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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "additionalgroups" - Line: 7162 - File: inc/functions.php PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "additionalgroups" - Line: 7162 - File: inc/functions.php PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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Warning [2] Undefined array key "profilefield" - Line: 6 - File: inc/functions_post.php(474) : eval()'d code PHP 8.0.30 (Linux)
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SPORTS UPDATE
#1
World Cup 2018: John Mikel Obi calls for greater security in Nigeria following father's kidnapping






BBC Sport, Nigeria


3 July 2018  
From the section World Cup  


 


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Lionel Messi and John Mikel Obi
Mikel played against Argentina despite learning his father had been kidnapped hours earlier
Nigeria captain John Mikel Obi said the insecurity in the country is "scary" after his father was kidnapped for the second time in seven years.

Michael Obi and his driver were abducted at gunpoint on 26 June in Enugu but were released on Monday.

Mikel was told of his father's capture four hours before playing in Nigeria's 2-1 World Cup defeat by Argentina.




"For the second time I've had to live with the fears of losing my father and it is very scary," he told BBC Sport.

"Today it's my dad but tomorrow it could be someone else which makes it very scary."

Former Chelsea midfielder Mikel, who now plays for Chinese club Tianjin Teda, received a call from a family member while on the team bus to the St Petersburg Stadium, who told him he had to call the kidnappers on a designated number.

He did not confide in any of his team-mates or the Nigerian Football Federation before the match because he didn't want it to be a distraction.

"We are seeing a spate of terror attacks in some parts of the country which has already sown insecurity among citizens," he said.

"It does not matter what your status is in Nigeria, everyone deserves to feel safe and secured, as life becomes more risky than ever."

Obi's rescue was preceded by a gun battle between Nigerian police and the kidnappers, who then fled.

Super Eagles captain Mikel reportedly paid a ransom of 10 million naira (about £21,000) for his release, and his unhurt father is now "recuperating with family".

It is the second time Mikel's father has been kidnapped, with the first taking place in August 2011 while his son played for Chelsea.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner wants the government to do more in terms of general security.

"Life is already tough on people, then they have to start living in fears when they are going about looking for means of survival," he said.

"I want to encourage our government to continue its relentless efforts and fights on factions that creates fear and insecurity in our country.

"My father was hurt and tortured during his ordeal and this is unacceptable. I hope that the authorities will work harder to bring this bandits to justice.

"Representing my country is my greatest honour, I love my country and very proud to be a Nigerian."

Superintendent Ebere Amaraizu, of Enugu State Police Command, said: "The abductors started calling to demand a ransom of N10 million before police operatives acted on intelligence information and swooped on them.

"In the process of the rescue, a gun duel ensued between police operatives and the kidnappers which forced the hoodlums to abandon their victims inside the forest and they were promptly rescued."

It is not the first time a relative of a footballer has been abducted in Nigeria. Former Everton defender Joseph Yobo's brother was kidnapped in 2008, before being released two weeks later.
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#2
Sweden 1-0 Switzerland: Emil Forsberg's deflected strike sends Janne Andersson's side through to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1994
  • Sweden went ahead after Emil Forsberg's deflected effort trickled past Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer 

  • The scoreline had been locked at 0-0 for 66 minutes before Forsberg's effort went in to break the stalemate

  • Sweden managed to hold on to their lead despite late pressure and a number of attacks from Switzerland

  • The match ended in chaos for Switzerland who had Michael Lang sent off for a push on the edge of the box 

  • Janne Andersson's side will now take on England in the last-eight of the competition in Samara on Saturday

By Ian Ladyman for the Daily Mail [url=https://twitter.com/intent/follow?screen_name=@Ian_Ladyman_DM&tw_p=followbutton][/url]
Published: 16:53 BST, 3 July 2018 | Updated: 23:49 BST, 3 July 2018

With two minutes of this game remaining and with Sweden in the lead, their forward Ola Toivonen tried to play the ball against an opponent and out for a corner. The only problem was that, from all of a yard and a half, he missed and as such the result was a goal kick to Switzerland. A minute later Switzerland were up the other end of the field and almost equalised.
A small detail from a dreadful match but indicative of its low quality and indicative of what England will face in the quarter-final of the World Cup this weekend.
Before this game, Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic dismissed suggestions that this is the weaker side of the draw. His team would surprise people, he said.
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Emil Forsberg sent Sweden into the lead after 66 minutes when he tried a right-foot shot from outside the Switzerland box"




Forsberg's shot took a wicked deflection which sent the ball up into the air and past Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer
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Forsberg runs off in celebration after scoring the crucial goal that put Sweden ahead in the last-16 tie against Switzerland
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He was swiftly joined by his Sweden team-mates after his goal separated the two sides with just over 20 minutes to play
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+17

The Sweden fans who had travelled to Russia celebrate Forsberg's goal which was enough to send them into the last-eight
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The Sweden players applaud their supporters at the end of the match after they sealed their place in the last-eight in Russia
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The Switzerland players react after being dumped out of the World Cup round of 16 for the second consecutive tournament
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#3
Colombia 1-1 England AET (England win 4-3 on penalties): Eric Dier's winning penalty in shootout sends Three Lions through to quarter-finals after Yerry Mina's dramatic late equaliser cancelled out Harry Kane's spot-kick and sent match to extra time
  • Wilmar Barrios was fortunate to escape with a booking after putting his head into Jordan Henderson's chin

  • England were awarded a penalty eight minutes into the second half when Carlos Sanchez fouled Harry Kane

  • Kane made no mistake as he rifled home past David Ospina to give his country a 1-0 lead in Moscow 

  • Yerry Mina equalised in the third minute of injury time with a towering header to send the game to extra time

  • Substitute Danny Rose went close in the second half of extra time but his effort went just past Ospina's post

  • Eric Dier scored the winning penalty in the shootout after Jordan Pickford saved Carlos Bacca's spot-kick

  • Earlier Jordan Henderson had seen his penalty saved by Ospina before Mateus Uribe hit the crossbar

  • [b]AS IT HAPPENED: Sportsmail's ANTHONY HAY covered all Tuesday evening's action from Spartak Stadium live[/b]

  • [b]PLAYER RATINGS: Pickford the hero with his penalty stop and Kane led the line superbly for the Three Lions[url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5913123/World-Cup-2018-Colombia-vs-England-LIVE-score-updates-Moscow.html][/url][/b]

When it came down to that last one, when England were one penalty kick away from a World Cup quarter-final, we peered, a nation anxious to see who would step forward from the pack.
Jamie Vardy, who takes them for Leicester, was unused. Jesse Lingard had apparently been banging them in during practice. Walking towards the end lousy and noisy with yellow shirts …Eric Dier.
Dier, a defensive midfielder or centre-half, fifth at best in the penalty ranks at his club, Tottenham. Dier, ordinary against Belgium in his only start of the tournament. Dier, who had a pass completion rate of less than 25 per cent in his first 24 minutes on the field here. 
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Eric Dier (centre) is mobbed by his team-mates after his winning penalty in the shootout clinched victory over Colombia
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England players rush over to celebrate with Dier after the midfielder fired the Three Lions into the World Cup quarter-finals
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Jordan Pickford dives to save Carlos Bacca's penalty in the shootout, a stop which gave Dier the chance to win it from the spot
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Earlier Yerry Mina was ecstatic after his towering header in the third minute of injury time sent the last-16 match to extra time
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Harry Kane roars with delight after firing England in front from the penalty spot 12 minutes into the second half in Moscow
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MATCH DETAILS
Colombia (4-3-2-1): Ospina; Arias (Zapata 115), Davinson Sanchez, Mina, Mojica; Barrios, Carlos Sanchez, Lerma (Bacca 61); Juan Cuadrado, Quintero (Muriel 87); Falcao 
Subs not used: Murillo, Aguilar, Vargas, Uribe, Diaz, Izquierdo, Jose Cuadrado 
Goals: Mina 90 
Booked: Barrios, Arias, Carlos Sanchez, Falcao, Bacca. Juan Cuadrado
Manager: Jose Pekerman 
England (3-5-2): Pickford; Walker (Rashford 112), Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Henderson, Lingard, Alli (Dier 80), Young (Rose 102); Sterling (Vardy 87), Kane 
Goal: Kane 57 (pen) 
Booked: Henderson, Lingard 
Subs not used: Butland, Welbeck, Cahill, Jones, Loftus-Cheek, Alexander-Arnold, Pope
Manager: Gareth Southgate 
Attendance: 44,190 
 


