INTENSITY CHECK: THOMAS MULLER SENDS HEUNG-MIN SON BRUTAL MESSAGE AHEAD OF MLS MATCH
Heung-min Son's LAFC faces Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps in an MLS playoff clash. Muller recalls his Bayern Munich team "crushing" Son's former Bundesliga sides, but expects a much tighter contest in North America.
Müller Doubts Son's Ability
Since Heung-min Son joined Major League Soccer, he has had success, but facing Thomas Müller now reminds him of some past difficulties.
In his 12 appearances with Los Angeles FC, the former Tottenham captain has netted ten goals and contributed two assists, aiding his new team in reaching the Eastern Conference play-off semifinals.
Son will face Muller and the Vancouver Whitecaps, another recent addition to North America.
Although both Germany and Korea are recognised as prominent football nations, Muller pointed out the historical imbalance between their teams.
Out of the nine encounters between Muller and Son at the club and national level, seven occurred during Son's early Bundesliga years, when Bayern Munich was particularly dominant.
When asked about their shared history, Muller had to acknowledge: "Sonny was an outstanding player at Hamburg and Leverkusen, but the teams were not on par."
It may be unjust to evaluate or critique the current scenario, as the context has changed; we are now both playing for two top teams and are key contributors.
"I recall matches where we lost 8-2 or 9-1 every time we faced Bayern when he was at Hamburg, yet he was still an exceptionally skilled young player at that time, so it’s not productive to delve too deeply into the past."\
Hamburg was indeed overwhelmed by Bayern, who notably defeated them 5-0 in 2011 and 9-2 in 2013.
In general, the scenario has been quite similar, with Son managing to overcome Muller on just one occasion. During the 2018 World Cup, Korea thwarted Germany's chance to advance from their group, echoing the fate of Sweden and Mexico.
Additionally, Son has had two draws against Muller's Bayern, one with Leverkusen and another with Hamburg. They also clashed during a 3-1 loss in the Champions League group stage at Tottenham in 2019.
How do Vancouver and Los Angeles stack up against each other?
Muller was quick to point out a significant weakness in LA, but he is convinced that this matchup will be closer.
"We understand the potential of this team when you pay attention to the details," he remarked.
However, looking back at the last few weeks, it's evident how reliant they are on Son and [Denis] Bouanga, so if those two don’t find the net, scoring becomes challenging.
"We have a legitimate chance if we can keep both of them quiet, but it’s not easy."
This is my first conference semifinal. I’m optimistic about winning this match.
Like Son, Muller has started his journey in Major League Soccer on a high note, netting nine goals and providing three assists in ten matches for Vancouver.
The 36-year-old spent his entire career at Bayern, where he set a record for appearances with 756 games over 17 seasons. The Canadian team is only the second team in his career.
However, Muller's usually humorous explanation put an end to any notion of an adjustment period.
"They positioned me in good spots, so it was quite easy to jump in," he remarked. "In every game, they won a penalty for me.
"You indeed have to be prepared for the competition, but I did not come here for a holiday; instead, I came here with the intention of performing.
However, you never know how long this process will take until you are a true member of the team in a new nation, league, and team.
"In the end, I have always been able to rapidly respond to a circumstance; I have frequently made small adjustments to my playing style. Nothing very noteworthy.
MEGA-STAR CRISTIANO RONALDO'S US JOURNEY: DONALD TRUMP AWAITS FOR HISTORIC TALK
Cristiano Ronaldo will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The Al-Nassr star, who publicly expressed his desire for the meeting, will discuss world peace with the President.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House
Following Portugal's successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup, U.S. President Donald Trump is getting ready to host football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo at the White House on Tuesday. In addition, Ronaldo is anticipated to play a friendly match against the U.S. men's national team prior to the World Cup. Ronaldo will be one of the main attractions in the event that is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
In Ronaldo's first public appearance in the United States in almost a decade, Trump, who has received FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the Oval Office before, will now meet one of the greatest football players in history. Ronaldo recently stated that he wanted to meet President Trump, and now that dream has been fulfilled.
