Sports
Tottenham 4-0 Copenhagen player ratings as Van de Ven steals show
Thomas Frank’s Tottenham Hotspur bounced back from a demoralising 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on the weekend with an emphatic 4-0 win over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night, with Micky van de Ven scoring perhaps the goal of the season.
Frank needed his men to put the defeat to the Blues behind them, and they did just that, although the Danish side were there for the taking. The opener came in the 19th minute as the visitors were caught out on the break, and Spurs punished the Danes.
Xavi Simons, who has been under heavy criticism as of late, did well to find Brennan Johnson, who was helped on his way to goal by Dominik Kotarski, who hopelessly raced out of goal, and Johnson took the ball past the Croatian goalkeeper before finding the back of the net.
The Lilywhites should have been two-up in the 40th minute when Frank’s troops put together a fine move that saw Simons gift Randal Kolo Muani the chance to net his first goal for the club. But the Frenchman sent the ball just wide of Kotarski’s goal when he should have been wheeling away in celebration.
Kolo Muani did himself no favors in the battle to be Frank’s number nine as he again was wasteful on the stroke of half-time. This time, he sent a header over the bar, preventing Simons from registering his second assist of the night.
It was finally 2-0 in the 51st minute and while Kolo Muani struggled finding the back of the net, he did well setting up Wilson Odobert. He brought the ball down after more madness from Kotarski and the winger easily tapped home the second.
Frank seemed to be in for a perfect night until Johnson went from hero to villain with a needless foul in the 57th minute. The Welshman was shown a straight red after VAR intervened and decided his studs-up tackle warranted a sending off.
Micky van de Ven quickly lifted the spirits again with one of the best goals you will see from a center half. The Dutchman charged forward in a flash, leaving Copenhagen’s players with egg on their face as he surged into the box and calmly fired past Kotarski.
Cristian Romero decided anything Van de Ven can do I can do as the Argentine found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He managed to pick out second-half substitute Joao Palhinha who beat the offside trap for his side’s fourth.
Match Highlights
Still to come…
Tottenham Hotspur
GK: Gugliemo Vicario – 6/10
The Italian goalkeeper came in for a relatively quiet night but he was reliable when called upon.
Pedro Porro – 7/10
The Portuguese right-back did well handling the opposition and usually found his man on set pieces.
Cristian Romero – 7.5/10
Came back into Frank’s starting XI and was dependable, closing the opposition down when they tried to break. His manager will just be praying he remains fit from here on out.
Micky van de Ven – 8.5/10
An unbelievable goal that takes his tally to six goals this season. He was back to his best defensively, and his solo goal will definitely have earned a handshake from Frank.
Destiny Udogie – 7/10
A lively threat down the left with his agility giving Odobert an option on the overlap. The Italian even tested Kotarski in the first half and put in a performance that should be enough to see him keep his place against Manchester United on Saturday.
Brennan Johnson – 6/10
The Welsh attacker performed so well before his sending off, as he now has four goals this season. He came up trumps with a clever finish for the opener but he saw red for his rash tackle to give Frank a real headache ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 8/10
A reminder of just how talented the Uruguayan is on his day, as he was excellent each time he got hold of the ball in the middle of the park. Frank should stick with this system as it reaps rewards, and Bentancur’s display is a prime example.
Pape Matar Sarr – 7/10
A neat and tidy performance that saw him control proceedings with his positional awareness, bombing up and down the pitch. He is one of Frank’s most consistent performers.
Wilson Odobert – 7/10
Linked up well with Udogie to help on the break and was eager to get himself on the scoresheet and could be one for Frank to keep in mind for Paris next time out.
CAM: Xavi Simons – 7.5/10
Tonight’s showing was just what the Dutch attacker will have wanted after a nightmare start to his Spurs career. He reminded fans just why the club swooped for his signature and his pick out for Johnson deserves praise.
ST: Randal Kolo Muani – 6/10
The French frontman is taking his time adjusting to life in North London and Frank stuck with him after the Chelsea defeat. But he should have found the back of the net twice in the first half, spurning two golden opportunities to get his Spurs career started. At least grabbed himself an assist after more calamity from Kotarski.
SUB: Joao Palhinha – 7/10
The Portuguese midfielder has been a surprise package in front of goal since arriving on loan and he managed to get on the scoresheet from the bench.
SUB: Richarlison – 6/10
Played with a purpose after coming on and a header hit the bar and agonizingly failed to cross the line. Promising at times but the penalty hitting the woodwork sums up his frustrating period.
SUB: Dane Scarlett – N/A
SUB: Kevin Danso – N/A
FC Copenhagen
Dominik Kotarski – 4/10
Made the clumsy decision to come racing out of his goal, which allowed Johnson to take full advantage. He looked a bag of nerves after this and would have conceded three by half-time if not for Kolo Muani’s wastefulness.
