June 14, 2022

The brief from today:

Costa Rica makes it 32

Costa Rica defeated New Zealand 1-0 in the final World Cup playoff match to become the 32nd team to go to Qatar. An early third minute goal from Joel Campbell was enough to secure qualification. Los Ticos will now join Germany, Japan, and Spain in Group E, with their first match being against the latter on November 23.

Campbell celebrates his crucial goal

Liverpool spend big

Liverpool officially confirmed their signing of 22 year old Uruguayan, Darwin Nunez, from Benfica. The total fee is a hefty €100 million—€75 million initial, with an additional €25million in bonuses. With all three of the regular attackers: Firmino, Mane, and Salah all turning 30, and also all on contracts expiring in one year, this addition provides cover and longevity.

Big expectations await Darwin Nunez

Barcelona’s jersey partnership

Barcelona has agreed a four year partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to place their logo on the famous blaugrana jersey starting in the 2022/23 season. This deal shows their intention to place a spotlight on the refugee situation around the world. Barcelona will donate €400,000 per season for the duration of the partnership towards projects the UNHCR has in Colombia, Turkey, Uganda, and Malaysia.