Al-sportsblog"

Scaloni: We were fortunate; only after they had a man sent off were we able to attack in numbers

After leading his team to a 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals and securing progression, Argentina head coach Scaloni gave an interview to DSPORTS.

Lionel, in Argentina's recent friendlies, you in a way reminded everyone that the matches at this World Cup would be very difficult, and you also, to some extent, issued a warning to all Argentines. Now, with another semifinal approaching, what qualities does this team possess that allow it to consistently show the kind of stubborn resilience that makes it seem as if it has an extra life?
The truth is, we had to battle hard today. We knew beforehand that they were a very physical team, and in that aspect, I think they really caused us a lot of problems, preventing us from successfully breaking out of certain difficult situations. But to be honest, luck was on our side today. That was the reality, because one of their players was sent off with a red card, and only then were we able to start attacking in numbers.

We have to remain realistic. There are certainly still many areas where we need to improve and develop, but winning the match is always the better outcome. That said, what this team achieved today is undoubtedly historic. Leaving aside the fact that we could have performed better, reaching the final again—sorry, I misspoke, the semifinal—is itself a historic moment worthy of being written into the history books.

So next you will face England. Given the broader context that everyone has been discussing so intensely recently, and all the special significance this match carries, what does it mean for you?
Whether the opponent is England or Norway, it makes no difference to us. This is the reality we are going to face: we will be up against a team that performs extremely well on the pitch, executes its tactics exceptionally well, and also has an outstanding head coach. What we need to do next is recover physically, because right now we urgently need to help the players regain their fitness. I think that is the most crucial thing at the moment.

Related:

Argentina

Switzerland

Scaloni

FIFA World Cup

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland: Alvarez's curvey & Lautaro's follow-up shot lifts Pampas Eagles to the SF.

Embolo's red card turns a thrilling combat into a sudden death for the Swiss. In the extra time, Alvarez's impeccable out-of-the-box curvy shot & Lautaro's follow-up shot end the suspence.

2026 World Cup

3 - 1

Mac Allister (10')
Alvarez (112')
Lautaro (120'+1')
Dan Ndoye (67')
Match Events:
10' ARG Goal! A. Mac Allister scores with header from the center of the box. Assist from L. Messi.

44' SUI Yellow card given to B. Embolo for a foul.

HT Argentina 1-0 Switzerland

67' SUI Goal! D. Ndoye scores with right footed shot from the left of the box. Assist from R. Rodríguez.

72' SUI Red card! Given to B. Embolo for receiving a second yellow card.

FT Argeinta 1-1 Switzerland

97' ARG Yellow card given to T. Almada for a foul.

98' ARG Yellow card given to Lautaro Martínez for a foul.

110' ARG Injury, L. Paredes is forced to leave the match due to injury, replaced by J. López.

112' ARG Goal! J. Alvarez scores with right footed curvy shot from outside the box. Assist from J. López.

114' ARG Yellow card given to J. López for arguing.

120'+1' ARG Goal! Lautaro Martínez scores with right footed shot from the center of the box.

FT after ET Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

Line-ups
Argentina XI: Messi, E. Martinez, Tagliafico, Paredes, De Paul, Molina, Cristian Romero, Mac Allister, Lisandro Martinez, Alvarez, Enzo

Subs: Otamendi, Gerónimo Rulli, Musso, Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Lautaro, Gonzalo Montiel, Marcos Senesi, N. Gonzalez, Facundo Medina, Thiago Almada, Flaco López, Giuliano Simeone, Valentín Barco, Nico Paz

Switzerland XI: Rodriguez, Xhaka, Freuler, Elvedi, Embolo, Sow, Akanji, Kobel, Zakaria, Dan Ndoye, Fabian Rieder

Subs: Mvogo, S.Widmer, Cedric Itten, Eray Cömert, Miro Muheim, Christian Fassnacht, Michel Aebischer, Okafor, Rubén Vargas, Ardon Jashari, Zeki Amdouni, Marvin Keller, Aurèle Amenda, Luca Jaquez

Related:

Argentina

Switzerland

Norway vs England LINE-UPS confirmed

The line-ups of Norway vs England have been announced.

Norway XI: Nyland, Sørloth, Patrick Berg, Ødegaard, Kristoffer Ajer, Berge, Ryerson, Haaland, Torbjørn Heggem, David Møller Wolfe, Andreas Schjelderup

Subs: Fredrik Aursnes, Morten Thorsby, Egil Selvik, Fredrik Bjørkan, Jens Petter Hauge, Jørgen Strand Larsen, Leo Østigård, Kristian Thorstvedt, Marcus Pedersen, Sander Tangvik, Thelo Aasgaard, Bobb, Henrik Falchener, Sondre Langås, Antonio Nusa

England XI: Kane, Pickford, Stones, Rice, Elliot Anderson, Ngoyo, Guehi, Gordon, Madueke, Bellingham, Nico O'Reilly

Subs: Henderson, Burn, Ivan Toney, Dean Henderson, Ollie Watkins, Trevoh Chalobah, Rashford, Reece James, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Spence, Saka, James Trafford, Mainoo

Related:

England

Norway

While South African celebrated qualifying after beating South Korea, Adams just sat quietly aside

South African international Jayden Adams has passed away at the age of 25, and the specific cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Adams featured in three matches for South Africa at this World Cup, including the final group stage game where South Korea were beaten 1-0 to secure a spot in the top 32.

