Ex-Egypt Boss Tardelli Claims Referees Helped Argentina

Former Egypt coach Marco Tardelli has accused match officials of helping Argentina reach the 2026 World Cup final.

The Italian’s remarks revived the debate that followed the holders’ controversial win over the Pharaohs. rocore.sbs

Speaking on Rai 1’s Notti Mondiali before Sunday’s World Cup final, Tardelli questioned Argentina’s route through the knockout stages.

“Argentina had to reach the final, and certain referees got them there,” Tardelli said. “It seems they have friends in high places.”

The 1982 World Cup winner did not identify any officials or provide evidence for his allegation.

Tardelli’s comments follow several refereeing disputes involving Argentina during the tournament. The most significant controversy for Egypt came during the round-of-16 meeting in Atlanta.

Egypt led 2-0 before Argentina scored three times in the final 11 minutes to win 3-2. However, the Pharaohs disputed several decisions by French referee Francois Letexier and his VAR team.

VAR advised Letexier to disallow a goal by Mostafa Ziko with Egypt leading 1-0. Officials identified a foul by Marwan Attia on Lisandro Martinez earlier in the attacking move.

Ziko later doubled Egypt’s lead, but Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi brought Argentina level. Egypt then demanded a penalty after Julian Alvarez challenged Mohamed Salah inside the area.

Letexier allowed play to continue, and Argentina launched the attack that produced Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan described the officiating as unfair and claimed the tournament was “directed towards Argentina”. The Egyptian Football Association also questioned the consistency of the decisions and VAR’s application.

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina subsequently rejected allegations of bias. He said VAR correctly identified Attia’s foul before Ziko’s disallowed goal.

Collina also backed the decision involving Salah and Alvarez. Officials viewed the incident as normal contact after Alvarez played the ball.

“Nobody can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup match officials,” Collina said in a FIFA interview. He added that nobody, including FIFA’s president, could influence the refereeing team.

Tardelli coached Egypt during their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign in 2004. The EFA dismissed him after a 2-1 defeat away to Libya damaged the Pharaohs’ qualification hopes.

Argentina will face Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium after beating England 2-1 in the semi-finals. Lionel Scaloni’s side came from behind through late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez.

The post Ex-Egypt Boss Tardelli Claims Referees Helped Argentina appeared first on KingFut.

أكد السيد علي سالم عفيفة نائب رئيس نادي الريان أن رحيل صاحب السمو الأمير الوالد الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني، رحمه الله، يمثل خسارة كبيرة لدولة قطر والأمتين العربية والإسلامية، لما تركه من إرث وطني وإنساني وسياسي سيظل حاضرًا في ذاكرة التاريخ، مشيرًا إلى أن ما تحقق لدولة قطر من نهضة شاملة يقف شاهدًا على رؤية قائد استثنائي آمن بوطنه وشعبه، فحوّل الطموحات إلى إنجازات، والأحلام إلى واقع يشار إليه بالبنان.
وقال عفيفة إن الأمير الوالد لم يكن قائدًا لمرحلة زمنية فحسب، بل كان مؤسسًا لرؤية مستقبلية متكاملة جعلت من قطر نموذجًا عالميًا في التنمية والازدهار، حيث أرسى دعائم الدولة الحديثة، وعزز مؤسساتها، واستثمر في الإنسان باعتباره الثروة الحقيقية، فكانت الإنجازات في مختلف القطاعات ثمرة فكر استراتيجي بعيد المدى وإرادة لا تعرف المستحيل.

محبة بين القائد وشعبه
وأضاف أن العلاقة التي جمعت الأمير الوالد بشعبه كانت علاقة استثنائية قوامها المحبة والوفاء والثقة المتبادلة، فقد أحب أبناء وطنه بصدق، ووضع رفاههم وكرامتهم في مقدمة أولوياته، فبادلته الجماهير حبًا بحب، ووفاءً بوفاء، ليبقى حاضرًا في قلوب القطريين وكل من عرف مواقفه النبيلة وإنجازاته الكبيرة.
وأشار نائب رئيس نادي الريان إلى أن ما تشهده قطر اليوم من مكانة دولية مرموقة، وبنية تحتية متطورة، ونهضة اقتصادية ورياضية وثقافية، هو امتداد لأسس راسخة وضعها الأمير الوالد، الذي امتلك رؤية استباقية جعلت الوطن قادرًا على مواجهة التحديات وصناعة المستقبل بثقة واقتدار.

آمن بقدرات شعبه
واختتم عفيفة تصريحه قائلاً: إن التاريخ سيبقى شاهدًا على أن الأمير الوالد كان رجل دولة من طراز فريد، وقائدا استثنائيا آمن بقدرات شعبه، فصنع معه قصة نجاح ستظل مصدر فخر لكل قطري. لقد ترك إرثًا لا ينتهي، وسيبقى اسمه مقرونًا بكل إنجاز حققته قطر، وبكل خطوة تمضي بها نحو مستقبل أكثر إشراقًا. نسأل الله سبحانه وتعالى أن يتغمده بواسع رحمته، وأن يسكنه فسيح جناته، وأن يجزيه خير الجزاء على ما قدمه لوطنه وشعبه وأمته.
وندعو الله أن يحفظ حضرة صاحب السمو أمير البلاد المفدى الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني، ويوفقه لما يحبه ويرضاه فهو الأمير القائد والحافظ لهذا البلد العظيم ومنجزاته ومكتسباته.