Dier? Anchor man penalty taker? Dier? Have we taken leave of our senses? Apparently not. Gareth Southgate, more than any England manager, knows the agony of the shoot-out. That was one of the reasons he had his squad going through the routine, day after day, in training. With hindsight, why did we ever doubt?
If Dier was the man to hold his nerve, there must be reason, some numbers, some profiling to back that up. Now let’s be truthful. It wasn’t the cleanest. A bit scuffed and Ospina got a hand to it. But not enough. 
There it was, in the net. There England were: in the quarter-finals. And all down to penalties. Not just the shoot-out, but the one Harry Kane scored that should have put England through in normal time. The penalty that took what seemed like forever.
Southgate is coming off like Yoda at this World Cup. Even when he loses, he wins. And when Dier nailed that winning penalty, he became the only England manager ever to emerge victorious from a shoot-out at a World Cup. Considering his back story, this was redemption. 
Three penalty finales, three defeats: that had been England’s story until now. From here, whatever this competition holds for this young side, there will be the belief they can cope. Even if it goes to penalties; especially if it goes to penalties. The Germans went home at the group stage, and England have started winning shoot-outs. From here, pretty much anything can happen. 
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Santiago Arias attempts to hold off Kane as the pair tussle during the early stages of England's last-16 clash against Colombia
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Raheem Sterling attempts to shield the ball away from Colombia's gigantic centre back Mina in a battle for possession
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Mina slides in to dispossess Sterling down the left flank but conceded a free-kick during the opening period in Moscow
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David Ospina was forced to punch clear from a corner as England applied some early pressure to their opponents in Moscow
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Kane got his head to a deep cross on the stretch but could only nod just over and into the roof of the Colombia net
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England centre back Harry Maguire wins an aerial challenge over Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado at the Spartak Stadium
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Carlos Sanchez (L) and Jefferson Lerma ® argue with England's (L-R) Jordan Henderson, Kane, Maguire and John Stones
SUPER STAT 
14 - Harry Kane has now scored 14 goals in the 10 matches he has played under Gareth Southgate. 
He has scored in all eight matches as England captain, finding the net 12 times in those games
 


This is a moment in time; a moment when the cards are falling England’s way. Sweden are a well-organised team that defeated Italy in a play-off, then battled their way out of Germany’s group and through a knock-out game with Switzerland. So respect is due. 
Yet, it cannot be forgotten that at the quarter-final stage it was envisaged England might meet one of either Brazil or Germany and would then go home – if they even got that far. A match-up with Sweden for a place in the last four? Come on, an opportunity like this may never open again. At worst, England have a puncher’s chance; at best – well, better not to even go there.
When Jordan Henderson’s third penalty of the shoot-out was saved by Ospina, it looked as if Southgate’s group were about to embark on a familiar path, the nation the same. More torture; more heartbreak; more wry songs making light of pain and hurt, to mask how we really feel.
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#4
Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid considering £88m Juventus bid

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44717014
Read more about sharing.[url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44717014#][/url]

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Ronaldo won his fifth Champions League title in May
Real Madrid are considering an offer of about 100m euros (£88m) from Juventus for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 33-year-old Portugal forward is Real's all-time top scorer with 451 goals.
However his age, and Real's need to reshape a squad that finished 17 points behind La Liga champions Barcelona last season, has encouraged the Italian champions to make their move.

Ronaldo won his fifth Champions League title with Madrid in May.
Since that victory over Liverpool in Kiev, Real boss Zinedine Zidane has left the club and been replaced by former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's future has been the subject of intense debate over the past few years, and his relationship with Real president Florentino Perez has also been questioned.
Any move would eclipse Juventus' record transfer fee of 90m euros (£79m), which they paid for Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuain in 2016.
It would also be more than the £80m Real paid Manchester United for Ronaldo in 2009.
Time for a change of guard at the Bernabeu?
Spanish football writer Andy West
Reports of Cristiano Ronaldo's unhappiness at Real Madrid have become an all-too-predictable annual occurrence, and in the past they have always resulted in the Portuguese having his ego stroked, his pay packet boosted and the problem solved.
So when Ronaldo once again revealed his disenchantment with the club in the immediate aftermath of the Champions League final victory over Liverpool, at first nobody took him seriously.
But this is starting to look a little bit different, and there's a growing sense within Spain that this might actually be the summer when Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid.
That suspicion has arisen partly because the club has not done too much - publicly, at least - to fight to keep him, fuelling speculation that all-powerful president Florentino Perez believes this is the right time to cash in.
If Real can command a fee of 100m euros from Juventus, Perez could well see that as great business for a player who will be 34 by the end of next season.
Lurking in the background is the figure of Neymar. For a long time it has appeared to be just a matter of time before the flamboyant Brazilian ends his Parisian sojourn and moves to Madrid, where his combination of prodigious footballing talent and enormous marketing power would make him a perfect signing.
If Neymar does come this summer, it's hard to see how both his and Ronaldo's egos could coexist happily on the pitch or in the dressing room, and the older man would need to make way.
Even if Neymar isn't captured, Perez is also a big admirer of another PSG star, Kylian Mbappe, whose eye-catching World Cup performances have made him an even more appealing prospect.
All things considered, it could well be time for a changing of the guard at the Bernabeu.
'Wages are the issue'
European football journalist James Horncastle talking to BBC Radio 5 live
It's his wages which are the big problem because they are four times what Higuain, their current highest earner, is being paid.
Juventus are interested, they have been talking to his agent, but it looks like this will be a very difficult transfer to pull off.
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#5
Brazil's national team have arrived in Kazan on Thursday ahead of their quarter-final match against Belgium in the 2018 World Cup.

The five-times winners set up a quarter-final against Belgium by beating Mexico 2-0 in Samara, thanks to goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino. 

Belgium head into the game after securing a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Japan.

The team including stars Neymar, Firmino and others were met by mascot Canarinho and scores of fans also screaming with joy and signing 'Brazil Ole Ole Ole'

Photos:SPORTDAB
http://www.sportdab.com.ng/2018/07/brazil-arrive-in-kazan-ahead-of-belgium.html

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#6
Quote:Following the conclusion of the round of 16 games at the ongoing Russia 2018 World cup tournament, qualifying teams were given a two-day break before playing the quarter final fixtures, Brainnews Radio report.

The games would resume on Friday with the eight teams left in the competition, playing for a place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Uruguay, France, Brazil Belgium, Sweden, England, Croatia, and host nation Russia are the countries who will be slugging it out in the next stage of this years World cup.

The fixtures are given below:

Friday, 6th July

Uruguay vs France (3:00pm)

Brazil vs Belgium (7:00pm)

Saturday, 7th July

Sweden vs England (3:00pm)

Russia vs Croatia (7:00pm).

Source: https://www.brainnewsradio.com/2018-world-cup-fixtures-for-quarter-final/
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#7
Quote:Real Madrid stunned as Ronaldo agrees to join Juventus
[Image: embed-only-cristiano-ronaldo-juventus-gf...1785984788]
The Champions League holders expected to hold on to their star attacker despite recent rumours, but he is set to begin a new chapter in Italy
Real Madrid have been left shocked by Cristiano Ronaldo's decision to leave the European champions to join Juventus.

Goal can confirm the 33-year-old is close to completing a move to the Serie A side, having already reached an agreement over a four-year contract worth €30 million (£26.5m/$35m) per season.

Juventus still have to negotiate a fee with Madrid and are expected to have to pay upwards of €100m (£88m/$117m), but could go as high as €120m (£106m/$140.5m).
The situation got worse as Ronaldo had a rough start to the season while Madrid were constantly reported to be looking for replacements for him.

