Monday, July 30, 2018

RIYAD MAHREZ: INJURY UPDATE

Football Fever Every time.

City’s new signing was withdrawn from the action after being fouled by Bayern Munich’s Chris Richards during the first half of Saturday’s 3-2 win over Bayern Munich.
Subsequent pictures emerged showing Mahrez wearing a protective boot on his left foot upon his return to Manchester.
READ: Brahim Diaz excited for the future
WATCH: Inside City: Miami special
However, a scan today has revealed no significant damage, and he could be available for selection for this weekend’s Community Shield against Chelsea..
Source: mancity.com

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri 'bored' by transfer market

Football Fever Every time.

Chelsea's Maurizio Sarri declares his disinterest in the transfer market, emphasising his task as manager is to grow the players he currently has. Stewart Robson delves into how Maurizio Sarri transformed Napoli and what he'll need to do to replicate a similar turnaround at Stamford Bridge. With Maurizio Sarri's appointment at Chelsea now official, Gab Marcotti explains what the former Napoli manager brings to Stamford Bridge. With Antonio Conte on his way out at Chelsea, ESPN FC's Gab Marcotti reflects on the Italian's tenure and what led to his undoing. Gab Marcotti discusses the latest developments in the Conte-Sarri saga and what's keeping the former Napoli manager from moving to Stamford Bridge. Gab Marcotti puts himself in the shoes of the Chelsea brass and explains why the club should hold off on replacing Antonio Conte with Maurizio Sarri.
Maurizio Sarri insisted that he is not interested in directing Chelsea's transfer policy but indicated that he would like to see both Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois remain at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Antonio Conte was sacked to pave the way for Sarri's appointment last week after months of tensions with the Chelsea board over recruitment, as well as clashes with senior players such as Diego Costa, David Luiz and Willian.
Sarri gained a reputation in Italy for not focusing the transfer market, and in front of watching board members Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck, he reiterated that, as head coach, he views his responsibility as to work with his players on the training pitch.
"I feel much more a pitch manager, a field manager than a general manager," he said via a translator. "I think I'm one of the few managers who is bored by the transfer market. I don't want to talk about it and I'm not that interested in it. Our task as managers is growing the players we have."
While Sarri is unlikely to make the kind of waves that Conte did with his pointed comments about Chelsea's shortcomings in the transfer market, he did reveal that he has discussed potential summer targets with the club, focusing on midfield.
Chelsea completed a £50 million deal to sign Italy international playmaker Jorginho at the weekend and are reportedly close to adding Aleksandr Golovin from CSKA Moscow.
"I spoke with the football club and said ideally I think that a pinch of quality is lacking in our central midfield for a certain kind of play, otherwise they are at a very high level," he said. "At the end of the transfers it will be up to me to understand what kind of football is suitable to the final squad.
"I cannot claim to come here and change 20 players. I must adapt to Chelsea and the players, and we will see at the end whether we must change something in my game because of the characteristics of the squad."
Chelsea have big decisions to make in the coming weeks about Hazard and Courtois, who both publicly courted interest from Real Madrid after Belgium's victory over England in the World Cup third-place playoff on Saturday.
Sources have told ESPN FC that Chelsea are focused on keeping Hazard despite his comments and Madrid's interest, and Sarri admitted that he would rather not lose any of the squad's key players before the Aug. 9 transfer deadline.
"Clearly, we would like to keep the strongest players," he said. "This is what any manager wants and any clubs wants. Then we will have to see how the transfer market will go over the next few days."
"I think he [Hazard] is one of the top two or three European players. I hope I will manage to improve him -- this is very difficult given the level he has reached."
Asked if he could improve Hazard in the spectacular way he managed with Dries Mertens at Napoli, Sarri said that it is not the same situation.
"With Mertens it was different -- Dries had also been an external striker and everyone thinks by necessity that he became a very high level player," he said. "Dries has improved with me but he started at a lower level. I hope Hazard will improve with me but it will be difficult."
Liam is ESPN FC's Chelsea correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Liam_Twomey.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Alison Becker Tweets 'I'm Joining Liverpool'... But All Is Not As It Seems.

Football Fever Every time.

With speculation rife about Liverpool lodging a bid for Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker, one tweet caused a stir on Tuesday - but it was a case of mistaken identity.
American actress and comedian Alison Becker, who has starred in TV shows like MTV's Boiling Points and NBC's Parks and Recreation, picked up on the unfolding news story and put the cat among the pigeons with her message on social media.
With a tweet that simply said "Excited to announce that I will be joining Liverpool as a goalkeeper", the American Becker garnered over 17,000 retweets and 44,000 likes, adding to the media storm around a potentially record-breaking transfer for the Brazil international stopper.
Once the sports world had cottoned onto the joke, she followed up with a self-deprecating tweet saying: "I 'get' sports so hard."

Alison Becker announces Liverpool transfer - but it's not the one Reds fans were hoping for!

Football Fever Every time.
Brazil's number one goalkeeper Liverpool will now be number one. Photo: Reuters

Done deal! Alison Becker has signed for Liverpool to be the club's new goalkeeper

But before you get too excited Reds fans, note the lack of a second S in that first name.

Alison Becker - The star of Parks and Recreation, The League and Curb Your Enthusiasm - and not the Brazil and Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is the subject of a world-record £ 62m offer from the Reds, the best player ever

There is only one Alison Becker (Image: Getty Images North America) The Other Alisson Becker (Image: AFP)

Alisson to Liverpool: How sibling rivalry turned "short, angry, crying" youngster in record-breaking goalkeeper

Read More Alisson transfer

The New Jersey actress tweeted the news on Tuesday, telling her 18.1k followers that she was "Excited to announce that I will be joining Liverpool as a goalkeeper!"

Reds supporters quickly saw the funny side, retweeting the post over 5,000 times and liking it over 11,000 times within a hour of it being posted, even though some initially fell for it.

It's on!

Sadly, it does not appear as the reds will make Alison's dream a reality.

As for Alisson, Liverpool face competition from Chelsea for the 25-year-old, but stay confident that they can get the deal done.

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Transfer news, rumours LIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, Arsenal sign Lucas Torreira, Manchester United eye winger, Liverpool latest gossip

Football Fever Every time.

