Argentina is set to face Cabo Verde in a 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout fixture at Miami Stadium. This match pits the defending champions against a team making its tournament debut. Lionel Scaloni’s side advanced through Group J without dropping any points, securing victories against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Cabo Verde’s journey to this stage has been marked by discipline and resilience. The team, coached by Bubista, drew all three of its Group H matches, notably holding Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia. They did not concede a goal in two of those group stage games, a remarkable record for a nation in its first World Cup appearance.

The Blue Sharks arrive in Miami without the pressure of high expectations, a factor that has served them well so far. Their performance against Spain demonstrated their ability to stifle more experienced opponents.

Argentina’s Squad and Strategy

Lionel Messi enters the knockout stage in strong form, being a joint-top scorer with 6 goals, having scored in all three group stage matches. He is expected to lead the line for Argentina. Reports indicate that Cristian Romero is dealing with a minor knee issue but is anticipated to start, though his fitness will be monitored. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has confirmed his readiness to play after recovering from recent knocks.

Manager Lionel Scaloni is expected to deploy a balanced 4-4-2 formation. This setup aims to utilize the midfield trio of De Paul, Fernández, and Mac Allister to control possession, allowing Messi to exploit open spaces. Argentina has won their last five matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals and conceding none in their three World Cup group games. They defeated Jordan 3-1 in their most recent outing, with Messi scoring a decisive free kick after coming off the bench. Earlier in the group stage, they secured a 2-0 victory over Austria and a 3-0 win against Algeria.

According to one report, Scaloni is expected to restore the lineup that defeated Austria, having rotated players against Jordan. Nicolas Tagliafico could return at left-back. If Cristian Romero is fit, he will partner Lisandro Martinez; otherwise, Nicolas Otamendi will continue in that role. Lautaro Martinez’s first World Cup goal against Jordan has strengthened his case to start ahead of Julian Alvarez.

Cabo Verde’s Approach and Key Players

Head coach Bubista has a largely fit squad available, with the exception of Telmo Arcanjo, who is listed with a slight knock and is unlikely to start. The 40-year-old veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, who was instrumental in their 0-0 group stage draw against Spain, is expected to anchor the defense once again.

The Blue Sharks are anticipated to set up in a compact, narrow, and disciplined 4-5-1 mid-block. Their primary strategy will involve double-teaming Messi, crowding the midfield to disrupt passing lanes, and relying on Dailon Livramento to hold up the ball during counter-attacks. Cabo Verde’s recent results include a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, a 2-2 draw with Uruguay, and a goalless stalemate against Spain in the group stage. Before the tournament, they won both of their friendlies, beating Bermuda 3-0 and Serbia 3-0.

A fascinating duel is expected between Cabo Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha, who has two clean sheets, and Lionel Messi, who has scored six goals. Cabo Verde, the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage, has become one of the tournament’s biggest stories. They will carry the hopes of African football as they look for another upset.

Match Broadcast Information

The match between Argentina and Cabo Verde will be broadcast live on local FOX networks in English. For those who prefer Spanish commentary, Telemundo will also carry the action. Both channels are available for live streaming on Fubo, which offers new customers a free five-day trial.

For viewers who are traveling or wish to access their usual streaming services from a different location, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used to bypass geo-restrictions. This involves signing up for a reputable VPN service, downloading the app, connecting to a server in the desired location, and then clearing browser cache before streaming.

Argentina and Cabo Verde have never played each other in senior international football.

Source: goal.com

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A significant heatwave is anticipated to persist across the eastern and central United States through the end of the week, with peak heat indexes potentially reaching between 100 F to 115 F (37.78 C to 46.11 C). This weather pattern could pose risks for athletes and tens of thousands of fans attending the upcoming World Cup matches, particularly the afternoon knockout round game between France and Paraguay in Philadelphia on Saturday. High nighttime temperatures are expected to offer minimal relief, and temperature records could be broken.

