Keegan’s impact at Anfield

Kevin Keegan, a prominent figure in English football, played a crucial role as the spearhead of Bill Shankly’s second great Liverpool side. His contributions were instrumental in securing numerous titles for the club, including three league titles, the European Cup, the FA Cup, and the Uefa Cup twice. He achieved these successes under both Shankly and his successor, Bob Paisley.

Keegan’s scoring ability was evident in the 1974 FA Cup final, where he netted two goals in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory against Newcastle. One of these goals famously prompted commentator David Coleman to remark, “Goals pay the rent – and Keegan does his share.” This performance highlighted his significance to the team’s offensive power.

His time at Liverpool was also marked by memorable moments, such as the 1974 Charity Shield against Leeds United. In this match, Keegan was sent off following an altercation with Billy Bremner, who also received a dismissal. Both players left the Wembley pitch without their shirts, an incident that was reportedly instigated by Johnny Giles, who was not sent off despite landing a punch on Keegan.

In the 1972-73 Uefa Cup final against Borussia Monchengladbach, Keegan scored two goals in the first leg at Anfield. This game was played after an initial attempt was abandoned due to a thunderstorm. The rescheduled match allowed Shankly to reintroduce John Toshack, and together, he and Keegan were pivotal in a 3-0 win. Liverpool ultimately won the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

Three years later, under Paisley’s management, Liverpool secured the Uefa Cup once more, this time against Club Brugge. Keegan again scored a vital goal in Belgium during the second leg, which ended in a 1-1 draw, ensuring a 4-3 aggregate victory for Liverpool.

Departure and lasting legacy

Keegan, known for his ambition and desire to explore new opportunities, announced midway through the 1976-77 season his intention to leave Liverpool at the end of the campaign. This decision drew some criticism from supporters but also provided Liverpool with sufficient time to secure Kenny Dalglish as his replacement.

His final appearance for Liverpool was a triumphant one, as the team won the European Cup for the first time. In the final, held in Rome, Liverpool defeated Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1, with Keegan notably outmanoeuvring German defender Berti Vogts throughout the match. By the time he left, Keegan had scored 100 goals in 323 appearances for the club.

Beyond his club achievements, Kevin Keegan is the only British player to have won the Ballon d’Or twice. He was also a significant figure at Newcastle United, both as a player and coach, where he built a memorable team that garnered commendation from Fifa’s president. His career also included captaining and later managing the England men’s national team.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Keegan often reflected that he would be primarily remembered for an emotional outburst in April 1996, known as his “I’d love it” rant, directed at Sir Alex Ferguson. This incident occurred during a tight Premier League title race and became a widely recognised moment in football history, frequently topping polls for memorable Premier League moments.

Keegan’s early life saw him born in Armthorpe, Doncaster, to Doris and Joe, a war veteran and Durham miner. His upbringing was modest, with his family’s terrace house lacking electricity until he was 10. He credited Sister Mary Oliver, a nun who coached his primary school football team, as an important mentor alongside Bill Shankly, who recognised his talent despite initial dismissals from others who considered him too small.

Rejected by Doncaster Rovers, Keegan began working at Peglers Brass Works at the age of 16. He played for their reserve team and a pub team on Sundays, where he was scouted by Bob Nellis, leading to a trial at Scunthorpe. His move to Liverpool under Shankly was a surprise to many, but Keegan scored on his debut and remained a fixture in the team thereafter. He scored twice in the 1972-73 Uefa Cup final first leg at Anfield.

Keegan also embraced commercial opportunities, appearing in a famous Brut advert and releasing a single, “Head Over Heels in Love,” which reached the top 40. He remained married to his wife, Jean, whom he met at the Doncaster’s St Leger horse racing meeting when she was 16 and he was 19.

His England career included defying IRA death threats to play against Northern Ireland in Belfast. However, his World Cup career was limited to 20 minutes in 1982, a campaign affected by a back injury, and he retired from international football at the age of 31.

Keegan was also a pioneer in negotiating release clauses in his contracts at Liverpool and Hamburg, which was uncommon in English football at the time. These clauses allowed him to leave if a club met a £500,000 fee, giving him control over his career moves.

His impact on the game, both on and off the pitch, was significant, from his playing days at Liverpool to his later managerial roles and his influence on the commercialisation of football.

