Another busy week at Manchester City but still no sign of Enzo Maresca.
The wait to unveil Pep Guardiola’s successor goes on, but City’s plans for next season are in full swing. The club reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest over the transfer of Elliot Anderson this week, but reports that he was due to undergo a medical on Friday were wide of the mark as the midfielder continues to focus on England’s push for World Cup glory.
There are plenty of questions to be answered on the Anderson deal and so much more, so we’ll be hosting a weekly Q&A session with our chief City writer Simon Bajkowski. This is your chance to get an answer on anything you want – simply pop your question here and Simon will pick them all up and wrap everything up in one place.
The plans of incoming boss Maresca and how City intend to replace some modern-day greats feature in this week’s list of questions.
Following the signing of Elliot Anderson, could the club still pursue another midfielder? Are players like Nico Paz, Ayyoub Bouaddi, or Felix Nmecha on the radar, despite their different profiles and positions? (Jim)
Hi Jim, yes the club could absolutely move for another midfielder. As we’ve reported, Sandro Tonali is one of the players that they have been looking at that was seen as in addition to Elliot Anderson rather than instead of him. City’s midfield is still a puzzle that needs sorting this summer and there could be several moving pieces so Hugo Viana has to be alive to pouncing for at least another midfielder. That doesn’t mean they definitely will sign one but it has been on the radar for a while.
In terms of the names you mention, Nico Paz looks to be unavailable given Real Madrid’s ownership of him. Felix Nmecha has been linked to City before because of his history coming through the academy, although as far as I’m aware he isn’t a player of interest to the Blues. That leaves Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is increasing his burgeoning reputation at the World Cup with dark horses Morocco.
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At 18, Bouaddi is an exciting young talent and City will have been aware of him for some time given their scouting presence in France, but there are also warning signs that this could be a classic auction engineered for the best clubs to bid against each other – especially if Bouaddi impresses even more this summer and those aren’t the situations City like to get themselves into.
Since Omar Marmoush’s form has fallen below Man City standards now, is there a likelihood of him going out on loan or transfer? City need good support for Erling Haaland. (Obi Ojechi)
Marmoush is another interesting player to watch at the World Cup. He had a year that frustrated both himself and the team, with memories of his excellent start fading fast as he struggled to push Erling Haaland for a place in the team. It can be a thankless task to be deputy to the best No.9 in the world and there is a shelf life, so this is a summer where Marmoush and City both have to consider what is best and the World Cup could tip the balance in terms of clubs making offers.
It is of course entirely plausible though that Marmoush stays, and City aren’t actively looking for a replacement as they prioritise other areas of the pitch. City and Marmoush can’t afford the next season to be like the last one, but with other changes and a new coach there are plenty of reasons to suggest it can be different if there is willing on both sides.
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Will the new manager give more access to the first team to academy players? (Martin P)
Hi Martin, it’s an interesting question in as much as I’m not sure if the suggestion is that Pep Guardiola did or did not give access. They were physically in another building, but were also more involved in training than many youth teams at other top clubs and there were plenty of minutes given to homegrown players.
Maresca will obviously have a big interest in the academy but you suspect he will also like having experienced players to count on given his frustrations at Chelsea. I think if Maresca continues with a similar approach to Guardiola that would suit nearly everyone.
Hi Simon, if City end up selling several homegrown players this summer, could that influence the club’s recruitment strategy? Do you think future transfer targets will be more focused on homegrown players to help maintain the squad registration requirements? Thanks! Alfa
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Ah, the dreaded quotas. We wrote about this a few days ago, although I do think while it is obviously something that needs to be taken into consideration it usually all works out in the end. As far as association-trained players go the fact that Elliot Anderson, Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi have come in works for City but it is the club-trained players that are the issue – especially if, as you suggest, James Trafford and Rico Lewis leave.
