56 mins. ago
Picture this: It's December 2033. Puerto Rico's "Huracan Azul," ("Blue Hurricane"), the national soccer team in a country better known for baseball, basketball, and boxing, face off against Scotland in the Deutsche Bank Men's World Cup, brought to you by Fanatics—your home for World Cup swag. Until this winter, Puerto Rico had never qualified for a major tournament; Scotland, meanwhile, had never qualified for the knockout round in a World Cup. As the teams kick off play at Saudi Arabia's NEOM, you idly watch, wondering if an upset will take place.
It won't; Scotland quickly score once, twice, three times. The score is 4–0 by the time the referee whistles for the Michelob ULTRA Hydration Break to take place. It's 5–0 at halftime; Puerto Rico scores a consolation goal before the second hydration break, but the Scots hang three more in the final minutes as the game finishes 8–1. As the game ends, bored spectators streaming out, the camera briefly flashes on the luxury boxes. A grinning Gianni Infantino, the FIFA commissioner, mugs obscenely with the Saudi king and other potentates. History, of a kind, has happened.
If you see nothing wrong with this, you're probably either one of Infantino's staffers or a blood relation. Certainly, Infantino thinks such a display would be amazing. According to The Times of London, the FIFA chief is working closely with Thrive Capital's Joshua Kushner (brother of Jared Kushner!) and JP Morgan on a proposition that would all but radically transform the men's and women's World Cups as we know them, and not coincidentally shovel millions into his acquisitive little mittens. The proposal—now roundly condemned by virtually everyone who's heard about it, including Britain's new prime minister—involves creating a private company that would control the World Cups. Each of FIFA's 211 national member ****** ociations would have a financial stake, estimated at around $20 million each. The Times estimates that the company would be valued at around $20 billion.
The report makes for wild reading. Now, stop for a moment. Think of how quickly and quietly this whole thing went from "consultations" to a set of signed, nonbinding agreements. This isn't an idle contrivance, set for a slow burn; banks like JP Morgan and people like Kushner don't engage in that kind of deal. This is a fast-moving plan of action, set in motion before anyone outside of FIFA's holiest of holies in Zurich even knew what was going down.
Suffice it to say: It's a spectacularly bad idea. The pressure to expand the World Cups, to play them every other year, or even annually, would be immense. The arm twisting to turn them into something that would make college bowl season look staid and decorous would be even greater.
#World #cups #times
It won't; Scotland quickly score once, twice, three times. The score is 4–0 by the time the referee whistles for the Michelob ULTRA Hydration Break to take place. It's 5–0 at halftime; Puerto Rico scores a consolation goal before the second hydration break, but the Scots hang three more in the final minutes as the game finishes 8–1. As the game ends, bored spectators streaming out, the camera briefly flashes on the luxury boxes. A grinning Gianni Infantino, the FIFA commissioner, mugs obscenely with the Saudi king and other potentates. History, of a kind, has happened.
If you see nothing wrong with this, you're probably either one of Infantino's staffers or a blood relation. Certainly, Infantino thinks such a display would be amazing. According to The Times of London, the FIFA chief is working closely with Thrive Capital's Joshua Kushner (brother of Jared Kushner!) and JP Morgan on a proposition that would all but radically transform the men's and women's World Cups as we know them, and not coincidentally shovel millions into his acquisitive little mittens. The proposal—now roundly condemned by virtually everyone who's heard about it, including Britain's new prime minister—involves creating a private company that would control the World Cups. Each of FIFA's 211 national member ****** ociations would have a financial stake, estimated at around $20 million each. The Times estimates that the company would be valued at around $20 billion.
The report makes for wild reading. Now, stop for a moment. Think of how quickly and quietly this whole thing went from "consultations" to a set of signed, nonbinding agreements. This isn't an idle contrivance, set for a slow burn; banks like JP Morgan and people like Kushner don't engage in that kind of deal. This is a fast-moving plan of action, set in motion before anyone outside of FIFA's holiest of holies in Zurich even knew what was going down.
Suffice it to say: It's a spectacularly bad idea. The pressure to expand the World Cups, to play them every other year, or even annually, would be immense. The arm twisting to turn them into something that would make college bowl season look staid and decorous would be even greater.
#World #cups #times
8 hours ago
The company is broadening its GUTSI™ product portfolio by extending its fulvic and humic mineral platform across beverages, supplements, and functional nutrition products.
Victory Marine Holdings (OTCQB:VMHG) expanded its GUTSI™ mineral-first platform across mineral drops, functional beverages, hydration products, and planned gummy supplements.
The company is preparing a second commercial production run of its Functional Mineral Hydration products while continuing production of its Prebiotic Mineral Soda.
Management aims to build a unified consumer wellness platform centered on fulvic and humic mineral ingredients across multiple product categories.
GUTSI™ Fulvic & Humic Mineral Drops are available through Amazon and the company's direct-to-consumer website.
#mineral #humic #Hydration
Victory Marine Holdings (OTCQB:VMHG) expanded its GUTSI™ mineral-first platform across mineral drops, functional beverages, hydration products, and planned gummy supplements.
The company is preparing a second commercial production run of its Functional Mineral Hydration products while continuing production of its Prebiotic Mineral Soda.
Management aims to build a unified consumer wellness platform centered on fulvic and humic mineral ingredients across multiple product categories.
GUTSI™ Fulvic & Humic Mineral Drops are available through Amazon and the company's direct-to-consumer website.
#mineral #humic #Hydration
3 days ago
There are no more perfect bedfellows on planet earth than FIFA and private equity. So while this story will send a shiver down your spine, it's not in the least bit shocking.
After an incredibly successful North American World Cup that saw record ratings and revenue, the money-hungry governing body of world soccer is on the hunt for more. This year's World Cup was a fever dream when it came to the control that FIFA had in squeezing out every possible ounce of revenue. There was controversy over insanely high ticket prices, blacking out of stadium names that weren't FIFA sponsors, and, of course, the institution of hydration breaks that were an excuse to break up the game into a four-quarter affair filled with even more commercial advertising.
But after all the drama and controversy, the tournament itself was a remarkable celebration of the best of sport thanks to the athletes and fans that came to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Spain's victory and the incredible superstar performances made it a truly generational event that will be remembered fondly as one of the best international sporting events in years.
And now FIFA is looking to cash in even more.
