
<p>Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Bruno Fernandes after a series on incidents at the weekend. The club’s vice captain has been criticized for an apparent bad attitude following their demoralizing 7-0 defeat at the hands of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> on Sunday.</p>



<h5>Player had a series of odd incidents during defeat</h5>



<p>Fernandes shoved an assistant referee in the late stages of the game at Anfield. Liverpool fullback Trent Alexander-Arnold frustrated the Portugal international by holding onto the ball to prevent a quick restart for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a>. As the referee’s assistant attempted to calm the situation, Fernandes pushed the official in the back. The 28-year-old playmaker will avoid Premier League punishment for the incident.</p>



<p>Rumors circulated over Fernandes asking for a substitution while losing by such a wide margin. However, <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64888099" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC</a></em> is reporting that the player was merely asking ten Hag for clarification on his positioning. The Portuguese midfielder was the subject of ridicule for embellishing contact to the face by a Liverpool player as well.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Erik ten Hag says Bruno Fernandes is an inspiration 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/N9lno2SEh1">pic.twitter.com/N9lno2SEh1</a></p>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1633511431818682381?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Ten Hag, Rashford back Fernandes</h2>



<p>Despite the controversy, United’s manager is backing Fernandes and will not strip his captaincy. “He is playing a brilliant season,” ten Hag <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64888099" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> during a press conference on Wednesday. “He has played a big role in us being where we are. Everyone makes mistakes and we learn. I have to learn and he will as well. He is intelligent. I’m really pleased he is our player and he is captain when Harry (Maguire) is not playing.”</p>



<p>Along with the manager, star forward Marcus Rashford has also defended his teammate as well. “I love playing with Bruno,” claimed Rashford during the press conference. “I don’t have anything negative to say.”</p>



<p>“Nobody is perfect. Sometimes you want to win so bad you end up doing things a little out of character. But I 100% support Bruno and am behind him. As a team we have to support him because he’s a fantastic player. We wouldn’t be in the position we are in if he wasn’t playing games for us.”</p>



<p>Fernandes and United will attempt to get back on track on Thursday, as the Red Devils face Real Betis in a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/europa-league-tv-schedule/">Europa League</a> round of 16 matchup.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has backed Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder's odd display against Liverpool at the weekend.

Ten Hag calls Fernandes an 'inspiration' despite backlash


<p>Manchester United and Crystal Palace played out to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday in south London. Bruno Fernandes scored a goal for the visitors just before halftime, but Michael Olise struck a glorious free kick goal late in the game to share the points. The draw puts an end to United’s nine-game win streak in all competitions.</p>



<p>The Red Devils entered the match as one of the hottest teams in Europe. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> last lost a game on Nov. 6, 73 days ago. While some have pointed out that the winning streak has been filled with lower opposition, they did just beat crosstown rivals <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> at the weekend.</p>



<p>Palace have essentially experienced the opposite end of the spectrum in recent weeks. The Eagles had just one win in five total games since the World Cup break. They had even failed to score in four out of their last five league matches.</p>



<h5>Game opened up just before halftime</h5>



<p>The opening 30 minutes or so of Wednesday’s game was fairly pedestrian. Both sides defended well and did not allow much creativity. However, the match opened up about five minutes before the halftime break.</p>



<p>United goalkeeper David de Gea made a brilliant save to keep a shot from Odsonne Edouard in the 40th minute. The Spaniard just barely got fingertips on the ball, which then ricocheted off of the bar and out for a corner. United would end up scoring the opener just four minutes later.</p>



<p>Christian Eriksen played a neat give-and-go with Marcus Rashford, then found Fernandes near the top of the box. The Portugal international wouldn’t miss from there. Fernandes struck <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCSport/status/1615814092228333580" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a perfectly placed sho</a>t passed Vicente Guaita and into the net.</p>