One of the reasons these things have rarely been a problem under Guardiola is that the manager preferred small squads, so we will see if there are changes with Maresca. There is Nico O’Reilly and Phil Foden to bank on though, and then you wonder if being homegrown could help a few academy players to earn spots on the fringes of the squad as opposed to those who wouldn’t be eligible; it won’t have a major say though.
Is the club looking to sign a right-back this summer? If so, are there any names being discussed? Is Givairo Read a player the club are interested in? (Jim)
Hi Jim, yes as we’ve reported for a while now right-back is a position of interest and so is Givairo Read. I think the last week has been pretty telling in terms of where City are at with right-backs. They didn’t offer a strong challenge to Chelsea on Marco Palestra at around £45m and then had no interest in Malo Gusto at £75m.
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For a while now, several people around the Etihad have spoken of Matheus Nunes as though it is his shirt to lose so he will be treated as the first choice right-back. Because of that, City want to push him but they won’t be wanting to spend a small fortune on someone who won’t be expected to come straight into the first team.
Paying a transfer record for Anderson, is it that there are no other alternatives or is he really worth that much? (Gildas)
Time will tell, Gildas. I think it’s a good price though, and a City record is very different from a British record. You have to ask yourself how much Bernardo Silva will cost to replace, and how much multiple Premier League teams – Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea in recent years – have been willing to pay for top midfielder players. It is the same ballpark as what City have paid for Anderson, who they think deserves to be counted in that bracket.
I’m willing to be very wrong but I think he will prove to be worth the money and a good value signing – but it needs time to assess it properly.
India vs Ireland Live Streaming 2nd T20I: India will take on Ireland in the second T20I of the two-match series on Sunday in Belfast. The reigning T20 World Cup champions were outplayed in all three departments on Friday, as Ireland recovered from 36/3 to post 182/9 before dismissing India for 148, registering their first-ever T20I victory over the Men in Blue. The result not only handed Ireland a 1-0 lead in the series but also put them one win away from what would arguably be the biggest bilateral T20I series triumph in their history.
For India, Sunday’s contest is about far more than just levelling the series. It is an opportunity to respond after a performance that exposed flaws in both planning and execution. The focus will also be on India’s playing XI, especially after 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi did not feature in the opening match.
When will the India vs Ireland, 2ndT20I match be played?
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The India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match will be played on Sunday, June 28.
Where will the India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match be played?
The India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
What time will the India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match start?
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The India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match will start at 6 PM IST. The toss will take place 30 minutes before.
Which TV channels will telecast the India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match?
The India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network.
Where to follow the live streaming of the India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match?
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The India vs Ireland, 2nd T20I match will be streamed live on SonyLiv app and website.
(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)
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Delhi vs Mumbai IPL 2026: Fans Flood Arun Jaitley Stadium for High-Voltage Clash
Roy Jones Jr has urged Errol Spence Jr to adapt his approach, and rediscover elements of his amateur style, ahead of his comeback fight against Tim Tszyu.
As a result, Spence was relieved of his WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight titles before stepping away from the sport and giving no indication as to whether he would return.
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Now, though, the 36-year-old is gearing up to face fellow former world champion Tszyu, who will boast a home advantage when they collide in Australia on July 25.
The pair have reportedly agreed to a limit of 158lbs, with Spence looking to reinvent himself at a new weight and with a new trainer.
Now training with Ronnie Shields, this feels like an opportunity for the American to right the wrongs and perhaps even gain inspiration from his old amateur style.
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Speaking with ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT, Hall of Famer Jones said he would like to see Spence focus more on being an all-round boxer, rather than an all-out pressure fighter.
“Shout out to [Spence] for taking a fight of this magnitude right away, after being [out the ring] for three years.
“He’s taking on a guy who’s been active. [Tszyu’s] not been at the top – not had the best outcomes [in recent fights] – but he’s been highly active and he’s highly dangerous.
“When [Spence] was an amateur fighter, he was an all-round boxer. He just chose to use pressure in the pros but, to get where he wants to get, he’s got to go back to being that [fighter he was as an amateur].”
