Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , football icon Emmanuel Petit has given his verdict on the biggest talking points of the World Cup so far.
The 1998 World Cup winner has branded the overturning of Folarin Balogun 's red card a scandal, questioned Cristiano Ronaldo 's comments on the Euros , and explained why Erling Haaland is a threat in Gabriel 's mind even without the ball.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea man has also welcomed the surprises delivered by the new format, praised the progress of nations like South Africa , and backed Haaland to one day choose Real Madrid .
The Balogun Scandal
Was It Unfair for FIFA to Suspend Balogun's Red Card?
Folarin Balogun 's red card is not just a mess; it's a scandal. This is probably the biggest scandal of the World Cup . We know sports can mix with politics, but this situation with the red card being removed is a disgrace to equity between teams.
I am happy that Belgium beat them 4-1. Would it have been different if Balogun had scored and qualified the USA ? It would have been a big mess. Gianni Infantino looked very down after those comments. With the FIFA election coming up, I wonder if he will keep his votes. To me, it's scary that this can happen in front of everyone.
I would say to Donald Trump , " Don't get involved in footballing matters. This does not help American citizens, as they're not responsible for how others will now look at the national team. This whole situation is not helping American citizens, and the Balogun red card is a scandal, simple as that.
Ronaldo
Was Ronaldo Right That the Euros Mean as Much as the World Cup?
Cristiano Ronaldo saying winning the Euros is the same as the World Cup ? He is lying to himself. What he said is just PR. He has been one of the greatest players in history, so he has nothing left to prove. He should stop fighting with the press. If it's not important, why cry after the game? Why be so annoyed at press conferences?
Deep down, he knows that never winning a World Cup is something missing from his career. The way Portugal played the whole tournament was a failure. He isn't solely responsible, but the whole team, Vitinha , Nunes , Fernandes , were poor during the World Cup . They didn't deserve to go further than the last 16. It is a sad thing for Ronaldo . The next World Cup will be different without Messi , Ronaldo , Modric , or Neymar . We are closing a book.
Haaland
Is Haaland Living Rent-Free in Gabriel's Head?
Erling Haaland touched the ball only 10 times and scored twice against Brazil . That is insane. It reminds me of the game between Arsenal and Man City two seasons ago when Haaland scored a header against Gabriel . Whenever I saw Gabriel fighting against Haaland , he was always going backwards; it was so difficult for him to win the ball.
Manchester City won against Arsenal last season, and Haaland scored exactly the same goal. He passed just in front of Gabriel and gave a header. And when I looked at the game, I saw Gabriel was scared sometimes, fighting against Haaland . You could see that. He was always going backwards. It was so difficult for him to win the ball. That goal defined the fight between them.
Haaland is a threat in Gabriel 's mind even when he doesn't have the ball. Even Marquinhos was unable to stop him. Gabriel was not confident at all whenever he had to play against Haaland . Is he living rent-free in his head? Definitely.
Can You See Haaland at Real Madrid or Barcelona?
Every player wants to play for the biggest clubs in the world. Erling Haaland has done great at Man City and won many trophies, so a move to Spain could be the last step for him.
I won't be surprised if one day Haaland lands in Madrid or Barcelona . Barcelona has a specific DNA, and their strikers always score many goals. The way Barcelona plays suits a striker perfectly. At Madrid , it is different; we need to see what happens with Mourinho and the team they build. But if you ask me in the future, in a couple of years, this is something different. I think Madrid always try to get the best players in every single position. They have to because something has to change in Real Madrid . If I were Haaland , I would probably go to Real Madrid .
The New Format
What Did You Make of South Africa and the New Format?
This World Cup is different, and we are seeing teams perform well unexpectedly. If they keep this format, we will see more surprises. South Africa was a surprise, as were Cape Verde and Egypt . It is refreshing to see. South Africa has improved a lot over the last couple of years.
They need to improve more to go further. It remains difficult for African countries; much of the responsibility is on Morocco now. The final eight consists of six European teams, one African team, and one South American team. Europe has been dominating the world of football for the last 25 years, except for when Argentina won the World Cup ; maybe that can change one day.
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Behind every great sporting moment is a story worth telling. The BOYLE Sports Editorial team sits down with the most relevant names in sport for candid conversations, genuine insight, and the kind of access that brings you closer to the real stories behind the headlines.