This week, Madrid had to release statements denying reports they had made offers for Paris Saint-Germain stars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe .

Although Ronaldo has often said he is open to staying at Madrid until the end of his playing career, his relationship with the club has deteriorated and prompted him to find the love he seeks in Italy.


http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/real-madrid-stunned-as-ronaldo-agrees-to-join-juventus/bmv10b9msokr1s6xgiedf4rvj


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#8
CAF appoints Pinnick as first vice president
July 06, 2018 SPORT
                              [Image: Amaju-Pinnick-Pg-61-23-07-16.jpg]
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick, as its first vice president to replace former Ghana FA Chairman, Kwesi Nyantakyi, who vacated the position.

Nyantakyi resigned from hid post following a two-year ban from all football activities over corruption allegation and other malpractices.

In a statement signed by CAF’s Secretary General, Amr Fahmy, and sent to all of Africa’s football associations, CAF said, “Following the resignation of the First Vice President, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi, CAF President, after consulting the members of the Emergency Committee, appointed Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, as first vice president.

“The decision is immediately applicable, in accordance of the statutes, which will be ratified by the executive committee in its session scheduled on the 27 and 28 of September 2018.”

Pinnick is currently serving as match commissioner at the on-going FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he is scheduled to handle one of the quarterfinals, a semifinal game and the third-place match.

He is currently in charge of the St. Petersburg centre of the World Cup.
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#9
Chelsea agrees personal terms with Roma goalkeeper, Alisson
July 06, 2018 SPORT
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Premier League giants, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Roma goalkeeper, Alisson Ramses Becker, known as Alisson, ahead of Real Madrid.


Chelsea are in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper as Thibaut Courtois has just a year remaining on his contract and has delayed signing a new deal.

Courtois has refused to commit to the West London club during his nation’s World Cup campaign and has repeatedly stressed that his children, who both live in Madrid, will play a large part in the decision over his future.


Speaking to reporters about joining Real Madrid after Belgium’s 3-2 victory over Japan in the 2018 World Cup round of 16 clash on Monday evening, Courtois said: “I’m not going to talk about that now.

“The only thing I’ve always said is that after the World Cup, I look at everything.

“The only thing is that my children are the most important and I’ll make the decision that best suits me for everything.”


According to Il Tempo, the Blues have already reached an agreement with Alisson and have established themselves as favorites to sign him.

It claims that the 25-year-old would prefer to join Chelsea, rather than stay in Rome, and has been offered a contract worth just under £100,000 a week.

It added that Roma’s director of football, Monchi is also ready to sell Alisson and is considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Alphonse Areola as a replacement for the Brazilian international.

Alisson is currently with Brazil’s World Cup squad in Russia who are preparing for their quarter-final against Belgium on Friday.
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#10
Excited Martinez wary of Brazil’s World Cup pedigree
July 06, 2018 SPORT
                           [Image: Roberto-Martinez-1-957x598.jpg]
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said Thursday he was excited by the challenge of facing the most famous yellow shirts in football but underlined the gulf in World Cup pedigree between the two sides.

Brazil and Belgium meet in a quarter-final in Kazan on Friday where Brazil coach Tite expects “a great game of football”.

But when it comes to comparing achievements, Brazil are way out in front — a fact Martinez was quick to underline as he laid bare how his players could shock the five-time World Cup winners.


“The two sides are very similar in terms of the qualities we have,” said Martinez. “The difference is, we haven’t won a World Cup. It’s as simple as that.

“They know how to win World Cups, they’ve done it more than any other nation so they have that psychological barrier out of the way.

“When we see the colour yellow, we’re very proud. We’re going to be very excited to see Brazil in front of us.

“Of course we want to win and we’re going to try to win. The most important aspect tomorrow is our chance to play in the quarter-final.

“We want to enjoy our game.”

Tipped as dark horses for the title leading up to the tournament, Belgium kept excitement brimming over during a superb group phase that reaped nine goals for only two conceded.

– Character-building –
Yet Belgium’s hopes were only kept afloat when late substitutions by Martinez helped the Red Devils fight back from a two-goal deficit to Japan and clinch their place in the quarter-finals with a last-gasp 3-2 win.

Martinez believes that sort of character and spirit augurs well for Belgium’s chances.

And while Brazil boast huge strength in depth, Martinez, too, has options from the bench.

“When you’re 2-0 down against Japan, there’s nothing tougher than that,” he said.

“There is something special in this squad. There’s no doubt about it.

“We can’t wait to be there. I feel we’re as ready as we’ll ever be.”

He added: “When you’re in a competition like the World Cup you can’t rely just on 11 players.

“The biggest strength is that we have different ways of attacking and ways of using all our players.

“And it’s important the players are mentally ready to do that, that they’re ready to make an impact.”

Martinez stressed the threat posed by Brazil star Neymar after he hit Brazil’s opener against Mexico and, after an impressive second-half performanace marred by play-acting, set up Roberto Firmino for Brazil’s second at the death.

“We’ll have to be very, very aware to try and keep him quiet,” said Martinez.

After seeing their own star man Romelu Lukaku hit four goals in his first two games, Belgium will hope the Manchester United striker can find his scoring boots after failing to hit the net against Japan, although his sublime dummy set up Nacer Chadli’s late winner.

Despite Neymar’s shenanigans, and a Brazil defence that has conceded just once in four games, Lukaku cannot wait to play against Neymar.

“In the future he will be the best player in the world, so I’m very happy to be playing against him,” said Lukaku.

“We know it won’t be easy, but we know we have the quality to make the difference.
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#11
Lukaku looking to silence detractors against Brazil
July 06, 2018 SPORT
                          [Image: Romelu-Lukaku-957x598.jpg]
In-form Romelu Lukaku will be key to Belgium’s plans to unlock Brazil’s formidable defence in Friday’s World Cup quarter-final.

The 25-year-old Manchester United striker has already begun to silence his critics with a four-goal haul in Russia.

But his impressive goalscoring prowess and his aim to be remembered as Belgian’s most successful goalscorer faces its sternest test in Kazan against a Selecao defence that has conceded only once in four World Cup games so far.


On the eve of their quarter-final Lukaku brimmed with confidence as he called on Belgium to show they deserve to live up to pre-tournament expectations.

“I’ve told the lads nothing in life is easy, you have to fight for it,” said Lukaku.

“We’re up against the favourites, but this will show us where we stand as a team. We’re not prepared just to settle for second best.”

For the son of Congolese parents who grew up in tough conditions in the city of Antwerp, meeting the five-time world champions in the World Cup quarter-finals has a fairytale ring to it.


Having overcome a number of barriers throughout a promising youth career, including racism and doubts over his playing ability, Lukaku is already doing a fine job of showcasing his talent on the highest stage of all.

Four years after opening his World Cup account with a crucial extra-time winner over the United States in the group stages, Lukaku started Russia 2018 with a bang.

He hit the net twice in Belgium’s opening two games, firing braces in a 3-0 win over Panama and another in a 5-2 win over Costa Rica as Roberto Martinez’s men underlined their potential.

Although he failed to score in Belgium’s final group game, it was Lukaku’s inspired contribution during a late counter-attack that allowed Nacer Chadli to score a last-gasp winner against Japan that avoided the humiliation of an early exit to a team ranked 44th in the world.

If Lukaku still believes there are Belgian fans who “want me to fail”, as he claimed weeks ago, there were likely to be far fewer after his superb dummy flummoxed Japan’s defence and allowed Chadli a simple but invaluable tap-in.

Yet the Belgian, whose determination to succeed was driven by the tough conditions of his childhood, such as having to “eat cereal with water” instead of milk, has yet to convince against higher-ranked teams.

Despite scoring Manchester United’s only goal when they were eliminated by Sevilla in the last 16 of the Champions League and finishing with 27 goals last season, Lukaku regularly faces criticism for failing to produce more.