Spence was a vastly accomplished amateur who became a three-time national champion and entered the 2012 Olympics, only to lose his quarter-final bout against Russia’s Andrey Zamkovoy.
WWE Night of Champions 2026 is in the books, and Sami Zayn managed to do the unthinkable and become the new Undisputed Champion. His former colleague Karrion Kross had a heartwarming reaction to Zayn’s feat.
The PLE took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 27, and Cody Rhodes was defending his gold against Gunther and Sami Zayn. In a hellacious 19-minute bout where any of the three stars could have picked up the win, it was finally The Underdog From The Underground who emerged victorious in his 11th attempt. Now, former WWE Superstar Karrion Kross‘ reaction to the outcome has gone viral.
Thanks for the submission!
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Kross was captured during a live watch-along stream with fans when he was told that Zayn had won the Undisputed WWE Championship. Pleasantly surprised, he stood up. threw his arms in the air and had a smile on his face. The heartfelt video was shared by Instagram user @trainwrecksports.
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“Finally!” Kross said.
Watch his reaction in the video below:
Now going by the ring name Killer Kross in the independent circuit, the former Karrion Kross has been on a roll. He currently holds the MLW World Heavyweight, RPW Heavyweight, ACW Heavyweight, and WSW World Heavyweight Championships, and is looking to add to his tally.
Karrion Kross Feels Triple H Does Not Have A Free Hand In WWE
Killer Kross appeared recently on The Ariel Helwani Show and chatted about several topics.
When discussing the current Chief Content Officer’s role, Kross felt that Triple H does not entirely have a free hand in all matters. Despite the Hall of Famer getting a lot of heat from the fans for his recent decision-making, the former WWE star said that when he was still with the company, it felt as if the CCO couldn’t call all the shots the way he’d have liked to.
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“ I don’t think that’s him [Triple H]. He has his own patterns that I think were aligned with what the audience wanted to see, and that’s speaking as a person who used to work for him. And I knew when he could call all of his shots, and I had an idea of when he couldn’t. To me, this looks like a situation where he can’t call all of the shots. And I don’t mean that disrespectfully at all,” Kross said.
Karrion Kross’ final opponent in WWE was Sami Zayn at last year’s SummerSlam. He left the Stamford-based promotion after the defeat but still talks fondly about the company where he’s had two stints already.
Only time will tell if he ever returns to the promotion in the future.
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When Marsch kept Leeds in the Premier League on the final day of the 2022-23 season, he could hardly have envisaged he would be sacked a few months later.
But that is what happened after a run of seven games without a win, with Marsch later describing the decision as “foolish”.
It was a significant setback for the 52-year-old, who had long held an ambition to coach at the highest level. But another chance came in 2024, with the USA job.
The chance to manage his home country would have been a dream come true but, despite believing the job was his, the USA hierarchy decided instead to go with Mauricio Pochettino.
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Then came Canada.
Marsch was offered the position in May 2024 and he took it with the promise he would “unite the Canadian soccer community”, with the goal of having them ready to be competitive for the 2026 World Cup.
“I think what happened with the USA role burns with him, but it burns with him in a way that helps him now,” Soccer America’s Scott French, who has previously worked with Marsch, told BBC Sport.
“He has a chip on his shoulder.”
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Marsch threw himself fully into the role, travelling to nine cities in 10 days, holding meetings with fans and taking in as much Canadian culture as he could.
He also worked on developing deep personal connections with members of the Canada squad, making individual visits or inviting the players and their families to his home in Italy for holidays.
There is little doubt that the hard yards he put in during those early days has paid off, with a close bond between him, the players and the fans having developed.
One example of his influence on the players involves Liam Miller, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in late 2024.
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At times the midfielder questioned whether he would be able to return to anything like the player he was before, but Marsch – as he does with anyone who has suffered a bad injury – spent a significant amount of time visiting him and checking in on him.