Keegan’s achievements were extraordinary, securing the Uefa Cup twice with Liverpool, including the 4-3 aggregate victory against Club Brugge.

Source: bbc.com

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Post-match altercations mar World Cup final

The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain concluded with chaotic scenes following Spain’s victory. As the final whistle blew, signalling Spain’s triumph, several altercations erupted on the pitch at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

One of the initial confrontations involved Argentina defender Nahuel Molina and Spain captain Rodri. Molina was seen aggressively throwing his arm out at Rodri near the halfway line. Rodri then turned to confront Molina, leading to the two players squaring up.

The situation escalated when Spain‘s Eric Garcia intervened, attempting to prevent the confrontation from intensifying. However, Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes then sprinted towards Garcia, attacking him and causing him to fall. Despite attempts by a linesman to separate them, Paredes continued to confront Garcia, grabbing him by the throat.

Argentina‘s coaching staff, including head coach Lionel Scaloni, surrounded Garcia, seemingly to protect him from his own teammate. Paredes, who had been booked earlier in the match, then turned his attention to Spain‘s 21-year-old midfielder Gavi.

Gavi found himself pushed and pulled by Paredes and Argentina substitute Thiago Almada, who also ripped Gavi’s training bib. Gavi fell to the ground, and as he attempted to get up, Paredes reportedly threw him down again. Video footage also appeared to show Argentina assistant coach Daniel Ayala striking Spain midfielder Dani Olmo.

Disciplinary proceedings expected

Following the tumultuous events, Leandro Paredes was sent off after the final whistle. Fifa is set to investigate the post-match scenes to determine whether to take further action against Argentina. Disciplinary proceedings could also follow Argentina‘s semi-final victory over England, where they were criticised for aggressive behaviour.

Fifa‘s Disciplinary Code stipulates that players sent off for violent conduct will face a suspension of at least three matches. Pundits have widely condemned Argentina‘s behaviour, with former England goalkeeper Joe Hart describing it as “disgusting.”

Gary Neville commented on the competitiveness of the Argentines but labelled their recent conduct a “disgrace.” Alan Shearer added that there is no place for such actions, despite understanding the emotions involved in a final. He noted that such reactions have been seen from Argentina too many times.

Spain‘s victory, their second World Cup title in the country’s history, was overshadowed by the post-match incidents. Lee Dixon accused Argentina of “anti-football,” while Ally McCoist stated that Spain was the only team actively trying to win the game.

Messi’s final World Cup appearance

The final also marked what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi‘s last appearance in a World Cup. The 39-year-old captain of Argentina was visibly emotional after the 1-0 defeat to Spain, with tears rolling down his face as he watched the Argentina fans.

Messi, who scored eight goals during the tournament, led his teammates to collect their runners-up medals. He stood and cried as fans serenaded him. The record eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 43 at the next men’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with a kick-off in Argentina.

By participating in the final, Messi became only the third player to appear in three men’s World Cup finals, following Brazil‘s Cafu. He waited until Spain lifted the trophy before quickly departing the pitch.

In another notable moment during the medal ceremony, Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero reportedly snubbed a handshake from Donald Trump, the US president, who was presenting the medals. Romero, who started the match and was substituted in the 70th minute, shook hands with Fifa president Gianni Infantino and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, but not with Trump.

Spain were crowned champions following a 1-0 victory over Argentina, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal after extra time.

Source: theguardian.com

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Trump’s presence at the World Cup final

Donald Trump remained on stage during Spain’s World Cup trophy celebrations in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after presenting the trophy alongside Gianni Infantino. This occurred after Spain secured their victory against Argentina. The former president’s continued presence on the podium led to his apparent exclusion from some official photographs shared by FIFA on social media, which depicted the Spanish team celebrating their win at MetLife Stadium.

The incident marked a repeat of a similar event from the previous year, when Trump and Infantino presented the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea. On that occasion, Trump also stayed on stage while the team celebrated, even as Infantino moved out of the frame. Chelsea captain Reece James reportedly stated he was informed Trump would “present the trophy, and then exit the stage,” while player Cole Palmer expressed being “a bit confused” by the situation.