Concerns regarding extreme heat during the games in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have been growing for several months. Some scientists have described FIFA’s heat safety guidelines as “inadequate” and “impossible to justify,” even for players who are accustomed to heat. For spectators, these conditions could lead to slower and less intense matches.

The world has warmed approximately 1.26 F (0.7 C) in the last three decades since the U.S. last hosted the World Cup. This global temperature increase intensifies heatwaves and makes other severe weather events more frequent. Scientists with the World Weather Attribution stated on Friday that the humid heat currently affecting the country, as well as parts of Canada, would have been “virtually impossible” without climate change.

The 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar was relocated from summer to winter due to the threat of extreme heat. Last year, the Club World Cup also experienced soaring temperatures. The global union for soccer players has warned that extreme heat is likely to be a greater issue at this and future World Cups.

Impact on Players and Spectators

Heat affects individuals both from their environment and as their bodies warm during physical exertion, making it harder to cool down in hot and humid conditions. Bharat Venkat, director of the Heat Lab at the University of California, Los Angeles, explained that the likelihood of experiencing heat-related illness or death is much higher when exerting oneself on a particularly hot day. Symptoms of exertional heat illness include extreme fatigue, impaired performance, headache, irritability, nausea, dizziness, cramping, and dehydration. Exertional heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention, is a leading cause of death in athletes.

When the wet bulb globe temperature, which accounts for temperature, humidity, cloud cover, and wind, exceeds approximately 95 F (35 C), people lose their ability to cool off quickly, according to Ryan Calsbeek, a professor of biological sciences at Dartmouth College. He noted that under such conditions, “the physiological mechanisms just break down.” Heat-induced confusion could also impact a player’s decisions and potentially influence a match’s outcome.

Soccer players are not the only ones at risk. Many fans consume alcohol while watching the World Cup, which can be risky in hot weather. Cities and stadiums have increased access to shade, cooling areas, and water, and medical personnel are stationed at FIFA Fan Festivals and around stadiums. Calsbeek suggested that in extreme temperatures, spectators who are dehydrated and excited may also experience adverse effects.

FIFA’s Heat Safety Measures

FIFA’s current heat safety rules include mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half to protect players and referees from extreme heat illness. However, these breaks have drawn criticism; some argue they disrupt the game’s flow and allow coaches to shift momentum, while some scientists believe the breaks should be longer to allow for meaningful cooling and rehydration in extreme heat.

Matches scheduled outdoors during peak heat hours have been limited, and those expected during warmer periods are prioritized for covered stadiums. FIFA’s guidelines state that a match could be postponed if the wet bulb globe temperature reaches 89.60 F (32 C). However, Douglas Casa, CEO of the University of Connecticut’s Korey Stringer Institute, noted that this temperature is so extreme that it would trigger a “black flag” and cancel all training at military basic training facilities in America.

Temperatures are forecast to exceed 100 F (37.78 C) during Saturday’s game in Philadelphia. The players’ union FIFPRO, along with the American College of Sports Medicine, has advocated for matches to be delayed when temperatures reach 82.40 F (28 C) for safety reasons. Despite these concerns, there has been no indication that any games will be halted or rescheduled.

Players can train to cope with heat stress during exercise. Guilherme Passos, a sport scientist at the Brazilian Football Federation, monitors and prepares Brazil’s national team for extreme heat. He has assisted the team in acclimating to the U.S. heat, noting that direct exposure to the hottest part of the day can diminish training quality. The team uses saunas or hot baths for heat training during the competition. When Brazil hosted the World Cup in 2014, Passos observed that players covered less distance and reduced high-speed running, instead focusing on technical and tactical precision.

The France versus Paraguay match is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. ET, which is expected to be near the hottest part of the day in Philadelphia. Conditions could reach 101 F (38.33 C) with 44% humidity, leading to a “feels-like factor” or heat index closer to 110 F (43.33 C). Delaying kickoff until the evening could mitigate the impact of direct sun radiation, even if temperatures remain warm. By 9 p.m. ET, temperatures could drop into the mid-90s F (30s C).

