cute flick of the roof at the near post. 
      Almost instantly, it should have been two. The outstanding Olmo centred for the unmarked Marco Asensio, who spooned his shot when the onion bag was begging for it.
      Read More on The Sun
      But Germany were unbowed – first, Simon saved with his body from Musiala.
      And then two German subs combined for a quality equaliser, Leroy Sane turning his man in an impossibly tight space, allowing Fullkrug to blast into the roof of the net.  More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham fans all say the same thing as Mauricio Pochettino appears on BBC World Cup coverage of Spain vs Germany

      by

      TOTTENHAM fans tuning in to watch Spain’s clash with Germany on BBC were all left saying the same thing as they caught a glimpse of an old flame.Former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino joined Gary Lineker and the gang to work as a pundit for the World Cup clash.
      Mauricio Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham back in November 2019Credit: Getty
      Poch appeared as a pundit for BBC tonight during the Spain versus Germany clashCredit: BBC
      Argentinean Poch has been out of work since the summer after he was let go by French league winners Paris Saint-Germain.
      He recently turned down an approach by Aston Villa for a swift return to football.
      And he has also thrown his hat into the ring to become England manager after Gareth Southgate.
      However, it was Tottenham supporters that were left longing for the 50-year-old with a large number of them unhappy with current boss Antonio Conte.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      One Twitter user wrote: “Please come back Poch, Conte is f***ing useless.”
      Another wrote: “I’ll never feel the connection I felt with Poch with Conte.”
      A fellow fan commented: ““Seeing Poch on BBC SPA-GER coverage makes me miss him at spurs so much ! He’s magic you know Mauricio Pochettino.”
      While another tweet said: “Poch is still one of my favourite people in the whole world. What a man. I hope one day he does come back.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Angry Conte hit back at the Spurs fans who booed his team off earlier this month before the World Cup break.
      And the emotional Italian hinted that he could even walk away when his contract expires at the end of the season if they don’t get behind his players.
      Meanwhile, Spurs sacked Poch was sacked by Tottenham after five-and-a-half years in charge back in November 2019.
      Despite not winning a trophy for Spurs, he guided the club to four consecutive Champions League finishes.
      Prior to his arrival, Spurs had finished in the top four in just two of their previous 22 seasons in the Premier League.
      He also took the club to the Champions League final in 2019, but Liverpool prevailed as they won 2-0.
      After replacing Tim Sherwood in 2014, Poch took charge of 293 games, winning 159, losing 72 and drawing on 62 occasions. More

    • 113 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Why are Italy NOT at the 2022 World Cup?

      by

      ITALY are absent from the 2022 World Cup and everyone is asking the same question – why?Roberto Mancini’s men were ever so impressive during Euro 2020 and gained plaudits for their performances.
      Italy celebrating after winning Euro 2020Credit: AP
      The Italians ended up winning the tournament, lifting the trophy at Wembley after beating England on penalties.
      However, just a year since the final, Italy are not taking part in the 2022 World Cup.
      Read More Football
      Why aren’t Italy at the World Cup?
      The Azzurri are the most notable absentees from the World Cup along with the likes of Norway and Egypt.
      Most read in Football
      Mancini would have been hoping to build on the foundations he laid after winning Euro 2020 but Italy have now missed two World Cups in a row.
      Italy had been on an impressive run of qualifying for every World Cup between 1962 and 2014, only failing to qualify for the tournament once in their history before missing out in 2018.
      Jorginho was in tears after failing to qualify for the World CupCredit: AP
      The Blues missed out again in 2022, falling to defeat against North Macedonia in a qualifying playoff match.
      The winner went on to face Portugal, who came out on top and earned their place for the tournament in Qatar.
      Facing England, Ukraine and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying, Italy will be hopeful of being present at the next European competition to defend their crown before attempting to make the 2026 World Cup. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Granit Xhaka vows to ‘smash’ Arsenal team-mates Jesus and Martinelli when Switzerland face Brazil at World Cup