The Premier League’s summer transfer window is open with Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal set to be busier than ever.
Liverpool enjoyed success in the Champions League this year and their quest to end their league title drought in 2019 will be bolstered by the arrival of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig. He will not be the last new face on Merseyside, however, with Monaco's Fabinho already in. Stoke's Xherdan Shaqiri could be next or even Real Madrid's Marco Asensio? At United Jose Mourinho looks set to spend big again as he targets reinforcements in his bid to haul in record-breaking Manchester City next season. He's got Fred but another central midfield player is high on his list with a big money move for Gareth Bale not out the question.
For the first time in over two decades Arsenal head into the offseason with a new manager at the helm. That man is former PSG boss Unai Emery after a stunning 11th hour change of heart at the Emirates and he already has two new signings and plenty more on the way with a new central midfielder next on his shopping list. Chelsea are close to appointing a new manager themselves but across London Mauricio Pochettino won't be leaving Tottenham Hotspur after signing a new five-year deal. 
We will have all the latest news, views, rumours, gossip and done deals right here so don't touch that dial.

New updates availableRefresh 2018-07-10T17:15:42.000Z
So who next?
President Florentino Perez is now thought to be focused on the future of the club, and the need to soon reshape the side while ensuring the same glamour and marketing value is maintained.
It is well known that he would like to fund a move for one of Neymar or Kylian Mbappefrom Paris Saint-Germain this summer, while Chelsea’s Eden Hazard is also a target.
Whoever Real Madrid decide to pursue, you can be sure they will look to immediately reinvest the £88m they have made by moving on Ronaldo.
2018-07-10T16:50:42.000Z
Cristiano Ronaldo has written an open letter to Real Madrid fans explaining why he asked to leave the club after nine years. 
The Portuguese forward signed from Manchester United in the summer of 2009 but is leaving for a "new step" at Juventus. 
2018-07-10T16:35:42.000Z
Real Madrid have revealed why they have sold Cristiano Ronaldoto Juventus, in a statement published shortly after the 33-year-old completed his transfer to the Italian club.
Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 and has enjoyed an unprecedented period of success with the club.
However this summer Ronaldo “expressed his wishes” to quit the Bernabau, with Real seemingly left with little choice but to sell him.
2018-07-10T16:20:42.000Z
They spent nearly £90m to sign Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli in 2016, when he was seen as the final piece needed to win their first European Cup since the mid-1990s, but the reality has been more difficult.
It will require some financial manoeuvring on the part of the Italians and Higuain himself could become a casualty with Chelsea linked to the Argentina forward.
But in black and white terms, Ronaldo’s expected gross remuneration of around €60m (£53m) remains around 40% of Juve's current wage bill and though this has not put off the Agnelli family, who own a controlling stake in the club, it will almost certainly push the club into selling players. 
Madrid want to stage manage any departure and give Ronaldo the farewell his goal-laden time in the Spanish capital deserves.
Their next focus is on signing Neymar or Kylian Mbappe this summer as part of their desire to make the squad younger, but Eden Hazard has emerged as an alternative should Paris Saint-Germain stonewall advances over their superstar attacking duo. 
2018-07-10T16:05:42.000Z
The Portuguese forward’s up-and-down relationship with the Bernabéu club over the past few seasons hit a new low in the immediate aftermath of winning the Champions League in Kiev, where he reopened the subject of his future in interviews on the field before a single celebratory firework had even been lit.
It was the latest in a series of unsubtle efforts from Ronaldo at getting an improved contract, with the Real Madrid man’s entourage believing he was due a significant salary increase in the wake of Lionel Messi and Neymar being handed bigger deals. 
And while he tried to walk back his comments the following day, this time Real Madrid haven’t been willing to play ball and intermediaries let it be known to a gaggle of top European clubs in late June that the 33-year-old forward could be available for as little as €100m (£88m).
In the end, Juventus - serial losing finalists in the Champions League who are desperate to get over the hump and return to the peak of European football - were the only team to show serious interest and after weighing up the significant financial outlay, the Serie A giants are keen to press ahead with a deal.
2018-07-10T15:51:17.826Z
The 33-year-old reigning Ballon d'Or winner will join the Serie A champions after a deal was struck understood to be in the region of £88million.
The Champions League winners confirmed the news with a statement on Wednesday afternoon insisting that Ronaldo himself had asked to leave the club.
"Real Madrid communicate that, adhering to the expressed wishes of the player Cristiano Ronaldo, it has agreed his transfer to Juventus," they said. "Today Real Madrid would like to express its thanks to a player that has shown himself to be the best in the world and who has led one of the most brilliant eras in the history of our club and world football.
"Beyond the titles won, the trophies and the triumphs on the field of play in these nine years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been an example of hard work, responsibility, talent and achievement.
"He has become beyond that the greatest goalscorer in the history of Real Madrid with 451 goals in 438 games. In total 16 titles, among them four European Cups, three of those consecutive and four in the last five seasons.
"For Real Madrid Cristiano Ronaldo will always be one of the great idols and an example for future generations. Real Madrid will always be his home."
2018-07-10T15:46:44.816Z
Yes, it's actually happened.
Cristiano Ronaldo is leaving Real Madrid for Juventus.
2018-07-10T15:30:04.150Z
Cristiano Ronaldo’s entourage has met with Juventus as the Italian giants look to pull off a previously unthinkable coup and sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Portuguese forward’s up-and-down relationship with the Bernabéu club over the past few seasons hit a new low in the immediate aftermath of winning the Champions League in Kiev, where he reopened the subject of his future in interviews on the field before a single celebratory firework had even been lit.
It was the latest in a series of unsubtle efforts from Ronaldo at getting an improved contract, with the Real Madrid man’s entourage believing he was due a significant salary increase in the wake of Lionel Messi and Neymar being handed bigger deals. 
And while he tried to walk back his comments the following day, this time Real Madrid haven’t been willing to play ball and intermediaries let it be known to a gaggle of top European clubs in late June that the 33-year-old forward could be available for as little as €100m (£88m).

Friday, July 6, 2018

Brazil vs. Belgium 2018 World Cup quarterfinal: Belgium stuns Brazil, 2-1

Football Fever Every time.

