Grêmio Sãocarlense · Midfielder · #15 · 22 yrs
Images of Merlin, a two-year-old duck, parading on the streets of Mexico City celebrated by fans on social mediaJulián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored the goals, but a duck stole the show.As Mexico celebrated its World Cup-opening victory over South Africa on Thursday, Merlin, a two-year-old duck dressed in the national team’s colors, became an unlikely internet sensation and the tournament’s first unofficial mascot. Continue reading...
New Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has said "Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same", after signing a three-year deal at Selhurst Park. Glasner was in charge of Palace for 28 months and led the side to a historic FA Cup and Conference League victory, as well as winning the Community Shield. Sage has joined the Eagles after winning the French Cup with Lens and finishing second in Ligue 1, six points behind champions Paris St-Germain.
The stars could align for Scottie Scheffler at Shinnecock Hills this week, with the 29-year-old able to complete the final leg of his career Grand Slam and become only the seventh player in history to do so, should he claim victory at the US Open.
Germany have now won 10 straight matches, but Julian Nagelsmann said his team needed the confidence that comes with a 7-1 victory. The post Nagelsmann: Germany needed confidence-boosting hammering of Curacao appeared first on SoccerNews.
When they picture a messiah, few perhaps imagine a mild-mannered 51-year-old with a greying beard who used to play at left-back for York City. Certainly Chelsea and West Ham fans don’t. But the degree to which Graham Potter is loved in Sweden has to be seen to be believed. He was a down-on-his-luck manager seeking a new start; they were a country who didn’t win a single game in World Cup qualifying. And somehow they were perfect for each other. By the standards of what Potter has achieved over the past nine months, a comfortable win over a self-destructive Tunisia barely registers, but it is the continuation of a remarkable process of renewal.Sweden were awful in qualifying. They had a lot of injuries, it’s true, but two defeats to both Switzerland and Kosovo and two draws against Slovenia are not usually a route to the World Cup. Jon Dahl Tomasson was sacked as coach and Potter brought in. Sweden’s Nations League performances offered a repechage chance in the play-offs, and they took full advantage, beating Ukraine and Poland to secure their place at the finals. Potter described the latter victory, secured with an 89th-minute Viktor Gyökeres goal, as his best night in football. Sunday night was part of his reward. Continue reading...
Goalscorer Connor Metcalfe ‘pretty knackered’ after late-night flightSocceroos back in Oakland to continue preparations for US gameSocceroos goalscorer Connor Metcalfe admitted he hadn’t had the greatest sleep since Australia’s opening World Cup victory over Turkey.“It’s crazy to score, to get the win. I mean, you couldn’t ask for a better start, could you?” he said, speaking back at the team’s training base in Oakland barely 22 hours after the historic scenes in Vancouver. Continue reading...
Japan arrive consolidated as one of the best national teams in Asia. Under head coach Hajime Moriyasu, they promise to make a great impact at the 2026 World Cup. However, Kaoru Mitoma will be absent from the tournament, being a major loss for the national team. Japan have managed to remain one of the most competitive national teams in Asia. Not only do they have a roster full of stars, but they also possess an imposing collective game under head coach Hajime Moriyasu. However, they will feel the difficult absence of Kaoru Mitoma, as he will not be at the 2026 World Cup, losing one of their most game-changing players in the world. Kaoru Mitoma suffered a severe hamstring tear on May 9, 2026, while playing for Brighton & Hove Albion. With an estimated recovery time of eight weeks, he would return to the pitch at the end of July, which ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup. Without his presence, Japan lose a difference-maker in dribbling, something they may need considerably in the tournament to make the difference. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Mitoma had numerous physical problems that limited him to playing only 27 matches, in which he scored 3 goals and provided just 1 assist. Despite this, he remained an undisputed choice for head coach Hajime Moriyasu, making his absence a very significant one. Nonetheless, he is expected to make a comeback after the 2026 World Cup, with Brighton & Hove Albion. Taking Mitoma’s spot, head coach Hajime Moriyasu may bet on Junya Ito, shinning at KRC Genk, and Daizen Maeda, shinning with Celtic, may take on a bigger role within Japan’s roster. Nonetheless, they need to step up their performances, as they have not been able to take a protagonist role within the national team. Having just three games to prove, they have a huge task ahead. Kaoru Mitoma of Japan celebrates victory. Mitoma leads Japan injury crisis ahead of the 2026 World Cup Japan arrive as one of the favorites in Group F of the 2026 World Cup. While the Netherlands and Sweden are strong teams, Hajime Moriyasu’s team has proven to be highly competitive with its offensive style of play. However, Kaoru Mitoma’s absence is not the only one, as they have suffered two other very significant losses, making their injury crisis for the tournament clear. Takumi Minamino suffered an ACL injury while playing for AS Monaco, ruling him out of the anticipated tournament. Alongside him, Wataru Endo was ruled out shortly before the start of the tournament due to persistent foot problems. With these numerous absences, head coach Hajime Moriyasu will have to notably readjust his style of play, making it more difficult to shine in the tournament.