Brazil, and the obstacle of finding a way past a formidable centre-back partnership of Thiago Silva and Joao Miranda, represent another formidable challenge.
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#12
World Cup 2018: France beat Uruguay 2-0 to reach semi-final
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Highlights: Uruguay 0-2 France
France are into the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 2006 after seeing off Uruguay with the help of a terrible error by goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
In terms of excitement, this quarter-final tie did not come close to Les Bleus' win over Argentina in the last 16 but will still be remembered for the contrasting fates of the two goalkeepers, with Hugo Lloris producing a contender for save of the tournament while his opposite number made a mistake that was even more memorable.
Raphael Varane headed France into a first-half lead from a free-kick that came straight off the training field, with Antoine Griezmann checking his run before delivering the perfect cross for the Real Madrid defender to glance home.


Uruguay, with injured striker Edinson Cavani failing to even make the bench, almost struck back immediately from a free-kick of their own, but Lloris produced a brilliant diving stop to deny Martin Caceres, before Diego Godin blasted the rebound over.
The second half started with France continuing to control possession, but they were gifted the goal that made certain of their victory.
There seemed little danger when Griezmann let fly from the edge of the area but Muslera misjudged the flight of the ball, flapped at the shot, and saw it loop slowly over the line.
Uruguay, roared on by their huge travelling support, threw bodies forward in the closing stages but could not seriously trouble Lloris again.
Their run of four successive victories is over, as well as their hopes of reaching the final in Moscow on 15 July.
It is France who march on, and they will face Brazil or Belgium in the semi-finals in St Petersburg on Tuesday. Those sides play their quarter-final later today (19:00 BST).
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France do what they need to win
France manager Didier Deschamps has been criticised back home for his conservative tactics, but this time he got his approach exactly right.
This was an efficient, rather than a spectacular, display but it was exactly what was needed against stubborn South American opposition.
There were no more fireworks from Kylian Mbappe, for example, although he did waste a glorious chance to open the scoring when he badly mistimed a header.
Instead, France took control of the game in midfield, found a way to hurt Uruguay from the right flank and then struck their first decisive blow from Griezmann's well-worked set-piece.
France's second goal gave them breathing space, and added gloss to the scoreline, but they rarely looked troubled in any case and with defensive resilience as well as attacking flair, they will make formidable opponents to whoever they face next.
Uruguay simply outclassed by France


World Cup 2018: Antoine Griezmann strike slips through hands of Uruguay's Fernando Muslera
Uruguay's hopes of reaching the last four of the World Cup for the first time since 2010 were always going to be hit by Cavani's enforced absence through a calf injury.
While their famed defensive organisation was again evident in Nizhny Novgorod, ultimately they paid the price for having a blunted attack.
Their failure to score for the first time in this tournament was not for the want of trying, however, with eight of their outfield players having attempts at goal.
Noticeably, Luis Suarez was not among them, and although he charged around to try to make things happen for his side in the final third, inspiration eluded him, as it did his team-mates.
Other than Caceres' header, and Godin's wild miss with the follow-up, Uruguay were largely kept at arm's length, and not even the noisy support they received from the stands could change the feeling they were simply outclassed.
Man of the match - Antoine Griezmann (France)
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The man who claims to love Uruguay did not celebrate after scoring but, with a goal and an assist, he was the player who did most to put France into the final four
Match stats - 10 games unbeaten against South American sides[/size]
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  • France have reached the World Cup semi-final for the sixth time, progressing to the final twice (1998 and 2006)

  • France have become only the second team to beat three different South American sides in a single World Cup tournament, after the Netherlands in 1974

  • France are unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches against South American sides (W6 D4), since a 2-1 loss v Argentina in 1978 - the joint longest run alongside Italy (1982 to 2010)

  • Uruguay received more yellow cards (two) than they had in their previous four World Cup games combined (one)

  • France have now scored with each of their last six shots on target at the World Cup

  • This was Uruguay's first competitive game that Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez did not start together since March 2017, a 4-1 defeat by Brazil

  • France have lost none of the 20 games in which Antoine Griezmann has scored for them (W18 D2)

  • Griezmann has scored seven goals in his last six appearances in the knockout stages of major tournaments

  • Varane's goal was his third for France, with all three of them being headers

  • Uruguay forward Luis Suarez failed to have a single touch in the opposition box, and also failed to register a single shot
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#13
World Cup 2018: Belgium produce masterclass to knock out Brazil with 2-1 win
By Neil Johnston
BBC

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World Cup 2018: Brazil 1-2 Belgium highlights
Belgium produced a brilliant performance to knock five-time winners Brazil out of the World Cup and reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1986.
Roberto Martinez's side turned on the style in Kazan to clock up their fifth straight win of the tournament and ensure the semi-finals will be contested by four European sides for the first time since 2006.
Brazil had conceded just one goal in their past four games in Russia but were behind early when Nacer Chadli's corner struck Fernandinho's arm and flew into the net, the 10th own goal of this World Cup.
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Fernandinho's Manchester City team-mate Kevin de Bruyne doubled Belgium's lead with a sublime arrowed finish from 20 yards after Romelu Lukaku's powerful run.
In an entertaining and open game, Brazil hit the post when the match was goalless - Thiago Silva missing in front of a gaping net after Neymar's corner - before substitute Renato Augusto gave Brazil hope with a headed goal after Philippe Coutinho's delicious pass.
However, the South Americans became the latest heavyweight to depart the competition after holders Germany and other past winners Argentina, Spain and Uruguay.
Impressive Belgium will now face France, 2-0 winners over Uruguay earlier on Friday, in a semi-final in St Petersburg next Tuesday, 10 July (19:00 BST).
The other semi-final in Moscow on Wednesday 11 July will be contested between the winners of Saturday's quarter-finals featuring Sweden and England (15:00 BST) and Russia and Croatia (19:00 BST).
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World Cup 2018: Fernandinho own goal puts Belgium in front against Brazil
Golden generation finally comes of age
There were scenes of jubilation where Belgium's fans were gathered after the match at the Kazan Arena.
Chadli posed for selfies and handed his shirt to a fan as Martinez's team stayed out on the pitch to soak up the atmosphere long after the final whistle.
There is a steely determination about this Belgium side that they did not have four years ago when they narrowly lost a quarter-finalto Argentina.
Eight of the starting 11 against Brazil also started that game in Brasilia in 2014 but this time there was no hard luck story as the Red Devils ruthlessly dispatched the most successful country in World Cup history.
Energy and belief is coursing through a Belgium team packed with Premier League winners, and many are starting to seriously ask whether this squad full of thirtysomethings is finally about to deliver.
If there was a touch of fortune about the first goal as the ball flew off Fernandinho's arm and into the net, the second was beautifully crafted.
Lukaku has scored four times at this tournament but his run which led to De Bruyne making it 2-0 was a sight to behold, the striker receiving the ball inside his own half before turning and embarking on a superb run.
On a glorious night in Belgium football history, there was one negative as defender Thomas Meunier picked up another booking and will be suspended against France.


Kevin de Bruyne: Watch his wonder goal from all the best angles
From Everton sack to World Cup semi-final
In May 2016, Martinez was out of a job after being sacked by Everton. A banner saying "Time to go Roberto" was flown over Goodison just days before his dismissal.
Now the Spaniard is one win away from steering Belgium to a first ever World Cup final.
In the last 16, Martinez made two key changes as his side came from 2-0 down against Japan to win 3-2 - substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Chadli scoring the second and third goals.
He promoted Fellaini and Chadli to the starting line-up against Brazil and both played their part in what will go down as a famous Belgium win as Martinez successfully changed his system, going narrower to deny Neymar and Philippe Coutinho space.
Belgium are unbeaten in 24 games under the 44-year-old since he lost his first game in charge against Spain in September 2016.
Tears as Brazil bow out
Thousands of Brazil fans had packed the Kazan Arena hoping to see their team take a huge step towards a first World Cup triumph since 2002.
At the end, some were in tears.
Brazil had arrived at the tournament full of optimism after Neymar was declared fit after recovering from a broken foot. They depart Russia unfulfilled, and with Neymar's theatrics one of the talking points of the tournament.
When Neymar went down inside the Belgium penalty area in the second half of this game, he was told in no uncertain terms by referee Milorad Mazic to get back on his feet.