According to a report in the Times in the UK, FIFA is now exploring what would seem to rational minds to be an unthinkable betrayal of the beautiful game, putting the World Cup itself up for sale.
#revenue #came #itself #best
After an incredibly successful North American World Cup that saw record ratings and revenue, the money-hungry governing body of world soccer is on the hunt for more. This year's World Cup was a fever dream when it came to the control that FIFA had in squeezing out every possible ounce of revenue. There was controversy over insanely high ticket prices, blacking out of stadium names that weren't FIFA sponsors, and, of course, the institution of hydration breaks that were an excuse to break up the game into a four-quarter affair filled with even more commercial advertising.
But after all the drama and controversy, the tournament itself was a remarkable celebration of the best of sport thanks to the athletes and fans that came to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Spain's victory and the incredible superstar performances made it a truly generational event that will be remembered fondly as one of the best international sporting events in years.
And now FIFA is looking to cash in even more.
According to a report in the Times in the UK, FIFA is now exploring what would seem to rational minds to be an unthinkable betrayal of the beautiful game, putting the World Cup itself up for sale.
#revenue #came #itself #best
8 days ago
A lot has changed in Ismael Bonfim's life and career ahead of Saturday's fight with Axel Sola at UFC Abu Dhabi, and he's confident that it will all reflect positively in his performance—and overall health.
Bonfim hasn't entered the octagon since November of 2025, when he stepped on the scale at 161 pounds (five pounds over the non-title limit) for his lightweight bout with Chris Padilla. "Marreta" was stopped late in Round 2, and now tells MMA Fighting that making it into the cage was already a challenge on its own.
"I relied too much on dehydration," Bonfim said of his weigh-in struggle, not a first since joining the UFC. "I got to fight week still needing to lose 22 pounds. I was bringing it down little by little, and on the day of the weight cut I still had 8.8 pounds left. I managed to lose 6.6, but with about 2.2 still to go, I just couldn't do it anymore. I'd stay in the sauna for 30 seconds and my body would already start cramping. I was getting cramps I'd never felt in my life, like cramps in my neck. That's when we decided to stop the weight cut. The previous times I'd made that kind of cut without any issues, so we thought losing 22 pounds during fight week would be manageable, but it wasn't. This time we started working on it much earlier."
Bonfim said "the situation was really bad" when he arrived at the UFC APEX for the official weigh-in and later collapsed before officially missing weight.
"I was standing on the scale, before the official weigh-in, and suddenly got a cramp in my neck," Bonfim said. "I collapsed on the floor and they called the doctor. The doctor checked me and said, 'You're going to be the first one to weigh in.'"
#bonfim #life
Bonfim hasn't entered the octagon since November of 2025, when he stepped on the scale at 161 pounds (five pounds over the non-title limit) for his lightweight bout with Chris Padilla. "Marreta" was stopped late in Round 2, and now tells MMA Fighting that making it into the cage was already a challenge on its own.
"I relied too much on dehydration," Bonfim said of his weigh-in struggle, not a first since joining the UFC. "I got to fight week still needing to lose 22 pounds. I was bringing it down little by little, and on the day of the weight cut I still had 8.8 pounds left. I managed to lose 6.6, but with about 2.2 still to go, I just couldn't do it anymore. I'd stay in the sauna for 30 seconds and my body would already start cramping. I was getting cramps I'd never felt in my life, like cramps in my neck. That's when we decided to stop the weight cut. The previous times I'd made that kind of cut without any issues, so we thought losing 22 pounds during fight week would be manageable, but it wasn't. This time we started working on it much earlier."
Bonfim said "the situation was really bad" when he arrived at the UFC APEX for the official weigh-in and later collapsed before officially missing weight.
"I was standing on the scale, before the official weigh-in, and suddenly got a cramp in my neck," Bonfim said. "I collapsed on the floor and they called the doctor. The doctor checked me and said, 'You're going to be the first one to weigh in.'"
#bonfim #life
8 days ago
Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks had an unwanted take on the FIFA World Cup hydration breaks.
For the first time in its history, the 2026 FIFA World Cup featured two hydration breaks, each in one half. It was framed as an addition to help players hydrate during the game.
However, soccer fans didn’t buy into it, as the hydration breaks were clearly a cover-up to earn more advertising revenue for broadcasters.
After a mixed reaction from fans, FIFA is currently undecided over the inclusion of hydration breaks in future tournaments.
FIFA may be undecided on hydration breaks’ future, but Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks certainly want them to return in the future.
#fifa #shanks
For the first time in its history, the 2026 FIFA World Cup featured two hydration breaks, each in one half. It was framed as an addition to help players hydrate during the game.
However, soccer fans didn’t buy into it, as the hydration breaks were clearly a cover-up to earn more advertising revenue for broadcasters.
After a mixed reaction from fans, FIFA is currently undecided over the inclusion of hydration breaks in future tournaments.
FIFA may be undecided on hydration breaks’ future, but Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks certainly want them to return in the future.
#fifa #shanks
8 days ago
Much has already been written about the lucrative nature of FIFA’s mandated hydration breaks during the 2026 World Cup. Broadcasters like Fox cashed in in a big way, and the mid-half stoppages will certainly be a key point of discussion when FIFA brings its broadcast rights for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments to market in the coming months.
Less, however, has been said about the potential competitive benefits to hydration breaks in soccer. For the first time this summer, coaches and players were able to collect themselves mid-half to go over strategy and alter tactics to better matchup with an opponent.
Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks is an advocate for keeping these breaks for those reasons. In an interview with Variety, he explained why.
“I think I [sic] has made the games more close,” he told the outlet, noting that the 2026 World Cup had fewer “blowouts,” which is particularly impressive considering it was the first time the field had been expanded to 48 teams. “It makes a difference for players to be able to collect their thoughts. …It has probably been a positive for the game,” Shanks said.
Plenty of sports have made changes that help make the product more entertaining, and if hydration breaks truly help competitive balance in soccer, it’s no surprise that television networks would advocate for their inclusion. But soccer is a sport steeped in history and tradition, and introducing a mandatory stoppage in each half that ultimately amounts to a strategic reset will be met with resistance by traditionalists.
#Soccer #fifa #World #competitive
Less, however, has been said about the potential competitive benefits to hydration breaks in soccer. For the first time this summer, coaches and players were able to collect themselves mid-half to go over strategy and alter tactics to better matchup with an opponent.
Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks is an advocate for keeping these breaks for those reasons. In an interview with Variety, he explained why.
“I think I [sic] has made the games more close,” he told the outlet, noting that the 2026 World Cup had fewer “blowouts,” which is particularly impressive considering it was the first time the field had been expanded to 48 teams. “It makes a difference for players to be able to collect their thoughts. …It has probably been a positive for the game,” Shanks said.
Plenty of sports have made changes that help make the product more entertaining, and if hydration breaks truly help competitive balance in soccer, it’s no surprise that television networks would advocate for their inclusion. But soccer is a sport steeped in history and tradition, and introducing a mandatory stoppage in each half that ultimately amounts to a strategic reset will be met with resistance by traditionalists.
#Soccer #fifa #World #competitive
9 days ago
African football boss Patrice Motsepe offered an emphatic defence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday, portraying him as a devoted steward of the game and friend of the continent.
Infantino has faced growing criticism over FIFA's decision to delay a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun at the recently concluded World Cup, as well as the introduction of hydration breaks and the prospect of expanding the men's tournament to 64 teams.
"I like his deep love for football, deep committment for football in the world and support for Africa," Motsepe told journalists in Johannesburg.
Motsepe said the Swiss administrator "had remained loyal" to Africa and played a key role in advancing football across the continent.
"Gianni has played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for African national teams on the global stage," he said, referring to the increase in Africa's allocation by four direct places and an additional playoff berth. The continent was represented by a record 10 teams at this year's tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
#motsepe #continent #gianni #africa
Infantino has faced growing criticism over FIFA's decision to delay a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun at the recently concluded World Cup, as well as the introduction of hydration breaks and the prospect of expanding the men's tournament to 64 teams.
"I like his deep love for football, deep committment for football in the world and support for Africa," Motsepe told journalists in Johannesburg.
Motsepe said the Swiss administrator "had remained loyal" to Africa and played a key role in advancing football across the continent.
"Gianni has played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for African national teams on the global stage," he said, referring to the increase in Africa's allocation by four direct places and an additional playoff berth. The continent was represented by a record 10 teams at this year's tournament co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
#motsepe #continent #gianni #africa
16 days ago
The 2026 World Cup has seen the "hydration break" become a point of contention, with in-stadium fans repeatedly booing (and the FIFA-fearful broadcasters not inclined to mention it) and Fox laughing all the way to the bank.
Fox is widely expected to make at least half of its total World Cup rights fee of $485 million through the pressing of the three-minute-per-half Bobby Boucher ****** on.
So what's the future of hydration breaks? John Ourand of Puck reports that senior FIFA officials are "torn" on the issue. They continue to hear complaints from interests beyond the U.S., and FIFA is "thin-skinned" on the issue. (Imagine that — a rich and powerful sports league being thin-skinned.)
On the other hand, money.
As Ben Strauss of ESPN recently explained, broadcast-rights deals for soccer aren't on the same trajectory as the ever-increasing NFL TV contracts. Instead, the rights fees are shrinking. One simple way to increase revenue for the games is to give the broadcast partners a way to generate more revenue during the broadcast.
Fox is widely expected to make at least half of its total World Cup rights fee of $485 million through the pressing of the three-minute-per-half Bobby Boucher ****** on.
So what's the future of hydration breaks? John Ourand of Puck reports that senior FIFA officials are "torn" on the issue. They continue to hear complaints from interests beyond the U.S., and FIFA is "thin-skinned" on the issue. (Imagine that — a rich and powerful sports league being thin-skinned.)
On the other hand, money.
As Ben Strauss of ESPN recently explained, broadcast-rights deals for soccer aren't on the same trajectory as the ever-increasing NFL TV contracts. Instead, the rights fees are shrinking. One simple way to increase revenue for the games is to give the broadcast partners a way to generate more revenue during the broadcast.
16 days ago
One England fan has spent the last month in the United States of America for the World Cup and has loved his experience.
The 2026 World Cup has not been without its critics, with the hydration breaks and the extended half-time show that is taking place at the final on Sunday among the decisions drawing criticism.
But the USA itself has received much praise throughout the tournament, including from England supporter Oliver Henry, who has now summed up his journey in a social media post, in which he thanked the American people.
Henry has documented his journey following England this summer and has gained a decent following on social media as a result.
His trip is now taking him to Atlanta to watch the Three Lions face off with Argentina in the semi-finals of the competition.
The 2026 World Cup has not been without its critics, with the hydration breaks and the extended half-time show that is taking place at the final on Sunday among the decisions drawing criticism.
But the USA itself has received much praise throughout the tournament, including from England supporter Oliver Henry, who has now summed up his journey in a social media post, in which he thanked the American people.
Henry has documented his journey following England this summer and has gained a decent following on social media as a result.
His trip is now taking him to Atlanta to watch the Three Lions face off with Argentina in the semi-finals of the competition.
17 days ago
HARTFORD, CT - MAY 18: Jade Carey competes in the floor exercise during the 2024 Core Hydration Classic on May 18, 2024, at the XL Center in Hartford, CT. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 2026 U.S. Classic gymnastics competition should be one for the books. While the event serves as the final qualifying opportunity for the nation’s top elite gymnasts, in 2026, it also serves as the first televised outing for a pair of highly anticipated gymnastics comebacks.
Held from July 17-18 in Hartford, Connecticut, the event begins Friday with podium training sessions for the senior and junior elite competitors, as well as the Hopes Championships for aspiring youth gymnasts.
Three-time Olympic medalist Jade Carey and former UCLA gymnastics star Katelyn Ohashi will continue their elite gymnastics comebacks this week in Hartford. World champions Leanne Wong and Skye Blakely also headline the event, leading a roster full of U.S. National Team contenders.
Olympic Champion Jade Carey returns to her first U.S. Classic since 2024, after taking a break from elite competition following her medal-winning performances at the Paris Olympic Games.
The 2026 U.S. Classic gymnastics competition should be one for the books. While the event serves as the final qualifying opportunity for the nation’s top elite gymnasts, in 2026, it also serves as the first televised outing for a pair of highly anticipated gymnastics comebacks.
Held from July 17-18 in Hartford, Connecticut, the event begins Friday with podium training sessions for the senior and junior elite competitors, as well as the Hopes Championships for aspiring youth gymnasts.
