Saibari shines for Morocco
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Despite a long majority after a red premiere, Turkey lost against Paraguay and was eliminated after the preliminary round of the World Cup. Arda Güler’s team from Real Madrid lost 0-1 (0-1) to the South Americans. After two defeats, coach Vincenzo Montella’s team is already bottom of the table in Group D before the last preliminary round game against co-hosts USA, who are now group winners. Their first participation in the World Cup since 2002 is a huge disappointment.
At the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, Matías Galarza (2nd minute) scored the decisive goal for Paraguay, who only played with ten men for a long time. Referee Ivan Barton sent Miguel Almirón off the pitch in stoppage time in the first half because he had put his hand over his mouth in a dispute with opponent Mert Müldür. This meant that the referee from El Salvador applied a new rule at this World Cup for the first time. Paraguay now has three points and can reach the knockout stages in the game against Australia on their own.
Brazil is dancing again – and worried about Raphinha
Matheus Cunha cheered in surfer style, and the many fans in the stands danced in their yellow jerseys. The Brazilians were relieved after their first victory at this World Cup. But there was also bad news for the five-time world champion in the 3-0 (3-0) win against Haiti: offensive ace Raphinha may have been injured. And: The Seleção didn’t present itself like a title candidate this time either. All goals here in the video!
After all: the Brazilians are on course for the knockout rounds. And veteran star Neymar will probably also be available for the final group game against Scotland, as coach Carlo Ancelotti announced. Two strikers in a scoring mood, one injured, another on the verge of a comeback – there was a lot going on for the South Americans around their second appearance at this XXL tournament. For the Caribbean outsider Haiti, the World Cup adventure is over after the preliminary round.
“I can’t say anything about it at the moment,” said Ancelotti about Raphinha’s complaints. The 29-year-old from FC Barcelona felt “pain in the right hamstring muscles,” the Brazilian association announced shortly later. Raphinha is being treated and further examined. Shortly before halftime in the game in Philadelphia, the offensive man crouched down and then left the pitch. After the final whistle, Raphinha waved to the audience with a pained expression. If he fails, it would be a bitter loss for the Brazilians in their already tricky title mission.
“It was a good game. We had to improve, we have improved and we will have to continue to improve,” summed up coach Ancelotti. After the poor performance in the 1-1 opening draw against Morocco, there was a lot of pressure on the Seleção. This could also be seen in how euphorically she celebrated her goals by ex-Bundesliga professional Cunha (23rd and 36th minutes) and top star Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid (45th + 3). Not only the field players, but also all the reservists came rushing in.
Saibari scores: Morocco beats Scotland
Led by Bayern’s dream player Ismael Saibari, Morocco has thwarted the big Scottish party and is almost certain to reach the round of 16 of the World Cup. The 2022 semi-finalists won the second group game in Boston 1-0 (1-0) and are now one point ahead of the Scots in the table. They missed the chance to make it into the knockout phase for the first time.
Saibari (2nd minute), who is said to have already passed the medical check at FC Bayern Munich, gave the favorites a lightning start in front of 64,146 spectators. The 25-year-old had already scored in the 1-1 draw at the start against Brazil. On the last matchday of the preliminary round, Morocco is the big favorite against Haiti. Scotland is hoping for a coup against Brazil.