1 hr. ago
Now that the dust is starting to settle on Saturday's opening-day defeat to Ipswich down at Portman Road, let's take a look at what went wrong and why there's no need to panic.
We've not lost many games under Régis Le Bris, so the feeling after a defeat isn't something we're used to. This is the first time that we have lost our opening league game under Le Bris, and it's never nice to have the sinking feeling that comes with any defeat, but upon reflection on Saturday's game, there's currently nothing to suggest the need to panic.
We started the opening twenty minutes positively, looking to set our stall out early and take control of the game. We also had a great chance after the first five minutes through some quick interplay and an opening for Brian Brobbey, who really ought to have done better with this chance.
We had the better share of possession as we looked to settle into a rhythm. Unfortunately, we were unable to do so all afternoon and, on twenty-five minutes, a mistake from Luke O'Nien led to Julio Enciso nipping in and robbing us on the halfway line.
Some calamitous defending followed, and we were 1-0 down before we knew it. Brobbey also had a golden chance in the second half which he should've buried.
#bris #brobbey #settle #down
We've not lost many games under Régis Le Bris, so the feeling after a defeat isn't something we're used to. This is the first time that we have lost our opening league game under Le Bris, and it's never nice to have the sinking feeling that comes with any defeat, but upon reflection on Saturday's game, there's currently nothing to suggest the need to panic.
We started the opening twenty minutes positively, looking to set our stall out early and take control of the game. We also had a great chance after the first five minutes through some quick interplay and an opening for Brian Brobbey, who really ought to have done better with this chance.
We had the better share of possession as we looked to settle into a rhythm. Unfortunately, we were unable to do so all afternoon and, on twenty-five minutes, a mistake from Luke O'Nien led to Julio Enciso nipping in and robbing us on the halfway line.
Some calamitous defending followed, and we were 1-0 down before we knew it. Brobbey also had a golden chance in the second half which he should've buried.
#bris #brobbey #settle #down
2 days ago
Didn't have much to do other than to pick the ball out of the back of the net, wasn't particularly accurate with his long kicking today but typically calm with the short stuff.
Actually had a decent debut, kept Maeda quiet and showed good reading of the game to cut out potential breaks. Got forward constantly too.
An all action defensive display but I don't think he ever looked particularly comfortable, on or off the ball.
Generally played well, breaking the lines with passes and some runs when **** e opened up but, unfortunately, the elephant in the room is that he made two similar errors. Lapses of errors when on the ball that let in Enciso for the opening goal, then did it again in the second half and had to drag his man down.
Had his hands full with Fatuwu, who got the better of him a couple of times. Did well to win the ball high up and then pick out Brobbey though, which should have resulted in a goal.
#particularly #well #didn 't
Actually had a decent debut, kept Maeda quiet and showed good reading of the game to cut out potential breaks. Got forward constantly too.
An all action defensive display but I don't think he ever looked particularly comfortable, on or off the ball.
Generally played well, breaking the lines with passes and some runs when **** e opened up but, unfortunately, the elephant in the room is that he made two similar errors. Lapses of errors when on the ball that let in Enciso for the opening goal, then did it again in the second half and had to drag his man down.
Had his hands full with Fatuwu, who got the better of him a couple of times. Did well to win the ball high up and then pick out Brobbey though, which should have resulted in a goal.
#particularly #well #didn 't
8 days ago
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris says his side "imposed ourselves well" to come from a goal down and beat Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes 2-1 in their final pre-season friendly at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
The Black Cats trained 1-0 to a first-half penalty but dominated the second period, turned the game around through goals from Brian Brobbey and Trai Hume.
"It was a good second half performance - in line with our standards," Le Bris.
"Rennes are a good team, as expected. They're good with the ball and good under pressure.
"We made it a bit easy for them in the first half.
#good #half
The Black Cats trained 1-0 to a first-half penalty but dominated the second period, turned the game around through goals from Brian Brobbey and Trai Hume.
"It was a good second half performance - in line with our standards," Le Bris.
"Rennes are a good team, as expected. They're good with the ball and good under pressure.