World Cup 2018: Renato Augusto scores with a header to pull a goal back for Brazil
Brazil, who had an incredible 27 shots, might have enjoyed a different outcome but for an astonishing display by Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgium goalkeeper produced a string of excellent saves particularly towards the end as the South Americans pressed for an equaliser.
His finger-tip stop to keep out Neymar in the third minute of stoppage time was magnificent and added to Brazil's frustration after they had been denied a penalty following Vincent Kompany's challenge on Gabriel Jesus.
Brazil are a much changed team since their embarrassing 7-1 semi-final exit to Germany four years ago. Nevertheless, this was another painful exit.
Man of the match - Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
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Thibaut Courtois was exceptional as Brazil peppered his goal with 27 shots but the keeper held his nerve on a famous night for Belgium football
'I'm the proudest man on earth' - what they said
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez: "Brazil have so much finesse and you know that they can cut you open. But I didn't think for one second that the players would give up.
"They've done something special and I hope everyone in Belgium is very, very proud. It has created a nice memory and we should treasure it. But now we need more energy for our next game to try to make sure we're just as good in the semi-finals.
"I'm the proudest man on earth because I gave the players a very tough tactical assignment and the way they believed until the last second was incredible."
Brazil boss Tite: "I thought it was a great match and we had a lot of it, with plenty of possession and a lot of opportunities. But Belgium were more effective in converting their opportunities.
"They have a lot of top players and finished well. Thibaut Courtois also made a real difference. For all the pain I feel right now, if you like football, you have to watch this game. It's going to give you pleasure.
"I won't talk about my future right now. After two weeks, the dust will settle and we'll have a cool head to be able to discuss it better."
Brazil succumb to European opposition again - the stats[/size][/size]
  • Brazil have now been eliminated by European sides in each of the last four editions of the World Cup (France 2006, Netherlands 2010, Germany 2014 and Belgium 2018).
  • Belgium have reached the World Cup semi-finals for only the second time, losing out to eventual winners Argentina in 1986.
  • This was the first time in 30 matches in all competitions that Brazil had conceded more than once in a game.
  • Belgium's victory was only their second ever against Brazil, and first since a 1963 friendly match in Brussels.
  • Fernandinho became only the second player to score a World Cup own goal with Brazil, after Marcelo v Croatia in 2014.
  • Belgium have had nine different goalscorers at the 2018 World Cup (excluding own goals). Only Italy in 2006 and France in 1982 (10 each) have ever had more in a single tournament.
  • Renato Augusto scored just three minutes and 14 seconds after coming on as a sub. It was his first goal in 14 games for Brazil, since netting against Peru in November 2016.
  • Kevin De Bruyne became the 100th different player to score at the 2018 World Cup (excluding own goals).
  • Romelu Lukaku has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 13 appearances for Belgium, scoring 17 and assisting three.
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#14
Antonio Conte: Blues boss returns for pre-season training amid debate over future
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport




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Antonio Conte lifted the FA Cup with Chelsea in May
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte returned to pre-season training on Saturday, despite speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge.
Blues players not involved in World Cup duty have two days of tests at the club's Cobham training ground before full training restarts.
It is understood Conte held meetings and, unless the situation changes, will fulfil the final year of his contract.
The Italian's future has been the subject of intense rumour for months.
Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has held talks about replacing Conte but he remains contracted to the Italian club, who have already appointed Carlo Ancelotti to be their new coach.
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Conte, 48, also has a clause in his contract that guarantees him a pay-off, thought to be £9m, for the final year of his deal.
This would be reduced if the former Italy and Juventus coach got another job, but most of the vacancies he would be interested in have now been filled.
Conte won the Premier League in his first season at the club in 2017, followed by the FA Cup in May of this year.
Chelsea's first pre-season game is in Australia, against Perth Glory on 23 July.[/size]
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#15
SAT 07 JUL 


World Cup 2018: England beat Sweden 2-0 to reach semi-finals
By Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer in Samara


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World Cup 2018: Sweden 0-2 England highlights
England reached the World Cup semi-final for the first time since Italia 90 as Harry Maguire and Dele Alli struck either side of the interval to beat Sweden in Samara.
Gareth Southgate's side will now face Croatia in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday after overcoming a stubborn Sweden challenge in this quarter-final, with help from a magnificent display by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Maguire, outstanding once more, broke the deadlock on the half-hour when another England set-piece bore fruit - Leicester City's powerful defender flashing a header past Sweden keeper Robin Olsen from Ashley Young's corner.
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Everton keeper Pickford then snuffed out Sweden's hopes of recovery with a superb save from Marcus Berg, before England sealed their victory after 58 minutes when Alli headed in Jesse Lingard's cross at the far post.
Pickford denied Viktor Claesson and then Berg one more time to secure his first World Cup clean sheet as England closed out this landmark win with something to spare.
Southgate and his England players repeated the scenes from the dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia as they celebrated in front of joyous supporters at the final whistle - one step closer to history and with expectation levels raised once more as they stand one game away from football's greatest occasion.
The Three Lions are in the last four for only the third time. They went on to win their home tournament in 1966 but lost to West Germany on penalties in 1990.
But the peculiar way this World Cup has shaped up means they will now play the team ranked 20th in the world for a place in the final - against either Belgium or France.


World Cup 2018: Jordan Pickford makes three excellent saves to keep England's dream alive
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England lay down a marker
England not only reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since Italia 90, they did the job under the pressure of the occasion and the requirement to back up the victory over Colombia on penalties in the last 16 - with all of the mental toll that will have taken.
It was not the perfect performance by any means. They started sluggishly and surely gave goalkeeper Pickford far too much work to do for Southgate's liking in the second half.
On this day, with expectation rising and the unmistakable feeling around this sweeping Samara Stadium that the World Cup is really reaching the business end, England delivered.
Southgate will, of course, want those flaws addressed - but when the World Cup reaches the knockout stage it is the result that counts and England have now won two knockout games after failing to taste victory in one for 12 years.
They have fallen short on so many occasions that an England team who rises to the occasion are worthy of the highest praise.
England, for all the talk, knew they had this history to contend with and it is to the credit of the calm and measured Southgate that he has not only led the team with such confidence and composure, but he has now guided one of the most inexperienced squads here in Russia to the last four.
Southgate and England deserve huge credit - and now those expectation levels will rise even more.[/size][/size]
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Pickford and Maguire come of age


World Cup 2018: Harry Maguire heads in the opener for England against Sweden
Maguire and goalkeeper Pickford both had occasional moments of uncertainty early in this World Cup as they understandably took a little time to adjust to the unique pressures of this showpiece.
Since the knockout phase began, Everton's 24-year-old keeper and Leicester's giant defender, 25, have been simply immense.
Maguire may be built in the old-fashioned mould, but he is also a player with the sort of ambition and power Southgate loves in the three-man defensive system he settled on.
And it was Maguire who gave England the control they needed in Samara when he met Young's corner and powered a header past Robin Olsen on the half-hour.
That was the eighth set-piece England have scored from in Russia and summed up the centre-back's recent performances.
As for Pickford, he just carried on from where he left off after that magnificent penalty save from Carlos Bacca in the shootout win over Colombia.
England needed to beware any sort of Sweden revival at the start of the second half and it was Pickford who ensured they were not given a lifeline with a supreme one-handed saves from Berg's header and Claesson's shot.
Pickford has been desperate to keep a clean sheet at this World Cup and he fully deserved to keep Sweden out with a faultless display of goalkeeping.
This was the day Maguire and Pickford proved they have come of age with England.
Alli makes his mark at last


World Cup 2018: Dele Alli header puts England 2-0 up against Sweden
Alli has struggled for fitness and form in Russia but there has never been any doubt he possesses that touch of class and the goalscorer's instinct that can make the crucial difference.
There was speculation Southgate might even make the conservative move of replacing Alli, who missed the games against Panama and Belgium after suffering a thigh injury against Tunisia, with his Tottenham team-mate Eric Dier - but the manager was full of praise for the player pre-match and kept faith.
Southgate underlined Alli's selfless work without the ball and team ethic against Colombia and said it was now up to his England team-mates to deliver service that would allow him to do damage with trademark late runs into the penalty area.
In reality, Alli still struggled to make an impact for long spells on Saturday, but the moment Southgate had been waiting for arrived just before the hour when he was on the end of Lingard's clever lofted cross to head past Olsen.
England and Southgate will want this to be lift-off for a player who can offer so much.
Can England dare to dream?


