#final:

With the score 0-0 in the eighth minute of stoppage time in Rabat, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz. Moments earlier, Ndala had ruled out a Senegal goal. After the penalty was given, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw encouraged his team to leave the field in protest, with only Sadio Mane remaining. The match was paused for 17…

Working at the tournament, I remember a feeling there was an extra edge in the build-up to the final in Rabat, compared to previous editions. What stood out were the allegations – on social media – that hosts Morocco were getting the rub of the green when it came to refereeing decisions. It was becoming a big part of the managers’ pre-match news conferences. The conspiracy theories seemed to be…

The issue that has created the most noise since Tuchel took charge is about how he has dealt with Jude Bellingham and the battle for the number 10 position. The Real Madrid midfielder was left out of the October camp after injury despite wanting to join up as Tuchel favoured keeping a settled group after excellent performances. Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers impressed in qualifying,…