"We made it a bit easy for them in the first half.
#good #half
21 days ago
Another good test to round up our US tour and finally one where we are on the right side of the result.
We controlled the game well and looked sharper both in and out of possession, with some nice passing moves creating chances and ******* e. Promising signs all over.
Brobbey was terrific — of course, up against lesser opposition, but you can't take that away from him.
A competitive match with the back four doing well.
Wrexham had a goal disallowed after we went ahead and it was an outstanding flick from Brobbey for Mukiele to score. He took his goal really well, no complaints there.
#mukiele #good
We controlled the game well and looked sharper both in and out of possession, with some nice passing moves creating chances and ******* e. Promising signs all over.
Brobbey was terrific — of course, up against lesser opposition, but you can't take that away from him.
A competitive match with the back four doing well.
Wrexham had a goal disallowed after we went ahead and it was an outstanding flick from Brobbey for Mukiele to score. He took his goal really well, no complaints there.
#mukiele #good
21 days ago
Interestingly, despite being our most targeted area to strengthen in the summer market, the right side of the pitch again yielded the most rewards as we built our attacks. Le Bris once again played Trai Hume in a pseudo-wing role on the right, as waves of attacks developed between Hume himself, Habib Diarra, Brian Brobbey and the ever-excellent Nordi Mukiele.
It was Nordi, of course, who claimed the only goal of the match, slamming a low shot past the (quite poor) Wrexham goalkeeper on 34 minutes. It finished off a wonderful move involving three of the four aforementioned players, as Hume neatly found Brobbey inside the box, who in turn played Mukiele through on goal with a sublime first touch.
It was a good demonstration of how we like to build attacks through fluid positioning and overlaps, even without the out-and-out right winger we so desperately want to recruit. It was also a timely reminder of Nordi's exceptional quality at right-back, perhaps further cementing that as his primary position for the upcoming season.
Contributing to that excellent play on the right were the individual performances of Habib Diarra and Brian Brobbey. I thought both gave fantastic accounts of themselves and demonstrated just how influential they can be, albeit in very different ways.
Brobbey's hold-up play and tenacity to bully defenders were on full display as he essentially tortured Dominic Hyam for the duration of his appearance, earning the defender a yellow card and somehow having a blatant foul – and potential penalty – waved away. The **** ist for Nordi was a lovely bonus to cap off an excellent performance.
#hume #mukiele
It was Nordi, of course, who claimed the only goal of the match, slamming a low shot past the (quite poor) Wrexham goalkeeper on 34 minutes. It finished off a wonderful move involving three of the four aforementioned players, as Hume neatly found Brobbey inside the box, who in turn played Mukiele through on goal with a sublime first touch.
It was a good demonstration of how we like to build attacks through fluid positioning and overlaps, even without the out-and-out right winger we so desperately want to recruit. It was also a timely reminder of Nordi's exceptional quality at right-back, perhaps further cementing that as his primary position for the upcoming season.
Contributing to that excellent play on the right were the individual performances of Habib Diarra and Brian Brobbey. I thought both gave fantastic accounts of themselves and demonstrated just how influential they can be, albeit in very different ways.
Brobbey's hold-up play and tenacity to bully defenders were on full display as he essentially tortured Dominic Hyam for the duration of his appearance, earning the defender a yellow card and somehow having a blatant foul – and potential penalty – waved away. The **** ist for Nordi was a lovely bonus to cap off an excellent performance.
#hume #mukiele
2 months ago
Welcome to our latest Q&A pod, and despite it being the close season there’s always tonnes to talk about.
On today’s show, Martin, Andrew and Ant delve into our virtual mailbag, and attempt to answer your questions. Remember if you have a question for our next Q&A episode, email HawayThePodcastSAFCgmail.com.
This episode was recorded before the news about Xhaka staying broke, so we’ve cut out all of the Xhaka related questions – thanks to everyone who sent them in, and that explains why there’s not much Xhaka talk, bar a tenuous connection between him and Mike Baldwin!
On today’s show…
Can we keep Brobbey?
