Ayari's goal stings Tunisia as Gakpo avoids Isak talk

Ayari's goal silenced more than just Tunisia

Yasin Ayari scored in Sweden's World Cup opener and the reverberations hit differently in Tunisia. "Everyone knows they wanted me to play for them," Ayari said (1). The Tunisian federation had pursued the midfielder hard. His goal in Monterrey was the definitive answer. Sweden's 5–1 demolition was built on a frontline that looks completely reborn under Graham Potter.

Gakpo refuses to bite on Isak ahead of Netherlands clash

Cody Gakpo was asked about Alexander Isak. He didn't bite. "I wish him all the best at Liverpool, but not here," Gakpo said (2). The two know each other well. Gakpo didn't want to give away a single word about how the Dutch plan to handle him. Sweden vs Netherlands is coming, and the tension is already there. Isak and Gyokeres, the partnership Potter says will only grow stronger, against a Dutch side that knows exactly what's coming.