‘I WOULDN’T RECOMMEND PRO FOOTBALL’
Danny Rose has given an interview to our radio colleagues in which he reveals there are some aspects of a footballer’s lifestyle which can be unappealing.
The Tottenham left-back endured a difficulty 2017-18 season and recently said he had been diagnosed with depression, caused by injury and family tragedy.
‘VAR IS NOT A PERFECT SYSTEM’
VAR is good for the game according to Dermot Gallagher but the former Premier League referee acknowledges the system requires some fine-tuning.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has somewhat unsurprisingly emerged as one of the 2018 World Cup’s major talking points, with its transformative effect most evident during Monday night’s final Group B fixtures.
“It isn’t a perfect system, we know that,” Gallagher told Sky Sports News.
“But it will unfold and get better and better because people watching it will become more competent, the communication will become better and will get tweaked in different ways.”
STAT ATTACK
Peru have doubled their advantage against Australia in Sochi through Paolo Guerrero and surely ended Australia’s hopes of reaching the last-16.
NIGERIA v ARGENTINA PREVIEW
Let’s build-up to this evening’s Group D encounters, with Lionel Messi and Argentina under extreme pressure to avoid an early exit.
Nigeria and Argentina will be battling it out for a last-16 spot at the World Cup, and Jorge Sampaoli’s side could make some unwanted history.
Argentina are currently enduring their longest winless run in World Cup finals history [D2 L2] and have never previously gone through a first-round World Cup group stage without at least one victory before.
Angel Di Maria and Ever Banega could be recalled to the starting XI, while Gonzalo Higuain and Paolo Dybala are also available for the must-win match.
KEEPY UPPIES CHALLENGE
Ahead of their final Group F match with South Korea, Germany’s players have been busy training and by the looks of this video perfecting their skills.
Despite their 95th minute winner against Sweden on Saturday the world champions still aren’t assured of progressing to the knock-out stages.
PERU STRIKE IN SOCHI
Andre Carrillo struggled to make an impact during his season-long loan at Watford last term but he has scored Peru’s first goal of their World Cup campaign to dent Australia’s hopes of progressing to the last-16.
Denmark and France remain goalless after nearly 30 minutes in the other Group C encounter in Moscow.
PICKFORD: ENGLAND WANT TOP SPOT
Jordan Pickford says England will go out to finish first in Group G when they face Belgium on Thursday.
The runners-up could potentially avoid some of the World Cup big hitters until the latter stages, but the England No 1 wants to progress as group winners.
NEV: WE MUST PERSEVERE WITH ‘IMPERFECT’ VAR
VAR has been one of the major talking points of this summer’s World Cup in Russia and the system came under the microscope once again during both of last night’s Group B encounters involving Spain and Portugal.
Despite VAR receiving criticism from Iran coach over its use, Gary Neville thinks the process of debating whether the system works isn’t as clear as it seems.
“It’s not as simple as VAR works or VAR doesn’t work,” he said. It’s been imperfect at this tournament – and it will continue to get better.
“Aspects are working really well and aspects of it aren’t working well.”
DE GEA FORM CREATING SPAIN DOUBT
David de Gea has come under criticism in Spain for his performances during the World Cup.
The Manchester United goalkeeper allowed a shot from Cristiano Ronaldo to creep under his grasp in their opening Group B match and was also criticised for his claiming og crosses and distribution in Monday’s eventful 2-2 draw with Morocco.
“Nobody is questioning the fact he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Nobody. But everybody goes through ups and downs in form. What we’re seeing at the moment is a David de Gea not happy coming out from his goal-line, and the Spain goalkeeper has to be happy with that.
“He hasn’t seemed confident enough with his distribution, and of course having conceded that goal against Cristiano Ronaldo, his confidence seems to be low and impacting the defenders.”
AUSTRALIA V PERU
Australia have picked up one point from their opening two matches but still have a slim chance of making the last-16 with victory today.
Head coach Bert van Marwijk has made one alteration with Tomi Juric picked ahead of Andrew Nabbout in Australia’s attack.
