![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Bukayo-Saka-and-Dani-Carvajal.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Bukayo-Saka-and-Dani-Carvajal.jpg?width=600)
The first half between England and Spain has been full of action, with both teams battling for the control of the game. Both teams haven’t shied away from being physical throughout the first 45 minutes, and from the looks of it, we could be in for a similar follow-up 45 minutes. It’s been a dicey clash between the two teams. However, Spain’s Dani Carvajal has done his best to rile up the England players particularly Bukayo Saka, after making a crying gesture in his direction following a clear foul, but the Real Madrid man clearly felt otherwise.
In the 23rd minute, Saka attempted to break forward following a Spanish set-piece. Phil Foden struggled to find space ahead of the 22-year-old, so Saka continued to bear down on Spain’s half. However, he was the victim of a tactical foul by Carvajal just as he approached the midway point of the pitch. While Saka wanted Dani Carvajal to be booked for the foul, referee Francois Letexier had other thoughts frustrating Bukayo Saka.
Fans not happy as Dani Carvajal mocks Bukayo Saka following tactical foul
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While Carvajal’s foul wasn’t anything serious, some fans felt his antics after fouling Saka was taking it too far. England fans in the stadium jeered the player after the foul while many on social media claimed the defender should be fined for his actions.
Needs a fine.
— Care4Bears🎗️She/Her (@SometimeSoup) July 14, 2024
Fans have been clamoring for the player to be fined, yet some believe he should have been punished on the field. Many questioned referee Francois Letexie’s decision to leave Carvajal unbooked. However, considering the severity of the foul, dishing out a yellow card in this situation would break the flow of the game.
SHOULD HAVE BEEN A YELLOW
— tboe 🍌 (@tboe3D) July 14, 2024
What’s your perspective on:
Did Dani Carvajal cross the line with his gesture towards Bukayo Saka? What's your take?
Have an interesting take?
Though the first half has been a proper contest between the two teams, some fans seemed bored at the goalless prospect. One fan claimed Dani Carvajal’s foul on Bukayo Saka was the only memorable event in the first half. This is somewhat surprising as both teams have made some great runs in the opposition’s attacking third but have been unlucky with their chances.
This is probably the only highlight of the first half
— Martin (@BoReDMartin) July 14, 2024
For some, Carvajal has shown the true Real Madrid spirit, but others called the player out for being a hypocrite. The defender usually has animated reactions when the referee’s decisions don’t go this way and as such mocking Saka wasn’t a great idea.
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Madrid spirit
— Henry Ewelu (@HEwelu) July 14, 2024
Irony here is he cries constantly
— mark (@idreamsmash) July 14, 2024
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While the first half ended in a goalless draw, Spain bounced back in the second half with Lamine Yamal providing a perfect assist to Nico Williams who smashed the ball into the back of the net. With La Rojas now in the lead of the contest, Spain fans will hope the team can maintain their lead throughout the remaining minutes of the contest.
Debate
Did Dani Carvajal cross the line with his gesture towards Bukayo Saka? What's your take?