World Cup 2018: England players celebrate reaching the semi-finals
Why not?
England will now face Croatia in the semi-finals - and anything is possible at this stage of any competition.
Southgate's side face a tough task in Moscow on Wednesday (19:00 BST kick-off), but there is genuine momentum behind England and every win will only increase the quiet confidence that has built up around this squad since they arrived at their base in Repino almost a month ago.
The favourites will come from the other side of the draw, where Belgium meet France in the other semi-final - but this has been an unpredictable World Cup.
Who says England cannot be the team to overturn the odds once more?
'England are good enough to win the World Cup' - manager quotes
England boss Gareth Southgate told BBC One: "We knew it was going to be such a different game from the other night, to come back having had extra-time and penalties, with the emotions of it to lift ourselves through a completely different test.
"It was always a scrappy game where we had to withstand a lot of physical pressure, but the resilience of the team and togetherness of the team was crucial.
"I can't speak highly enough of the whole squad and whole group of staff because it is so united in there.
"The level of work has been great and their commitment to each other, you don't get through with just 11 players. They are all top people and are the reason we are in the semi-final just as much as any other."
Sweden coach Janne Andersson: "I don't think anything went wrong. We faced a good opponent and we did not get to our best level. The margins were small.
"The first 30 minutes we were under control until the corner and they scored. We then created chances at the start of the second half and if we had scored it would have revived the game.
"England are absolutely good enough to win the World Cup. They are forceful and well organised. Congratulations to both the team and the coach. They are a good side, who did not give a lot of openings."
Man of the match - Jordan Pickford (England)
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Jordan Pickford only needed to made three saves for his clean sheet - but they were all brilliant stops
Match stats - Alli is second youngest scorer[/size][/size]
  • The eight goals England have scored from set-pieces is the most by a team at a World Cup since Portugal in 1966 (also eight).
  • Sweden have lost three of their past four matches against England, a run which follows 12 consecutive games without defeat against them between 1979 and 2006.
  • Six of England's last 11 goals against Sweden have been scored via headers, all from different players (Sol Campbell, Steven Gerrard, Gareth Barry, Andy Carroll, Maguire and Alli).
  • England - who scored with both shots on target on Saturday - have found the net with 10 of their past 13 shots on target at this World Cup.
  • England have now scored 11 goals in a World Cup for only the second time, also doing so in their victorious year of 1966.
  • Alli is the second youngest player to score for England at the World Cup (22 years and 87 days), behind only Michael Owen (18 years and 190 days against Romania in 1998).
  • Maguire became the first player to score their first England goal in a World Cup knockout match since Rio Ferdinand in 2002 against Denmark.
  • Pickford made three saves in this match and became the youngest England goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in a World Cup match (24 years and 122 days).
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#16
SAT 
[size=undefined]Croatia win 4-3 on penalties[/size]
World Cup 2018: Croatia beat hosts Russia 4-3 on penalties to reach semi-final
By Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport, 

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World Cup 2018: Russia 2-2 Croatia (3-4 pens) highlights
Russia's remarkable World Cup run ended in a heart-breaking quarter-final defeat on penalties as Croatia bounced back from a late extra-time equaliser to set up a last-four meeting with England.
Defender Mario Fernandes, who had brought his side level through a header in the 115th-minute, missed what proved to be the decisive spot-kick, with Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic making no mistake as he ended the hosts' remarkable run at this tournament.
Immediately after his penalty went in Rakitic was mobbed by his team-mates - in repeat scenes of Croatia's last-16 shootout victory over Denmark.
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Despite defeat, the home fans broke into heartfelt applause as they cheered their beaten side long and loud after the final whistle in recognition of their achievements against the odds.
Brazil-born defender Fernandes' miss - blazed low and wide of the post - was the second of two failed Russian spot-kicks.
Fedor Smolov missed the first with a weak Panenka effort that was easily stopped by Danijel Subasic, while opposite number Igor Akinfeev stopped one - a fabulous low save from Mateo Kovacic.
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But in the end that was irrelevant. As was the stunning goal that gave Russia the lead in this, their first quarter-final appearance since 1970 and the days of the Soviet Union.
That came through a Denis Cheryshev first-half curler from outside the box, his fourth goal of the tournament and one of the finest at this World Cup.
But only eight minutes later an Andrej Kramaric header amid slack marking brought Croatia level, and after the break Ivan Perisic saw a low shot crash against the post and out across the face of goal as Zlatko Dalic's side began to control the game.
Yet they only led for the first time when Domagoj Vida's header found its way into the net through a crowd of players in the first half of extra time.
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Croatia are the second team to win two penalty shootouts at a single World Cup tournament - the other was Argentina in 1990
And after Fernandes' late equaliser from Alan Dzagoev's free-kick - the midfielder was making his first appearance as a substitute since suffering injury in Russia's opening game - you felt the momentum would be with Russia.
But victory was Croatia's, and it means they emulate their great side of 1998, who were beaten in the semi-finals by eventual winners France 20 years ago.
Next will be England, who reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years with a 2-0 victory over Sweden earlier on Saturday.
The two teams will meet in Moscow on Wednesday at 19:00 BST, while Belgium and France will contest the first semi-final on Tuesday in St Petersburg, also at 19:00 BST.


World Cup 2018: Croatia beat Russia on penalties to set up semi-final against England
A step too far for proud Russia
As the national anthem soared around the ground before kick-off, Russia fans unfurled two banners that read: "If not you, who? If not now, when?"
Here in Sochi on Friday, boss Stanislav Cherchesov was asked whether the meeting with Croatia was the biggest match of his players' lives.
Of course it was - it was a World Cup quarter-final on home soil.


World Cup 2018: Watch Croatia's penalty shootout victory over Russia in full
All this for a team ranked 70th in the world who before the tournament were fancied by very few to make it out of their group.
However, Cherchesov did not want to put any more pressure on his players. "I hope that the most important games are still ahead of us," he said with a knowing smile.
It turns out his hopes will not be realised - at least not at this tournament.
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Russia reached the quarter-finals despite being the lowest ranked team at the 2018 World Cup
But Russia can be hugely proud of what they have achieved, and not only in this performance where the players clearly showed they understood only too well that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was at stake.
They almost pulled off another sensational triumph - and it was recognised in the reaction of the incredible home support, who applauded their team off the pitch for a final time in emotional scenes.
Will Croatia have energy to beat England?
For Croatia, this is a generation that is quite probably playing its last World Cup together - perhaps even its last major tournament.
Real Madrid's Luka Modric is 32, Barcelona's Rakitic, 30, Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic is 32, and Inter Milan forward Perisic 29.
Despite those stellar names this was not a dominant performance - up against a battling Russia team Zlatko Dalic's side failed to make their supposed superior quality count.


World Cup 2018: Domagoj Vida’s header in extra-time gives Croatia 2-1 lead against Russia
But just as they did against Denmark in the last 16, they found their way through to the next round - on penalties again, after extra time again.
With England up next in four days' time, will they have the energy to finally produce their very best? Can they go one better than the team of 1998? Time will tell.
Man of the match - Luka Modric (Croatia)
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Luka Modric produced another excellent performance, making four key passes, providing one assist while being at the heart of every decent move his side put together
'Russia has fallen in love with national team' - the quotes
Russia boss Stanislav Cherchesov: "We trusted ourselves. We could only prove our worth by working hard. I believe that people did not only start trusting us but they are in love with us.
"The entire country of Russia is in love with us. They know what the Russian national team is worth. We hope we have turned the situation for the better."