<h2>Olise’s wonder saves Palace a point against United</h2>



<p>Although it seemed as if the Red Devils looked certain to win their 10th consecutive match, Olise had other plans. The 21-year-old winger finally beat de Gea with a free kick goal from distance in added time. Olise curled in the shot off of the bar and into the goal. It was placed to perfection, away from any goalkeeper’s ability. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GOAL OLISE! <br><br>MyPLMorning |<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CPFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CPFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/0syiGrVDSX">pic.twitter.com/0syiGrVDSX</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1615830132366745636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> fans will undoubtedly be happy with Chris Richards’s performance for Palace. The 22-year-old center back performed well in his full Premier League debut. He even went one-on-one with Antony and Rashford on separate occasions and came out on top.</p>



<p>United next travel to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier League</a> leaders <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> in what should be an excellent game. Erik ten Hag’s men will have to go to north London without star midfielder Casemiro. The Brazilian is now suspended after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on Wednesday. It appeared as if the manager was about to substitute the midfielder leading up to the foul.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Focus Images</em></p>


Manchester United ended a nine-game winning streak after Michael Olise curled in a sumptuous free kick for Crystal Palace in stoppage time.

Late Olise stunner grabs Palace a point versus Man United


<p>Manchester United edged <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> 2-1 on Saturday to throw a wrench in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Premier League</a> title race. Late second half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford gave the hosts the three points.</p>



<p>The main talking point of the match would be the controversial game-tying goal by Fernandes.</p>



<p>City struck first in the match after substitute Jack Grealish headed in from close range. The winger was able to get on the end of a perfectly placed lobbed pass from Kevin De Bruyne to give the visitors the lead at Old Trafford. It was his first league goal since September.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JACK GREALISH PUTS THE CHAMPIONS ON TOP AT OLD TRAFFORD! 🤩<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/USA_Network?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USA_Network</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUNMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUNMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/1OWzZGjwzM">pic.twitter.com/1OWzZGjwzM</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1614258769206075392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h5>Controversy at Old Trafford</h5>



<p>Fernandes leveled the scoreline in the 78th minute of the match. The goal, however, would come with a bit of controversy. </p>



<p>Marcus Rashford made the initial run from a Casemiro through ball. The England international was well offside. Rashford never did make contact with the ball though and the goal was given after a discussion between the referee and his assistant.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bruno Fernandes levels the match! <br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/USA_Network?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USA_Network</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUNMCI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUNMCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/a5BfgOjRwM">pic.twitter.com/a5BfgOjRwM</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1614263597638508545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Despite the fact that Rashford never actually touched the ball, an argument can be made that he did interact with play. </p>



<p>In fact, it certainly appeared as if the forward hindered Manuel Akanji from attempting a potential tackle on Fernandes. Nevertheless, the goal stood and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> were back in the game.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I mean, that is offside right? Even if Marcus Rashford didn&apos;t touch the ball, he clearly impacts play.  <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> 1-1 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCFC</a></p>— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPW_NBCSports/status/1614263672540471297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Rashford can’t stop scoring</h5>



<p>It wouldn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead either. Rashford scored the eventual match winner just four minutes later. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho spun around Nathan Ake and found a wide open Rashford right in front of goal.</p>



<p> The in form forward wouldn’t miss from there. He now has scored in all seven matches since returning from the World Cup.</p>



<p>The win for United moves them just a point behind their crosstown rivals in the standings. Despite a fairly rocky start to the campaign, the Red Devils are now back in the <a href="https://www.premierleague.com/tables" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">title race</a>. League leaders <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> face rivals <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> on Sunday in a chance to move eight points clear at the top.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images</p>


Manchester United beat their crosstown rivals Manchester City to move up to third in the Premier League table.

Controversial Fernandes goal steals show as United beat City - World Soccer Talk

Controversial Fernandes goal steals show as United beat City


<p>In the final game of matchday 2 in the World Cup group stage, Portugal overcame a fiery Uruguay side to book a spot in the Round of 16.</p>



<h3>Whose goal is it anyway?</h3>



<p>Bruno Fernandes was the standout performer, and almost scored a hat-trick to top off an excellent performance. In the 54th minute, Fernandes curled a ball into the goalmouth, presumably intended for Cristiano Ronaldo who rose to meet it on its way to the goal.</p>



