Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt set for a difficult World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt set for a difficult World Cup Round of 16 clash with Argentina

Argentina is the clear favourite in this knockout match, but Egypt has shown they can challenge stronger teams and will aim for an upset at the Atlanta Stadium. As the defending champions, Argentina has won every match in the tournament so far, although they needed extra time to beat Cape Verde in the last round. (Photo Credit Egypt FA)

Icon Lionel Messi leads the attack and is having a great World Cup. Alexis Mac Allister provides balance and creativity in midfield. Argentina is expected to have most of the ball and will try to stretch Egypt’s defence.

Egypt reached the Round of 16 after a disciplined performance and won against Australia in a penalty shootout in the last round. Mohamed Salah is their main attacking threat and will be key for counterattacks. Egypt will likely defend tightly and focus on quick transitions and set pieces.

Key battle

The key matchup is Messi vs Salah. Both captains can change the game with a moment of brilliance, making this an exciting tie in the Round of 16.

Prediction

Argentina has more squad depth, better control in midfield, and more experience in knockout games. Egypt has a strong defensive organisation to make it tough, but Argentina should have enough quality to move forward.

Route to the final

The winner of this clash meets the victor of today’s later game between Switzerland and Colombia in the quarter-finals.

Mohamed Sankoh joins Danish Superliga side Randers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Sankoh joins Danish Superliga side Randers

Danish Side Randers FC has signed 22-year-old Dutch-Sierra Leonean striker Mohamed Sankoh from VfB Stuttgart in Germany on a four-year contract.

Hailing from Sierra Leonean parents, Sankoh grew up in the Netherlands and started his football career at KRSV Vredenburch. He then continued developing at Sparta Rotterdam. After that, he moved to Stoke City in England and to VfB Stuttgart in 2020.

Football director Søren Pedersen is happy with Sankoh’s arrival, “Mohamed is an exciting and fast striker. He brings speed and power to our team. His ability to make deep runs can stretch the opponent’s defence and create space for his teammates. He is a constant threat near the goal.

We see him as a strong offensive player. He works hard for the team and knows how to attack open spaces. He has what it takes to turn chances into goals. We are thrilled that Sankoh is now part of our team, says Søren Pedersen.”

At just 22, Sankoh has already gained valuable experience from several international teams, including loan spells in the Netherlands and Italy. He mostly played for VfB Stuttgart’s second team in Germany’s third division, but has also made his Bundesliga debut. His loans have helped him gain experience, including playing 49 games in the top Dutch league.

Sankoh has also represented the Netherlands at youth level and was part of the Dutch U17 national team that won the European Championship in 2019.

Sankoh is excited to wear the light blue jersey of Randers FC: “I feel great about signing with Randers. The welcome has been wonderful, and I am ready to put everything into this club. I can’t wait to start training,” says Sankoh.

He adds, “I already sense it’s a great environment for growth. The staff will help me improve, which is exactly what I need to take the next step.”

UEFA statement on the Balogun case after FIFA decides to suspend his red card
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

UEFA statement on the Balogun case after FIFA decides to suspend his red card

Folarin Balogun can play for the US national team in their World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. FIFA has confirmed that his red-card ban for one game has been suspended.

The 25-year-old striker got a straight red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic. This usually means a one-game suspension under FIFA rules, but that decision has now been overturned.

UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, vehemently noted that FIFA’s has reached unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.

“Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line.

Football, like any other sport, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case, not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted.

It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.

When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined. Equally, such decision creates a precedent in the ongoing tournament, where similar situations will now require an equal treatment, to the detriment of the competition.

Football is the most loved sport in the world because it is a beautiful game and is trusted because it is played everywhere with the same laws. A tournament is never a pure standalone and, if the tournament in question is the World Cup, it has the power to drive positive or negative consequences on the game as a whole.

We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.”

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ismael Saibari travels with Morocco but remains a doubt for the quarter-final against France

The new Bayern striker has travelled with the Morocco national team to Boston ahead of their quarter-final against France despite injury concerns.

He sustained a hamstring injury during Morocco’s World Cup game against Canada and could miss the rest of the Tournament. Due to thigh discomfort, he left the game in the 22nd minute; therefore, there is doubt as to his readiness for the following game.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, said Saibari felt pain, but it is too early to know the degree of the damage. Ouahbi still hasn’t spoken with the team doctor and is awaiting a medical evaluation to update Saibari’s status.

Ouahbi further said Chadi Riad skipped the game as a warning to ensure all players were fit to participate.

An MRI has been scheduled for Saibari, and the diagnosis is still pending. As of now, there is no official assessment. After the match, Morocco’s national team coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, mentioned, “Saibari experienced some discomfort in his thigh. We’ll have more information in a few days.”

Morocco advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong 3-0 victory against Canada.

Thanks to Azzedine Ounahi, who scored twice, Morocco regained control after a difficult first half, with Canada pushing strongly. Soufiane Rahimi scored his second goal of the competition.

Sierra Leone's Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Hindolo Mustapha pens Wigan Athletic loan deal

Wigan Athletic has signed Sierra Leone international Hindolo Mustapha on loan from Crystal Palace, pending approval from the Premier League, EFL, and FA.

The 20-year-old will join Gary Caldwell’s team for the entire 2026/27 Sky Bet League One season.

Mustapha has been with Palace since age nine, progressing through their Academy and scoring 16 goals with 17 assists in 57 appearances for their U18 and U21 teams.

He was named Palace’s U21 Player of the Season for 2024/25, netting 11 goals and providing seven assists. He has also had loan spells at 1. FC Nürnberg and West Bromwich Albion.

On the international stage, he has played three times for Sierra Leone, including a debut against Chad in 2024.

Mustapha expressed excitement about joining Wigan, stating he believes he can grow and make an impact. Head coach Gary Caldwell praised Mustapha’s skills and potential, emphasising the importance of support from staff and fans.