Martinelli wins it at the death
Gabriel Martinelli did it again. Brazil 2–1 Japan on Monday, and your winger scored the stoppage-time winner to drag Brazil into the World Cup quarter-finals (2) (10). He came off the bench with Brazil heading for a shock exit and buried the goal that changed everything.
"I have no words to describe the joy," Martinelli said afterwards (2). He had hit the post earlier in the tournament. He told his family another chance would come. It did, and he took it (10).
Gabriel Magalhaes was watching. "I tell him he can decide a game at any moment, and today that's what happened" (Reddit).
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Havertz misses, Germany are out
Kai Havertz scored Germany's equaliser but then missed the decisive penalty as Paraguay knocked Germany out on spot-kicks (9). Germany 1 (3) x (4) 1 Paraguay.
Havertz apologised: "Everyone is very disappointed. We had many plans for the Cup and to feel disappointed again is not a good feeling" (9). This is his second World Cup, and his second elimination without reaching the latter stages.
Bournemouth slam the door on Alex Scott
Arsenal made an enquiry for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott. The answer came back fast: not for sale (1). Bournemouth rejected it outright.
Barcelona are reportedly willing to spend €70m to beat you to him (6). Two doors, both closing.
Bruno Guimaraes wants the move
The Bruno Guimaraes noise is real. Former scout Mick Brown says Arsenal would not have made the first move "without some encouragement that a deal was there to be done" and that the encouragement came from agent and player (5).
Newcastle are worried it could turn into another Alexander Isak situation, where the player pushes his way out (5). They do not want to sell, but if Bruno pushes, it gets difficult. Sandro Tonali is also on Arsenal's midfield shortlist (13).
Saliba set to start for France
William Saliba is expected to start France's last-32 match against Sweden despite some injury concerns (12). Viktor Gyokeres awaits on the other side.
Havertz: belief before the fall
Before the Paraguay match, Havertz spoke with conviction: "We are fully convinced we can win. This will be my first knockout match in a World Cup. We're hungry to win" (8). Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice also featured in the World Cup quote round-up (8).
Cascarino: Rogers better than what you have
Tony Cascarino believes Morgan Rogers would be a clear upgrade on Arsenal's current left-wing options. "Rogers is a much more physical, difficult player to play against and comes in with goals," he said, comparing him favourably to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard (7). Emmanuel Petit has separately urged Arteta to target a Spain star for that position.
Fan reactions
Gabriel Magalhaes posted about Martinelli after the winner here. Martinelli himself kept it raw: "I knew I would have another opportunity and, thank God, today I managed to score the goal that got us through" here. The subreddit was torn between celebrating Martinelli and mourning Tomiyasu, who went out with Japan in heartbreaking fashion.