<p>However, Ronaldo never made contact with the ball. That did not stop him celebrating and taking on-field credit for the goal. Officials later confirmed the goal was Bruno’s. This goal may be a living metaphor for the off-field drama. A talented Portuguese side is sometimes overlooked for a certain forward who craves the glory and limelight.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bruno Fernandes gets the goal instead of Cristiano Ronaldo, but it&apos;s still a magnificent goal celebration <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CR7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CR7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/POR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#POR</a> <a href="https://t.co/9K6MHo0gme">pic.twitter.com/9K6MHo0gme</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1597326304902160384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h3>Ronaldo’s new role</h3>



<p>A case could be made that had Ronaldo not been there Uruguayan goalkeeper Sergio Rochet would have collected the cross-come-shot. Could this be the role Fernando Santos has intended for Ronaldo all along?</p>



<p>Ronaldo’s presence on the field attracts defensive attention, which creates space for the likes of Bernardo Silva, João Félix, and Bruno Fernandes. Portugal dominated possession and created more chances. There was great forward intention as William Carvalho and João Félix made purposeful drives through the middle.</p>



<h3>Scoreline hiding the cracks</h3>



<p>Notwithstanding the final score it was not all rosy for Portugal. The scoreline did not tell the whole story. On the way to the 2-0 victory, Uruguay came close many times.</p>



<p>In the first half, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham</a> forward Rodrigo Bentancur ran past three Portuguese defenders before trying to slot the goal through Diogo Costa’s legs. Fortunately, Costa stayed close to the ground while making the save and Bentancur was denied.</p>



<p>In the 42nd minute, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/psg-tv-schedule/">PSG</a> left-back Nuno Mendes was subbed off with an injury. Raphaël Guerreiro came on as a replacement. In the second half, Guerreiro was terrorized down the left side. Time after time the Uruguay attack was able to get past Guerreiro and get a cross or a cut back pass. The rest of the Portuguese defense was able to step up, but the weak spot was clear.</p>



<h3>What comes next?</h3>



<p>Portugal play their final group game against South Korea on Friday. With six points from their first two games the Portuguese are assured of their place in the Round of 16.</p>



<p>All eyes will be on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/what-each-team-needs-to-qualify-for-the-world-cup-knockout-stage-20221128-WST-410376.html">what happens in Group G</a> in order to see who their opponents will be. Portugal will need only a point to finish top of Group H. The winners of Group H play the runners up of Group G.</p>



<p>Though, mathematically, any of the teams in Group G could finish as runners up, it would take a combination of results for Brazil not to win the Group. This leaves the runners up spot open for one of Switzerland, Cameroon, or Serbia.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Portugal vs. Uruguay Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iV1OVKEMlTk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT</em></p>


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<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
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Portugal battled to victory over Uruguay to reach the Round of 16. Bruno Fernandes scored twice and almost scored a third at the end.

Bruno Fernandes sends Portugal to last 16 at World Cup - World Soccer Talk

Bruno Fernandes sends Portugal to last 16 at World Cup


<p>The Portugal-Uruguay penalty controversy was one of many talking points out of Monday’s World Cup game, but there were other issues for Uruguay to worry about.</p>



<p>No width and no wits. That pretty much sums up Uruguay’s performance against Portugal in the first 60 minutes.</p>



<p>Despite the security of an experienced three man central defense and a forward line of Edison Cavani and Darwin Núñez to aim for, Uruguay’s wing-backs Matias Olivera and Guillermo Varela were anonymous. Just like <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uruguay-fails-to-inspire-against-south-korea-20221124-WST-409869.html">Uruguay against South Korea</a>, Uruguay’s threat mostly came from the central areas.</p>



<p>Federico Valverde and Matias Vecino in midfield were outplayed by Bernardo Silva and company. Rodrigo Bentancur was the only Uruguay player threatening to create anything in the first hour. He cut through the Portugal defense like a knife through butter in the first half with an amazing run which he was unlucky did not end with a goal.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Portugal vs. Uruguay Highlights | 2022 FIFA World Cup" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iV1OVKEMlTk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>Back to 4-3-3</h2>



<p>Despite his questionable fashion choice of pairing oversized white trainers with a navy blue suit, there was nothing contentious with Diego Alonso’s substitutions on the hour mark. In came Facundo Pellistri and Giorgian De Arrascaeta as Uruguay moved to a 4-3-3. Finally, balls were being played to the wings (mostly Pellistri’s right wing) and crosses delivered. </p>