Photo: Reuters


Belgium 2, Brazil 1
With a blistering counterattack and sturdy goaltending, Belgium shocked Brazil, 2-1, in a World Cup quarterfinal Friday to become one of the tournament’s last four teams standing.
Brazil’s loss continued a string of World Cup upsets that previously eliminated heavyweights Germany, Argentina, and Spain. France is now the only remaining country in this tournament that has won a World Cup within the past 50 years. All six remaining teams are from Europe, including all four participants in Saturday’s final two quarterfinals, guaranteeing the first all-European semifinal round since 2006.
Belgium’s near-perfect first half set the pace. After an early scare — a well-executed Neymar corner kick — the Red Devils roared back with two goals in 19 minutes. Vincent Kompany’s header struck Brazilian defender Fernandinho for an own goal in the 13th minute. In the 32nd minute, a wicked Belgian counterattack found midfielder Kevin De Bruyne 22 yards out for a shot that might have left a vapor trail.
Brazil finally found the score sheet in the 75th minute, when substitute Renato Augusto finished a header off a cross from Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho had a chance to tie the match minutes later off a lovely tap pass from Neymar, but his chance flew over the crossbar. Neymar had a chance to equalize himself, but Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois was equal to the task and flicked the shot over top of the net.
Belgium will face France Tuesday in St. Petersburg in a semifinal, its first trip back to that round since finishing fourth in 1986.
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***
In-Game Updates
Courtois makes a breathtaking save
Neymar bent a shot around the Belgian defense that was headed for goal, but the Red Devils’ keeper lunged for it and flicked it over top the cross bar to preserve a one-goal lead in the 95th minute.
Yellow card to Brazil’s Fagner
In the 90th minute.
Belgium substitution: Tielemans for Lukaku
In the 87th minute.
Yellow card to Brazil’s Fernandinho
In the 85th minute.
Belgium substitution: Vermaelen for Chadli
In the 83rd minute.
Goal Brazil!
And all of a sudden, things look a lot more interesting. Philippe Coutinho chipped a cross in for Renato Augusto in the 73rd minute, who smacked a header into the net. The Seleção is one goal away from equalizing.
Brazil substitution: Renato Augusto for Paulinho
In the 73rd minute.
Yellow card to Belgium’s Meunier
In the 71st minute. Meunier will miss the semifinal match, should Belgium advance, with a yellow-card suspension.
Yellow card to Belgium’s Alderweireld
In the 48th minute.
Brazil substitution: Firmino for Willian
To begin the second half.
Halftime update: Belgium 2, Brazil 0
After a first half in which everything went Belgium’s way, the Red Devils finish the first 45 minutes ahead of Brazil, 2-0. Belgium survived an early scare — a well-executed Neymar corner kick — to roar back with two goals in 19 minutes.
Vincent Kompany’s header struck Brazilian defender Fernandinho for an own goal in the 13th minute. In the 32nd minute, a wicked Belgian counterattack found midfielder Kevin De Bruyne 22 yards out for a shot that might have left a vapor trail. The last time Brazil, the five-time champions, fought back from a two-goal deficit in a World Cup match was in the 1938 third-place match against Sweden.
***
First-half updates
Goal Belgium!
Belgium is well in charge now. Kevin De Bruyne’s laser beam from 22 yards out in the 32nd minute put the Red Devils up, 2-0, on Brazil. The score came off a counterattack from a Brazilian corner. Belgium’s defense cleared the cross and striker Romelu Lukaku took the ball 45 yards from his own net. He ran the midfield and beat two Brazilian defenders before his pass found De Bruyne, who stepped into a wonder strike. The score puts the Seleção firmly on its heels early in the game.
Goal Belgium!
As the game speeds up and gets increasingly disorganized, both sides have begun to rely on set pieces. The Red Devils struck first in the 13th minute off a brilliantly executed corner. Vincent Kompany flicked a header toward his compatriots in the six-yard box, but the ball caught the shoulder of Brazil’s Fernandinho instead and found the back of the net.
Brazil gets the first chance
Off a Neymar-struck corner, Thiago Silva got his thigh on the cross inside the six-yard box and the ricochet caught Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois by surprise. The effort nicked the post and bounced wide and Belgium countered with an offensive charge of its own.
The game has opened up early. Both sides are playing with speed and pressuring the ball the full length of the field. Twelve minutes into the game, there have been seven shots on goal.
Starting lineups announced
Pregame thoughts
It’s the best of South America against perhaps the best that’s left of Europe for a spot in the semifinals. Brazil sailed past Mexico to reach the quarterfinals, while Belgium fended off Japan with a winning goal in added time, becoming the first team to win a World Cup knockout round match after trailing by at least two goals since 1970.
There’s plenty of anticipation in this round for both sides. Each entered the tournament among the title favorites, and nothing thus far has changed those expectations. Brazil is the oddsmakers’ favorite to win the championship, and Belgium isn’t far behind, having scored 12 goals, three more than any other team. Their championship pedigrees, however, are far different. Brazil, five-time champions, is in the quarterfinals for the seventh straight World Cup. Belgium has been this far just once since 1986 — and not beyond.
For Brazil, hopes lie on the feet of world class forward Neymar, but Paulinho and Philippe Coutinho have combined for some brilliant offense that has stretched defenses and only strengthened the Seleção’s possession-oriented game.
For Belgium, the Red Devils will fight for a share of the ball, something Brazil isn’t fond of giving up. Eden Hazard (two goals, two assists in three matches) will be key in keeping the side on time in the attacking half. Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will help funnel the ball forward and keep the Red Devils connected down the field. The winner will face France, a 2-0 winner over Uruguay earlier Friday, in a Tuesday semifinal.
Team Profiles
Brazil 
  • Previous results: Drew with Switzerland, 1-1. Defeated Costa Rica, 2-0. Defeated Serbia, 2-0. Defeated Mexico in the round of 16, 2-0.
  • Best World Cup finish: Champion, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
  • Notable: Dating to 1998, Brazil’s last six World Cup losses have all come against European opposition.
  • FIFA world ranking: 2. Elo world ranking: 1.
  • Belgium 
  • Previous results: Defeated Panama, 3-0. Defeated Tunisia, 5-2. Defeated England, 1-0. Defeated Japan in the round of 16, 3-2.
  • Best World Cup finish: Fourth place, 1986
  • Notable: Belgium’s last two World Cup campaigns both ended against South American teams: against Argentina in the 2014 quarterfinals, and against Brazil in the 2002 second round.
  • FIFA world ranking: 3. Elo world ranking: 3.
  • Read more about the World Cup:
    ‘It’s a big night for England’ as penalty shootout misery is lifted against Colombia
    Japan’s World Cup legacy includes a spotless locker room and a thank-you note
    Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel kept father’s kidnapping a secret before World Cup match vs. Argentina
    Brazil has too much showtime for Mexico at World Cup, regardless of cries of bad acting

