Poschardt asserted.
Exciting news has emerged as a new World Cup cartoon by David Squires is unveiled.
In a bid to enhance its public image, the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) organization in England is reportedly planning to rebrand itself as Professional Game Referees, or Pro Ref.
In more significant developments, referees from the Premier League and EFL Championship will now be part of a single group serving both leagues.
Seeing the devastated Japan fans in Tokyo after their last-second defeat to Brazil evokes a deep sense of sadness. The stark contrast between their despair and the colorful inflatable cosplay is truly poignant.
Osasu Obayiuwana presents this exclusive story:
Plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams have been rejected, according to sources.
This proposal, introduced by Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football, during a press conference in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, sought to take effect for the 2028 tournament.
Two anonymous members of the CAF executive committee confirmed that the idea was ultimately voted down.
For further insights, click here: Plan to expand Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams is rejected.
Good day, or evening, depending on when you’re reading this. I stayed up too late watching football last night and lost track of time. I’m here to share some recent thoughts from England’s Marcus Rashford, who reflected on his enjoyment of celebrating victories with fans post-match—though perhaps not after that England vs. Ghana game we all wish to forget. He shared his insights on the Three Lions podcast:
“For us as players, every game’s a stepping stone to get to what we want to do. But that is probably the only bit of the whole camp when we get to see the enjoyment of winning a game.
So you really enjoy the moment because for us, we have a game and regardless of the result, you have to go and prepare for the next game in the group stage or whatever is next. It’s an “I don’t dare to convey the disappointment and hurt of the fans with a single word ‘sorry,’” mentality so you don’t always enjoy those little moments of winning a game or getting through the group, but the fans definitely remind us of how exciting it is and how happy they are for us.”
That’s all from me for now; I’ll pass it over to Martin Belam. See you soon.
Now, let’s delve into the unfortunate yet expected news emerging from the US this morning.
While Bono’s heroics were essential for Morocco, we must also highlight Zion Suzuki’s remarkable reflex save against what could have been a goal contender from Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior. Following an impressive performance, the 23-year-old Parma goalkeeper might draw interest from several clubs.
If you enjoy podcasts in video format, you’re in for a treat! Max, Barry, Archie, and Nicky discuss the excitement from yesterday:
The fallout from South Korea’s disappointing exit continues, with captain Son Heung-min expressing his profound regret, stating he is “so even saying those words feels insufficient. The ‘child’s dream stage’ that I always talked about has collapsed. I’m indescribably stuck and hurt. To be honest, it’s still not easy to accept this reality.” and eager to “[he] couldn’t repay the time, heart, and constant support and love” of the nation again.
In an emotional Instagram post on Monday night, Son acknowledged the disappointment felt by fans following Korea’s performances, which drew criticism from the country’s president and led to the resignation of coach Hong Myung-bo.
“I will do my best in my position again to win the hearts of the Korean people and football fans” Son stated. “send warm support and encouragement rather than criticising and hurting all the players”
Son, who started on the bench during the group stage defeat against South Africa, did not score at the World Cup and felt a personal obligation that he ‘he never looked like he was going to score’ that fans provided.
In a sign that he won’t retire from international football, the 33-year-old assured, ‘The next German football nightmare’
He also urged fans to “Even though the elimination hurts: What a game, @DFB_Team! With your commitment and team spirit at this World Cup, you have thrilled our country. We are proud of you.”
Shifting focus back to the shootout between the Netherlands and Morocco, Gary shared his thoughts on Bono’s match-winning save:
“The brutal World Cup defeat against Paraguay, the coach, the attitude and the performance of the German players are symptomatic of the state of the entire country. “We are at best second-class: Our economy is experiencing an unprecedented downward spiral in every respect, with bankruptcies and de-industrialisation on a daily basis. “And German football is now living solely off its past reputation. And if I’m to believe (1990 World Cup-winning captain) Lothar Matthaus, then within the team, it was a more important issue whose mother was allowed to fly on the private jet and whose wasn’t, than how we would win the cup. “Man!!! Football is a COMPETITIVE SPORT! “And the worst is yet to come. Following the defeat, Chancellor Merz writes: “With your commitment and team spirit at this World Cup, you have thrilled our country. We are proud of you’. “Chancellor, that’s simply not true!!! I will not accept second-rate treatment. I’m not proud. I’m angry. I’m disappointed. I’m furious! Our children only know Germany as a loser!”
Having watched the entire shootout, I find myself in agreement. It took nerves of steel and an extraordinary hand to read where Crysencio Summerville was aiming and perfectly deflect the powerful shot away.