Three-time Olympic medalist Jade Carey and former UCLA gymnastics star Katelyn Ohashi will continue their elite gymnastics comebacks this week in Hartford. World champions Leanne Wong and Skye Blakely also headline the event, leading a roster full of U.S. National Team contenders.
Olympic Champion Jade Carey returns to her first U.S. Classic since 2024, after taking a break from elite competition following her medal-winning performances at the Paris Olympic Games.
17 days ago
Why Spain received penalty kick after bad Lucas Digne foul on Lamine Yamal in France semifinal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Spain and France kicked off the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday afternoon, and it was France that made the first big mistake.
Lamine Yamal successfully drew a penalty kick in France's box by challenging the defense on a 50-50 ball. Spain has been stingy on defense all tournament, allowing just one goal in six games, so every goal for the team means that much more.
While defenders often question foul calls, there didn't seem to be much debate that Lamine Yamal was fouled right before the hydration break. France hadn't trailed all tournament, but quickly faced a 1-0 deficit because of the defensive mistake.
Here's why Spain was awarded a penalty kick in the first half against France.
Spain and France kicked off the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday afternoon, and it was France that made the first big mistake.
Lamine Yamal successfully drew a penalty kick in France's box by challenging the defense on a 50-50 ball. Spain has been stingy on defense all tournament, allowing just one goal in six games, so every goal for the team means that much more.
While defenders often question foul calls, there didn't seem to be much debate that Lamine Yamal was fouled right before the hydration break. France hadn't trailed all tournament, but quickly faced a 1-0 deficit because of the defensive mistake.
Here's why Spain was awarded a penalty kick in the first half against France.
18 days ago
Many predicted after FIFA implemented mandatory hydration breaks for this summer's World Cup, it would be impossible to put that genie back in the bottle. It appears those fears were well-reasoned.
In a report filed Monday about the future of hydration breaks in the sport of soccer, ESPN's Ben Strauss writes that the mid-half stoppages "are likely to become a key topic in media rights negotiations going forward," citing interviews with more than a dozen soccer and media executives both in the United States and abroad.
During the World Cup, hydration breaks have offered first-of-its-kind advertising inventory for soccer broadcasters: commercial breaks during the run of play. Fox, the English-language World Cup broadcaster in the U.S., is conservatively pocketing a quarter-billion dollars from hydration break advertising alone.
Now, the question is how quickly other leagues and competitions, both at home and abroad, decide to cash in on this newfound revenue windfall.
Former English soccer chief executive Charlie Methven told Strauss, "It's not going to happen overnight." But there are several European leagues that could afford to boost their media rights valuations after television revenues have stagnated in recent years.
In a report filed Monday about the future of hydration breaks in the sport of soccer, ESPN's Ben Strauss writes that the mid-half stoppages "are likely to become a key topic in media rights negotiations going forward," citing interviews with more than a dozen soccer and media executives both in the United States and abroad.
During the World Cup, hydration breaks have offered first-of-its-kind advertising inventory for soccer broadcasters: commercial breaks during the run of play. Fox, the English-language World Cup broadcaster in the U.S., is conservatively pocketing a quarter-billion dollars from hydration break advertising alone.
Now, the question is how quickly other leagues and competitions, both at home and abroad, decide to cash in on this newfound revenue windfall.
Former English soccer chief executive Charlie Methven told Strauss, "It's not going to happen overnight." But there are several European leagues that could afford to boost their media rights valuations after television revenues have stagnated in recent years.
19 days ago
Jude Bellingham continued his monster World Cup for England as his second goal in Saturday's quarterfinal over Norway was the difference during a 2-1 win.
The teams could not decide a winner after 90 minutes. Extra time was needed and three minutes in Bellingham pounced on a rebound created off a Morgan Rogers' shot to put the Three Lions ahead.
Three of Bellingham’s goals have given England leads for good. His six goals in the tournament puts him with Gary Lineker (1986) and Harry Kane (2018, 2026) as the only England players to score at least five goals in a single men’s World Cup.
Following the first-half hydration break, the match was looking promising for Norway. Instead of continuing to sit back and allow England to devise ways to break down their back line, they pressed more, putting their opponents on the back foot.
The attacking mindset paid off in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup, who replaced Antonio Nusa in the starting lineup, sent a wonderful strike from the left side of the England box over Jordan Pickford for the opening goal.
The teams could not decide a winner after 90 minutes. Extra time was needed and three minutes in Bellingham pounced on a rebound created off a Morgan Rogers' shot to put the Three Lions ahead.
Three of Bellingham’s goals have given England leads for good. His six goals in the tournament puts him with Gary Lineker (1986) and Harry Kane (2018, 2026) as the only England players to score at least five goals in a single men’s World Cup.
Following the first-half hydration break, the match was looking promising for Norway. Instead of continuing to sit back and allow England to devise ways to break down their back line, they pressed more, putting their opponents on the back foot.
The attacking mindset paid off in the 36th minute when Andreas Schjelderup, who replaced Antonio Nusa in the starting lineup, sent a wonderful strike from the left side of the England box over Jordan Pickford for the opening goal.
20 days ago
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a hamstring injury during Belgium's World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Spain, raising fresh concerns for both club and country.
Courtois had been one of Belgium's standout performers at SoFi Stadium, producing several important saves to keep his side in the contest before his night came to a premature end in the 72nd minute. The Madrid shot-stopper left the pitch visibly emotional after attempting to play through the injury.
The problem first emerged just after the hour mark when Courtois went down following a routine play. After receiving treatment during a hydration break, he initially signaled that he was able to continue. However, only a few minutes later, the discomfort worsened, forcing Belgium to replace him with Senne Lammens.
Speaking after the match, Courtois explained how the injury developed.
"It was a bit of a pain, but oh well. On a long ball, I felt something, I thought my hamstring was tight because I'd played 30 long ******* . I felt it a little on some saves, and on another long ball, I felt it getting worse. I sat down for a moment so the doctor could check it out, and I wanted to keep playing, but I couldn't hit the ball, and the manager told me that if I wasn't 100%, he'd substitute me. I said I felt bad, that I couldn't play long ******* , but I wanted to continue to see how it went. If I didn't have to play long ******* , I could continue, but it's fine. If the manager wants someone who's 100%, it's no big deal."