Full preview of Japan for the 2026 tournament, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Japan enters the 2026 tournament as Asia’s premier soccer nation, carrying significant momentum and soaring expectations. Currently ranked 18th globally, the Samurai Blue are no longer viewed as a plucky underdog looking for an upset. Following dominant performances in qualifying and recent statement victories over top-tier opponents like Brazil and England, this seasoned roster expects to dictate play against elite competition. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this iteration of the national team can finally break through to the quarterfinals. This comprehensive World Cup 2026 team preview explores the squad’s tactical evolution under their veteran coach, the depth of their European-based roster, and their outlook for the upcoming group stage. Team profile CoachHajime MoriyasuCaptainWataru EndoNicknameSamurai BlueFIFA ranking18thConfederationAFCGroupFBest tournament resultRound of 16 (2002, 2010, 2018, 2022)Tournament appearances7Last appearance2022 How Japan play Japan’s tactical identity has evolved significantly, shifting away from slow possession spells toward a highly organized, intense pressing system. The Japan formation typically lines up as a 4-2-3-1, though the coaching staff frequently transitions to a fluid 3-4-3 mid-game to neutralize elite opponents. This pragmatic approach relies heavily on fast transitions and disciplined low blocks when out of possession. The relentless work rates of forwards like Daizen Maeda allow the team to win the ball high up the pitch and launch immediate counter-attacks. In possession, they utilize technical superiority to break down organized defenses, leaning on inverted wingers to cut inside and create scoring opportunities. Defensively, the Samurai Blue are incredibly difficult to break down, evidenced by conceding just three times in 16 qualifying matches. While their technical ability helps them control games, a lack of aerial dominance remains a minor vulnerability against physical opponents. Ultimately, this intense, counter-attacking tactical approach makes them a formidable threat capable of making a deep run in the knockout rounds. Hajime Moriyasu: The coach behind Japan Hajime Moriyasu took charge in July 2018, establishing himself as the longest-serving Japan coach in the history of the national team. A former defensive midfielder who experienced the heartbreak of missing the 1994 tournament as a player, he has since built a remarkable resume on the touchline. Before leading the national side, he guided Sanfrecce Hiroshima to three domestic league titles. Known for his calm, stoic demeanor and meticulous note-taking during matches, Moriyasu is a decisive leader willing to make bold tactical adjustments under pressure. His leadership was instrumental during the 2022 cycle, earning him the distinction of being the first manager to guide the Samurai Blue through consecutive tournament cycles. His pragmatic philosophy and deep understanding of his roster will be crucial as he attempts to navigate the team into uncharted territory. Key player: Ritsu Dōan Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ritsu Dōan heads into the tournament as the creative focal point for the Samurai Blue. Now in his prime, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role following his breakout performances four years ago. Operating primarily as an inverted right-winger, his elite dribbling, low center of gravity, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. Ritsu Dōan of Japan (Getty Images). Dōan registered double-digit goal contributions during the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, proving his ability to handle pressure at the highest level. He excels at retaining possession in congested areas and provides the creative flair necessary to unlock organized European defenses. While his physical stature and aerial presence are limit
Anxious dead-of-night watch parties ended in celebration after 1-0 victory over Haiti in first finals match since 1998It was around 2.28am in the UK that John McGinn ended 28, arguably 36, years of hurt – and anyone daft enough to be asleep will surely have stirred as chants of “no Scotland, no party” echoed from Boston to Glasgow.The scenes after McGinn’s deflected goal and Scotland’s 1-0 defeat of Haiti were joyous. Sheer unbridled happiness. And relief. Continue reading...
