Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has, after all, been caught by referee Howard Webb, who admits that he saw VAR error in the unbeaten champions’ winning goal. It was during the attack that the video assistant referee failed to check to see if Enzo Fernandez had his back to the goalposts. Haaland had the opportunity of finding Manchester City ahead in the 60th minute. Later, Michael Oliver, the referee, ruled the goal offside and it was later overturned due to a VAR appeal whose result would’ve been onside by three centimetres. This was subsequently reversed and a goal was awarded. There was one other aspect of the incident, however, that was overlooked during the review. Fernandez had looked like he was in the corner of the area, making his way towards Josko Gvardiol’s cross and was attempting to cross. He did not engage him, but his movements did impact Manchester United’s defence as defender Lisandro Martinez came to him. This opened a chance for Haaland at the back post. Premier League refereeing body Pro Ref’s chief refereeing officer Webb questioned whether the VAR had got into ‘the wrong head of the ball’ with Haaland rather than fully taking into account Fernandez’s role. “I was really disappointed with this outcome. Let me tell you, we are all we,” Webb said on ‘Match Officials Mic’d Up’: Episode 35. The officials were also disappointed and said VAR Matt Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus would also not be able to officiate until after the international break, he added. This VAR review is in the audio format, and demonstrates the evolution of the error. The first time was to check if Haaland was infringing the upright half-line which was in front of the penalty area. The Manchester City striker was actually within the penalty area three centimetres outside the by-line and onside, according to semi-automated offside technology. After that, the VAR explained to Oliver that he had to do an investigation on the entire attacking period. The move, however, was a focus of the review at the time right on to whether or not Fernandez made contact. The VAR did multiple checks of the camera angles to determine if Fernandez was in contact. Once it was established that there was no touch, the officials ruled that Haaland’s strike should be allowed to count. They never judged whether the offside position that Fernandez was in affected the play himself.That’s what was Webb’s main point. “The VAR gets super-focused on Haaland,” Webb explained. “He makes it clear he’s onside, he believes it may be a good goal.” The VAR then focused on Fernandez primarily to see if he’d instigated a new phase of the offside. The broader issue of how impairment of opposition occurred due to the position and mobility of Fernandez was not adequately discussed. “They’ve effectively been looking at Haaland’s job, and it’s a big problem, because they don’t have someone to do that job properly right now,” Webb stated. He also highlighted the absence of the assistant VAR who could have done the right thing and played the lead VAR back into the fight and taken on different input over the full attacking move. Webb said that “the rest of his staff have to come out of that tunnel,” but they didn’t do so this time around. The move has come under harsh criticism after initially appearing to be looking at Haaland, but now moving towards Fernandez. That pass dragged Haaland wide at the far post where he completed the move. Former England striker Wayne Rooney still said he wondered how officials could have been unable to see Fernandez’ location. In his interview with Match Of The Day the matter was discussed and Rooney explained to the reporter all the reasons why the incident needed to be taken into further account for this to be the case. Webb had no doubt in his mind when it came to his final judgement. He added that the goal ought to have been scrapped, leading to the incident being a major VAR fluff in the Manchester Derby. The situation will now be reviewed by the officials, who are looking to learn from the incident and ensure it does not happen again. Another big discussion with Phil Foden and a Bruno Fernandes came up during the match from the refs. Everything looked fine for Foden until he kicked Fernandes in the upper body in the 23rd minute, leading to him being sent off for a rectangular card. Webb agreed that there was nobody better suited to replace Foden as he had kicked out hard as Manchester City’s playmaker. But Webb didn’t think the Fulham defender deserved to be sent off for his offence. Webb said it was “more petulant than violent” after the Manchester United midfielder kicked Foden in the backside. “Excessive force or brutality would be needed for it to be considered a violent act,” said Webb. Fernandes’ action in his opinion failed to rise up to that standard and should have instead came with a yellow card. Webb also said that, if a VAR had sifted through all of the footage and the ‘day one’ card was not spotted by the referee, then ‘day one’ yellow-card incident involving Fernandes would have been spotted in the process. But the big debate left to be had from the Manchester game is what about the goal that won the game. Haaland was rightly marked onside, but the markers did no consider the possible illegal act of Fernandez when he played through the attacking phase of play. However, for Webb it’s a lesson that can’t be simply left alone when a part of a problem has been solved. The whole attack has to be considered – if an offside player has played off the ball or not. The admission places the emphasis on the decision making process and not the technology. The semi-automated system was able to correctly detect Haaland’s position, however, the VAR team did not perform the

Haaland goal controversy has been the main focus at this point following an amazing nearby Rooney-McClaren battle during Manchester’s drama. Joaquin Correa looked as if he had little option when the ball came his way, but the replay revealed the Manchester United defender Dorgu was able to stay onside the goal. It was just the beginning of the controversy. Haaland was no doubt onside, but it was more a question of the manuevering and positioning of Enzo Fernandez. The midfielder for Manchester United looked to be in an offside position when Josko Gvardiol’s cross went in the box. Fernandez was trying to dive and cover the ball with his header but she was unable to make contact with it. He didn’t play the ball so, surprisingly, VAR decided, he wasn’t in an offside position and the goal was awarded. The shock left the United players and staff in fury, as did several past United players and pundits, who questioned how things had been read. Firstly, the initial ruling on the pitch had been Haaland was offside. That was a wrong decision as the City striker was onside but Dorgu’s boot was on him. But, that was not the end of the problem. The offside law also takes into account if a player in the offside position attempts to play the ball and by doing so interferes with an opponent. That’s when things got controversial. Fernandez was clearly drawing on a cross and was in good position to Lisandro Martinez attempting to handle Haaland as he did. The question was raised of whether Fernandez’s movement had an effect on the ability or decision to defend the cross by Martinez. BBC Sport football issues correspondent Dale Johnson said that it did. VAR should have asked itself if Martinez would have defended the situation the same way if Fernandez didn’t try the header, he said. Another complicated factor in this decision may be that the keeper could have been influenced by Fernandez’s movement. Feedback from the analysis suggested that VAR should have had the monitor visible in front of him to ensure that his decision was made in a subjective manner. Instead, VAR was deemed to have made no contact with the ball andVAR awarded the ball after a judgment. It was no surprise that Manchester United were unhappy. Though the goal was disallowed, Martinez believes it should have been denied after the game. He has also raised doubts on the coherence of giving players explanations to the laws; it is observed that they are explained in detail but in situations where their understanding of the laws is then gone. Meanwhile, great frustration was evident in United’s ranks, with manager Michael Carrick clearly wanting to see Damien Randall in the starting lineup. He wondered if this was the new ruleset of interference in football and said the reason is hard to understand. Former United favourite Wayne Rooney was even more clear-cut. He felt the aims and objectives of the VAR process have missed the mark in finding a goal that he felt was an obvious offside offense in the move’s execution of Fernandez. Fernández not being able to make the run meant Martinez could have been able to concentrate on Haaland more, Danny Murphy said. He also suggested the other thing that could impact on the goalkeeper. “Maybe the governing bodies will one day recognise that that’s a wrong decision,” saidGary Neville. However, Micah Richards fired back at the referees, but added that no mention should be made of the incident while fans appreciate Manchester City’s play. Indeed, city manager Enzo Maresca supported the switch, believing that the objective was “clearly onside. Another big clash of personalities hit the penalties for both Phil Foden and Bruno Fernandes in the match. Foden was shown a straight red card for kicking Fernandes out after challenging him. The footage was played back and it was clear that Fernandes was the first to contact Foden, who was running about before reactivating his play. VAR has not overturned the red card, despite reviewing the incident. There was yet another discussion about whether that was serious enough for sending Foden off, after the decision was made. Rooney thought it resembled more of a flick or a gesture than a proper kick. Others turned out to be former players, who felt the same way about Fernandes and that he should have been penalized as well. Meanwhile, Roy Keane said Fernandes was more at fault handing a pass while Neville was left wondering why he had not been booked. The major difference between the two according to the refereeing decomposition, is if Foden was deemed to have been performing or committing violent conduct. The section provides flexibility for the officials so that they can take the strength and use of an action into account when deciding whether this should be considered a red-card violation or not. The final whistle of the Haaland goal was deemed to be one of the top talking points of the Derby with two questions being raised: Was Haaland onside and did the movement and position of Fernandez affect the ball? Haaland was onside. The bigger question to be asked is whether or not Fernandez was entitled to be in an offside position and attempting to play the ball. It added frustration to Manchester United’s worst Hernando fixture after they suffered a vic Torres loss to their opponents. It wasn’t only a factor in Manchester City securing the win but also sparked a hugely contentious topic that is sure to keep the debate flaring long after the whistle. The incident has brought into question once again how VAR have been evaluating offside interference. Although the technology can create accurate lines, decisions on whether a player’s movement has an impact on an opponent remain subjective. So in this instance, it’s left many questioning the decision that was made. Social Media Channels Instagram: Zeroto30s on Instagram Facebook: Zeroto30s on Facebook X (Twitter): Zeroto30s on X YouTube: Zeroto30s on