Courtois had been one of Belgium's standout performers at SoFi Stadium, producing several important saves to keep his side in the contest before his night came to a premature end in the 72nd minute. The Madrid shot-stopper left the pitch visibly emotional after attempting to play through the injury.
The problem first emerged just after the hour mark when Courtois went down following a routine play. After receiving treatment during a hydration break, he initially signaled that he was able to continue. However, only a few minutes later, the discomfort worsened, forcing Belgium to replace him with Senne Lammens.
Speaking after the match, Courtois explained how the injury developed.
"It was a bit of a pain, but oh well. On a long ball, I felt something, I thought my hamstring was tight because I'd played 30 long ******* . I felt it a little on some saves, and on another long ball, I felt it getting worse. I sat down for a moment so the doctor could check it out, and I wanted to keep playing, but I couldn't hit the ball, and the manager told me that if I wasn't 100%, he'd substitute me. I said I felt bad, that I couldn't play long ******* , but I wanted to continue to see how it went. If I didn't have to play long ******* , I could continue, but it's fine. If the manager wants someone who's 100%, it's no big deal."
21 days ago
England winger Anthony Gordon says being sworn at by then Mexico boss Javier Aguirre in a viral moment of their World Cup match was "just a bit of fun" and a "compliment".
During a first-half hydration break, Aguirre first speaks to England midfielder Jude Bellingham before calling out to Gordon when they were both close to the touchline during England's dramatic 3-2 win in their last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium.
The 67-year-old then shouts an explicit remark to the forward before both of them laugh.
"I remembered it," said Gordon, who moved from Newcastle United to Barcelona this summer. "It's just a bit of fun.
"With all the heat and tension around the game, it was a bit of fun.
During a first-half hydration break, Aguirre first speaks to England midfielder Jude Bellingham before calling out to Gordon when they were both close to the touchline during England's dramatic 3-2 win in their last-16 tie at the Azteca Stadium.
The 67-year-old then shouts an explicit remark to the forward before both of them laugh.
"I remembered it," said Gordon, who moved from Newcastle United to Barcelona this summer. "It's just a bit of fun.
"With all the heat and tension around the game, it was a bit of fun.
22 days ago
The headlines in Boston surrounded Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé as he took his World Cup 2026 goal tally to eight goals as he scored France’s first goal in a 2-0 against Morocco just before the hour mark in a hard fought quarter-final with limited chances for either side.
The French captain had enjoyed the best chance for his side as he stepped up to take a spot-kick win by the number 10 in the first half. Mbappé went down early after a diving challenge from Manchester United’s Noussair Mazrsoui. A three-and-a-half minute VAR review followed, with Mbappé made to wait before stepping up.
His penalty was then saved by Yassine Bounou, previously of Atlético Madrid and Sevilla, diving down low to his left. It was Mbappé’s first penalty miss since October’s Clásico and his first for his country since June 2023.
He made amends 30 minutes later as he broke the deadlock with a curling effort from the edge of the box leaving Bounou with no chance as it hit the side netting and gave France the lead.
Mbappé turned provider minutes later as he teed up Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé to add a second for Les Bleus, again from outside the penalty box, before the second period’s hydration break.
The French captain had enjoyed the best chance for his side as he stepped up to take a spot-kick win by the number 10 in the first half. Mbappé went down early after a diving challenge from Manchester United’s Noussair Mazrsoui. A three-and-a-half minute VAR review followed, with Mbappé made to wait before stepping up.
His penalty was then saved by Yassine Bounou, previously of Atlético Madrid and Sevilla, diving down low to his left. It was Mbappé’s first penalty miss since October’s Clásico and his first for his country since June 2023.
He made amends 30 minutes later as he broke the deadlock with a curling effort from the edge of the box leaving Bounou with no chance as it hit the side netting and gave France the lead.
Mbappé turned provider minutes later as he teed up Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé to add a second for Les Bleus, again from outside the penalty box, before the second period’s hydration break.
24 days ago
Even in the context of a World Cup not exactly short on controversy, the so-called hydration breaks mandated by FIFA have caused an outsized uproar.
World soccer’s governing body announced in December last year that every match at the 2026 World Cup would include a hydration break at the mid-point of each half, effectively dividing games into quarters.
Fox, the English-language broadcasters of the tournament in the United States, have been one of the biggest beneficiaries of hydration breaks, which have allowed them to smuggle in more adverts.
One study suggests that Fox are likely to have extracted at least $250m in extra advertising revenue in the six minutes across both hydration breaks, potentially as high as $600m. For a TV deal that cost $485m, that is an extraordinary upside.
Fans, unsurprisingly, are almost universally opposed, seeing it as a cash grab by FIFA and broadcasters alike that disrupts the flow of a momentum-based sport. The breaks are roundly booed in-stadium.
World soccer’s governing body announced in December last year that every match at the 2026 World Cup would include a hydration break at the mid-point of each half, effectively dividing games into quarters.
Fox, the English-language broadcasters of the tournament in the United States, have been one of the biggest beneficiaries of hydration breaks, which have allowed them to smuggle in more adverts.
One study suggests that Fox are likely to have extracted at least $250m in extra advertising revenue in the six minutes across both hydration breaks, potentially as high as $600m. For a TV deal that cost $485m, that is an extraordinary upside.
Fans, unsurprisingly, are almost universally opposed, seeing it as a cash grab by FIFA and broadcasters alike that disrupts the flow of a momentum-based sport. The breaks are roundly booed in-stadium.
27 days ago
You can’t make this up.
A week after confirming a big money move to Bayern Munich, Morocco attacking midfielder Ismael Saibari has come down with an apparent hamstring injury in their World Cup Round of 16 tie vs Canada. Just before the first hydration break, the 25-year-old went down clutching his thigh after another one of Canada’s relentless attacks. Physios were called onto the pitch, who proceeded to treat the player for several minutes before he was finally subbed off.
This is, of course, devastating news for Morocco, for whom Saibari was one of their rising stars. As for Bayern Munich, an outcome like this is far from idea. A potential hamstring injury could take several months to heal, which would mean Saibari would miss the critical preseason period to get to know his new team and coach.
In financial terms, FIFA will cover the player’s salary for the duration of his injury. However the impact on Saibari’s start at Bayern Munich will be the one fans are most concerned about. Such a huge shame, as he was making waves in this tournament.