Peru have introduced Anderson Santamaria and Renato Tapia into their starting line-up after losing both their opening matches, with Alberto Rodriguez and Pedro Aquino making way.
Australia: Ryan, Risdon, Sainsbury, Milligan, Behich, Leckie, Jedinak, Rogic, Mooy, Kruse, Juric.
Peru: Gallese, Advincula, Ramos, Santamaria, Trauco, Carrillo, Tapia, Cueva, Yotun, Flores, Guerrero.
THREE CHANGES FOR DENMARK
Denmark manger Åge Hareide has made three changes to his side’s line-up against France with Mathias Jorgensson, Martin Braithwaite and Andreas Cornelius coming into replace Lasse Schone, Poulsen and Nicolai Jorgensen.
Team to face France: Schmeichel, Kjaer, Christensen, Jorgensen, Dalsgaard, Larsen, Delaney, Eriksen, Braithwaite, Cornelius, Sisto.
Subs: Krohn-Dehli, Vestergaard, Knudsen, Jørgensen, Dolberg, Fischer, Lossl, Lerager, Schone, Ronnow.
A draw for Denmark will be enough for them to reach the last-16.
SIX CHANGES FOR FRANCE
Didier Deschamps has made six changes to the France side that beat Peru last time out. The Euro 2016 finalists are allready through to the last-16 courtesy of their opening two group game victories.
Mandanda replaces Lloris in goal, while Kimpembe and Sidibe replace Pavard and Umtiti in defence.
Nzonzi, Lemar and Dembele also come in for Pogba, Matuidiand Mbappe.
Team to face Denmark: Mandanda, Kimpembe, Varane, Sidibe, Hernandez, Kante, Nzonzi, Griezmann, Lemar, Giroud, Dembele.
Subs: Lloris, Pavard, Umtiti, Pogba, Mbappe, Tolisso, Matuidi, Rami, Fekir, Thauvin, Mendy, Areola.
KANE’S ‘TOP DRAWER’ PENALTY TAKING
Harry Kane is the World Cup’s leading goalscorer so far with five goals and two of those have been from the penalty spot in their emphatic 6-1 victory against Panama.
Pickford is full of compliments for the England captain’s ability from 12 yards.
“You have got to do a lot of guessing but the power behind it and the accuracy… both pens were the same and when Harry is finishing like that there is no chance.
“He is a top forward for starters, that is his main game – finishing. I was watching him from my end of the pitch and his two penalties were top drawer.”
PICKFORD: HUGE ABILITY IN SQUAD
As the World Cup progresses England are likely to face tougher tests but Pickford believes the squad are well equipped to deal with whatever opponent they face.
“Set plays are crucial and we’ll keep working on them. But our style of football and the ability in the squad, I feel like we’re right up there.
“As a goalkeeper in training, when you’re getting the likes of Harry [Kane], Vards [Jamie Vardy], Wels [Danny Welbeck] and Marcus [Rashford] having shots against you, it’s difficult. So it’s going to be difficult for the opposition.
“We know our defence is very strong. Throughout the team we have got huge ability.”
EASIER JOB FOR PICKFORD?
Reports have indicated that Belgium are not too concerned about winning their final group stage encounter in Kaliningrad. Finishing top in the group will see a match against one of Senegal, Japan or Colombia with a potential quarter-final against Brazil or Germany a genuine prospect.
Pickford is more than happy for Belgium not to take the game seriously…
“If that’s how they feel, it’ll make my job easier if they don’t want to score!
“We’re ready for them and want to finish top of the group.”
‘WE WANT TO WIN EVERY GAME WE PLAY’
There has been a lot of discussion about the implications on the knock-out stages of finishing in first or second spot. England No 1 Jordan Pickford has given his thoughts on whether finishing second in Group G would suit England better.
“Our mentality is to win every game we play in – we can’t be looking into that [knock-out stage permutations]. I feel that if we keep winning it builds momentum going into the tournament,” he said.
“We know Belgium is a top opponent and we need to be on our A game to get the win.”