Alexis Mac Allister has come up with the perfect answer for Liverpool when questioned over his next steps after the game v Atletico Madrid at Anfield. A few days after disclosing his lack of satisfaction with having been left ‘disheartened’ at Liverpool, the Argentina international scored a spectacular goal in a 2-1 Champions League comeback for his footballing voice. The occasion was full of emotions. Mac Allister found the net with a big shot and then took the Liverpool badge straight out of his shirt and celebrated in front of the Kop. It was a definite indication of the role the club has in his life. The midfielder had been brazen in expressing his passion for Liverpool, the club and the city before the match. He also said that he wasn’t trying to prove anything. He had to do what he knew he could do though however, he accepted that they had to go to where he could perform them. He was indeed the talisman of Atletico Madrid. Liverpool had to find a way to overcome some challenges early in the game when Marcos Llorente advanced the home side up front first. But Liverpool now got the nod to get it out of their system as opposed to Atletico and started construction. It was given to Liverpool when they needed it most, as Deputy did the equaliser before halftime.Before half-time, it was Deputy who did the equaliser for Liverpool. It was then Mac Allister’s turn. He was able to cover the ball outside the goalbox and delivered a fantastic left footed shot. Goalkeeper of the moment Jan Oblak is seen by many as one of the best goals keepers in world football, however a shot he had no chance to stop. The win put Liverpool on the right foot and would mark their first win at Anfield this season. It was a significant moment, too, for Mac Allister. His performance came at the perfect time. As Liverpool’s midfielder remains under contract until 2028, there has been an increasing amount of talk about the reasons behind the lack of a new deal for the player. Mac Allister is aware though, that the most powerful way to alter this is his actions on the pitch.Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said the midfielder did the ‘right thing’. The message was clear: Go strive for a new contract. The dependent nature of Mac Allister’s goal would be another instance of his distance skills. He has scored five of his 20 goals in all competitions at Liverpool from outside the box. Liverpool have another attacking option from him in attack as he’s capable of hitting the target from distance, particularly if they are pushed back and they play without sufficient targets in their half. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard also hailed Mac Allister’s impressive performance and encouraged him to “continue letting his football speak for him”. Gerrard is convinced he will get the prize which he is looking for after a regular on-field display. The consistency will now be what is crucial. Just one good performance does not determine a contract dispute, particularly in a team looking to win a significant trophy at a club that has to play to win. Mac Allister will have to maintain this pace overall this season. Yet, however, his value to Liverpool becomes apparent. He has won the World Cup, Premier League championship and is an all-time international midfielder. He will be able to play through the midfield and produce goals and chances for Liverpool in a controlling game. He is also quick to the fore who has understood how to work with other players to attack the field. But for Liverpool it is still a ‘work in progress’ under manager Andoni Iraola. The team is beginning to pick up the style, however there are areas which need to become more consistent. Indeed, Mac Allister’s form might play a big role in that improvement. He has shown a range of abilities in the centre of the midfield, which provides Liverpool with flexibility, and his savian passing and shooting qualities can enable him to tear apart tough midfields. The win over Atletico Madrid was thus not a matter of three points instead it was a matter of three points and the development of teammates, co-workers and colleagues. Liverpool replied with a good comeback after a tough start to the encounter. It could also have been a lesson on how much they can deliver when he’s at the top of his game in a game that’s right for him. The midfielder now has only one message to send: Keep performing. Keep working. Continued with letting the football speak. Mac Allister could leave Liverpool soon if he has anything to play for as the journey of speculation over his career move will take a turn after his performance against Atletico Madrid. When it comes to football, there’s no such thing as a bad offer. However, Mac Allister just has Liverpool starting to seriously think again. For Zeroto30s, you can use these social media links: Instagram: Zeroto30s on Instagram Facebook: Zeroto30s on Facebook YouTube: Zeroto30s on YouTube X (Twitter): Zeroto30s on X

Arsenal showed why they remain one of the strongest teams in the Premier League with a 2-1 comeback win over Chelsea on Sunday. The champions fell behind inside the opening minutes but responded with goals from Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard to secure a third straight league victory. The result was especially important because Arsenal had been questioned after failing to sign the elite striker they wanted during the summer transfer window. The club spent close to £200 million on new players, but their search for a world-class forward ended without a deal. However, the early signs suggest Arsenal may not need a new striker to keep scoring goals. Havertz and Odegaard stepped up when their team needed them most, while Bukayo Saka and the rest of the attacking players continued to create problems for Chelsea. Arsenal had already started the season strongly with wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa. But Chelsea was their first major test, especially after their London rivals spent close to £350 million since the end of last season.Chelsea could hardly have made a better start. New signing Morgan Rogers, who arrived for around £117 million, gave the home side the lead in only the second minute. The early goal put Arsenal under pressure and gave Chelsea confidence in front of their home supporters. Instead of falling apart, however, Arsenal slowly took control. The champions remained patient and continued to play their football. They moved the ball quickly, created space and looked for openings in the Chelsea defence. Their reward came before half-time. Havertz found the equaliser and gave Arsenal the momentum they needed going into the second half. The Germany international has already shown that he can play an important role in Mikel Arteta’s attack, and his goal against his former club was another reminder of his value. Then came Odegaard’s moment. The Arsenal captain scored in the 50th minute to complete the comeback and give his team the lead. It was another important goal for a player who appears to have rediscovered his best form. Odegaard has now scored three goals in four appearances in all competitions this season. That is a major improvement after he scored only once in 36 appearances last season. For Arsenal, his return to form could be just as important as any new signing. Odegaard controls the pace of the game, creates chances and helps connect the midfield with the attack. His understanding with Saka and Havertz gives Arsenal another dangerous attacking option. The winning goal also showed the importance of Riccardo Calafiori. The defender made an excellent run before delivering the ball that helped create the opening for Odegaard. His movement added another attacking option and showed the difference Arsenal can make when several players contribute at the same time. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be disappointed with the result. They spent heavily during the transfer window and have built a squad full of young talent. But the match showed that having expensive players does not always guarantee results. Chelsea started brilliantly, but Arsenal handled the pressure better and found a way back into the game. That ability to respond is becoming one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths.The champions have now won their first three league games of the season and have conceded just one goal. They have also won eight league matches in a row going back to last season. Those numbers are impressive, although it is still too early to talk about another Premier League title.There will be tougher tests ahead, particularly in Europe and against other title contenders. Arsenal’s next league game is away at Sunderland, while they will begin their Champions League campaign against Napoli. Still, this win over Chelsea sends a clear message. Arsenal may not have signed the big-name striker they wanted, but they have plenty of players capable of deciding important matches. Havertz and Odegaard showed that on Sunday. The bigger story is that Arsenal continue to find different ways to win.They can dominate games, defend under pressure and, when necessary, come from behind. For Chelsea, the defeat is a reminder that spending money is only the beginning. For Arsenal, the victory is another sign that their squad has the quality and mentality to compete at the highest level. The season is still young, but Arsenal have made the perfect start. If Odegaard continues to play at this level and Havertz keeps contributing goals, the champions could once again become very difficult to stop.

All of the Chelsea title contenders are still alive following a harrowing 4-3 win over Brighton at Stamford Bridge, but a lot of problems have been revealed that a new keeper won’t fix. The arrival of Emanuel could not come at a better time for the Welsh club as it was just hours after they officially announced his deal from Aston Villa – and the Argentina international was straight onto the field with experience, personality and authority. But the three goals and the four goal lead they gave up made it clear that Xabi Alonso has a lot more to do if Chelsea are serious about threatening the Premier League for first place. Martinez wasn’t given chance to influence a team after just one full training session with his new team-mates before he was shunted into the starting XI. For someone to appear comfortable in unusual circumstances is no mean feat, especially for someone who didn’t score Brighton’s three goals. It was also a big move from Robert Sanchez’s series of performances with the stakes on the table against Fulham where the goalkeeper was given much criticism for his involvement in the goals admitted by his team. For one thing, Martinez is the first player to bring experience to the house when Chelsea is in desperate need.For one thing, it’s the first so experienced a player to bring to the palace side. The 33-year-old, previously just 22 when he won his maiden World Cup with Argentina, has recently been rewarded with the Europa League with Aston Villa and two FIFA Best Goalkeeper medals. His presence seems to have impressed Alonso as well, and he thinks this can have an impact on the players around him. It is no surprise that it is Martinez himself who was fast to see the bigger picture in finding what needs to be better at Chelsea. Following the win in Brighton he extolled the attacking witnesses, though said the side needed to cut down on the number of goals they are allowing. The statistics highlight just how serious the problem is, but that shouldn’t be surprising. It has been a good level of attacking return for Chelsea with two league games in which they’ve scored seven goals. Meanwhile, they have conceded five, are now 18 matches without a shutout. It’s the longest streak they choose not to shut out an opponent in the last century, dating back to the 60s. But the real worry for Alonso might not be the goal keeper. Chelsea had a poor game in ball ownership against Brighton as they only managed to hold the ball for 25.9%. They managed only 146 passes, the fewest since they opened the season’s Premier League match against Sunderland in Sunderland’s lead-up to the game.This was their lowest number of passes since the introduction of the Premier League in 2003-04. Those numbers can’t be ignored for a team with an eye on the top of the table. A goalkeeper can save, organise and lead his defence but he can’t replace midfielders whose job is a lackadaisical one. That has now become even more complicated thanks to the absence of Enzo Fernandez. Unfortunately, yet for the second consecutive game, Fernandez missed him last match as Manchester City was reportedly interested, especially as a move could cost over £120m. In the meantime, Moises Caicedo’s fitness was also a concern as he was pushed of after just 11 minutes came off. That meant a unique midfield set up for Chelsea. Injured star Jordan Henderson was unavailable, and Mo Malo Gusto, Romeo Lavia were the ones who operated at the center. Apparently Barco was also not trusted to get onto the pitch to start a Premier League game yet. There was a lack of protection in front of the defence which was a factor in why Chelsea found themselves exposed. Alonso was also forced to travel forward to a back four as opposed to the front four, leaving Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill vulnerable in spots throughout his time out on the park. There’s also a set-work issue. If Chelsea are to have ambitions of competing with the Premier League’s best, they simply can’t provide repeated opportunities from dead ball scenarios. They were frequently up against a grinder against Brighton and when they were in control the Nelson Reds proved to be a challenge. There are, however, lots of reasons to withhold my complaint. The attack looks threatening with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro able to create and finish chances. Chelsea don’t just score goals at the rate that wins matches, they also manage to make them at times when they fail to defend themselves adequately. Now, what is in question is whether this formula can last for an entire season. Chelsea were close to paying the price for losing control against Brighton once they’ve established a three-goal cushion. Those moments may come at a much greater expense in the event they were facing more formidable opponents, as in the case of any of the other teams that were competing more directly for the championship. Martinez can definitely come to the rescue. He is expected to make Chelsea defensively more consistent with his communication, experience and mind and in addition will provide a much needed sure bet in between the posts in the penalty box. However, there is no expectation that he will revolutionise the defence in one day. Last but not least, it’s the balance that Alonso must strike between attacking firepower and defence that will be demanded from him. Preliminary results are promising, with the team having posted league win after league victory but that’s not enough for title contenders. They require consistency, control and they must be able to close a game down from the opposition. Chelsea are good enough to play the up-tackling game this season. Martinez will be plugging the final bulge but for Alonso to have any hope of making Chelsea a downbeat Premier League contender, things really have to