    Thursday, July 5, 2018

    Cristiano Ronaldo-to-Juventus transfer rumors: Latest news on Real Madrid star linked to Italy move and what to know

    Football Fever Every time.
    Ronaldo leaving Madrid? Photo: Reuters

    With Portugal out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after a loss to Uruguay in the round of 16, the annual Cristiano Ronaldo summer transfer saga is upon us. Ronaldo has been linked in the past with with teams like Paris Saint-Germain and his former club, Manchester United, but the latest team connected with the Portuguese superstar is one he's done some damage against: Juventus. 
    Spanish publication Marca is reporting that the Ronaldo is "moving further" away from the club, and that Real Madrid is obligated to accept a deal. The publication went as far as to say that he will be wearing the colors of Juventus next season, barring any late change. 
    Spanish program "El Chiringuito de Jugones" is reporting that the player will move to Juventus for $116.57 million.
    As always during the transfer window, let's sort out this transfer fodder and give you everything you need to know:
    What's the latest news?
    Luciano Moggi, the former Juventus CEO, once tried to sign Ronaldo as a teenager. Now, he's saying that it's a done deal. Here's what the 80-year-old told an Italian television station, per beIN Sports: "In my opinion, he has already signed and passed the medical examination with Juventus in Munich."
    "This is what I think after talking to important people."
    Moggi, bear in mind, resigned from Juventus in 2006 and swore off soccer for his involvement in Italy's massive refereeing scandal. 
    However, there are other reports that indicate that a deal is very much in place. Portuguese publication Record is reporting that Juventus has a four-year contract worth $35 million annually, not to mention a $116.57-million buyout. Neymar's $259.48-million buyout from Barcelona to go to Paris St. Germain last summer is still the largest that a club has triggered, however.
    Per Record: "[Real Madrid president] Florentino Perez summoned [Ronaldo's agent] Jorge Mendes for an emergency meeting, which lasted until dawn with a conclusion: Ronaldo finally closed the door on Real Madrid, as Record reported in the June 1 edition, and accepted Juventus' proposal."
    Juventus is keeping silent on the negotiations, with GM Giuseppe Marotta saying "I will not speak" per ESPN when pressed on whether or not Juventus fans can consider Ronaldo to their team a done deal by a Sky Sports Italia reporter.
    Why would Ronaldo leave Real Madrid?
    Ronaldo has had several rocky offseasons and has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid all the time. He's won everything there is to win at the club, and maybe he wants another challenge. After winning the Champions League title for the third consecutive season, here's what he told reporters after the match:
    It was very nice to be at Real Madrid ... In the coming days I will give a response to the fans, who have always been at my side.
    It's worth noting that the very next day at Real Madrid's victory parade and before reporting to the Portuguese national team training camp leading up to the start of the World Cup, Ronaldo vaguely hinted that he could be back at Madrid next season. He was heard saying on the microphone, "until next year," at the end of the event. 
    It remains to be seen if there was a deeper fallout between the star player and the club directory over the last month. But in all seriousness, perhaps he's seeking a change of scenery after accomplishing everything possible at Real Madrid, and especially after dodging prison time for tax evasion in Spain. 
    What would the transfer mean for Juventus?
    The Italians would be getting the most in-form attacker in the world. He was exceptional at the World Cup and even at the age of 33, he's got plenty of gas left in the tank due to his phenomenal shape. With the potential exit of Gonzalo Higuain, Juventus would need a star man in the final third as it looks to get over the hump and win the Champions League. And for $116.57 million, it's a steal even in this market, considering he went for €94 million to Real Madrid in 2009. With this market, he's a player worth at least €175 million. 
    What would his departure mean for Real Madrid?
    The golden era of the new millennium may be coming to an end at the Bernabeu if this happens. Sergio Ramos doesn't have much left (as we've witnessed at the World Cup), Zinedine Zidane just left as manager, and there are plenty of question marks. You can count on Real Madrid buying some great players to replace him if a move goes through. 
    What's next?
    Something official. These reports could turn out to be true or quite the opposite. Ronaldo hasn't publicly said whether or not he wants to leave. So, only time will tell. He's on vacation now after Portugal was eliminated from the World Cup, and we'll have to keep an eye on what happens over the next few weeks. Players are expected to join their clubs at the end of the month for preseason, and whether Ronaldo shows up in Madrid will tell us plenty. 

    Wednesday, July 4, 2018

    272 million Embappa going to Real Madrid!

    Football Fever Every time.
     Embappe who wants Real Photo: Reuters

    There is something that seems to exclude Spain from the World Cup. The Spanish media has discovered the news of any bomb blast every day. As it has been heard two nights ago, Neymar is going to Real Madrid in 310 million euros. This time the bomb is bigger, forgetting Neymar or realizing that Kylian Mbabp is Real!

    Tomorrow, another buzz kept the media busy. Cristiano Ronaldo is going to Juventus only in 100 million Euros On the one hand Neymar was rumored to be in the team, while Ronaldo's discomfort with the tax case in Spain and anger with the pay and allowances were seen by all the importance of this news. Ronaldo has indicated that he will leave the club soon after the Champions League finals.
    These rumors have become a little faded today, in the news of the emboss. News has spread in the media in France, French Forward, coming from PSG to Riel in exchange for 272 million euros. In the last season, Mbeepko had offered 180 million Euros to Monaco to pull out from Real. But Embap then chose Paris as his own city.

    Ababa is spreading light in the World Cup. Messi has scored Argentina's goal in the World Cup The main objective of this is to re-look at the nebula from Neymar, French journalist Baptiste Ripart tweeted that Real to agree to give 272 million euros for the emboss, Real. They will give this money in four steps.
    Rift tweet has to be emphasized. Because, other news he gave in the near past proved to be correct. The fact that Gatoramine Germain does not go to Barcelona, ​​and Thamas Lemaera will also go to Atlético Madrid, the two reports said earlier that Ripper.

    After the buzz of Neymar, Real has claimed the news on their website officially. However, Ronaldo did not quarrel on the news again. After the Embezzar's news, their reaction might say, whether the ambassador will be Real, who will be five years away from Real Madrid.

