DEAN HUIJSEN MISSES QUALIFIER, SPAIN EXCEL WITH CLEAN-SHEET 4-0 WIN
Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen has been ruled out of Spain's World Cup qualifier against Georgia with a muscle injury. The defender returned to Madrid for tests but is not expected to miss club action.
Spain defeat Georgia 4-0 despite Huijsen injury absence today - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Dean Huijsen will not be included in the matchday roster for Spain's World Cup qualifying match against the Georgia national football team in Tbilisi, which resulted in a 4-0 victory, the Spanish Football Federation stated on Saturday morning.
Since making his debut in March, Huijsen has started and participated in every game. However, he had to leave the final training session in Las Rozas due to a muscle injury, and he will now return to the Real Madrid camp at Valdebebas for tests.
His injury was judged serious enough to prevent him from travelling to Tbilisi to play in the World Cup qualifier against Georgia, even if he is not anticipated to be in danger for the trip to play Elche in La Liga next weekend.
In Huijsen's place, head coach Luis de la Fuente chose to use Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Club and Pau Cubarsi of Barcelona, while Pedro Porro of Tottenham also covered for the injured Dani Carvajal.
Spain put on a spectacular display at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium in Tbilisi, defeating Georgia 4-0 and moving one step closer to automatic qualification. Spain set the tone right away. They were awarded a penalty after a handball in the eighth minute, which Mikel Oyarzabal coolly converted to open the score.
The floodgates were unleashed by the lead. Ferran Torres made it three goals with a close-range effort before halftime, and Martín Zubimendi of Arsenal increased the lead halfway through the first half with a calm finish. Spain did not slow down in the second half. They persisted in pushing, exploring, and taking advantage of space. Oyarzabal's header for his second put an end to Georgia's hopes of a response.
Spain maintained their defensive compactness the entire time, denying Georgia a shot on goal for extended periods of time and keeping another clean sheet.
Without their Madridista contingent, Spain demonstrated depth; their balance held despite the absence of a few injured regulars, and their overall discipline was exceptional. With the extent of their advantage indicating that they are already essentially qualified on goal difference, one more win in their last game will guarantee straight qualification.
HARRY KANE CONFIDENT AS ENGLAND AIM HIGH FOR UPCOMING WORLD CUP
England captain Harry Kane believes the squad is united under Thomas Tuchel, creating a vital "brotherhood" ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The striker is in peak form for both club and country.
England manager Rice, Thomas Tuchel and Harry Kane - Photo Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA
As Thomas Tuchel tries to assemble a team that thinks they can win the World Cup together next summer, England captain Harry Kane is certain that everyone is on the same page.
With two games remaining, the team has advanced to the North American championships, and Tuchel is still trying to create a true sense of "brotherhood" among the players.
Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, who started as replacements against Serbia at Wembley on Thursday night, helped give fellow replacement Eberechi Eze's late goal in another thrilling 2-0 victory, demonstrating the group's faith in each other's abilities.
However, Kane believes that everyone is adopting this philosophy.
Ahead of Sunday's last Group K qualifier in Albania, Kane stated, "It seems different in terms of how we work and how things are, but I always feel like the environment has been a major part of our culture and what we sought to develop."
That was a significant identity we shared, even with Gareth (Southgate). There has been a considerable difference since the change between Gareth and Thomas.
"I believe that everyone is eager to participate and wants to show off their skills during practice and competition. It goes without saying that they want to prove to the employer that they are worthy of being chosen for next summer.
"We still have our days to build on what we can until the summer," Kane continued, adding that the mid-season is a hard time for playing every three to four days.
After tomorrow, there are just two games left before we enter pre-camp, at which point the roster will essentially be revealed.
"Even though Marc (Guehi) was injured, he showed up for this camp to kind of be around it because we probably have a few training sessions left until then.
"From that perspective, I believe it has been amazing, and I think it is extremely crucial because we do not have much time to get all the information over until the summer."
As he continues to set records with Bayern Munich, the England captain believes that his personal life could not have gone much better.
"Obviously, I have had excellent periods in my career, but I believe simply as a whole, physically, psychologically, and obviously the goals, the way I am involved in the game, possibly more than what I have been in other years, it has all come together well," Kane stated.
"I always feel like I am playing for one of the finest teams and having big chances when I play for England."
"I think we are at a great moment with Bayern as well, which helps me and gives me chances, and so far this season it has been really wonderful."
BRAZIL CELEBRATE WIN OVER SENEGAL THANKS TO ESTEVAO’S STAR PERFORMANCE
Brazil defeated Senegal 2-0 in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium, with goals from Chelsea's Estevao and Man Utd's Casemiro. The win provides a confidence boost for Carlo Ancelotti's side ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Estevao scored the opening goal - COURTESY/PHOTO
Brazil defeated Senegal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in London, intensifying their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
In their most recent international friendly, Brazil defeated Senegal 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in London thanks to an incredible performance by Chelsea striker Estevao, who made his tenth senior international appearance.
Selecao blew a two-goal lead against Japan during the last international break, but Carlo Ancelotti's team won handily this time around with no indication of the same defensive weaknesses.
In the 28th minute, Estevao gave Brazil the lead, and seven minutes later, Casemiro of Manchester United doubled it.
In the English city, Senegal, who were currently enjoying a 10-match winning streak in all competitions, found it difficult to get going and managed only one chance on goal.
Brazil is trying to gain some confidence before the World Cup next summer, and Selecao will undoubtedly benefit much from Saturday's victory over a formidable Senegal team.
Despite finishing in a very disappointing fifth position, 10 points behind CONMEBOL qualifying winners Argentina, the national team managed to qualify for the tournament. Under their new coach, Ancelotti, Brazil has been working on improving itself ever since.
The Brazilian team's recent losses against Bolivia and Japan highlighted some significant problems, but Ancelotti appears to be gradually improving the team's performance.
Brazil is still the fourth favourite to win the World Cup in North America despite their recent setbacks, and Selecao will undoubtedly be optimistic about their chances as serial winner Ancelotti starts to turn things around.
Regarding Senegal, a team that has been on fire in recent months, put on a lacklustre showing on Saturday.
Five months ago, Pape Thiaw and his team travelled to England, where they surprised the Three Lions with a 3-1 victory at the City Ground. Unfortunately for the neutrals at Emirates Stadium, Senegal's lacklustre performance against Brazil did not demonstrate that same enthusiasm.