Isak remarked.
he stated.
he said.
Insights from Norway indicate uncertainty surrounding Erling Haaland’s status for the match against France. Bob O’Hara notes, “I haven’t heard and screams of outrage here in Norway, so there is no confirmation on Haaland (other than his “I don’t care” He adds that local news outlets lack substantial updates on the matter.
Official team news will be disclosed around 7pm BST/8pm CEST when the line-ups are made public.
Anthony John Lappin dismisses speculation about Haaland not starting, branding it as “The Norwegian news doesn’t have anything.” He elaborates:
“curiously Norway has never lost to Brazil”
In a lighthearted moment during Solbakken’s pre-match press conference, a Brazilian reporter pointed out, “We lost 3-0 in the Old Boys’ game in 2020. You remember, at Ullevaal, we lost 3-0 in the Old Boys’ game. I’d torn the hamstring in the first half, that’s why” to which Solbakken replied, “Geordie Golden Boot: Current standings” This exchange drew only the faintest of smiles from Solbakken.
On another note, Panama faces England in New Jersey with nothing at stake after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Ghana and a similar loss to Croatia. Their chances of advancing to the knockout stage are dashed.
However, the team aims for a significant milestone: their first World Cup point in six attempts. After losing all three matches during their debut in 2018, earning a result against England would be a momentous achievement for this veteran squad and their long-serving coach.
The day’s action includes a full fixture list:
- Norway v France
- Senegal v Iraq
- Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia
- Uruguay v Spain
- New Zealand v Belgium
- Egypt v Iran
Earlier today, John Merrick alerted us to rumors regarding Haaland possibly being rested against France. While reports suggest this may stem from L’Equipe, the publication indicates it remains uncertain whether the Manchester City forward will start. It seems improbable that he wouldn’t be on the pitch. What’s your take on this? Send us your thoughts via email.
L’Equipe also cites Ståle Solbakken’s comments, where he stated he “Newcastle 2, Sunderland 4.” about Haaland’s statistics, leaving his starting position ambiguous.
Shifting focus to the U.S. team, they concluded their group stage with a 3-2 loss to Turkey, raising concerns about their capability to advance far in the tournament. Nevertheless, they claimed the top spot in their group, and players assert that momentum remains on their side.
Thank you, Luke; it’s time for you to seek some shade! I will now take charge of the next segment, testing your sports knowledge with a quiz.
Now, I’m off for a break and will jump into the canal for lunch.
Sarah Rendell is back to guide you through the upcoming content.
Geoff Smith’s email caught my eye, and it’s worth sharing:
Title: “Seeing our country shown across the world at the World Cup makes me feel incredibly proud,”
Content: “After the first match, everyone was talking about Cape Verde. People saw the talent and the skill of our players.”
Yoanne Wissa and Anthony Elanga (Newcastle) each scored, while Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo, Wilson Isidor, and Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) found the net in the ongoing tournament.
Given that Brobbey has three goals, one might say it’s Newcastle 2, Sunderland 6.
Impressive email, Geoff.
Where has Ståle Solbakken confirmed that Haaland will be on the bench against France? Please send any evidence you have.
Thirteen-year-old Lauryn has long struggled to find a map that highlights Cape Verde. To her immense joy, the African island nation is now receiving the attention it deserves.
“Thanks for reporting on Emerse Faé’s response,” Lauryn expresses. “He is such a class act. How he led them to Africa Cup of Nations victory was sensational. Really glad to still see him on the sideline. “Schweinsteiger’s comments show how structural racism still is in our society and that we have to acknowledge that and work hard on it – but I think his comments also showed poor analytical skills. “If he had properly analysed CIV’s qualifying campaign (zero goals conceded) and their latest showing in the friendly against France (A 2-1 win for CIV), he’d have noticed his comments are not ground in reality. “Allez les Eléphants!”
Cape Verde, known as Cabo Verde in the UK among the diaspora, is enjoying a historic run in its inaugural World Cup. This small nation, comprised of ten islands, has exceeded expectations by holding its own against some of the tournament’s top teams.