Dennis Wise believes it is vital for England to retain their momentum through the Wold Cup and says victory over Roberto Martinez’s side will make a statement.
“I think Gareth [Southgate] will want to win this game for sure. Carrying the momentum, I think if we go and beat Belgium a lot of teams will be frightened of us, really frightened of us,” Wise told Sky Sports News.
“Belgium are the one team I’m looking at. Along with Mexico, Germany and Brazil slowly creeping up, I think Belgium are the team that have quietly got on with their business in a really ruthless way.
“If we can show everyone that we are capable of beating Belgium, I think that will be great for us confidence-wise to take us to the next level, where we want to be.”
PICKFORD TO FACE MEDIA
We will be continuing our build-up to England’s World Cup meeting with Belgium in the next few moments. Jordan Pickford is conducting a media conference shortly from England’s media centre.
Stay with us here for all the key discussion points.
LUKAKU MISSES TRAINING
Worth a reminder if you are yet to hear this. Romelu Lukaku remains a doubt for Belgium’s World Cup match against England after missing training on Tuesday.
Eden Hazard, who also picked up a minor concern against Tunisia, was present.
Roberto Martinez has already made it clear it may rest some of his players for the match against Gareth Southgate’s side in Kaliningrad on Thursday.
Sky Sports News reporter Gary Cotterill was at Belgium’s training base in Moscow this morning…
‘TRIPPIER BEST CROSSER SINCE BECKHAM’
Here’s one to ponder over your lunch break at work…
Kieran Trippier is the best crosser of the ball England have had since David Beckham, say the World Cup Supplement panel.
Hard to disagree with the view that the Tottenham man has provided a positive influence for Gareth Southgate’s team so far, despite his relative inexperience on the international stage.
Only Kevin De Bruyne had created more chances for his teammates at the end of the second round of group matches.
HIERRO WORRIED BY SPAIN DEFENCE
Spain arrived in Russia as one of the pre-tournament favourites but their preparations were thrown into turmoil when their manager Julen Lopetegui was sacked two days before their opening World Cup match against Portugal.
After a thrilling 3-3 draw against Portugal they recorded a narrow 1-0 victory against Iran before last night’s underwhelming share of the spoils with Morocco on Monday.
Hierro who replaced Lopetegui admits there are improvements to make to their back line.
He said: “Obviously we can improve, there are things that definitely need to be worked on, and we will definitely be self-critical.
“Five goals in three matches is not the way forward, I’ve told the players that. But they are professionals and understand.
“We have to be very demanding of ourselves, and be clear in our mind that if they score against us so easily it will be very difficult to reach the ultimate goal.”
SAMPAOLI RUBBISHES COUP CLAIMS
The two-time winners have started the tournament poorly and currently sit bottom of their group, having picked up just a single point from their opening two games…
NEVILLE BACKS ENGLAND CHANGES
Gary Neville believes Gareth Southgate should make some changes to his England starting line-up for their Group G encounter with Belgium.
GERMAN FA SUSPENDS TWO MEMBERS
The German Football Association [DFB] has suspended two of their backroom staff following an angry exchange with the Swedish bench.
The pair will not be at Wednesday’s crunch World Cup clash against South Korea due to their actions during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Sweden.
Toni Kroos scored a late 95th-minute winner to keep the current world champions in the hunt to qualify for the knockout stages.
Media coordinator Uli Voigt and Georg Behlau, head of the backroom staff, have been told not to attend the final Group F match in Kazan, which Germany must win by a margin of two goals to be sure of reaching the last 16.
ARGENTINA SQUAD GREETS FANS
Watch Argentina’s players join fans outside the team hotel in Saint Petersburg, ahead of their crucial clash against Nigeria on Tuesday..
HAZARD TRAINS FOR BELGIUM
Eden Hazard trains with the Belgium team on Tuesday ahead of the final Group G game against England.
Hazard picked up a minor calf injury in the win over Tunisia…
LUCAS TORREIRA ASSESSED
Arsenal transfer target Lucas Torreira was handed his first start of the World Cup in Uruguay’s 3-0 win over Russia on Monday, so how did he fare?