Bruno Fernandes also had the answers again, as he delivered the bluecrested three-goal show at the base of Manchester United as Michael Carrick’s side came out of a funk at Old Trafford to come through for Ipswich Town in the 5-2 victory. The United captain had one of his contribution-defining moments, what started as another frustration afternoon was suddenly a statement performance by the United captain. The form book might have gone to Marcus Rashford after his England debut and Kobbie Mainoo’s return to the Premier League XI. However, Fernandes came into his own when United needed him most. The hosts’ opening performance was marred by their lack of pace and they had to settle for just batting in a few passes at Ipswich. Initially, Fernandes was fairly understated but then he got a chance that made him very vocal. After an unforced error from Marcelino Nunez, Matheus Cunha could move towards goal before clogging balotton was going powering through to bring United level and had no hesitation with a big finish to her name. That would put a damper on the celebrations at Old Trafford. United then seemed to be more of themselves and Fernandes started to cut a pathway as their captain does. The Portuguese midfielder didn’t just hunt for his own goals, he also went out of his way to bring the chipped ball to him, to get his teammates headed in the right direction and to move forwards. The pinnacle was when United got the penalty. It was no different when Fernandes came in to the Stretford End and put United 3-1 up. The finish was a particularly important one because that’s the second penalty he was missing in pre-season and there was another “weight on the puck”. On the contrary, those ones didn’t seem to have an impact on him; rather, he was demonstrating the same kind of mindset that United have had the entire time he was at the club. He remained calm and found a gap and went past the keeper. 10 minutes later the captain made his hat trick, marking him the first captain in club history to do so. For Manchester United it was his third hat-trick of the season and the 15th of his career and it was a further sign of his uncanny talent for effecting the outcome of a match almost entirely. To add to his collection he may well have scored a further crazy effort by Fernandes from some distance out of the box soon after the restart when Ipswich lost control. The goalkeeper lived to tell about it with the ball on top of the goal! Carrick was someone who simply couldn’t ignore Fernandes. Having the midfielder in front has always been a main priority for the United head coach and the display here again serves to remind him of why the tall blue is the heart and soul of their plans. But, the future of Fernandes at Old Trafford is a real one for discussion. The 31-year-old will be up for a contract extension at Manchester United, but his final year is nearing its end. There has been interest from clubs abroad, though it seems unlikely to happen this month. The larger question though remains, is United to engage in Fernandes as the signings they have made are costlier than the player they would sacrifice in the interests of maximizing profit. Fernandes’ role on recent occasions cannot be underestimated, but right now it’s Rashford’s turn to hold that distinction. He provided Premier League tally-leading 21 assists last season as United climbed back into the Champions League after a two-year hiatus. Former United side player Ashley Young reiterated Brown’s comments, stating that Fernandes was the player to make Manchester United “tick”. It is based on the view of many supporters that United would not only miss out on goals and assists without Fernandes, but also be lacking in leadership, energy and creativity. The last throw of the ball was interesting. If Fernandes is already discussing a technical aspect with the substitute Benjamin Sesko, then it wasn’t until he’d given welcome to Ipswich players and officials that he discussed anything else. Then he noticed that he’d neglected to pick up the match ball and had to go around to the side and pick it up for his hat trick. That little moment encapsulates a bit of Fernandes. After scoring three goals and being victorious 5-2, his mind was still on the next pass, the next move and the next improvement. It’s also a great addition to the list for Carrick, who has a lot to grow by with that one. The United party had begun their game in a poor manner and their reply was the expression of character. Picking up the pieces in the wake ofThermo Acoustics, rather than simply letting them fall apart, may be as vital to a team as the three points are. Finally Fernandes’ own words encapsulated his approach. If he loses, he hates it, and he struggles with his emotions after a loss, he said. It may frustrate at times but, in Manchester United, it’s an important quality. At this moment, the words from Old Trafford are unequivocal, new players will come, new young stars will emerge and the coaching staff changes but the fundamental factor remains the same – that’s the delivery of Bruno Fernandes. His hat trick against Ipswich was a show-stopper performance in more ways than one. When the United need someone to take charge of it then working hand in hand comes their captain. 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It has emerged that Jose Mourinho accepted the Manager’s job for Manchester United back in 2013 but now has second thoughts and has gone back to Chelsea instead. Issued in a long talked about story that has now been confirmed by Mourinho himself after viewing in the new documentary series on Netflix, one of the biggest “what if?’ questions in modern football history was enlivened. It’s the second time Mourinho has returned at Real Madrid, and he told Spain’s EFF Sport in 2013 that he was prepared to assume control of their team. Ferguson has also vowed to confirm the chat, but noted that he initially thought Mourinho had taken the job as soon as things upended within a couple hours. The move was vitally needed for Manchester United at the right time. Ferguson retired in 2013 after a remarkable 26 years’ tenure at Old Trafford, during which he picked up 13 Premier League championships. The former England international was however, strongly considered by United, and his new revelation shows he had previously agreed to take the job, too but had fallen for the Portuguese manager’s pretrial illness. But Mourinho’s bond with Chelsea was too strong to be broken. He said he was sure he had fulfilled his commitment to Chelsea to return to Stamford Bridge, but that he was “very emotional” about being given the opportunity to replace Ferguson. He mentioned that Mourinho called him and had an emotional session explaining the decision to Ferguson, who says that he was outwith his life since it was indeed a big decision. Mourinho is alleged to have let the legendary United manager know that he made a promise he couldn’t break in regards to the Chelsea agreement. Although Ferguson said he was “disappointed” to be told this, he clearly comprehended the reasoning behind Mourinho’s selection. For Mourinho it was more than just about football. Manchester United had “incredible appeal,” he said, but his “emotional association” was with Chelsea more. The Portuguese manager wanted to go back to a place that he felt loved and wanted, after spending his last year with Real Madrid in the difficult battle. That was the turning point of two huge clubs. In 2013, Mourinho was back at Chelsea and claimed his second Premier League trophy, as well as the League Cup. Manchester United carried on with Moyes, but he only lasted until October when he was fired. Mourinho went on to get his break at Old Trafford three years later. He stepped in for Louis van Gaal in 2016 and ended up taking home two trophies in his first season; the League Cup and the Europa League. He was also sacked after a poor season in 2017-18 in which United finished second, designed by keenly monitoring them one-to-one against Manchester City during that season. The documentary also delves into the rocky relations Mourinho has had with Real Madrid, including a spat with iconic keeper Iker Casillas. In his first stint in Madrid, Mourinho achieved great feats such as Real Madrid’s record 100 points in La Liga in 2011-12 and capturing the title in that campaign. His successes were eventually surpassed though, by his dissension within the dressing room. Former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has admitted the environment around the attacking duo would be extremely tough, with Casillas stating that his relationship with Tevez was very cold. Mourinho, on the other hand, has come out on top and stated it was unnegotiable that players show respect and discipline. Unscrupulous is one of Mourinho’s trademarks. He has established a career with record-breaking wins and intense competition, broken decisions and the power to make a statement anywhere he goes. That’s the story his arrival in Real Madrid has brought to Spain. In June the Spanish giants officially announced in June that Mourinho would be coming back as a first team coach on a 3-year contract until June 2029. But now his latest Netflix documentary has come, Mourinho’s Manchester United surprise will take another turn. If the timing of his signing for Old Trafford in 2013 was right Alan O’Sheahealain would have been able to change football history. The choice that Ferguson didn’t make, however, may be a disappointment for the former manager, but Mourinho stated that it was one he made with his heart and he does not regret. Social Media: Instagram: @zeroto30s Facebook: Zeroto30s Twitter: @zeroto30s YouTube: Zeroto30s

The Real Madrid appeal to one of the globe’s most dominant forwards in the world, signing Vinicius Jr new contract for the next three years and until 2032. After long deliberations, the Brazilian winger has made the final decision to commit his future with the Spanish giants, putting to bed any speculation he received from Arsenal and a number of other European clubs. One of Real Madrid’s most important stars is left at the Santiago Bernabeu with the agreement, which will be at the heart of his best years of career. The signing of a new superstar is important but for Madrid fans the same could be said for delving back into signing a player who appears to have become one of their club’s recent icons. There had been a lot of uncertainties regarding Vinicius’ future for many months over the past year. His previous deal was up shortly and unsurprisingly there was some speculation about him joining the team on a new contract. Arsenal had been closely observing the situation and when the talks broke down, they were thought to be ready to make an ambitious bid. Madrid were never in doubt, though, and have had no reason to doubt up until the talks stalled. A new proposal was made earlier this week and it was the better offer which got him to agree to a longer deal, agreeing to put in another 6 seasons before he would depart. The deal was officially announced on Thursday, as both player and club celebrate the new agreement. It was a sentiment Vinicius expressed with emotion on his Instagram account, leaving his message as “Eight years at the Bernabeu are too brief… six more years then forever.” The phrase underlined his good relationship with this club from his arrival in 2018 from Flamengo. It started with the signing of a highly-rated teenager, and it has grown to one of the most successful player-club partnerships in contemporary football. Vinicius has since progressed to become one of the game’s most dangerous forwards for Real Madrid since his arrival. Stationed in the middle of the park, he runs with fantastic pace; is truly invulnerable in the dribble area and is a world-class competitor in crucial games. He has scored 128 goals in 375 games so far in his career, contributing to many goals in continental competitions too. Despite his youth, only 26 years old his performances have made Real Madrid the two-time UEFA Champions League champions, have led three times to La Liga championships, and captured the Copa del Rey trophy.Although he is still young, at the age of 26, he has already become a modern partner of Real Madrid with two UEFA Champions League championships to his credit, three La Liga championships, and the Copa del Rey. His impact has been felt in other sports at the club level. Vinicius has become an important player for Brazil, earning 54 international caps and scoring 13 goals. He on arrival from the World Cup campaign would straight away go back to pre-season training – taking his time to undergo his medical once he’s back home – before completing the contract extension. It’s a pledge that demonstrates his professionalism and his ambition for Real Madrid to enter a new chapter of success. It is also a significant gesture from Real Madrid’s management with the new deal. Anyone wanting to know about the club’s activity at the transfer windows should put three things into their heads: under new head coach Jose Mourinho, the club’s movement in the transfer window has