Monte Azul · Paulista - A2 · Goalkeeper · #0 · Brazil · 20 yrs
Dan Riccio and Blake Price review Day 3 of the 2026 World Cup on The 90th Minute, breaking down Brazil's draw and the biggest upsets. Day three of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a thrilling slate of action. The latest episode of The 90th Minute reviews all four matches, highlighting massive surprises, crucial group points, and a highly anticipated heavyweight debut. Listen to the full episode on Spotify to get the complete Day 3 match analysis. The show kicks off with Qatar’s historic achievement against Switzerland. Despite massive Swiss pressure, the Asian side fought back dramatically in the final minutes to steal a 1-1 draw, securing their first-ever World Cup point. The marquee matchup saw five-time champions Brazil make their tournament debut against a highly organized Moroccan team. Vinícius Júnior scored a stunning goal, but it wasn’t enough to secure three points as the match ended in a tightly contested 1-1 draw. The hosts then shift focus to Scotland, who ended a 36-year wait for a tournament victory by edging out Haiti 1-0. The episode wraps up with Australia pulling off the biggest upset of the day, outclassing Türkiye in a 2-0 win. You can stream the entire tactical recap right now. Check out The 90th Minute Day 3 Breakdown on Spotify to catch up on all the goals, tactical battles, and major storylines shaking up the group stage.
Vinicius Junior scored an equalizing goal in the 32nd minute, giving five-time champion Brazil a 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday in a pulsating, high-profile group match at the World Cup in East Rutherford, N.J.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup is just around the corner. This is the first iteration of a World Cup that will have 48 countries, meaning more work for FIFA to safeguard the laws of the game.It has been evid...
Real Madrid stand on the brink of yet another defining moment as José Mourinho edges closer to a dramatic return to the Santiago Bernabeu. According to reports, the Portuguese coach has already signed a contract to take charge once again, more than a decade after his first spell ended in tension and division. The circumstances […] The post Will Jose Mourinho Be Able to Solve Real Madrid Issues Again? appeared first on SoccerNews.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Gianni Infantino's FIFA has approved a new bundle of rules, such as the expansion of the VAR powers and the penalization of players for covering their mouths during confrontations. Gianni Infantino has been an outspoken advocate for rule changes in recent years, and a new bundle of regulations has now been approved ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With less than two weeks until the competition begins, FIFA has confirmed updates that include expanded VAR powers and a red card for players who cover their mouths during confrontations. As reported by BBC Sport, the Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina announced the changes following a meeting held in coordination with the International Football Association Board. Among the most significant expansions is the authority granted to VAR to check attacking fouls that occur before the ball is in play. A prime example of where this new power will come into effect is during dead-ball situations such as corners or free kicks, where an attacking player commits a foul against a defender to impede their ability to contest the ball, and a goal is scored as a result. “We think this is very unfair, that the goal is given when the defender is prevented from being able to defend. A clear, illegal block made by an attacker. The only objective was to prevent the defender from being able to defend on his opponent,” Collina stated. While that VAR expansion is still awaiting formal IFAB approval, the rule penalizing players for covering their mouths during confrontations has already been given the green light. The change was prompted by the high-profile controversy in which Vinicius Junior accused Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse during a Champions League match, an episode in which FIFA president Infantino also weighed in publicly. Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica and Arda Guler of Real Madrid. Less than four months after that incident, the rule is now in place. Players who cover their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt while in a confrontational exchange with an opponent will be shown a red card. “If the conversation is friendly, they can continue to do it without any problem. When the conversation is confrontational, covering the mouth means that you are doing something very wrong, potentially, and the sanction is the red card,” Collina said, drawing a clear distinction between casual and confrontational situations. New rules to address time-wasting and tactical timeouts One of the more familiar tactics used to slow the game down or run down the clock is for players to feign injury and force the medical staff onto the field. That loophole has already been formally addressed ahead of the World Cup, with any player who receives on-field treatment from the team physio required to remain off the pitch for at least 60 seconds before returning. One existing exception to that protocol involves the goalkeeper, who cannot simply leave the field of play. However, while a goalkeeper is being assessed on the ground, it has become common practice for outfield players to drift toward the touchline and receive tactical instructions from the coaching staff. To close that loophole, Collina made clear that neither team’s players will be permitted to approach the sideline while a goalkeeper is receiving medical attention on the pitch. “The goalkeeper has the right to be injured, but the players do not have the right to leave the field of play to have a sort of timeout with their respective coaches,” the Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee explained.