Moving the kickoff time would shift the match out of the primetime viewing window in Europe. The tournament will continue the following afternoon in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where temperatures for the Brazil versus Norway match are predicted to be in the mid-80s F (20s C).

Source: apnews.com

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Four individuals have died in Mexico City following celebrations for Mexico‘s World Cup victory over Ecuador. Among the deceased are a 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman, and a 44-year-old man, all of whom succumbed to suffocation. Additionally, a 30-year-old man died after experiencing an epileptic crisis.

The deaths occurred as more than one million people gathered in the streets, primarily around the Angel of Independence monument in downtown Mexico City. This mass gathering was to commemorate Mexico‘s first World Cup knockout stage win since 1986.

Tragedy Amidst Celebration

The capital’s health authority confirmed the deaths, stating that emergency services had treated three unconscious individuals at various locations along Paseo de la Reforma. These individuals were then transported to a hospital for specialized medical care. Despite advanced resuscitation efforts, the three individuals died from suffocation and were later identified by their families.

The mass crush that led to the deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence monument, specifically on Hamburgo and Lancaster Streets. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada extended her condolences to the victims’ families and pledged support. She also urged fans to celebrate responsibly, with care and empathy, in a social media post after the deaths were announced.

Before the match, Mayor Brugada had advised fans to seek alternative viewing locations due to the already large crowds gathering near the Angel of Independence monument. Mexico City‘s metropolitan area is home to over 20 million people, making it one of the most densely populated places globally.

Chaotic Scenes and Fan Behavior

The 2-0 victory over Ecuador sparked widespread celebrations, with fireworks visible across large parts of the city long after the final whistle. This win advances Mexico to the World Cup‘s round of 16, where they are scheduled to face England, who defeated DR Congo 2-1.

In other parts of the country, celebrations also saw chaotic scenes. In Monterrey, police deployed tear gas against fans who had gathered to watch the match on giant screens at Parque Fundidora. Reports indicated that pepper spray and tear gas were used to prevent fans from rushing gates and fences, leading to a stampede as officials attempted to close doors to the event.

Footage from Monterrey showed individuals pushing through iron gates and damaging temporary barricades in attempts to enter the event. One video depicted a fan pouring water into a woman’s eyes, who appeared to be struggling with the effects of pepper spray. Supporters were also seen scaling fences at the event, located approximately 600 miles north of the Estadio Azteca.

Prior to the match, Mexico fans gathered outside Ecuador‘s hotel in Mexico City, using horns, drums, motorcycles, cars, DJs, and fireworks to disrupt the opposing team’s sleep. During the game, Mexico fans used a chant considered homophobic in the first half when Hernán Galíndez took his first goal-kick. This marks the second instance of the chant being used in the tournament, resulting in fines for the Mexican Federation from Fifa. The chant originated during a match between Mexico and the US in a 2004 Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Guadalajara and gained wider recognition during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Meanwhile, police have commended England fans in the United States for their behavior during the tournament. There have been five arrests involving England fans across the competition, with only two occurring at a match. The head of the UK Football Policing Unit, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, noted the excellent behavior of both England and Scotland fans throughout the group stages of the World Cup.

Source: bbc.com

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The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is currently leading Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match. The game is being held at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal for the U.S. just before halftime, breaking a deadlock that saw only one shot on target prior to his score.

The match kicked off at 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET. The winner of this encounter is set to face Belgium in Seattle, following Belgium’s victory over Senegal.

First Half Action

The first half saw a dynamic contest, with the USMNT pressing and creating opportunities. Balogun had an earlier goal disallowed for offside, but his persistent threat paid off in the 45th minute. His goal came after the U.S. midfield applied pressure, forcing errors from the Bosnian defense, which allowed Balogun to sweep the ball into the net. This crucial goal provided the U.S. with a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Before the goal, the U.S. had a promising free kick earned by Balogun, though his shot went wide. Bosnia also showed signs of danger on the counterattack and through clever set pieces, though the U.S. defense managed to handle these threats. The tempo of the game was noted, with Bosnia attempting to slow it down and frustrate the U.S. players.