<p>Fresh from conceding the first goal, these substitutions galvanized Uruguay. Maxi Gomez rattled the woodwork and Luis Suarez narrowly missed the target from a couple of yards out. </p>



<p>As stoppage time approached, Uruguay were threatening to save a point. At least, until a penalty was given for THAT handball against Jose Gimenez.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fernandes stutters, pops it in, and it&apos;s 2-0.<br><br>Will that PK end up looming large for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/URU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#URU</a> if it comes down to tiebreakers?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIFAWorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/9MnusQL47r">pic.twitter.com/9MnusQL47r</a></p>— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1597332767007997952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Law 12</h2>



<p>The International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) take on the handball law as part of Law 12 makes for an interesting read. In fact, a <a href="https://www.theifab.com/news/annual-general-meeting-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clarification</a> was issued a year ago regarding a handball offense. If a ball touches a player’s hand, it is deemed an offense if the said player “deliberately touches the ball with their hand/arm” and/or “touches the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger.”</p>



<p>I think we can safely say that Gimenez did not touch the ball deliberately with his hand.</p>



<p>Did his hand position make his body unnaturally bigger? Possibly. However, how could Gimenez have prevented the ball from touching his hand? Once sliding for a tackle, it is very difficult to control one’s flailing arms. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That is NOT a penalty and is literally in the IFAB directory of what ISN&apos;T a penalty. <br><br>It can only be a penalty if it&apos;s a deliberate act. <br><br>This image is from the IFAB. <a href="https://t.co/LSGTzkinzq">pic.twitter.com/LSGTzkinzq</a></p>— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaleJohnsonESPN/status/1597332269709918208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>World-Cup deja vu</h2>



<p>Once such an incident goes to VAR, it is very difficult for the referee to not give a handball. This incident reminded me of Ivan Perisic’s handball offence during the 2018 World Cup Final.</p>



<p>Initially, it seemed the referee was not interested in giving a penalty against Croatia. However, once he made his way to the VAR monitor, you just knew that he was going to point to the spot. Again, Perisic’s handball was not deliberate and it is unlikely that he had control of his flailing arms as he jumped for a header.</p>



<p>Despite IFAB’s 2021 clarification, the handball rule is still as unclear as ever. Saying that it is a handball offense if the arm/hand makes a body unnaturally big is too vague.</p>



<p>Personally, I do think Gimenez caused a handball offense. By touching the ball with his hand and changing its trajectory, he denied Bruno Fernandes a chance to shoot from a decent area. Nothing to do with bodies being unnaturally big!</p>



<p>Ghana are up next for Uruguay. I wonder….did an <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/is-luis-suarez-a-hero-or-a-cheat-20100703-CMS-21721.html">Uruguayan</a> ever touch the ball deliberately with his hands to deny a goalscoring chance? </p>



<p>My mind boggles.</p>



<p><em>Photo credit: IMAGO / Sportimage</em></p>


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<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
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</div>
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The Portugal-Uruguay penalty controversy was one of many major talking points of the game after the Iberian side won the World Cup match.