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the focus of Brazil’s fans is on Neymar and his physical condition. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to put the focus on Raphinha, calling him “the best in the world” at attacking deep. Neymar Jr’s comeback has taken all the attention from Brazil’s fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Not only his physical condition, but also his appearance after several years of absence has taken center stage. Far from continuing to build the discussion around the veteran, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to shift the focus toward Raphinha, praising him as “the best player in the world” at attacking deep. “What I ask of him is to stay close to the defensive line because I believe that, when it comes to attacking space in behind, he is the best in the world… I think being close to the defensive line to attack from deep is more important, but I’m never going to tell Raphinha where he has to play when we have the ball,” Carlo Ancelotti said in the latest press conference. After becoming one of the best players at Barcelona, Raphinha arrives at the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament’s biggest stars. Although he is coming off numerous injuries, he has recorded 21 goals and eight assists. With this in mind, Carlo Ancelotti has decided to make the 29-year-old star one of the cornerstones of the national team, with him being a regular starter since the Italian manager’s arrival. Not only does Raphinha excel as a dribbling winger, but he is also a world-class creative hub. With his vast experience, Carlo Ancelotti has decided not to limit the 29-year-old star to being just a wide player, instead deploying him as an attacking midfielder. In addition, he has proven to be an outstanding goalscorer, meaning he will be one of the key players when attacking space in behind, especially against top opponents such as France and others. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha of Brazil talk Raphinha emerges as Neymar’s rival for a place in Brazil’s XI Raphinha comes from being one of the best wingers in the world, being an undisputed starter under Hansi Flick at Barcelona. However, he does not appear set to have a similar role with Brazil, as he has always played more toward the inside, being a regular in the double attacking-midfielder system. With this in mind, the 29-year-old star appears to be the direct competition for Neymar Jr. in his final World Cup edition. If he manages to recover in time to face Haiti or Scotland, Neymar could have a chance of playing as an attacking midfielder for Brazil. Without great pace and with his physical condition still in question, he would start at a significant disadvantage compared to Raphinha. However, Carlo Ancelotti could still choose to field both players together, as they are not entirely incompatible and could help boost the attack against highly defensive opponents.
Guti speculated about Xavi Alonso's exit from Real Madrid. All the expectations surrounding Xabi Alonso’s arrival last year lasted just a few months, as Real Madrid dismissed him in January. After rumors about dressing room problems with some players, club icon Guti suggested there was a major issue in a conversation with Iker Casillas on “Bajo los palos”. Guti said: “Something very serious happened for Alonso to leave like that. Xabi was not a five-month or one-year project. He was a long-term project. Knowing Florentino, he does not make this kind of decision unless something serious and major happened. I think something strange happened in the dressing room for this to end like this.” The former midfielder knows what he is talking about, as he came through Real Madrid’s youth system before reaching the first team, where he stayed for 15 years. His view also comes from an era when managers had more time to work before clubs dismissed them. Guti thinks this team lacks many things Without question, this Real Madrid team is not the best by any means, with two years without a title being clear proof of that. Failing to be competitive in Spain and across Europe is something that alarms former players who won everything. Guti and Casillas were teammates during the Galacticos era (Junko Kimura/Getty Images) For the talented left-footed creator, the issues are not limited to the defensive side of the team, which is not very solid. He also sees major problems in attack, even with the stars available, when asked what this team lacks. Guti said: “What doesn’t it lack? It’s a team that is missing many things. Defensively, it concedes too many goals. Offensively, almost all of its attacking production depends on Vinicius or Mbappé. Collectively, this team is lacking a lot.” Guti on forming a cohesive group The global nature of the sport means teams now have players from many nationalities, something the former player believes makes it harder to build a group. Guti said: “Having more local players made the group stronger. When there are players from all over the world, it is very difficult to build a group. Before, it was easier.”