Midfielder Tyler Adams received treatment after a 50-50 challenge just after the restart, but he appeared able to continue playing. The half concluded with some heated exchanges between players from both sides as they left the pitch.

USMNT Lineup and Player Milestones

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made significant changes to the lineup for this critical match, with 10 alterations from the previous game against Türkiye. This marks a new USMNT World Cup record for changes in a lineup. Weston McKennie is the only player to retain his starting position, as Pochettino opted for the same lineup that secured a 4-1 victory against Paraguay in the group stage on June 12 in Los Angeles.

The starting XI features Matt Freese (24), Sergiño Dest (2), Chris Richards (3), Tyler Adams (4), Antonee Robinson (5), Weston McKennie (8), Christian Pulisic (10), Tim Ream (13, Captain), Alex Freeman (16), Malik Tillman (17), and Folarin Balogun (20).

Christian Pulisic, who came off the bench in the 58th minute in the last match, returns to the starting lineup, making his third appearance and second start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Weston McKennie’s inclusion means he has started all eight matches for the U.S. in the last two FIFA World Cups, joining a select group of six USMNT players to achieve eight consecutive World Cup starts, including Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey.

Sergiño Dest also made his eighth career World Cup appearance, tying him with players like Marcelo Balboa and Michael Bradley for 10th on the USMNT’s all-time World Cup caps list. Alex Freeman, at 21 years old, becomes the ninth player under the age of 22 to start for the USMNT in a World Cup Knockout Round match. Freeman, along with Malik Tillman, Dest, and McKennie, are making their fourth appearance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tim Ream is captaining the USMNT for the 32nd time, placing him sixth all-time on the captains list. This appearance is his 85th, tying him with Frankie Hejduk and Bruce Murray for 23rd on the USMNT’s all-time caps list. Six players in the current lineup also started in the USA’s last World Cup Knockout Round match against the Netherlands on December 3, 2022, in Qatar: Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, and Antonee Robinson.

The starting lineup averages 48 caps overall and 27 caps in official competitions, with an average age of 27 years, 146 days. Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan are not available for this match against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The match is available for fans to watch on FOX, Telemundo, and Peacock, with radio coverage provided by Fútbol de Primera.

Source: ussoccer.com

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Late Goals Force Extra Time in Knockout Match

A dramatic turn of events saw the World Cup knockout match between Belgium and Senegal extend into extra time after Belgium scored two late goals. The game, held in Seattle, had seen Senegal take a two-goal lead before Belgium mounted a comeback in the final minutes of regulation time.

Habib Diarra of Sunderland opened the scoring for Senegal early in the match. Later, Ismaila Sarr extended their lead with a powerful strike in the second half, putting Senegal in a strong position to advance to the next round. For much of the game, it appeared Senegal was comfortably heading towards the Round of 16.

However, Belgium initiated their comeback when Romelu Lukaku skillfully flicked the ball into the net, halving the deficit. Just minutes later, Belgium captain Youri Tielemans headed in the equalizer, leveling the score and sending shockwaves through Seattle Stadium. The two goals came within 161 seconds of each other, completely changing the complexion of the match.

Senegal’s Composure Tested as Extra Time Begins

The sudden shift in momentum left Senegal‘s players visibly devastated, with their coach, Pape Thiaw, facing the challenge of rallying his team for an additional 30 minutes of play. Reports indicated that Senegal had lost their composure in the deep stages of added time before the equalizer. The unexpected turn meant that Senegal, who had made only three substitutions during the initial 90 minutes, would have some fresh legs available for extra time, as teams are allowed one additional substitute.

