Source : ABC NEWS
England revels in a famous victory over Mexico, but the celebrations come at a cost for one star, while Erling Haaland’s brilliance even has the man himself dumbfounded.
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Here are today’s World Cup quick hits.
1. England’s Azteca delight in game for the ages
So often in sport, the games that come with the greatest hype are the ones that fail to deliver. England’s clash with Mexico at the Azteca was not one of those.
This was an instant World Cup classic from start to finish. The raucous atmosphere, the full-throttle challenges, the ebbs and flows and ceaseless drama, this was a game that had it all.
Harry Kane (left) and Jude Bellingham were England’s goalscoring heroes. (Getty Images: Julian Finney)
Declan Rice was yellow-carded in the very first minute. England weathered an early storm and then scored twice in 90 seconds through the brilliant Jude Bellingham, only for Julián Quiñones to pull one back for Mexico almost immediately.
The half-time breather did little to calm things down, with Jarell Quansah’s ludicrous tackle earning him an obvious red card on review and leaving England fighting a man down for most of the second half.
No matter, Anthony Gordon won a penalty! Harry Kane converted it 3-1! Crisis averted.
Jarell Quansah put England in the mire with his red card. (Getty Images: Joosep Martinson)
Not quite. Kane’s accidental booting of Brian Gutiérrez in the penalty area brought about another penalty and Raúl Jiménez set up the grandstand finish.
Somehow, due to some dogged defending and an imperious goalkeeping display by the chronically under-appreciated Jordan Pickford, the Three Lions held on.
If they can win this one, what game can’t they win?
2. Hendo crocks himself in the celebrations
Poor Jordan Henderson. Included in this England squad for some leadership and positive vibes around the camp, it seems like he may have taken the celebrating a little too far.
There was concern during England’s post-game celebrations when a huddle formed and medical attention was called for. It turned out Henderson had fallen over one of the advertising hoardings and had hurt himself.
Jordan Henderson lies injured next to the advertising hoarding. (Getty Images: Martín Fonseca)
Harry Kane told the media soon after that he thought Henderson was OK, and that it was an arm injury he had suffered. Still, the Brentford man had to be stretchered off the field.
Footage emerged later of Henderson taking a tumble over the advertising sign and landing heavily, appearing in instant discomfort.
England manager Thomas Tuchel later confirmed Henderson had been taken to hospital.
“It’s a quite serious injury and it doesn’t fit to the evening that Jordan is now not with us,” Tuchel said.
“I don’t know the procedure, I just did the press and the doctor told me he is in hospital.”
3. Haaland even surprises himself with brilliant brace
There is nobody in world football quite like Erling Haaland. So devastating, so ruthless, so poised to strike in defining moments even when defenders feel like they have him under wraps.
His two late goals against Brazil were a perfect illustration of his greatness. The first a dominant header after monstering Gabriel in the air, the second an impeccable and nonchalant strike from the edge of the box.
Erling Haaland. Goal machine. (Getty Images: Al Bello)
How does he do it? Erling himself isn’t even sure.
“If I get a chance or two, it usually turns into a goal. I don’t know how I do it, but that’s how I am. It’s about being focused,” Haaland said.
“I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but every now and then I get a new peak.
“Maybe this will write history in Norway. Everyone just need to enjoy themselves.
“This is just an insane day. It’s one of the most insane days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, embrace it and enjoy the moment.”
4. Belgian fury at Balogun’s reprieve
Spare a thought for Belgium, whose preparations for a huge round of 16 clash with the US have been distorted by the shock late decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was “astonished,” and Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA’s action.
“I didn’t know that in the offices of FIFA the 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator in an April Fools’ Day comparison.
“The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team. She defends football in general, she defends her integrity, her ethics. I think it’s the first time in the history of the World Cup that there is this kind of decision.”
Folarin Balogun was sent off for this tackle, but had his ban overturned. (Getty Images: Michael Steele)
Belgium’s indignation will not have been helped by news that US President Donald Trump directly contacted Gianni Infantino to request the Balogun red card be reviewed.
Garcia wouldn’t respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or whether he thought Trump impacted FIFA’s action. But the RBFA didn’t close the door completely.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the Belgian federation said in a statement.
5. England experiences the extent of Mexican hospitality
Despite police blockades, dozens of Mexican fans gathered outside the England national team’s hotel until the early hours of Sunday morning (local time), hoping to disrupt players’ sleep.
Police outside the England squad’s hotel in Mexico City. (Getty Images: James Manning)
Armed with loudspeakers, horns and fireworks, the crowd gathered outside the JW Marriott hotel in Santa Fe, in the western part of Mexico City and did its best to disturb the guests.
Then when the players arrived at the stadium for the game, England’s team bus was treated to an impromptu wash from some friendly Mexican fans.
The England team bus receives a warm welcome from the Mexico fans. (Getty Images: James Manning)
Earlier in the week, “El Tri” supporters deployed the same tactics before a crucial match against Ecuador — Mexico won 2–0 — prompting the Ecuadorian football federation to file a formal complaint with organisers.
England manager Thomas Tuchel anticipated the disruption but downplayed its potential impact.
“We have a 6pm (Sunday) kickoff, so if we miss some hours of sleep, we’ll make them up in the late morning,” Tuchel said.
Hear that, boys? The boss said you can have a sleep-in.
6. Neymar’s international career may well be over
Neymar suggested he may have played his final match for Brazil after scoring in their defeat by Norway in the World Cup round of 16 on Sunday.
The forward converted a stoppage-time penalty in Brazil’s 2-1 loss, a result that eliminated the five-times champions and extended the wait for a sixth World Cup title.
Neymar’s stellar international career came to an end after Brazil’s shock World Cup loss. (Getty Images: Jose Breton)
Speaking briefly after the match, Neymar indicated that his tenure with Brazil had come to an end.
“I tried, I tried … Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” Neymar said, referring to the stadium in New Jersey, where he made his Brazil debut in a friendly against the United States in 2010.
The 34-year-old was moved to tears after the match. It was the national team’s worst World Cup performance since 1990.
Brazil are now heading towards their longest spell without a World Cup title since they first won the tournament. By 2030, they will have gone 28 years without lifting the trophy.
If Neymar confirms his international retirement, he will end his Brazil career with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 appearances.
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