Reactions and previous sporting appearances

During the recent World Cup final, Trump was seen in a glassed-in suite with other dignitaries, including Spain’s King Felipe VI, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. He was briefly shown on stadium video screens after the US national anthem, which was met with scattered boos from some in the crowd. Television broadcasts also showed him touching the trophy from his seat early in the match and conversing with Melania Trump in the 85th minute.

However, a more pronounced hostile reception emerged when he descended to the field to present the trophy. The majority of the crowd booed and jeered as he walked onto the pitch with Infantino and other heads of state. Despite this, Trump proceeded to present medals to players, shaking hands and offering congratulations with minimal fuss.

The moment of contention arose after Trump and Infantino held the World Cup trophy together and presented it to Spain’s captain, Rodri. Infantino reportedly tried to guide Trump away from the team as they prepared to celebrate. Rodri also appeared to motion for Trump to move to the left of the podium. Despite these cues, Trump remained on the edge of the celebrations, visible in the frame as Rodri lifted the trophy and confetti began to fall.

Controversies surrounding Trump and Infantino

The interactions between Trump and Infantino have drawn attention throughout the World Cup. Some fans have accused the FIFA president of aligning closely with Trump in the lead-up to the United States hosting the tournament. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter described the organization as a “dictatorship” in February, alleging that Infantino was “submissive” to Trump and seeking his favor.

A previous controversy involved Trump’s call to Infantino before FIFA lifted the red card suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun. While Trump stated he did not direct Infantino’s actions, the incident sparked debate. Infantino has also faced accusations from some fans regarding alleged favoritism towards Argentina and its star player, Lionel Messi, particularly after Argentina’s controversial win against Egypt, which led the Egyptian team to question the consistency and fairness of officiating.

Spain’s victory over Argentina marked their first World Cup title since 2010, with a single goal scored in overtime. This win prevented Argentina from becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to achieve back-to-back titles. Argentina played the final stretch with one less player after Enzo Fernandez received a red card for tackling Spain’s Pau Cubarsí.

Source: theguardian.com

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Russell’s challenging race at Spa-Francorchamps

George Russell has expressed feeling “numb to the disappointment” following a challenging Belgian Grand Prix that significantly impacted his championship aspirations. The British driver retired from the race on the opening lap at Spa-Francorchamps after a collision with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. The incident resulted in a penalty for Hamilton, who was deemed culpable by the stewards.

This early exit allowed his teammate, Kimi Antonelli, to extend his lead in the world championship. Antonelli secured his sixth victory in 10 races this season, doubling his points advantage over Russell to 50 points. Russell’s car experienced a power deployment issue on the run to the Les Combes corner, which he believes contributed to his position on track during the collision.

Russell described the incident with Hamilton as a “racing incident,” but his primary frustration stemmed from his car’s performance issues. He stated that he should not have been in that position in the first place, highlighting a lack of power that left him vulnerable to other drivers. He recounted that his battery did not recharge at Turn One, leading to a significant reduction in electrical energy and a boost problem with the turbo.

The driver explained that he reached the top of Eau Rouge with 0% battery, which he considered dangerous, as he was then overtaken by three cars. This issue was not isolated, as Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that all Mercedes engines experienced a lack of energy out of Turn One, affecting Russell more significantly than Antonelli.

Ongoing technical issues and team support

Russell’s recent struggles at the Belgian Grand Prix are part of a series of technical issues he has faced throughout the season. These have included problems during qualifying in China, a safety car intervention in Japan that altered the race outcome, a retirement while leading in Canada, and unresolved penalties in Monaco. He had previously noted after the British Grand Prix that the issues between his car and Antonelli’s had largely equalised.

The team had been investigating another engine issue during the weekend. After Friday practice, Russell was informed that his driving style was contributing to a deficit compared to Antonelli, as more corrections led to a loss of momentum and speed, requiring more battery energy. However, by qualifying, an unexplained engine power anomaly persisted, a phenomenon also observed at McLaren with Oscar Piastri compared to Lando Norris.

Wolff acknowledged the team’s responsibility for Russell’s difficulties, stating, “That bit him [Russell] badly and it goes 100% on us.” He added that Russell has the team’s full support and that they are working to resolve the issues. Wolff plans to speak with Russell to ensure he is in the best possible mindset for the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, which is the final race before the Formula 1 summer break.

