Football fans often expect fireworks at the FIFA World Cup as countries collide for the chance to become world champions. That said, nobody anticipated the war that ensued between Portugal and the Netherlands at the 2006 World Cup.

Famously nicknamed ‘The Battle of Nuremberg’, it was a Round of 16 match that made history and plenty of controversy. It stunned the footballing world as a record four red cards were handed out, along with 16 yellow cards, during a heated affair which should have also seen Luis Figo sent off for a headbutt.

Portugal prevailed with a 1-0 victory courtesy of Maniche’s 23rd winner, but it’s a game ultimately remembered for the drama that unfolded leading to the most cards brandished in a World Cup game. It had held the record for the most yellow cards until 18 players were booked in Argentina’s quarter-final victory over the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup.

‘Figo isn’t Jesus Christ’

Jerry Lampen via Reuters

Portugal were the first to go down to 10 men after Costinha had been shown two yellow cards within the first half. That was until former Chelsea right-back Khalid Boulahrouz was handed his marching orders for a second bookable offence in the 63rd minute – his first being a foul so brutal that it forced Cristiano Ronaldo to withdraw through injury. .

Moments prior, ussian referee Valentin Ivanov had booked Figo after the Real Madrid legend headbutted Mark van Bommel as part of a touchline mele. He was fortunate to stay on the pitch for that incident, but it wasn’t long until team-mate Deco later headed down the tunnel after receiving two yellow cards and a subsequent red card.

That same fate came for Giovanni van Bronckhorst in stoppage time. The former Barcelona man had avenged Van Bommel, landing an elbow on Figo as they raced towards a loose ball.

Figo’s antics were perhaps the biggest talking point during the heated Round of 16 clash at the Frankenstadion in Nuremberg, Germany. His headbutt made headline news, and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari gave a famous quote in response to the incident.

Scolari told reporters ahead of Portugal’s quarter-final against England: “Jesus said we should turn the other cheek. Unfortunately, Figo is not Jesus Christ.”

Jose Manuel Ribeiro via Reuters

FIFA surprisingly cleared Figo to play against the Three Lions, insisting that the player had been sanctioned by the referee at the time. This allowed the Madrid hero to play the rest of the tournament.

Figo and Portugal went on to beat England on penalties before losing 1-0 to France in the semi-finals. The Portuguese finished fourth after a 3-1 defeat to Germany in the Match for Third Place.

Figo’s headbutt was one of two that created chaos at the 2006 World Cup. Zinedine Zidane took a leaf out of his Madrid teammate’s page in the final when he headbutted Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the chest, resulting in his sending off in his final international game that ended in defeat.

FIFA’s Blatter blamed Ivanov

Ivanov came in for heavy criticism for his handling of Portugal’s win over the Netherlands. He struggled to deal with the indiscipline from both teams and, as a result, set an unwanted record for the referee who handed out the most cards and red cards in a World Cup match.

Not only were fans and pundits calling out his performance, but former FIFA President Sepp Blatter even put him on blast. He told Portuguese television channel SIC:

“I consider the referee was not at the same level as the participants, the players. I think there could have been a yellow card for the referee.”

Ivanov and English referee Graham Poll, who had handed three yellow cards to one player, were removed from the tournament after the Round of 16. Blatter explained that “FIFA owes it to itself, in its own flagship competition, to send out the best referees.”

Blatter eventually promised to apologise for his comments and although there is no official record of him ever doing so, he did at least publically express his regret over them, telling reporters: “I would just like to say that I regret what has happened. I regret what I said about his actions in the match between Portugal and the Netherlands.”

The Russian official’s own father hit back at the FIFA president, pointing out that the organisation had demanded referees be tougher on competitors.

Tottenham Hotspur look set to be one of the Premier League’s biggest spenders during this summer’s transfer window.

After the Lilywhites avoided relegation on the final day of last season, Roberto De Zerbi is focused on building a squad that can compete for European qualification this time around. He has already been reunited with his former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined in a £52million deal.

De Zerbi is particularly keen to improve his midfield options, and the North Londoners have set their sights on Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. They have failed to persuade the Magpies to sell the Italian with two £75million bids so far.