Doha, Qatar: The FIFA World Cup is remembered for stunning goals, iconic celebrations and unforgettable players. But behind many defining moments is another battle, one fought from the touchline.

At World Cup 2026, several of the tournament’s biggest results were shaped not only by individual brilliance, but by managerial decisions. Some coaches trusted their instincts and changed matches with bold tactical moves, while others saw promising positions slip away after one crucial adjustment failed.

For several teams, the decision to protect a lead proved more costly than the desire to chase another goal.

England appeared on course for the final after Anthony Gordon put them ahead against Argentina in the semi-finals. But instead of maintaining their attacking approach, Thomas Tuchel switched to a defensive setup, with England managing only 12 percent possession after taking the lead and failing to register a touch inside Argentina’s box. Lionel Messi eventually took control, creating late goals for Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez as Argentina completed another comeback.

Egypt suffered a similar fate against the same opponents. After taking a stunning 2-0 lead, the Pharaohs abandoned the counter-attacking approach that had troubled Argentina and retreated into their own half. Argentina responded with 17 shots before scoring three times in the final 14 minutes to end Egypt’s historic run.

The Netherlands also paid the price for becoming too cautious. Ronald Koeman switched to a five-man defensive line against Morocco, but after Cody Gakpo’s opener, the Dutch dropped deeper and lost the attacking identity that had produced 10 goals in the group stage. Morocco seized control, scored a stoppage-time equaliser and completed the comeback in the penalty shootout.

Senegal experienced a similar collapse against Belgium in the Round of 32. After building a 2-0 lead, the Lions of Teranga abandoned their aggressive approach and invited pressure. Belgium dominated the closing stages, scoring twice late in normal time before adding a penalty in extra time to complete the turnaround.

Switzerland’s quarter-final against Argentina showed the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. After levelling at 1-1, the Swiss continued with a high defensive line despite Breel Embolo’s red card four minutes later. Argentina exploited the space behind the tiring defence in extra time, scoring twice to win 3-1.

However, while some managers watched their plans unravel, others changed matches with decisive interventions.

England themselves benefited from Tuchel’s tactical adjustments earlier in the tournament against DR Congo. Trailing after conceding early, England struggled against a five-man defence until Tuchel introduced Gordon and Bukayo Saka, shifting the focus towards the flanks. The change transformed the game, with Gordon creating both goals for Harry Kane in a 2-1 comeback win. Norway’s shock victory over Brazil was shaped by Stale Solbakken’s changes at half-time. Introducing Oscar Bobb and Andreas Schjelderup added width and pace to Norway’s attack. As Brazil pushed forward, Schjelderup provided two assists for Erling Haaland’s late goals, sending Norway into the quarter-finals.

Argentina’s Round of 16 comeback against Egypt also reflected Lionel Scaloni’s attacking gamble. Instead of becoming desperate after falling 2-0 behind, the Argentina coach pushed more players forward and maintained pressure. The reward was a stunning three-goal turnaround.

Spain’s semi-final victory over France highlighted Luis de la Fuente’s tactical precision. Identifying France’s left side as a weakness, Spain repeatedly targeted that area through Lamine Yamal and Pedro Porro. The pressure disrupted France’s balance and helped Spain secure a 2-0 win.

Perhaps the boldest decision came from Portugal coach Roberto Martínez. With the knockout tie against Croatia heading towards penalties, Martínez made the difficult call to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo. Trusting Goncalo Ramos instead, he was rewarded when the striker scored the winner, turning a risky decision into one of the tournament’s defining moments.

A substitution, a formation change or the decision to attack rather than defend can alter the course of a nation’s football history. At the World Cup, glory and heartbreak are often decided not only by those on the pitch, but by those making the calls on the sidelines.

Miami, United States: England beat France 6-4 in a chaotic World Cup third-place playoff on Saturday as Kylian Mbappe became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

Both teams had higher aspirations at the 2026 tournament but suffered painful semi-final exits -- France were outplayed by Spain while England suffered a late collapse against Argentina.

Both coaches made multiple changes for the match in the oppressive heat of Miami, with a host of stars on the bench at the start.

England boss Thomas Tuchel left out Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from his starting line-up while Deschamps, stepping down after 14 years at the helm, omitted Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice put England ahead with a goal from distance in the third minute and Ezri Konsa headed home to make it 2-0.

Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise were a threat as France searched for a way back into the game but they found England's second-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson in top form.

The game threatened to become embarrassing for France when Bukayo Saka made it 3-0 after a swift break.

And it was 4-0 in first-half stoppage time when Saka scored his second goal of the game, celebrated with a fist pump by Tuchel.