Wolff emphasised the emotional nature of these situations for drivers and the importance of motivating and supporting them through difficult periods. He highlighted that the team is fully behind Russell and understands his frustrations, having known him for a long time. The team principal also noted the loss of valuable constructor points in their competition against Ferrari.

Antonelli’s commanding victory

Despite the issues faced by Russell, Kimi Antonelli delivered a strong performance, securing a victory that was described as hard-fought. He overcame an unfortunately timed Virtual Safety Car (VSC) to overtake Charles Leclerc and claim the win. Antonelli’s comfort in the car and consistent pace were evident throughout the weekend.

The VSC was deployed on lap 20 for debris on the track, allowing Ferrari to pit both their drivers and gain an advantage, with Leclerc re-emerging ahead of Antonelli. However, Antonelli’s Mercedes demonstrated superior speed, enabling him to pass Leclerc on lap 34 down the Kemmel Straight. He ultimately crossed the finish line 1.9 seconds ahead of Leclerc.

Antonelli acknowledged the complexity of this year’s engines, with their close to 50/50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, and the inherent energy starvation issues that are common across most teams. He expressed confidence that the issues experienced by Russell would be resolved for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The victory further solidifies Antonelli’s position as a championship favourite, extending his lead over Hamilton to 45 points. The Hungarian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place this coming week.

Source: bbc.com

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Spain has emerged victorious against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The match saw Ferran Torres score in extra time, securing the win for Spain. This marks Spain’s second World Cup title, while Argentina aimed to become only the third nation to win consecutive World Cups.

The final was billed as a contest between Lionel Messi and Spain’s Lamine Yamal. Spain’s performance throughout the tournament was notable for its strong defense, maintaining clean sheets in six of their seven matches and conceding only one goal overall.

Key Player Performances

For Spain, several players delivered strong performances. Unai Simón was alert to clear danger early in the match. Pedro Porro was described as outstanding, and Pau Cubarsí, at 19, recovered well from an early error. Aymeric Laporte provided a steady presence in defense, while Marc Cucurella was committed and able to push forward.

Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, was back to his best, dominating the midfield. Dani Olmo was central to many of Spain’s best attacking moves. Fabián Ruiz showcased his clever playmaking ability, finding space effectively. Lamine Yamal was determined to make an impact, and Álex Baena contributed from the left flank, though he had a quieter afternoon than usual. Mikel Oyarzabal put in significant effort before being substituted.

Substitutes also played crucial roles. Ferran Torres had a chance shortly after coming on before scoring the decisive goal in extra time. Pedri took over in midfield, and Nico Williams injected urgency, providing an assist for Torres’s goal. Mikel Merino came close to scoring another late winner, and Eric García and Martín Zubimendi helped see the team through extra time.

Argentina’s Challenge

Argentina’s goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, made three brilliant saves but could not prevent the winning goal. Gonzalo Montiel made a crucial covering tackle before being replaced. Cristian Romero was forced off due to injury, and his absence was felt. Lisandro Martínez received a booking and also sustained an injury, ending his game prematurely. Nicolás Tagliafico faced a tough challenge against Lamine Yamal.

In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul showed little of his attacking skills as Spain controlled possession. Alexis Mac Allister was noted for some uncharacteristic loose passing. Enzo Fernández was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Nicolás González, who had performed well in the semi-final, could not impose himself in the final. Julián Álvarez struggled to get into the game and was substituted after Fernández’s red card.

Lionel Messi, at 39, played in what was not the swansong he might have envisioned. Among the substitutes for Argentina, Nicolás Otamendi, at 38, came on for Lisandro Martínez. Leandro Paredes was introduced to add ballast in midfield but was later shown a red card after the final whistle. Nahuel Molina struggled against Nico Williams, and Facundo Medina appeared vulnerable against Torres’s pace. Giuliano Simeone missed Argentina’s best chance to equalize, and Marcos Senesi tried to shore up the defense with 10 men.

Match Details and Broadcast

The match was available for free viewing in multiple countries, including the UK via BBC iPlayer and ITVX, Australia on SBS On Demand, and Spain on RTVE. For viewers abroad, a VPN could be used to access their usual live streams.

In the US, the game was broadcast on FOX with English commentary and Telemundo with Spanish commentary. Both the BBC and FOX offered 4K streams for the final.