Portugal-Uruguay penalty decision ends in controversy - World Soccer Talk

Portugal-Uruguay penalty decision ends in controversy

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<p>Dušan Vlahović’s arrival at Juventus is the latest major move among the great talents in the soccer world.</p>
<p>The nearly $90 million transfer sum paid by the Old Lady to Fiorentina carries considerable pressure for the 22-year-old Serbian. Part of Juventus’s reasoning in acquiring the striker is his dominance in Serie A.</p>
<p>Oftentimes, players jump to different leagues and fail to adjust to the stylistic or physical differences. With Vlahović already playing, and <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/dusan-vlahovic/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/357498">thriving</a>, with Fiorentina since 2018, Juventus understood his capabilities.</p>
<p>Even then, Vlahović’s debut demonstrated how important a successful start is for a new signing. This is especially true for major clubs around Europe, such as Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and many others.</p>
<p>The reasons for a quick start come from different sources. Some of these are measurable. Pure goal-scoring is what a number of clubs bring in forwards to do. Managers can see whether or not a player has the technical ability early on. The same applies for midfielders, defenders and sometimes goalkeepers. There are specific tasks asked of each player, and whether or not they can accomplish them is a judgment made early on.</p>
<p>However, equally important is the mental side of things. There is a legitimate argument to be made that some signings need to warm up to a new league. Considering the difference in a league like Ligue 1 compared to the Premier League, a mental adjustment, and acceptance from teammates, coaches and fans are paramount.</p>
<p>Looking at the last couple of years, success stories abound. However, players often cannot live up to the hype surrounding them early on. These players receive a swift sentencing of ‘flop’ after a mere handful of games.</p>
<h3>How a successful start impacts a new signing</h3>
<p>Each January and August, the transfer windows conclude with at least one major name moving across Europe. Just in the past year, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Romelu Lukaku, Jadon Sancho, Dayot Upamecano and others all made this transfer window one for the record books.</p>
<p>With the multitude of transfers, different success rates exist.</p>
<p>Some players have thrived at their new clubs after summer transfers. For example, David Alaba, arriving at Real Madrid from Bayern Munich on a free, is a mainstay on the backline of Los Blancos. Similarly, Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White have Arsenal in the driver’s seat for the fourth spot in the Premier League.</p>
<p>That being said, some of the biggest transfers, in terms of coverage and cost, are not panning out like some clubs hoped. Jack Grealish, who cost Manchester City $130 million, has been good. However, with a price tag that high, City perhaps expected more out of the Englishman. The same applies for Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian looks like a shadow of the man who bagged back-to-back 30-goal seasons with Inter Milan.</p>
<p>Also, Lionel Messi, who left Barcelona on an undesired transfer, only has <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/lionel-messi/leistungsdaten/spieler/28003/plus/0?saison=2021">15 goal contributions in 20 games</a>. Not a bad tally, but certainly not the eye-popping numbers of his recent seasons at Camp Nou.</p>
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<h4>Developing in a new league or team</h4>
<p>No one can dispute Lionel Messi’s greatness at Barcelona. However, Ernesto Valverde, Quique Setien and Ronald Koeman worked their play styles around the Argentine.</p>
<p>Messi entered a new team for the first time in his stories career when joining PSG in the summer. He joined a vaunted attacking duo of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. Therefore, he lost some of the dependency Barcelona’s managers placed on him.</p>
<p>Also, Barcelona plays a very particular style. Albeit, the&nbsp;<em>Tiki-Taka&nbsp;</em>Barcelona of Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola dissipated over the last decade. However, Messi still held on to it.</p>
<p>Perhaps this change in play style and supporting cast contributed to Messi’s slow start to the season. New team, new league and new country are things that could be daunting to a player who spent 21 years with one club.</p>
<p>This demonstrates how a fast start can benefit a player, and of course a team. For one, a fast start demonstrates success with different players, staff, philosophies and everything else around a player.</p>
<h5>Positions</h5>
<p>For some players, adjusting to a new team can be easier. Strikers are there to score. Get in position, snag a goal or two, and you are set. Sure, that is a blanket statement.</p>
<p>Romelu Lukaku is a striker. He is not the greatest on the ball, but his shot sets him apart from many of those who share the position. His struggles come from the change in formation compared to his time at Inter Milan. At the San Siro, Lukaku shared the spoils in front of goal with Lautaro Martínez. With Chelsea, Lukaku is alone up top. Tuchel prefers the deeper-lying forward to hold up play, rather than seek out scoring positions and bury the ball in the net.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/08/24/chelsea-take-hit-selling-lukaku-then-rebuying-him/">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>Chelsea take financial hit selling then buying Romelu Lukaku.</em></p>