RB: Junnosuke Suzuki – 5/10
Spurs had much joy down the right channel and Udogie’s pace and Odobert’s skill were problematic for the Japanese full-back. He is usually defensively assured, but there were nervous moments tonight.
CB: Gabriel Pereira – 5/10
Whenever the hosts were on the attack they looked like scoring and that was due to the vulnerability at the back. He was too slow closing down a tricky Spurs frontline.
CB: Pantelis Hatzdiakos – 5.5/10
Was the better of the two Copenhagen central defenders but still failed to handle the likes of Simons and Odobert.
LB: Marcos Lopez – 4.5/10
Beaten too easily whenever Spurs broke forward and he looked shaky most of the time.
A very quiet night for the son of Henrik Larsson, who just couldn’t influence the game in any fashion. Rightfully withdrawn at halftime as Jacob Neestrup grew impatient.
Lukas Lerager – 5/10
Spurs eased their way through the middle on so many occasions and the veteran Dane couldn’t keep up with the pace of the hosts each time they broke forward.
William Clem – 5/10
Much like Lerager, he was often second best in duels against Spurs’ midfield duo Bentancur and Sarr and lacked much-needed creativity to spark Copenhagen into life.
Elias Achouri – 6.5/10
The Tunisian was Copenhagen’s standout performer whose pace and energy were a nuisance for the likes of Porro and Romero. He was just missing the killer instinct as he wasted one or two good chances.
Yossoufa Moukoko – 5/10
There’s a reason Borussia Dortmund were prepared to sell the German striker this past summer and he was ineffective in North London, rarely threatening a Spurs defence that was wounded by the Chelsea defeat.
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 5/10
Likewise, a very lacklustre night in North London for the former Southampton man, who wasn’t at the races.
SUB: Viktor Dadason – 4.5/10
The 17-year-old was ineffective and kept quiet by a dominant Spurs defence.
SUB: Andreas Cornelius – 4.5/10
Another attacker who didn’t manage to make an impact.
SUB: Viktor Claesson – N/A
SUB: Robert – N/A
The Belgian Football Association’s initial reaction to FIFA controversially suspending United States star Folarin Balogun’s red card has been revealed.
Balogun is now set to be available for the USMNT’s Round of 16 clash with Belgium at the World Cup on Tuesday (July 7th). FIFA have used Article 27 to suspend the former Arsenal star’s one-game ban, allowing him to continue playing in the tournament.
US President Donald Trump applauded FIFA for “doing what is right and reversing a great injustice.” While there has been widespread debate over Balogun’s challenge that led to his sending-off, there is outrage at the suspension of his ban.
Belgium React to Balogun Red Card Suspension
Balogun’s sending-off came in the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The American inadvertently left his studs on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic’s calf, although Brazilian referee Raphael Claus initially didn’t punish the player.
VAR intervened, advising Claus to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, and he brandished a red card. Backlash ensued following the decision, with manager Mauricio Pochettino furious and others comparing the foul to Lionel Messi’s in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria.
FIFA have since used Article 27 to suspend the one-game ban, a call that hasn’t gone down well in the footballing world. As well as with the Belgian FA, who have released a statement in response (via Fabrizio Romano):
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time). FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The Belgians add that “this provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction. However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup.”
“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5: ‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’
“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026. The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.”
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”
De Standaard’s Bart Lagae reports that the Belgian FA president Pascale Van Damme has flown to Seattle. As an acting member of the FIFA Council, he is set to discuss the Balogun controversy.
Balogun is one of the USA’s most important players and is the nation’s top scorer with three goals in as many games. One of them came in the 2-0 win over Bosnia, and Belgium will have been preparing to face the Americans without their centre-forward.
Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad pointed out that Rudi Garcia would have to change his team’s preparations and that the Belgian coach “hadn’t factored this in”. They also claim that the European nation are the “victims of this” and downplay the likelihood of action changing the situation.
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Ex-FIFA Referee Slams Decision
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett deemed the suspension of Balogun’s one-game ban “unacceptable.” While writing on X, he pointed out that future red cards may well be deferred as a knock-on effect.
Cristiano Ronaldo is another beneficiary of Article 27 after he almost missed Portugal’s World Cup opening games. FIFA prevented that from happening by suspending a red card he received in his country’s 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier back in November.
Donald Trump Reacts on Social Media as FIFA Suspend Folarin Balogun’s One-Game Ban
The US President believes FIFA have made the right call.
Hackett urged all other competing nations, not just Belgium, to challenge FIFA’s decision. The suspension lasts a year and means Balogun won’t risk the ban coming into effect should the USA win at Seattle Stadium and progress further through the knockout rounds.