Spain’s starting lineup included Simón, Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsí, Porro, Ruiz, Rodri, Baena, Olmo, Yamal, and Oyarzabal. Argentina’s starting XI featured Martínez, Tagliafico, Martínez, Romero, Montiel, González, Fernández, Mac Allister, De Paul, Álvarez, and Messi.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final took place on July 19, 2026.

Source: theguardian.com

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Ryan Fox, a 39-year-old from New Zealand, has claimed his first major title at The 154th Open Championship held at Royal Birkdale. Fox maintained composure amidst challenging conditions on Sunday afternoon, ultimately securing the Claret Jug. His final round score of 68 placed him one stroke ahead of American Cameron Young.

The final day of the tournament was marked by intense competition, with four players, including Fox, Young, American Sam Burns, and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim, holding the lead at various points. World number one Scottie Scheffler and English favourite Tommy Fleetwood also made strong pushes for the title.

Decisive final hole performance

Fox’s victory was sealed with a crucial birdie on the 18th hole. Despite the par-four 18th yielding only four birdies throughout the day, Fox executed a 330-yard tee-shot into the fairway. He then followed with an approach shot from 175 yards to the green, sinking an 11-foot putt to secure the championship.

Reflecting on the moment, Fox described the putt as a mix of enjoyment and intense nerves. He stated that he had told his caddie on the tee that he intended to win the tournament, willing to accept the consequences if the attempt failed. This approach exemplified his unflustered style of play.

Fox, who began the tournament as a 100-1 outsider, made a significant comeback after an opening round of 72 left him seven strokes behind the leader and in joint 85th place. A second-round 68 moved him to tied 52nd, and an eight-under 62 on Saturday, which tied the record for the lowest round at a men’s major, propelled him into contention. This comeback marks the largest by position after 36 holes in major championship history. He is also the lowest-ranked Open champion since Darren Clarke in 2011.

Young’s near miss and Fleetwood’s home support

Cameron Young, who finished second, had set a target of nine under par after his final round of 64. He had hoped this score would be sufficient to secure the win. Young’s round was played in lighter wind conditions earlier in the day, and he nearly achieved a record-equalling round of 62. However, a bogey on the 18th hole, where his drive found a fairway bunker, ultimately impacted his chances.

Young attributed his shortfall to a one-over 73 on Saturday, suggesting he could have won even without his best performance on that day. He was preparing for a potential play-off when the celebratory cheers from the 18th green confirmed Fox’s victory.

Local favourite Tommy Fleetwood, despite strong crowd support, was unable to secure his first major title at his home Open. He moved within one shot of the lead at one point on Sunday, fueled by the energy of thousands of fans. However, three consecutive bogeys on the ninth, 10th, and 11th holes dashed his hopes of a home victory. Fleetwood acknowledged an over-zealous approach on the ninth as a mistake.

Despite the setback, Fleetwood received a rapturous reception as he walked down the 18th fairway, acknowledging the crowd’s support. He finished tied for fourth place alongside Scottie Scheffler, closing his round with a birdie on the final hole.

Family sporting legacy

Fox’s victory adds to a rich sporting legacy within his family. He is the son of Grant Fox, an All Black legend who helped win the 1987 Rugby World Cup and was once the team’s record points scorer. His grandfather, Merv Wallace, captained and coached the New Zealand cricket team.

Fox noted that he felt no pressure to follow in his family’s footsteps, but acknowledged that his achievement is a significant addition to their sporting history. He is the second New Zealander to win the Claret Jug, following Bob Charles‘ success in 1963.

The tournament found a deserving champion in Fox, whose calm and determined approach was evident throughout the event. His final round performance at Royal Birkdale capped a dramatically tight Open Championship.

Sam Burns, who led after 54 holes, finished third on eight-under-par, while Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood shared fourth place on seven-under-par.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Saka’s World Cup Performance and Ambition

Bukayo Saka, the England winger, recently expressed his desire for more playing time at the World Cup, despite scoring a hat-trick in England’s 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off. This win secured a bronze medal for England, marking their best World Cup performance since 1966. Saka’s comments came after he was tactically left out of the semi-final match against Argentina by coach Thomas Tuchel.