been more than significant, having strengthened the club by bringing in some great players. Ivory Coast insurg Virach aka winger Yan Diomande has cost up to £120m for RB Leipzig and the arrival of the midfielder in Madrid demonstrates the Spaniards’ longing to become a major force at centre forward. Diomande has come on splendidly, yet he is not the only addition to be included in an extraordinary summer rebuild, with a battery of players such as Hobley, Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and Carlos Espi also joining the club. Perhaps the most important thing for the project would be to keep Vinicius at its core instead of signing further players. However, Arsenal have to move on. However, it was reported that the Premier League champions were ready to step up the ball’s game if they reject Madrid’s latest bid for Vinicius. The hope of that has now been completely removed as the Rams look for another option for a left-footed attacker before the transfer window is over. Football has always been a difficult puzzle to solve when it comes to Real Madrid’s biggest players; Arsenal still boast one of the best teams in Europe, but getting those that set the record at Real Madrid to depart the Bernabeu is a big challenge. It’s also a clear message sent across European football at the time. By going over the counter with some of the best young players currently on the market, Real Madrid are not only seeking to strengthen their squad in the years to come but also ensuring the lifespan of their successful team is extended. Los Blancos have built a team that can challenge for any major trophy in the coming few years, with Jose Mourinho now expecting to have his bases covered by three Roasters flankers – and with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and most recently, Rodrygo, anticipated to lead the charge on the attacking front – then the Brazilian international comes down here as a summer on-wing key player. The extension is not just about money for Vinicius: It give him the credit he richly deserves and will only strengthen his standing as one of Real Madrid’s leaders and trust they put in him since he was a teenager. Castelán has been an avid Madrid fan throughout his career, and the new deal seems to have sealed his decision to play for the Spaniards, at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Preparations are

FIFA World Cup sale has resulted in one of the biggest crisis in the football governance of this era but anything can jeopardize all UEFA competitions, if Gianni Infantino’s investment proposal by FIFA is to be implemented. The plan has split the world football governing body with its leading of confederation, putting the future of some international tournaments in doubt. More crucially, the controversy has given rise to significant doubts over Infantino’s leadership and that football on a global scale is about to enter unprecedented splits. The troubles started soon after FIFA proposed to sell 20% stake in a new subsidiary firm to manage its “flagship” league competitions, such as the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups. Although FIFA would remain in control of the company, it would be funded with private capital. Details of the deal have drawn poisonous scorn from football administrators worldwide amid rumors of ties with Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son in law and one of the most aggressive critics of protecting Israel’s right to a democratic future.The rumors have only increased scorn around the proposal, and have drawn criticism from football administrators throughout Europe after Kushner has been linked to the group. In one of its toughest responses to date, UEFA stated that both the organisation and its 55 member associations will not take part in FIFA events if the proposed deal is accepted. The 11 words shook up world football as soon as they were released. It was not only the amount at which UEFA led the talks that was a problem, but the lack of transparency and consultation with the head of the club before making such a huge proposal. Given the timing of the dispute, however, it is even more important. However, should the proposal be approved, future FIFA events may be put on hold now. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland may be the first to be affected, as the Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs later this year could happen as well. There are reports that countries such as England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be competing, meaning both withdrawal and not withdrawing would be politically and competitively perilous. Football decision-makers in Europe have made it clear time and again that they are not interested in players and fans losing out due to top-level decisions. They say, however, that FIFA have given them little option since announcing the proposal without them being seriously engaged with the national associations. The Football Association has publicly backed up UEFA’s call and the Scottish Football Association has also echoed it, underlining the amazing level of ‘unity among the leadership’ of football in Europe. The anti-gay backlash has also extended beyond Europe. The proposal, rejecting it has been said by Concacaf, representing North and Central America, has been largely rejected by many member associations there, which reportedly have questions to raise concerning the direction of the FIFA at the moment. That gradually increased resistance has moved from the financial debate into the broader discussion about governance and accountability, and the centralisation of power in the world of football. The situation is the most difficult one in the pastures of the football president Gianni Infantino. Since he was elected in 2016, he has typically been supported by FIFA’s member associations, a future which seemed like a foregone conclusion until he faced harsh opposition from both supporters and players. Such self-assurance doesn’t seem to exist anymore. Football officials are also reportedly irritated by the proposal itself and how it came about without the proper consultation of the necessary stakeholders. However, when the former AC Milan manager makes further ground to become a weaker figure than he is expected to be, it is only natural that rumours of what might be will wrack more sour waves than ever. Pressured into the spotlight by his wider influence in European football, with his leadership of some of the continent’s clubs, this is why Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi should be one of the names on the list. But insiders close to him deny that he would be interested in becoming president of FIFA, leaving no candidate in any position to become a true challenger for the job. FIFA’s consequences on the commercial side are too great to ignore. Within the FIFA major tournaments, European countries have taken first place more often, simultaneously attracting bigger TV ratings and sponsorship funds from all over the world.European countries keep winning the FIFA big tournaments with the biggest TV viewing figures and interest from around the world, as well as the biggest sponsorship values. The biggest football clubs in Europe would not contribute to the game’s level or profitability at the World Cup if they were removed. It would also make the plan for massive financial gains by FIFA in the long-term quite tough to see. But many seasoned football administrators feel that neither side will be able to afford a permanent separation. FIFA can only keep the status and value of their games high if Europe’s top clubs are able to keep winning them and UEFA can only enjoy the benefits if its teams are playing in world football matches. While negotiations offer some space, both sides are seemingly entrenched. It has gone beyond investment levels, the FIFA World Cup sale has brought up a disaster. It has become a landmark in football history, pushing the boundaries of football governance and challenging relationships among football confederations such as UEFA, CONCACAF and CONCACAF, ASL.It has grown into a critical juncture in the game’s history and is a major strain on the leadership of FIFA and the relationship between football confederations including UEFA, CONCACAF and CONCACAF, ASL. Whatever adjustments happen to it, variations or compromises are likely, or even more likely, a rejection by the biggest banks and Gianni Infantino’s refusal to go ahead, whatever his actions over the next few weeks lead to, it’s a proposal that will shape how football is played around the globe for many years. Follow

So, officially Morgan Rogers is now a Chelsea player and the £117million transfer has already been one of the biggest acts in the summer transfer window. The England international was on the brink of a shock transfer move to Arsenal, but has now joined in surprise fashion on a six-year deal with option to extend for a further season at Stamford Bridge. With England’s World Cup finals behind them, Chelsea had to move quickly-after all fans and great players, they’ll soon be too costly to maintain! The deal signing makes Chelsea’s team stronger with Xabi Alonso, while at the same time it marks the club’s interest in signing players who can assist the team immediately as opposed to the usual “sitting on the pink carpet” approach adopted by the club in the past. The pursuit of Morgan Rogers was anything but rushed at Chelsea. The Blues had been fetishising the abilities of the versatile attacker for over a couple of years before the summer transfer window opened and apparently had him on their radar as a key attacking target even before that. After World Cup glory, the Chelsea sporting directors Behdad Eghbali and boss Xabi Alonso honched into it big quick after England to persuade Rogers that Stamford Bridge was the place for him to call home. Chelsea had a close connection to Aston Villa, as they were able to complete one of the highest bid football transactions in history without problems. Then, Arsenal were offered an equal opportunity-sign the Chelsea team up but opted to remain at their value, meaning that the Blues are free to go through with this blockbuster transfer. The deal is also a reflection of a new agency for Chelsea. The club has a strong talent pool of youngsters who have a long career ahead of them and have been the focus of their investment for the past couple of seasons, but this is a more even spreader. Rogers has enjoyed Premier League football, has squandered goal-scoring opportunities as a player for England on the international stage and has been capable of finding the net and creating chances consistently, when playing against high level football opposition. Chelsea have high hopes for him to make an instant contribution and he still has much scope to become an European superstar. It’s a real paradigm change for a club seeking to get back into title competition. Xabi Alonso could benefit from Morgan Rogers’ tactical versatility for the Chelsea side, and he has the potential to change the way the team attacks. Both Rogers and Cole Palmer can be flashy attacking midfielders, but what is expected of Rogers is to be mostly on the left, with the aforementioned Cole Palmer continuing to be the central attacker of his Chelsea’s era – the creative inspirer. Known for changing tactics based on opponents, Alonso. In his title winning career with Bayer Leveqer, he always had two attacking midfielders behind his central attacker – and could still find room for both Palmer and Rogers to operate within the formation. The versatility will provide a range of attacking possibilities for the midfielders and defend them in the final third in a much different way. The data imply that Rogers has ability to shape the forward play for Chelsea right away. Played consistently through the midfield last season, setting up stretches for goals and creating chances for teammates, he also assisted in 12 of his team’s goals and scored 14 of his own in all competitions. Chelsea missed out on goals a number of times last season – including a bewildering run of five matches where they couldn’t find the net which ultimately led to managerial changes. One of the biggest problems in the club, generally is the lack of an attacker or creator in the middle of the floor who can score and drive with the ball. He has also the crucial physical strength, speed and self-belief to play away from the pack to support Alonso’s attacking approach. Chelsea’s faith in Morgan Rogers has been further boosted by the fact they have a dressing room to himself when he enters. His friendship with Cole Palmer goes back to their time at Manchester City academy, where they grew into two of England’s promising young talents. They’re still in close collaboration and there is no doubt chemistry is a potential thing to happen on the pitch very soon. Rogers also has experience with Reece James and former Manchester City academy product Levi Colwill, as well a number of past club pupils at Chelsea, such as Romeo Lavia, Liam Delap and Tosin Adarabioyo. He will be assisted by his team-mates in getting used to life at Stamford Bridge, with belief in them around him that can only aid his path to settling into the club. Chelsea has a good amount of attacking talent in their squad now, and would be expected to become more of a problem than it already is. Penguins Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Geovany Quenda are all heading to the wide area and Nicolas Jackson, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap are coming up against one another to occupy the position of the striker. The depth that Alonso has and will have will help his squad stick together by building up a bench of quality as Chelsea didn’t have last year when they struggled. Now cut will be the challenge as the squad will be depleted by the departures of various players ahead of the transfer window closing. It is another big financial ploy – and one they believe they can afford to make – but the transfer is seen as one logical move in the planning process. The club has already picked up high revenue from selling players and is still changing its lineup to comply with Premier League and UEFA economic laws and rules. The club has recently sold a number of players which has strengthened its finances but more is probably to come as Chelsea look to

