'Lost his Tuch?' -- England boss hammered by media after World Cup exit

London: Thomas Tuchel may have criticised his England stars for being too "passive" in their World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina, but it is the beleaguered German who has come under fire from the British media for his defensive tactics.

Hampered by Tuchel's cautious substitutions, England squandered a golden opportunity to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, blowing the lead as Argentina scored twice in the closing minutes to snatch a 2-1 win on Wednesday. rocore.sbs

British tabloid The Sun encapsulated the mood of recrimination among frustrated England fans as their headlines blared: 'Lost his Tuch?' and 'Thomas tanked it'.

Tuchel was lambasted for sending on Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa to make a five-man defence, in a failed bid to hold on after England went 1-0 up through Anthony Gordon's goal early in the second half in Atlanta.

الأخبارQSL 2 rebranded as Jetour LeagueDoha, Qatar: The Qatar Stars League (QSL) and Jetour announced a two-season sponsorship agreement, making it the Official Sponsor and naming rights holder of QSL 2 league, offic...فتح →

There was a feeling of deja vu for England supporters, who had watched their team let one-goal leads slip away against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final and Italy in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 final.

The Daily Mail slammed Tuchel, saying despite being brought in to solve the tactical issues caused by predecessor Gareth Southgate, the German had also been too negative when the stakes were highest.

"Thomas Tuchel's changes cost England against Argentina -- they were out of ideas and doomed to lose from that moment. It was a return to the bad habits Gareth Southgate was criticised for", said the Mail.

The Times's columnist Martin Samuel said Tuchel had been just as conservative as many other failed former England managers.

"The England head coach was supposed to cure the team's fear but managers are pragmatists," he wrote.

"Anyone who doesn't jump is an Englishman, the Argentinians sing. And anyone who knows how to hold a lead in a World Cup semi-final is definitely not.

"The disease remains and is as contagious as ever. Different group, fancy new boss, same dispiriting outcome."

Tuchel's own words were turned against him, after he claimed that England had been scared to express themselves during the Euro 2024 final defeat against Spain in Southgate's last match in charge.

"They were afraid to drop out of the tournament, in my observation, than having the excitement and hunger to win it," he (Tuchel) said (in March) -- Not as easy as it looks, this international management lark," Samuel wrote.

However, with the 52-year-old former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain coach under contract until Euro 2028, the British media said Tuchel is likely to avoid the sack.

'Thomas Tuchel to STAY as England boss despite 'cowardly' defeat read the headline in another tabloid The Mirror, citing the word used by Spain's 2010 World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas to describe the strategy deployed by the coach.

"They (England) score the goal and drop back. A cowardly approach," Casillas posted on X.

New York: A sale of World Cup memorabilia, including a ball used in the final and outfits worn by performers at the halftime show, was announced yesterday by New York auction house Christie’s.

The week-long online auction begins on July 22 and raises funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to generate $100m for children worldwide during the World Cup.

Top items include a yellow crop top and trousers worn by Colombian pop singer Shakira in her music video for Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 football tournament.

The outfit she will wear during her performance at the first-ever World Cup final halftime show -- an 11-minute musical extravaganza also featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS - will also be auctioned.

Several soccer balls will go on sale including one from the July 19 final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and another from the opening match in Mexico last month.

A 2022 Argentina jersey signed by star player Lionel Messi is being auctioned too, as well as a US jersey signed by the United States’ men’s team.

Tested by: Ibrahim Jalloh

What Does the Brand RITC have to say:

The Ares Speed is a high-performance racing skinsuit, designed to deliver maximum aerodynamics, fit, and thermal comfort during the most intense rides and long-distance races. Its construction is based on a precise panel mapping, featuring ergonomic seams and strategically placed cuts that follow the rider’s dynamic movements. This ensures optimal muscle compression and minimizes friction, even during maximum effort. The sleeves are made from a structured aerodynamic fabric, engineered to optimize airflow in exposed areas and enhance the body’s aerodynamic efficiency. Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying materials provide perfect thermoregulation, making the Ares Speed ideal for road racing, time trials, or high-intensity training sessions

What does our reviewer Ibra say:

After months of training and racing in the RITC cycling one Piece Speed Bib, it’s become one of my favorite pieces of kit to ride in.

The fit is race-oriented without feeling restrictive, the fabric is lightweight and breathable, and the chamois has been exceptionally comfortable on long rides. Whether I’m training in Dubai or racing elsewhere, it has consistently performed well.

