Category: Sport News

DR Congo could provide a stern test for England in Atlanta
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo could provide a stern test for England in Atlanta

Starting their World Cup knockout campaign on Wednesday night against DR Congo at the Atlanta stadium, Thomas Tuchel’s England side may face a challenge. A victory for either side will guarantee a spot among the 16 against Mexico.

In a competition that begged many issues, Thomas Tuchel’s team came out on top Group L. Starting with a 4-2 win over Croatia, they then had a goalless draw with Ghana and finished with a shaky 2-0 victory over Panama.

Before this tournament, the Three Lions had fierce competition from African teams and so know not to underestimate DR Congo. The group-placed Congolese team drew with Portugal, played strongly against Colombia, and won 3–1 against Uzbekistan. This game is the first time these two teams will face off.

Head Coach Sébastien Desabre probably will go back to the 5-3-2 lineup he used in the group stage; for the vital game against Uzbekistan, he had a back four.

Leading the attack together with Cédric Bakambu is Yoane Wissa, who scored three of DR Congo’s four group stage goals. Four defenders have close relationships to the Premier League: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, and Arthur Masuaku. From Sunderland, Noah Sadiki is a midfielder. Desabre’s team has no reported injury problems.

England and DR Congo’s first meeting 

Fifty-two years after their debut in 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire, the Leopards are competing in their second World Cup ever.

Thanks to a goal by Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, they came behind Senegal in their qualification group but progressed after beating Nigeria on penalties and 1-0 in extra time.

Since 2022, Sébastien Desabre has served as the head coach. Coaching teams in Uganda, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Cameroon, he has African football knowledge. In 2023, he guided DR Congo to the African Cup of Nations semi-finals.

With Cedric Bakambu’s four qualifying goals helping him, Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa will provide a major menace. Tuanzebe, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and captain Chancel Mbemba will offer excellent protection on defence.

“It ramps up now, doesn’t it? It’s a proper phase of football. One game at a time. There are lads who have won Champions Leagues, lads who have been in youth tournaments with England. Everyone knows the pressure of it and I think that is where you will see us thrive.” Jordan Pickford, England goalkeeper

“England next is gonna be a different game, a tough, tough game against top players, top opponents. We need to enjoy this type of game. We deserve to play against England, one of the best teams in the world, so I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.“ Yoane Wissa, DR Congo striker

Predicted lineups:

England’s predicted team (4-2-3-1 formation): Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

DR Congo’s predicted team (5-3-2 formation): Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Kayembe; Bakambu, Wissa.

England v Congo DR

Round of 32

Wednesday, 1 July | Atlanta Stadium

Kick-off time

12:00 (Atlanta) | 17:00 (London) | 17:00 (Kinshasa)

Amad Diallo proud of Côte d'Ivoire's achievement despite elimination
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Amad Diallo proud of Côte d’Ivoire’s achievement despite elimination

Rising elephants star Amad Diallo discusses Côte d’Ivoire’s incredible FIFA World Cup 2026 trip and what it means to score in their tight 2-1 defeat against Norway at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday.

Though their ambition at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is gone, Côte d’Ivoire leaves North America with dignity. This was their fourth World Cup appearance, and this time they made history by making the knockout stage for the first time.

At Dallas Stadium, they lost 2-1 to Norway in the Round of 32, but they kept supporters entertained along the way. Despite the letdown, Amad Diallo valued what the developing Côte d’Ivoire side achieved.

Diallo told FIFA, “We are really proud of what we achieved.” The youngest team in this tournament, we can be proud. This is a success for us since we never advanced from the group stage in our last three competitions.

Entering in the second half, Diallo had an instant effect. After a fast one-two with Nicolas Pépé, he scored a brilliant goal in the 74th minute to tie the score.

Following his group stage goal versus Ecuador, which gave the 23-year-old some relief, Diallo scored his second World Cup goal.

“Scoring that goal is a great relief; it’s a dream come true,” Diallo added. “Playing on the grandest stage has always been my goal; therefore getting this goal was remarkable. Losing would still feel like a win to us, even if it happened.