Footage shows that as South Africa's players sang and danced in the dressing room to celebrate the victory, Adams, wearing the No.23 jersey, simply sat silently in the corner watching everything unfold.

Related:

South Africa

Mamelodi Sundowns

Jayden Adams

OFFICIAL: DFB have reached a preliminary agreement with Klopp over head coach role.

DFB: Preliminary agreement reached with Klopp over head coach role, talks still ongoing with Red Bull Group

Official: Preliminary agreement struck with Klopp for Germany head coach position

The German Football Association (DFB) issued the following statement regarding its talks with Jürgen Klopp:

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and DFB Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke held their first in-depth meeting with Jürgen Klopp in New York yesterday to discuss the possibility of him taking over as head coach (Bundestrainer) of the German national team. During this constructive discussion, the two sides reached consensus on the core points of a potential contract.

Negotiations will continue next week. Both parties expressed optimism that a final deal can be signed on the condition that an agreement is reached with Klopp’s current employer Red Bull Group. Any prospective contract must ultimately be formally approved at a joint meeting by the supervisory board and general meeting of DFB GmbH und Co. KG.

Related:

Germany

Klopp

OFFICIAL: South African government confirm Jayden Adams has passed away at the age of 25.

The South African government has confirmed that South African national team player Jayden Adams has passed away at the young age of 25

Earlier Multiple African media outlets report that Jayden Adams, South African international playing for Mamelodi Sundowns, has tragically passed away at the age of 25.

African journalist Micky Jnr states that Jayden Adams died by hanging himself.

Adams appeared in three matches for South Africa at this World Cup.

Related:

South Africa

Man City complete £10m Jeremy Monga deal - after beating Arsenal to 17-year-old Leicester star: WINDOW WATCH.

It's that time of the year again - the transfer window is now open until September 1 and it's sure to be a busy period with clubs looking to make big signings ahead of next season.

Here are today's latest developments from Simon Jones and the Daily Mail Sport team...

Manchester City have completed the signing of Jeremy Monga from Leicester after pipping Arsenal to his signature.

The England U19 international has agreed a five-year deal, with City paying £10m for the winger who turned 17 on Friday.

Monga, who is the third-youngest player to ever play in the Premier League, said: 'When I became aware that Manchester City were interested, I knew instantly this was the right choice for me.

'For any young footballer, to become part of this amazing club is a dream come true. This has been the best club in England over the past 10 years.

'And it has also handed opportunities to players from the academy like Phil Foden and Nico O'Reilly, which shows that the pathway is there.'

Monga becomes new head coach Enzo Maresca's second signing of the summer after Elliott Anderson joined from Nottingham Forest for £116m.

Related:

Arsenal

Manchester City

Leicester City

Who is Your Daily Star of the Day? Vote for Your Choice and Share Player's Card in the Chat!

Who is Your Daily Star of the Day? Vote for Your Chioce and Share Player's Card in the Chat!

Related:

Belgium

Arsenal

Manchester City

Paris Saint-Germain

Atalanta

Napoli

Spain

De Bruyne

Merino

Fabian Ruiz

Rodri

De Ketelaere

FIFA World Cup

What about this time? Yamal is undefeated in five knockout matches against Mbappe.

Spain will face France in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. So far, Yamal has a perfect 5-0 record against Mbappe in single-elimination matches or finals. Whether at the national team or club level, whenever both players have been on the field simultaneously, victory has always gone to Yamal's side.

Their first decisive single-match encounter occurred in the 2024 European Championship semi-finals. Spain defeated France 2-1 to advance to the final. In that match, Yamal scored a crucial equalizer, while Mbappe started for France but couldn't help his team advance.

In the 2025 Spanish Super Cup final, Barcelona and Real Madrid clashed in a peak showdown. Mbappe scored first for Real Madrid, but Yamal quickly responded with an equalizer, and Barcelona ultimately completed a 5-2 comeback to win the title.

In the Copa del Rey final that same year, Yamal continued to start for Barcelona, while Mbappe came on as a substitute in the second half and scored a goal. Both sides fought hard into extra time, with Barcelona defeating Real Madrid 3-2 to lift the trophy again.

In the 2025 UEFA Nations League semi-finals, Spain and France met again. The match was full of twists and turns, with Spain ultimately winning 5-4. Yamal had an outstanding performance, scoring twice, while Mbappe scored from a penalty for France but still couldn't change their fate of elimination.

Their most recent encounter was in the 2026 Spanish Super Cup final. Barcelona once again defeated Real Madrid 3-2. Yamal started the match, and Mbappe came on as a substitute in the 76th minute but couldn't help his team equalize.

Related:

France

Real Madrid

Barcelona

Spain

Mbappe

Yamal

FIFA World Cup