15 things we loved this weekend: Vertonghen, Cahill, Burke, Kroos…

Quick Reads

Planet Football
4th June 2018

As countries around the world get ready for Russia, Chelsea, Tottenham, Barcelona and Real Madrid men all caught our eye.

With less than two weeks until the World Cup begins, there were a raft of friendlies over the weekend, with wins for the likes of England and France, but a defeat for Germany, and a draw between Belgium, who feature in England’s group, and Portugal.

Here are some of the highlights from an action-packed weekend.

USA vs Ireland

For their friendly this weekend, both sides announced the shirt numbers would bear the rainbow flag, in support of LGBT rights.

The back of tomorrow’s match kit. Not just a number, this is a statement. Ireland, supporting #LGBT rights. 🏳️‍🌈🇮🇪 #EqualGame #COYBIG #COYGIG #IRLUSA pic.twitter.com/Becg6ki0VW

— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) June 1, 2018

Martin Hinteregger

In Austria’s first win over Germany in 32 years, the defender scored this belter.

Argentina

This World Cup advert might be the best yet.

Been a lot of incredible world cup commercials adding to the pre world cup euphoria, but none better than this.
The desire, the near misses and Messi.
For me this ad epitomises why Argentina is THE story of the World Cup – get pumped guys, it's only round the corner now… pic.twitter.com/1iOKcTEvDP

— Eli (@ElMengem) June 1, 2018

Ousmane Dembele

A glorious finish.

Oliver Burke

Burke showed what had Leipzig paying £13million for him in Scotland’s Under-21 match against South Korea.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 What a run and what a finish from West Brom’s Oliver Burke (21) for Scotland in the @TournoiToulon

💨 pic.twitter.com/lnkP69S8Ug

— SidelineScouted (@SidelineScouted) June 3, 2018

Jan Vertonghen

Vertonghen won his 100th cap in Belgium’s friendly against Portugal this weekend, and was presented with the cap by a surprise guest, his mum.

Jan Vertonghen

And this is a pretty good stat.

🗓 2 June 2007
🇧🇪1st cap
⚽ v Portugal

(…exactly 11 years later)

🗓 2 June 2018
🇧🇪100th cap
⚽ v Portugal

Incredibly proud to play for my country. Thanks for all the support on this journey. Bring on the @FIFAWorldCup 🙌🏻 💯#RedTogether pic.twitter.com/RJADsVX6fh

— Jan Vertonghen (@JanVertonghen) June 2, 2018

Sunil Chhetri

The India captain sent out this heartfelt message in an attempt to get more support for the national team.

This is nothing but a small plea from me to you. Take out a little time and give me a listen. pic.twitter.com/fcOA3qPH8i

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 2, 2018

Gary Cahill

What a header. We’re gonna win the World Cup.

Gary Cahill gives @England the lead!#ENGNGA #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/nNrQMqIVcv

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 2, 2018

Toni Kroos

A totally random stat, but we love it.

Toni Kroos: Of those to have attempted 150+ long balls, @ToniKroos had the best long ball accuracy in Europe's top 5 leagues last season (87.9%)

For more player stats — https://t.co/LbLKzISsct pic.twitter.com/1xE6pRs45N

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 2, 2018

Graham Burke

Another good stat: by scoring against USA, former Aston Villa forward Burke became the first League of Ireland player to score for Ireland in 40 years.

Graham Burke becomes the first LOI player to score for Ireland since Shamrock Rovers' Ray Treacy in a 4-2 win over Turkey at Lansdowne Road in April 1978. He scored twice and missed a penalty. Rovers clubmate John Giles had scored the opening goal as wellhttps://t.co/eyTUaov4mH

— Karl Reilly (@HistoryLOI) June 2, 2018

Bicolour Group G

Pointless. Yet beautiful.

*COMPLETELY POINTLESS STAT*

All six games in Group G will be 'reds' vs. 'whites' (only the 2nd bicolour group in WC history).

England's blue shorts are stopping it from being a group of purely red or white kits – socks, shorts and shirts.

England always ruin everything.

— Coral (@Coral) June 2, 2018

England and Spurs

Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham players have scored or assisted 11 of England’s last 15 goals.

11 – 11 of @England's last 15 goals have been scored or assisted by @SpursOfficial players. Spursy. pic.twitter.com/prUV7aRkti

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 2, 2018

Manuel Neuer

He’s back.

Brilliant save by Neuer! pic.twitter.com/xKc44tTnv6

— Bayern & Die Mannschaft (@eMiaSanMia) June 2, 2018

John O’Shea

O’Shea played for his nation for the final time against USA. A legend.

That's it!

On 33 minutes, John O'Shea exits the pitch to a tremendous ovation.

What a servant.

118 caps.
3 international goals.
1 John O'Shea. #ThanksJosh #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/Jxo5X0usOe

— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 2, 2018