    Tuesday, July 3, 2018

    England vs Colombia: England beat Colombia on penalties to reach World Cup quarter-finals

    Football Fever Every time.
    It is going to be the joy of English players. Photo: Reuters

    MOSCOW
    : European country finally over their penalties curse once they beat Colombia 4-3 in a very gunplay when drawing their World Cup last-16 clash 1-1 following overtime when the South Americans equalized within the 93rd minute.
    SCHEDULE | VIDEOS England had antecedently lost all 3 World Cup shootouts and 3 of 4 in the European Championship, however prevailed on Tuesday once Mateus Uribe and Taurus made simple fruit did not convert, exploited Eric Dier to win the sport for European country

    It was 1st 1st | the primary} time Colombia was concerned in a very World Cup gunplay and that they took first blood once Jordan Henderson uncomprehensible his spot kick - except for fortune smiled on European country.

    ALSO READ: Sweden beat Suisse 1-0 to succeed in quarter-finals

    Earlier, Harry Kane smashed in a very 57th-minute penalty, his sixth goal of the tournament, AND European country seen to be reached through a equalizer in the third minute of stoppage time.

    It was England's initial win in a very knockout game since 2006 and earns a quarter-final with Sweden, UN agency was faraway from spectacular in beating Suisse 1-0 earlier on Tuesday.

    Then comes a possible semi-final against hosts Russia or Croatia with a clear way to securely secure the European climax cluster game loss in Gareth Southgate's call to field a secondary aspect.

    Colombia's hopes suffered a big natural event before kickoff once key playmaker James Rodriguez was dominated out with a calf injury and while not him they took a defensive approach and ne'er rarely vulnerable.

    England used to be a lot of purposeful aspects but they lacked the key.

    The South Americans had been getting away with blatant holding and wrestling at every England's many corners and also the referee's patience finally snapped once Ilich [sanchez | Ilich Ramirez Sanchez | Carlos | Carlos the Jackal | Salim | Andres Martinez | Taurus | Glen Gebhard | Hector Hevodidbon | Michael Assat | terrorist} Sanchez downtown tournament leading scorer Kane once too typically

    After four minutes of mayhem because of the Colombians protested, Kane unbroken his cool and smashed in his third spot kick of Russia 2018. Once Juan Cuadrado blazed dreadfully over the bar with the goal agape ten minutes from time with Colombia's initial likelihood of the match it looked everywhere for them But there was a fiery sting in the tail of traditional time. European country keeper Jordan actress created an excellent save from the touch of a Uribe but from the subsequent corner - Colombia's initial of the match - large defender myna bird rose to equalize in the top and the concentrated Colombian fans in a hysteria European country substitute Dier uncomprehensible The most effective likelihood of the additional amount once he headed over the bar, however he made up for it in emphatic fashion with the penalty penalty in the gunplay

    Sunday, July 1, 2018

    Russia Shocks Spain in World Cup Knockout!

    Football Fever Every time.