World Cup 2018: Mario Fernandes levels to send quarter-final into penalty shootout
Goals across the team - the stats[/size][/size]
  • Croatia have now had eight different scorers at the 2018 World Cup - only Belgium (9) have had more.
  • Fourteen of the 20 goals conceded by Russia at the World Cup have been scored via set pieces, including six of the seven they conceded at the 2018 tournament.
  • Only one of the last six World Cup matches to go to extra-time has not gone to penalties - the 2014 final between Germany and Argentina.
  • Both of Croatia's goals in this game were via headers - only one of their previous 29 World Cup goals was a header.
  • There were three headed goals in this match - the most in a World Cup match since Germany 8-0 Saudi Arabia in 2002 (5 headers).
  • Russia's Artem Dzyuba was involved in five of Russia's 11 goals at the 2018 World Cup (3 goals, 2 assists).
  • Denis Cheryshev scored four goals for Russia at the 2018 World Cup - only England striker Harry Kane has scored more (6).
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#17
The full World Cup 2018 fixture schedule is included below, with timings and venues.
Semi-final fixtures
Tuesday 10 July
France vs Belgium – St Petersburg, 7pm (Match 61)

Wednesday 11 July
Croatia vs England – Moscow (Luzhniki), 7pm (Match 62)

Third place play-off
Saturday 14 July
(Loser match 61) vs (Loser match 62) – St Petersburg, 3pm

World Cup 2018 final
Sunday 15 July
Moscow (Luzhniki), 4pm.


Sports Gist From Bainnews https://www.brainnewsradio.com/world-cup...-schedule/

World Cup 2018: Semi-final Kick-off Times, Venues, Tournament
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#18
Luis Enrique: Spain appoint ex-Barcelona coach as manager



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Luis Enrique managed Barcelona between 2014 and 2017 and has also had spells in charge of Roma and Celta Vigo
Ex-Barcelona and Roma coach Luis Enrique has been appointed as Spain manager on a two-year contract.
The 48-year-old former Spain midfielder replaces Fernando Hierro, who stepped down as interim boss on Sunday.
Hierro - who is not returning to his role as sporting director - was placed in temporary charge of the team after Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the World Cup.
Enrique has been out of management since leaving the Nou Camp last June.
Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales said: "The decision was unanimous. I like his commitment and he has turned down better-paid jobs in order to coach Spain.
"He's a coach who has all the requirements the federation was looking for."
He takes charge of a team that were knocked out of the World Cup at the last-16 stage on penalties by hosts Russia.
Enrique, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, won the La Liga, Spanish Cup and Champions League treble as Barca manager in 2015.
His first game in charge will be a Uefa Nations League game away to England at Wembley on 8 September.
The RFEF announced his appointment on Monday and also named Jose Francisco Molina, a former Spain keeper, as their sporting director.
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#19
FRANCE 1-0 BELGIUM[/url]
Highlights: France 1-0 Belgium
France will face England or Croatia in the World Cup final after edging past European neighbours Belgium in the semi-final in St Petersburg.
Defender Samuel Umtiti scored the winning goal for the 1998 champions in the second half with a towering header from Antoine Griezmann's corner.
Didier Deschamps' side were on the back foot for large periods of the game, but emerged victorious to reach their third final, having been beaten by Italy on penalties in 2006.

Belgium came through the quarter-finals by impressively beating Brazil, but they were unable to find the equaliser, as Axel Witsel's powerful, long-range drive was pushed away by Hugo Lloris, who also brilliantly kept out Toby Alderweireld's turn and shot.
At the final whistle, the France substitutes ran on the pitch to celebrate with the players, while manager Deschamps was mobbed by his staff before dancing around in a circle.
England play Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in the second semi-final on Wednesday (kick-off 19:00 BST) and the final takes places at the same venue on Sunday (16:00 BST).


[url=http://contripeople.com/javascript:void(0);]
Umtiti heads France winner against Belgium
Twenty years ago, France won the World Cup for the first and only time in their history at home in Paris with a 3-0 win over Brazil.
That team was captained by Deschamps, who is now aiming to emulate Brazilian Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer by winning the competition as both a player and manager.
Deschamps was a holding midfielder in his day and his France side have come to characterise his playing style of functionality over flair by adopting a conservative game.
Belgium had 64% possession in the match but France kept their shape, played on the counter-attack and constantly looked to forward Kylian Mbappe, who was a threat throughout with his darting runs and trickery with the ball.
The teenager, who announced himself on the global stage by scoring twice against Argentina in the last 16, played a sublime flick to put Olivier Giroud in on goal, but the Chelsea man saw his shot blocked from close range.
Although Giroud has now had 13 shots in the tournament without finding the target, he is likely to keep his place in the starting XI for the final.
Deschamps has been questioned for continuing to deploy Giroud up front in his side and has been asked why a place cannot be found for other attacking talents such as Ousmane Dembele or Thomas Lemar.
But he has answered the critics with a run to a second consecutive major tournament final after Euro 2016, when they were beaten in extra-time by Portugal.
Once France went ahead on 50 minutes they rarely looked like conceding and Belgium went out with a bit of a whimper.
[Image: _102472499_paris.jpg]
Thousands of fans celebrated France's victory on the streets of Paris
Golden generation unable to deliver
Ranked among one of the pre-tournament favourites, there was optimism that Belgium's 'golden generation' of players containing skipper Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku could finally deliver silverware for their country.
But the win in the previous round against five-time winners Brazil proved to be their peak, and they suffered heartbreak in a major tournament once more.
The Red Devils lost in the quarter-final of both the previous World Cup and the European Championship and their second World Cup semi-final appearance ended in defeat, just like in 1986 against a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina.
The team's 24-match unbeaten run stretching back to September 2016 also came to an end, as manager Roberto Martinez suffered a first loss in a competitive game.
Ten of the 11 starters were Premier League-based and one of those - striker Lukaku of Manchester United, who was excellent against Brazil, was left stifled by France's excellent centre-back pairing of Umtiti and Raphael Varane. Lukaku had just 22 touches on the ball in the whole match - the least of any player who started.
Manchester City's De Bruyne was unable to dictate the game and although skipper Hazard started brightly, fizzing a low shot narrowly wide and another deflecting over, he too drifted out of the game.
Belgium's only consolation is that they still have one game left to play in the tournament - Saturday's third/fourth place play-off against the loser from the England v Croatia encounter.
Anything to fear for England or Croatia?
[Image: _102472973_england-pa.jpg]
England beat Sweden to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1990
One place is sorted and one remains up for grabs for Sunday's showpiece.
England against Croatia is an evenly matched contest and the Three Lions are looking to reach the final for the first time since 1966, where they won the competition on home soil.
Balkans nation Croatia saw their best performance come in 1998 when they finished third by beating the Netherlands in the play-off match. The French will start as favourites to claim the trophy but who will they face?
"I expect England to beat Croatia," former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 live."They are more powerful, and they will cause France problems."
Former Premier League striker Dion Dublin said: "England will be thinking 'oh dear, France are quite good'. Belgium were OK, but not as good as they could've been.
"When you get to the semi-finals of a World Cup you have to play well as a team, but Belgium did not look like scoring."
Former England striker Alan Shearer added: "Whatever happens, the England boys are coming home as heroes. They have an unbelievable chance to come home as legends."
'Couldn't ask for more'
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said on BBC One: "It was a dead ball situation which was the difference.
"It was a close game and it was very tight and it was going to be decided by that bit of luck in front of goal. The attitude of the players was brilliant and we couldn't ask for anymore. We have to understand one team wins and the other loses, and we did what we could."
Asked about the French goal, Martinez added: "That is the type of detail that counts in the semi-final of the World Cup. We have one game left and I want to ensure we finish the tournament on a high because these players don't deserve to leave here with a bad taste."
France boss Didier Deschamps: "The most important match is on Sunday, we have given ourselves a huge privilege to reach the final of the World Cup. I was there two years ago [Euro 2016 final] and it was so painful that we want to taste the victory now.
"It is nothing to win the semi-final after losing in the final two years ago, we have this privilege to give happiness to these people, but we will try to give even more happiness on Sunday."
Man of the match - Raphael Varane (France)
[Image: _102472495_varane-luk.jpg]
A dominant showing by the Real Madrid defender and he did not give Lukaku a sniff
World Cup of set-pieces - the stats
  • France have reached their third World Cup final, also doing so in 1998 and 2006. Only Germany (8) and Italy (6) have reached more among European nations.