      by

      GRANIT XHAKA aims to keep a World Cup promise on Monday by “smashing” the living daylights out of two pals.Switzerland’s uncompromising captain made the vow to Arsenal team-mates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli before leaving for Qatar.
      Switzerland ace Granit Xhaka had a warning for Arsenal team-mates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel MartinelliCredit: Getty
      The two Brazilians face Xhaka in Group G with both countries eager for a win that will confirm qualification to the Last 16.
      Xhaka said: “We were joking before the World Cup to come here and of course, it is always good if you have team-mates opposite your, but we are professional footballers and for 90 minutes.
      “I told Gabby Martinelli and Gabby Jesus if you are running one against one against our goalkeeper I will smash you!
      “It doesn’t matter that we are playing in the same team. This is the Word Cup. You play for your own team, you play for your own country and you want to win.
      Read More on World Cup
      “Of course, they were worried. They know me. If I smash you, it will be very very hard.”
      Switzerland secured a 1-0 win in their opening game against Cameroon but boss Murat Yakin admitted afterwards it was a below par performance.
      Xhaka warned his Swiss pals there can be no room for errors against the five-time world champions.
      He said: “The first game is important. It gives you a lot of confidence.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      “If you see the next two games, they will be more difficult than Cameroon, on paper.
      “We enjoy the three points and now we are focused on Brazil.
      “Of course we will have to be much more careful against Brazil than we were against Cameroon. If you lose the ball against Brazil you pay for it. They have great, great quality.”
      The two countries met in the last World Cup and drew 1-1.
      Xhaka said: “I expect a different game. If you see the Brazil players, they can put out three teams.
      Granit Xhaka will lead Switzerland against Brazil in the 2022 World CupCredit: Rex
      “They have the quality, they have big talents that are coming through, but they know us as well, that it is not always easy to play against us and we want to give them as difficult a game as possible and hopefully we can turn something around for us.”
      And Xhaka will tell the Swiss to be wary of revitalised Jesus who has recaptured his form and enjoyment of football since leaving Manchester City for Arsenal in the summer.
      Xhaka said: “Of course when you see him every day he makes a big big difference. The guy is unbelievable.First of all he is a lovely person, very humble and the quality he has is unbelievable.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Of course, with Man City he was playing and sometimes not playing, you are not in this rhythm, but you can see with us he is making the difference and that is why we are where we are at the moment.
      “Brazil have world class players. Big, big quality, the favourites in the tournament and the favourites in our group but it is one game. Anything can happen.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Spain 1-1 Germany – World Cup 2022 LIVE RESULT: Super-sub Fullkrug seals draw as Germany fight back from the brink

      by

      GERMANY are hanging in there at the World Cup after fighting back to draw 1-1 with Spain.Super-sub Niclas Fullkrug levelled it up after fellow sub Alvaro Morata had put Spain ahead.
      Germany now need to beat Costa Rica in their final game, and still need the result to go their way in Spain vs Japan as Group E concludes in thrilling fashion.
      Should Japan seal a narrow win over Spain, Germany will be going home. Spain’s huge goal difference should see them still advance.

      Result: Spain 1-1 Germany
      Spain XI: Unai Simon; Carvajal, Rodrigo, Laporte, Alba; Busquets, Gavi, Pedri; Ferran Torres, Asensio, Dani Olmo
      Germany XI: Neuer; Kehrer, Sule, Rudiger, Raum: Kimmich, Goretzka; Gundogan, Musiala, Gnabry; Muller

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      That’s all from Al Khor
      So, a day of shock results comes to an end with a 1-1 draw.
      Germany restore some dignity and the points are shared with Spain.
      It’s all to play for in Group E!
      Thanks for reading. Goodnight.
      Golden boy
      Jamal Musiala was involved in everything Germany did well this evening.
      He ran Spain’s defence ragged and set up Fullkrug for their equaliser.
      The 19-year-old continues to make a name for himself in Qatar!

      Full time stats
      Spain typically had the majority of the ball, but it was Germany who had more chances.
      Musiala came close, and Sane almost sealed victory late on.