Netherlands will play against Japan in Matchday 1 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s everything you need to know to watch this match live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch Netherlands vs Japan on US television and via legal streaming: WHO Netherlands vs Japan WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 3:00pm ET / 12:00pm PT • Sunday, June 14, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FOX, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview The Netherlands begin their 2026 tournament campaign with a challenging fixture against Japan, entering as the firm favorites in Group F. The Oranje are desperate to finally secure the coveted trophy after three runner-up finishes, and a statement win is essential to set the tone. However, their recent record against top-30 FIFA nations has been inconsistent, raising questions about their ability to handle high-pressure openers. Japan, meanwhile, arrives with a well-earned reputation as giant-killers, having famously defeated both Germany and Spain in the previous tournament. The Samurai Blue have not lost to a European opponent in 90 minutes since 2018, making them a formidable first test. For both sides, securing three points is paramount, as dropping points here would create immense pressure ahead of crucial games against Sweden and Tunisia. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The Netherlands navigated their qualifying group undefeated, showcasing a potent attack that scored 27 goals in eight matches. However, their pre-tournament friendlies revealed some vulnerabilities, including a loss to Algeria. Japan’s preparations, in contrast, have highlighted a stellar defense, with clean-sheet victories over European sides like Scotland and England, demonstrating their disciplined structure. This match projects as a classic clash of styles. Expect Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands to deploy a fluid 4-3-3, dominating possession and using midfielders like Frenkie de Jong to control the tempo. Japan will likely counter with a compact, pragmatic shape, absorbing pressure and looking to exploit spaces on the counter-attack through pacey wingers like Takefusa Kubo. The physical advantage of the Dutch, especially on set pieces with Virgil van Dijk, could be a deciding factor against a smaller Japanese side. The motivation for both squads is clear: a victory in the opening match dramatically increases the chances of advancing to the knockout stages. The Netherlands need to prove they can live up to their status as group favorites, while Japan will relish the opportunity to disrupt the established order once again. This tactical battle between Dutch possession and Japanese precision promises a compelling 90 minutes of soccer. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends Historically, these two nations have met only once in a competitive fixture, a group stage match at the 2010 tournament which the Netherlands won 1-0. A friendly in 2013 ended in a 2-2 draw, offering little insight into the current dynamics. The Netherlands boasts a perfect record against Asian teams at the global tournament, winning all six encounters with a combined score of 16-3. Japan, on the other hand, has a more varied record against European opposition but has proven its mettle in recent years. Their victories over Germany and Spain in 2022 underscore their ability to execute a game plan against elite, possession-based teams. They have consistently troubled top-tier nations and will not be intimidated by the Dutch. Data suggests this could be an open affair. The odds for ‘Both Teams To Score‘ are among the shortest for any opening-round match, indicating that bookmakers expect goals at both ends. Japan failed to keep a single clean sheet in the 2022 tournament, while the Netherlands have failed to score in just one of their last 20 competitive matches, making an attacking contest highly probable. Squad News & Projected Lineups Both managers approach this critical opener with nearly full-strengt
News, buildup and reaction from North AmericaPlayer guide | Bracketology | Wallchart | Mail us hereHow Group D stands after the opening games…Group D also continued today, with Australia earning a 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver. You can recap the action below. Continue reading...
