Guide to penalty kicks at the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals

Determining precisely which players were brought on solely for a penalty shootout is not feasible. However, considering outfield players introduced in the final five minutes of extra time, only seven instances exist (five occurring since 2022), and merely three of those players converted their spot-kicks. During this summer’s tournament, two penalty takers were substituted on […]

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Rudi Garcia draws criticism in Belgium after substituting Courtois in World Cup defeat to Spain

Rudi Garcia faced intense criticism for substituting his injured first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, during Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain on Friday, intensifying doubts about the coach’s future. Courtois believed he could carry on despite a minor leg twinge, but Garcia insisted he come off because he was not fully fit. Senne Lammens entered […]

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