On today’s show, Martin, Andrew and Ant delve into our virtual mailbag, and attempt to answer your questions. Remember if you have a question for our next Q&A episode, email HawayThePodcastSAFCgmail.com.
This episode was recorded before the news about Xhaka staying broke, so we’ve cut out all of the Xhaka related questions – thanks to everyone who sent them in, and that explains why there’s not much Xhaka talk, bar a tenuous connection between him and Mike Baldwin!
On today’s show…
Can we keep Brobbey?
2 months ago
Tottenham target West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, Juventus consider Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, Everton look at Pape Gueye and Mandela Keita to replace Idrissa Gueye.
Tottenham will try to sign West Ham's Netherlands attacker Crysencio Summerville, 24, having already picked up Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, from the relegated Hammers. (GiveMeSport)
Sunderland and Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, 24, is being considered by Juventus as an alternative to their first-choice target, 27-year-old Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani from Paris St-Germain. (TuttoMercatoWeb - in Italian)
Everton will look to add Villarreal and Senegal international Pape Gueye, 27, or Parma's Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita, 24, if their Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye, 36, doesn't sign a contract extension. (Teamtalk)
Aston Villa are interested in Celta Vigo and Guinea midfielder Ilaix Moriba, 23, and are preparing a £15m bid. (Football Insider)
Tottenham will try to sign West Ham's Netherlands attacker Crysencio Summerville, 24, having already picked up Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, from the relegated Hammers. (GiveMeSport)
Sunderland and Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, 24, is being considered by Juventus as an alternative to their first-choice target, 27-year-old Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani from Paris St-Germain. (TuttoMercatoWeb - in Italian)
Everton will look to add Villarreal and Senegal international Pape Gueye, 27, or Parma's Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita, 24, if their Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye, 36, doesn't sign a contract extension. (Teamtalk)
Aston Villa are interested in Celta Vigo and Guinea midfielder Ilaix Moriba, 23, and are preparing a £15m bid. (Football Insider)
2 months ago
The Netherlands and Morocco go head to head in Guadalajara to determine who faces Canada in the round of 16, both having impressed on their route to the World Cup’s inaugural round of 32.
Topping their group that contained both a rejuvenated Sweden and one of the tournaments dark horses in ******* an, the Netherlands look the strongest they’ve been at a World Cup for sometime.
The emergence of a real goalscoring output in Brian Brobbey has only helped the Koeman’s cause as they already have a really strong spine containing so much Premier League quality.
After a tense and hard-fought 2-2 draw with ******* an in their first game, the Dutch responded by thrashing Sweden 5-1 in their next game with braces for Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo as Crycensio Summerville also scored off the bench.
They then topped the group with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia which has avoided a face-off with Brazil as was the case for their group runners-up ******* an.
Topping their group that contained both a rejuvenated Sweden and one of the tournaments dark horses in ******* an, the Netherlands look the strongest they’ve been at a World Cup for sometime.
The emergence of a real goalscoring output in Brian Brobbey has only helped the Koeman’s cause as they already have a really strong spine containing so much Premier League quality.
After a tense and hard-fought 2-2 draw with ******* an in their first game, the Dutch responded by thrashing Sweden 5-1 in their next game with braces for Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo as Crycensio Summerville also scored off the bench.
They then topped the group with a 3-1 victory over Tunisia which has avoided a face-off with Brazil as was the case for their group runners-up ******* an.
2 months ago
The World Cup is set to enter new territory. Since 1986, the knockout round has featured 16 teams. But with the expansion of the tournament to 48 countries this year, there are 32 teams still alive after an eventful group stage that eliminated one-third of the field.
The 16 matches in the round of 32 that will pare the remaining teams in half take place starting Sunday, June 28 and run through Friday, July 3. Because there are 12 groups in this year's tournament, there is an imbalance in how the setup will work. Eight first-place teams face the eight third-place teams that advanced. The remaining four group winners play second-place teams, and the other eight matches feature second-place teams against each other.
It creates some intriguing matches right off the bat and some games that look like mismatches. But in a one-and-done format, anything can happen, especially when one goal can be enough to advance.
So which are the best and worst matchups? We ranked all 16 from top to bottom.