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A week after confirming a big money move to Bayern Munich, Morocco attacking midfielder Ismael Saibari has come down with an apparent hamstring injury in their World Cup Round of 16 tie vs Canada. Just before the first hydration break, the 25-year-old went down clutching his thigh after another one of Canada’s relentless attacks. Physios were called onto the pitch, who proceeded to treat the player for several minutes before he was finally subbed off.
This is, of course, devastating news for Morocco, for whom Saibari was one of their rising stars. As for Bayern Munich, an outcome like this is far from idea. A potential hamstring injury could take several months to heal, which would mean Saibari would miss the critical preseason period to get to know his new team and coach.
In financial terms, FIFA will cover the player’s salary for the duration of his injury. However the impact on Saibari’s start at Bayern Munich will be the one fans are most concerned about. Such a huge shame, as he was making waves in this tournament.
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27 days ago
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 02: General view inside the stadium as the pitch is watered during the Powerade Hydration break during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Spain and Austria at Los Angeles Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
On Saturday, the FIFA World Cup staged a round of 16 match in early July in Philadelphia, where temperatures approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit and heat indexes ticked even higher. Kickoff was set for 5 p.m. Eastern Time, the hour projected to have the highest heat index of the entire day.
Fifteen days later, they will host the final in East Rutherford, N.J. at 3 p.m. Eastern, two days shy of what is, on average, the New York City suburb’s highest average temperature of the year.
It’s understandable that FIFA wants to put it’s biggest games in primetime European TV windows. But doing so in outdoor stadiums, in a nation that has so many elite indoor venues capable of hosting matches, is downright reckless.
Of the 16 venues being used, only four are truly climate controlled. (The Los Angeles Stadium is covered but uses engineering and natural climate features to control temperature). There are at least a half dozen others that could’ve been included to allow matches in the hottest average markets remain night-time only affairs.
On Saturday, the FIFA World Cup staged a round of 16 match in early July in Philadelphia, where temperatures approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit and heat indexes ticked even higher. Kickoff was set for 5 p.m. Eastern Time, the hour projected to have the highest heat index of the entire day.
Fifteen days later, they will host the final in East Rutherford, N.J. at 3 p.m. Eastern, two days shy of what is, on average, the New York City suburb’s highest average temperature of the year.
It’s understandable that FIFA wants to put it’s biggest games in primetime European TV windows. But doing so in outdoor stadiums, in a nation that has so many elite indoor venues capable of hosting matches, is downright reckless.
Of the 16 venues being used, only four are truly climate controlled. (The Los Angeles Stadium is covered but uses engineering and natural climate features to control temperature). There are at least a half dozen others that could’ve been included to allow matches in the hottest average markets remain night-time only affairs.
29 days ago
Unilever is expanding its Liquid IV powdered hydration brand into five more European markets.
The UK-based consumer goods giant is launching the brand into Spain, Germany, France, Sweden and Iceland.
Liquid IV is already sold in the UK and Italy in Europe.
Outside of Europe, the brand will also be launched in South Korea this year.
In a statement, Unilever said the rollout marks the next phase of the brand's international expansion and takes Liquid IV to 15 markets globally.
The UK-based consumer goods giant is launching the brand into Spain, Germany, France, Sweden and Iceland.
Liquid IV is already sold in the UK and Italy in Europe.
Outside of Europe, the brand will also be launched in South Korea this year.
In a statement, Unilever said the rollout marks the next phase of the brand's international expansion and takes Liquid IV to 15 markets globally.
29 days ago
Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images
After a very poor performance, Belgium found themselves going into the second-half hydration break two goals down and with frustrations boiling over.
Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard ended up in an aggressive verbal confrontation with Youri Tielemans as they made their way towards the sideline, with teammates having to separate the pair.
Trossard was frustrated by Tielemans’ decision to play a poor cross into the box rather than a short pass to the ***** nal man on the edge of the area, and Tielemans didn’t take kindly to the feedback.
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
After a very poor performance, Belgium found themselves going into the second-half hydration break two goals down and with frustrations boiling over.
Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard ended up in an aggressive verbal confrontation with Youri Tielemans as they made their way towards the sideline, with teammates having to separate the pair.
Trossard was frustrated by Tielemans’ decision to play a poor cross into the box rather than a short pass to the ***** nal man on the edge of the area, and Tielemans didn’t take kindly to the feedback.
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images
29 days ago
England were dreadful for long stretches against DR Congo in Atlanta as Thomas Tuchel’s side fell behind after seven minutes and never looked comfortable.
DR Congo’s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, was outstanding, repeatedly denying Bellingham and Kane. England failed to register a shot or touch in the Congo area before the first hydration break. Ultimately, Harry Kane’s late brace and Anthony Gordon’s impact from the bench saved England.
Here is how the players rated in Atlanta
Jordan Pickford — 5 Should not have been beaten at his near post by Cipenga’s low shot. There was a lack of urgency in his footwork before the goal. Made routine stops afterwards but offered little reassurance.
Djed Spence — 5 A night to forget for the Spurs man. He was drawn away from Cipenga for the opening goal and repeatedly exposed by the DR Congo winger down his flank. Tuchel withdrew him in the 71st minute.
DR Congo’s goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, was outstanding, repeatedly denying Bellingham and Kane. England failed to register a shot or touch in the Congo area before the first hydration break. Ultimately, Harry Kane’s late brace and Anthony Gordon’s impact from the bench saved England.
Here is how the players rated in Atlanta
Jordan Pickford — 5 Should not have been beaten at his near post by Cipenga’s low shot. There was a lack of urgency in his footwork before the goal. Made routine stops afterwards but offered little reassurance.
Djed Spence — 5 A night to forget for the Spurs man. He was drawn away from Cipenga for the opening goal and repeatedly exposed by the DR Congo winger down his flank. Tuchel withdrew him in the 71st minute.
29 days ago
The United States is through to the round of 16 after taking down Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, in just the second-ever win in the World Cup knockout round for the men's team — but a controversial red card will leave the national team without one of its key players for the next match.
Folarin Balogun got the scoring going with a goal in the 45th minute, sending the U.S. into the half with a 1-0 lead. It looked like Balogun had given the U.S. the lead in the 31st minute, but he was called offside, and another opportunity in stoppage time at the end of the first half bounced off the crossbar.
But Balogun was sent off with a red card in the 64th minute after challenging Bosnia's Tarik Muharemović and coming down on his foot, causing his ankle to roll — leaving the U.S. to play one man down for the rest of the match.