TODAY AT THE WORLD CUP
The final round of World Cup group games continues today, withArgentina fighting for a spot in the last 16…
So, what’s the deal?
In Group C, only France are guaranteed a spot in the last 16, and they take on a Denmark side who are in pole position to join them with four points. The Danes need a draw against Les Bleus to send them through to the knockout stages, and can top the group with a victory.
Should Denmark lose to France, they will be hoping Australia lose or draw with Peru, who are already eliminated. Should Australia win, they will need to do so by two or more goals to overturn the goal difference gap against Denmark.
With Croatia the only side in Group D already qualified, the second spot is up for grabs and Argentina will be hoping it is theirs, although there plenty of permutations as Jorge Sampaoli’s men are currently bottom of the group.
NIGERIA v ARGENTINA PREVIEW
Nigeria and Argentina will be battling it out for a last-16 spot at the World Cup, and Jorge Sampaoli’s side could make some unwanted history.
Argentina are currently enduring their longest winless run in World Cup finals history [D2 L2] and have never previously gone through a first-round World Cup group stage without at least one victory before.
ICELAND v CROATIA PREVIEW
Iceland are eyeing the “biggest success” in their history as they look to make the last 16 of the World Cup against Croatia on Tuesday.
The Icelanders must beat Croatia – who are already through to the knockout rounds – in their final group game to give themselves the chance of qualification and currently have a better goal difference than Argentina.
LUKAKU MISSES BELGIUM TRAINING
Romelu Lukaku remains a doubt for Belgium’s World Cup game against England on Thursday after missing training on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old has scored four goals from his opening two matches in Group G to help Roberto Martinez’s side to six points, with the meeting against England set to decide who tops the group.
Lukaku has had a scan on the “external ligament” damage to his left foot suffered against Tunisia and Martinez says the striker requires another 24-48 hours to return to full training but has not been ruled out of featuring in Kaliningrad.
Eden Hazard, who was also understood to be a concern after picking up a minor calf injury against Tunisia, was present for training at Belgium’s base in Moscow.
There have been reports that Martinez could make several changes to his starting line-up for the match against England.
Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Meunier are in danger of missing their last-16 match if they pick up a third booking on Thursday and could be held back.
‘ENGLAND MUST KEEP MOMENTUM GOING’
Jermain Defoe gives us his views on how England should shape up against Belgium…
DENMARK v FRANCE PREVIEW
Denmark will need just a point from their final Group C game with France to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup, with Les Bleus already through.
The Danes drew with Australia in their second group fixture, and another point would secure their place in the knockout rounds ahead of the Socceroos.
AUSTRALIA v PERU PREVIEW
Australia will be chasing a slim chance of making the World Cup last 16 when they take on Peru in the final Group C game this afternoon.
For the Socceroos to qualify, they must beat Peru and hope Denmark lose by two goals or more to France to overturn the goal difference between them.
LUKAKU MISSES BELGIUM TRAINING
Sky Sports News’ Gary Cotterill has the latest from the Belgium camp, where Romelu Lukaku has not taken part in training today…
WORLD CUP: RUSSIA REPORT
The latest from Russia on day 14 of the World Cup including bad news for Argentina as they cling to their knockout hopes, suggestions one big-name player might be at the tournament for the last time and a historic moment for Iran’s female fans…
Romelu Lukaku misses Belgium training today but has not been ruled out of Thursday’s Group G decider with England.
WORLD CUP DAY 12 IN A NUTSHELL
We round up Monday’s talking points from Russia as Uruguay and Spain topped their respective World Cup groups and head into the last 16.
Each day during the tournament, we will be pulling together all the big stories and best reaction right here in a nutshell, so you do not miss a thing!
‘ENGLAND NOT PLOTTING WORLD CUP PATH’
Gareth Southgate says England will not try to plot their path through the World Cup knockout stages amid suggestions they would be best served trying to finish second in their group.
