Football
FIFA World Cup ‘France Vs Morocco’:Mbappe’s certainty and Hamdallah’s hesitation
The two finalists for the 2022 World Cup are now known. France defeated Morocco 2-0 in a thrilling second semifinal, with the scoreline failing to reflect the action on the field. With so much going on, Sportsloop India trying to isolate a single moment that described the day’s action.
For day 20, there are two parts, separated by less than 3 minutes: Abderrazak Hamdallah’s nervous hesitation and Kylian Mbappe’s unnerving certainty.
The hesitation
It begins a split second before the game’s 75th minute. France leads Morocco by a goal to nil, but it is a razor-thin margin. Morocco has been pounding the French since that early goal. It’s taken a Raphael Varane stretch, an Ibrahima Konate tackle, multiple Hugo Lloris saves, the annoyance of Antoine Griezmann, and a strong metal post to keep the score at 1-0.
Selim Amallah puts Aurelien Tchouameni under heavy pressure at this point. Abderrazak Hamdallah nips in and takes control of the ball as the Real Madrid midfielder turns back. He runs full speed toward the French box, head down. Hamdallah entered the game in the 66th minute and made an immediate impact with his almost insulting directness. He was once named the world’s top scorer (for the calendar year 2019) after scoring 57 goals for Al Nassr, three more than Robert Lewandowski and seven more than Lionel Messi. This is a man who understands the path to success.
As he approaches the box’s edge, Hamdallah slows down before an unexpected change of direction squares up a furiously backpedaling Varane. Konate and Jules Kounde are close behind. The French goal suddenly opens up as he glides past Varane. Despite their dominance and chance creation in the previous 75 minutes, Morocco never really had a clear shot on Lloris’ goal. Hamdallah now has it.
He lifts his left foot and… thinks about it. Kounde and Konate get up to speed. But Hamdallah still has the upper hand, and he moves it to the left once more. No more obstructions. Left leg again cocked. Hesitation once more. He is trying to open the door with his right hand, but it’s already closed.
Chance? What the heck? The men working for Didier Deschamps have locked the front door tight. That clear view of the goal for Lloris? Another thing that the Moroccans made up.
France still 1. Morocco still 0.
The certainty
Two minutes and thirty-one seconds after losing the ball to Hamdallah, Jawad El Yamiq makes a bad pass that Tchouameni runs after. Youssouf Fofana is sent away with a short turn and a smart punch. He then drives into the Moroccan half and holds off Azzedine Ounahi until he passes the square on his left.
Where is Kylian Mbappe? He’s not moving.
Mbappe has been making threats to hurt Morocco the whole game. Fear is in the air even when he’s just standing there doing nothing. It’s full of warnings about what he could do. His speed has already burned up Morocco a few times, but his good friend Achraf Hakimi and that guy who never stops running, Sofyan Amrabat, have kept him in check for the most part, by dirty and fair means. Here, Fofana gives him the ball in a way that shows a lot of courage and creativity. The first time he touches it, it rolls over his foot and he spins around so fast it’s hard to see. When Hakimi comes in hot to put in a reducer, he is sent to the wrong fire.
Marcus Thuram receives the ball after Mbappe’s subsequent touch moves it. When the Moroccan box turns into a sea of crimson, the elder son of Lillian clings onto it and continues to wait until passing it back to Mbappe at the edge.
Mbappe sets down his left leg as the ball travels in his direction before letting it pass him. The outstanding Amrabat made a mistake with just one small movement, rendering him powerless for the first time in this tournament. He can only stand there, hands in the air, and watch as Mbappe evades Achraf Dari, Hakimi, and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli before launching a goal-bound shot. Randal Kolo Muani receives it after it deflects off El Yamiq, a fifth Moroccan in Mbappe’s path.
Kolo Muani scored his first-ever goal in a game for his country with a tap-in from two yards out.
currently France 2. Morocco remains a 0
Game over.
The difference
Hamdallah had two opportunities to shoot. He delayed both times, seeking to reduce danger and get closer to his aim while mistrusting his left foot and doubting his skill. When David was face-to-face with Goliath, he held onto the loaded and stretched sling tightly. The outcome of the game would have changed if he had hit it on the first try or even the second. Morocco would have been fully in control. They would have had confidence and Bono’s smile on their side in extra time and a potential shootout if the outcome had been determined in normal time.