When Miller was undergoing rehabilitation in Italy, Marsch invited the midfielder to spend time with him and his family at their home there.
Miller not only returned to full fitness but helped Hull City secure promotion back to the Premier League at the end of last season, and is now an important player for Canada at this World Cup.
“I’ve got to know all the players but Liam I have got to know really well and I think our relationship has become something that he has come to rely on,” Marsch said.
Alexander Rae is currently experiencing a remarkable period of success, which extended into Saturday at Caulfield when I’m Foxing outpaced her competitors in the MRC Membership Made Of Moments Handicap (1000m).
Despite securing victories in her last three starts, the I Am Immortal filly was listed at $21 by leading Aussie betting sites under the guidance of Luke Cartwright. She proved far too quick for a competitive field of three-year-old sprinters.
Cartwright immediately took the lead and recorded a commanding 4-1/4 length victory over Street Artist ($6), with Farcited ($12) finishing a further 3/4 of a length behind in third.
Rae has been in fine form recently, achieving nine wins from 29 runners in the past two months, and described having a filly with such significant potential as a thrilling prospect.
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“It’s really exciting and a great learning curve from my perspective,” Rae said.
“I did everything in my power to try and get this filly to switch off and I thought the key to her is going to be holding her up and having her strong late but over the last couple of months, we’ve just learnt to embrace her speed.
“She’s a fast horse. I understand that there’s not many of them that can burn the candle at both ends, but she’s an extreme talent and her speed is very effective this time of year and it looks like the world’s her oyster.”
Rae indicated that they would allow things to settle before potentially considering the Listed Lightning Stakes in Adelaide next month.
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“We’ve got the Lightning Stakes in Adelaide at the end of July, but she’s just done a remarkable job. We’re not going to commit to anything, but off the back of today’s performance, she looks like a potential spring filly.”
Luke Cartwright has extended his lead in the Melbourne Apprentice Jockey Premiership with his 38th metropolitan success this season, now holding a four-win advantage over Logan Bates, who has 34 wins. Cartwright expressed his admiration for I’m Foxing.
“She’s got talent and she knows how to use it,” Cartwright said.
“She’s got a nice, high cruising speed… from about the 400 (metres) I just let her quicken and when she sprinted, she sprinted very well.
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“A very good effort from her and a dominant display.”
With the Lightning Stakes on the horizon, explore the available betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites.
Irish jockey Adam Farragher has marked a significant career achievement, securing his first stakes race victory aboard the Ciaron Maher-trained Glory Daze in the Listed W J McKell Cup at Rosehill.
Farragher had previously ridden in seven black-type races for placings, including a Group 2 event in the UK, but expressed his jubilation at finally achieving a Listed win on Saturday.
“I didn’t get too many chances back home in these sort of races. They were few and far between,” Farragher stated. “I’m really delighted. It has been a long time coming.”
A former rider for William Haggas overseas, Farragher accompanied Dubai Honour during one of that horse’s Sydney carnival campaigns. He connected with Maher through a mutual friend and accepted the champion trainer’s offer to move to Australia late last year.
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Jo Gerard-Dubord, Ciaron Maher’s assistant trainer, was delighted to witness Farragher’s career-defining win from the trackside and highlighted it as a just reward for his persistent efforts.
“It’s good for Adam. He’s a hard worker, and he doesn’t get many opportunities,” Gerard-Dubord commented. “He has been here for a bit now and he has ridden a few good winners for us, and he rode him perfectly.”
Gerard-Dubord revealed that the W J McKell Cup was a pivotal race for Glory Daze, who had been struggling for form this campaign and was facing potential retirement if he did not perform at Rosehill.
“He’s had a bit of racing and he’s not getting any younger,” Gerard-Dubord explained. “He’s had his issues in the past, so when they lose form like that it’s usually hard to get them back. But off the back of that, there are a few more runs left in him.”