In the bronze medal match against France, Saka delivered a notable performance, scoring three goals, including two stylish strikes in the first half. This display contrasted sharply with England’s more defensive approach in their semi-final loss to Argentina. Following the match, Saka affirmed his fitness, stating, “I’m fit. I’m fit.” He also told the BBC, “Of course, I would love to have played more. But of course, it’s not the time to talk about out that now. I try to do my talking on the pitch. It’s done now. Move on.”

Saka’s exclusion from the starting lineup against Argentina had raised questions, particularly given his strong form throughout the tournament. He entered the World Cup as a key player for England, despite having managed injury issues during the final two months of his season with Arsenal. Despite these concerns, Saka demonstrated his quality with three assists in just 192 minutes of action by the quarter-finals.

Tuchel’s Tactical Decisions

Thomas Tuchel addressed his decision to bench Saka for the semi-final against Argentina, explaining that he had a “feeling” that Morgan Rogers would offer more in that particular match. Tuchel stated, “He did everything right. I had just a feeling in the semi-final for Morgan Rogers that he would be involved in something special. That was it.” He further elaborated that the game against Argentina was demanding, forcing changes due to cramps and the flow of the match.

Despite his decision, Tuchel acknowledged Saka’s importance, referring to him as a “key player.” He admitted that he was not even aware Saka had scored a hat-trick against France, stating, “I lost the overview of the goalscorers.” Tuchel also reiterated that Saka remains a crucial part of his future plans for England, emphasizing that Saka is a “fantastic teammate, a fantastic football player, a key player for us, that will not change.”

Saka had started only three of England’s eight matches at the World Cup. Tuchel explained that he felt a responsibility as a coach, given Saka’s history with injuries, to manage his playing time carefully. He mentioned that after the match against Norway, he had a strong feeling that Morgan Rogers’ physicality would be beneficial against Argentina. Although Saka was warmed up multiple times during the Argentina game, the match’s intensity led to different tactical choices.

England’s Tournament Conclusion

England’s bronze medal finish represents a significant achievement, marking their best World Cup performance in decades. The 6-4 victory over France in Miami was a high-scoring affair, with England initially taking a four-goal lead by half-time before France mounted a comeback, scoring three goals without reply. This required England to withstand significant pressure in the second half to secure the win.

Tuchel reflected on the tournament’s outcome and the team’s progress, particularly in relation to closing the gap with top footballing nations like France. He noted that France were World Cup champions eight years prior and in the final four years ago, indicating a slight gap that England aims to close. Tuchel views the victory over France as a step towards achieving this goal, with the next challenge being Spain in the Nations League. England’s No 7, Saka, concluded the tournament with three goals and three assists.

Source: skysports.com

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Match Overview

Crystal Palace defeated Swindon Town by a score of 5-1 in a recent friendly match. The game, held at the Crystal Palace Academy Training Ground in Beckenham, London, saw Matheus França score a hat-trick for Palace, contributing significantly to their win.

The match was part of the 2025-26 pre-season friendly schedule in European football. The venue, primarily a training centre for the club’s youth teams, does not have stands for spectators.

First Half Action

The first half of the match saw Crystal Palace establish an early lead. Eddie Nketiah opened the scoring for Palace after a corner, with his initial shot saved by Connor Ripley before he converted the rebound. Nketiah then extended Palace’s lead, making it 2-0 by hitting a shot hard into the goal.

Swindon Town responded with increased pressure, and Fletcher Holman scored for the visitors, reducing the deficit. Earlier in the half, Paul Glatzel had opportunities, including a header that went wide and another shot from the small area that also missed the target. Aaron Drinan also had a penalty saved by Palace’s goalkeeper, Benitez, after David Ozoh fouled Glatzel inside the box.

Palace’s starting lineup for the first half included Benitez in goal, with King, Walker-Smith, and Adaramola in defence. The midfield featured Mingueza, Hughes, Ozoh, and Mitchell, while Esse, Rak-Sakyi, and Nketiah led the attack. Swindon Town began with Ripley, Negru, McGregor, and a Trialist in defence, Glatzel, Virtue-Thick, Kilkenny, and Clark in midfield, and Clarke, Drinan, and Holman upfront.

Second Half Dominance

The second half saw a refreshed Crystal Palace lineup, with Matthews, Jemide, Canvot, and Benamar in defence. Cardines, Devenny, Doucouré, and Borna Sosa were in midfield, and Drakes-Thomas, Matheus França, and Brennan Johnson formed the attacking trio. Despite the changes, Swindon initially created an early chance with Clarke finding Glatzel, whose shot went wide.