In other goalkeeper insights, Bart Verbruggen must be devastated after inadvertently backheeling Soufiane Rahimi’s shot following a great save.
It was a blend of agony and ecstasy for the keepers. Quinten Timber also faced distress after a classic miss that left spectators questioning his scoring prowess.
Aaron Timms reflected on the excitement surrounding a World Cup cult hero. Ecuador’s manager Sebastián Beccacece has become a sensation after mimicking Pat Cash following his team’s stunning win against Germany. Sorry, Paraguay, they got there first! Also, I would appreciate some help with the pronunciation of his surname, as I’m struggling to figure it out.
Beccacece’s squad faces a tough opponent in the late game tonight, promising an exhilarating match.
“Only a successful Germany is worth living in”
Responses to Germany’s defeat continue to pour in, featuring tough headlines and critical analyses from leading media outlets in the country.
Bild’s front-page headline labeled the outcome as “Germany is once again eliminated early from the World Cup, and the Chancellor even congratulates this miserable team: “We are proud of you” while columnist Marion Horn expressed strong criticism of Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, regarding his response to the loss.
Merz posted on his official X account.
“a damning indictment of German football – and Nagelsmann”
Horn described this statement as a “The German national team, the biggest disappointment of the tournament so far, leaves the World Cup stage after the first knockout round. Julian Nagelsmann failed to harness and develop his team’s strengths.” and “Someone should tell Julian Nagelsmann: This can’t go on.” remarking, “The brutal World Cup defeat against Paraguay, the coach, the attitude, and the performance of the German players reflect the state of the entire country.
“We are at best second-class: Our economy is experiencing an unprecedented downward spiral, with bankruptcies and de-industrialization occurring daily.
“German football now lives solely off its past reputation. If I’m to believe (1990 World Cup-winning captain) Lothar Matthaus, then within the team, it was more important to determine whose mother could fly on the private jet than how we would win the cup.
“We have a capacity for danger, and I want us to keep it.”
“And the worst is yet to come. After the defeat, Chancellor Merz said.
“We’ve been labelled as favourites before and, after what we did in the last three matches, that hasn’t gone away,”
“But it’s back to square one now. We’re preparing for a competition within the competition. We have to face a team who have nothing to lose and can give us some problems. We are confident, not overconfident, but in terms of intentions we will look to continue what we managed in the group. Jürgen Klopp has been prominent on broadcasting duties at this World Cup, which has of course sparked speculation about his future managerial intentions. And on cue he has said it is “not the right moment”
Similarly, Die Welt columnist Ulf Poschardt wrote a piece titled.
“I haven’t thought about that yet. I’ve often been in that situation myself as a coach, where a big dream has been shattered. “I understand that when people talk about the national coach, my name is mentioned. But it’s not the right moment to talk about it, especially not with me. “I have a job that I really enjoy [as Red Bull’s head of global soccer]. And as far as I know, it’s not a part-time job. The fact is, Germany was eliminated today, and this is not the moment for me to think about Jurgen Klopp’s future.”
“I’m not one to run away. It’s not the first time, but it’s been happening for a while now that we’ve been delivering tournaments like this and yes, there are certainly a few basic things that I don’t want to go into now. “I’m not one of those people who sits here and says, ‘I’m resigning now, just because we’ve been eliminated’. If the DFB wants me to continue then I’ll continue and if they don’t want me to, then they can tell me that.”
Football news outlet Kicker characterized the result as “a damning indictment of German football—and Nagelsmann.”
Its chief reporter, Oliver Hartmann, commented.
“The German national team, the biggest disappointment of the tournament so far, exits the World Cup after the first knockout round. Julian Nagelsmann failed to harness and develop his team’s strengths.”
A commentary piece by Claudio Catuogno in Suddeutsche Zeitung was headlined.
“Someone should tell Julian Nagelsmann: This can’t go on.”
Hello, hello! And goodbye, Tom. You’re now with me (Graham) for a while as we continue to dissect the high drama of last night’s events.
I’m still trying to make sense of it all after dozing off on the sofa during the second half of Germany’s loss and then heading to bed, where I discovered Germany had scored in extra time, so naturally, I assumed that was it … oops. I then made the cardinal sin for my sleep score by checking my phone shortly after 4 am to see Germany had been eliminated (what?) and the Netherlands were just starting a shootout with Morocco. I tuned into the BBC Sounds app and listened to what seemed like a series of penalty misses until Morocco finally sealed the deal.
I suspect there may be more sleepless nights ahead as my interest in the knockout stage has truly been piqued.