England take on Belgium on Thursday with top spot in Group G at stake. Both sides have already qualified for the last 16 after winning their opening two matches.
However, if Brazil finish top of Group E and Germany come second in Group F, whoever finishes second in England’s group would avoid them both and plot a favourable route to the semi-finals.
Southgate is not keen on trying to manipulate the draw though, saying: “For our country, that would be a very difficult mindset to have. We want to win every game of football we go into.
“I don’t know how we would go into a game not wanting to win and not wanting to play well.
“So, I think that’s dangerous territory if we start trying to plot and predict where we might end up.”
PORTUGAL’S OTHER HERO
Ricardo Quaresma scored a stunning goal to help Portugal into the knockout stage with a 1-1 draw against Iran on Monday evening. Once seen as a wasted talent, Quaresma has enjoyed a surprise renaissance to resume his story alongside old friend Cristiano Ronaldo.
The first goal of Ricardo Quaresma’s international career came in a 4-0 win against Belgium in March 2007. It was a trivela – a shot with the outside of his right foot that curled beyond the goalkeeper.
The strike has since become his trademark. “I will never miss out on a chance to use the trivela,” Quaresma once said. That latest chance came against Iran.”
‘TRIPPIER BEST CROSSER SINCE BECKHAM’
The right-back has had an excellent World Cup so far and set up John Stones’ opener for England in their 6-1 thrashing of Panama on Sunday.
That goal came from a corner and Trippier has won praise for his dead-ball delivery, which has helped him create seven chances for his team-mates – only Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne [nine] had made more by the end of the second round of matches.
“He’s the best deliverer of a ball since David Beckham in his prime,” said Jason Burt, the Telegraph’s chief football correspondent.
“He’s so accurate, it’s incredible.
“Every time they get a set piece now, a free-kick or a corner, you’re thinking they’ve got a chance – and with Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Stones they’ve got a real aerial threat as well.”
DE BRUYNE: BELGIUM NOT FOCUSED ON ENGLAND Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne says they are not focused on playing England, since both teams have already secured passage into the last 16 of the World Cup…
HOW VAR TRANSFORMED GROUP B
Last-gasp – and controversial – VAR calls changed the complexion of Group B and altered Spain and Portugal’s World Cup knockout route.
In a late twist, Spain, who were in danger of missing out on a last-16 berth completely at one stage, won Group B thanks to an injury-time equaliser against Morocco and Iran’s penalty-spot leveller against Portugal.
That means Spain will now face Russia on Sunday, a day after runners-up Portugal meet Uruguay.
QUEIROZ RAGES AFTER RONALDO ELBOW
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz launched a blistering attack on FIFA and the use of VAR following his side’s World Cup exit.
Iran were held to a 1-1 draw with Portugal on Monday evening, but Queiroz was outraged when Cristiano Ronaldo was not sent off in the final 10 minutes for an off-the-ball elbow on Morteza Pouraliganji.
The incident was reviewed on the pitchside screens by referee Enrique Caceres after a VAR referral, but he decided a yellow card would suffice.
He said: “The reality is you stop the game for VAR and there is an elbow. An elbow is a red card in the rules. The rules don’t say if it is Messi or Ronaldo it’s a little bit.
“It is a red card. The question, for me, is not about the referees. It is about the attitude and the bravery and the character.
“The decisions must be clear for everybody, for the people. In my opinion, Mr Infantino and FIFA, VAR is not going well. That is the reality.”
SAUDI ARABIA 2-1 EGYPT
Salem Al-Dawsari’s late goal secured Saudi Arabia a first World Cup win in 24 years with a 2-1 victory over Egypt in Volgograd.
URUGUAY 3-0 RUSSIA
Uruguay beat 10-man Russia 3-0 in Samara to secure top spot in Group A and end the hosts’ perfect start to their home World Cup.
IRAN 1-1 PORTUGAL
Portugal reached the last 16 of the World Cup as Group B runners-up after a controversial 1-1 draw with Iran in Saransk.
