Colombia advance, England held in World Cup group push
Chelsea consider signing Morocco’s World Cup breakout Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, amid midfield needs and competition from top clubs, after standout displays in the group stage.
Dr Nasser Mohamed, a gay Qatari in the US, uses the World Cup to campaign for LGBTQ+ rights with his ‘Love is the Goal’ message, attending matches while supporting both Qatar and the USA.
Simultaneous World Cup finales risk disruption from lightning delays, raising fears of teams finishing later knowing required results, echoing 1982’s ‘Disgrace of Gijon’ concerns.
England are held 0-0 by Ghana despite 19 shots, Asare impresses. O’Reilly hits the bar late. Both sides sit on 4 points in Group L, with England needing a result against Panama to seal top spot hopes.
Daniel Muñoz’s 76th-minute strike beats Congo as Colombia clinch last-32 spot. Lionel Mpasi excels early. Colombia top Group K on 6 points, need a draw vs Portugal to win the group.
As the World Cup returns to Mexico, families of the missing, like Idaly Juache’s mother, use the tournament’s spotlight to highlight disappearances and press for answers amid ongoing searches.
Crystal Palace stars impress at the World Cup: Daniel Muñoz nets in Colombia’s 1-0 win over DR Congo, while Mateta, Lacroix, Strand Larsen and Richards help France, Norway and USA reach the last 32.
Norway’s ‘Viking row’ celebration after the 3-2 win over Senegal delights fans but irks Sweden and Denmark, with Gustaf Lagerbielke calling it overused amid rising Nordic rivalry at the World Cup.
Group E decider: Opta gives Ivory Coast 82.2% to beat Curaçao. Faé’s side need a point to advance, with Diomande key. Curaçao rely on Room after 15-save heroics to chase historic progression.
Adidas and SP5DER launch a World Cup-themed collection fronted by Lamine Yamal, featuring F50 Formotion specials. Drops June 25 on SP5DER, global release July 1 via Adidas and select retailers.
Korea go through by avoiding defeat to South Africa. South Africa must beat Korea or better Czech result. Czech Republic must beat Mexico to reach four points and likely qualify as at least third.
Scotland qualify with a win or likely with a draw vs Brazil, defeat leaves them sweating on third. Brazil advance by avoiding defeat, still likely through if they lose. Morocco face eliminated Haiti.
Sportingbet data: South Africans back Portugal most to win the World Cup (18%), then Netherlands (15%) and Spain (10%). Around 6% still punt Bafana Bafana at long odds.
Round 3 stakes: seven teams already through. Key ties decide runners-up and best thirds. Managers hint at mixed rotation for Mexico, USA, Germany, Argentina, France, Norway and Colombia.
Canada can win Group B and stay in Vancouver with a win or draw vs Switzerland after a 6-0 over Qatar. Switzerland are near-safe but chase first place and extra rest. Marsch targets top spot.
Opinion piece argues Ronaldo’s brace versus a poor Uzbekistan side does not prove he is ‘back’, insisting the World Cup drought-ending double changes little.