France coach Didier Deschamps told French TV channel M6 that the first-half display had been "catastrophic", urging his men to show pride.

He made four changes, bringing on Dembele, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne and Barcola and was rewarded almost instantly when Mbappe scored his ninth goal of the tournament to move clear of Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot standings.

The game had now totally changed complexion and Barcola pulled another goal back, with Deschamps clenching his fist on the bench.

Mbappe then netted his second of the game to become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 22 goals -- slotting home from Olise's pass.

That put him two ahead of Messi in the race to finish as top scorer at the 2026 tournament.

France squandered a number of chances to equalise and England were handed a chance to extend their lead when Malo Gusto brought down Djed Spence in the penalty area.

Saka stepped up to the spot and converted to complete his hat-trick.

There was still time for Dembele to grab a fourth for France but Bellingham then strode forward to score the 10th goal of the match with an individual effort.

In doing so Bellingham became the first England player to score seven goals at a World Cup.

By finishing third, England secured their best result at a World Cup since winning the tournament in 1966, though they will carry bitter memories of their defeat by defending champions Argentina.

Deschamps led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and finished as runners-up four years ago.

Les Bleus were favourites to win the 2026 tournament after a sensational start but were well-beaten 2-0 by Spain in the semi-finals.

Three-time champions Argentina face European champions Spain in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.

Doha, Qatar: Lionel Messi has dazzled once again on football’s biggest stage and now stands just one victory away from ending his remarkable World Cup journey in perfect fashion as defending champions Argentina take on European champions Spain in what promises to be a spectacular FIFA World Cup final tonight.

The Argentine captain heads into the World Cup final with eight goals and four assists to his name.

At 39, Messi has once again been the driving force behind Argentina’s campaign and will hope to add another unforgettable chapter to an extraordinary career.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged football fans to cherish the opportunity to watch his captain, describing Messi as “a legend” and “the best player in the history of football”.

“We still have Leo and we should appreciate that,” Scaloni said after Argentina reached another World Cup final.

The showpiece at the New York New Jersey Stadium, kicking off at 10pm Qatar time, will be the 104th and final match of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup. Argentina are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup, while Spain are bidding to lift the trophy for only the second time after their historic triumph in South Africa 16 years ago.

Argentina enjoyed a perfect group stage, beating Algeria, Austria and Jordan, with Messi scoring in every match. The knockout rounds, however, tested Lionel Scaloni’s side to the limit.

They survived extra time against Cape Verde before producing one of the tournament’s greatest comebacks, recovering from two goals down late in the game to stun Egypt 3-2.

The defending champions then needed extra time again to beat Switzerland before showing their trademark resilience in the semi-finals. Trailing England entering the closing stages, Argentina struck twice through Enzo Fernandez and substitute Lautaro Martinez to seal another dramatic comeback and book a second successive World Cup final.

Scaloni said the team’s journey over the past five years had already been extraordinary, adding: “We might win and I hope we do but in any case the journey to get this far has been incredible.”

Spain’s campaign has been built on control, discipline and outstanding defending. Luis de la Fuente’s side began with a surprise goalless draw against Cape Verde before defeating Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to top Group H.

La Roja then eased past Austria in the Round of 32 before Mikel Merino’s late winners against Portugal and Belgium carried them into the semi-finals.

Their finest performance came against France, where they completely controlled the contest to secure a deserved 2-0 victory and return to the World Cup final for the first time since 2010. Scaloni expects another stern examination, saying of Spain: “They are a great team. Everything worries me about them.”

The final also presents a fascinating clash of footballing styles.

Spain have conceded only one goal throughout the tournament and have dominated opponents with patient possession, relentless pressing and one of the strongest midfields in world football.

Rodri has once again been the heartbeat of the Spanish side, while young star Lamine Yamal continues to excite with his fearless attacking play.

Argentina, meanwhile, have relied on experience, resilience and moments of brilliance from Messi. They have scored more goals than any other team in the tournament and repeatedly shown they can fight back under pressure.

With Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez providing support, Scaloni’s side possesses quality across the pitch.

Much attention will naturally focus on Messi and Yamal. The veteran chasing one final World Cup triumph and the teenager widely regarded as one of football’s brightest talents represent two generations sharing the biggest stage in the sport.

While they may not directly face each other, both have the ability to decide the destination of the trophy.

Spain coach De la Fuente acknowledged his side would pay “special attention” to Messi but ruled out using man-to-man marking, describing the Argentine as “one of a kind” and an example for young athletes after his outstanding tournament.

History offers little between the two nations at the World Cup. Their only previous meeting came in the 1966 tournament, when Argentina claimed a 2-1 victory. They have met frequently in friendlies since then, with Spain holding the advantage, including a memorable 6-1 win in Madrid in 2018.

None of those results, however, will matter when they step onto the field tonight. De la Fuente said he has “nothing but admiration” for Argentina and Scaloni, believing both finalists will produce a contest in which “talent and good football will rule over everything else.”