What I liked:

Premium Italian craftsmanship

Excellent aerodynamic race fit

Lightweight and breathable fabric

Comfortable on long training rides

Great moisture management in hot weather

What to consider:

The race fit is designed to be close-fitting, so riders who prefer a relaxed fit may want to size accordingly.

Like most premium cycling apparel, it’s an investment, but the quality reflects that.

Who is it for?

Competitive racers

Road Cyclists

Endurance riders

Anyone wanting a jersey that performs during both training and racing

When to use it:

One thing I’ve really enjoyed about the RETC jersey is its versatility.

I’ve worn it during hot summer rides in Dubai, early morning training sessions, and races, and it has remained comfortable throughout.

The breathable fabric keeps you cool in warmer temperatures, while pairing it with base layers or arm warmers makes it suitable for cooler conditions too.

In my experience, it’s a suit you can comfortably use throughout the year by adapting your layering to the weather.

Final thoughts:

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely.

If you’re looking for a jersey that combines comfort, performance, and premium Italian quality, the RITC jersey is definitely worth considering.

Overall opinion


Worth it!!

نعى سعادة الشيخ جوعان بن حمد آل ثاني، رئيس المجلس الأولمبي الآسيوي، رئيس اللجنة الاولمبية القطرية، فقيد الوطن الكبير الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، مستحضرا مسيرته كأب وقائد أسهم في بناء الدولة ونهضتها.


ونشر الشيخ جوعان عبر حسابه بمنصة «إكس»، صورا نادرة جمعته بالأمير الوالد خلال طفولته، عكست جانبًا إنسانيًا من دوره الأبوي، واستحضرت عمق العلاقة التي جمعتهما.
وقال الشيخ جوعان في رسالته «بمزيد من الرضا والتسليم لمشيئة الله تعالى، ننعى الوالد والمثل الأعلى والموجّه، سيدي صاحب السمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني يرحمه الله. لقد ودعنا رجلا اختصر في مسيرته كبرياء أمة ونهضة دولة، وشعبا لم يكن يفارق خياله وعقله يوما فجعل من اسم الوطن عنوانا للمجد والريادة في كل محفل».
وأضاف «حظيتُ بالنشأة في مدرسته والاستظلال بظله فلم يكن مجرد قائد أدار دفة الحكم بحكمة واقتدار، بل كان نموذجا في العطاء الصامت والأبوة الحانية التي اتسعت لشعبه قبل أبنائه. وإن أثمن ما أملك وأكبر إنجاز أعتز به في حياتي هو أنني عشت معه وتنفست من فيض حكمته، وكم يتملكني الفخر والامتنان اليوم أن عيالي وأحفاده الذين أتيحت لهم بركة العيش معه والاقتراب منه في آخر سنوات عمره قد لحقوا بنبع هذه المدرسة العظيمة وأنه كان لهم موجها ومعلما لينهلوا من قيمه ومبادئه الراسخة التي ستبقى محفورة في وجدانهم».
واستكمل قائلا «لقد بدأ مسيرته في كفاح ونضال طويلين شقّ بهما الصعاب ليصنع واقعا كريما لبلدنا فلم يلتفت يوما للمستحيل ولكنه حوّل الأحلام البعيدة بعزيمته الصادقة وقوة إرادته إلى حقيقة نعيشها اليوم، وحتى في الأيام التي كان فيها حاكما وتحت وطأة مسؤولياته الجسام تجاه أمة بأكملها، لم يشغله ذلك عن بيته وأسرته فكان يقتطع من وقته ليغمرنا برحمته ولطفه الشديدين، وكان في هيبته وعظمته إنسانا بسيطا جدا يأسر القلوب بقربه وتواضعه الكبير».
وتابع «تعلمنا في مجلسه أن القيادة مسؤولية وأمانة وأن كرامة الأوطان تبنى بالإخلاص والتضحية وتصان بالثبات على المبادئ. ولم تكن تربيته لنا تخلو من الحزم الأبوي عند عثراتنا ليقوّم مسارنا ويعلمنا الصواب ويصنع منا رجالا قادرين على مواجهة الحياة وحمل الأمانة»، مضيفا « أشعر اليوم بالامتنان العميق لأنني كنت تلميذا وخادما له وأني كنت محظوظا في هذه الدنيا لكوني نشأت ابنا له في عائلته الصغيرة وابناً له أيضاً في أسرته الكبيرة كمواطن قطري عاش تحت قيادته التاريخية».
وقال سعادته «إنني كمواطن قطري قبل أن أكون ابنا، أرفع العزاء والمواساة لكل بيت في هذه الأرض فقد كان رحمه الله أبا حقيقيا لكل «هل قطر» ومن يعيش على أرضها يعرفهم حق المعرفة ويعرف عوائلهم وآباءهم ويذكرهم بجميل مآثرهم. لقد كان نهجه «قطر قبل الكل» وهي عقيدته ومبدأه الذي عاش ومات عليها فكما قال بلسانه يوماً: «هي أول ما وقعت عليه العين، وأول ما التصق به الخيال». لذلك، تتماهى اليوم أحزاننا كعائلة وتذوب في فاجعة وطن بأكمله يبكي والده وقائده».
وأضاف «ورغم أن الجسد قد غاب فإنه حي فينا لم يمت باقٍ بإرثه ومبادئه وسيرته العطرة التي لا يطويها الغياب، ورغم أن هذا الرحيل المفجع يترك في نفوسنا فراغا عظيما لا تسده الكلمات فإن عهدنا الصادق له هو أن نستمر على مسيرته ونصون هذا الإرث العظيم الذي تركه أمانة في أعناقنا. وتستمر دولة قطر اليوم بخطى ثابتة وعزيمة راسخة تحت القيادة الحكيمة لسيدي حضرة صاحب السمو الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني أمير البلاد المُفدى، حفظه الله، الذي يواصل حمل الأمانة بالنهج السديد ذاته لتبقى رايتنا دائما عالية شامخة».
واختتم نعيه «أسأل الله العلي القدير أن يتغمد فقيد الوطن الكبير وباني نهضته بواسع رحمته وغفرانه وأن يتقبله في عليين مع الأنبياء والصديقين وأن يجزيه عن قطر وعن الأمتين العربية والإسلامية خير ما يجزي عباده المخلصين»، مضيفا «يرحل الأبرار وتبقى مآثرهم حية، ونعاهدك يا ملهم الوطن أن نظل على عهد الوفاء نكمل المسيرة لتبقى بلادنا دائما كما أردتها.. أولا، وقبل كل شيء».

