Nicolas
Copa Paulista · Midfielder · #0 · Brazil · 24 yrs
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Argentina’s Otamendi officially confirms international retirement
Having already announced he would retire internationally after the World Cup, Argentina's Nicolas Otamendi has now confirmed his decision. The post Argentina’s Otamendi officially confirms international retirement appeared first on SoccerNews.
Only Lionel Messi and three legends stand above 2022 World Cup winner Nicolas Otamendi after emotional Argentina retirement
The veteran defender confirmed his decision after Argentina's heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, closing one of the most successful chapters in the history of the national team while leaving behind a legacy matched by only a select group of soccer icons. Nicolás Otamendi has officially brought the curtain down on his remarkable Argentina career, ending an international journey that spanned 17 years and included World Cup glory alongside Lionel Messi. The veteran defender confirmed his decision after Argentina’s heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, closing one of the most successful chapters in the history of the national team while leaving behind a legacy matched by only a select group of soccer icons. The River Plate defender, who recently returned to his homeland after an accomplished European career, chose to announce his farewell through an emotional social media message. His departure marks the end of an era for Argentina, with one of the squad’s most dependable leaders stepping away after helping guide the national team through its most successful modern period. Otamendi revealed that the World Cup final against Spain would be remembered as the final appearance of his international career. Although Argentina fell 1-0 after extra time, the 38-year-old insisted he leaves with pride rather than regret. On social media, the defender reflected on the emotions surrounding his final match with the national team. “Today I have to write the hardest words of my entire career. Since childhood, I dreamed of wearing the Argentina national team shirt. It was the greatest privilege that football gave me.” Otamendi admitted the ending was painful but said the squad could walk away knowing it fought until the very end. “As it happened, my last match was the World Cup final. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but I leave with my head held high, because this team fought until the very last second.” A place among Argentina’s greatest Otamendi’s farewell also confirmed another remarkable achievement in his career. He finishes with 139 appearances for Argentina, placing him fifth on the nation’s all-time appearance list behind only Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano, Ángel Di María, and Javier Zanetti. That milestone highlights the consistency he displayed since making his debut in May 2009, becoming one of the longest-serving players in Argentina’s modern history. Across those appearances, Otamendi scored eight goals and contributed three assists, while representing his country in four FIFA World Cups. He also featured in multiple Copa América tournaments and became one of Lionel Scaloni’s most trusted defenders during Argentina’s golden generation. A career filled with major trophies Otamendi leaves international football with an outstanding list of achievements. He helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, lifted the Copa América twice in 2021 and 2024, captured the 2022 Finalissima, and finished as runner-up at the 2026 World Cup. His performances during the victorious 2022 World Cup campaign established him as one of the team’s defensive leaders. Four years later, he once again helped Argentina reach the final, even though the dream of defending the title ended against Spain. The defender also produced memorable moments throughout his career, including the famous winning goal against Brazil at the Maracanã during World Cup qualifying, a result that handed Brazil its first-ever home defeat in the competition.
Otamendi content Argentina gave everything at his final World Cup
Nicolas Otamendi had confirmed prior to the World Cup that it would be his final tournament with Argentina, who lost to Spain in the final. The post Otamendi content Argentina gave everything at his final World Cup appeared first on SoccerNews.
Raskin helps Belgium stage comeback to book last-16 place
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin helped inspire Belgium to a dramatic fightback from 2-0 down to defeat Senegal and book a place in the last 16 of the World Cup. The Belgians were trailing to goals from Diarra and Sar when Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia threw on Raskin and Dodi Lukebakio for Kevin de Bruyne and Jeremy Doku after 55 minutes at Seattle Stadium.
Why isn’t Amad Diallo starting for Ivory Coast against Norway at the 2026 World Cup?