According to The Athletic, Trump's scheduled meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia falls on the same day as Ronaldo's planned visit. Given that Ronaldo presently plays football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, it is unknown if the two meetings are related.
Trump said Friday, "We are more than meeting," in reference to the Saudi prince. "We are paying tribute to the crown prince of Saudi Arabia."
In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo abruptly revealed that he wanted to meet Trump. Trump and Morgan have been friends for a long time. In 2008, Trump presented Celebrity Apprentice after the broadcaster won the reality TV show.
For example, Ronaldo sent Trump a signed shirt that read, "President Donald J. Trump, playing for peace." Morgan asked Ronaldo about it.
"We want the world to be at peace. He is one of the people who can change or help change the world. And that is my major objective: to meet Trump and talk about world peace. If you can make it happen, he is someone I would really like to sit down with," Ronaldo clarified.
Ronaldo stated that he will fly to meet with the US President, but he would be happy to welcome Trump to Saudi Arabia if necessary.
Ronaldo went on, "I would like to see him here, in the United States - wherever it happens." "He is one of those guys I really admire, and I think he can make things happen, and I appreciate people like that." "I know he has been to Saudi Arabia. I hope to sit down with him eventually."
Ronaldo went on to imply that he and Trump have certain traits in common, but he would not name them.
Ronaldo clarified, "I hope the world finds a road to peace soon." "I will tell him what we have in common someday, but I will keep it to myself until then." "That is what I am looking for."
Ronaldo was suspended for one game for elbowing Ireland's defender Dara O'Shea, which prevented him from playing in Portugal's most recent World Cup qualifying encounter.
WORLD CUP DREAMS DASHED AS NIGERIA FALLS TO DR CONGO
DR Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win their CAF World Cup playoff. Timothy Fayulu was the shootout hero with two saves, sending The Leopards to the Interconfederations Playoffs for a 2026 World Cup spot.
DR Congo Wins On Pens - COURTESY/PHOTO
After defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in the CAF World Cup playoff final on Sunday night at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, DR Congo maintained their hopes of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup this weekend.
Nigeria got out to a strong start and took the lead in the third minute of play. Frank Onyeka headed a shot toward goal after they had advanced to the DR Congo 18-yard area, but it took a huge deflection off Axel Tuanzebe, and the defenceless goalie watched as the ball rolled into the net.
Nigeria's offensive pressure made it difficult for DR Congo to move the ball upfield, and with only about 15 minutes remaining, they were unable to create any meaningful scoring opportunities.
Nigeria maintained control of the match with 30 minutes remaining at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, relentlessly pursuing their second goal following Onyeka's first.
However, Mechak Elia of DR Congo equalised just after the half-hour mark. Cedric Bakambu took advantage of Wilfred Ndidi's poor control inside the area to drive the ball forward and then pick out Elia to score after Alex Iwobi was caught in possession around the halfway line.
DR Congo had a strong start to the second half, despite the game ending 1-1 at the half. The Leopards advanced deliberately as they pursued the top scorer.
After the hour, Nigeria saw less movement in the opposition half as the game drastically slowed down. In contrast, DR Congo frequently looked for possibilities during transformation.
As the second half wore on, Nigeria appeared more defensive as DR Congo probed within the opposition half. However, with 80 minutes on the clock, both goalkeepers seemed to have been merely bystanders. After Stanley Nwabali misplayed his lines with a bad ball inside the box in the 83rd minute, DR Congo came dangerously close to taking the lead. However, the Leopards were unable to take advantage of the goalkeeper's error after intercepting the ball within the box.
After ninety minutes, neither team was able to overcome the 1-1 score, and the match finally went into extra time in Rabat.
DR Congo appeared to have seized the lead in the 109th minute and dominated the rest of the extra time period. Nwabali had to pick up a loose ball that was headed toward goal, but it seemed to have crossed the line after good play on the left flank. To the annoyance of DR Congo, the referee dismissed the appeal.
The game entered the dreaded penalty shootout after a fierce battle in regulation time. Timothy Fayulu, a substitute in extra time, was the game's hero for DR Congo, making two saves to deny Semi Ajayi and Moses Simon as the Leopards moved to the Interconfederations Playoffs.