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Glory Daze ($31, as reported by leading Aussie betting sites) was steered to victory from the front by Farragher, showing great determination when challenged in the straight. The horse held off Tavros ($12) by a length, with the favourite God’s Window ($2.70) finishing a further half-neck behind in third.
Compare the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.
At the time of Clarke’s appointment in May 2019, Scotland were looking for someone who could do one principal thing – get the country back to a major men’s tournament for the first time since 1998.
That has been achieved, multiple times. So the remit for his successor will be to build on that success in qualifying for three finals by reaching the knockout phase.
Clearly that is easier said than done. Clarke has done a magnificent job in galvanising the squad and the country, developing a much-lauded club-like spirit, which has certainly played a role in qualification success.
That is something that must be fostered while evolving the make-up of a squad that was one of the oldest at the World Cup.
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But something else is required. Clarke was a pragmatist at heart and, although he set the team up in a more attacking formation in the win over Haiti, in particular, it never truly felt like the shackles were off.
Should the next manager be someone with a more attacking ethos? You feel that would be welcomed by fans, many of whom have despaired at exiting consecutive Euros and now a World Cup without really laying a glove on the opposition.
“This has been a special, special group. And he’s got the best out of them,” said former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, a close friend of Clarke.
“But a lot of them are not going to last. I know these days 40 seems young for a World Cup player. In reality, that’s not the way it is, though.
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“It’s not obvious who the next group of players are. So whoever comes in, it’s actually a bit of a monster job to do.”
Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford is playing for England at the World Cup after spending the season on loan with Barcelona.
09:45, 28 Jun 2026Updated 10:07, 28 Jun 2026
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Harry Maguire has backed a potential Marcus Rashford return to Manchester United after his loan spell with Barcelona, who did not trigger their option to sign him permanently following the end of the season.
Barcelona moved quickly to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle in a £70m deal at the start of the window. Gordon plays on the left wing, and his arrival meant Barca did not trigger their £26m option to sign Rashford.
Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona as they won La Liga, but the Catalan club wanted to explore signing him for a lower fee than was agreed when the loan was rubber-stamped.
United will not engage with Barcelona if they ask about another loan deal for next season, which leaves Rashford’s future up in the air ahead of 2026/2027.
Rashford is currently representing England at the World Cup, but he is set to report for United’s pre-season once he enjoys a break after the tournament.
United are fine with the possibility of Rashford returning for pre-season after the World Cup, and Michael Carrick suggested the door was open to his reintroduction when he spoke at a press conference last season.
Maguire has now given his backing for Rashford to rejoin the dressing room. When asked whether he would welcome Rashford back with open arms, he told The Rest Is Football: “Yeah, of course, I have an amazing relationship with Marcus and have had some great times with him over the years.
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“I know what a wonderful player he can be. I’m sure it’s up to the club and up to Marcus to find a mutual agreement. Of course, if Marcus does come back, we want him to come back and play and be happy and confident.
“It needs to be right for himself, it needs to be right for the club, but everyone knows what a great player Marcus can be for whatever club he plays for next season.”
During the World Cup, Maguire has provided punditry for The Rest Is Football podcast, and he praised the impact Rashford had for England in his first start of the tournament against Panama.
Maguire said: “I think he was so direct and positive with everything that he did. We spoke about the Ghana game, where it was a bit slow, and we had too much patience in the game.
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“I think Rashy straight away took the game to Panama, and I think in the first 10 minutes, he put four or five crosses in the box, and it wasn’t as accurate as he normally is, and then he finds that one where Harry probably was unfortunate not to score.
“He was a constant threat throughout the game and when he’s in that mood I think us England fans know how good he can be, and I’ve had the pleasure of playing with him at Manchester United for many years, so when he’s in that frame and in that direct mode he’s unstoppable on his day.”
The World Cup final will take place on July 19. Even if England reach the final of the tournament, Rashford will theoretically be back in pre-season in time to be available for United’s final friendly of the summer against AC Milan on August 15.
