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PHILADELPHIA, June 26 : Croatia veteran Ivan Perisic hopes their excellent record against African opposition can help them recapture their World Cup magic when they face Ghana on Saturday as they look to book their spot in the knockouts.

Croatia, 2018 runners-up and semi-finalists four years later, have three wins and a draw against African World Cup opponents since 2014, including their victory over Morocco to secure third place in Qatar.

“That’s something that we commented on,” Perisic said through an interpreter on Friday.

“And we played against many teams in the past 10 years, and all of the results were positive. So I believe that this is going to be the same this time as well, and that we will be playing a very good match, just like we did against the other teams.”

England and Ghana enter the final Group L matchday on four points, while Croatia have three and Panama are already eliminated.

The question is whether this remains the same potent Croatia side of the last decade. After a 4-2 loss to England, Croatia narrowly defeated Panama 1-0 with Ante Budimir’s 54th-minute goal.

Perisic is 37 and captain Luka Modric is 40 and even manager Zlatko Dalic admits the team’s performances have looked unfamiliar.

“We need to raise the level of our play,” he said through an interpreter. “We’re not what Croatia can be. So we haven’t shown the best we can, but tomorrow is the opportunity to do so.

“We never made so many mistakes in some of the passes or when we were in the possession of the ball. This is where we had the force and we were really strong, but we seem to be losing the ball easily. We need to be quicker and we need to raise the level of concentration.”

Perisic also was unsure whether Ghana’s defensive approach – with the low block a staple of several Carlos Queiroz-managed World Cup sides – would continue.

“They are a very good team,” he said. “Very compact. Perhaps they played the low block in the past two matches. Given that, maybe they might be changing for tomorrow or something, but we have to be ready for both options.

“But yes, we’re focusing on ourselves and our game and what we need to do. And we need to be a lot better than we were in the past two matches.”

NEW YORK, June 26 : The manicured lawns of Wimbledon came to the heart of Manhattan on Friday when former Grand Slam champions and fan favourites including Andre Agassi and Caroline Wozniacki took to a temporary pop-up grasscourt erected in New York’s Central Park.

Agassi and Wozniacki were joined by former U.S. player James Blake and Canadian former world number five Eugenie Bouchard for a series of exhibition matches designed to bring a taste of southwest London to New York ahead of the Grand Slam’s start on Monday.

The quartet played singles exhibitions before teaming up for mixed doubles on a Wimbledon-style court installed at Wollman Rink at the southern end of Central Park, against a backdrop of trees and Manhattan skyscrapers.

“It was an amazing experience,” Wozniacki said. “Playing on a grasscourt in the middle of Central Park doesn’t happen every day. To be part of this amazing event was something that I won’t forget.”

The head agronomist at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Mark Ferguson, oversaw the court, and the grass was specially grown in neighbouring New Jersey for the pop-up installation.

“I think it’s a fantastic kind of juxtaposition of Wimbledon and New York together,” Ferguson said.

The exhibition also provided an opportunity for the former players to discuss the return of 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams, who is set to make a surprise comeback at Wimbledon after four years away from singles competition.

“I’m very excited to see her back,” Wozniacki said.

“It’s always great to see some of the best players ever come back and play. I’ll be watching, I’ll be supporting and it will be great.”

Asked whether she might consider another comeback of her own, Wozniacki smiled and replied: “I don’t know. That’s a good question.”

Bouchard said Williams faced a daunting challenge by returning directly at Wimbledon without a warm-up event.

“I think it’s bonkers – in a good way,” Bouchard said.

“The fact that she hasn’t played a singles match in four years is pretty crazy to play the first one at Wimbledon.

“But if there’s anyone that can handle it, it’s Serena.”

SEATTLE, June 26 : Egypt forward Omar Marmoush starts on the bench for their final Group G match against Iran, who make two changes as they seek to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

* Egypt midfielder Hamdi Fathi, who was substituted in the 3-1 win over New Zealand on Sunday, is among four changes.

* Pharaohs captain Mohamed Salah on 68 international goals is one away from Egypt’s record held by coach Hossam Hassan

* Iran forward Mehdi Taremi leads the line and captains the side.

