English forward Rashford's touching special celebration

Scored First Goal Against Wales, Knelt Down and Raised Both Index Fingers to the Sky
Shared Joy with Friend Who Passed Away After Long Battle with Cancer

England's Marcus Rashford scored the opening goal in the 5th minute of the second half during the Group B third match against Wales in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bora Lee] England national football team striker Marcus Rashford (Manchester United) is delivering a touching and emotional moment with his special celebration.

Rashford shone by scoring the opening goal in the Group B third match against Wales at the 2022 Qatar World Cup held at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on the 30th (Korean time).

With the score tied 0-0, Rashford curled a free kick from the left side of the penalty arc in the 5th minute of the second half, creating a wonder goal in the upper right corner of the opponent's goal. While sharing joy with his teammates, Rashford suddenly knelt down.

His smile disappeared, and soon he raised both arms with his index fingers pointing to the sky with a serious expression. He was seen closing his eyes and muttering to himself. The reason for this special celebration was that Rashford's friend Garfield Howard had passed away two days earlier.

After the match, Rashford told local reporters, "A friend who had been battling cancer for a long time passed away a few days ago," adding, "He was a really good friend and my greatest supporter. I am happy to have scored a goal for him today."

Rashford did not inform his teammates about his friend's death. He trained alone, grieving quietly. He did not want to burden other players. England coach Gareth Southgate said, "I did not know Rashford was going through a difficult time. Today's match must have been a huge challenge for him."

Rashford showed his best performance that day and led England to victory. In the 23rd minute of the second half, with England leading 2-0, he received a ball from the back, broke through the right flank, and scored a clinching goal with a left-footed shot. Rashford was also selected as the Player of the Match, the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Rashford expressed confidence, saying, "I have tremendous ambition in the England national team," and "We can go much higher."