Connect with us

SportsNews

2026 WCQ: I didn’t like it – Tuchel slams England players despite 1-0 win over Andorra

Published

on

England manager, Thomas Tuchel, has revealed he did not like the “lack or urgency” from his players following a narrow 1-0 win over Andorra.

Harry Kane scored the only goal of the game in the 2026 World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

But Tuchel was unhappy with the performance and accused the players of not trying hard enough after 25 minutes.

According to him, the players were left in no doubt as to his opinion of their display against the minnows.

“I think we started quite well in the first 20-25 minutes, that was the only part where I had the feeling it was a matter of time,” he told ITV Sport.

“We lost completely the momentum [and] couldn’t get it back through the whole first half.

Tuchel added: “It is still a World Cup qualifier away from home. I didn’t like it at all.

“All the players know because I said it in the dressing room.

“It is also necessary to have a look in detail and watch the match again.”

 

Since he took over the team, Tuchel has won all three fixtures so far, as the post-Gareth Southgate era continues to take shape.

 

SportsNews

2026 WCQ: Bafana Bafana getting closer to beating Nigeria – Williams

Published

on

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams believes they are getting closer to beating the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

South Africa have recorded just two wins in 17 outings against Nigeria.

Hugo Broos’ side came close to beating the Super Eagles in their last two games but still fell short.

The Super Eagles triumphed 4-3 on penalities in their semi-final encounter at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The two teams battled to a 1-1 draw in their last meeting in September 2024.

Williams is hoping they will finally end the run this time around.

“We’re getting closer and closer to beating them. We saw it at AFCON, we saw it when we played them away in Nigeria. Hopefully, we can take that extra step and change the narrative,” the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper told reporters.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

2026 WCQ: Chelle disagrees with Broos over venue of South Africa vs Nigeria

Published

on

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has disagreed with his South Africa counterpart Hugo Broos over the venue of both sides’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

South Africa will host Nigeria in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Broos had criticized Free State Stadium, insisting that the pitch is not good enough.

“I think it is a very good stadium. This is a big game for us and South Africa and we want to come and do our best game as we can,” Chelle said at his pre-match press conference.

“We are focused on only game. We don’t think about what we played two days ago. We are focused on our game plan.

“My players are motivated about this game. We are happy to play a game like that, this is a big game.”

Nigeria defeated Rwanda in their last game, while South Africa won against Lesotho.

Continue Reading

SportsNews

2026 WCQ: Super Eagles clash will be difficult – Bafana star, Appollis

Published

on

South Africa winger, Oswin Appollis is anticipating a difficult test against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Ekwutosblog reports.

Bafana Bafana, and Super Eagles will clash in a 2026 FIFA World Cup matchday eight encounter at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

The hosts are closing in on their first appearance at the mundial since the 2010 edition which they hosted.

Hugo Broos’ side sit atop of Group A with 16 points, with Nigeria, who occupy third spot, six points adrift.

Appollis reckoned the Super Eagles have so much quality in their team but insisted they are ready for the fight.

“It’s going to be an exciting game but a difficult one. Nigeria have so much quality, but we’re ready for the fight,” Appollis was quoted by the Sowetan.

Continue Reading

Trending