<p>The struggles early on compounded with a lack of chemistry with his teammates, forcing Tuchel into a rapid changes. This is a stark contrast from the solidity he felt with Martínez at the head of the line.</p>
<p>Lukaku’s inability to secure a successful start as a new signing served as a microcosm of frustration. The same can be said about Lukaku’s Chelsea teammate, Saúl Ñíguez.</p>
<p>Clearly, Saúl does not fit Tuchel’s eye. Despite being in the squad for 20 of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season, the midfielder never wowed Tuchel, despite just one appearance in the first two months after his arrival. Now, Saúl is a background player at Stamford Bridge, seldom seeing the field.</p>
<h4>Confidence</h4>
<p>An interesting thing that is not measurable or purely identifiable is the mental side of a new signing. When looking at the players before, there is a simple way (at least on paper) to allow players to thrive. Lukaku needs a strike partner, Messi could use more of the ball, Saúl must <a href="https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/players/saul-niguez-thomas-tuchel-chelsea-21758483">‘work harder’</a> according to Thomas Tuchel.</p>
<p>However, confidence goes a long way, especially for a player entering an unfamiliar area.</p>
<p>In an interview with World Soccer Talk, LA Galaxy’s Jonathan Bond talked about the importance of confidence. Bond is a goalkeeper who spent several seasons in the Premier League, Championship and League One with a handful of sides. Even with a less-intense league like Major League Soccer, early confidence allowed him to shine in his debut season. His successful start for a new signing flew relatively under the radar in MLS.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“Some people seem to naturally have a lot more [confidence] than others. Confidence can be a fragile thing at times. It was important for me to get off to a strong start last season to win the trust of the fans and my teammates.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>The same applies to any other position, although goalkeeper gets scrutinized for the smallest mistakes.</p>
<h5>A sign of things to come</h5>
<p>Some positions, such as goalkeeper, have the metaphorical ‘monkey on the back.’ Although, that stigma generally gets thrown on goal-scorers.</p>
<p>Circling back to Chelsea, Timo Werner got off to a brutal start at Stamford Bridge after arriving from RB Leipzig. It took the German 15 games to score in the Premier League. For any other player, a <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9263939/Timo-Werner-reveals-delight-finally-ending-15-game-goal-drought.html">half-season-long goal drought</a> would destroy confidence. That is especially true considering the $58 million Chelsea shelled out for his services.</p>
<p>Flash forward a year, Timo Werner failed to live up to his billing. Now, the striker is still young. At only 25, he retains ample time to prove himself in the Premier League.</p>
<p>However, seven goals and 13 assists through 46 Premier League games is not a strong enough tally to thrive.</p>
<p>Look at a player like Philippe Coutinho. A star in the Premier League, Coutinho battled injuries and inconsistency upon his arrival at Barcelona. Despite flashes of his brilliance from Liverpool, Coutinho never won over the fans. To be fair, the Catalan fans were harsh on Coutinho, expecting him to be the replacement for Neymar.</p>
<h5>Overcoming sluggish starts</h5>
<p>The beauty about confidence is that it can be acquired. Thomas Tuchel did not help Saúl get his confidence on the field back. However, some players stick through tough beginnings to recoup some of the excitement.</p>
<p>Vinicius Junior debuted with Real Madrid as an 18-year-old. Despite the clear inexperience, Real Madrid fans howled at Vini, expecting him to be a world-beater upon arrival. He failed to deliver a successful start for a new signing. A pair of disappointing seasons cam as he grew accustomed to life outside of Brazil.</p>
<p>However, he now serves as Real Madrid’s most creative threat. In his third season at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Brazilian has 25 goal contributions in 30 games in all competitions.</p>
<h3>Building off a strong start</h3>
<p>When mentioning ‘starts’ for new clubs, that applies to the first handful of games.</p>
<p>Take someone like Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese arrived at Manchester United and made an immediate impact. The midfielder won Premier League Player of the Month for February, his first full month at Old Trafford. From then on, he became perhaps the most integral player for the Red Devils.</p>
<p>Although different positions, Dušan Vlahović will hope that his strong start can yield as successful as a return as Bruno.</p>
<p>If the debut goal means anything, he could be on his way. It certainly aids his confidence in a much brighter spotlight than what Fiorentina provided.</p>
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Incoming transfers carry a burden. In order to thrive, a successful start as a new signing is a requirement more than a request.

Dušan Vlahović and other new signings making a strong debut - World Soccer Talk

Dušan Vlahović and other new signings making a strong debut

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