      David Kidd in Al Khor
      SunSport’s David Kidd was watching from the al Bayt Stadium and here is his report.
      ON a night when we’d expected to wave auf wiedersehen to the Germans, they simply put on a display of their age-old resilience.
      Hansi Flick’s side had slipped the noose earlier in the day, when Costa Rica surprisingly defeated Japan and spared them the prospect of elimination after just two matches.
      And after trailing to a classy Alvaro Morata opener, German sub Niclas Fullkrug thumped a powerful late equaliser to earn a point against the eye-candy Spaniards.
      Victory over Costa Rica is now highly likely to see the Mannschaft advance into the last sixteen – and the way they refused to yield against a high-quality Spanish side, you can’t entirely begrudge them.
      Herr Flick’s boys played in this first genuine heavyweight clash of the World Cup – Antonio Rudiger having an effort ruled out for offside and Spanish keeper Unai Simon kept busy.
      But the thrills and the flair belonged to Spain, who are employing an updated version of tiki-taka under Luis Enrique and making the world smile along with them.
      Despite Costa Rica chucking them a lifeline, there was a serious matter of German pride being restored after that shocking late collapse against Japan.
      Flick bolstered his midfield by bringing in Leon Goretzka and dropping Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, with West Ham’s Thilo Kehrer added to defence.
      After their group-stage exit in Russia four years ago and their last-16 defeat by England at last summer’s Euros, Germany’s formidable aura had well and truly evaporated.
      This looked like the glamour tie of the entire knock-out stage when the draw was made, yet that was based on Germany’s grand footballing history rather than a record of two wins from nine games.
      From the start, it was high-grade stuff – Germany threatening on the break, Spain joyful with their pass-and-move game, reminiscent of vintage Barcelona or the Spanish side which one three major trophies in a row between 2008 and 2012.
      Gavi and Pedri, emerging as the new Xavi and Iniesta, were a proper pair of artful dodgers. Behind them was Sergio Busquets, the anchorman from the original line-up.
      After one such passing routine, Dani Olmo – who plays his club football in Germanywith Leipzig – thundered a shot which Manuel Neuer pushed onto the bar at full stretch, just seven minutes in.
      Jorbi Alba drilled one into the side-netting but the Germans were also having their moments, Serge Gnabry shooting wide after a dozy pass from Spanish keeper Unai Simon.
      From an Olmo break, Ferran Torres blazed a sitter over the bar – but had his embarrassment lessened by an offside flag.
      Gavi – built like a sparrow, feet like a phantom – is going to be a genuine world great and, for a little fella, he clearly relishes a scrap too.
      Yet for all Spain’s dominance, Germany thought they had the lead five minutes before half-time.
      Alba tripped Gnabry, who swung in a deep free-kick. Antonio Rudiger was presented with a free header and planted into the net – only for the robot linesman to exterminate German goal celebrations.
      Spain certainly didn’t look comfortable set-pieces and when Busquets was booked for a cynical job on Jamal Musiala, Rudiger was presented with another chance – his angled shot stinging the palms of Simon.
      It was a match which didn’t deserve a Mexican wave but it got one anyway – who are these people? Certainly not football lovers.
      Germany were pressing with aggression and when Spain were dispossessed close to their own box, Josh Kimmich drilled a shot which Simon dived to push away.
      Confidence was growing among Flick’s men, every time Spain’s defensive vulnerability became apparent.
      With Spain looking becalmed, Luis Enrique turned to the bench and sent Morata on in place of Torres, switching Olmo to the left flank – and it worked a treat.
      Soon Olmo fed Alba, who centred low for Morata to score with a cute flick of the roof at the near post.
      Almost instantly, it should have been two. The outstanding Olmo centred for the unmarked Marco Asensio, who spooned his shot when the onion bag was begging for it.
      But Germany were unbowed – first, Simon saved with his body from Musiala.
      And then two German subs combined for a quality equaliser, Leroy Sane turning his man in an impossibly tight space, allowing Fullkrug to blast into the roof of the net. David KiddSunSport
      FULL TIME – Spain 1-1 Germany
      The points are shared and Germany’s World Cup hopes remain alive.
      Spain 1-1 Germany
      90+5, Sane with the chance to win it!
      Goretzka slides in on Williams and sets his side on the attack. Schlotterbeck feeds Sane in behind who knocks it past Simon where the angle was too tight.
      Spain 1-1 Germany
      90+2, Sule curls a ball over to Gnabry and Carvajal looks to safely cushion it back to his keeper, but instead nods it behind for a corner.
      Kimmich’s ball in is deep and misses the head of Rudiger who was lunging for it.
      Spain 1-1 Germany
      90+1, There will be six added minutes here.
      Still time for Germany to find a winner.
      Spain 1-1 Germany
      89, Schlotterbeck, just off the bench, recovers brilliantly to hook the ball off the feet off Morata who was lining up the shot.
      GOAL! – Spain 1-1 Germany
      82, Fullkrug smashes Germany level!
      Just like at the other end, Germany’s substitute centre-forward finds the net.
      Sane feeds Musiala who keeps the move alive in the penalty area. It bundles through and Fulkrugg takes over, firing a vicious strike beyond Simon and into the top corner from the right-hand side.
      What a hit, and what a finish we have here!
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      81, Alba takes a knock and is immediately replaced by Balde.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      80, Straight into the wall by Kimmich. It was so close that it would be tough to get it up and over.
      Ten minutes for Germany to find an equaliser.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      79, Sane and Musiala combine before Sane went down in the area.
      Plenty of penalty appeals, but it was a perfectly timed tackle.
      Fullkrug then runs into Busquets and is awarded the free-kick in a great position.
      Sane and Kimmich are behind it.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      78, Musiala intercepts and plays a pass inside which both Sane and Fullkrug run a way from, assuming the pass is for the other.
      Groans ring out amongst the Germany fans.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      75, Alan Shearer berates the linesman on commentary, expressing his irritation with the rules that a linesman cannot raise his flag in case there is an opportunity.
      Morata was the guilty party and looks inclined to agree with him.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      73, Massive chance for Musiala!
      Oh, that was the moment. Sane played a neat reverse pass insde to Musiala who went for power against Simon.
      The keeper stood tall as it smashed against his arm and out for a corner.
      A touch more composure and Germany are level.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      72, Brilliant by Musiala.
      The teenager just kept going, bouncing off the challenges before flashing a dangerous ball across goal.
      Fullkrug threw himself at it, but it rolled behind for a goal-kick.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      71, Morata sets Williams on the counter-attack and the substitute waits for support, chipping it over towards Koke who has the ball taken off him.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      69, Pedri tries to feed Morata in behind but Neuer was off his line quickly.
      It’s a triple change for Germany.
      Fullkrug, Klostermann and Sane are on.
      Muller, Kehrer and Gundogan make way.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      66, And that will be his last contribution.
      Asensio is off for Neco Williams and Koke is on for Gavi.
      Spain 1-0 Germany
      65, There are gaps everywhere now.
      Germany will pile forward and that’s left spaces in behind for Spain to exploit.
      Olmo cuts the ball back for Gavi who let it run through his legs for Asensio. With the whole goal to aim at, he skies it from 20 yards.
      GOAL! – Spain 1-0 Germany
      61, Morata fires Spain in front!
      Spain shift the ball form right to left and Olmo plays in Alba who gets his head up, delivering a neat ball across the area.
      Morata gets across his man and brilliantly flicks it into the roof of the net with the outside of his boot.
      At last a goal!
      Credit: EPA
      Credit: Getty
      Spain 0-0 Germany
      60, Musiala is dragged down by Gavi who beats the turf in frustration.
      Kimmich spotted Rudiger’s run, but the free-kick had just too much on it.
      A Spanish goal now would really hurt Germany.
      Spain 0-0 Germany
      59, Raum curls in a teasing delivery but there was no one in white challenging for it. That will drive Hansi Flick crazy.
      Kimmich is then shown a yellow for a poorly timed tackle.
      Spain 0-0 Germany
      57, Asensio looks to dart past Goretzka who can’t take the risk of letting him free, so bundles him out of play.
      A rugby player would have been happy with that tackle.
      The yellow card is waved in the German’s direction.
      Load more entries… More