Matheus França then took control of the game for Palace. He scored his first goal by being released on a counterattack, invading the area, and hitting the ball past the goalkeeper. França added his second from the penalty spot after Joel Drakes-Thomas was brought down by Connor Ripley. His third goal came from a counterattack, where he received a pass and struck the ball into the left corner.

Swindon Town made extensive changes in the second half, with almost the entire team being replaced, except for goalkeeper Ripley. Players such as Glatzel, Clark, Negru, Drinan, Holman, Clarke, Kilkenny, Virtue, Trialist, and McGregor were substituted. Their replacements included Trialist, Debayo, Ball, Trialist, Millard, Kirkman, Middlemas, Nichols, Trialist, and Mabete. Tom Nichols had a late chance to reduce the deficit for Swindon but headed the ball over the goal.

Squad Changes and Transfers

Both clubs have seen some activity in the transfer window. Crystal Palace’s transfer window has been relatively quiet, with Evann Guessand being the sole departure. Arrivals for Palace include Mingueza from Celta, along with Romain Esse, Owen Goodman, Matheus França, and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, all of whom returned from loan spells.

Swindon Town also experienced changes, with Ryan Delaney, Thomas Wilson-Brown, Redman Evans, and Darren Oldaker departing the club. New additions to their squad include James Debayo, Matty Virtue, Stephan Negru, and Mitch Clark. For the friendly match, Swindon’s bench was limited to Lewis Ward and Lucas Griffiths-Brown, while Palace’s bench featured a larger contingent of players, including Joe Whitworth, Remi Matthews, Daniel Imray, Jaydee Canvot, Mofe Jemide, Dean Benamar, Borna Sosa, Joel Drake-Thomas, Justin Devenny, Cheick Doucouré, Brennan Johnson, Rio Cardines, and Matheus França.

The match concluded with Crystal Palace’s 5-1 victory over Swindon Town on July 18, 2026.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Golden Boot race intensifies

The competition for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot is reaching its conclusion, with Kylian Mbappe of France now leading the scoring charts. The award recognises the tournament’s top goalscorer, and this year’s race has been particularly competitive, featuring prominent players such as Lionel Messi of Argentina and England‘s Jude Bellingham.

Mbappe and Messi have both surpassed Miroslav Klose on the World Cup‘s all-time top goalscorers list during the current tournament. This means they are not only vying for the top scorer title in this edition but also for a place in the competition’s historical records. The final weekend of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico features three of the top four contenders.

Mbappe previously won the Golden Boot in 2022, scoring eight goals, while Harry Kane secured the award in 2018 with six goals. For Messi, winning this award would be a new achievement, adding to his numerous accolades at the age of 39. The tiebreaker process for the Golden Boot first considers assists, followed by the fewest minutes played.

Key performances and contenders

Mbappe’s two goals against England in the third-place play-off on Saturday propelled him ahead of Messi. These goals, both scored in the second half at Hard Rock Stadium, brought his total for the 2026 tournament to 10, and his overall World Cup tally to 22, setting a new record.

Messi had registered his fourth assist by setting up two goals in Argentina’s semi-final victory against England. Mbappe later equalled this assist tally in the third-place play-off against Thomas Tuchel‘s side. Messi has missed two penalties during this World Cup, while Mbappe has missed one.

Erling Haaland of Norway is next on the list with seven goals, but his country’s exit in the quarter-finals means he cannot add to his total. England’s Bellingham and Kane both have six goals each, while France winger Ousmane Dembele and Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal have five goals apiece.

The goals scored by Messi and Mbappe have come from various distances, with both players demonstrating their ability to score from outside the penalty box. Bellingham, in contrast, is noted for his specific goal threat as a box-crasher, with all his seven goals coming from inside the box.

Half of Kane’s six goals have been headers, making him the leading player in the tournament with three headed goals. The Bayern Munich striker also scored two penalties and a round-of-32 winner against DR Congo.

Impact of the third-place play-off

Goals scored in the third-place play-off match contribute to a player’s individual goal tally and their pursuit of the Golden Boot. This fixture has been a part of nearly every World Cup tournament since its introduction in 1934, with a few exceptions due to World War II and the 1950 tournament.