It's a shame that this match comes so early in the knockouts as it is worthy of being a quarter or semifinal. The bonus for the winner is the next game against either Canada or South Africa in the round of 16 will be an easier engagement. Both teams want to play on the front foot and look to attack when possible. The Dutch have scored 10 goals in the group stage, and the insertion of Brian Brobbey at striker has made the attack more ruthless. Morocco reached the semifinals four years ago in Qatar and many of those pieces remain with ***** istance from the play of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
The 16 matches in the round of 32 that will pare the remaining teams in half take place starting Sunday, June 28 and run through Friday, July 3. Because there are 12 groups in this year's tournament, there is an imbalance in how the setup will work. Eight first-place teams face the eight third-place teams that advanced. The remaining four group winners play second-place teams, and the other eight matches feature second-place teams against each other.
It creates some intriguing matches right off the bat and some games that look like mismatches. But in a one-and-done format, anything can happen, especially when one goal can be enough to advance.
So which are the best and worst matchups? We ranked all 16 from top to bottom.
It's a shame that this match comes so early in the knockouts as it is worthy of being a quarter or semifinal. The bonus for the winner is the next game against either Canada or South Africa in the round of 16 will be an easier engagement. Both teams want to play on the front foot and look to attack when possible. The Dutch have scored 10 goals in the group stage, and the insertion of Brian Brobbey at striker has made the attack more ruthless. Morocco reached the semifinals four years ago in Qatar and many of those pieces remain with ***** istance from the play of 18-year-old midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.
2 months ago
The Netherlands have defeated Tunisia 3-1 on Thursday to advance to the World Cup knock-out stage as Group F winners, while **** an and Sweden are also through after a 1-1 draw.
The Netherlands will now face Morocco in the round of 32, while **** an will take on Brazil.
Sweden advanced as one of the best eight third-placed teams but must wait until the end of the group stage to find out their next opponent.
The Dutch team were gifted an early lead after Ellys Skhiri turned the ball into his own goal in the third minute when trying to clear a low cross from Denzel Dumpfries.
Just four minutes later, they added a second. Captain Virgil van Dijk won a header inside the box from a free-kick and Brian Brobbey smashed the ball into the net.
The Netherlands will now face Morocco in the round of 32, while **** an will take on Brazil.
Sweden advanced as one of the best eight third-placed teams but must wait until the end of the group stage to find out their next opponent.
The Dutch team were gifted an early lead after Ellys Skhiri turned the ball into his own goal in the third minute when trying to clear a low cross from Denzel Dumpfries.
Just four minutes later, they added a second. Captain Virgil van Dijk won a header inside the box from a free-kick and Brian Brobbey smashed the ball into the net.
2 months ago
It was heartbreak in stoppage time as Côte d'Ivoire were defeated 2-1 by Germany at Toronto's BMO Field. The Inter striker was part of coach Emerse Faé's starting XI before being replaced by Evann Guessand.
Deniz Undav's brace decided a tightly contested match, which saw both sides creating plenty of chances. The Ivorians took the lead in the 30th minute thanks to Franck Kessié's close-range finish, but the game changed once the striker from Stuttgart came on at the hour mark. Undav equalised in the 68th minute with a volley from a spectacular cross from Nadiem Amiri, before securing victory for Germany in the 94th minute. Set up by Felix Nmecha, Undav controlled the ball inside the box, turned, and beat Yahia Fofana.
Germany now have six points and sit at the top of Group E, while Côte d'Ivoire are in second on three points ahead of Ecuador.
The Netherlands recorded a huge victory, dominating Sweden and running riot in a 5-1 with thanks to braces from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, with Crysencio Summerville sealing the game with a goal. Denzel Dumfries was the standout performer, providing two ***** ists. Both came from low crosses after breaking forward on the right flank, with his teammates adding the final touch. His first ***** ist came in the 17th minute as he set up Brobbey for the Netherland's second goal when the striker got in front at the near post. Dumfries' second ***** ist was for Gakpo to make it 3-0 just two minutes after the break.