Amad Diallo has been hyped up as one of Ivory Coast's most thrilling attacking threats heading into the 2026 World Cup knockouts. Thus, his sudden absence from the starting XI against Norway instantly turned heads. Amad Diallo has been hyped up as one of Ivory Coast’s most thrilling attacking threats heading into the 2026 World Cup knockouts. Thus, his sudden absence from the starting XI against Norway instantly turned heads. Ivory Coast and Norway meet at AT&T Stadium with both nations chasing their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match. While Norway arrives with Erling Haaland leading a dangerous attack, Ivory Coast hopes its talented squad can continue a historic campaign after finally escaping the group stage. The match represents a major milestone for Ivory Coast. The national team reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time after finishing second in Group E behind Germany. The Elephants collected six points during the group stage with victories over Ecuador and Curacao, while their only defeat came against Germany in a narrow 2-1 loss. That achievement ended years of frustration after Ivory Coast previously exited in the group stage during all three of its earlier World Cup appearances. Players of Cote d’Ivoire pose for a team photograph Coach Emerse Fae has built a team based on defensive discipline, attacking transitions, and a wide range of offensive options. The national team has shown that goals can come from different players, making selection decisions difficult even during the biggest matches. The Amad Diallo decision surprises fans The biggest lineup discussion before kickoff focused on Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger was expected by many supporters to start after making a strong impact during Ivory Coast’s group-stage campaign. However, Diallo was named among the substitutes for the Round of 32 clash against Norway, with Fae choosing Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande, and Yohan-Ange Bonny as the attacking options in the starting XI. The decision was not linked to an injury or fitness issue. Instead, it came down to tactical choices and Ivory Coast’s attacking depth. 𝙉𝙤𝙨 11 𝙀́𝙡𝙚́𝙥𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙦𝙪𝙞 𝙙𝙚́𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙚̀𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙚 🐘🇨🇮𝙀𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙚̀𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙪𝙭 👊🏾🔥#ElephantsEnMarche #TousDerriereLesElephants #CDM2026 pic.twitter.com/nKtGSZ63Pv— Équipe Nationale de Football Cote d’Ivoire 🇨🇮🐘 (@equipenatciv) June 30, 2026 Diallo had already shown his importance earlier in the tournament. After beginning as a substitute against Ecuador, he came off the bench and scored a dramatic late winner, proving he could change games when introduced. Why Amad Diallo is starting from the bench Ivory Coast’s attacking competition is one of the main reasons behind Diallo’s absence from the starting lineup. The national team has several dangerous players capable of creating chances, allowing Fae to use different approaches depending on the opponent. Nicolas Pepe enters the Norway match in excellent form after scoring twice against Curacao. Yan Diomande had also become one of the biggest breakout stars of the tournament, using his speed and creativity to cause problems for opposing defenses. Amad Diallo of Cote d’Ivoire Because of that, Diallo has been viewed as a powerful impact option rather than an automatic starter. His ability to attack tired defenders, carry the ball forward, and create moments late in matches gives Ivory Coast another weapon from the bench. The tactical idea is clear: start with a balanced attacking structure and introduce Diallo when spaces appear. Against Norway’s physical defenders, his pace and dribbling could become even more dangerous in the second half.
Ivory Coast’s updated FIFA ranking before 2026 World Cup clash with Norway
After defeating Ecuador and Cape Verde, Ivory Coast secured their place as the group's runners-up in the knockout stage. Following their strong performances, they have climbed a few places in the FIFA Men's World Ranking ahead of their Round of 32 match against Norway. Despite arriving as underdogs, Ivory Coast managed to surprise everyone at the 2026 World Cup. After defeating Cape Verde and Ecuador, they qualified as the group’s runners-up for the knockout stage. Their counterattacks have been vital, creating major goalscoring opportunities. Thanks to their strong performances, they improved their position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, climbing a few places before facing Norway, their Round of 32 opponent. According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Ivory Coast are ranked 31st place with 1,565.47 points. After their latest victory over Cape Verde, they have escalated two positions in the ranking. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 75th position in March-May of 2004. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 12th in February of 2003. After several years without being able to regain their form, head coach Emerse Fae has managed to rebuild a very promising project with Ivory Coast. Despite this, they still remain behind their opponents in the FIFA Rankings. Ståle Solbakken’s team are ranked 23rd with 1,594.04 points, gaining several places compared to the start of the tournament. Nevertheless, Ivory Coast could spring an upset with a victory, shining on the counterattack. Ivory Coast have proven to be one of the most solid teams defensively. Conceding only two goals in the group stage, they will look to limit Norway in every attacking aspect. In addition, they are capable of making very quick transitions, breaking efficiently on the counterattack. Facing an opponent that seeks to dominate possession, they need to be clinical with the few chances they create to score. Franck Kessie #8 of Cote d’Ivoire celebrates scoring Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande set to shine vs Norway Despite their solid group stage, Ivory Coast once again enter the match against Norway as the underdogs. Without being an offensive powerhouse, they need to be very solid defensively, containing Erling Haaland’s attacking threat. With this in mind, Emerse Fae’s team keep Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande as their main attacking options, both of whom could make the difference in the Round of 32 clash. Ivory Coast base their attacking approach on counterattacks, so the transitions of Christopher Opéri and Guéla Doué at full-back are essential. If they can find Diallo and Diomande making runs into space, they can be decisive by dribbling and creating space to score. Although they are not the national team’s top scorers, they have created plenty of space for Nicolas Pépé and Franck Kessié, making them the team’s key attacking axis.
Hull bid for Rangers' Raskin expected to fall short
Hull City have definite interest in 25-year-old Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who is with Belgium at the World Cup. Bologna are also said to be an admirer of Raskin. The midfielder joined Rangers in January 2023 and has made 145 appearances for the Ibrox club, scoring 13 times.
Hull bid for £20m-rated Belgium midfielder Raskin expected to fall short
Hull City have definite interest in 25-year-old Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who is with Belgium at the World Cup. Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is someone the Tigers were targeting and sources have told me they were close to an agreement but that may not happen now, with some at the club more interested than others within the decision-making process. Braga's Lukas Hornicek is said to be Hull's number-one goalkeeping target – they would like to bring a couple in during this window – and the interest there is strong but it has all gone a bit quiet right now.