Rashford has two years remaining on his £325,000 per week United contract, which was signed in the summer of 2023 after a 30-goal season.
Jaron Ennis became a two-weight unified world champion last night in Brooklyn, stopping Xander Zayas inside seven rounds. Watching on was a man who previously held belts in both divisions, Terence Crawford.
Now the WBA and WBO super-welterweight champion, ‘Boots’ produced a performance full of precision, angles and power. It was not without adversity, however, as Zayas rocked him in the third round and briefly appeared to have the Philadelphia native in trouble.
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After a thrilling fourth round with back-and-forth action, Ennis regained complete control and systematically beat the fight out of the brave 23-year-old.
The victory marks another significant step towards building his own legacy in the sport, but Ennis continues to be measured against Terence Crawford after the two never managed to meet while campaigning at welterweight. During fight week, the new champion even labelled ‘Bud’ “easy work.”
Reacting shortly after the performance, Crawford – who retired last year as an undefeated five-weight world champion – suggested the display showed there are still levels between the pair.
“Ima keep my comments to myself, but y’all get it I hope.”
Ima keep my comments to myself, but yall get it I hope.😂
Asked about Crawford’s remarks during his post-fight press conference, Ennis insisted he is focused solely on taking over the super-welterweight division and is not concerned with what retired fighters have to say.
To do that, he must target the division’s other champions, Sebastian Fundora and Josh Kelly, while a long-discussed grudge match with Vergil Ortiz Jr also remains one of the biggest fights available at 154lbs.
Co-hosts Canada begin the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup when they face South Africa in the lone contest on Sunday, June 28. The Canadians finished second in Group B after suffering a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in the final group stage match, and they’ll have to play this game at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles rather than in front of their home crowd. South Africa managed to get a late draw against Czechia thanks to a penalty, then took advantage of one of the few opportunities they had against Korea Republic in a 1-0 win. Neither country has played a World Cup knockout game in its soccer history, but we know one will make history by going to the Round of 16.
We’ve taken how both teams fared in the group stage into consideration ahead of Sunday’s knockout game and put together a same-game parlay for South Africa vs. Canada, with additional insights from SportsLine experts Jon Eimer, Brad Thomas and Martin Green. Anyone following their World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.
South Africa vs. Canada World Cup same-game parlay
Canada’s six-goal outburst against a nine-man Qatar side has to be largely dismissed, since it’s unlikely South Africa will have multiple players sent off. Similarly, South Africa’s expected goal number of 0.07 from their opener against Mexico can largely be thrown out. These teams are fairly evenly matched on paper, though Canada have the edge when it comes to experience, especially in the attacking third. However, South Africa have defended quite well for most of the tournament. They’ve only allowed three goals, and one of those was conceded after they went down a man. I expect this to be a largely defensive contest that finishes Under 2.5 goals in regular time.
Both teams to score “No”
This has hit in two of Canada’s three group stage games and once in South Africa’s three matches. Canada produced 1.23 expected goals against Bosnia and 1.66 expected goals against Switzerland, while South Africa had 1.38 expected goals against Czechia and 1.16 against South Korea. And yet, I don’t believe either of these sides are truly that creative offensively. Canada have the talent edge but they might not have the crowd support they usually do, and South Africa have done well to hold off some solid attacking units in the group stage. I’ve already backed the Under, and I don’t think both teams get a goal in this one.
South Africa double chance
As mentioned above, I see this being a low-scoring match where both teams try to avoid major mistakes. Typically, this would favor a squad like Canada. However, all logic goes out the window with this South Africa team. They’ve already made history advancing to the Round of 32 out of a group where many expected them to finish last by a considerable margin. They’ve gotten quite lucky with timely goals and despite arguably not controlling any of the games they played, but they’re here. I’ll ride with the momentum they have to back a South Africa double chance in regular time.
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