Miami: Erling Haaland said facing England, the land of his birth, in the World Cup quarter-finals was extra special as he aims to extend Norway's historic run into the last four.

In his first major international tournament the Manchester City striker has propelled his country to the last eight by scoring seven times in four appearances, including a memorable double to beat Brazil in the last 16.

Haaland was born in England as his father Alfe Inge Haaland was playing for Leeds at the time and he has spent the last four seasons at City where he has become the poster boy of the Premier League.

"It's a special game, yeah, definitely. I think for me it's super special, because I play in England and I was born in England, and you also play against team-mates and everything," Haaland told reporters in Miami. "It's a funny game and it's gonna be nice."

In their first World Cup for 28 years, Norway have surpassed all expectations thanks to Haaland's killer instinct in front of goal.

"I didn't expect it, to be honest, to be in the quarter-finals with Norway in the World Cup is quite surprising even for me," he added.

"Playing against Brazil was kind of crazy for us Norwegians and to win against Brazil and then go and play England in the quarter-finals in the World Cup in the USA is quite special.

"I think if you watch the scenes back in Norway, this is not normal for Norway to be, so it's super special."

England, by contrast, are in the quarter-finals for a third consecutive World Cup, but have not won a major tournament for 60 years.

Haaland was keen to put the pressure on the Three Lions, who were considered among the pre-tournament favourites.

All of the top four seeds are still on course to reach the last four as England could face defending champions Argentina, while France and Spain could face off in the other semi-final.

"I think there's some clear favourites out there, England's one of them," said Haaland. "I think all of you should put every single pressure on the English lads."

Haaland's exploits have also made him a star Stateside over the past few weeks.

On top of his goalscoring prowess, the 25-year-old's jovial personality has gained fans.

Just hours after scoring the winner in the last 32 against Ivory Coast, Haaland went to be kitted out like a cowboy in Dallas posting a video in a cowboy hat and boots that went viral.

"It's a good thing because I like the Americans, I think they are kind of hilarious as well. They are funny, so I like the way they are," he said on his newfound fame in the USA.

"I think it's just good. Honestly on every single thing with the World Cup so far here it has been amazing: from the games to the stadiums, everything has been amazing.

"The training ground where we train has been amazing, so I'm super happy and it's been impressive."