Sports
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Causes Big Stir With Reaction to FIFA Suspending Folarin Balogun’s One-Game Ban
Football fans have been left stunned by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s comments on FIFA’s controversial decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card.
FIFA opted to invoke Article 27, which allows it to suspend Balogun’s one-game ban following a contentious sending-off in the United States’ World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The AS Monaco striker received his marching orders for a challenge on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.
The USA and their coach, Mauricio Pochettino, were outraged by the decision. Likewise, US president Donald Trump, who has since applauded FIFA for “doing the right thing” and “reversing a great injustice.”
Ibrahimovic ‘Happy’ After Balogun Red Card Suspended
FIFA haven’t reversed the red card decision but rather suspended the one-game ban for one year. For many, this is inexcusable given that others who have been sent off during a World Cup haven’t been allowed such treatment.
Balogun will now be available for the USA’s last 16 clash with Belgium on Tuesday at Seattle Stadium. Not only are fans and the media calling it corruption, but the Belgian FA are also considering legal action over an “astonishing” decision.
Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, says he’s “happy” with the outcome and given a suspicious verdict on the situation. He said on American broadcaster FOX Sports:
“What I want to say is that I am happy for the US. Obviously, it’s a different situation, but first of all he should not get a red card. Then I am happy for the US team because the US team has been amazing, but Balo has been super amazing and with him it’s an extra force.”
Balogun has been crucial for Pochettino’s side, finding the net three times in as many outings. He scored in a 2-0 win over Bosnia before being sent down the tunnel for a foul that many, including Ibrahimovic, felt didn’t justify a red card.
There had already been a debate over the sending-off, but FIFA’s suspension has caused outrage. A volatile situation continues to spiral out of control and Ibrahimovic has dragged himself into the firing line.
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‘Money Talks’ – Fans Slam Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic usually doesn’t mince his words and says how he feels, but some believe he’s played up to the American fanbase with his comments. The former Manchester United striker might live to regret giving his take on the Balogun saga.
One fan responded to a clip of the Swede with a brutal dig: “Zlatan has officially sold out.”
Another supporter added: “He’s lost all my respect after this…”
One wrote: “Now he has nothing to say about this unfair awful decision because he is on FOX Sports. Money talks and he shuts up.”
This was echoed by another: “Put money in his account and he will say whatever is needed.”
One fan questioned Ibrahimovic’s integrity: “Zlatan has no spine. Got a gig at an American channel and he will say anything to appease their audience.”
Another added: “Zlatan, who was hyped up as that tough guy, is this. As long as he can make money, he’ll easily betray football.”
Ibrahimovic’s FOX Sports colleague and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry gave a more honest assessment. He pointed out that he didn’t think it was a red card, but that it changed everything for Belgium’s preparations.
Belgian FA’s Reaction to FIFA Suspending Folarin Balogun’s One-Game Ban
The American striker will be available against Belgium.
Henry insisted a decision should have been made in the immediate aftermath of USA’s win over Bosnia. Balogun will nonetheless be in action and will most likely start in Tuesday’s game in Seattle, Washington.
Tottenham Hotspur have agreed another deal for the summer transfer window as they continue to rebuild their squad for Roberto De Zerbi.
Spurs have signed six players so far this summer, bringing in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke arrived for £52m, while Mateus Fernandes joined for £85m and Sandro Tonali signed in a £100m deal.
Luka Vuskovic has been allowed to depart for Brighton in a deal worth £50m plus a sell-on clause, and now the north London side have agreed a deal for another first-team star to move on.
Tottenham Agree Dragusin Deal
According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have agreed a loan with an obligation to buy with Fiorentina for defender Radu Dragusin to depart this summer.
The Romanian, who is known for his blistering speed, asked to leave this club this summer after seeing limited game time last season, while two new centre-back arrivals mean he had fallen even further down the pecking order.
Fiorentina tried to sign him in January but were blocked from doing so, but they have now agreed to pay a £1m loan fee to sign him this summer, with an obligation to buy next year for £15.5m already agreed.
Fiorentina will also cover the centre-back’s wages for the entirety of the 2026/27 season before making the deal permanent next summer.
Dragusin will not travel to Florence early next week to undergo a medical, before putting pen to paper on a contract to bring an end to his two-and-a-half-year spell in north London.
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Tottenham Clearing The Squad Out
After making an early splurge to strengthen the squad and bring players in that De Zerbi wants as part of his side for the new season, Spurs are now making an effort to trim the far and clear out the dead wood.
Vuskovic wasn’t in the Italian’s plans and has been allowed to move on, and Dragusin is obviously in exactly the same boat, having fallen behind Romero, Van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Senesi, and Van Hecke in the squad.
More players will almost certainly be allowed to move on between now and the transfer window closing, but Dragusin is someone who won’t be too sorely missed.
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