* Iran have never progressed from the group stage, this is their seventh World Cup.

Teams:

Egypt: Mostafa Shobeir; Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Abdelmonem, Ahmed Fattouh; Mohannad Lasheen, Mahmoud Saber; Mostafa Abdel Raouf “Zico”, Mohamed Salah, Emam Ashour; Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet”

Iran: Alireza Beiranvand; Ramin Rezaeian, Shojae Khalilzadeh, Ali Nemati, Hossein Kanaani, Milad Mohammadi; Mohammad Mohebi, Saman Ghoddos, Saeid Ezatolahi, Mohammad Ghorbani; Mehdi Taremi

GUADALAJARA, Mexico: Spain beat Uruguay 1-0 on Friday (Jun 26) to top Group H and reach the knockout stage of the World Cup, with Alex Baena’s first-half strike enough to settle a tense, physical contest and leave Marcelo Bielsa’s side out of the tournament.

Spain finished with seven points from two wins and a draw, while newcomers Cape Verde claimed the second knockout berth after three consecutive draws. Uruguay bowed out with two points, level with bottom-placed Saudi Arabia.

Baena broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when he found space near the edge of the area and drove in a powerful effort that veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera failed to hold, the ball slipping from his grasp and trickling into the net.

It was a costly mistake from Muslera, who was replaced at half-time. The goal came with both Manuel Ugarte and Lamine Yamal down injured as play continued, but Baena kept his focus and Spain took full advantage.

“It might be one of the goals that has made me happiest,” Baena told local TV. “We knew it was going to be a tough match.

“They were fighting for their lives, and we were fighting for the top spot. We didn’t show our best form, but we competed very well,” he added. 

Uruguay had begun aggressively, determined to deny Lamine space on the right, with Guillermo Varela and the rest of the defence keeping tight to the 18-year-old.

Spain mostly threatened from set pieces in the opening half. Pau Cubarsi headed wide from a Baena corner in the 16th minute and missed again from close range four minutes later following another Baena delivery.

Uruguay’s best first-half chance came after Federico Valverde pressed Rodri into an error in the 27th minute and then found Darwin Nunez inside the area, but the forward chose to attempt a backheel rather than shoot and the opportunity went begging.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Uruguay pushing but lacking precision in the final third. Federico Vinas replaced Valverde and almost made an impact, but his left-footed effort from a Maxi Araujo cross flew high and wide.

Spain introduced Dani Olmo, who missed a chance from the middle of the box after a cross from Lamine in the 63rd minute, but Luis de la Fuente’s side looked in control.

Uruguay pressed late, but Simon denied Mathias Olivera and then saved Nicolas de la Cruz’s right-footed shot from outside the box.

Ferran Torres nearly doubled Spain’s lead when he hit the crossbar with a right-footed effort from just inside the area following a pass from Fabian Ruiz.

Inside the Guadalajara stadium, Mexican and Spanish fans sang “Cielito Lindo” with the chorus “sing and do not cry” as Uruguay’s frustration mounted.

That frustration boiled over in stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Cubarsi, capping a bitter end to Uruguay’s campaign.

Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa controversially substituted Valverde on the hour mark and said the decision to replace Muslera at half-time had been taken by the player himself.

“Journalists and fans of Uruguayan football legitimately want to pin the blame on me. I’m the person responsible and I have to accept it,” said Bielsa.

Spain, the reigning European champions, will face Austria or Algeria next in Los Angeles on Thursday. 

Hyped as one of the pre-tournament favourites, Spain are now 34 competitive games unbeaten and are yet to concede a goal at the World Cup

But another laboured attacking performance leaves Spain coach Luis de la Fuente with plenty to ponder.

To add to La Roja’s concerns a shoulder injury suffered by Yeremy Pino may have ended his tournament, while Nico Williams also ended a bruising encounter with a muscle problem.

“In football, you can’t always play with the brilliance you wish for, or that we are capable of showing at other times,” said De la Fuente.

“We maintained an incredibly high level of concentration, responsibility, and composure, and we avoided rising to the many provocations that could have led to serious trouble.”

