The foul play against Kylian Mbappe last weekend marked another refereeing mess in LaLiga, but there is hope, as shown by the game’s change in attitudes towards player protection of all kinds.
The FIFA Best men’s player award for 2024 could be another contest between Rodri and Vinícius Júnior after the pair were included on the shortlist for the prize on Thursday.
For better or worse, the Matildas’ clash with Canada in Melbourne on Monday will be an event that will become the stuff of Australian sporting folklore.