A remarkable late turnaround saw Spain top Group B after they drew 2-2 with Morocco in Kaliningrad on Monday night.
GROUPS A AND B
So let’s round up last night’s all-important results!
Spain won Group B after a dramatic late draw against Morocco and will face Group A runners-up Russia in the last 16, who lost 3-0 to Uruguay.
Uruguay will face Portugal, who go through to the knockout stages as runners up in Group B after conceding a late penalty against Iran to draw 1-1!
And Salem Al-Dawsari’s late goal secured Saudi Arabia a first World Cup win in 24 years with a 2-1 victory over Egypt in Volgograd.
NIGERIA v ARGENTINA PREVIEW
Nigeria and Argentina will be battling it out for a last-16 spot at the World Cup, and Jorge Sampaoli’s side could make some unwanted history.
Argentina are currently enduring their longest winless run in World Cup finals history [D2 L2] and have never previously gone through a first-round World Cup group stage without at least one victory before.
The last time Argentina failed to progress past the group stages of the World Cup was in 2002 – with their sole victory that year coming against Nigeria.
If Argentina beat Nigeria in their final game and Croatia beat Iceland, Argentina go through. They will also go through if they beat Nigeria, Iceland beat Croatia, and Argentina’s goal difference betters Iceland.
But Nigeria can qualify with a draw or win against Argentina if Iceland lose or draw against Croatia.
DEFOE: ENGLAND MUST MAINTAIN MOMENTUM
Former England striker Jermain Defoe thinks Gareth Southgateshould avoid making too many changes for the Belgium game in order to maintain their positive momentum…
TODAY’S GAMES
So then, here are today’s fixtures to feast your eyes on!
Australia v Peru [Group C] – Fisht Olympic Stadium, 3pm
Denmark v France [Group C] – Luzhniki Stadium, 3pm
Iceland v Croatia [Group D] – Rostov Arena, 7pm
Nigeria v Argentina [Group D) – Krestovsky Stadium, 7pm
We’ve drawn up a list of three to watch, with the following players our pick of the bunch!
Olivier Giroud: The France striker won a starting place in the last game against Peru after coming on as a substitute in the opening match, and impressed with his performance. He picked up an assist for Kylian Mbappe’s winner as he knocked the ball back for the teenager, and will be hoping to have the same impact against Denmark as Les Bleus target a top of the table finish.
Luka Modric: The Croatia captain has led by example in two games so far, netting in both wins, including a sensational solo effort against Argentina. He has only had two shots on target so far – scoring with both – with his work in the middle of the park continues to power an impressive team.
Lionel Messi: Argentina need a hero if they are to reach the last 16 of the World Cup, and the man who usually saves their skin is Messi. However, the captain has yet to show what he can really do, having had 12 shots so far but failed to score, although he has had eight more attempts than any other Argentina player.
SAMPAOLI RUBBISHES COUP CLAIMS
Argentina head coach Jorge Sampaoli has denied reports of unrest in his World Cup squad and has backed his side to beat Nigeria in their final Group D match.
The two-time winners have started the tournament poorly and currently sit bottom of their group, having picked up just a single point from their opening two games…
TUESDAY AT THE WORLD CUP
So, the final round of World Cup group games continues today, with Argentina battling for their place in the last 16. Their coach Jorge Sampaoli is confident his side can turn campaign around.
Groups C and D take centre stage, with only France and Croatiaguaranteed a spot in the knockout stages.
Peru are the sole side not able to progress further.
For the remaining five teams, it is all the play for!
GOOD MORNING
Hello and a very good morning to you!
What a day of action we had at the World Cup yesterday! All the reaction to follow right here through the morning.
We will of course be building up to today’s huge fixtures, as the final round of the group stages continue.
With Argentina fighting for a spot in the last 16, we have plenty to preview throughout the day.
So grab yourself a cuppa, sit back and enjoy the blog!
“For me, if it’s supposed to remove controversy, get more decisions correct and allow us to focus on the football then it’s clearly a failure.
“If you like pantomime and drama or perhaps you could say ‘farce’ then it’s a success.”