HOUSTON, June 26 : Debutants Cape Verde prolonged their World Cup fairytale on Friday as they secured a place in the World Cup round of 32 following a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia to set up an unexpected clash with defending champions Argentina in Miami.

Spain’s 1-0 victory over Uruguay earned them top spot in Group H with seven points, while three draws were enough for Cape Verde to earn second place and become the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockouts. Uruguay and the Saudis were both eliminated with two points.

“I feel like I’m in a dream,” said man-of-the-match Deroy Duarte. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always dreamed of playing in a World Cup.”

“From tomorrow, we’ll focus on the next match. It’s against Argentina, isn’t it? A tough match, but let’s believe – anything is possible.”

The African side have already made history in their first World Cup while capturing the imagination of fans with a battling goalless draw with Spain and a more evenly contested 2-2 result against Uruguay where they showcased a never-say-die spirit.

After the final whistle, Cape Verde’s players and staff huddled over their phones and broke out in celebration when the other match in the group ended, generating a roar from their supporters who banged on drums having cheered their team on all night.

‘PLAY OUR OWN STYLE’

Many players lingered on the pitch after most of the supporters had exited Houston Stadium as they took pictures, hugged each other and draped themselves in flags, absorbing the historic moment for the nation of some 500,000 people.

Cape Verde’s Dailon Livramento said the team sought to play their own way against Saudi Arabia but acknowledged finishing the kind of chances they created against the Saudis would be vital against Argentina.

“We tried to play football; we tried to play our own style,” he said. “This was the match where we were able to show that.”

“In the end, we’ll look at what we could have done better – like finishing off our moves – but that’s for the next match. For now, we’re just going to celebrate.”

The game itself was low on quality as Cape Verde looked the more likely to score throughout but lacked composure in the final third, spurning a clutch of clear-cut chances including a Laros Duarte miss when one-on-one with goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais.

BRIGHT START

Both sides started brightly knowing a potential ticket to the round of 32 was on the line but neither found much success during an opening period marred by poor passes and mistimed tackles.

An early chance fell to Willy Semedo after he cut in from the left flank and fired off a shot from a tight angle as the Africans gradually stepped up the pressure and grabbed hold of the game following a cagey opening.

Saudi Arabia produced their first attempt on target in first-half stoppage time when Mohamed Kanno directed a header straight at Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, whose mother was watching in the stands having arrived late to the tournament due to the cost of a U.S. visa.

Cape Verde started the second half looking like the only team hunting for a goal but despite producing 15 attempts could not convert a number of clear chances as Saudi Arabia struggled to mount an attack.

Saudi coach Georgios Donis said an inability to hold possession and threaten Cape Verde in the final third was his team’s undoing.

“We had problems in creating things,” he said. “When you are playing in such a match and unable to control the pace and tempo of the game and in the attack you cannot create chances it is difficult to win a match.”

Saudi Arabia exited the tournament meekly having scored a single goal in their three games and never looked like adding to their tally in Houston in a display that lacked ambition for the most part.

HOUSTON, Texas: Minutes after Cape Verde’s historic qualification following their 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, emotions were overflowing in the stands at the Houston Stadium.

“It’s an amazing feeling. My heart is beating so fast,” said Cape Verdean Djamila Semedo, holding up a large cutout of goalkeeper Vozinha.

“There are a lot of emotions. I’m so proud of my country, so proud of my people.”

When Cape Verde was drawn into a group with former world champions Spain and Uruguay, as well as Asian powerhouse Saudi Arabia, almost nobody had thought the African island nation would make it through to the World Cup knockouts.

But after three draws, the team sits second in Group H and has made it through to the next round, where they face reigning champion Argentina.

“(At the full-time whistle), I cried because I never dreamed to see my country in the World (Cup), playing like this, the way they did,” said Ms Eidil Depina.

“You have to believe,” said Cape Verde coach Bubista when asked by CNA at a pre-match conference on what it takes to follow in the footsteps of a small nation that has stunned everybody at the World Cup.

“You have to dream, and to work hard in order to make the dream come true,” he added.

“You have to know that nothing is impossible.”