Spain World Cup 2026 After an exciting and close 1-0 extra time battle with defending champion Argentina, the European champions sealed their place in the World Cup 2026 Finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win in New Jersey. The Spaniard Ferran Torres came up with the game-breaking goal in the 106th minute to end one of the toughest and most aggressive matches in the history of the FIFA World Cup. There was lots of attacking football in the knockout round of the tournament but the final was filled with frustration and fouls as well as stoppages with Spain eventually breaking through. It was the event itself that was different to anything that had ever been witnessed at a World Cup final. President of the United States, Donald Trump came out to watch the match, while the inaugural FIFA World Cup half-time entertainment was extended to 27 minutes by the presence of Madonna, Justin Bieber and Shakira. After the show, the actual football game had a hard time keeping up with the off-the-field entertainment both teams were hard to snatch for much of the match. The Europeans played out a more optimistic beginning right at the first whistle of the match. At least, Lamine Yamal had a dangerous attempt to make without success before Mikel Oyarzabal required another “big ball” save from Emiliano Martinez’s effort. Spain was found to be in control and were very patient in their search for an opportunity, however, whenever possible Argentina broke up the attacking line and slowed the tempo. Both teams struggled to build an attack as they were continually thrown back. Match Stats Spain Argentina Final Score 1 0 Goal Scorer Ferran Torres (106′) — Possession Higher Lower Red Cards 0 Enzo Fernandez (120′) Yellow Cards 0 Multiple Player of the Match Lamine Yamal — World Cup Titles 2 3 Manager Luis de la Fuente Lionel Scaloni   The defence of Argentina had nearly paid off, though. Emiliano Martinez yet again showed why he is one of the world’s best goalies, and made some fine saves during regulation. His best action came when he glided into the box and naillessly cleared Lamine Yamal’s curling free-kick which appeared to send it straight toward the top corner at the end of the stoppage time. They denied Argentina a meeting of the draw with a pair of saves, pushing the contest into overtime. It was the turning point just before the extra-time whistle. Already booked off for a reckless challenge, midfielder Enzo Fernandez was given a second yellow card for another reckless challenge. With ten men, Argentina had an even tougher hurdle facing them against a team of Spain which had dominated much of the contest. Immediately Luis de la Fuente was a good observer and he lined up some new attacking legs, such as Escobar’s most direct runner who added a different tempo to Spain’s attack straight away. Last, however, was Spain’s tenacity that paid off. Nico Williams surged forward and headed a cross strength into the far corner, which was swiftly taken up by Ferran Torres but he had barely, and in the 106th minute, struck home before the play was over. After over a century of patience and pressure, the clear purpose of the attacking efforts was given a prize. However, later in extended play, Williams was on the losing end of a delay, when he was deemed to be level with Nicolas Otamendi when Mikel Merino was called for a violation. It looked like a disappointing finish to a memorable tournament for Argentina. At 39, possibly marking the end of Lionel Messi’s FIFA World Cup career, he had little opportunity to play against a disciplined defence posed by Spain. Although he took one off target attempt, the Argentine captain was checked well by the Spanish defence during their evening towed the ball. It was a fairytale finish, but one that was denied Messi and Argentina when they inspired them with eight goals through the tournament and helped them get past Egypt and England in the knockouts. Spain, on the other hand, faced a goalless draw against Cape Verde and did a fantastic job of a job they would still not be doing quite yet if they had been in the Caribbean until they returned to Spain. They had pipped France in the semi-final, making them favourites for a dominant performance before the final was dull but they played in a typical manner and stuck to their play-out philosophy. Speaking of the great Lamine Yamal, who once again impressed with his creativity and composure in an attack all around Argentina defence, prompting the recognition of him as Player of the Match. It is also Luis de la Fuente’s remarkable coaching journey that is cemented. He has led Spain to UEFA Euro 2024 glory and now, with his level of strategic awareness and operational efficiency, he has shown the way to a new global championship with the national side. In addition, Spain became the first country to win both their men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups at the same time, highlighting the incredible power of Spanish football throughout all levels. Spain World Cup 2026 will be characterised as a competition in which there were no headlines in the game, beyond the crossing of the line, but of the fight, the adversity and the tactical cleverness. It was all down to Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal once again was showing on the biggest stage and Spain took home the football crown they rightfully earned. Argentina played heroically to a successful conclusion but on this occasion, they were beaten by the better footballing side and ran home as the winners. Stay tuned on Zeroto30s for updates and breaking news on the football field. 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Youri Tielemans Belgium is on a five year contract with United, joining just after the signing of Karl Darlow and Andrey Santos at the club. Stroud has been rumoured for months to come but now the illustrious midfielder has joined Manchester United and got his big move. The transfer represents the culmination of a process that has taken years to come to fruition. Tielemans was in Monaco’s interest before and Manchester United reconnected with the likes of the Frenchman when he became available from Leicester City. In both cases the club opted to resist the move. This summer, however, United waited on the sidelines and eventually snapped out of their shell, withing the transfer window, by getting their man. The transfer is part of the club’s efforts to bolster its midfield, where it is looking to add players with a proven quality who are already familiar with the style of football played in the UK. Tielemans joining United was one of the proudest times of his career, according to the player after signing. The Belgian acknowledged that it wasn’t easy to express his feelings and said this is the price for a long journey since “falling in love with football” when he was a kid. “He’ll be wearing 18, which Casemiro used last season before he left Old Trafford,” he added. Manchester United think they are bringing in one of the best consistently in the middle of the park in the Premier League. Tielemans has become known for his intelligent passing, his cool disposition and his ability to kick significant goals since arriving in England with Leicester City in 2019 before joining Aston Villa. He was part of one of Aston Villa’s most successful Europa League campaigns this year and most recently came into glory by hitting it on the developing world in Leicester’s FA Cup winning goalless goal vs Chelsea in 2021. Tielemans can bring a lot of experience to a young 29-year-old Erik ten Hag’s side. The Belgian made his senior debut at Anderlecht at the tender age of 16 before securing his place in Monaco before making a permanent move to the Premier League. In his club career and his international football career both, he has already surpassed nearly 660 senior appearances – a remarkable number that is testament to his consistency and durability on the pitch. His most recent football matches for Belgium, where he played in the FIFA World Cup, added to the sense of urgency for Manchester United to sign him. Tielemans twiceled in the tournament with a volley before he finally knocked away an extra-time penalty for his home country before hitting the spot for an unflappack Belgium into the quarter-finals. Sadly, he pulled the run he used to produce in a disappointing way, when he got hurt in the warm-up period ahead of Belgium’s loss at Spain. Despite this, his performances ensured he remained a football icon capable of performances on the biggest occasions. Tielemans has the specific football skills the club needs going forward according to Manchester United’s Director Of Football Jason Wilcox. The Belgian has been lauded for his technical play, leadership and winning spirit, which Wilcox termed as some of the most significant midfielders of the past few seasons in the Premier League. The club looks forward to having the experience he brings to midfield, as well as his assistance in continuing to develop younger players in the club. The transfer also shows up the united discipline approach for recruitment that Manchester United adopted during this summer. The club saw potential in a data-driven strategy and looked at Tielemans—a substitute for a never ending parade of midfield misfires who were again about to drive up costs—or what was deemed to be an ideal fit. His wealth of Premier League experience and lack of volatility was also appreciated by United, who actually looked at younger alternatives. These attributes will be crucial as the club set to take on increasingly demanding battle against the clock in all of their matches, including the UEFA Champions League. Tielemans will be called into action in his box-to-box role, competing for Kobbie Mainoo as well as being creative and in control when the ball is in his possession. His ability to control pace and possession will bring a new feature to United’s midfield, as will his passing range and vision. It’s also believed that the club are still on the hunt for another experienced DMF and if they are to add further players before the close of the transfer window, then another fixture of that type could still be on the horizon. The move is a significant one for fans of Manchester United, who have backed the move on Twitter with images of him smiling and kicking the ball.The signing is an important one for Manchester United fans who are happy on Twitter with images of him smiling and kicking the ball. This indicates a thoughtful, rather than hurried approach to recruiting, based on experience and on the value and quality of the investment, not the financial urgency to spend. Tielemans has already come through his paces in England, been a regular at Europe and exhibited his ability to cope under pressure. If he finds it easy to adjust to Erik ten Hag’s manner, he’s perfectly positioned to be one of the significant midfielders in the squad this season. All will now be watching to see how fast the Belgian can get on the radar of Manchester United, whose quest for major trophies is supported by his arrival. 