World Cup
Italy coach Gattuso shrugs off Bosnia atmosphere saying fans don’t score goals
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso dismissed concerns over pitch conditions and the atmosphere his side would face in Bosnia for their World Cup playoff final, saying he had never conceded a goal to a fan.
Gattuso carries the weight of Italian football on his shoulders as his team bids to reach the finals for the first time since 2014. After beating Northern Ireland at home in the semi-final, Italy now take on Bosnia away in Zenica on Tuesday.
Italy were forced into a change of plans after snow and rain led to fears over pitch conditions in Bosnia, and trained in Florence on Monday morning before travelling.
“It’s an excuse. If the pitch is bad, it’s bad for both teams, the match still has to be played,” Gattuso told reporters.
“If we start thinking about the pitch, the stands… no, that’s weak. I’ve seen the pitch and it’s fine. Honestly, even if it were bad, there’s little we could do.
“The respect we have for Bosnia is enormous, for what they show on the pitch. As for the fans, they don’t score goals, that’s never happened to me.”
Gattuso replaced Luciano Spalletti early in the qualification campaign after defeat to Norway had already compromised their ambitions.
LESS PRETTY, MORE SOLID
Despite a far from perfect performance against Northern Ireland, the manager has seen plenty of improvements since taking charge.
“Tactically, the other night we got it wrong,” Gattuso said.
“Seven months ago we were not this team. We suffered against opponents, they reached our goal easily, they created chances. At the beginning we conceded ridiculous goals, we were fragile, we struggled to hold our shape.
“Maybe we didn’t play ultra‑offensive football and maybe we were less brilliant, but right now I prefer a team that is solid, that suffers less, even if it means being less pretty.”
Italy last lifted the World Cup in 2006, and Gattuso, who played in that team, wants to see the same spirit in this side.
“We will go out there with desire and aggression. That’s the most important aspect of our footballing history,” he said.
“We became champions not because we were the strongest, but because of our competitive edge and our ability to suffer.”
“People said there was no pride in this team, that nobody cared, but I see it every day, and I sincerely hope, not for myself, but for these lads, that we reach this objective.
“I’m proud of them, I’m happy with them, even if things go badly. I hope they don’t.”
And if things were to go badly?
“This isn’t the right moment to talk about it,” Gattuso said.
“It would be a disappointment, a heavy blow. I would have to take responsibility because I am the coach, but we’ll talk about that afterwards.
“There are people whose job it is to decide what will happen. My thoughts, I keep to myself.”
-Reuters
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Own goals are rapidly becoming one of the defining statistical features of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Australia’s Cameron Burgess becoming the seventh player to inadvertently score against his own team.
Burgess’s unfortunate contribution came during Australia’s 2-0 Group D defeat to the United States, adding his name to a growing list of players who have experienced one of football’s most painful moments on the sport’s biggest stage.
The tally of seven own goals after the opening rounds of matches highlights an unusual trend at the tournament and has sparked debate among analysts over the reasons behind the phenomenon.
Among the possible explanations are the increased pace of modern football, relentless high pressing, defensive fatigue, and the pressure created by technically gifted attacking players.
Before Burgess’s own goal, six other players had already found the wrong net.
The US have twice benefited from own goals at the World Cup 2026
Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla was the first to suffer the misfortune, followed by Egypt defender Mohammed Hany. Iraq captain Aymen Hussein and Jordan’s Yazan Al-Arab also endured similar moments, while Qatar’s Mohamed Al-Mannai and Switzerland’s Miro Muheim completed the unwanted list.
While own goals have always been part of football, their frequency at the 2026 tournament has made them a notable talking point, with several matches significantly influenced by defensive errors and unfortunate deflections.
As the World Cup progresses, teams will be hoping to tighten up at the back and avoid joining a list that no player wishes to be part of.
World Cup 2026 Own Goals So Far
| Player | Country |
| Damian Bobadilla | Paraguay |
| Mohammed Hany | Egypt |
| Aymen Hussein | Iraq |
| Yazan Al-Arab | Jordan |
| Mohamed Al-Mannai | Qatar |
| Miro Muheim | Switzerland |
| Cameron Burgess | Australia |
Quick Facts
- Total own goals: 7
- Latest own goal: Cameron Burgess (Australia vs USA)
- Teams affected: Paraguay, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Switzerland and Australia
- Tournament trend: Own goals have featured prominently during the group stage and have become one of the notable statistical storylines of World Cup 2026.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Norway will look to strengthen their position in Group A when they take on Senegal in a potentially decisive FIFA World Cup 2026 encounter.
Much of the spotlight will once again fall on prolific striker Erling Haaland, who arrives in scintillating form. The Manchester City forward has scored an astonishing 22 goals in his last 11 competitive appearances for Norway and remains the Scandinavians’ biggest attacking threat.
Norway’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage could hinge on Haaland maintaining that remarkable scoring run against a Senegal side renowned for their resilience and tournament experience.
The West Africans have built a reputation as difficult opponents on the global stage and possess an impressive record in second group-stage matches at the World Cup. Senegal have never lost their second fixture in the competition, recording one victory and two draws in their previous appearances.
With both teams eyeing a place in the last 32, the clash promises to be a fascinating battle between Norway’s attacking firepower and Senegal’s disciplined, organised approach.
A victory for either side would provide a significant boost to their qualification ambitions ahead of the final round of group matches.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK.
History could be made when Argentina take on Austria in Group E as Lionel Messi bids to become the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.
Already among the most celebrated players the game has known, Messi has another opportunity to add to his remarkable legacy on football’s biggest stage. The Argentine captain will be the focal point as the South Americans seek to secure another important result in their quest for World Cup glory.
Standing in their way is an Austrian side contesting its 31st World Cup match. Interestingly, Austria have never been involved in a goalless draw at the finals, a statistic that suggests goals could once again be on the agenda.
Meanwhile, Jordan continue their search for a first-ever FIFA World Cup point when they face Algeria in another intriguing contest.
The Jordanians have shown admirable determination on their World Cup debut but now face an Algerian side eager to strengthen its position in the group.
The fixture also carries historical significance for Algeria. It comes exactly 12 years after the Desert Foxes defeated the Republic 4-2 in Brazil, their biggest victory margin in World Cup history and their only previous finals meeting with an Asian Football Confederation opponent.
Algeria will be hoping that the anniversary proves a good omen as they seek another positive result against AFC opposition, while Jordan aim to make history by collecting their first points on the world stage.
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Own Goals Emerging as an Unwanted Trend at World Cup 2026
Haaland’s Norway Face Stern Senegal Test
Messi Eyes History as Argentina Face Austria; Jordan Chase First Points Against Algeria
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