    Iniesta-Carvalahal is not the first XI in Spain. Photo: Reuters


    One hero, for sure, is Akinfeev, who saved two of Spain’s five penalties. Then there is Dzyuba, who created and then converted the penalty that drew Russia level in a game in which they appeared comically overmatched at times. Or maybe Sergey Ignashevich, the 38-year-old center back, who was drafted into the World Cup late in Russia’s preparations. He has played every minute of this tournament, and he provided the five-man defensive back line with the leadership and the structure to hold off Spain again and again.
    To say Spain played Russia to a draw was technically true. But in reality Spain played and Russia chased for most of the match inside the cavernous Luzhniki Stadium, with Spain content to keep possession of the ball after an early goal and Russia, well, content to let Spain have it.
    Photo Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev blocks a penalty kick with his foot. Credit Victor R. Caivano/Associated Press
    For 10, 15, 20 passes at a stretch, Spain worked the ball around the field at will — a game of keepaway disguised as a World Cup elimination match. The pro-Russian crowd whistled its disapproval early and repeatedly, and urged its team on with all its might whenever it managed — even briefly — to steal the ball away from the Spaniards. But Spain, inevitably and repeatedly, simply took the ball back. And kept it.
    Spain was so dominant in the first half that it nearly made it to halftime with a one-goal lead despite taking no shots: its opening goal came off the right ankle of Sergei Ignashevich, who unwittingly scored this World Cup’s 10th own goal — a record that continues to grow — as he fell to the ground while tangling with Spain’s Sergio Ramos on a free kick in the 12th minute.
    Staked to the early lead it sought, Spain continued to pass and Russia continued to chase. Nothing happened as the game quickly devolved into a training session.
    And then, in the 40th minute, everything suddenly changed. Russia won a corner, Alexander Samedov fired it in and Dzyuba headed it directly onto the arm of Spain’s Gerard Piqué — who for some reason had jumped to challenge him with his back turned and one arm over his head.
    The Dutch referee, Bjorn Kuipers, called a hand ball. Dzyuba buried it past David De Gea and just like that, Russia — and its crowd — came to life.
    Russia had ridden that kind of full-throated support right through its first three games at the tournament. Its maximum effort and early success — two victories in its first three games — had quickly got its countrymen on board, easing fears that the tournament might be basically ignored by the host country if the Russian team exited early. Indeed, after its second victory, against Egypt, Russians poured into the streets of central Moscow, honking car horns, waving flags and celebrating until well after midnight.
    [Up Next: Follow our live coverage of Croatia vs. Denmark]
    Dzyuba’s goal seemed to revive those fans on Sunday, and let them think victory might just be possible. The start of the second half was more even, and the free kicks Russia won — with increasing frequency — soon began to create two and three half-chances before Spain got the ball clear.
    Spain still ruled the statistics — it completed 1,029 passes to Russia’s 202 by the end of the mathc — but it stubbornly refused to adjust its style even after it became clear Russia would not yield. It had good chances — a long-range shot by Andres Iniesta in the second half, a dangerous run by the substitute Rodrigo in the second extra period — but the goal never came.
    Having reached the penalty-kick shootout, Russia drove in the knife. Fyodor Smolov, then Ignashevich, then Alexsandr Golovin, then Russia’s Denis Cherchyshev, all beat goalkeeper de Gea. (Cherchyshev, who plays for Villarreal in Spain, where he has lived since joining Real Madrid’s academy at age 12, banged his in after Ramos whispered in his ear before the attempt.)
    Akinfeev did the rest, stopping Koke on Spain’s third attempt and Aspas on the fifth. As he kicked the ball high into the air with his trailing foot to seal the victory, the crowd of 78,011 made a sound louder than any at this World Cup.
    And now those fans will get at least one more chance to cheer their heroes.
    ——
    Here’s how Russia beat Spain:
    Photo Artem Dzyuba celebrates his game-tying goal for Russia in the first half. Credit Clive Rose/Getty Images Russia Goes Wild!
    The Russian team goes crazy as a jubilant Moscow crowd cheers on their advancement to the quarterfinals. Russia was considered one of the weakest teams in the tournament, and Spain one of the favorites. But in 120 minutes Spain could only force one own goal, and when it comes down to penalties anybody can beat anybody.
    Andrew Das: Stunning finish there as Akinfeev kicks away the last attempt by Aspas. The Russians pour toward him and he dives, fists outstretched into the grass to absorb their love. The crowd has gone absolutely bonkers in here.
    PK: Russia 4, Spain 3
    MISS Spain! Akinfeev dives the wrong way but gets a foot on Iago Aspas’s penalty!
    PK: Russia 4, Spain 3
    GOAL Russia! Denis Cheryshev goes down the middle as David de Gea dives to his side.
    PK: Russia 3, Spain 3
    GOAL Spain! Sergio Ramos with exaggerated slow steps and sends Akinfeev the wrong way.
    PK: Russia 3, Spain 2
    GOAL Russia! Aleksandr Golovin powers the ball under a diving de Gea.
    PK: Russia 2, Spain 2
    MISS Spain! Koke’s shot isn’t enough to the side, and Akinfeev dives to his right and stops it.
    PK: Spain 2, Russia 2
    GOAL Russia! Sergey Ignashevich’s stutter step sends de Gea the wrong direction.
    PK: Spain 2, Russia 1
    GOAL Spain! Gerard Pique powers his shot into the bottom left corner as Akinfeev once again dives the wrong way.
    PK: Spain 1, Russia 1
    GOAL Russia! David de Gea gets his right hand onto it, but Fedor Smolov’s shot is too powerful.
    PK: Spain 1, Russia 0
    GOAL Spain! Andres Iniesta easily puts it into the back of the net as Akinfeev dives the wrong way.
    PK: Spain Goes First
    Spain wins the coin toss, and captain Sergio Ramos elects for Spain to shoot first.
    Penalty Kicks On Tap
    EXTRA TIME IS OVER! The referee blows his whistle, and we are going to penalties!
    121’: One Last Chance for Spain!
    Rodrigo gets off a low shot from the top of the box, but Akinfeev easily falls to his side and saves it.
    117’: Spain Clears Russian Corner
    Russia gets a corner kick but the ball is deflected out of danger. Just a few minutes left for Spain to get a winner here.
    If you are wondering how attacking Russia has been for the last hour and change, the answer is: Not very!
    116’: Spain Dodges Trouble
    Another Spanish error almost frees Russia. Pique tried to navigate out of trouble in his own box and loses the ball, but Spain clears.
    Andrew Das: Dramatically cooler in here suddenly as the weather changes — just what the tiring Russians needed. What they needed more was the corner they just won.
    114’: Penalty? No.
    A beautiful Spanish free kick drifts achingly beyond three Spanish players, and they IMMEDIATELY sprint to referee Bjorn Kuipers to argue that Pique and Ramos were held and deserve a penalty.
    Andrew Das: That really should have been a penalty for the hold on Ramos. He couldn’t get free of his man and the ball sailed within a few feet of him. Nope. Kuipers waves play on.
    112’: Spain Keeps Hammering Away
    Spain is generating a good chance every two minutes. If there were an hour left in this game they would surely score, but Russia might be able to hold out for just 10 minutes more.
    Andrew Das: Did they chant “Russ-see-ya!” this much in Rocky IV?
    111’: Russia Playing for Penalties
    Russia with a free kick just inside their own half ... and it is kicked out for a Spanish goal kick. You almost get the sense that Russia doesn’t care one bit about trying to score.
    Andrew Das: There is something you have to respect about the stubborn way Spain plays on days like this. It’s as if they’re refusing to change — flatly refusing — in the face of overwhelming evidence what they’re doing isn’t working.
