Mbappe Fumes Over VAR Delay in France Win
Kylian Mbappe was left furious after a prolonged VAR check delayed his penalty kick in France's 2-0 victory over Morocco at the World Cup. The Real Madrid star won a clear spot-kick with the score 0-0, but had to wait over three minutes for confirmation before seeing his weak effort saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Mbappe angrily confronted referee Facundo Tello during a drinks break, with French fans also irked by the all-Argentine officiating team.
Fortunately for Les Bleus, Mbappe broke the deadlock on the hour with a stunning curling strike, then set up Ousmane Dembele for a second goal. France now advance to the semi-finals, but Mbappe sparked injury concerns when he was substituted late with an ice pack on his ankle. Coach Didier Deschamps dismissed fears, calling it a minor knock and confirming Mbappe will be available for the next match.
England Hit by Illness and Injury Ahead of Norway Clash
England midfielder Declan Rice missed a second straight day of training due to a sickness bug, which the squad is trying to contain to prevent an outbreak. The 27-year-old Arsenal star also suffers from a neural issue affecting his hamstring and lower back, and the illness has worsened his condition, according to the BBC. Rice is considered vital to England's hopes alongside Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, and losing him for the quarter-final against Norway would be a major blow.
Defender Marc Guehi, 25, is racing to be fit after being diagnosed with a slight hamstring problem following the win over Mexico. Manager Thomas Tuchel is reluctant to risk him against Norway's potent attack, led by Erling Haaland. Right-back Reece James is also striving to prove his fitness after a hamstring issue, but a final decision would be a gamble. However, Bukayo Saka has boosted the squad by declaring himself fully recovered from an Achilles problem and ready to face Norway.
Haaland and Keane Slam VAR Delay
Norway striker Erling Haaland took to social media to blast the prolonged VAR check before France's penalty, calling a three-minute wait excessive. ITV pundit Roy Keane agreed, arguing the delay unfairly shifts the mental advantage to the goalkeeper. “It’s simply not acceptable, even for world-class players,” Keane said.
Quansah Ban Sparks Tuchel Anger
England boss Thomas Tuchel was furious after FIFA handed defender Jarell Quansah a two-match ban for his red card against Mexico. Tuchel urged the Football Association to appeal, criticising the VAR procedures used. Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka called the ban “enormously disappointing” for the squad. The situation was compounded by the farcical intervention of US President Donald Trump, who persuaded FIFA to suspend Folarin Balogun's ban so he could play against Belgium. Saka stressed that England must quickly adapt and focus on beating Norway.
ITV Studio Moved Due to Lightning
ITV was forced to relocate its rooftop studio in New York during live coverage of the match due to extreme weather. Presenter Mark Pougatch explained that strict safety protocols regarding local lightning required the pundits to move indoors.
