Category: Sport News

Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha shines in draw with Spain
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cabo Verde keeper Vozinha shines in draw with Spain

Keeper Josimar José Évora Dias, aka Vozinha, was instrumental as Cape Verde pulled off an amazing upset on their 2026 FIFA World Cup debut against mighty Spain. As first-time football global participants, the little island nation held Spain, the title favourites, to a goalless draw.
 
Starting the game with 50,000 Instagram followers, the Blue Sharks’ outstanding, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha showcased their importance and ended the day with over five million and counting new admirers. 
 
Furthermore, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt also pulled off shocking ties against Uruguay, IR Iran, and Belgium. On Matchday 5, FIFA provides an interesting synopsis.
 
Not many thought Cabo Verde had a possibility. Among the tiniest nations ever to compete in the World Cup, in both size and population, they were up against the favourites. Everyone agreed the only issue was not whether Spain would win, but by how many goals.
 
Thanks to a remarkable defensive effort and amazing saves from 40-year-old Vozinha, which helped Bubista’s team earn a historic point, the net finally remained untouched.
 
Lamine Yamal, who entered the game in the 71st minute and sparkled, was the only bright spot for Luis de la Fuente’s team. But the 18-year-old virtuoso couldn’t eclipse one of the most important days in Cape Verdean history.
 
Vozinha, Cabo Verde goalkeeper who was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match, noted, “We worked a lot for this. We knew we were playing against one of the best national teams in the world, but we also know our quality. We worked a lot for this big day. We knew it was going to be very difficult but we’re very happy.”
Egypt's Emam Ashour reflects on his goal and the team's progress
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt’s Emam Ashour reflects on his goal and the team’s progress

Egypt’s first game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in a 1-1 draw against Belgium, with Emam Ashour being crucial for the team. He considered the development of Egyptian football.

Hossam Hassan, the Egyptian coach, was confident his team would strive to honour their country. The team’s performance met his standards, demonstrating drive and focus to leave a long legacy.

Egypt’s first goal of the tournament came from Ashour, who was emotional. It makes me upset, he said, we might have won. Though he drew, he underlined the need to maintain faith and fight.

He praised the dedication of the squad and the vision of his coach. It’s a privilege to wear the Egypt shirt. Strong attitude shown, we battled for our nation and team. For the following games, we will concentrate on enhancements.

Mostafa Shobeir, the goalkeeper, lamented lost opportunities to win. We want to create a significant legacy and hope to reach the knockout round, he added.

Younger players like Hamza Abdelrakim are rising as well. He said, We wanted all three points, but we learned from this match and appreciate the coach’s trust.

Following the draw, Egypt will play New Zealand in Vancouver on June 21.

Tunisia sack Sabri Lamouchi after heavy World Cup opening defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia sack Sabri Lamouchi after heavy World Cup opening defeat

Following only one game in the World Cup, Sabri Lamouchi has been let go from his position as coach of the Tunisian national team. 

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres scored goals as Tunisia lost badly 5-1 to Sweden in their first game on Sunday evening.

Official statements confirmed, “an agreement has been reached to part ways with coach Sabri Lamouchi.” Mondher Kebaier is expected to take over as the national team’s interim coach.

Before finishing their group stage against the Netherlands in Kansas City, Tunisia will face Japan this Saturday in the same Guadalupe stadium where they played Sweden.

Fifty-four-year-old Lamouchi joined in January but was already under fire after a 5-0 pre-tournament friendly defeat to Belgium in Brussels. He took charge of five matches, winning one, drawing one and losing three. The defeat by Sweden left Tunisia at the bottom of Group F. Their next game is against Japan on Saturday, 20 June.

Tunisia suffer heavy World Cup opener defeat to Sweden
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Tunisia suffer heavy World Cup opener defeat to Sweden

One of Africa’s representatives, Tunisia, fell 5-1 to Sweden in their Group F 2026 World Cup opener at the Monterrey Stadium on Sunday, with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak leading the charge. Sweden fast seized the lead.

Two points ahead of Japan and the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2026, Sweden tops Group F with this victory. With a powerful shot from outside the box, Yasin Ayari —whose father is Tunisian- scored the first goal.

After a wonderful turn and pass from Gyokeres, Isak scored the second goal. Omar Rekik headed in a fantastic cross from Hannibal Mejbri to bring Tunisia back into the match with his first international goal.

Sweden, nevertheless, controlled the second half. Ellyes Skhiri lost the ball to Isak, then Gyokeres scored to pull the score to 3-1. Coming on as a substitute, Mattias Svanberg scored fast; Ayari ended the game with his second goal.

Final score: Sweden 5, Tunisia 1.  

Sweden goals: Ayari (7 & 90+6), Isak (30), Gyokeres (59), Svanberg (84).  

Tunisia goal: Rekik (43).

Amad nets late winner as Côte d'Ivoire claim dramatic victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amad nets late winner as Côte d’Ivoire claim dramatic victory

In an exhilarating game where the woodwork was struck four times, Amad Diallo scored a goal in the 90th minute to help Côte d’Ivoire defeat Ecuador 1-0. 

The game seemed like it would result in a tie until Diallo, who came in as a substitute, shot into the bottom corner and sparked celebrations.

The first part was quite active. With a strong shot from outside the box, Ecuador’s John Yeboah struck the crossbar. Soon after, Alan Minda curled his shot off the bar, missing a fantastic opportunity when he got a perfect pass from Pedro Vite, and Côte d’Ivoire’s goalkeeper Yahia Fofana couldn’t stop it.

Côte d’Ivoire also made opportunities. While Bazoumana Toure had a low shot that needed a fingertip save from Ecuador’s goalie Hernan Galindez, Yan Diomande was extremely active on the right side, generating hazardous runs.

Enner Valencia’s shot from a difficult angle connected with the crossbar in the latter half. Elye Wahi of Côte d’Ivoire then hit the bar with a decent first-time shot he could not hold down.

Having more possession while Ecuador defended, Côte d’Ivoire began to manage the game. Their hard work was rewarded when Amad’s goal moved them to the lead in Group E.

Key Stat -Important number: Yan Diomande, then 19 years and 212 days old, was the first youngster to compete for Côte d’Ivoire in a FIFA World Cup match.

Diomande committed his prize to his mother, still mending from surgery. Said: We were desperate for that. We came here to write history. We still have two more games to play and need to concentrate and strive to win. them. Though Ecuador has excellent players, we kept calm as we knew this game would be challenging.

– Côte d’Ivoire Amad Diallo, goalscorer: We worked diligently, we won, and now we are all happy. It is honourable to speak for our country. It’s difficult as we stand for about 33 million individuals. Every game, we want to win and create history together.

– Yan Diomande, Côte d’Ivoire winger and Better Player of the Match: “We changed our strategy in the second half and dominated the game enough to at least earn a draw. Against a good team, we worked hard. Though it’s not what we hoped for, it’s only the start, and we will keep striving.”

Sebastian Beccacece, Ecuador’s coach: “In the second half, we made the necessary adjustments and were in control enough to secure at least a draw. We put in a tremendous effort against a strong opponent. The final result wasn’t what we wanted, but it’s just the beginning, and we have to keep working.”