Tonali appears to be Spurs’ top target, but a new attacker is also on the wishlist despite James Maddison’s return from injury. Xavi Simons arrived last summer, but an ACL injury means he’s likely to be out of action until 2027.

Tottenham Ready to Battle PSG for Akliouche

Tottenham have reportedly reignited their interest in AS Monaco attacking gem Maghnes Akliouche, per Football Insider. The versatile 24-year-old is in high demand and Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be leading the race.

The report claims that Spurs have asked to be kept informed of Akliouche’s situation and he is expected to leave Monaco. He starred at Stade Louis II last season, registering seven goals and 11 assists in 43 games across all competitions.

Akliouche, dubbed “magic”, had been on the Lilywhites’ shortlist last summer, but the club opted to sign Simons instead. De Zerbi is eager to add more depth to his squad, and Maddison will eventually need to be replaced.

Tonali Should be the Priority for Spurs

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Akliouche has enjoyed a meteoric rise at Monaco and earned a call-up to the France squad for the World Cup. Talk over his club future has taken hold during the international tournament in North America.

French outlet Foot Mercato (via TEAMtalk) claim that the player has already ‘agreed’ to join PSG. That doesn’t rule Spurs out of the race because a fee still has to be agreed and the Premier League club can offer him guaranteed first-team football.

Akliouche is reportedly valued at £52million, although a potential bidding war could push the fee to £61million. He has two years left on his contract with Monaco, where he’s spent his entire career.

Spurs have already shown they are willing to splash the cash this summer, and the French star is definitely an exciting talent. That said, they could be looking at forking out £85million for Tonali, which will take a large chunk out of their transfer budget.

Fabrizio Romano has given an interesting update on Federico Chiesa’s future at Liverpool amid talk of a potential return to Italy.

Chiesa found game time hard to come by under Arne Slot throughout the Dutch manager’s reign. He started just one of 26 league games last season, and his lack of first-team opportunities led to speculation over a possible summer exit.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a return to Juventus, while Inter Milan and Napoli are thought to be monitoring his situation. He has two years left on his contract at Anfield, but might be persuaded to try to win over the new head coach, Andoni Iraola, during pre-season.

Iraola replaced Slot earlier this month and will want to assess his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. That might mean the likes of Chiesa are given a fresh chance to prove themselves.

Liverpool Make Federico Chiesa Decision

Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juve in the summer of 2024 in a £12.5milion deal. He arrived with a strong reputation from his exploits in Serie A where he thrived in Turin.

The Italian winger has been unable to replicate his performances with the Old Lady while on Merseyside. That is largely down to Slot’s reluctance to use him despite other attackers struggling last season.

Romano delved into the situation regarding Chiesa and his future at Anfield. He alluded to rumours of a return to Italy while speaking on his YouTube channel:

“There are many questions regarding the name of Federico Chiesa – such as whether he could be a potential target for Juventus, he might join Inter as a right-winger, if there is the possibility that Napoli and Roma could return to him. Many of you are asking if Chiesa could be one of the protagonists of this transfer market.”

Romano explained that Liverpool have decided that he will participate in pre-season to allow Iraola to give his verdict:

“At the present time, the decision made by the Liverpool player is to participate in the pre-season, to get together with the new coach Andoni Iraola. Chiesa just wants to play his cards in pre-season at Liverpool.”

There is a chance that Chiesa will be given more first-team football next season following Mohamed Salah’s exit. The Egyptian is leaving the Reds, and the club are already looking for a replacement.

Chiesa Deserves a Chance Under Iraola

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Chiesa has shown glimpses of what he’s capable of during his time on the pitch for Liverpool. He is an exciting attacker who often comes up with important goals, and perhaps Iraola will take a liking to him.

The Reds are reportedly set to make a second bid for RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, who is viewed as Salah’s replacement. The Ivorian is only 19, and thus, if he is signed, it’s important he is eased into the first team without putting too much pressure on him.

Chiesa, described as “underappreciated” while at Juve, can play on either wing or as the focal point of his side’s attack. His output wasn’t great last season, managing three goals and as many assists in 36 games across competitions.

It’s important to note that most of those appearances came off the bench, and he had been used as a bit-part player under Slot. That might change now that Iraola is in the dugout, and judging from his time at Bournemouth, he likes coaching adaptable players.