World Cup manager resigns, Donald Trump trolled, FIFA hit back over referee - round-up
Roberto Martinez has resigned as Portugal's manager after their World Cup exit
- Folarin Balogun starts amid controversy - Folarin Balogun was controversially named in the USA starting line-up to face Belgium despite previously receiving a red card against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The forward's suspension was unexpectedly overturned by a FIFA Disciplinary Committee following a personal phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- Belgium beat the USA - Belgium comfortably defeated the USA 4–1 in Seattle to progress to the World Cup quarter-finals and eliminate the final remaining host nation. Despite Balogun being cleared to play and Malik Tillman scoring a free kick for the Americans, a brace from Charles De Ketelaere along with goals from Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku sealed the victory.
- Pochettino boots the water bottle box - USA manager Mauricio Pochettino completely lost his composure on the touchline as he watched his team crumble defensively against Belgium. The animated coach was spotted smashing a box of Powerade water bottles in sheer frustration after De Ketelaere scored his second goal of the match.
- Roy Keane’s furious three-word response to Trump - Roy Keane was so staggered by Donald Trump's explanation for how he called Infantino, Keane asked "is this real?" when Gary Neville quoted Trump's remarks back to him.
- Thomas Tuchel pranked in viral video with fake injury scare - Following England's thrilling 3–2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, international teammates John Stones and Declan Rice chose to play a light-hearted trick on their manager. The mischievous duo completely fooled Thomas Tuchel by staging a fake injury scare during the post-match celebrations by getting Stones to grab his arm and act like he's in pain, only to break out in a dance as Tuchel checked on them. .
- Emmanuel Macron backs Kylian Mbappe - French President Emmanuel Macron has publicly praised national team captain Kylian Mbappe for taking a firm stand against racism. Mbappe had strongly condemned Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla for making highly offensive and racist remarks following a World Cup fixture.
- FIFA defend ref after Donald Trump comment - The world football governing body has strongly stood by match official Raphael Claus amidst the growing storm surrounding Balogun's initial sending-off. Infantino protected the Brazilian official after Trump branded the referee "suspect" for making the controversial call.
- Belgium stars mock Donald Trump and FIFA - Following their resounding victory on the pitch, several Belgium players were caught poking fun at the American political drama. The squad mocked Donald Trump's direct boardroom intervention and FIFA's compliance, celebrating the fact it did not save the US team.
- Roberto Martinez leaves Portugal - Roberto Martinez immediately stepped down as the manager of Portugal following their heartbreaking Round of 16 exit from the World Cup. A late winning goal from Mikel Merino saw Spain progress at their expense, bringing a definitive end to Martinez's three-and-a-half-year tenure

0 Comments