"We had to dig deep for that one," star Christian Pulisic said. "It didn't go exactly to plan with the red card, but that just shows what a good team we are. We said in the hydration break, you know, this is what it takes to be a really strong team. And, we were able to do it."
Malik Tillman added a second goal for the U.S. in the 81st minute on a perfectly struck free kick from just outside the penalty area.
Folarin Balogun got the scoring going with a goal in the 45th minute, sending the U.S. into the half with a 1-0 lead. It looked like Balogun had given the U.S. the lead in the 31st minute, but he was called offside, and another opportunity in stoppage time at the end of the first half bounced off the crossbar.
But Balogun was sent off with a red card in the 64th minute after challenging Bosnia's Tarik Muharemović and coming down on his foot, causing his ankle to roll — leaving the U.S. to play one man down for the rest of the match.
"We had to dig deep for that one," star Christian Pulisic said. "It didn't go exactly to plan with the red card, but that just shows what a good team we are. We said in the hydration break, you know, this is what it takes to be a really strong team. And, we were able to do it."
Malik Tillman added a second goal for the U.S. in the 81st minute on a perfectly struck free kick from just outside the penalty area.
30 days ago
We're about midway through the current World Cup, but much of the media discussion has already shifted focus to 2030, when the next World Cup is scheduled to take place.
That's because FIFA have yet to open the bidding process for U.S. broadcast rights to the 2030 World Cup. That process, according to a recent Puck interview with Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks, is likely to begin in the next six to eight months as FIFA try to capitalize on the afterglow of a wildly successful home tournament.
The 2030 tournament, set to be held primarily in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, is expected to yield a much higher rights fee than the reported $485 million Fox is paying to air this edition, a favorable price awarded on the basis of a no-bid contract due to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being moved to November and December.
Given the ratings success of this year's tournament (and perhaps the commercial value of FIFA's new hydration breaks), the market for 2030 World Cup rights is expected to be robust. And now, we know at least one broadcaster has already had conversations with FIFA about obtaining English-language rights in the United States.
According to a report by Austin Karp in Sports Business Journal, NBC has "had conversations already" with FIFA about securing both English and Spanish-language broadcast rights to the 2030 World Cup. NBC-owned Telemundo is the current Spanish-language broadcaster for the event, and similarly has its contract expire following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.
That's because FIFA have yet to open the bidding process for U.S. broadcast rights to the 2030 World Cup. That process, according to a recent Puck interview with Fox Sports CEO Eric Shanks, is likely to begin in the next six to eight months as FIFA try to capitalize on the afterglow of a wildly successful home tournament.
The 2030 tournament, set to be held primarily in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, is expected to yield a much higher rights fee than the reported $485 million Fox is paying to air this edition, a favorable price awarded on the basis of a no-bid contract due to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar being moved to November and December.
Given the ratings success of this year's tournament (and perhaps the commercial value of FIFA's new hydration breaks), the market for 2030 World Cup rights is expected to be robust. And now, we know at least one broadcaster has already had conversations with FIFA about obtaining English-language rights in the United States.
According to a report by Austin Karp in Sports Business Journal, NBC has "had conversations already" with FIFA about securing both English and Spanish-language broadcast rights to the 2030 World Cup. NBC-owned Telemundo is the current Spanish-language broadcaster for the event, and similarly has its contract expire following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.
30 days ago
When the first hydration break took place in Wednesday's World Cup last-32 match between England and DR Congo, the customary boos could be heard from the fans.
While the majority of jeers were for something that has been viewed with negativity among supporters at this tournament, some of them will have been for England's performance too at that stage.
But did the much-maligned splitting of the match into effectively quarters actually become something that helped England?
Thomas Tuchel's side were a goal down in the seventh minute and playing poorly. The first hydration break offered the German coach a much-needed opportunity to speak to his players and regroup.
The second also sparked late pressure as Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to secure a 2-1 win for the Three Lions and a place in the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico.
While the majority of jeers were for something that has been viewed with negativity among supporters at this tournament, some of them will have been for England's performance too at that stage.
But did the much-maligned splitting of the match into effectively quarters actually become something that helped England?
Thomas Tuchel's side were a goal down in the seventh minute and playing poorly. The first hydration break offered the German coach a much-needed opportunity to speak to his players and regroup.
The second also sparked late pressure as Harry Kane scored twice in the final 15 minutes to secure a 2-1 win for the Three Lions and a place in the last 16, where they will face co-hosts Mexico.
30 days ago
Harry Kane hailed England's determination after securing a comeback win over DR Congo to progress to the World Cup round of 16.
Kane's late second-half double secured a 2-1 victory for the Three Lions, setting up a clash with Mexico at the Azteca in the next round.
"It feels amazing, to be honest," Kane said after rescuing his side. "A crazy game, first and foremost, playing against a tough team, an organised team, going behind, but after that first hydration break I thought we upped our level, we looked good and their goalkeeper made some unbelievable saves in the first half.
"We knew our moments would come. We spoke about people having hero moments. It can be anyone in the team, whether it's me, a save from Pickford, a block from the defenders, whoever it is. We have hero moments and for me, it was today.
"I think you have to stay patient in these games. The last couple of games were very similar and obviously when you get to knockout football, the pressure is higher, the risk is higher, but we spoke all week about being ourselves and from an attacking point of view, it was probably our best game of the tournament so far.
Kane's late second-half double secured a 2-1 victory for the Three Lions, setting up a clash with Mexico at the Azteca in the next round.
"It feels amazing, to be honest," Kane said after rescuing his side. "A crazy game, first and foremost, playing against a tough team, an organised team, going behind, but after that first hydration break I thought we upped our level, we looked good and their goalkeeper made some unbelievable saves in the first half.
"We knew our moments would come. We spoke about people having hero moments. It can be anyone in the team, whether it's me, a save from Pickford, a block from the defenders, whoever it is. We have hero moments and for me, it was today.
"I think you have to stay patient in these games. The last couple of games were very similar and obviously when you get to knockout football, the pressure is higher, the risk is higher, but we spoke all week about being ourselves and from an attacking point of view, it was probably our best game of the tournament so far.
1 month ago
Why there are no hydration breaks in Mexico-Colombia game at World Cup after weather delay originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Hydration breaks have gotten a lot of attention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The breaks, mandatory for each game in the middle of each half, have almost made it seem like these matches are played in quarters and not halves.