In another email, Laura commented on Bastian Schweinsteiger’s remarks regarding Côte d’Ivoire:
“Twice now you have mentioned a Mbappé/Haaland mouthwatering duel tonight,” she writes. “Do you really think either of them will start? Norway has already said they will make changes and France will probably do the same. Why risk your biggest stars on a nothing game? I would be a bit surprised to see either of them in the starting line up to be honest, but then again I’m certainly no expert.”
“I hope the England fans going to watch Panama fare better than me,”
“Allez les Eléphants!”
Nonetheless, the match between Norway and France is far from trivial. The advantages of topping the group are significant, and if both prolific scorers aim for the golden boot, they will likely want to start.
“I was at the 0-0 Ghana game on Tuesday with my son, the second time I’ve been to an England World Cup game, the first being the woeful 0-0 against Algeria in South Africa 2010. Surely there’s not a worse combo of World Cup games out there? “Great memories though nonetheless!” emails Thomas.
“There’s still a 5.26% chance that Scotland will qualify? I’ll take it.”
A valid point, but I seldom allow rational thought to overshadow traditional hype.
While we focus on football during the World Cup blog, there are other sports events happening as well.
Take a moment to read Sarah Rendell’s analysis on the Premiership Women’s Rugby final, Emma John’s insights on sports and extreme heat, Tumaini Carayol’s Wimbledon coverage, or the insightful Leonard Barden discussing chess.
ITV has decided to eliminate controversial in-game advertisements during its rugby union coverage for the upcoming Nations Championship, citing a lack of available slots due to brands concentrating on the World Cup.
The broadcaster is profiting from the World Cup, with ad revenues reportedly 30% higher than during Euro 2024, despite opting not to air ads during the three-minute hydration breaks mandated by FIFA.
This decision stems from ITV’s intent to avoid alienating viewers, as these breaks have been met with discontent and boos from fans in various stadiums, along with the commercial restrictions imposed by FIFA.
Look out for a Matt Hughes exclusive coming up next.
“First, I think all those who criticised a 48-nation tournament should think again. So many of the so called minnows (Cape Verde as an example) have done so well. Kudos to each of them! “Second, given there’s always cricket being telecast in my part of the world, the way football has embraced the world and the way cricket if anything appears to be shrinking (in terms of teams playing each other on a consistent regular basis) is stark. Wish the “cricket gurus” emails Mark Anderson.
“To continue the philosophy: I would respond that the Scottish football team exist because God is observing them, which was the opinion of Berkeley,”
“Only it is quite clear that He abandoned the SFA some time ago.”
“He got a little scolding from me there. He was a little frustrated at the end of the match and you can understand that now,” emails Simon McMahon, which seems appropriate if you’re in Europe.
“I just shouted, come on, we can go for more… I got cramp at the end but didn’t want to stop running,” writes Latha from Chennai, India.
“It couldn’t have been any clearer for him. He’s obviously thinking about something else, bless him. I love him at the moment, but dear me,”
To which I can only respond: “Have you ever noticed how England only ever win the World Cup under Labour governments?”
Returning to Latha’s message:
“To win the World Cup, absolutely not,”
“We’ve won 12 competitive games in a row now. I’m part of something special, making history, and I’m extremely proud to be Norwegian,”
Speaking of cricket…
“They’re probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament,” emails Thomas Wilson. “I am thinking a lot about Didier and his family,”
Anthony Elanga’s equalizer allowed Sweden to qualify for the World Cup’s round of 32 following a 1-1 draw with Japan. However, while his teammates celebrated, the striker collapsed in frustration, believing they had been eliminated. Sweden finished a point behind Japan in Group F, yet advanced as one of the highest-ranked third-placed teams.
Elanga, thinking a win was imperative, urged his teammates to secure a second goal, even pulling up with cramp, which prompted some stern words from Alexander Isak.
“I am just trying to make a difficult situation as normal as possible.”
Elanga admitted his teammates were shouting at him, but he wasn’t aware they only needed one point to qualify until after the match.
“Unpredictable refs – who benefits?”