Belgium, in contrast, had used all five of their regular-time substitutions in their effort to get back into the game. The match’s progression to extra time was seen as a positive for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) or Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the winner of this extended contest will face one of those sides in the Round of 16 in Seattle on Monday. Every moment of recovery time could prove crucial for the next fixture.

The dramatic comeback drew comparisons to Belgium‘s performance in the 2018 World Cup, where they overcame a 2-0 deficit against Japan in the Round of 16 to win 3-2. The late goals against Senegal demonstrated a similar resilience, bringing them back from what many considered a losing position.

Belgium’s Kit Choice and Artistic Inspiration

Adding another layer of interest to the match, Belgium took to the pitch wearing an unconventional light blue and pink jersey, a departure from their traditional red and black colors. This choice, their official ‘away jersey’ for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was designed by adidas.

The design is a tribute to the Belgian surrealist painter, Rene Magritte, specifically inspired by his painting known as “The Son of Man.” The jersey also features a message that translates to “This is not a jersey,” echoing Magritte‘s famous work where a painting of a pipe was accompanied by the words, “This is not a pipe.” This artistic inspiration was a notable detail as Belgium fought for their World Cup survival.

The match continued into extra time with the score at 2-2, following the full 90 minutes of regulation play.

Source: nytimes.com

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The World Cup Round of 32 has featured significant matches, with England securing a victory over DR Congo and Senegal taking an early lead against Belgium. These games are part of a busy day of knockout stage action, which also includes a match between the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the match between England and DR Congo, England emerged victorious with a 2-1 score. The game saw DR Congo take an early lead in the seventh minute. Despite this, England pressed for an equalizer, generating numerous chances. DR Congo‘s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi, made several notable saves throughout the first half, including denying a header from Jude Bellingham and a right-footed volley from Harry Kane.

The second half began with England continuing its offensive push. Harry Kane eventually broke through, heading in a cross from Anthony Gordon to tie the game at 1-1. Later in the half, Kane scored his second goal, putting England ahead 2-1. This goal came after Lionel Mpasi saved a shot from Jude Bellingham, with Anthony Gordon collecting the rebound and finding Kane, who then scored with a right-footed strike. DR Congo‘s efforts to equalize in the final moments, including a free kick from Yoane Wissa, were unsuccessful, leading to England‘s advancement to the Round of 16.

Senegal takes lead against Belgium

In another Round of 32 fixture, Senegal established a 1-0 lead over Belgium during the second half. The match, which kicked off in Seattle, saw Senegal‘s early attacking efforts pay off. After a header from Ismaïla Sarr hit the post, Habib Diarra collected the rebound and scored with a right-footed shot, giving Senegal the lead.

Senegal‘s goalkeeper, Mory Diaw, played a crucial role in maintaining their advantage, making several saves. He stopped a shot from Leandro Trossard and later made two more saves, including one on a deflected shot and a diving stop on a shot from Maxim De Cuyper following a corner. Both teams displayed an attacking style of play throughout the first half.

The starting lineups for the Belgium vs. Senegal match featured some key changes for Senegal. Pape Gueye started in midfield, replacing Lamine Camara. Gueye had previously scored two goals in Senegal‘s 5-0 victory over Iraq in the group stage. Pathe Ciss also started for Senegal, taking the place of defender Abdoulaye Seck. In the forward line, Iliman Ndiaye joined Ismaila Sarr and Sadio Mane, with Ibrahim Mbaye on the bench. Notably, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly was not in the starting lineup. Belgium, on the other hand, maintained the same starting lineup from their previous game, a 5-1 win over New Zealand.

Looking ahead for Belgium and the U.S.

Belgium‘s advancement to the knockout round, where they topped Group G, marks an improvement from their performance at the previous World Cup, where they did not progress past the group stage. The team had a historic third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Following their 5-1 victory over New Zealand, coach Rudi Garcia expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress, noting that they had achieved the minimum expectation of finishing first in their group. He also emphasized the challenge posed by Senegal in the knockout phase.