    “We will win our way,” they seem to be saying. “However long it takes.” The trust, the belief, inherent in that is admirable. The question is: will it be successful?
    109’: Spain on the Attack, but Russia Firm
    Rodrigo with a beautiful dummy along the sideline, and he sprints forward in the most pulsing move a Spanish player has made all day. But his tight angle shot is blocked by Akinfeev, and Dani Carvajal can’t get a strong shot on the rebound.
    Andrew Das: Was that Spain’s best chance to win it before penalties? Maybe. Rodrigo loses his man with a brilliant dummy in the open field, but Carvajal lashed the rebound into a defender. Soooooo close there.
    106’: Spain Needs to Push
    Fifteen more minutes before we go to penalties. A basically 50/50 chance at winning on penalties would be a great outcome for Russia, so perhaps Spain is going to push even higher for a winning goal?
    Andrew Das: You have to wonder if the crowd is giving Russia a vital lift here. Let’s be honest: Spain’s the better team, and they’re quicker. But Russia isn’t breaking, isn’t surrendering a yard. And every time they need someone to make a play, he makes it. That’s infectious, especially as this thing goes on and on and on ....
    105’: Free Kick for Spain
    Spain earns a free kick in the final minute of the first period of extra time, and Pique gets a head to Koke’s ball, but it is straight at Akinfeev.
    Andrew Das: Pique’s header is saved and the crowd rises and cheers as one. They really believe now.
    102’: Aspas Provides Some Energy
    Iago Aspas attempted to go one-on-four but his shot was blocked. At least he went for it though!
    Andrew Das: The 38-year-old Ignashevich fighting off the substitute Aspas — twice — to clear on that break just now is the most tangible sign of how much Russia is willing to give here today. Disciplined, noble effort under sustained pressure. They can be proud, however it ends.
    100’: Akinfeev Handles Asensio
    Marco Asensio gets a clear shot, but a soft kick from 20 yards out goes right into Igor Akinfeev’s hands.
    Andrew Das: Asensio follows up Koke’s long-range attempt with one of his own. Maybe one of those will shake something loose here, but it telegraphs that Spain realizes it might want to score soon rather than leave this to PKs in a hostile stadium. Momentum in those can do funny things.
    97’: Koke Lets One Fly
    Koke with the most un-Spain moment of the day there, firing off a shot from 35 yards. Maybe he’s had enough, too. That was a frustration ball that landed 35 rows up.
    92’: Spain Strikes First
    Isco immediately plays a piercing ball through to Aspas who cuts it back for Dani Carvajal, but his shot is blocked.
    91’: Who’ll Tire First?
    We are back underway. It is a hot day in Moscow and a few players have cramped up already. This game may come down to one side making a tired mistake.
    Extra Time
    As a reminder, for the first time in the World Cup, the teams will be given a fourth substitute to hopefully spice up the extra time period.
    Andrew Das: That could be big for Russia, which used its first three early (by the 65th minute).
    The Numbers
    Passes in regulation: Spain 854, Russia 227
    Passes completed: Spain 772, Russia 169.
    The key category, as always, is goals. And that one’s 1-1.
    90 +5’: Extra Time!
    Spain gets one last cross in, but it is headed clear, and the referee blows his whistle!
    After a short break, we’ll have 30 more minutes of Spain passing it among themselves.
    90 +3’: Chance for Russia ... Wide
    Russia perhaps gets their final chance of regular time, but Fedor Smolov curls his shot well wide.
    Andrew Das: The Russian fans are on their feet at the Luzhniki; they think they’ve won the 90 minutes even if they’ve lost the statistics on points, and want to try to steal it here.
    90’: Spain Wastes Three Corners
    Spain gets three corners in a row, but can’t get a good shot off. The fourth official signals four minutes of extra time.
    84’: Two Chances for Spain Blocked
    Aspas chests a pass back to Iniesta, and his low on-target shot is parried aside. The rebound comes to Aspas, but his shot is dragged wide. Spain looks much more dangerous and direct with Iniesta and Aspas on, making you wonder why it took until the 80th minute for them both to be on.
    Andrew Das: Akinfeev may just have kept Russia in the World Cup. Dove right to stop Iniesta’s shot from the top of the area, pushing it right, then scrambled up to paw away Aspas’s follow shot with his left hand. Super play.
    82’: No Hand Ball
    The ensuing corner sort of awkwardly bounces through the box without being touched, though there are appeals for a hand ball. The video assistant referee takes a look, but sees the ball only hit Sergey Ignashevic’s shoulder, not arm.
    Andrew Das: That’s a good use of V.A.R. there; Kuipers stops the throw while they look for a hand ball on the replay, but when it shows the ball his Ignashevich in the chest, he takes the V.A.R.’s word and waves play to continue. A few seconds delay to get the call right.
    80’: Costa Takes a Seat
    Spain makes their final change, and it’s an interesting one. Iago Aspas, who is a sort of hybrid striker/winger, comes in for Diego Costa. He scored the late equalizer against Morocco.
    Andrew Das: That’s the most movement we’ve seen from Costa in an hour as he sprints to the sideline to be replaced by Aspas. Hierro really needed to do something, or at least send on someone will to run around a bit more, cause some confusion. Let’s hope those were the instructions to Aspas.
    76’: Playing Keepaway
    Spain currently running the world’s largest, most boring rondo: just encircling a Russian team that doesn’t seem to be trying too hard to get the ball back. It is as if Spain thinks the first team to 1,000 passes automatically wins.
    72’: Spain Gives It Away
    A long Koke pass goes high over Marco Asensio’s head and out of bounds, which is a good metaphor of how dangerous Spain’s attack has been.
    Andrew Das: Spain still looks like it’s going to have to pass its way through a picket fence here; all the possession lately is around the outside, ringing the Russians but not probing the center. That’s fine for keepaway. It’s significantly harder to score a goal that way, though, especially if the Russians refuse to be drawn out of their compact shape. “Want the ball way out wide?” they seem to be saying. “Go ahead, have the ball outside.”
    71’: Yellow for Zobnin
    Jordi Alba is taken down by Roman Zobnin, who gets a yellow card for his troubles.
    70’: Spain Turns to Dani Carvajal
    Right back Nacho makes way for Dani Carvajal, who started each of the last two games.
    Andrew Das: It’s amazing how Spain never seems to run out of Real Madrid or Barcelona players to bring on.
    67’: Iniesta Replaces Silva for Spain
    It’s David Silva who makes way for Iniesta.
    Andrew Das: Silva didn’t really show much today. If anyone can sort Spain out, create something out of nothing, it’s probably Iniesta.
    Iniesta, 34, is surely in his last World Cup. And after all he’s won, he absolutely does not want to go out to Russia in the round of 16.
    65’: Russia Takes Off Dzyuba
    Russia makes their final substitution, taking off goal scorer Artem Dzyuba for Fedor Smolov. Spain still has all three of their substitutions left, but Andres Iniesta is coming on shortly.
    Andrew Das: Russia has used all three of its subs now. They’ve also grabbed a bit more of the momentum, though they’ve still been out-passed today by nearly three to one. Last I checked, Spain had completed about 600 passes, Russian just under 200.
    64’: Costa Offside
    Diego Costa thought he had a little breakaway going against the Russian defense, but the offside flag is up. He just know it.
    62’: Russia Brings on Cheryshev
    Here comes Denis Cheryshev, on for Aleksandr Samedov at attacking midfielder. Cheryshev has played in Spain since he was 12, and would love to score against this team full of Real Madrid and Barcelona players.
    60’: Silva Misses
    A great chance for Spain and David Silva. He creates a little bit of space to get his head on a cross, but sends it wide of the left post.
    59’: Corner for Spain
