On a slightly different note, Rangers’ affairs at the World Cup are of great interest to all concerned with our club. Obviously, the main focus would be Scotland and those players who got the call up to play for the national team. Lawrence Shankland started and did reasonably well against Haiti, but unfortunately was not able to make anything stick, while Findlay Curtis came on as a late substitute. Furthermore, Liam Kelly did not play any role in the match at all, and John Souttar also remained on the bench.
Scotland’s Rangers Contingent
In other matches, though, the question of involvement became very intriguing indeed. In Norway’s big one against Iraq, consequently, it was very interesting to see whether or not Thelo Aasgaard would play any part. It was an epic match involving Erling Haaland’s men, with the Manchester City man being outstanding on the evening with a couple of goals.
Consequently, did Rangers’ playmaker make it onto the pitch? Sadly, he did not, and indeed the controversy over his inclusion in the squad raised its ugly head again when one wonders why he was added. Especially when the chances are that he will play absolutely no role in this tournament whatsoever. He is literally there for the numbers.
Raskin Remains The Main Attraction
We have, of course, all been talking about Nico Raskin. Especially the impact he had as a second half substitute for the Red Devils. This has raised interest globally in his signature. He is almost certain to leave this summer, finally getting Rangers the big windfall involved in cash. So his fortunes and prospects at the World Cup are not entirely that important now. He will almost certainly leave no matter what.
But it is the other players that we are intrigued by. Scotland won, as we have mentioned, and Rangers players played a role in Scotland’s win over Haiti. But fellow Aasgaard remained entirely benched for the match against the Middle Eastern side.
Aasgaard Left Watching
Norway ran out winners in that one thanks to Haaland’s genius. But Rangers’ own man played no role and, as we said, is unlikely to play any role going forward. He is quite literally a benchwarmer. Even Rangers’ social media accounts alluded to this by suggesting he started from the bench.
We have not heard it put that way before, except perhaps in American sports terminology. It was a very curious way to say that he was sitting on the bench and probably would not play at all.
A Curious Rangers Message
In fact, the Rangers account put it even more sceptically by just mentioning that he started on the bench. They did not even offer Norway or himself any good luck wishes. Rangers’ account usually does otherwise when it comes to international matches involving Rangers players.
We found that one very curious. We do not think that Thelo Aasgaard is terribly popular in Govan. He is likely to move on if a bid can be received for him. But that is another story for another day.
We were against the signing of the boy in the first place, and that is the way it worked out. Que sera.