Author: zidane

Spain Edges Past Belgium in World Cup Quarterfinal ThrillerIn a live episode of The Cooligans, hosts Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros broadcast from Miami to review Spain’s 2-1 victory over Belgium in the World Cup quarterfinals. The pair breaks down a game defined by a cautious start that transitioned into a high-energy second half. They examine Belgium’s defensive efforts and Charles De Ketelaere’s header that ended Spain’s clean-sheet run, as well as the exit of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to a gluteal injury.The hosts discuss the impact of Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who entered the match and scored the…

Belgium’s Golden Generation Bows Out After World Cup Defeat to Spain Fairytale goodbyes remain a rarity in football. Belgium’s 2-1 defeat by Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup likely marked the final bow for the four remaining members of the Red Devils’ golden generation. Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, and Axel Witsel have served as mainstays of the national team since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. However, their final opportunity to secure football’s biggest prize ended following a mistake from one of their successors. The injured Courtois, who was replaced midway through the second…

Thibaut Courtois insists he could have continued in World Cup defeat Thibaut Courtois maintains that he remained capable of playing in Belgium’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final loss to Spain, despite suffering a thigh injury during the second half.Courtois displayed visible emotion after leaving the pitch in the 70th minute for substitute Senne Lammens. A late error by Lammens allowed Mikel Merino to score the decisive goal, ending Belgium’s tournament run.The Real Madrid goalkeeper clutched his left thigh but later explained that he felt comfortable enough to continue, noting that the substitution was a tactical call made by coach Rudi Garcia.”It…

Wigan youngsters fire Warriors to victory over Warrington Betfred Super LeagueWigan (6) 30Tries: Cartwright, Kerr, Eckersley, McDermott, Daniel Goals: Keighran 5Warrington (12) 18Tries: Hopoate, Irwin, Ashton Goals: Irwin 3Wigan Warriors’ young stand-ins held off the challenge of Warrington Wolves to move to within two points of Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos.Josh Cartwright, Taylor Kerr, Kian McDermott and Austin Daniel all repaid the faith of head coach Matt Peet by scoring their first senior tries after filling gaps left by the Warriors’ injury troubles.Wigan lost star full-back Jai Field on the morning of the match with a back injury and they…

France and Spain Secure Spots in 2026 FIFA World Cup Semifinals The 2026 FIFA World Cup is narrowing down to the final four teams, with two heavyweights already securing their places in the semifinals.This entertaining tournament saw favorites France and Spain successfully navigate challenging matches to reach the final four. They now await the results of the remaining bracket to determine their path forward.MORE — Spain find late winner, beat BelgiumFans are eager to see when and where these semifinal matches take place and which teams remain in contention for the World Cup trophy. Interest is particularly high regarding a…

Mikel Merino Strikes Late Again to Send Spain Into World Cup Semi-Finals Spain manager Luis de la Fuente continues to rely on Mikel Merino from the bench, and the Arsenal midfielder is delivering when it counts. For the second consecutive World Cup knockout match, Merino secured victory with his left boot. Following his decisive goal against Portugal in Dallas, he capitalized on a goalkeeping error in the California sunshine. By smashing the ball into the net with just two minutes remaining, he propelled his country into a highly anticipated semi-final clash against France this Tuesday.It was a heartbreaking conclusion for…

Thibaut Courtois Injured in Belgium’s World Cup Quarterfinal Loss to Spain Thibaut Courtois exited Belgium’s World Cup quarterfinal match against Spain in the 71st minute after sustaining an injury.The 34-year-old goalkeeper left the pitch at SoFi Stadium in tears following an apparent hip injury. The incident occurred as Courtois went down to make a save against Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal. He remained on the ground during the second-half hydration break and was substituted by Senne Lammens shortly after play resumed.Courtois appeared visibly emotional as he walked toward the bench during what may have been his final appearance for the national team.Throughout…

Mikel Merino Sends Spain to World Cup Semifinals After Late Goal Against Belgium INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Spain’s Mikel Merino pounced upon an ill-timed blunder by Belgium’s substitute goalkeeper. With the score tied in the 88th minute of Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal, Belgium’s Senne Lammens spilled a routine shot in the penalty area just minutes after coming into the match in place of injured starter Thibaut Courtois. Merino was quickest to react, slamming home the rebound to give Spain a 2-1 victory and clinch a spot in the World Cup semifinals. It was Merino’s second huge goal for his country in…

Uncertainty Surrounds Manchester United’s Move for Ederson Manchester United’s efforts to sign midfielder Ederson from Serie A club Atalanta now face significant uncertainty. The two clubs reached an agreement on a £35m fee for the Brazilian on 2 June. The original plan scheduled a medical for early July, ensuring the transfer concluded before the start of pre-season training. However, officials scrapped that timeline after the 27-year-old received a late call-up to Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup squad. United sources privately confirmed that the club expected to hold the medical once Brazil exited the tournament. Brazil subsequently suffered elimination against Norway. Despite…

Thibaut Courtois substituted with injury during Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final Thibaut Courtois shed tears after a leg injury forced him out of Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final match against Spain.Real Madrid goalkeeper Courtois went down in the 70th minute while clutching his leg. It quickly became clear that the Belgium star could not continue, dealing a significant blow to the Red Devils.AdvertisementCourtois appeared visibly emotional as he walked off the pitch. Manchester United’s Senne Lammens replaced him to make his World Cup debut.At 34 years old, this match may mark the final World Cup appearance for Courtois, who has featured in…