That won't be the case on Tuesday night when Mexico plays Ecuador.
FIFA announced there will be no hydration breaks at the Azteca.
Hydration breaks have gotten a lot of attention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The breaks, mandatory for each game in the middle of each half, have almost made it seem like these matches are played in quarters and not halves.
That won't be the case on Tuesday night when Mexico plays Ecuador.
FIFA announced there will be no hydration breaks at the Azteca.
1 month ago
FIFA had confirmed that they would scrap the hydration break during Mexico’s World Cup round of 32 tie against Ecuador, only to reverse their decision moments later.
Kick-off was delayed at the Azteca Stadium due to an electrical storm in the area that prevented the players from going onto the pitch to warm up.
In the end, they were forced to push back the time by an hour, affecting the controversial hydration breaks for the first time.
Hydration breaks have been the main talking point of the World Cup, mainly for the wrong reasons.
It looked like they were going to be removed from the game for the first time but, after Mexico went out onto the pitch to warm up, the decision was reversed and they were reinstated.
Kick-off was delayed at the Azteca Stadium due to an electrical storm in the area that prevented the players from going onto the pitch to warm up.
In the end, they were forced to push back the time by an hour, affecting the controversial hydration breaks for the first time.
Hydration breaks have been the main talking point of the World Cup, mainly for the wrong reasons.
It looked like they were going to be removed from the game for the first time but, after Mexico went out onto the pitch to warm up, the decision was reversed and they were reinstated.
1 month ago
So this was what Brazil hired Carlo Ancelotti to bring. The Italian won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid. Each brought a crucial injury-time goal in either the semi-final or the final; at times more than one.
And so, as Bruno Guimaraes pierced the ****** an defence and Gabriel Martinelli angled a 95th-minute shot into the far corner of the net, the manager with the lowest heart rate in football had seen it all before.
Ancelotti can be the king of cool, the man who does not panic. His capacity for calm thinking in pressurised situations nevertheless contributed to a comeback that extends Brazil’s hope of gaining a sixth star on their shirts. Two of his changes had a catalytic effect: first introducing Endrick for Lucas Paqueta at half-time, giving Brazil a greater attacking threat, and then summoning Martinelli to replace Matheus Cunha.
At half-time, when ****** an deservedly led in Houston, the danger was that this was remembered as Brazil’s worst World Cup. They have reached the last 16, or equivalent, in every tournament, the knockouts in all bar 1930 and 1966, the final eight on each occasion after 1990. Ancelotti can be the history-maker in cup competitions, but in the right way. He may be again.
His demeanour suggests he is so laidback that he is almost horizontal. Dressed in a three-piece suit, Ancelotti looked more like a dapper expert in antiques than a football coach. Yet part of his success lies in an ability to galvanise players decades his junior and with very different characters. Brazil emerged inspired after half-time. Their next quarter of an hour bore comparison with England’s 15-minute surge against Croatia. A managerial team talk led to a battering. And if Brazil then seemed to lose their momentum in the second half’s hydration break, they showed they have acquired the capacity for late drama that many another Ancelotti side has had.
And so, as Bruno Guimaraes pierced the ****** an defence and Gabriel Martinelli angled a 95th-minute shot into the far corner of the net, the manager with the lowest heart rate in football had seen it all before.
Ancelotti can be the king of cool, the man who does not panic. His capacity for calm thinking in pressurised situations nevertheless contributed to a comeback that extends Brazil’s hope of gaining a sixth star on their shirts. Two of his changes had a catalytic effect: first introducing Endrick for Lucas Paqueta at half-time, giving Brazil a greater attacking threat, and then summoning Martinelli to replace Matheus Cunha.
At half-time, when ****** an deservedly led in Houston, the danger was that this was remembered as Brazil’s worst World Cup. They have reached the last 16, or equivalent, in every tournament, the knockouts in all bar 1930 and 1966, the final eight on each occasion after 1990. Ancelotti can be the history-maker in cup competitions, but in the right way. He may be again.
His demeanour suggests he is so laidback that he is almost horizontal. Dressed in a three-piece suit, Ancelotti looked more like a dapper expert in antiques than a football coach. Yet part of his success lies in an ability to galvanise players decades his junior and with very different characters. Brazil emerged inspired after half-time. Their next quarter of an hour bore comparison with England’s 15-minute surge against Croatia. A managerial team talk led to a battering. And if Brazil then seemed to lose their momentum in the second half’s hydration break, they showed they have acquired the capacity for late drama that many another Ancelotti side has had.
1 month ago
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi had just been asked what would inspire his players to justify the feverish expectation hanging over them. Would they turn to the example of history, or would they draw on something else? “The biggest motivation the players have is to put on the jersey and represent the country,” he began. “That is motivation enough to move mountains.”
It would be some feat if they managed to alter the geology of Cerro de la Silla, the claw-shaped double peak that overwhelms the skyline around Estadio Monterrey, where Morocco and the Netherlands will play in the World Cup Round of 32.
But both teams are ready for a test of strength that could, at once, grace this World Cup and do it a disservice. One of these teams, jostling among those hopefuls just below the five or six favourites, will earn the kind of win that gives lift-off in a tournament. The other will go home unseasonably early and face inevitable recriminations.
Related: World Cup glory could all come down to penalties. What’s the best strategy?
The outcome looks impossible to call. Perhaps it will come down to who can handle the heat, projected to be at least 30 degrees C / 86 degrees F when the game begins at 7pm local time. This time the hydration breaks will prove worthy of the name.
It would be some feat if they managed to alter the geology of Cerro de la Silla, the claw-shaped double peak that overwhelms the skyline around Estadio Monterrey, where Morocco and the Netherlands will play in the World Cup Round of 32.
But both teams are ready for a test of strength that could, at once, grace this World Cup and do it a disservice. One of these teams, jostling among those hopefuls just below the five or six favourites, will earn the kind of win that gives lift-off in a tournament. The other will go home unseasonably early and face inevitable recriminations.
Related: World Cup glory could all come down to penalties. What’s the best strategy?
The outcome looks impossible to call. Perhaps it will come down to who can handle the heat, projected to be at least 30 degrees C / 86 degrees F when the game begins at 7pm local time. This time the hydration breaks will prove worthy of the name.
