England are reveling in a famous victory over Mexico, but the celebrations come at the cost of a star and Erling Haaland’s brilliance stuns even the man himself.
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Here are the quick hits from today’s World Cup.
1. The English Aztecs have been enjoying the game for centuries.
Very often in sports, the games that generate the most excitement do not produce results. England’s encounter with Mexico at Aztec was not one of these.
It was a true World Cup classic from start to finish. Bustling atmosphere, challenging challenges, ebbs and flows and non-stop drama – this game had it all.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were England’s hero goalscorers. (Getty Images: Julian Finney)
Declan Rice received a yellow card in the first minute of the match. England weathered an early storm and then scored twice in 90 seconds through the brilliant Jude Bellingham, but Julián Quiñones pulled one back almost immediately for Mexico.
The half-time respite did little to calm things down, with Jarell Quansah’s ludicrous tackle earning him an apparent red card on review and leaving England scrambling for much of the second half.
No matter, Anthony Gordon earned a penalty! Harry Kane makes it 3-1! Crisis averted.
Jarell Quansah stymied England with his red card. (Getty Images: Joosep Martinson)
Not really. Kane’s accidental touch on Brian Gutierrez in the penalty area resulted in another penalty and Raul Jimenez engineered a grandstand finish.
Somehow, thanks to tenacious defending and commanding goalkeeping from the chronically underrated Jordan Pickford, the Three Lions held on.
If they can win this game, what game can they not win?
2. Hendo tortures himself at the festival
Poor Jordan Henderson. Included in the England squad for his leadership and positive atmosphere in the camp, it appears he took the celebrations too far.
During the post-game celebrations in England, concern arose when a crowd formed and medical attention was required. It turned out that Henderson fell on one of the billboards and was injured.
Jordan Henderson lies injured next to a billboard. (Getty Images: Martin Fonseca)
Shortly afterwards, Harry Kane told the media that he believed Henderson was fine and that he had suffered a hand injury. However, the Brentford player had to be dragged off the pitch.
Footage later emerged of Henderson falling from the advertising sign and landing heavily, experiencing momentary discomfort.
England manager Thomas Tuchel later confirmed Henderson had been taken to hospital.
“It’s a pretty serious injury and Jordan not being with us now doesn’t suit tonight,” Tuchel said.
“I don’t know the procedure, I just did press and the doctor told me he’s in the hospital.”
3. Holland even surprised himself with a brilliant take
There is no one like Erling Haaland in world football. So destructive, so ruthless, so ready to strike at crucial moments, even when defenders feel like they are keeping it under wraps.
His last two goals against Brazil were a perfect illustration of his greatness. The first was a dominant header after Gabriel had been a monster in the air, the second a flawless and careless strike from the edge of the box.
Erling Haaland. Car. (Getty Images: Al Bello)
How does he do this? 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 concentration,” Haaland said.
“I peaked a couple of times in this tournament, but every now and then I reach a new peak.
“Maybe this will write the history of Norway. Everyone just needs to have fun.”
“It’s just a crazy day. This is one of the craziest days in Norwegian history. Just enjoy it, embrace it and enjoy the moment.”
4. Belgian fury over Balogun’s reprieve
Think of Belgium, whose preparations for a huge round of 16 showdown with the USA were ruined by the shock late decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was “surprised” and Belgium coach Rudi Garcia ridiculed FIFA’s action.
“I didn’t know that at the FIFA office, July 5 was April 1 in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator, comparing it to April Fool’s Day.
“The Belgian federation does not protect itself, it does not protect the national team. She defends football in general, she defends her integrity, her ethics. “I think this is the first time in the history of the World Cup that such a decision has been made.”
Folarin Balogun was sent off for this tackle, but his suspension was overturned. (Getty Images: Michael Steele)
Belgium’s outrage was not helped by news that US President Donald Trump had contacted Gianni Infantino directly and asked him to reconsider the red Balogun.
Garcia did not respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or whether he believes Trump influenced FIFA’s actions. But the RBFA hasn’t closed the door completely.
“To protect the legal rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this World Cup and in future tournaments, the RBFA is exploring all potential options,” the Belgian federation said in a statement.
5. England experiences a degree of Mexican hospitality
Despite the police blockade, dozens of Mexican fans gathered outside the England team hotel until the early hours of Sunday morning (local time), hoping to keep the players awake.
Police outside the England team 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 western Mexico City, and did everything they could to disturb guests.
Then, as the players arrived at the stadium for the game, the England team bus was given an impromptu wash by friendly Mexican fans.
The England team bus is warmly welcomed by Mexican fans. (Getty Images: James Manning)
Earlier this week, El Tri supporters used the same tactics ahead of a crunch match against Ecuador – Mexico won 2-0 – prompting the Ecuadorian football federation to lodge a formal complaint with the organisers.
England coach Thomas Tuchel had anticipated the disruption but played down its potential impact.
“We have classes starting at 6pm (Sunday), so if we miss a few hours of sleep, we will make it up late in the morning,” Tuchel said.
Do you hear, boys? The boss said you can sleep.
6. Neymar’s international career may well be over
Neymar suggested he may have played his last match for Brazil after scoring against Norway in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday.
The forward scored a stoppage-time penalty in Brazil’s 2-1 defeat, eliminating the five-time champions and extending his wait for a sixth world title.
Neymar’s stellar international career came to an end after Brazil’s shock defeat at the World Cup. (Getty Images: José Breton)
Speaking briefly after the match, Neymar noted that his time with the Brazil national team had come to an end.
“I tried, I tried… Now it’s over. I started here, I finished here,” Neymar said, referring to the New Jersey stadium 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. This is the team’s worst performance at the World Cup since 1990.
Brazil are now heading for their longest period without a world title since they first won the tournament. By 2030, they will have gone 28 years without lifting the trophy.
If Neymar confirms his retirement from the national team, he will finish his Brazil career with 80 goals and 58 assists in 130 matches.
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