The countdown to England vs. DRC begins with a dose of trademark pessimism from Richard Lapworth:
“England fan here. I genuinely believe England will exit to Congo DR on Wednesday—not via a penalty shootout! It’s clearly the year of the “underdog” with both Paraguay and Morocco advancing. While Morocco may not be underdogs anymore, you catch my drift! Wissa et al will undoubtedly have far more shots on goal than England.”
On that note, I’ll wrap up and pass the baton to Graham Searles. Catch you soon.
In managerial gossip from European leagues, Sky Sports reports that Liam Rosenior is set to take over at the ambitious Paris FC following his challenging time at Chelsea. He is expected to sign a two-year contract on Thursday. Paris FC finished 11th in Ligue 1 last season, marking their first season back in the top flight in 46 years.
Tuesday’s World Cup Daily podcast is now available. Max, Barry, Archie, and Nicky discuss last night’s dramatic events:
Additionally, here are a couple of videos for your viewing pleasure. Photographer Shaun Botterill has a World Cup portfolio spanning 40 years—here he discusses the moments that made those unforgettable images:
Meanwhile, Toby Moses reflects on the challenge of focusing during an exam while his Arsenal hero David Seaman was being lobbed by Ronaldinho for that quarter-final winner in 2002.
A near-immutable truth of World Cups is that the best team in the group stages rarely wins the tournament—consider Brazil in ’82, USSR in ’86, Italy in ’90, Argentina in ’06, and the Netherlands in ’14. Can France defy this trend? Didier Deschamps, back with the squad after the recent loss of his mother, has committed to maintaining the attacking strategy that previously distinguished France in the group stages. Paul MacInnes previews their match against Graham Potter’s Sweden—who have had a mixed but dynamic tournament so far—later on Tuesday.
“Didier Deschamps has warned France’s competitors that the team will not alter their offensive strategy for this World Cup, stating as he prepared for the last-32 match against Sweden on Tuesday: ‘We have a capacity for danger, and I want us to keep it.’
Deschamps expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his team after his recent bereavement, highlighting the strong bond among Les Bleus this summer.
‘We’ve been labelled as favorites before, and after what we did in the last three matches, that hasn’t gone away,’ Deschamps noted. ‘But it’s back to square one now. We’re preparing for a competition within the competition. We must face a team that has nothing to lose and can present challenges for us. We are confident, not overconfident, but in terms of intentions, we will look to continue what we managed in the group.’
Jürgen Klopp has been prominent in broadcasting duties at this World Cup, fueling speculation about his future managerial ambitions. He declared that it is “not the right moment” to discuss taking on the head coach position for Germany following their World Cup exit, as reported.
As pressure mounts on Julian Nagelsmann, former Liverpool manager Klopp played down the chatter about him taking the national team’s helm.
When asked what circumstances would lead him to consider the role, Klopp stated on MagentaTV, as reported by Bild: “I haven’t thought about that yet. I’ve often found myself in that situation as a coach, where a big dream has been shattered.
“I understand that when people mention the national coach, my name comes up. But it’s not the right moment for that discussion, especially regarding me.
“I have a job that I truly enjoy [as Red Bull’s head of global soccer]. And as far as I know, it’s not a part-time position. The fact is, Germany was eliminated today, and this is not the time for me to contemplate Jurgen Klopp’s future.”
Nagelsmann affirmed his willingness to remain in charge if the DFB wishes for him to continue. He told reporters at a post-match press conference: “I’m not one to run away. This isn’t the first time, but it’s been occurring for a while that we’ve been delivering tournaments like this, and yes, there are certainly a few fundamental issues I don’t want to delve into now.
“I’m not one of those people who sits here and says, ‘I’m resigning now, just because we’ve been eliminated.’ If the DFB wants me to continue, then I will; if they don’t, they can communicate that to me.”
The match in Boston also sparked significant discussions among Premier League fans regarding Jonathan Tah’s disallowed header late in the game by VAR—a type of goal that has become common in the English top flight. Ultimately, Germany never appeared convincing throughout this tournament.
Our graphics team has created a handy, interactive guide to the penalties from yesterday’s Germany vs. Paraguay shootout, highlighting both successful and failed attempts, which I plan to use against my 10-year-old son in the backyard later.
Joy and chaos erupted in The Hague following Morocco’s victory. This just in from AFP:
“Morocco’s thrilling penalty shootout win over the Netherlands ignited celebrations in The Hague, home to a large Moroccan community, but also led to violent clashes with police resulting in arrests.