Morocco’s remarkable World Cup run was successful in alerting traditional powers to its presence.
Mbappe had no meaningful opportunity to score at the other end. Most people’s eyes had not seen a gap, much less a clear sight of the objective. He barely lifted his back before firing, before anyone nearby even realized what was occurring. There was not even a hint of hesitancy. total faith in his inherent talent.
The differences was obvious.
Hamdallah Abderrazak hesitated. Not Kylian Mbappe. Sometimes that is all it takes to determine who advances to a World Cup final and who does not in elite sport, where the margins are so small as to be undetectable.
The global governing body of football, FIFA, delivered a strong message on Monday as it issued the Luis Rubiales FIFA ban, prohibiting former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales from all activities related to the sport for a period of three years. This consequential decision comes in the wake of a controversy that emerged during the Women’s World Cup earlier this year. Reports revealed that Rubiales was found guilty of gross misconduct, specifically for an incident that overshadowed Spain’s victory at the World Cup trophy ceremony in Sydney.
The Controversial Incident
A disciplinary committee was promptly assembled to investigate the disturbing incident, yet the specifics of the verdict have not been disclosed to the public. Rubiales faced severe charges related to what FIFA described as a violation of the “basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.” The episode in question pertains to an incident where Rubiales forcibly kissed a Spanish player on the lips during the trophy ceremony, tainting what should have been a moment of triumph for the nation’s football team.
Misconduct and Resignation
The aftermath of the incident was marked by Rubiales’s initial defiance and refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing, leading to a prolonged period of controversy. However, mounting pressure from various quarters, including the Spanish government and the national team players, eventually forced Rubiales to resign from his esteemed position within the Spanish football hierarchy. The incident not only tarnished Rubiales’s reputation but also cast a shadow over the accomplishments of the national team.
Ban and Appeal
While the FIFA ban on Luis Rubiales has been imposed for a duration of three years, Rubiales still has the option to contest the verdict. FIFA has granted him a window of ten days to request a review of the decision, following which he can file an appeal with the governing body. It remains to be seen how Rubiales will proceed in light of this substantial ban.
The Response and Controversy
Despite facing widespread backlash, Rubiales has garnered some support, notably from his mother, Angeles Bejar. In a bold demonstration of solidarity, she initiated a hunger strike to protest what she described as “the inhumane and bloody hunt” against her son. While some may sympathize with Rubiales, the gravity of the incident and the subsequent ban imposed by FIFA underscore the importance of maintaining integrity and respect within the world of professional sports.
In conclusion, FIFA’s decisive action against Luis Rubiales serves as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the fundamental values of respect and sportsmanship that form the bedrock of football’s global community. As the sport continues to evolve, the need for upholding ethical standards remains paramount, ensuring that the spirit of fair play and camaraderie endures for generations to come.
Exploring the Rubiales Scandal and Its Implications
In the world of soccer, where triumphs and controversies intertwine, the recent incident involving the president of the Spanish soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, has ignited a fiery debate. Reports from Spanish media suggest that Rubiales might resign from his position after five years of leading the body. The controversy stems from an episode where he kissed a player during a celebration and his subsequent actions during a significant match. This article delves into the details of the incident, the potential repercussions, and the broader implications for both Rubiales and the soccer community.
The Kiss that Stirred Controversy
The Spanish soccer federation president found himself in hot water due to an unexpected gesture. Following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final, Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy and medal ceremony. This gesture, intended to be celebratory, quickly became the center of attention and sparked a wave of discussions.
The incident prompted FIFA, the global governing body of soccer, to intervene. FIFA’s disciplinary committee initiated an inquiry to determine whether Rubiales’ actions violated the organization’s code of conduct and brought the sport and FIFA into disrepute. The core issue here is whether Rubiales’ behavior aligns with the principles of decency expected from a soccer official.
Amidst the uproar, reports surfaced indicating that Rubiales might step down from his role as the president of the Spanish soccer federation. The speculation has fueled further debates about whether resignation is an appropriate response to the controversy. If Rubiales indeed resigns, it would mark the end of his five-year tenure at the helm of the organization.The incident has drawn mixed reactions from both the public and the players. While some view the kiss as a harmless expression of celebration, others see it as an inappropriate breach of professional boundaries. Player Jenni Hermoso expressed discomfort with the kiss, and the national players’ union, once led by Rubiales, called for accountability regarding his actions.
