Germany routs Curaçao 7–1 in World Cup opener; Roma's Wesley enjoys beach break after tournament disappointment

Donyell Malen started for the Netherlands in their World Cup group-stage opener against Japan, leading the attack alongside Gakpo and Summerville. The Roma forward was keen to silence recent criticism following subdued performances in two warm-up matches ahead of the tournament. Former Danish footballer and ESPN pundit Kenneth Perez had been particularly vocal, saying: "I was at a golf tournament where there were many Italians, and they said: 'Malen demonstrates the problem with Italian football. How mediocre it has become, if he manages to excel in this context'. They think their league is worth nothing." Malen's inclusion in the starting XI offered him a chance to respond on the pitch and prove his worth at the international stage. The match represents a significant opportunity for the Roma forward to demonstrate his form and capability in a major tournament. The Netherlands lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under coach Koeman, with Malen tasked not only with goal-scoring duties but also with contributing to the team's general play. Japan operated in a 3-4-2-1 setup under manager Moriyasu.

Donyell Malen is set to play for the Netherlands against Japan in a key international fixture, with Dutch football figures and supporters expressing confidence in the AS Roma forward despite some poor finishing in recent friendlies. The match comes at a time when the Netherlands is debating who should lead the attack, with Malen facing competition for the starting role. Malen has enjoyed an impressive run of form over recent months with Roma, but made some costly mistakes in his last two warm-up games. Nevertheless, the majority of Dutch opinion remains firmly in his corner. Ibrahim Afellay, a former Netherlands international now serving as PSV vice-coach and pundit, publicly backed the Roma forward, stating: "For me there is nothing to discuss. I would play him in attack. Depay has certainly shown he deserves that spot, that is clear. But he is not yet in form. Should we perhaps bench someone like Malen, who is at the height of his form and who has played brilliantly with Roma for six months, simply because he missed chances in two matches? I also believe you must give him opportunities and long-term confidence. He is the future of the Netherlands." Dutch supporters interviewed by DAZN echoed this backing, with comments including: "He will score today, he will be the top scorer!", "I really like him, he will be decisive!", and "So far he hasn't had the chance to show everything he is worth, I hope he manages it in this tournament."

Donyell Malen is preparing for his World Cup debut this evening as the Netherlands face Japan in Group F at Arlington, Texas. The Roma forward is expected to start and will encounter Suzuki, the Japanese goalkeeper he faced recently when Roma defeated Parma 3–2 on 10 May. In that match, Malen scored twice against Suzuki—first with a precise strike from distance, then converting a penalty in the 101st minute. Malen arrives at the tournament seeking to rediscover his scoring form after failing to find the net in two pre-World Cup friendlies against Algeria and Uzbekistan. Regaining his goal-scoring touch is crucial to secure his place in the starting lineup and avoid losing opportunities to fellow forward Depay. The article notes that other Roma players have already featured in World Cup matches: El Aynaoui's Morocco drew 1–1 with Brazil, and Çelik played 81 minutes in Turkey's loss to Australia. Malen's previous success against Suzuki provides a psychological edge, and scoring in tonight's match would represent a significant confidence boost as he aims to establish himself with the Oranje during the tournament and build on the strong impression he has already made at Roma.

PSV Eindhoven's attempt to sign Salah-Eddine permanently has collapsed. The Dutch club made an offer of eight million euros to secure the Moroccan left-back, but an agreement could not be reached with the player's representatives. Salah-Eddine, currently competing at the World Cup, will return to Roma and will evaluate other offers from European clubs during the summer transfer window. Roma hopes to sell the defender before 30 June to record another capital gain, following similar sales of Saud, Sangaré, and Baldanzi. However, the player faces an uncertain path at the club. Head coach Gasperini was not convinced by Salah-Eddine during pre-season preparations last summer and is unlikely to consider him for the upcoming campaign. Wesley remains the established left-back for Roma's starting XI, while the future of Angeliño remains unclear as the Spanish player expresses a desire to stay, though Roma will assess any summer offers that arrive. Details remain unclear regarding the exact negotiations between PSV and Salah-Eddine's agents or the timeline for potential departures.

AS Roma defender Wesley has been spotted relaxing on the island of Ponza following his elimination from the World Cup. Brazil's opening match against Morocco ended in a 1–1 draw at midnight, and Wesley did not continue with the squad in the tournament. The Roma player is taking time to unwind before returning to club duties. Details of his involvement in the Brazil setup remain unclear from available information.

AS Roma winger Wesley is recovering from injury with a day of rest at sea following his withdrawal from the Brazil national team setup. The player, sidelined due to an injury that forced him to leave the Brazilian camp, has been enjoying downtime on a boat near Ponza. Wesley's absence from the World Cup represents a setback for both the player and Roma's squad depth. His time away from football allows for recovery before returning to competitive action. The injury that led to his departure from international duty remains a concern for Roma's management as they assess his availability for upcoming matches.