The U.S. national team is scheduled to play Bosnia and Herzegovina at 8 p.m. ET. The U.S. is considered favored to win this match, which would mark their first knockout match victory since 2002. All matches are available on Telemundo and Peacock.

The day’s events also included discussions around hydration breaks, with U.S. women’s coach Lindsay Heaps expressing her dislike for them, stating they interrupt the momentum of the game. Meanwhile, Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres commented on Sweden‘s loss to France, which resulted in their elimination from the competition. England‘s victory over DR Congo was a hard-fought 2-1 win.

Source: nbcnews.com

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Mexico secured its place in the Round of 16 of the World Cup after a 2-0 win against Ecuador. The match, held in Mexico City, saw both of Mexico’s goals scored in the first 45 minutes, marking the first time in two years that Ecuador allowed two goals in a single game.

The game experienced a delay of approximately one hour due to lightning strikes in the area. Kickoff, originally scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at the Estadio Azteca, was pushed back as officials waited for safe conditions. FIFA confirmed that safety protocols established by local authorities were being followed, and the match would commence once it was safe.

First-Half Dominance and Key Goals

Mexico’s strong start was evident from the opening kickoff, as the team immediately applied pressure on Ecuador. Julián Quiñones scored the first goal in the 22nd minute, placing a shot in the top left corner. This marked Quiñones’ third goal of the tournament.

Less than 10 minutes later, Raul Jiménez extended Mexico’s lead. Following an Ecuador turnover in their own half, Jiménez capitalized on an errant pass, linking up with Quiñones before receiving the ball back in the penalty area to score. Jiménez, at 35 years old, became the first player in his 30s to score a knockout-round goal for Mexico.

Mexican midfielder Gilberto Mora, 17, also made an impact, becoming the youngest player to start a knockout-round game at the World Cup since Pelé in the 1958 World Cup. Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, praised Quiñones for his willingness to sacrifice for the team, noting that the forward came off with calf tightness after extensive running.

Match Delays and Historical Significance

The delay in Mexico City was not the first in the tournament, as the France-Iraq game in Philadelphia also experienced a two-hour delay during halftime due to lightning and heavy rain. During the delay in Mexico City, fans remained in their seats.

The victory holds particular significance for Mexico, as it marks the first time in 40 years that the country has won a knockout-round game. Coach Aguirre expressed personal satisfaction with the win, stating that giving this joy to his people was a significant achievement, referencing past World Cup exits as both a player and coach.

Ecuador, which had allowed only five goals across 18 World Cup qualifying games in South America, struggled defensively in the first half against Mexico’s offensive pressure. Despite some chances created by John Yeboah for Ecuador in the first half, the team was unable to mount a comeback in the second half. Towards the end of the game, Ecuador’s defender Piero Hincapié received an automatic red card.

Looking Ahead to the Round of 16

Mexico’s win means they will play one more World Cup game in Mexico City. The team will face England in the Round of 16 at Estadio Azteca on July 5, unless DR Congo achieves an upset on Wednesday. Mexico has played all four of its games on home soil so far and joins France as the only teams to win all four of their games in the tournament.

Source: eu.usatoday.com

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France secured a 3-0 victory over Sweden in a World Cup knockout round match in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, with Bradley Barcola adding another goal for France. This win sets up a round of 16 match against Paraguay for France.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 45th minute with a crossover step. He then added a second-half goal, marking his third two-goal game in four matches. His performance in this match brought his total to six goals in the tournament, tying him with Argentina forward Lionel Messi for the lead.

Barcola scored France’s second goal in the 53rd minute, with Mbappé completing the scoring in the 74th minute. Mbappé’s goals in knockout rounds now surpass the previous record held by Brazilian players Leonidas and Ronaldo.

France’s Dominant Performance

France, a finalist in the previous World Cup and considered a favorite in this tournament, has demonstrated strong offensive capabilities, outscoring opponents 13-2. Michael Olise contributed significantly to the team’s attack, assisting on five goals.