The result pushes Netherlands onto four points and the top of Group F. Sweden remain on three points with ***** an ahead of them. The Oranje will look to secure first place when they face Tunisia in the early hours of Friday 26 June at 1:00 CEST.
Deniz Undav's brace decided a tightly contested match, which saw both sides creating plenty of chances. The Ivorians took the lead in the 30th minute thanks to Franck Kessié's close-range finish, but the game changed once the striker from Stuttgart came on at the hour mark. Undav equalised in the 68th minute with a volley from a spectacular cross from Nadiem Amiri, before securing victory for Germany in the 94th minute. Set up by Felix Nmecha, Undav controlled the ball inside the box, turned, and beat Yahia Fofana.
Germany now have six points and sit at the top of Group E, while Côte d'Ivoire are in second on three points ahead of Ecuador.
The Netherlands recorded a huge victory, dominating Sweden and running riot in a 5-1 with thanks to braces from Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo, with Crysencio Summerville sealing the game with a goal. Denzel Dumfries was the standout performer, providing two ***** ists. Both came from low crosses after breaking forward on the right flank, with his teammates adding the final touch. His first ***** ist came in the 17th minute as he set up Brobbey for the Netherland's second goal when the striker got in front at the near post. Dumfries' second ***** ist was for Gakpo to make it 3-0 just two minutes after the break.
The result pushes Netherlands onto four points and the top of Group F. Sweden remain on three points with ***** an ahead of them. The Oranje will look to secure first place when they face Tunisia in the early hours of Friday 26 June at 1:00 CEST.
2 months ago
International tournaments often shine a spotlight on goalscorers, and Netherlands’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden at the World Cup was no different. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo grabbed the headlines with two goals apiece, helping the Dutch bounce back from an opening 2-2 draw against **** an and move closer to qualification from Group F.
Yet while the forwards took centre stage, one Liverpool player quietly delivered the kind of performance that coaches and teammates value enormously. Ryan Gravenberch may not have found the scoresheet, but his influence across midfield did not go unnoticed, particularly by Alan Shearer.
Speaking during BBC Sport’s coverage of the match, Shearer singled out the Liverpool midfielder for special praise.
“He has been everywhere. He’s epitomised everything good about the Dutch in midfield.”
Photo: IMAGO
Yet while the forwards took centre stage, one Liverpool player quietly delivered the kind of performance that coaches and teammates value enormously. Ryan Gravenberch may not have found the scoresheet, but his influence across midfield did not go unnoticed, particularly by Alan Shearer.
Speaking during BBC Sport’s coverage of the match, Shearer singled out the Liverpool midfielder for special praise.
“He has been everywhere. He’s epitomised everything good about the Dutch in midfield.”
Photo: IMAGO
2 months ago
Netherlands 5-1 Sweden: Gakpo and Brobbey at the double as Dutch sink Swedes – FIFA
The Oranje put on a five-star show in this all-European encounter to leapfrog their opponents into top spot.
Official statement regarding Raphinha’s injury – Mundo Deportivo
CBF has explained the injury suffered by the Brazilian player and the treatment to be followed.
De Jong played through discomfort, but delivered a reassuring message: “I’m confident I’ll be fine” – Mundo Deportivo
The FC Barcelona midfielder played 60 minutes for the Dutch against Sweden despite the pain and said after the match that it is “tolerable” and that he is confident in his recovery, amid concerns about injuries in the tournament.
The Barça-Christensen agreement is for two years – Mundo Deportivo
The Catalan club and the Danish centre-back will remain together until June 2028, although both parties retain the option to cancel the second year at the end of the first.
Ansu and Monaco have given the OK to the contract, and only one detail remains – Mundo Deportivo
The winger will sign a four-year contract with the Monaco club after resolving a tax matter that they say is unimportant.
The Oranje put on a five-star show in this all-European encounter to leapfrog their opponents into top spot.
Official statement regarding Raphinha’s injury – Mundo Deportivo
CBF has explained the injury suffered by the Brazilian player and the treatment to be followed.