  • Since reaching their first in 1998, France have now reached more World Cup finals than any other nation (3).

  • This was Belgium's first defeat of any kind since a friendly loss against Spain in September 2016.

  • France have beaten Belgium three times in World Cup matches, more than they've beaten any other side in the competition.

  • 44% of the goals at the 2018 World Cup have come from set piece situations (69/158, including penalties).

  • Despite having almost two-thirds of the possession in this match (64%), Belgium attempted just nine shots - 10 fewer than France managed (19).

  • Antoine Griezmann has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 20 competitive games for France (12 goals, 8 assists).

  • Griezmann has been directly involved in 13 of France's last 20 goals scored in major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), with nine goals and four assists.

  • Only England's Harry Kane (6 goals) has been involved in more goals at the 2018 World Cup than France's Griezmann (5: 3 goals, 2 assists).

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#20
FRANCE 1-0 BELGIUM[/url]
Highlights: France 1-0 Belgium
France will face England or Croatia in the World Cup final after edging past European neighbours Belgium in the semi-final in St Petersburg.
Defender Samuel Umtiti scored the winning goal for the 1998 champions in the second half with a towering header from Antoine Griezmann's corner.
Didier Deschamps' side were on the back foot for large periods of the game, but emerged victorious to reach their third final, having been beaten by Italy on penalties in 2006.

Belgium came through the quarter-finals by impressively beating Brazil, but they were unable to find the equaliser, as Axel Witsel's powerful, long-range drive was pushed away by Hugo Lloris, who also brilliantly kept out Toby Alderweireld's turn and shot.
At the final whistle, the France substitutes ran on the pitch to celebrate with the players, while manager Deschamps was mobbed by his staff before dancing around in a circle.
England play Croatia at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow in the second semi-final on Wednesday (kick-off 19:00 BST) and the final takes places at the same venue on Sunday (16:00 BST).


[url=http://contripeople.com/javascript:void(0);]
Umtiti heads France winner against Belgium
Twenty years ago, France won the World Cup for the first and only time in their history at home in Paris with a 3-0 win over Brazil.
That team was captained by Deschamps, who is now aiming to emulate Brazilian Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer by winning the competition as both a player and manager.
Deschamps was a holding midfielder in his day and his France side have come to characterise his playing style of functionality over flair by adopting a conservative game.
Belgium had 64% possession in the match but France kept their shape, played on the counter-attack and constantly looked to forward Kylian Mbappe, who was a threat throughout with his darting runs and trickery with the ball.
The teenager, who announced himself on the global stage by scoring twice against Argentina in the last 16, played a sublime flick to put Olivier Giroud in on goal, but the Chelsea man saw his shot blocked from close range.
Although Giroud has now had 13 shots in the tournament without finding the target, he is likely to keep his place in the starting XI for the final.
Deschamps has been questioned for continuing to deploy Giroud up front in his side and has been asked why a place cannot be found for other attacking talents such as Ousmane Dembele or Thomas Lemar.
But he has answered the critics with a run to a second consecutive major tournament final after Euro 2016, when they were beaten in extra-time by Portugal.
Once France went ahead on 50 minutes they rarely looked like conceding and Belgium went out with a bit of a whimper.
[Image: _102472499_paris.jpg]
Thousands of fans celebrated France's victory on the streets of Paris
Golden generation unable to deliver
Ranked among one of the pre-tournament favourites, there was optimism that Belgium's 'golden generation' of players containing skipper Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku could finally deliver silverware for their country.
But the win in the previous round against five-time winners Brazil proved to be their peak, and they suffered heartbreak in a major tournament once more.
The Red Devils lost in the quarter-final of both the previous World Cup and the European Championship and their second World Cup semi-final appearance ended in defeat, just like in 1986 against a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina.
The team's 24-match unbeaten run stretching back to September 2016 also came to an end, as manager Roberto Martinez suffered a first loss in a competitive game.
Ten of the 11 starters were Premier League-based and one of those - striker Lukaku of Manchester United, who was excellent against Brazil, was left stifled by France's excellent centre-back pairing of Umtiti and Raphael Varane. Lukaku had just 22 touches on the ball in the whole match - the least of any player who started.
Manchester City's De Bruyne was unable to dictate the game and although skipper Hazard started brightly, fizzing a low shot narrowly wide and another deflecting over, he too drifted out of the game.
Belgium's only consolation is that they still have one game left to play in the tournament - Saturday's third/fourth place play-off against the loser from the England v Croatia encounter.
Anything to fear for England or Croatia?
[Image: _102472973_england-pa.jpg]
England beat Sweden to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1990
One place is sorted and one remains up for grabs for Sunday's showpiece.
England against Croatia is an evenly matched contest and the Three Lions are looking to reach the final for the first time since 1966, where they won the competition on home soil.
Balkans nation Croatia saw their best performance come in 1998 when they finished third by beating the Netherlands in the play-off match. The French will start as favourites to claim the trophy but who will they face?
"I expect England to beat Croatia," former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said on BBC Radio 5 live."They are more powerful, and they will cause France problems."
Former Premier League striker Dion Dublin said: "England will be thinking 'oh dear, France are quite good'. Belgium were OK, but not as good as they could've been.
"When you get to the semi-finals of a World Cup you have to play well as a team, but Belgium did not look like scoring."
Former England striker Alan Shearer added: "Whatever happens, the England boys are coming home as heroes. They have an unbelievable chance to come home as legends."
'Couldn't ask for more'
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said on BBC One: "It was a dead ball situation which was the difference.
"It was a close game and it was very tight and it was going to be decided by that bit of luck in front of goal. The attitude of the players was brilliant and we couldn't ask for anymore. We have to understand one team wins and the other loses, and we did what we could."
Asked about the French goal, Martinez added: "That is the type of detail that counts in the semi-final of the World Cup. We have one game left and I want to ensure we finish the tournament on a high because these players don't deserve to leave here with a bad taste."
France boss Didier Deschamps: "The most important match is on Sunday, we have given ourselves a huge privilege to reach the final of the World Cup. I was there two years ago [Euro 2016 final] and it was so painful that we want to taste the victory now.
"It is nothing to win the semi-final after losing in the final two years ago, we have this privilege to give happiness to these people, but we will try to give even more happiness on Sunday."
Man of the match - Raphael Varane (France)
[Image: _102472495_varane-luk.jpg]
A dominant showing by the Real Madrid defender and he did not give Lukaku a sniff
World Cup of set-pieces - the stats
  • France have reached their third World Cup final, also doing so in 1998 and 2006. Only Germany (8) and Italy (6) have reached more among European nations.


  • Since reaching their first in 1998, France have now reached more World Cup finals than any other nation (3).


  • This was Belgium's first defeat of any kind since a friendly loss against Spain in September 2016.


  • France have beaten Belgium three times in World Cup matches, more than they've beaten any other side in the competition.


  • 44% of the goals at the 2018 World Cup have come from set piece situations (69/158, including penalties).


  • Despite having almost two-thirds of the possession in this match (64%), Belgium attempted just nine shots - 10 fewer than France managed (19).


  • Antoine Griezmann has been directly involved in 20 goals in his last 20 competitive games for France (12 goals, 8 assists).


  • Griezmann has been directly involved in 13 of France's last 20 goals scored in major tournaments (World Cup and Euros), with nine goals and four assists.


  • Only England's Harry Kane (6 goals) has been involved in more goals at the 2018 World Cup than France's Griezmann (5: 3 goals, 2 assists).


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