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There was one of the most dramatic Argentina vs England encounters in the FIFA World Cup. First of all, the semi was one done in the style of the first and had exactly the ambience you’d have inside the stadium as well as up there. Both sides had a spirited contest on show, starting at the initial whistle and engaged in a mid-offside struggle from start to end with lots of challenges thrown… American referee Ismail Elfath was frequently having to jerry-fingal with his whistle as emotions bubbled over. Possession was with Argentina in the first half as England were disciplined and organised behind them. Clear-cut opportunities were sparse as both sides played for no mistakes in what was such a ticking time bomb – Enzo Fernandez was closest to log points before halftime with a grand deathership from a distance, but it just missed. But the England breakthrough was not far in the making soon after the breaktime, however, via an outstanding team move. Thomas Tuchel’s faith was rewarded when Morgan Rogers delivered a cross from the wing which was weighted accurately for Anthony Gordon to eat up the Argentine goalkeeper to create a clear chance. The goal helped England fans erupt into wild celebrations for a little while, before the ball slipped back into Pardew’s court again. At that point, England looked settled; happily restricting Argentina’s attack yet at the same time seeming capable of capitalizing on their possession with speedy counterattacks. The all-round excellent Jordan Pickford also found the task easier than normal by making a marvellous reflex save to mount a defence against Nico Gonzalez to keep England’s key advantage. But it was not only the brilliance of Argentina that led to the turning point, it was also the growing cautiousness of England. Over the next 12 months, Tuchel gradually transformed his squad into a much more conservative outfit that would rarely depart from its current position. It was England’s wish to defend the advantage, as demonstrated by the introduction of goal scoring partner Gordon, who was to be laced up with the new Ezri Konsa. Substitutions over the remainder of the first half followed that up, such as Dan Burn taking over from Joe McGovern after 35 minutes. England were pushed into their own box and were relentlessly hounded by an Argentina team that always play best when in possession of the ball. Tuchel had hoped that his extra defence would hold on to that second team-marking benefit but that was not the case in the closing minutes. As England lower themselves to defence, Messi gradually stepped up his game. As was the case during most of the game, the Argentinean captain remained relatively silent, but came up with the punch-line when his team required it most. The match was even five minutes into the last minute when Enzo Fernandez found Messi in good space out with him and the midfielder hit a wonderful header to make it even. The equaliser completely turned the tide, added to Argentina’s confidence and it did not look so bad when England were panicked. Argentina were on the case to find a winner, and a few seconds later Alexis Mac Allister hit the post for a second time in the game. Last, the crucial moment came, deep in Stoppage Time. Messi picked the ball up on the right and once again had a quality moment, putting down just a well timed cross into the area. It was an incredible turnaround as Lautaro Martinez lifted the ball over Pickford, for only to captain Argentina into the World Cup final. Marshaled to the ground England’s men couldn’t believe it, they knew it was slipping away with the seconds counting in the second half as they were running the ball. Match Statistics England Argentina Goals 1 2 Second-Half Goals 1 2 Key Assist Morgan Rogers Lionel Messi (2) Late Goals No Fernandez (85′), Martinez (90+2′)   The loss will be a bitter pill for England to swallow. The national team, under previous managers such as Gareth Southgate, often lost control of big games when it saw big opportunities to close, far bigger than what they accomplished against Wales. This was the same as the semi-final; defending played with caution when attacking was needed. The scheme of the back line failed and soon he gave possession and the initiative to Argentina who came on relentlessly particle after particle till the English defence eventually broke down. England just couldn’t take with them in the closing moments as Gordon, Pickford and Rogers delivered solid results. Lionel Messi’s nuevamente watched Argentina win absolute control, as the star’s impressive impact continues. At 39, he is still the biggest matches’ benchmark with episodes of incomparable quality. The two assists he delivered were vital in ensuring Argentina’s other famous comeback and pushing them just one victory behind the running of successfully holding the FIFA World Cup. The king of heroes and South America’s crop of superstars will now have their final nail in Spain’s coffin, when Messi faces rising star Lamine Yamal in what will be a memorable conclusion, as one of football’s old guard and his younger players battle it out. England will now have to snap out of it before the outing against France in the game for third place, where they’ve missed a long string of World Cup appearances. Follow Zeroto30s for more football coverage: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s/

Jasprit Bumrah has proved his worth and once again become one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in international cricket on a sensational afternoon in the over camp at Edgbaston.It was a sensational afternoon in the over camp at Edgbaston as Jasprit Bumrah proved his worth and returned once again as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in international cricket. It was Bumrah’s maiden ODI since the 2023 World Cup final, and he had not taken long before finding the flow again as he again showed a superb display of pace, accuracy and control against England. The scorecard’s only words for Prasanna came in for 1 wicket in only 9 overs, but the numbers could not reflect the impact he had all the day. He was the one who kept India at bay, imposed himself on the best of batters and gave a brilliant class meeting that had Indians motoring to win in style with such redback magic, before leading everyone to the conviction and alerting them to a match with the red magic that cannot be allowed to go down. First of all everyone was focused on Bumrah from the first ball of the game. India had kept his stepping stone and not allowed him to bulk up his workload in the previous two years, keeping him fresh for big competitive T20 cricket events, while missing out on the previous 26 ODIs of the country. Of course questions were raised about how much quicker he was going to adapt once he returned to 50 over cricket. Before the game, Captain Shubman Gill had acknowledged that there was something the entire camp in India was looking for from the master, following the span of over a month. The response came right down the pipe. Bumrah was all about getting the ball home, with the accuracy that has come so naturally to his playing days and troubled the opening batsmen of England in his first over. His duel with Ben Duckett truly manifested himself why Bumrah is a hard bowler to beat. All batters are aware of what is about to happen with very few being able to handle it. Bumrah also played his own brand of outswing and combined them with some very deadly and hit inswing deliveries, always demanding Duckett to second guess his footwork. Though Bumrah himself seemed to have scant doubt that the ball had pitched over the leg stump, one swinging delivery struck Duckett’s back foot and caused a loud appeal. A few balls later, another ball struck Duckett’s fingers with force in the mid-air and his troubles in the first inning had not resolved, as it hurt him deeply to receive treatment. Bumrah’s threat wasn’t limited to wickets, it was the pressure he put on in his head as well, with each spell. But Bumrah’s game was so significant that it was not just matches that he affected. The opening pair had some little sparks of a partnership in their instance but didn’t ever feel quite at ease against the Indian pace spearhead. Both Duckett and Jacob Bethell had to be defensively conscious with his hard-length deliveries, as he constantly tested them in the middle, denying them adequate scoring opportunities and adding some pressure to the scoreboard. The pressure finally paid off for both batters, who fell to other bowlers on some high-risk deliveries, showcasing Bumrah’s greatest asset – turn-taking wickets through opportunities generated. Bumrah’s breakthrough moment came when he got the in form Harry Brook out. From a modern point of view, it wasn’t particularly fast more like 127kph but was just a perfect example of the precision required in gearing a ball at an adversary and which things other great fast bowlers in the world of cricket don’t seem to manage exactly like that. He was able to get bounce off a hard length, thanks to his wrist position and outstanding seam control, thinners the ball for Brook, putting a thin edge on first slip. In fact, after the game Brook later admitted that it was just a nice pass. At times even the best of best batsmen fail to deliver with Bumrah in such a flawless manner. While out with just one wicket in hand, Bumrah was all around in complete control. In three bowling spells played, he bowled 54 deliveries with over half of those coming from the difficult six to eight metres zone where it can be difficult to score. His ability to be so consistently composed after virtually three years of absences from ODI cricket also underlined his commitment and instincts for that style of cricket. At the other end of the scale from the IPL earlier this year, in which he couldn’t get on the pace yet picked up just four wickets, Bumrah sounded quite different: rejuvenated, crisp and in control. Lastly India’s Edgbaston win was not just a win, but of a bigger kind of meaning. It donned his hat humbly, acknowledging that Bumrah has come back to ODI cricket at that opportune moment when he is needed most as they prepare for upcoming ICC tournaments. His ability to move at the right speed, find the right shot and pass the ball as needed, plus his usual knack for controlling the game’s tempo during an innings, is unparalleled and makes for an eerie feeling for opponents. Every moment that Bumrah has the ball in his hands, there’s something magical that he is doing, even when everyone in the stadium knows exactly what he is up to. There’s perhaps nothing more reassuring to this performance for India than that. Their most valuable asset has come back and he’s looking the part against England and would appear to be capable of commanding the 50 over game once more. 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Spain produced a disciplined and commanding 2-0 win in the semi-final at Dallas Stadium and are one win away from winning the FIFA World Cup, which will be held on the West Coast of Auckland this week.Spain improved their record to 2-0 on the road in the semi-final against France at Dallas Stadium and are one win away from lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy this week in the West Coast of Auckland. Having to play one of the tournament’s most active attackers on a regular basis, Luis de la Fuente’s side has again proven to be really difficult to break up this tournament. Spaniards Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro found the back of the net to clinch the second successive World Cup final for the hosts and to put France’s chances of a 3rd straight World Cup campaign out of reach, after another brilliant midfield performance by Rodri. The game was set to be a highly entertaining clash between France’s showmanship and Spain’s discipline. France had been firing the guns all day with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Kylian Mbappe but Spain kept them out of the groove. Rather, the waiting game was played as the guys from Europe dominated the game, put it under their own control, and didn’t panic at the first whistle. The Spanish side took the lead midway through the first half, when Lucas Digne’s challenge was too late in the pocket, downing Lamine Yamal. The penalty was immediately awarded with Mikel Oyarzabal confidently and effectively heading the direct free-kick to send Mike Maignan in the wrong direction. The objective was to recognize the positive beginning of Spain and turn the tide of battle quickly in their favor. They looked at ease with possession once they got ahead and were able to cause more difficulties for France with their structured form and intelligent pressing. Powerful France was anticipated to follow, but Spain came back with extra vigour. Their second goal came as a result of a fantastic pass from Dani Olmo and Pedro Porro. A clever one-two pass to wriggle around the edge of the area and a quiet finish at the near post to level the score and make it two-nil for Spain and one up for France, came a sequel to that. This was a shot that was an ideal culmination of their patient build up play and the effectiveness they managed to create a few clear chances. Again and again, Rodri showcased his elegance and deftness in the midfield to establish his place in world football. The Ballon d’Or winner led the show with a downright remarkable composure, having interrupted the French attacks on the rise, and then initiated Spain’s attacks with precise ball control. Fabian Ruiz’s sidekick was another impressive one at his disposal as he covered every blade of grass, along with his balance in defence and attack. They were an ideal combination, meaning France couldn’t really assert themselves anywhere around the midfield area. Like in Spain, defense performed admirably. Back line was tight and all players were able to work well without possession. Attacking powerhouses were continually sent to irrelevant zones and rarely posed any kind of threat to keeper Unai Simon for the Consuls. However, it wasn’t until the 81st minute that France got their first shot on frame and they were among one of the tournament’s fiercest opponents to parry. Up until this point, Spain have conceded just one goal in the entire World Cup and have prospered through organisation and discipline, as well as on team work. However, it was an unfulfilling conclusion for France after an impressive campaign. They had defeated comfortably in their two matches with Sweden and Paraguay and had sidel lined up a coat of arms for Morocco in the semi-final and were looked upon as many favourites for the trophy in the hands of. But poor decision making by Lucas Digne at the first penalty and injury to William Saliba destroyed their play style and Spain’s tactical discipline bought them time for Mbappe and his crew to find some shape. France proved they’ve got more possession with ancillary moments of the second half, but never looked at all like they were able to turn things around. It also marks the end of Didier Deschamps’ remarkable stint at the helm of France. Following 14 years as the No. 1, his reign will now be over with a third-place playoff instead of another bid to lift the big Championship Bucket. For now, Mbappe has still not earned a record of one goal for the Golden Boot but his big goal has moved up four years further for France. Now Spain are to travel to New Jersey to play the game for FIFA World Cup finals against England or Argentina. With the UEFA Euro 2024 championship victory, Luis de la Fuente’s centurion is just one win away from becoming the world champions again. It’s not all about their displays on the attack but their ability to work in close harmony, get savvy with their tactics and shut out the opposition. If they are able to create this capability in the final they will have an excellent shot at taking Spain’s second win in World Cup history. Follow Zeroto30s for more motorsport coverage: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s/