On Friday (Jun 26) night at the Houston Stadium, this unbeaten team did just that.

“We are small but we have a big heart. We are fighters,” said Vozinha in response to a question from CNA after the match.

GIVING THEIR HEART AND BLOOD
Cape Verde have been one of the biggest stories of the World Cup in their tournament debut.

The Tubaroes Azuis, or Blue Sharks in Portuguese, stunned the world when they held European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in their opening match.

Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, in particular, stole the headlines with a player-of-the-match performance after making seven saves during the match, six of them from inside the box.

The 40-year-old is now the oldest goalkeeper in the tournament’s history to keep a clean sheet on debut.

They then backed up that performance with a 2-2 draw against two-time champions Uruguay in their second match.

And with Spain beating Uruguay 1-0 on the final day and Cape Verde drawing 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, the Blue Sharks made it through in second place.

Speaking to CNA before Cape Verde’s result on Friday, journalist Victor Hugo Fortes said the team has given “their heart and their blood” on the pitch.

“I’m surprised with the results but I knew they would do what they could to play a good game, and they have been unbelievable with how they are playing,” said Mr Fortes, who has covered the team for more than a decade.

“As a Cape Verdean, all of Cape Verde are very proud of the team.”

Bubista’s men were impressive en route to qualifying for their maiden World Cup. They finished top of their group ahead of Cameroon, losing just one of the 10 matches played.

Cape Verde was the second-smallest country by land area and the third least-populated – with over 500,000 residents – to qualify for the World Cup.

“Cape Verde is a small country, it is a country where it is difficult to survive,” said Mr Fortes. “We are a poor country but we have people who believe, people who work hard.”

Bubista added: “Football belongs to everyone, and is for everyone. It does not belong only to wealthy countries … it is for the poor as well.

“I hope that our participation as a small and poor country can be a reference model for other poor and small countries like ourselves.”

What Bubista, who is the reigning African coach of the year, has done is to transmit the belief to the players who, in turn, have responded to that, added Mr Fortes.

“Bubista can motivate the players, show them that they are here not just for themselves, but they play for all (of Cape Verde),” he added.

“They are giving back to the people happiness, because life sometimes is hard. 

“But celebrating the games can give some joy back to the people. And this connection is very important.”

HAVE DREAMS ON THE HORIZON

There have been ups and downs along the way.

Bubista, a former Cape Verde captain, took the reins of the team in 2020. 

After missing out on the 2022 World Cup, he led them to their best African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign finish, reaching the quarter-finals.

However, at the next edition, Cape Verde failed to qualify for the tournament.

“We didn’t make the 2025 AFCON, but we still believed in the team, and here we are at the World Cup,” said Mr Fortes.

“There will be ups and downs. You go through hard times, but you have to be brave and overcome these difficulties,” added Bubista.

An archipelago of islands off the western coast of West Africa, Cape Verde has a large diaspora community abroad.

More than half the squad hail from Cape Verde’s diasporic communities.

“We showed the resilience of Cape Verdean people, we showed the passion we have for our country, and we showed also that we are here to represent not just the players but all the Cape Verdeans all over the world,” said Vozinha on Friday.

Logan Costa from Spanish football club Villarreal, the only player competing in one of Europe’s top five divisions, is one example. The centre-back was born in France to Cape Verdean parents.

Another is their centre-back Roberto Lopes, who is also known as Pico, was born in Ireland to a Cape Verdean father. 

Pico was contacted by the Cape Verdean football association on LinkedIn and asked if he was interested in representing the country. He is a key part of the team at the World Cup.

“I know the federation has worked so hard to get a squad of talent available to try and qualify for these major tournaments,” he said. 

“When I first came on board, it was about (whether) we could get to the next AFCON. We managed to do that, and mix it with some of the best teams in Africa, and that sort of builds confidence.

“The next stop had to be the World Cup, we wanted to get a taste of that. We believed we could do it. Was it easy? No, but we never stopped believing.”

What has been key is the assimilation of these players into the squad, added Mr Fortes.

“They all speak Creole, they eat Cachupa, our (national) food. It’s not just about football, it’s about the country,” he said.