The match was played in challenging conditions, with high temperatures and humidity. Despite the heat, France outshot Sweden 25-7, with 15 of those shots coming in the first half. Mbappé nearly scored earlier in the match, hitting a post in the 32nd minute. Olise also had a spectacular bicycle kick that hit a post.

Sweden’s captain, Victor Lindelöf, acknowledged France’s ability to control the game, stating they are skilled at changing pace and possessing the ball. He also noted that Sweden lost to one of the best teams in the world.

The first goal came after Sweden’s goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström tipped Olise’s shot. Olise then played a short corner to Ousmane Dembélé, who passed to Mbappé. Mbappé maneuvered around Viktor Gyökeres and sent a diagonal shot into the far post.

The second goal for France originated from a turnover by Gustaf Lagerbielke. Aurélien Tchouaméni passed to Olise, who then delivered a pass to Barcola, who scored. Mbappé’s final goal was set up by a backheel pass to Barcola, who then passed to Olise, leading to Mbappé’s shot inside the far post.

Looking Ahead for Les Bleus

France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, expressed his commitment to the team’s mission. He had returned for the match after attending his mother’s funeral, and Mbappé mentioned the team’s support for him.

The victory was witnessed by a crowd of 80,663, contributing to a record total for the expanded 104-match tournament. Many fans were seen wearing France’s blue colors.

France is aiming to reach its third consecutive World Cup final. Their next match is scheduled for July 4 in Philadelphia against Paraguay. The winner of that game will advance to a quarterfinal match five days later in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where they will face either Canada or Morocco.

Mbappé, reflecting on the win, stated, “I’m very aware of who I am, how I play, what I shall do, but it’s not just about me. The entire team is aware of what should be done. It is a new competition that has started today. We did play well, but we were timid. We could have done better at the beginning.”

The match was the first World Cup encounter between France and Sweden.

Mbappé’s focus immediately after the match was on recovery, stating, “I’m looking forward to the changing room and the AC.”

Source: apnews.com

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The World Cup knockout stage has commenced with a series of dramatic matches in the Round of 32. Monday’s games featured intense competition, including two penalty shootouts, leading to the advancement of Morocco and Paraguay, while Germany and the Netherlands exited the tournament.

One of the most anticipated matchups saw Morocco defeat the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after the game ended in a 1-1 tie. The match, described as frantic and consistently physical, saw neither team break the deadlock in the first half. Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made back-to-back saves early on, keeping his team in contention. The Netherlands eventually took a 1-0 lead in the 71st minute with a goal from Cody Gakpo. However, Morocco leveled the score in stoppage time with a header from Issa Diop in the 91st minute, sending the game into extra time.

During extra time, Verbruggen again proved crucial, making an incredible save to block a shot from Soufiane Rahimi that looked to be a sure goal for Morocco. Despite both teams showing signs of fatigue, the score remained 1-1 after 120 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout. Before the shootout, Morocco‘s manager, Mohamed Ouahbi, was seen in a circle with his team, appearing to pray.

In the penalty shootout, the Netherlands kicked first, with Teun Koopmeiners scoring. Morocco‘s first attempt by Neil El Aynaoui hit the crossbar. The shootout continued with Justin Kluivert missing for the Netherlands, and Soufiane Rahimi scoring for Morocco after Verbruggen initially saved it but lost his grip. Wout Weghorst scored for the Netherlands, followed by Chemsdine Talbi for Morocco, tying the score at 2-2. Quinten Timber then missed for the Netherlands, sending his shot wide left. Achraf Hakimi, Morocco‘s captain, also missed, hitting the post. Ultimately, Ismael Saibari scored the decisive penalty for Morocco, securing their 3-2 victory in the shootout and advancing them to the next round.

The win for Morocco means they will face Canada in the Round of 16 in Houston on Saturday. This marks a significant moment for Morocco, as the Netherlands, despite not losing a World Cup match in regulation since 2010, has a history of exiting tournaments in extra time or on penalty kicks. Previous instances include losses to Argentina on penalty kicks in the 2014 semifinals and 2022 quarterfinals.

