The World Cup is entering that deliciously fractious phase where the football on the pitch is matched only by the mind games off it. GoalZaza has lear...
The World Cup is entering that deliciously fractious phase where the football on the pitch is matched only by the mind games off it. GoalZaza has learned that Mexico's support network, never shy of a bit of psychological warfare, have been attempting to disrupt England's sleep patterns ahead of their knockout tie. It is a classic trick of the tournament trade, the kind of sharp practice that separates the hardened campaigners from the wide eyed novices. Will Southgate's men have the mental fortitude to block out the noise, or will the sleepless nights take their toll on the training pitchWhile the Three Lions try to get their forty winks, the story of the night belongs to the individual duel for the Golden Boot. Kylian Mbappe has drawn level with Lionel Messi at the top of the charts. Both men are sitting on seven goals after Mbappe tucked away a nerveless winning penalty to sink a stubborn Paraguay side. It was a moment of clinical finishing under pressure, the kind of ice cold composure that defines the very best. The question now is whether the Frenchman can kick on and leave the Argentine legend in his dust, or if Messi has another masterclass up his sleeve.Let's not forget the chasing pack, either. Erling Haaland and Harry Kane are both breathing down the leaders' necks with five goals apiece, while Vinícius Júnior lurks on four. Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal is the quiet man in the conversation, also on four and creeping up on the rails with the sort of unassuming efficiency that often catches defences napping. The next 24 hours will be crucial for these gentlemen. Will Kane step up from the spot again Can Haaland bulldoze his way through a low block The tactical flexibility of each player's system will dictate who gets the service, and ultimately, who gets the glory.This is squeaky bum time for the strikers. The margins are fine, the defences are tighter, and the pressure is immense. One miscontrolled touch or a goalkeeper's brilliance can be the difference between lifting the golden prize and watching from the stands. All eyes are on the pitch, but someone should tell the Mexico fans to let the English lads have their breakfast. It is going to be a long haul to the final.