England have to keep going, Harry Kane said, in the perfect style of the little-time expression of confidence and ambition by the young Thomas Tuchel. Many teams would feel they had reached the final four but England’s skipper says more is still to be had out of him. The faith in that number might prove to be the biggest weapon in the lads’ armour as they embark on their own blockbuster against Argentina on Wednesday. The match is on the line in the World Cup final and England are aware they will have to do their best to face one of the very best sides in world football. England landed in the semi-finals after a thrilling 2-1 extra-time win over Norway. But it was not enough to please Tuchel, who publicly criticised his side after the game. The England coach confessed his team was lax, over technicalised and hadn’t played at the level he expected. Kane’s comments probably came as a shock to many fans, but he doesn’t think so because he feels that’s a coach who knows just how good this team can be. Tuchel has seen a completely different side of the team in training, the England skipper has claimed. First, he sees chemistry amongst the players. The first is to see the quality when it comes in a one on one scenario, and the pace at which England attack. Lastly, he hopes the same is present on matchday. Kane explained while it’s not easy against the best teams in the world, he said England have only been able to demonstrate their best in bits and pieces during the tournament. That’s the attitude in the locker room! England are pushing themselves to have more than winners, rather than resting on their laurels. While they do. Kane has six goals just like Jude Bellingham, the England lead scorer in the group stage and he might go on like that. The experienced forwords thinks they’re still lacking in quality to take control and dominate games from all parts. Norway had moments of brilliance from England but were unable to maintain their form throughout the entire match of 90 minutes. But the effort is even harder when it comes against Argentina. Defensive discipline, combined with attacking quality has always been the hallmark of the reigning giants from South America and they have consistently proved themselves capable of playing amongst the world’s elite. England are mindful that any loss of concentration may cost them dear. Yet, Kane believes that there is still room for improvement and retains confidence. The players aren’t thinking about their own games and they are thinking more towards their performances come the moment they need to be. Some within the England group did not agree with Tuchel’s criticism, interestingly. However, Jude Bellingham had a different view following their win in Norway, noting how challenging the conditions had been and the high quality Norway had among their attacking players, including Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth. The young midfielder complimented his teammates’ effort and determination, indicating that the coaching staff may have been unaware of just how tough an effort the match was. But there is no indication of division, even with the split opinions. Rather, it is an indication of the excellent standards that England has imposed upon itself. While Tuchel desires perfection, the players value the hard work needed in order to continue winning. He could prove to be key below par/144 as the matchup nears the end to ensure he’s striving for the best but still displays a sense of confidence. The recent history of England tournaments is also instructive. The Three Lions have been able to get to the latter stages of the big games regularly, including the World Cup semi-final in 2018 and two consecutive defeats at the European Championship final. But the great reward has always been elusive. This generation has always been so wanting to be successful, but the moment is now to step forward,” Kane said. If that’s the case, there should be no better way to complete the journey and have a World Cup victory. The captain also added that the harmony in the team after their 6-week stint during this tournament. So far each of the players has proven to be loyal to the national badge and Kane feels there is one more chance to make history. This week’s semi-final is one of the most important moments in the modern history of English football as England have not won the World Cup since the 1960s. The faith within the camp is still as strong as ever, despite Argentina representing a huge challenge. This is Korea’s message as his agents get ready for one of England’s most important matches in their history, ‘take it easy, but keep getting better’. So if the Three Lions can once again reach the level they’ve demonstrated during training, maybe they will have made one giant leap towards capturing football’s ultimate goal. So it will be watched with a keen eye to see if England’s “next level” ever comes to the biggest stage. Catch the hottest football news, World Cup updates, match analysis and special sports content from Zeroto30s: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/zeroto30s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

France World Cup France take one step closer to yet another FIFA World Cup victory with a 2-0 semi-final win over Morocco. Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele led the way as Didier Deschamps’ side looked like the best team remaining at the tournament. Les Bleus have improved their World Cup credentials after having six successive wins and strong displays both up and down the field, and are now two wins away from a possible historic third World Cup title. France, who dominated the ball from the first whistle, made no mistake as they set the tempo and set the play. Morocco were unable to match the speed, any ferocity and inventive power of the French attack and spent much of the match in their own half of the field. France gathered multiple opportunities in the first 45 minutes, but couldn’t break through until after the deadline. Mbappe, who had seen a previous penalty saved, had the best of intentions with his first shot and netted the opening goal which saved a penalty earlier. Of course, his willpower brought out his importance in world football. The game was still only minutes old and the Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele finished it off minutes later with a second for France to make it all but impossible for the Moroccans to recover. France were undoubtedly on top with one goal in the 42 games played African side offered only one inside the penalty area. France have gone 16-0 in the game and are the top-goal side into the remaining quarter-finals. As for defense, they’ve given up just two goals in six games, which is just as impressive. Such a match rate of attack and defence is now one of the key trait for Didier Deschamps’ squads. A great example for everyone to follow. His eighth goal of the tournament puts him tied for the Golden Boot with Lionel Messi, who has a better assists count. His leadership, pace and ingenuity for change is the most serious problem on the international scene far beyond the mere numbers. Dembele has also had one of his best ever shows in his first appearance in Sweden. France will only have two players achieve the feat of scoring five or more goals in the same FIFA World Cup, that of Brazil in the year 2002. Their working relationship has proven to be one of the stand out success stories in this tournament, running around at speed, always with something creative and clinical in their arms when there is a shot. But France’s power doesn’t lie in just the two star forwards. Deschamps has abundance of attacking talent to play with and therefore can rotate them without compromising on quality. Behind the wheel are the dangerously diligent Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue as well as Jean-Philippe Mateta who are all waiting in the wings in case one of their options is the right one. Apart from that, this is Didier Deschamps’ final game as France manager. Under his leadership, since 2012, he has assembled one of the most reliable international squads ever. In his tenure, France not only clinched the 2018 FIFA World Cup but also advanced to the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals, where they will play Argentina then Spain. Another appearance in the final would further cement his legacy as one of football’s greatest international managers. Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira thinks if they do manage to win the pub up then they “can become the his lot of anybody that has come before them”. It’s a side with remarkable youth soon to be complemented with world-class experience, and with its wonderful squad depth, it turns many people’s heads and will likely become the very best France side ever. France will now have to wait and see against whom they are facing in the semi-finals and Spain look to be amongst the local favourites to debut their attack. The Spanish side hold quality of their own in-house as well as exciting young talent that can cause problems but France might seem more complete. They are able to dominate possession, defend competitively and punish with quick returns and flares for outstanding decisions, they are possibly the well-rounded team. France overcame Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco to get to the semi-finals, each win adding fuel to the fire that it has to contend with—France will be in the World Cup final again! Each knockout game poses new stress, but France have been extremely calm and grown-up in the tournament. Les Bleus are just two games away from football history. One more win will put them in a third-straight FIFA World Cup final, and if they can nail it down, they’ll clinch a third world championship, and bolster the case that this is the best team French soccer has ever produced. If they keep continuing at the level they did, it may be too difficult to halt the World Cup charge on France. Follow Zeroto30s for the latest sports and motorsports news: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s/Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/zeroto30s/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Portugal vs Spain was a poignant, and for Spain, historic quarter-final performance that would send Portugal to the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup, thanks to a 1-0 victory. In injury time it was Mikel Merino who put the game clinching goal on the board and left Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after missing the World Cup. It also ended Roberto Martinez’s reign as the Portugal manager as he followed the loss with his resignation. Spain are in the final eight, while Portugal have been left with questions as they flame out of the competition. The first kick came and it had huge significance for both teams. Spain enjoyed some possession over extended periods and appeared more at home with the ball, while Portugal looked for goals in the Brazilian striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes. Everything was competitive all day long with both defences organised and limiting for clear opportunities. Portugal held their own well but eventually got to attacking Spain one side and Spain the other side looked the more dangerous. But it was Cristiano Ronaldo who, again and this time more than ever, took centre stage. Since the Belgian had started the game, he was 41 but had started nearly the whole 90 minutes and failed to make his presence felt like he did in the past. Ronaldo was able to find himself in front of the goal only a couple of times and also never within Spain’s penalty area. Leading and experienced as ever, even after emerging from the recent tie, Portugal had great difficulty getting going but Spain dominated the play the whole time. Again, doubts were raised as to whether Portugal could have found younger attacking players for such a crucial knockout game. It was a moment at the death deep in the final injury time. Spain persevered and another