Elanga wasn’t the only one caught off guard by their qualification.
“Referees letting things go is a surprise, ditto very high bar for VAR to intervene (other than microscopic offsides and – probably – “handball” said goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström, who made his World Cup debut against Japan.
Coach Graham Potter couldn’t help but chuckle at Elanga’s confusion.
“Which of the favourites benefits from an environment where the bar for a physical foul is high and the dark arts can be used more freely? Perhaps France and Argentina. Definitely not Spain. “Will the refs tighten up in the bigger games?”
Zohran Mamdani has been notably active and emotionally invested in all aspects of the World Cup, from attending matches to sharing weather warnings and providing informed commentary on outcomes. His skill in leveraging the event for political messages, without coming across as awkward, is commendable. This echoes former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson’s quip regarding 1966.
“Have you ever noticed how England only ever wins the World Cup under Labour governments?”
While many politicians exploit the World Cup’s spotlight, Mamdani stands out for his adeptness.
Here’s today’s schedule, with viewing information courtesy of Graham Ruthven:
A highly anticipated match between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland will take place on Friday as France takes on Norway in a crucial Group I clash.
Both players, representing Real Madrid and Manchester City respectively, have been in exceptional form, each netting four goals, trailing only Lionel Messi, who has five.
This showdown occurs at Foxborough, near Boston, at 3pm local time (8pm GMT).
France, having shown prowess in their victories over Senegal and Iraq, holds a slight edge with a superior goal difference, meaning they would secure first place in the group with a draw.
Norway has also demonstrated strength, defeating Iraq 4-1 and edging past Senegal 3-2 on Monday.
Haaland, participating in his first World Cup, plays with a zeal that may challenge the experienced French defense.
Embracing the tournament experience, the 25-year-old has enjoyed exploring New York City incognito.
After securing advancement to the last 32 with the win over Senegal, Haaland expressed indifference about facing France and dismissed claims of Norway being title contenders.
“To win the World Cup, absolutely not,” he stated to Fox television. “We’ve won 12 competitive games in a row now. I’m part of something special, making history, and I’m extremely proud to be Norwegian,” adding that he “couldn’t care” about playing France.
“They’re probably going to win against us, they’re probably going to win the whole tournament,” he noted.
France and Mbappé’s preparations have been complicated by manager Didier Deschamps’ temporary absence from the team camp following his mother’s passing. Assistant coach Guy Stephan will oversee the team until Deschamps returns.
“I am thinking a lot about Didier and his family,” Stephan commented. “I am just trying to make a difficult situation as normal as possible.”
France is eager to avoid any missteps, as a lower group finish could lead to a more challenging path in the knockout stage.
A loss would set up a last-32 matchup against Côte d’Ivoire, potentially followed by a clash with Brazil in the last 16. England could await in the quarter-finals, with Argentina seeded as their potential semi-final opponents.
Regarding teams that might gain from a higher threshold for physical fouls, one might consider the notoriously tough Uruguay.
An intriguing email from Ben titled, “Unpredictable refs – who benefits?” posits:
“Referees allowing more leeway is unexpected, as is the high threshold for VAR intervention (aside from minute offsides and likely ‘handball’).”
“Which favorites will benefit from a climate where the threshold for physical fouls is elevated and the darker tactics can be employed more freely? Perhaps France and Argentina. Definitely not Spain.”
“Will referees tighten their approach in more significant matches?”
Reflecting on the past, we recalled the Euro 96 penalty shootout loss to Germany, exactly 30 years ago.
England’s goalless draw with Ghana reminded me of many encounters in my coaching journey when facing teams that were compactly positioned and well-organized. To break them down, one needs to employ greater variety, improved movement, and – crucially – urgency, qualities England lacked in abundance.
They can expect similar resolute defending from Panama on Saturday. Thus, as they prepare for their final group encounter, they will have been honing the key strategies needed to penetrate a low block.
Next up… an insightful tactical breakdown of how England can overcome Panama.
As for Anderson, a £116 million price tag is undeniably excessive for any player. Consider the potential for hospital air-conditioning that could be funded with such an amount.
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