"I play golf with Harry Kane, he is a great player": Trump
Washington, July 7
Following England's win over Mexico in the round of 16 FIFA World Cup clash, US President Donald Trump hailed Harry Kane as a "great player", while also pointing out that he has played golf with him.
Trump was addressing a presser in Washington DC.
Speaking during the presser, Trump said, "I watched last night. What a game that was with Mexico and England. I mean, two countries. I do not know the players. Although I think Kane is a great player. See, I played golf with him, and I like him a lot. He is a good golfer. But he is really great. But I watched, and and no reason for me to watch, and you could not take your eyes off the game."
With the victory, England became the first team in FIFA World Cup history to defeat Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, where the hosts had previously gone unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches. Prior to the England match, Mexico had lost only two competitive matches there since first playing at the iconic venue in 1966.
Before facing England, El Tri had won 70 and drawn 17 of their 89 matches at the stadium, highlighting the formidable home advantage they had enjoyed over the decades. Kane also contributed to the 3-2 win, with a penalty strike, his sixth goal of the tournament.
With the goal, Kane has equalled Gary Lineker's record of six goals to become the joint-highest English scorer in World Cup knockout stage history.
Jude Bellingham became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score twice in a FIFA World Cup match at the Azteca Stadium, guiding England to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico on Sunday (local time) and securing a quarter-final clash against Norway on July 11, according to ESPN. Maradona achieved the feat against Belgium in the 1986 semi-finals.
England have reached their 11th FIFA World Cup quarter-final, with only Brazil (15) and Germany (14) having made more appearances at this stage.
Coming to the match, Mexico conceded three goals in the match at the Azteca for the first time since August 1999, when they lost 4-3 to Brazil. In fact, they conceded more goals in the England game (3) than they had in their previous 10 World Cup matches at the stadium combined (2).
Mexico pushed relentlessly for an equaliser after being down 2-3, which would have forced extra time, but England defended resolutely to seal a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway in Miami on July 11.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an American, I'm just amazed Trump even watched a soccer match. 😂 But credit where it's due – Mexico at the Azteca is no joke. England ending that unbeaten run is huge for football history. Kane equalling Lineker's record is also class.
Trump trying to make everything about himself again – classic. But let's talk about Jude Bellingham! Scored twice at the Azteca like Maradona? That kid is something else. India needs to learn from how England develops young talent. 🏏? No, ⚽ time!
I find it ironic that a US president is talking about football (soccer) when Americans barely care about it. But Mexico getting thrashed at home is big news. Kane's penalty was nerveless. England vs Norway in the quarters? That'll be interesting – both teams have been solid.
Trump praising Kane is cute but seriously – Mexico conceding 3 goals at the Azteca for the first time since 1999? That stat says everything. England deserved that win. And Bellingham... wow. Indian football fans should take notes. Our boys in blue need this kind of grit! 💪
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