“The most startling thing about the prolonged dip in form that Kylian Mbappe endured in the second half of last year was the unnerving suspicion, watching him play, that his legendary powers of acceleration might somehow have deserted him. He remained, of course, astonishingly quick. And on paper, things didn’t look too bad. He finished his final season at Paris Saint-Germain with a career-best tally of 44 goals in all competitions. He then made the semi-finals of the European Championship with France last summer and, a week later, was presented to an adoring Santiago Bernabeu crowd after fulfilling his childhood dream of joining Real Madrid. …”
NY Times/The Athletic
Kylian Mbappe’s intimate relationship with speed – and why he was told to slow down
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“Morocco’s run in this World Cup has been exhilarating. Led by Paris-born coach Walid Regragui, who took over only three months ago, the Atlas Lions have exceeded all expectations, defeating three former European colonial powers (Belgium, Spain, and Portugal) and are now up against France. From the mass prayer sessions in Indonesia to the celebrations on the streets of Somalia and Nigeria, this team has won the hearts of millions—Africans, Arabs, Muslims, and migrants who see themselves in this team. Images that will endure: playmaker Hakim Ziyech’s light-footed turns, midfielder Sofian Amrabet—dubbed Minister of Defense—and his barreling runs, and team captain Achraf Hakimi’s post-match embrace of his mother, who worked as a domestic in Madrid, Spain, while raising her children. But for Moroccans, it’s also the Moroccan takeover of the Qatari stadiums that has captivated the world: the pulsating drums, castanets, colorful outfits, and elaborate songs. …”
“When a manager turns a match around in the second half, the logical question to ask is: what did they change at half-time? That was the first question Juventus’ head coach, Thiago Motta, was posed on television last night after his side changed the tide against Inter to earn a 1-0 Serie A home win. … Then in the post-match press conference, Motta was asked again about his half-time message, and explained that he’d talked about ‘the usual things’ alongside ‘small details’. …”
“It was a moment many watching the game may have missed — but it has become increasingly common for Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth fans. As Milos Kerkez passes backwards under instruction from Bournemouth team-mate Antoine Semenyo during Saturday’s match at the St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton forwards Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu start to press the intended recipient, Dean Huijsen. Centre-back Huijsen controls the ball with the studs of his right boot, then rolls it to open up his body. …”
Scissors Kick 