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Japan Use Never-Seen-Before Tactic in 2-2 Draw vs Netherlands

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Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu deployed a never-seen-before tactic to help his players secure a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands on Sunday night.

One of the most eagerly-anticipated fixtures of the 2026 World Cup’s opening week didn’t disappoint. Virgil van Dijk gave Netherlands the lead early in the second half before Keito Nakamura equalised minutes later.

Crysencio Summerville put the Netherlands back in front in the 64th minute, but the Oranje were denied all three points when Daichi Kamada scored a dramatic late equaliser.

Asked if he had any regrets over his tactics, Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman told reporters: “There was also a problem with pressure on the flanks. ​So if you look at the game, both goals, well, we didn’t defend ​well.

“Football is a funny game because, after Japan scored the second goal, they ‌started ⁠defending as well.

“So we could have scored a third goal. So I don’t regret my choices.”


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Japan’s Never-Seen-Before Tactic Goes Viral

Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu Issei Kato via Reuters

However, it’s the unusual tactics of Moriyasu which have sparked plenty of debate on social media.

The 57-year-old, who has been in charge of the Japan national team since 2018, was seen holding a white board with giant numbers towards his players.

The numbers represented how many minutes were remaining. In stoppage time, Moriyasu flashed up a board with a minute-by-minute update, to ensure his players were acutely aware of when the full-time white was coming. Watch the footage below:

Asked about the tactic, former Australia and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said on ITV Sport: “Yeah I guess their timekeeping is good. Fantastic. I just wish they had something that said, ‘[be] brave’ and play more to their capabilities.

“They should be really happy with the 2-2. I know the capabilities they have. They can win these games by playing with a little bit more character.”

Manchester United legend Gary Neville, asked whether he adopted such methods during his ill-fated managerial spell with Valencia, added: “No, that wasn’t a tactic I deployed. When I saw a six board, that was the goals we conceded!”

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Japan and Netherlands find themselves second and third, respectively, in Group F after the first round of matches. Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in the group’s other game, with Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres both getting on the scoresheet.

Netherlands face Sweden on Saturday, while Japan go head-to-head against Tunisia on the same day.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic Puts Alexi Lalas in His Place During World Cup

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Thierry Henry produced a priceless reaction live on FOX Sports after Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Alexi Lalas in his place on live TV following France’s 3-1 win over Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.

The trio have only been working together since the tournament began last week but there have already been moments of tension between Lalas, the former United States international, and his fellow pundits.

Lalas made headlines last week after describing British presenter James Corden as a “full kit w***er” live on TV on day two of the tournament, prompting a shocked reaction from his fellow panellists.

Since then, viewers on social media have been speculating that Zlatan and Henry have little time for the outspoken Lalas.

Zlatan Shuts Down ‘Arrogant’ France Accusations

Zlatan Daniele Mascolo via Reuters

There was another tense moment between Ibrahimovic and Lalas on Tuesday, following France’s victory over Senegal.

Lalas attempted to spark a discussion over whether the French team were guilty of being arrogant during the goalless first half. The 56-year-old made the comment after former USA star Landon Donovan called Les Bleus “arrogant” and “casual” in their approach during the opening 45 minutes.

“The reality is, if they are arrogant, it’s because they can do things like that,” Lalas said, highlighting France’s second-half performance in which Kylian Mbappe scored twice. However, Zlatan shut down any suggestions of France being arrogant, responding:

“It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. Ignorant people will say it’s arrogance, intelligent people will say it’s confidence.”

Henry’s eyes widened and stayed that way for several seconds as the dust settled on Zlatan’s cutting response. Watch the clip below:

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France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, struggled during the first half against Senegal in hot conditions at the New York New Jersey Stadium. But Didier Deschamps’ side found their rhythm after the break and secured all three points thanks to Mbappe’s brace and another goal from substitute Bradley Barcola.

However, France only find themselves second in Group I after the first round of matches due to Norway securing a 4-1 win over Iraq. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, making his maiden appearance at a World Cup finals, scored twice at the Boston Stadium.


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In the night’s other games, over in Group J, Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s joint all-time leading goalscorer after netting a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, while Austria sealed a 3-1 win over Jordan.