Spaniard, Mikel Merino, found the breakthrough, sending the Spaniards and fans into a frenzy. However, Portugal were on a tight schedule to react and when the whistle went there went they too. While leaving the field as the winners, Ronaldo got teared up as he realized the end of his World Cup dream had come to an end. Ronaldo’s WM career may be over but his accomplishments are unmatched in many aspects. He has scored six different World Cups, and concluded his career with 11 World Cup goals. Through his career in club and international football, Ronaldo has accumulated an astonishing 976 goals and won virtually all of the major awards on offer, going to include five UEFA Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Or awards (and the UEFA European Championship in Portugal in 2016). His incredible career hasn’t won any major trophies other than the World Cup. Roberto Martinez confirmed after being defeated that he was to move from his job as Portugal manager. He has admitted that his intention was to get the World Cup and when he didn’t and he’s saying it’s the right time for him to retire. Martinez thanked Ronaldo for his leadership and commitment, saying that he is indeed a true football icon with a commitment to any country. He has left another chapter close in what has been a turbulent patch for Portugal as they start to sketch their future. Some football pundits, especially, had many questions on Portugal’s tactics in the tournament. Some thought that Goncalo Ramos could have been a bigger weapon in the attack, while others thought Portugal was too Watson heavy this season. Portuguese team had talent worshippers on board like Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Nuno Mendes but failed to go deep into the World Cup. Spain, however, remained patient, believing in their form of attack and were repaid with a late winner. (For Spain, the win gives a lift to their World Cup ambitions ahead of a quarter-final with the hosts. They played well maintaining a discipline and keeping calm and determined to overcome one of the best team in Europe. So, it’s on to the future for Portugal, remembering the spectacle that took place thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo. He didn’t win the World Cup, but his legacy in football will be embraced by the ages. Stay up to date with all the news, expert insight and match reports of the FIFA World Cup by joining Zero to 30 Seconds on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) and YouTube for worldwide football updates during the World Cup. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/zeroto30s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

Belgium vs USA ended one of their greatest ever performances from the FIFA World Cup in which they beat the USA 4-1. Charles De Ketelaere was the Poynter of the night in a stellar double in the 64th minute which benefitted Belgium in its resounding victory over the co-hosts. Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku were also chants of the scorebook as the Belgians were outplayed by Mauricio Pochettino’s men. Belgium came back strongly and were immediately in control of the match from the second half onwards although the USA got back on track in the first when they levelled off. Belgian elimination will take them to a World Cup music history-game with the Spaniards, and the USA are done with World Cup aspirations. Belgium had a great opening and were a threat from the off. They played fast, had good space and threw the American defence onto the ropes by providing themselves with plenty of space and by passing to their best forwards and backwards. They were fortunate with their early dominance when Nicolas Raskin was able to cross the six yard box in the ninth minute. Charles De Ketelaere struck the ball home on time for an early hit to give Belgium the lead. Brilliant easy finish, it was a sign of the attacking quality of Belgium. It was not until the second half, when the USA had regained possession, that they were able to take charge of this match.Belgium dominated before the USA could get used to the game, and take charge during the second half. The home side got back into the game in the 31st minute. Paul Scholes’ brainchild – Malik Tillman took up the role of taking a free-kick, though it was heavily deflected and burried Thibaout Courtois to gain goals. The equaliser brought some joy and for a few moments took the ball from the Englishman’s hands. But Belgium quickly reacted. Two minutes later Leandro Trossard flew in a fine cross which was headed over the rising De Ketelaere for the net. The belated reply demoralized USA and put Belgium in control until halftime. The second semi was all Belgium. They were patient, in possession and waited for another chance to take revenge at the American defense. It was when goalkeeper Matt Freese stepped in to play the ball out from the back and stumbled on his shot. De Ketelaere brought him down, recovered the loose ball and it just went to Hans Vanaken who shot it perfectly outside the box in the empty net. That was the expensive error for USA that ended any other possibility for any other comeback. Belgium produced opportunities throughout, while attack was lacking from the United States throughout. Folarin Balogun made his comeback to the Ayrshire squad in place of the suspended player after the Italian football federation lifted their one-match suspension, but Balogun’s pace and creativity was not enough against the sharp Belgian defence. He did, however, have one final chance late in the game in a tight angle, which Courtois made comfortable. Belgium’s midfield did not seem to suffer from such a lack of confidence either with Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Gio Reyna struggling to make a mark. But Romelu Lukaku could yet make his impact this time. The veteran club striker came off the bench in stoppage time and retrieved the ball in the box and completed his penalty goalkeeper-side to a comfortable 4-1 lead. Lukaku’s goal also gave him another hat trick for the number one man to score substitutes three times in one FIFA World Cup tournament. His concluding efforts did the rest which highlighted Belgium’s depth of talent. It also fulfilled the final hope of the remaining co-host country to raise the World Cup flags. The USA eliminated after Canada and Mexico had already been losers, as had also been eliminated in the Round of 16. Belgium were one of the better sides this tournament, but had their moments of promise, particularly in one of their biggest fixtures in the past few years. Belgium, on the other hand, are gaining momentum and now will take on Spain in one of the most contested quarter-final match ups of the tournament. For Belgium, it had been so much more than a simple score. Charles De Ketelaere gave his best demonstration of the competition, defence was well organised the whole time and senior LEPH players like Courtois, Trossard and Lukaku among others helped with the steady flow of the game. Belgium is going into the World Cup with confidence and having one more result to their designation, they feel they have at least the means to be a threat to winning it. Followers can also get the latest news, insights into football matches and all the breaking football stories during the World Cup on Zero to 30 Seconds Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) and YouTube accounts. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeroto30s/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zeroto30s X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/zeroto30s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zeroto30s

It was a sensational display from Jude Bellingham as England held off a courageous Mexico bid to secure a memorable 3-2 win and qualify for the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. A stretch of bad weather caused Thomas Tuchel’s team to suffer a significant time disadvantage, the captain and a second involved in a bad collision with a British international were sent off and a hostile environment at the iconic Azteca Stadium had the away side squandered a rarity of a second half restart to dominate the match, but still come up with a memorable win. Bellingham left his supporters in awe of his second effort to find the net after 98 seconds before Harry Kane finally found the decisive third from. England were level with Norway entering their 45 minutes, but got themselves a blockbuster quarter-final against the red-hot Erling Haaland. This evening was an unusual one, given that it started an hour later due to the severe storms that occurred in Mexico City. While it did not take the edge off the anticipation at the crowd-filled Azteca, it only heightened it, as almost 90,000 die-hard fans rolled up one of the scarier setups in international football. The home side had a superb record, having drawn only twice from their previous 89 competitive games at the renowned arena in Mexico. But England, put on a show of composure from the first whistle, denied Beaver, Stothert and Smear cheese eating fame. It was just in time before halftime and it came from England’s top star. After a scoreless start, Bellingham was able to completely turn the tables with a pair of brilliantly scored goals in 98 seconds. England’s patient strategy paid off with his first finish but he unleashed his next one virtually straight away, leaving Mexico floored by his strike and the away fans cheering him on from the opposite side of the goal. The Real Madrid midfielder wasn’t only outstanding in attack. Moments after putting his name on the scoreboard, he did something so perfect to deny Cesar Montes what appeared to be a lock-down goal that his allround efforts were just a marvel to witness on football’s biggest stage. Mexico hung tough and made a comeback, in time for the break, to reach the field. After England’s aim failed to materialise Julian Quinones powered home a great finish, leaving the home side with the crowd in their pockets. That put the ball on a different side of the bar, and stoked the fire in Mexico for the second meal at the table. Once the intensity of the game began to ramp up in the face of fervent home support, everything was set for England to slick on the st busiest part of the evening.The host-club had no reason to be on hold because the toughest spell of the game was still to come as the players stepped up in front of their very own, passionate fans. The contest was set to go to extra time after the restart as defender Jarell Quansah was sent off nine minutes later with a straight red card after a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. There were only 10 men left to press England’s ironstrong defence and Mexico started to apply pressure in the face of an equaliser. The team led by Simon Lovesy were showing great discipline and robustness in Thomas Tuchel’s side. Instead they kept being tactical on the attack and they were still able to pay themselves off as a defence was set up and still looked dangerous on the counterattack when they got the chance. England got a consolation goal, however, thanks to the efforts of goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who brought off Anthony Gordon before the Spain international could start his threat in the box. Harry Kane coolly found the back of the net from the box to win England’s lead by a score of two and look like the score had been sealed for Mexico. But the drama had only just been beginning. Kane himself was appointed as the oneman to pin down Brian Gutierrez inside the box, setting up Raul Jimenez for another long-distance effort which proved to be the game’s second back-to-back consolation goal. In the dying moments it was an emotionally charged battle with the Mexican side putting it all out on the table for a dramatic blow to even the score. Another classy player was Jordan Pickford, who impressed England. The veteran keeper did his part to make a World Cup night to remember, with several world-class saves to do Mexico to the noose. Instead, on the first-half ball from Raul Jimenez, he was able to dive in and clear rival’s England to even the score and again towards the end of the half he made a tremendous save to not give Mexico the chance to dominate. But in the final moments, Pickford played with and threatened their penalty area and took away crosses and set himself up to control the corner position under pressure. Realising they were in trouble, Tuchel brought in Dan Burn and Djed Spence prior to switching to front to back five-man defence. It came to play a pivotal role in eleven hairy moments of extra time. England were courageous defenders and made hard-headed efforts to seal off the Mexican chances as they seemed to be charming. The players have shown the unity and determination needed to excel deep into a world cup and every clear down, block and coin threw was accorded due praise. With the win that comes to them it is with great confidence that England are entering the quarters and in a quasi-awareness that the next challenge is a serious one to face. With their repercussions, the Norwegian captain fawning over Haaland’s prolific goal tally, Norway will be battling for place in the semi-finals. They think they have all the ingredients in action on the wing, from Bellingham to the leadership of Kane and the reliability of Pickford, adding to the mix,