Alex Iwobi credited his “unique” technique — and even his groin flexibility — after firing Fulham firmly into the race for European qualification with a stunning winner against Tottenham.

The 29-year-old Nigeria international produced a superb finish following a slick one-two with Harry Wilson, guiding the ball home with precision to seal a 2-1 victory over Spurs. The result lifted Marco Silva’s in-form side to within three points of seventh-placed Brentford, keeping their continental ambitions very much alive.

Describing the goal, Iwobi said the only way to sum it up was “unique.” He explained that not many players have the ability to open up their hips in that way and execute such a controlled side-footed strike. When Wilson slipped him the pass, Iwobi revealed he had already decided to hit it first time. He added that it is a finish he regularly practices in training, which is why his teammates were not surprised to see it come off in a match situation.

Fulham had earlier taken the lead in controversial fashion. Wilson struck inside seven minutes, smashing the ball home after Raul Jimenez appeared to push Radu Dragusin in the build-up — an incident that was not penalised. The goal brought Wilson’s tally to ten in all competitions this season.

With the Welsh forward’s contract set to expire in the summer, Silva admitted the club are eager to secure his long-term future. The Fulham boss said Wilson is enjoying his football and has representatives handling his contractual situation, while the club remain in regular contact in an effort to reach an agreement.

Silva acknowledged that the better Wilson performs, the more competition there will be for his signature, but insisted Fulham would rather see him thriving than struggling. He pointed out that it is natural for speculation to grow when a player in the final year of his deal is delivering such strong performances.

Despite the uncertainty, Silva stressed that Fulham have no intention of giving up. He said the club are delighted with Wilson’s contribution and believe he is happy in West London. Now, he added, it is up to those around the player and the club’s hierarchy to work toward a solution that keeps him at Craven Cottage for years to come.

Michael Carrick admitted he welcomed the challenge of speaking to his Manchester United players at half-time after they fell behind against Crystal Palace.

For the first time in his ten-match spell in charge, United went into the break trailing, after Maxence Lacroix headed Palace into an early lead in the fourth minute. Carrick was seen jogging straight down the tunnel at the whistle, while substitute Joshua Zirkzee used the interval to warm up.

Despite the setback, the United boss opted against making an immediate change. His faith was rewarded as his side struck twice in the space of eight minutes during the second half to seal a comeback victory. Lacroix’s afternoon worsened when he was sent off for bringing down Matheus Cunha inside the area, leading to a decisive penalty.

Reflecting on the match, Carrick said it was a new experience for his team under his leadership to be behind at the break. He acknowledged that United were slightly off the pace early on and credited Palace for their strong start. However, he felt the momentum began to swing after around 20 minutes, with his players finishing the first half more in control and closer to executing their intended game plan.

He explained that the half-time message focused on character and belief. According to Carrick, football — particularly in the Premier League — does not always go smoothly, and difficult moments are inevitable. What mattered most to him was the way his team responded after the interval, showing resilience to turn the contest around.

Asked about his brisk walk down the tunnel, Carrick played it down. He said there are always small details to address and described the adjustments as minor tweaks in shape and approach rather than wholesale changes. He stressed that he was not claiming significant credit, insisting the turnaround was more about the players finding solutions on the pitch.

Carrick noted that he wanted his side to make more penetrating runs and be more aggressive in attacking Palace’s defensive line — something they executed far better in the second half, ultimately winning the penalty that proved crucial. For him, the key theme was the reaction to adversity.

United had entered the match on the back of five wins and a draw from his previous six games. Although they had conceded first away to Arsenal and West Ham earlier in the season, they managed to respond quickly in those fixtures. This time, however, they had to regroup at the interval.

Carrick revealed he had been waiting for a moment like this to test his squad’s mentality. He told the players it was an opportunity to show what they were made of and to approach the second half with positivity. In his view, their response spoke volumes and represented a significant step forward in their development under his guidance.

February 28 was dominated by dramatic developments in the Middle East, as Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iran. A nation that has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. The escalation is expected to have significant geopolitical consequences, with potential ripple effects across global sport, including football.

According to officials from Israel and the US, the operation targeted elements of Iran’s nuclear program, with strikes reported in Tehran and several other cities. In response, Iran launched attacks on Israeli and American military positions in the region. Explosions were reported in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Kuwait, while Iranian authorities claimed responsibility for targeting four US bases in Gulf countries.

Reuters, citing multiple sources, reported that Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and IRGC commander Mohammad Pakpour were killed in the Israeli strikes. The agency also carried claims regarding the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, though the situation remains fluid and highly sensitive.

The impact was quickly felt in the sporting world. Israel’s Ministry of Culture and Sports announced the suspension of all entertainment activities, including sporting events, from February 28 to March 2, adding that competitions would not resume until further notice.

Players based in the region have spoken about the uncertainty. Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Heorhiy Yermakov told Tribuna that he was safe and focused on maintaining his fitness and professionalism despite the circumstances. Forward Stanislav Bilenkyi also confirmed that he and his family were safe, explaining that air-raid sirens had sounded intermittently since early morning. He noted that matches were called off once the attacks began and that his team had returned home after initially preparing for a fixture in another city. He expressed hope that the conflict would end swiftly, stressing that nobody feels at ease in such conditions and that people everywhere deserve peace.

Attention has also turned to Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. The national team’s official account reacted to the unfolding events, including reports of civilian casualties in Minab, fueling speculation about the country’s stance. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is now confronted with a delicate situation. FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom said the organization is aware of the reports and has already held internal discussions. He indicated that it is too early to provide detailed comments but emphasized that FIFA will continue to monitor developments closely and remain in contact with the three host nations, prioritizing safety.

Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj acknowledged that the recent attacks make it difficult to view the tournament with optimism, adding that any final decision regarding participation would be made by the relevant sporting authorities. Spanish outlet Marca interpreted his remarks as a withdrawal, though no official confirmation has been issued. Taj also confirmed that Iran’s domestic league has been suspended indefinitely.

Iran secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. They have been drawn alongside Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt, with all three of their scheduled group-stage matches set to take place in the United States — against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Depending on results, a potential knockout-stage meeting between Iran and the US remains possible, recalling their encounter at the 2022 World Cup, which the Americans won 1-0.

As tensions continue to unfold, FIFA faces one of the most complex challenges in its recent history, balancing political realities with the global nature of the game.