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Ruben Amorim Wants Manuel Ugarte From Man Utd

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Ruben Amorim could offer Manuel Ugarte an escape route, as The Mirror claims that the former Manchester United head coach wants the midfielder at his next club, AC Milan.

The Uruguayan international has struggled to make much of an impression since his switch from Paris Saint-Germain, having dropped down the team pecking order in the past year.

Ugarte’s struggles have been well-documented, and as Man United look to bolster their midfield ranks, he has been put among the players shortlisted for a potential exit this summer.

As they look to recoup much of the £42 million spent on the 25-year-old this summer, Amorim could give the Red Devils a much-needed financial boost.

AC Milan Want Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte vs England
Manuel Ugarte vs England

According to the report from The Mirror, Amorim is looking at a potential move for Ugarte this summer, with the hopes of reuniting at AC Milan.

It’s stated that Man United have slapped a £30 million price tag on the midfielder, as they hope to land a decent fee to move him on three years before the end of his contract.

As it stands, the Rossoneri are currently unwilling to match that demand, but talks are planned so that the two clubs can reach a compromise to get a deal over the line.

There is some hope that a positive World Cup for Ugarte, who is featuring for Uruguay in North America this summer, will help the Red Devils in their case to get a strong fee for him.

It remains to be seen whether that will be the case, but any move is likely to free up funds for the club to go back into the market for even better options.

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Man United’s Midfield Refresh

Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)

A transfer exit for Ugarte could help get the midfield refresh at Manchester United firmly underway, replacing a wantaway star with some quality.

Ederson’s move from Atalanta is already agreed in a huge boost for the position, while talks are continuing over the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.

At least two additions to the central ranks are expected, but an exit for Ugarte for a strong fee could free up funds to add a third midfielder who could make all the difference.


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Links have continued for the likes of Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, who may emerge as strong candidates later in the transfer window.

It remains to be seen if that is possible, especially with interest for a new left-back, backup goalkeeper, and a forward of some description before the window closes.

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Why Tuchel Didn’t Call Up Trent Alexander-Arnold to Replace Tino Livramento

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Thomas Tuchel has again decided against calling up Trent Alexander-Arnold to England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and his reasons for doing so have emerged.

The Real Madrid defender was excluded from England’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in May, with the likes of Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento preferred.

Livramento had to withdraw from England’s squad just days before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia after suffering a calf injury in training.

Tuchel again decided against calling up Trent to replace the Newcastle defender, instead bringing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah into the fold.

Why Tuchel Decided Against Calling Up Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold in action for Real Madrid Lee Smith via Reuters

Many football fans questioned Tuchel’s decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold when he initially named his squad, and many are baffled they have overlooked him again.

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has now explained the two reasons why the Real Madrid defender, considered one of the best right-backs in the world, was not called up.

He said: “There will be a lot of England fans and pundits saying ‘why not Trent Alexander-Arnold?’ – that’s a question Tuchel will be asked.

“It’s my understanding there are two reasons why it wouldn’t be Alexander-Arnold – firstly, we don’t know where he is. Could the England logistics teams get him here in time before the deadline?

“Also, Tuchel has left some big names out of this squad, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden. He didn’t want to bring them if they weren’t going to be guaranteed game time. So the England manager may have had concerns about bringing in a superstar like Alexander-Arnold if he was going to spend time sitting on the bench.”

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Thomas Tuchel Explains Reasons For Calling Up Chalobah

England manager Thomas Tuchel during a press conference in England Press Conference in Gardens North County District Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, U.S. Thomas Tuchel via Reuters/Jim Rassol​​​​​​​

Tuchel has now addressed Livramento’s injury and explained why he decided to replace him with Chalobah.

He said: “Tino was of course very disappointed and sad. All of us were. It was a bit of a shock when he had to stop training and he had a feeling that this could be an injury that could cost him the tournament. He was unfortunately right after assessment.

“We got the information that it’s about four or five weeks, which is unfortunately too long to keep on rebuilding and reintegrating him into the squad. We took the decision to send him home, which is disappointing.

“We called Trevoh Chalobah, because we can free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides. Djed Spence can play as a full-back on both sides. Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative, which gives us full coverage in the back four.”

England get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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