Seven previous World Cup Golden Boot winners have scored goals in the third-place play-off. Four of these players—Thomas Muller (2010), Davor Suker (1998), Salvatore Schillaci (1990), and Leonidas (1938)—required their goals in this match to secure the award. Others, such as Grzegorz Lato (1974), Eusebio (1966), and Just Fontaine (1958), would have won the award regardless of their performance in the play-off.

The third-place play-off has often been a high-scoring affair, with two or more goals scored in every instance since Poland‘s 1-0 win against Brazil in 1974. Fontaine set a record for most goals by an individual in one World Cup by scoring four times in France’s 6-3 defeat of West Germany in 1958.

The physical demands of a long summer with their national team can impact players’ club form in the following season. Many Golden Boot winners tend to score more league goals in the season leading up to the tournament than in the one after it. Notable exceptions include James Rodriguez (2014) and Ronaldo (2002), who both had successful club seasons with Real Madrid following their Golden Boot wins. Rodriguez moved from Monaco to Real Madrid, and Gary Lineker moved from Everton to Barcelona after their high-scoring World Cup performances.

While winning the Golden Boot may not dramatically change the lives of players like Messi or Mbappe, it will add to their World Cup legacies. The final match of the tournament will see Spain take on Argentina on Sunday.

Source: nytimes.com

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England achieves best World Cup finish in 60 years

England secured their best World Cup finish in 60 years, claiming third place after a 6-4 victory over France. This marks the first time England has earned a medal at the tournament in six decades, and their best result on foreign soil. The team reached the semi-finals for only the third time since 1966.

The match, dubbed the ‘bronze final’, saw England take a commanding 4-0 lead by half-time. Goals came from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and two from Bukayo Saka. However, France mounted a comeback in the second half, narrowing the deficit.

Kylian Mbappé scored two goals for France, bringing his tournament total to 10 and his overall World Cup tally to 22, surpassing Lionel Messi’s record. Saka completed his hat-trick for England, and Ousmane Dembélé added another for France in injury time. Ultimately, Jude Bellingham sealed England’s 6-4 win with his seventh goal of the tournament, making him England’s leading scorer at a single World Cup.

Despite the historic third-place finish, there are discussions surrounding the team’s performance, particularly after their semi-final loss to Argentina. Head coach Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in that match, described by some players as too defensive, have been a point of contention within the squad.

Reflecting on the tournament and future prospects

Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the pain of missing out on the final but expressed pride in his players’ efforts. He stated that the team had built “something very special” over the past seven weeks. Assistant manager Anthony Barry noted the emotional state of the players during the third-place play-off, describing them as “playing a game with broken hearts” after the semi-final defeat.

Tuchel’s future with the national team has also been a topic of discussion. The Football Association reaffirmed its backing for him to remain in charge for Euro 2028. However, fan dissatisfaction, evidenced by boos when his name was announced before the France game, and reported player discontent regarding tactical decisions, could influence future considerations.

Several players received recognition for their performances. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were highlighted for their crucial contributions, with Bellingham finishing as England’s top scorer with seven goals. Djed Spence also earned praise for a goal-saving challenge against Argentina. Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka each contributed three assists, with Saka’s hat-trick against France showcasing his attacking prowess.

Addressing tactical concerns and upcoming challenges

The victory against France, characterized by its attacking intent, led some to question why a similar approach was not adopted in the semi-final against Argentina. Saka’s strong performance in the third-place match, despite struggling with fitness earlier in the tournament, further fueled these discussions.

Tuchel has been tasked with finding ways to make England more potent and resilient, moving beyond a perceived one-dimensional style. The upcoming Euro 2028 tournament will see England face strong opponents like France and Spain. The coach will also have the opportunity to integrate emerging talents such as Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoah and Arsenal’s Max Dowman into the squad.

The third-place match itself was a high-scoring affair, with England beating a higher-ranked team in a World Cup for the first time since 2002. It was the highest-scoring World Cup third-place match ever, surpassing the France 6-3 West Germany game in 1958. Didier Deschamps’ final game as France manager ended in this thrilling defeat, despite his team’s improved second-half display.

England’s next fixture is a Nations League meeting with Spain at Wembley on 26 September.

Source: bbc.com

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