FIFA issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to upholding the integrity of all individuals associated with the sport. The organization condemned any behavior that contradicts this commitment. While FIFA did not specify the exact acts under investigation, their emphasis on maintaining the sport’s reputation is clear.
Beyond the kiss, Rubiales’ conduct during the match drew attention. He was seen making a gesture by grabbing his crotch as a victory celebration. This action further added to the controversy, raising questions about appropriate behavior for a soccer official, especially in the presence of dignitaries.
The FIFA disciplinary panel has the authority to impose various sanctions on individuals found in violation of its code of conduct. These sanctions can range from warnings and fines to suspensions from soccer-related activities. The severity of the punishment will depend on the outcome of the investigation and the panel’s assessment of the situation.
Luis Rubiales holds the position of vice president at UEFA, the governing body for soccer in Europe. This role carries both prestige and responsibilities. The controversy has yet to garner a response from UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, leaving the soccer community curious about the organization’s stance on the issue.
Rubiales is currently spearheading a bid to host the men’s World Cup in 2030, a joint effort involving Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and possibly Ukraine. However, his involvement in the Rubiales Scandal has raised concerns about the bid’s viability and the image projected to potential supporters.
The incident has wider implications for both the Spanish soccer federation and the broader soccer landscape. It highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and ethical conduct within the sport’s leadership. The outcome of this controversy could set a precedent for addressing similar situations in the future.
As the Spanish soccer federation holds an emergency meeting to address the situation, the soccer community awaits a decision. The meeting’s outcome will not only impact Rubiales’ future but also shape the federation’s trajectory. The controversies surrounding this incident underscore the need for open discussions about behavior expectations and consequences.
The Rubiales Scandal serves as a reminder that even in the world of sports, actions can have far-reaching consequences. The incident involving the kiss and subsequent gestures has ignited discussions about leadership, professionalism, and the image projected by soccer officials. As FIFA investigates the matter, the soccer community anticipates the outcome and the potential shifts it may bring.
Juventus beat Salernitana 3-0 in Serie A on Tuesday, with striker Dusan Vlahovic scoring two goals and setting up another to lift the visitors to 10th in the table.
Vlahovic, a Serb who has been injured a lot this season but played in the league for the first time since October, found his old form again in this match.
Hans Nicolussi gave Juventus a penalty kick when he sent Manuel Locatelli off in the 26th minute. Vlahovic converted the penalty.
Vlahovic almost scored a second goal in the 37th minute, but his shot from the edge of the box from an acute angle went just past the post.
At the end of the first half, Filip Kostic made it 2-0 when he tapped the ball in from close range after Vlahovic’s initial shot had bounced into his path.
In the last seconds before the halftime break, Locatelli ran into the penalty area unchallenged and gave Juventus a chance to score a third goal. However, Salernitana goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa reacted quickly to prevent Locatelli from lobbing the ball over him.
80 seconds into the second half, Vlahovic scored his second goal when he ran through the penalty area and shot the ball flat into the right corner.
In the 51st minute, Junior Zambia hit a cross that reached almost everyone in the box, but Salernitana striker Boulaye Dia could not stretch far enough to put the ball in the open net.
“The team responded well and we played a good first half. But after taking a 3-0 lead, we got a little too comfortable and allowed too many shots on goal. We did not move enough and stayed in the same places, and the players know we have to do better,” Allegri said.
“In the first 10 minutes we played the ball too often down the right side. We need to improve the passing game, become more supple and keep things simple.”
Angel Di Maria hit the crossbar after 53 minutes and Moise Kean hit the post just before the end of the game, preventing Juve from adding to their tally.
The win moved Juventus to 26 points after 21 games, while Salernitana dropped to 21 points and 16th place.
1000 Runs in ODIs: Kohli’s Cricket Legacy
Shaheen Shah Afridi: Fastest to 100 ODI Wickets
ICC World Cup: Shoaib Akhtar says, ‘Mai India ki tareef kyu na karu’
South Africa’s World Cup dreams have taken a major hit.
Wimbledon 2022: Andy Murray knocked out by John Isner despite late fightback
You must be logged in to post a comment Login