FC Barcelona captain Raphinha is already eager to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he is expected to be one of Brazil’s leaders as they attempt to win the trophy once again. In a long int...
Amid growing tension inside the Santiago Bernabeu dressing room and public friction involving interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, new details have now emerged regarding the club’s long-term plans for the French superstar. As new rumors surfaced linking Jose Mourinho to a sensational return to Real Madrid, speculation about Kylian Mbappe‘s future exploded into the forefront of European soccer discourse. Amid growing tension inside the Santiago Bernabeu dressing room and public friction involving interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, new details have now emerged regarding the club’s long-term plans for the French superstar. The latest controversy erupted after Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo, when Mbappe openly questioned Arbeloa’s handling of him. The French forward revealed he had been left frustrated after starting on the bench despite believing he was fully fit. “I didn’t play because the coach told me I’m the fourth-choice forward in the squad behind Mastantuono, Vinicius, and Gonzalo,” Mbappe said after the match. “I accept it and play the time I’m given. I think I played well. I was ready to start.” Those comments immediately created headlines across Spain. Arbeloa responded publicly soon afterward and firmly denied ever telling Mbappe he was fourth in the pecking order. “I certainly didn’t say anything like that to Mbappe,” the Spaniard insisted. “Perhaps he didn’t understand me. I’m the coach, and I’m the one who decides who plays and who doesn’t.” During an era of instability for Madrid, the dispute revealed deeper divisions inside the team. Reports in Spain have described a fractured atmosphere around the squad following disappointing performances, dressing-room disputes, and growing pressure from supporters. Mourinho publicly backs Arbeloa The story became even more significant when Mourinho addressed the controversy during a press conference with Benfica. The Portuguese coach, heavily linked with the Madrid job, chose to publicly support Arbeloa rather than defend Mbappe. “It saddens me because Arbeloa is a friend,” Mourinho told Diario AS. “He is one of those who gave everything for me when he was a player of mine.” The former Madrid manager also reflected on the difficulties coaches face at elite clubs. “Being a player is always easier than being the manager,” he added while discussing the pressure surrounding his former player. Those comments immediately caught attention because Mourinho is widely expected to become Madrid’s next permanent coach once Benfica’s season ends. Fabrizio Romano recently suggested that negotiations are already advanced, with Florentino Perez viewing Mourinho as the figure capable of restoring order at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid decides on Mbappe’s future amid fans’ dissatisfaction Amid the growing speculation, Real Madrid has reportedly reached a clear internal decision regarding Mbappe’s future: the club does not intend to sell him and instead expects him to remain as a central figure under Mourinho. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid leaves the pitch According to TEAMtalk, Mourinho himself views the Frenchman as a crucial part of Los Blancos’ long-term project despite the recent controversy. The club reportedly believes the Portuguese coach can rebuild discipline inside the dressing room while helping the French star rediscover his best form. That stance arrives despite growing criticism from sections of the fanbase. Mbappe was loudly booed by supporters during the Oviedo match, and reports even claimed an online petition demanding his exit gathered enormous traction online. Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid speaks to Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of Benfica. Still, Madrid’s leadership appears determined to continue building around him. It is said that Florentino Perez sees the 27-year-old as one of the pillars of the club’s future, even while negotiations over Vinicius Junior’s contract renewal remain unresolved.
When He’s Needed Most There are few footballers in the past five years who have been more decisive in big games than Vinícius Júnior. Since 2021, Vinícius has had the most goal contributions in Champions League knockouts. He has also scored in two Champions League finals and has been a superstar coming up clutch over […]
