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South Africa to appeal Zwane’s WC ban, citing Messi’s foul vs Algeria | FIFA World Cup 2026

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South Africa coach Hugo Broos wants to appeal midfielder Themba Zwane’s three-match ban for a red card at the World Cup, citing Lionel Messi in his reasoning.


Zwane was given one of the three red cards in the opening game of the World Cup on Thursday, when Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.


Speaking Wednesday, Broos noted Messi avoided punishment for what appeared to be a foul in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday as evidence of what he believes was an unfair sanction by the FIFA disciplinary committee.


Zwane was sent off in the 84th minute in Mexico City for hitting Roberto Alvarado in the face. Standard punishment is a one-match suspension, but FIFA said Wednesday it had increased the sanction because it was deemed serious foul play. 

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The suspension means Zwane would not be able to play again until the round of 16 if South Africa advances that far.


“I think the, the red card, is too severe. I saw back the situation where Themba got the red card. I don’t think it was a red card,” Broos said. “When I see what happened yesterday with Messi, then I don’t agree.” 
Slow motion replays showed Messi’s studs catch Algeria captain Aissa Mandi’s on the calf in Argentina’s win, but it went unpunished. Messi ended up scoring a hat trick in the match.


Zwane was sent off after his challenge went to a video review.

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“I think there was not even a VAR with Messi,” Broos said. “I don’t want Messi to get a red card because that player has to be on the pitch and you, you saw yesterday what a wonderful player he is. But, yeah, what is the difference here?” 
South Africa plays the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. A loss for either team would move them closer to elimination.

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Sports

Brazil 3-0 Haiti: Player ratings as Matheus Cunha double guides Seleção to first win of the tournament

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Brazil overcame Haiti 3-0 in their Group C clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia. Matheus Cunha struck a brace while Vinicius Junior also got on scoresheet for the Selecao, who although lost Raphinha to an unfortunate injury in the first half.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side, whose campaign began on a frustrating note with a 1-1 draw to Morocco, dominated the proceedings right from the off.

It took Brazil 23 minutes to finally break the deadlock as Vinicius’ initial effort was parried away by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide before Hannes Delcroix’s attempt to kick it away came off Cunha instead.

The Manchester United forward doubled their advantage 13 minutes later when Vinicus released him with a wonderful through ball. Cunha raced through acres of space at the back to connect with it and produce an emphatic finish.

Vinicius then turned goalscorer himself with an equally fine finish as Brazil led 3-0 at half-time. The second half was rather laborious with Ancelotti’s side slowing the tempo, but Haiti’s lackluster attack did not cause Brazil any trouble.

With four points in two games, the five-time world champions take top spot in Group C and will progress into the knockout stages as winners if they beat Scotland on matchday three.

Here are the player ratings for Brazil:

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Brazil Player Ratings


Alisson Becker – 7/10

An easy game for Brazil’s talismanic custodian Alisson, who was a mere spectator for much of the game but was on guard whenever Haiti threatened to attack. His Cryuff turn on Haitian forward Jean-Ricner Bellegarde had fans raving about him.


Danilo – 6.5/10

Coming in place of Roger Ibanez, Danilo was a nice passing outlet for Brazil on the right while also coming up trumps defensively with five defensive contributions.


Marquinhos – 7/10

The PSG star cleaned up everything in front of him to deny Haiti any chance at the Brazilian goal while also looking dominant in the air. He was central to building play from the back and completed 95% of his passes.


Gabriel Magalhaes – 7/10

An assured presence at the back, Magalhaes rarely put a foot wrong. His passing was top-notch and won 100% of his duels.

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Douglas Santos – 6.5/10

Another fine display from Douglas Santos, who guarded the left flank with utmost vigilance without ever compromising on his forward forays.


Lucas Paqueta – 7.5/10

A ball-winning machine who repeatedly recovered possession for his side and made the assist for Vinicius Junior’s goal.


Bruno Guimaraes – 7.5/10

Guimaraes dominated the midfield battle, jumping into duels and spraying passes all around the pitch, some of which got his teammates into good positions too.


Casemiro – 5/10

The Brazil veteran was uncharacteristically sloppy in passing while his hopeful punts also looked wayward. Off the ball too, Casemiro showed little movement.

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Vinicius Junior – 8.5/10

The Real Madrid ace followed his opening day goal against Morocco with another sweet strike here to make it two in two. But his brilliant link-up with Cunha after running into acres of space in midfield for Brazil’s second of the evening takes the cake.


Matheus Cunha – 9/10

An electric display in the first half, justifying his start with penetrative runs inside the box and scoring twice in a gap of just 13 minutes to give his team a healthy 2-0 cushion after just 36 minutes.


Raphinha – N/A

It started off brightly, with the forward getting into some promising positions that unsettled the Haitian defense but Raphinha’s night was cut short with a hamstring injury that forced him off after 39 minutes.


Substitutes


Rayan – 6.5/10

Came in for the injured Raphinha but hardly provided attacking threat.

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Endrick – 6/10

Got his first minutes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and had the ball in the back of the net at one point too, but it was ruled out for offside.


Gabriel Martinelli – 7.5/10

Looked promising every time he was on the attack, even rattling the bar once.


Ederson – N/A

Made just eight touches on the ball in nine minutes of action.


Danilo Santos – N/A

Came on as part of a double substitution with Ederson late on and couldn’t get involved in the proceedings much.

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