    • 125 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Why does Gavi play with untied laces on his boots?

      by

      SPANISH teen Gavi has been lighting up the World Cup 2022 with some wonderful performances.The Barcelona sensation has been pulling the strings over in Qatar, not the laces.
      Gavi’s untied laces on show at the World Cup
      A closer shot of Gavi’s boots while at Barcelona
      The Barcelona midfielder is now the YOUNGEST ever World Cup goal scorer.
      Gavi was on target in Spain’s opening match at the World Cup when they defeated Costa Rica 7-0 after a stunning display.
      And in doing so, Gavi became Spain’s youngest World Cup scorer aged just 18 years and 110 days.
      The previous record was held by fellow midfielder Pirri, who was 21 years and 124 days old when he scored against Argentina in 1966.
      Why does Gavi play with his laces untied?
      It has been reported in Spain that Gavi plays with his shoelaces untied because he does not know how to tie them well, not that that bothers him.
      Spanish journalist Marc Marba Prats said “Gavi has been playing with his laces untied since he was very young, it’s because he doesn’t know how to tie them well.
      “He doesn’t care and he plays like that.”

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Morocco manager reveals reason behind goalkeeper’s bizarre disappearance just seconds before Belgium World Cup clash

      by

      MOROCCO manager Walid Regragui revealed the reason why goalkeeper Yassine Bounou disappeared from the pitch right before kick-off.Bounou was named in Regragui’s starting line-up and stood with the rest of his team-mates for the national anthems before the World Cup clash with Belgium at the Al Thumama Stadium.
      Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou was named in the starting line-up against BelgiumCredit: EPA
      Bounou was pulled off by the Morocco manager just before kick-offCredit: Reuters
      All of a sudden, the North Africans’ second goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi posed for the team’s pre-match photo and made his way to the Moroccan goalposts.
      The bizarre incident caught everyone out and even took the BBC commentators almost 25 minutes to realise the switch had happened.
      The commentators even referred to Bounou – aka Bono – when it was actually Munir who made a save from Michy Batshuayi in the first half.
      Regragui revealed the Sevilla keeper was still hurting from an injury he suffered in the World Cup opener against Croatia.
      Read More on World Cup
      The Moroccan tactician claims the 31-year-old realised just before kick-off that he is not match fit and put the team above himself before admitting Munir should have his place.
      Regragui told beIN Sports: “He took a whack against Croatia, he was unsteady.
      “We tried until the last moment but after the warm-up, just before the match, he did not feel good and he had the honesty to give way to someone else.
      “If you want to be in my squad you have to be 100 per cent and Yassine understood that and gave up his place to Munir, who had a great game.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Morocco picked up a surprise 2-0 victory over one of the World Cup’s favourites Belgium, who are now facing a shock elimination from the group stage.
      Abdelhamid Sabiri opened the scoring after 73 minutes following an unbelievable howler by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
      Zakaria Aboukhlal sealed the Moroccans’ famous victory in the second minute of stoppage time. More