In the Schilderswijk district, AFP reporters observed fans draped in Moroccan flags dancing and cheering in the streets, with car horns blaring and firecrackers exploding.
However, about an hour into the festivities, the atmosphere shifted as riot police arrived, deploying water cannons and baton charges to disperse the crowd.
Witnesses reported around a dozen arrests, with police restraining several young men after striking them in the legs with batons. Handcuffed, they were taken away in police vans.
Dutch police on bicycles engaged in a cat-and-mouse chase with youths throughout the streets, but no significant damage was reported.
Despite several attempts, individuals declined to speak to the media, choosing to keep their identities concealed. Many wore balaclavas or face coverings.
One of the standout stories of this World Cup has been that of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, England’s upcoming opponents on Wednesday. The steady rise of the team from Africa’s second-largest nation holds great significance, as Louis Mukoma outlines:
“The DRC is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in Africa, home to hundreds of ethnic communities and languages. Four national languages have been adopted to foster unity amidst profound political and societal divisions. The most significant narrative here isn’t merely about sports; it’s about what the Leopards have accomplished for their nation.
Eastern Congo has endured decades of conflict. Many residents feel neglected by Kinshasa. Whenever violence escalates, discussions regarding federalism and the country’s fragmentation resurface. Yet, whenever the Leopards play, those divisions seem to fade away.
After the draw with Portugal, celebrations erupted not only in Kinshasa but also in Lubumbashi, Goma, and Bukavu. The same occurred after their victory over Uzbekistan, but with even greater enthusiasm.”
It is also a disgrace that the DRC’s most famous supporter, “Lumumba Vea” (named in honor of the country’s independence leader), has been denied a visa to attend the tournament that unites the world.
In other news, the US Department of Homeland Security secretary celebrated Iran’s exit with a “happy dance.”
In an example of ‘keeping it classy,’ here’s the latest from the Department of Keeping Politics Out of Sport:
“US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin rejoiced at Iran’s elimination from the World Cup, stating he did a ‘happy dance,’ as reported by Sports Business Journal on Monday.
The Iranian team narrowly missed qualifying for the knockout rounds, drawing all three of their matches in Group G, finishing as the ninth-best third-place team after Austria scored a last-minute goal against Algeria. The top eight third-place teams advanced to the round of 32.
Mullin didn’t conceal his delight upon hearing the news of Iran’s exit. He stated at a World Cup security briefing in Washington, per SBJ, that he was “so glad they’re gone” and that he was “very happy they’re going back because there wasn’t a single team we dealt with more than them.”
With the United States currently in a military and political conflict with Iran, the U.S. government imposed restrictions on the Iranian soccer team’s movements during the tournament. Prior to the event, Iran relocated its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana. The U.S. also limited the time the Iranian team could spend in the country before each match and required them to exit right after each game.
Mullin further mentioned to reporters after the Monday briefing, according to SBJ, “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave U.S. soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.”
Essential reading includes yesterday’s match reports:
Additionally, a note on Cody Gakpo, who scored a stunning goal for the Netherlands but is currently facing immense grief after the loss of his unborn child, as our correspondent in Monterrey, Nick Ames, reported:
“Football serves as a vessel for countless thoughts and emotions, making it a profoundly touching moment when, after scoring to put his team ahead in the 72nd minute, the entire Dutch squad rushed onto the pitch in celebration. More significantly, they did so in support of Gakpo, who chose to play despite the heart-wrenching announcement of the loss of his unborn son. He was visibly emotional as he returned to the center circle, pointing to the sky and receiving comfort from teammate Denzel Dumfries.”
Greetings to all, and welcome to the latest updates from the ever-evolving World Cup. When the draw was made back on that infamous night last December, it seemed lopsided. And so it transpired that Monday saw three potential winners unceremoniously eliminated from the competition. Japan’s dark horses ultimately fell short against a Brazil side brimming with match-winners, while Germany succumbed to a Paraguay defensive masterclass before faltering in two penalty shootouts. In Monterrey, Morocco triumphed over the Netherlands, who, unlike Paraguay, suffered from being overly defensive. Considering Morocco’s world ranking and recent form, this outcome was not particularly surprising.
Later on Tuesday, another potentially thrilling match is on the horizon: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Norway, with the former showcasing a slick and organized style in the group stages, while the latter boasts a renowned attacking prowess. We will provide coverage leading up to that match, along with France vs. Sweden and the all-Latin American showdown between Mexico and Ecuador at what—despite FIFA branding conventions—will forever be known as the Azteca Stadium.
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