Germany and the Netherlands Out of the World Cup - and Both on Penalties

The World Cup devoured the first favourites in the knockout stage already, and in the cruellest way possible. Paraguay eliminated four-time champions Germany after a 1:1 draw and a 4:3 win on penalties - Havertz, Woltemade and Tah missed, while VAR cancelled a Tah goal in extra time. The same evening Morocco sent the Netherlands home, again 1:1 and 3:2 on penalties. The two biggest European names gone on the same day, and the tournament has only just begun. Who said money and reputation carry a goal on the pitch?

Kane Said No to Barcelona, Stays at Bayern

Barcelona tested the ground around Harry Kane for a transfer after the World Cup, but the Englishman put a stop to it at once - he stays at Bayern. His contract runs to 2027, and Munich is confident he'll sign an extension too. The numbers explain why he's in no rush anywhere: 146 goals in three seasons since arriving in 2023, two Bundesliga titles. The Catalans are looking for their goals abroad because at home the maths doesn't add up - and Kane knows full well it's easier to be a legend where you already are.

FIFA, Trump and a Peace Prize - Now an Investigation Too

While the ball was rolling, another topic opened up in Brussels. MEPs are calling for an investigation into FIFA president Gianni Infantino, after the organisation awarded a peace prize to Donald Trump. A football federation that constantly swears it is „above politics" is now handing out peace prizes to an American president. Sport and power have long played on the same team - they just sometimes forget to hide it.

Rastoder Leads Panathinaikos' Attack

From Swiss champion to Greek giant - Macedonian striker Elmin Rastoder (24) has signed for Panathinaikos. The Athenians paid around 3.5 million euros to Thun and tied him to a four-year contract. Rastoder arrives with 15 goals and 6 assists in 36 games last season in the Swiss league - numbers that rarely go unnoticed across Europe. Another Macedonian footballer who found the door abroad; the question is whether the domestic league even tried to keep him.

Lewandowski Chose America - Moving to Chicago Fire

One of the greatest goalscorers of his generation is closing his European story in an unusual place. Robert Lewandowski has agreed a transfer to Chicago Fire, and MLS has once again caught a world name in the mature phase of his career. The American league learned long ago that it doesn't have to build stars - it's enough to buy them when Europe takes their peak away. For Lewandowski it's a new stage; for MLS, another name on the poster.