Morocco stun the Netherlands after a penalty shootout to reach the last 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mohamed Salah faces race to be fit for Egypt’s last-32 tie

Egypt’s captain, Mohamed Salah, is doubtful for Friday’s World Cup match against Australia in Dallas due to a hamstring injury. He has scored 68 goals in 119 games for Egypt.

Salah was taken off the field during Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran. Team doctor Mohamed Abou said Salah felt pain, and scans showed he has a hamstring strain.

The Egyptian Football Association stated that Salah has started treatment but did not say whether he will be ready to play against Australia in Dallas on July 3 at 19:00 BST.

“I spoke with Salah, and it seems, God willing, the injury is not serious,” said Egypt coach Hossam Hassan after the Iran match. “He told me he thinks it will be fine.”

Salah previously missed three weeks due to a hamstring issue in late April but returned to play in Liverpool’s final two matches of the season.

During this World Cup, Salah has scored once and provided two assists, helping Egypt secure second place in Group G.

Morocco stun the Netherlands after a penalty shootout to reach the last 16
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco stun the Netherlands after a penalty shootout to reach the last 16

Following a 1-1 tie, Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Their triumph would not have been possible without Yassine Bounou.

Cody Gakpo’s 72nd-minute goal gave the Netherlands the lead first, but Issa Diop tied it with a header in stoppage time, sending the game into overtime.

Morocco converted three penalties in the shootout but missed two, and Bounou saved a crucial one from Justin Kluivert.

Having defeated South Africa 1-0, Canada will now play Morocco in the following round. This win highlights Morocco as a World Cup powerhouse.

The game started sluggishly, but Morocco grew more active. Early opportunities for Hakimi were saved, including a strong header from Nael El Aynaoui. The Netherlands battled to generate opportunities until Gakpo scored against the run of play.

Morocco persisted and used changes that changed the flow of the game. Diop scored the equaliser in stoppage time to set off celebrations.

Following a 1-1 tie, Morocco defeated the Netherlands 3-2 in a penalty shootout to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16. Their triumph depended much on Yassine Bounou.

Though Cody Gakpo’s goal in the 72nd minute gave the Netherlands the lead, Issa Diop equalised for Morocco with a header in stoppage time, forcing the game into extra time.

Morocco made three penalties in the shootout, but Bounou stopped a crucial penalty from Justin Kluivert, even if two were missed. Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 and will now play Morocco in the next round.

This victory highlights Morocco’s World Cup prowess as a formidable team. Though the game began sluggishly, Morocco got more active. Early opportunities for Hakimi were saved, including a strong header from Nael El Aynaoui.

The Netherlands struggled to create opportunities until Gakpo scored against the run of play. Morocco persisted and made game-changing substitutions. Diop tied the score in stoppage time, setting off festivities.

Morocco had chances during extra time but couldn’t convert; therefore, they went to penalties. Though Rahimi and Talbi scored, El Aynaoui missed Morocco’s first penalty.

Bounou’s save and Saibari’s perfect penalty helped Morocco advance to the next round.

Achraf Hakimi calls for discipline ahead of the Netherlands
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Achraf Hakimi emphasises discipline ahead of the Netherlands clash

Morocco’s skipper Achraf Hakimi is encouraging his squad to maintain attention and discipline for their crucial Round of 32 FIFA World Cup game against the Netherlands at the Monterrey Stadium on Monday night. 

Playing for Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi knows Morocco is up against a good Dutch squad. He stresses that little details will determine the result of the game.

Hakimi told ABtalks that “it will be a difficult game against the Netherlands. Their calibre and players are well-known to everybody. The captain remarked that there isn’t much room for mistakes in knockout football. He thinks game-long focus will be essential.

Hakimi’s remarks suggest Morocco honours the Netherlands but is hopeful going into this crucial game. Though they had a fantastic group-stage record, he underlined that prior results against the Dutch do not count.

The squad is concentrating on sound defence and attacking effectiveness. One of the tournament’s top players, Hakimi, is anticipated to significantly impact defence and attack by providing speed and assistance from his right-back position.

Hakimi makes it obvious that Morocco honours the Netherlands, but the game will rely on focus, discipline, and little details instead of history or reputation.