De Jong played through discomfort, but delivered a reassuring message: “I’m confident I’ll be fine” – Mundo Deportivo
The FC Barcelona midfielder played 60 minutes for the Dutch against Sweden despite the pain and said after the match that it is “tolerable” and that he is confident in his recovery, amid concerns about injuries in the tournament.
The Barça-Christensen agreement is for two years – Mundo Deportivo
The Catalan club and the Danish centre-back will remain together until June 2028, although both parties retain the option to cancel the second year at the end of the first.
Ansu and Monaco have given the OK to the contract, and only one detail remains – Mundo Deportivo
The winger will sign a four-year contract with the Monaco club after resolving a tax matter that they say is unimportant.
2 months ago
Viktor Gyokeres and Sweden suffered their first defeat of the 2026 World Cup as the Netherlands produced a ruthless display to secure a 5-1 victory and move to the top of Group F.
After opening their campaign with an impressive 5-1 win over Tunisia, Sweden travelled to Houston knowing another positive result would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages. Instead, they were overwhelmed by a Dutch side inspired by Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo.
Sweden found themselves behind inside five minutes when Brian Brobbey powered home Cody Gakpo’s inviting cross to give the Netherlands the perfect start.
The Dutch striker doubled both his tally and his side’s advantage just 12 minutes later, sliding in to convert a dangerous Denzel Dumfries delivery.
Graham Potter’s side responded positively and thought they had pulled a goal back before half-time, only for Gustaf Lagerbielke’s effort to be ruled out for offside.
After opening their campaign with an impressive 5-1 win over Tunisia, Sweden travelled to Houston knowing another positive result would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages. Instead, they were overwhelmed by a Dutch side inspired by Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo.
Sweden found themselves behind inside five minutes when Brian Brobbey powered home Cody Gakpo’s inviting cross to give the Netherlands the perfect start.
The Dutch striker doubled both his tally and his side’s advantage just 12 minutes later, sliding in to convert a dangerous Denzel Dumfries delivery.
Graham Potter’s side responded positively and thought they had pulled a goal back before half-time, only for Gustaf Lagerbielke’s effort to be ruled out for offside.
2 months ago
Day 10 of World Cup 2026 brought more goals and excitement as the Netherlands and ***** an both secured big wins. Elsewhere, World Cup debutants Curacao made history against Ecuador and Tunisia’s defeat ensures Herve Renard’s side will be making an early exit from the competition.
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side destroyed Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday afternoon. Brian Brobbey came into the team and struck the opener by poking home Cody Gakpo’s cross from the left after just five minutes.
An almost identical goal swiftly followed for the Netherlands. This time the move came down the right with Denzel Dumfries sliding in a cross for Brobbey to make it 2-0.
The Dutch extended their lead early in the second half. Dumfries was again the creator, fizzing a low ball across goal for an unmarked Gakpo to knock home at the far post.
The Liverpool star then grabbed a brace of his own, finishing off a rapid counter-attack by cutting inside his defender and lashing home a low shot.
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side destroyed Sweden 5-1 in Houston on Saturday afternoon. Brian Brobbey came into the team and struck the opener by poking home Cody Gakpo’s cross from the left after just five minutes.
An almost identical goal swiftly followed for the Netherlands. This time the move came down the right with Denzel Dumfries sliding in a cross for Brobbey to make it 2-0.
The Dutch extended their lead early in the second half. Dumfries was again the creator, fizzing a low ball across goal for an unmarked Gakpo to knock home at the far post.
The Liverpool star then grabbed a brace of his own, finishing off a rapid counter-attack by cutting inside his defender and lashing home a low shot.
2 months ago
Gakpo and Brobbey score doubles as the Netherlands lead Sweden
Sunderland's Brobbey scored first-half double for Dutch
His goals inside 16:12 are the earliest-ever World Cup double by Dutch player
Netherlands drew 2-2 with ******* an last time out
Sweden won opener and will qualify for last 32 with victory
Sunderland's Brobbey scored first-half double for Dutch
His goals inside 16:12 are the earliest-ever World Cup double by Dutch player
Netherlands drew 2-2 with ******* an last time out
Sweden won opener and will qualify for last 32 with victory
