Last night in Oslo, an incredible celebration unfolded as approximately 100,000 fans gathered to cheer their team’s advancement to the quarter-finals, according to national broadcasters. Given that Oslo’s population is around 700,000, it seems that one in seven residents partied late into the night, likely impacting productivity in the capital today.
In about 12 hours, we may witness Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup performance when Portugal faces Spain. The 41-year-old has stated he will not return to the World Cup stage at the age of 45, making this clash potentially his last chance to shine on football’s biggest stage.
Meanwhile, the football world remains in shock over the recent developments known as Balogun-gate. Following lobbying efforts by Donald Trump, FIFA has reversed the suspension of striker Folarin Balogun, who was sanctioned for a red card in the team’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is now set to participate in the last-16 match against Belgium.
Sources indicate that Trump made three calls to FIFA starting Wednesday to advocate for this change.
This decision significantly boosts the co-hosts as Balogun has already scored three goals in the tournament, proving to be a formidable offensive presence. Belgium’s manager, Rudi Garcia, expressed disbelief, initially thinking it was an April Fools’ joke, and the fallout from this controversy is sure to continue. Matt Hughes has covered many of the pressing questions surrounding this situation.
Turning to England, coach Thomas Tuchel praised his players in a post-match press conference, declaring, “A heroic performance and a heroic result,”
“the greatest day in Norwegian football history”
Looking ahead to England’s next opponent, Norway, it feels like a long time since they faced Brazil in their last-16 match in East Rutherford. Erling Haaland delivered an outstanding performance in the 2-1 victory, which was celebrated as “Manchester hasn’t seen a wild weeknight party like this since Oasis rolled into town for their run of homecoming gigs almost exactly a year ago,” by coach Ståle Solbakken and described by Haaland as “The long-awaited final whistle saw plastic pint pots flying through the air, people lifted on to shoulders and scarves and flags held aloft as the DJ threw on Oasis’s Wonderwall.” in the country’s history. It was certainly a remarkable day for Norwegian fans.
In the north of England, the atmosphere was equally electric at a World Cup fan park. Hannah Al-Othman reported, “It took a collective effort from England to dent Mexico’s daunting record at the Azteca,” The final whistle prompted a euphoric response, with plastic cups flying and fans lifted onto shoulders as the DJ played Oasis’s “Wonderwall.”
Thomas Tuchel played a pivotal role in restructuring the England team after Quansah’s red card, which proved essential for their success.
“But it comes back to Tuchel.” noted Jacob Steinberg. “quite a serious injury to his wrist”
In a concerning turn of events, Jordan Henderson, England’s veteran midfielder, injured himself during post-match celebrations while attempting to vault over an advertising hoarding at the Azteca. Although Henderson did not play in the match, he received a yellow card and was later taken to the hospital with what Tuchel described as “England’s finest World Cup knockout phase victory since 1966” jeopardizing his participation in the remainder of the tournament.
A few snapshots from the Azteca showcase England’s elation as they held on during a tense period of injury time.
Jude Bellingham’s remarkable performance in Mexico City included scoring twice within two minutes while also contributing defensively when England needed it most. Nick Ames described it as “a supreme display,” although it wasn’t enough for full marks in player ratings. Notably, Dan Burn, a 75th-minute substitute, earned an impressive rating of 8.
What a night it was at the Azteca, filled with over 100 minutes of thrilling football. As David Hytner reflected, it was “England’s finest World Cup knockout phase victory since 1966.”
Greetings to football fans around the globe! What a thriller we just witnessed in Mexico City—five goals, two penalties, a red card, 12 minutes of injury time, and an electric atmosphere in a historic stadium. Ultimately, England’s joy contrasted sharply with Mexico’s heartbreak. There’s much to dissect from that match, alongside other news from a wild day at the World Cup, including Norway’s game against Brazil.
Next up are matches 93 and 94 of this World Cup, featuring Spain against Portugal and the co-hosts USA taking on Belgium, where Balogun will, against all odds, take part.
If you have thoughts on this or anything else World Cup-related, feel free to reach out via email at mike.hytner@. Let’s dive into it!
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