“We’ve been through very hard times and difficult times, but have managed to keep our heads high. Keep our focus, keep standing, looking for our dreams,” added Bubista.

“Have the dreams on the horizon, anyone can do it.”

The scenes on Friday were a result of many years of dreaming, said Ms Semedo.

“My father died at 92 years old, and he never got to see this happen. But I am witnessing this,” she added.

“We are very little. If you look at the map, you can barely see Cape Verde, but now everybody knows Cape Verde.”

VANCOUVER, June 26 : Belgium coach Rudi Garcia made wholesale changes for Friday’s crucial Group G World Cup clash against New Zealand, with five alterations to the side that drew 0-0 with Iran.

• Striker Romelu Lukaku, still searching for his first goal of the tournament, has been dropped to the bench.

• Winger Jeremy Doku returns to the starting lineup after recovering from illness and a brief absence following the birth of his son.

• Garcia has also left out Thomas Meunier, Nicolas Raskin and Alexis Saelemaekers from the starting lineup, while Nathan Ngoy is suspended following his red card against Iran.

• New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley has made two changes after the 3-1 defeat by Egypt.

• Michael Boxall and Callum McCowatt have been dropped as Bazeley reshuffled his side.

Lineups:

New Zealand – Max Crocombe; Tim Payne, Tyler Bindon, Liberato Cacace, Finn Surman; Joe Bell, Marko Stamenic, Sarpreet Singh, Elijah Just, Ryan Thomas; Chris Wood.

Belgium – Thibaut Courtois; Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele, Maxim De Cuyper, Timothy Castagne; Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken; Leandro Trossard, Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere.   

VANCOUVER, June 26 : Canada held their last training session in Vancouver on Friday before heading to Los Angeles to face South Africa in the World Cup round of 32, and while they would have loved to stay on home soil, forward Tani Oluwaseyi said they thrive in “hostile environments”.

Canada’s defeat by Switzerland in their final group game saw them finish second in Group B, a result which means it is the Swiss who will play their first knockout game in Vancouver.

“I think we, I wouldn’t say prefer, but we really like a hostile environment,” Oluwaseyi told reporters at the team’s training base.

“We really like an away crowd, because it just gives you that extra motivation to prove all the fans around you wrong.” 

Oluwaseyi and his team mates have spent plenty of time competing in the United States in recent years, with the Americans hosting or co-hosting the 2024 Copa America and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. 

“I think for us, it’s just been over the last two years we’ve been in two tournaments together, so we’ve done Copa together, we did the Gold Cup as well. So I think it’s just growing together and failing together, succeeding together,” said Oluwaseyi.

“I think all those things kind of brew together to put us in the position that we’re in now, to head into a knockout game at a World Cup.”

Jesse Marsch’s side built strong bonds during those tournaments, and Oluwaseyi said it was more a feeling of unity than a siege mentality that made the squad so tight.

“I wouldn’t say it has a lot to do with us against them – I think, for us, it’s always just been us, that’s really all that matters. The guys in the locker room and going to play with those guys,” he added.

“The results, they go our way, sometimes they don’t, but at the end of the day, I think it’s just the love that we have being around each other and playing with each other.”

Team mate Tajon Buchanan said they would take the trip south in their stride for the match against South Africa, who finished second in Group A, five points behind Mexico.  

“Now we’re in a knockout phase of a World Cup, and it’s exactly where we want to be, so, yeah, it’s just about going out there, competing and winning games. We’re all super excited and looking forward to it,” he told reporters. 

VANCOUVER, June 26 : Sweden defender Isak Hien will play no further part in the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury in their 1-1 draw with Japan on Thursday, the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) said.

The Swedes will face France in the round of 32 after advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams, but the 27-year-old will be unavailable for coach Graham Potter.

“Isak has sustained an injury in his left hamstring to such an extent that he will not be able to participate further in the World Cup,” national team doctor Jonas Werner said in a statement released by the SvFF on Friday.

“He will return to his club, and the injury means that he will be away from football for some time.”

Potter said they would offer Hien their full support in his recovery.

