🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: The VAR had already dealt with a similar situation to the Paredes - Embolo one at this World Cup during USA vs. Paraguay... It's called 'mistaken identity':
• Tim Ream was initially booked for a supposed foul on Miguel Almirón. However, after the free-kick had been taken, referee Danny Makkelie was sent to the monitor.
• Makkelie overturned the decision, rescinded Ream’s yellow card and instead booked Almirón for diving, the first VAR intervention for mistaken identity at a World Cup.
• The same thing has now happened in Argentina vs. Switzerland as Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge on Breel Embolo, but the VAR spotted that Embolo had dived
• Then, Paredes’ booking was overturned, while Embolo was shown a yellow card... Because it was Embolo’s second booking, he was sent off.
🚨 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: Folarin Balogun will be available for the USA's matchup against Belgium in the R16.
His one-match suspension following his red card against Bosnia has been lifted.
— @AdamCrafton_
🚨🔵 Chelsea have all set to close Marco Palestra deal for fee over €50m, package in excess of €55m.
Atalanta are ready to accept, Italian RWB offered to earn way more compared to Inter salary proposal.
Final green light needed by Palestra — as Inter won’t match the bid.
📺 Telemundo TV commentator: "We are one of the only networks in the world to NOT show ads during the World Cup cooling breaks."
"We prefer the old school way. We should be able to see what the players do. We show fans, people enjoying, not the corporate direction of football."
Dear football,
Today, I want to share with you that this season will be my last as a professional footballer. After so many years living my dream, I feel it’s time to start a new chapter in my life.
Being honest, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment, I found it hard to write this letter. After 20 seasons , many people have played an important role in my career.
When I first kicked a ball as a child in Pamplona with my schoolmates, I never imagined the amazing journey ahead. I’m grateful for every moment: the wins, the tough losses, the challenges, and most of all, the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
To my teammates, coaches, and every staff member at all the clubs I’ve been lucky to be part of, thank you for helping me grow as a person and a player every day. Wearing the shirts of CA Osasuna, Olympique Marseille, Chelsea FC, Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla FC, and representing my country at the biggest stages has been a true privilege. Every moment has meant so much to me…