🚨🇨🇻 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha had just 50k Instagram followers before the Spain vs Cape Verde match…
He then dropped a masterclass: 7 saves, a clean sheet, and a well-deserved MOTM award.
Minutes after the final whistle, he has now skyrocketed to 1.6M followers. 🔥
Alexander Isak looking very sharp for Sweden is great news for Liverpool 🤩
Look at some of the movement in behind, the finish the goal was beautiful and he’s linking up really well with his teammates 👌🏽
After last night, Diomande is a must to sign too 👀
Football is genuinely the closest thing we have to a universal language. Expanding the World Cup to 48 teams was a top tier decision man. More countries, more cultures, more stories.
What did Arne Slot actually do to our players last season?
They are looking so good at the World Cup, yet many of them looked painfully average for Liverpool last season.
How do you explain that?! 🤔
Steven Gerrard on Japan players displaying Wataru Endō's jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands:
🗣️ “I have to say, what I saw after the final whistle was bigger than football. Watching those Japanese players hold up Endō's shirt wasn't about a result it was about respect, loyalty, and reminding the world that some teammates are present even when they can't be on the pitch.
People will remember the goals, the drama, and the late equalizer. But for me, that image of the squad standing together with Endō's jersey was the most powerful moment of the night.
Missing a World Cup through injury is one of the cruelest things that can happen to a player. You spend years dreaming about it, fighting for it, and then suddenly you're forced to watch from the sidelines.
What impressed me was how much it clearly meant to the squad. They weren't celebrating a draw. They were showing the world that one of their leaders is still part of their journey.
Moments like that can bring a team closer together. It creates a bond that goes beyond tactics, formations, or individual talent. It gives players something bigger than themselves to fight for.
And trust me, when a team starts playing for each other the way Japan are right now, they become dangerous. Very dangerous.
For me, that wasn't just a tribute. It was a message. Endō may not be on the pitch, but this Japan team is determined to carry him with them every step of the way.”
🚨🇯🇵 𝗡𝗘𝗪: This is how Japan left their dressing room behind.
In Japan it’s tradition to clean everything all the time no matter where you are, for them it means mindfulness, organization, and respect.
Rafael van der Vaart on Japan players displaying Wataru Endō's jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands national football team:
🗣️ “I have played football my entire life, and moments like that remind you why this sport means so much to people. When I saw Endō's shirt hanging on the bench and his teammates holding it after the game, it genuinely touched me.
We spend so much time talking about tactics, formations, and results, but sometimes football gives you something far more powerful. It gives you moments of humanity.
Imagine working your whole career for one final World Cup, only for injury to take it away days before the tournament begins. Then imagine watching your teammates refuse to let the world forget you. That's special.
What struck me most was that Japan didn't do it for cameras or headlines. You could see the emotion on their faces. It came from the heart.
The 89th minute equalizer was incredible, but I honestly think the image of Endō's shirt will be remembered longer than the goal itself. Some moments are bigger than football.
As an opponent, you almost have to respect it. You could see that this team isn't just playing for themselves anymore. They're carrying the dream of a teammate who should have been standing beside them.
That's what makes Japan dangerous in this tournament. Not just their quality, but their unity. They look like a team willing to suffer for each other until the very last second.
And if I'm Endō watching from home tonight, I probably have tears in my eyes. Because no trophy, no medal, and no speech can replace the feeling of knowing your teammates haven't forgotten you.”
FIFA asked a Japanese woman why they pick up all the trash in every stadium they attend.
She explained: "It's our culture. But it's also a sign of respect for the country and the stadium that welcomes us, and for our players. For us, it's an honour to be received here, and we couldn't possibly leave everything a mess."
This is the reason why Japan is regarded as one of the tidiest and most visibly spotless countries in the world.
Honestly, in the context, I think that Cape Verde performance might be the most well coached and disciplined World Cup performance I can recall.
It was genuinely a masterclass in how they restricted Spain.
🚨🗣️ Felix Nmecha on why he prayed with the Curacao National Team after the game:
"In the match we are rivals, but after the game we are all Christians and we are all brothers."
"We shared a short prayer because we believe that Jesus is glorified through the game."
🚨 Reporter asks Mohamed Salah about Japan players displaying Wataru Endō’s jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
🎙️ Reporter:
“Mo, what did you make of the moment when the Japan players held up Wataru Endō’s jersey after the match?”
🗣️ Mohamed Salah:
“Honestly, that was the most powerful moment of the game for me.
Everyone will talk about the goals and the result, but that image meant much more than football.”
🎙️ Reporter:
“Why?”
🗣️ Mohamed Salah:
“Missing a World Cup because of injury is heartbreaking.
You work your whole career for moments like this.
Seeing his teammates honour him showed how much respect and love they have for him.”
🎙️ Reporter:
“What does it say about this Japan team?”
🗣️ Mohamed Salah:
“It says they’re united.
They weren’t just playing for themselves tonight, they were playing for Endō too.
Teams with that kind of togetherness are always dangerous.
If Japan keep showing that spirit, they can surprise a lot of people in this tournament “.
{@FIFAcom }
• Wirtz assist
• Van Dijk goal
• Gravenberch assist
• Isak goal and 2 assists
Very good start to the World Cup for Liverpool’s players so far.
It was never the players last season.
Understand Liverpool have made progress in the attempt to sign RB Leipizig's Yan Diomande, player is now prioritsing a move to Liverpool. Convinced by the project Diomande is eager to join Iraola's plans.
#LFC