“Having to end the World Cup in this way with an injury is very sad and we will support him in the best way possible,” he said in the statement. 

“It’s sad for him, but I’m sure he’ll come back stronger.” 

SINGAPORE: Singapore football is riding a wave of optimism after securing a historic qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup last November.

Watching the Lions’ rise from the sidelines with pride – and perhaps some envy – is a boy from Liverpool.

“I really enjoy watching the team … but it’s frustrating for me, because I’d love to help them and play in front of the amazing fans here,” said Cardiff City defender Perry Ng Tian Hee.

The 30-year-old, who was born in Liverpool, told CNA he is eager to don the national colours of his Singapore-born grandfather and play his part for the Lions.

Ng received his Singapore permanent resident status in March 2025 and has since applied for citizenship via the Foreign Sports Talent Scheme (FST).

“My desire (to play for the Lions) is stronger than ever. I just try to be as patient as I can … play at a high level, keep fit and healthy, stay injury free,” he said.

“Fingers crossed.”

The professional footballer frequently spends his off-seasons in Singapore and has become so familiar with the country that he often plays tour guide when friends visit.

Ng spent the past month reconnecting with family here, immersing himself in the community and volunteering with local organisations.

Among his activities were volunteering with the Society for the Physically Disabled and Samaritans of Singapore. He also helped the Singapore Cancer Society run a health and fitness programme, and spent time playing football with at-risk children and youths. 

Ng said the experience has strengthened his connection with Singapore. 

“Getting closer to my family again, spending longer periods with them, meeting so many friends and people,” he said. “I feel like the people here are really friendly and peaceful. The way of life here and the culture is just so relaxing, and it’s a really joyful place to be.”

His only complaint?

“Obviously the weather is tough sometimes,” he said. “But I really enjoy it compared to being in the windy, wet Liverpool.”

INSPIRED BY THE LIONS’ PROGRESS

Ng said he has dreamed of representing Singapore since he was 16 and has followed every step of the national team’s journey towards the Asian Cup.

He was also present in the stands for Singapore’s friendly against China earlier this month, where the atmosphere left a lasting impression.

“The second half I spent with the SingaBrigade – it was amazing, they shocked me with how passionate they were,” Ng said, referring to the Lions’ fervent supporters’ club.

“The heat that night was mental. I couldn’t even take it myself, but they were jumping up and down the whole night. It was a pleasure to be with them, they really made me feel like home, and it was a really good experience.”

Ng has also trained with the Lions during previous training camps and said he admires the work of head coach Gavin Lee, who guided the team to the Asian Cup qualification.

“After watching the games where they qualified, I thought they played unbelievably, and (Lee’s) done an unbelievable job. He thoroughly deserves it. I really look forward to hopefully working with him,” Ng said.

Singapore will next compete in July’s ASEAN Championship, where the Lions face Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Timor-Leste in Group A before making their Asian Cup appearance in January.

Ng hopes he can eventually be part of that journey.

LEADING CARDIFF’S REBUILD

Before that, however, his attention must turn back to club football.

Ng recently signed a new two-year contract with Cardiff City. The club will compete in the Championship next season, one tier below the English Premier League, after earning promotion from League One.

Having spent five seasons at the Welsh club and a two-time player of the season winner, Ng said the appointment of new manager Brian Barry-Murphy convinced him to stay.

“The way he’s changed the culture of the club is unbelievable,” he said. “That’s why I’ve recently signed again. I wouldn’t leave to play for another manager because I rate him so highly.”

With many younger players in the squad, Ng believes he now has an important leadership role.

“After the relegation season, I feel like we’ve all grown, and learned stuff … which we can take into this year, and I think we’ll surprise a few (people). So, it’s really exciting going back. I can’t wait.”

Ng believes his experience in English football – one of the world’s most competitive football systems – could benefit Singapore if he eventually earns the chance to represent the Lions.

For now, he is making the most of his time in Singapore before returning to the United Kingdom for pre-season.

Away from football, volunteering and family visits, his itinerary is refreshingly simple.

“I just like walking around the country and finding new things, and new places to eat,” he said. “(There’re) so many places to eat. So, I’m just chilling out, eating some good food.”