    Diego Costa gets a nice through ball behind the defense, but his cutback is blocked out. Russia clears the subsequent corner away.
    56’: Not Quite the Classic Spain
    Spain looks like a version of classic Spain that has been run through the copier. It’s definitely Spain, but they’re lacking the edge, the detail and the definition that made them Spain.
    It’s not possession to intentionally lull Russia to sleep, or possession that is constantly probing for openings. It’s possession that isn’t creative enough to regularly trouble Russia.
    50’: Will Spain Attack?
    For Russia, the plan is simple: Keep doing what they’re doing. For Spain, the decision is much harder: When, if ever, do they try something new? Spain has always been supremely confident in sticking to their game plan, assuming the goal is coming eventually. But they could go more direct to Diego Costa, or bring players like Andres Iniesta, Thiago or Iago Aspas off the bench.
    48’: Spain Changes Strategy
    Spain immediately on the attack, with Isco doing most of the hard work. The ball eventually skips to a wide open Jordi Alba, but it’s at an awkward height and he’s only able to thrust a quadriceps at it.
    46’: Russia Makes a Change
    We are underway! Russia has brought Vladimir Granat on for Yury Zhirkov.
    Russia stays in the 5-4-1 though. No change in formation.
    Halftime: Spain 1, Russia 1
    Spain and Russia go into the half all even 1-1, as the World Cup of strange goals continues. Spain’s came on a free kick own goal, while Russia’s was from a yellow card after a hand ball in the box.
    Spain has dominated possession but failed to generate many chances, while Russia has sat back and looked to score on the counter.
    Andrew Das: Spain must be kicking itself for not pressing harder for a second goal before halftime. They were in total control, and Russia was willing to lie back and take whatever they did. But content in possession, Spain was happy to play keepaway — a winning strategy unless, you know, you somehow give up the tying goal and let the hosts and the crowd roar back to life.
    Now Russia will probably go into the locker room thinking, “You know .......”
    45+2’: Russian Counterattack Fizzles
    The half ends with a Diego Costa header and a Russian counterattack, but neither amount to anything.
    45’: Spain Finally Takes a Shot
    In the final minute of the first half, Spain takes their first shot. It’s from Marco Asensio outside the box, and it is blocked.
    43’: Spain’s Shaky Defense
    Spain’s defense has been uncharacteristically error-prone this World Cup, but at some point it stops being uncharacteristic and is simply the reality of the situation: David de Gea’s fumbled shot in the opener, Ramos and Iniesta’s miscommunication against Morocco and now Pique’s hand ball for a goal here.
    41’: GOAL! Russia Equalizes
    Artem Dzyuba slams the ball into the corner as de Gea dives the wrong way. The Moscow stadium sounds deafening.
    Strange arguments from Spain over the penalty: Pique rose with his arm over his head. Even with his back turned, that’s an unnatural position that’s indefensible when he got an advantage from it. The score is even, though the game surely has not been.
    40’: Penalty!
    Penalty kick for Russia! Big Artem Dzyuba rose highest on the corner kick, and headed the ball off of Gerard Pique’s arm, which was sticking up straight in the air.
    39’: Russia Takes Control
    All of a sudden Russia is on the front foot, and Spain’s defense looks unorganized. Russian corner coming up.
    36’: Chance Russia!
    Sergio Ramos was unable to deal with a high ball, eventually giving Aleksandr Golovin a shot from 15 yards out, but he curls the ball wide of a diving David de Gea and wide of the post.
    32’: Spain Spreads Out
    Spain is really trying to stretch Russia out, with Jordi Alba and Nacho practically stuck to the sidelines, and Sergio Ramos pinging balls from sideline to sideline.
    28’: Russia Should Go to the Air
    If Russia can get some high balls into the box, they would seemingly have an advantage. Forward Artem Dzyuba is enormous, and outside of Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique, Spain doesn’t really have height or physicality at the back.
    Andrew Das: The crowd is turning on Spain’s possession now, whistling as they just toy with the Russians. But Russia isn’t doing much to change the game here, either. Current pass count on that last stoppage: Spain 231, Russia 58. It’s going to get worse.
    22’: Spain Leads Without Taking a Shot
    Russia’s defense is actually performing quite well. Spain has yet to take a shot, and haven’t really had any dangerous chances except for the free kick. Too bad that free kick resulted in a goal.
    17’: Now Russia Must Push
    At some point Russia will have to open up in search of a tying goal, but when will that be? Probably not until the second half.
    14’: Russia Gets a Chance
    Roman Zobnin sees an opening and takes it from midrange. His shot sails over the bar.
    Photo Spain scored on a Russia own goal in the first half. Credit Mladen Antonov/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images 12’: GOAL! Spain Leads
    Sergio Ramos was defended 1-on-1 at the back post on the free kick, and it looked like he managed to get a foot on the ball while practically being tackled.
    On replay, that will be ruled a Sergey Ignashevich own goal. Ramos was swinging at it, but the ball ultimately bounced off the back of Ignashevich’s leg and in. I suppose the lesson here is to not turn your back to the ball while tackling the attacker on a free kick. That’s the second own goal for Russia in this tournament.
    Andrew Das: Ramos will claim that goal, scored while he and Ignashevich fell together at the back post. Tough break — Ignashevich knew nothing of it — but fair for Spain, which has dominated so far. That’s the 10th own goal of the tournament by the way, a World Cup record. Far and away the leader for the Golden Boot.
    10’: Free Kick for Spain
    Yuri Zhirkov’s rough challenge draws a foul from the referee Bjorn Kuipers. Spain will have a dangerous free kick from the wing, as soon as Nacho gets some treatment for taking studs in the leg.
    7’: Spain Keeps Possession
    So far the game is playing to type. Spain has all of the possession and is attempting to unlock the Russian defense with quick movement and passing, while the one time Russia got the ball they made a break for it and earned a corner.
    Andrew Das: Spain in complete control in the first 10 minutes, just passing the ball back and forth, around and around, and probing that back five when there’s a chance. When Russia does break, the crowd roars, and Golovin even won a corner at one point. But Russia did nothing with it, and we’re right back to Spain on the ball. The possession stats are going to be wildly lopsided today
    5’: Zhirkov Fires First
    Yuri Zhirkov grabs a rebound and lets one fly from long range. Spain gets a body on it. No threat.
    3’: Russia Heavy in the Back
    Russia has an ultra-defensive setup. They are starting 5 defenders at the back, and their breakout star of this World Cup, Denis Cheryshev, is on the bench. He started the tournament on the bench, but came into the first game early after Alan Dzagoev’s injury.
    Andrew Das: Russia is playing five across the back today, with the 38-year-old Sergey Ignashevich holding down the center. Diego Costa already has set up shop in his living room.
    3’: Spain Probing
    Jordi Alba tries to take it himself for Spain, but Russia’s defense deals with him quickly.
    Kickoff!
    We are underway! Spain is in red, hosts Russia are in white, and 80,000 fans are in Luzhniki Stadium to cheer them on.
    Andrew Das: Today’s referee is a veteran Dutchman, Bjorn Kuipers. He’ll know the Spanish players from European games.
    Graphic World Cup 2018 Bracket: The 16 Teams in the Knockout Round
    Teams and schedule for the knockout stage.
    Interactive Feature Spot the Ball
    We’ve pulled some photos from group stage games and made one very important change — we removed the ball. See if you can guess where it was.
    Continue reading the main story

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