Earlier in the day, Brazil secured a 2-1 victory over Japan. Japan initially took the lead with a 29th-minute goal from Kaishu Sano. However, Brazil‘s Casemiro equalized just after halftime, and Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal in stoppage time, ensuring Brazil‘s progression.

Another thrilling encounter saw Paraguay upset Germany. Their match also ended in a 1-1 tie after 120 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout. Paraguay emerged victorious with a 4-3 win on penalties, with goalkeeper Orlando Gill making several saves and José Canale sealing the win from the spot. This result means Germany, like the Netherlands, has been eliminated from the tournament earlier than anticipated.

The initial four games of the knockout rounds have been noted for their intensity, with two matches decided in stoppage time and two going to penalty shootouts. The Round of 32 continues with three more matches scheduled for Tuesday. These include Ivory Coast versus Norway in Arlington, Texas, France playing Sweden in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Mexico hosting Ecuador in Mexico City.

Source: sports.yahoo.com

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Morocco Advances After Penalty Shootout Victory

Morocco has advanced to the next stage of the World Cup after defeating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. The match, which took place in Monterrey, saw both teams score one goal apiece during regular and extra time, leading to a decisive shootout. Morocco ultimately secured a 3-2 victory from the spot, moving them into the last 16 of the tournament.

The Netherlands initially took the lead in the 72nd minute when Cody Gakpo scored. Gakpo, who started for his country alongside Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, found the back of the net from a loose ball during a quick offensive play. This goal gave his team the initial advantage in the crucial Round of 32 fixture.

However, Morocco managed to equalize in the first minute of added time. Issa Diop scored with a header, leveling the score and sending the game into extra time. With neither team able to break the deadlock during the additional periods, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where Morocco proved victorious.

Koeman Reflects on Netherlands’ World Cup Exit

Following the elimination, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman indicated he would consider his future with the national team. The defeat, particularly after holding a lead until added time, was described as a bitter pill to swallow for the Dutch side. Koeman’s current tenure is his second time managing the national team, spanning three and a half years.

When asked about his resignation, Koeman stated he had not yet made a decision, emphasizing the fresh disappointment of the loss. He plans to reflect on his future and may reach a conclusion by the following morning. The manager faced scrutiny for his tactical approach, specifically for deploying a five-man defensive line and setting up a team that often relied on counter-attacks.

Koeman defended his strategy, asserting that his team conceded fewer opportunities against Morocco, a team he considered stronger than their group stage opponents, Sweden and Tunisia. He maintained that he would employ the same tactics if given the chance to play the game again, acknowledging that as the Dutch coach, he would inevitably be criticized for choosing five defenders after an equalizer. He reiterated his belief in his approach, stating, “If I had to do it again I’d do it all the same way.”

Morocco’s Coach on Adapting and Future Prospects

Morocco’s head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, admitted surprise at the Netherlands’ defensive formation. He noted that his team had to adapt their strategy upon realizing the Dutch intended to defend in a low block, a style not typically associated with their play. Ouahbi viewed this defensive posture as a sign of respect from the opposing team.

With this victory, Ouahbi’s team is now set to face Canada in their next match. There is growing anticipation that Morocco could potentially reach the quarter-finals, where they might encounter France, the team that defeated them in the semi-finals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Expectations are high for Morocco to at least match their performance from four years prior, when they finished fourth in the tournament.

Ouahbi emphasized the importance of on-field performance over mere talk, stating that the World Cup in Qatar had significantly altered the mentality of the Moroccan team. He expressed confidence that his team is “unstoppable” when they play to their full potential, but also acknowledged the risk of early exit if they falter. Morocco’s advancement marks a significant moment for the African nation in the World Cup.

Source: liverpoolfc.com

Сообщение Morocco eliminates Netherlands from World Cup in penalty shootout появились сначала на SvnMorningNews.