The entire schedule of Russia FIFA World Cup 2018

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgvObp9OswxtkZLTcZyOcZ-jq4NhyEBRspX2EBM-XPXH7BB0e-ML8aJgNrEU0AuX-xALBqC8x2AIUZ4_APN6hvmHYOVyiH-Fda8Vv0sgOllST6StnRv6Otsl1lEntXVgWwTyZbcSrAPZj/s1600/Russia-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-Schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1279" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgvObp9OswxtkZLTcZyOcZ-jq4NhyEBRspX2EBM-XPXH7BB0e-ML8aJgNrEU0AuX-xALBqC8x2AIUZ4_APN6hvmHYOVyiH-Fda8Vv0sgOllST6StnRv6Otsl1lEntXVgWwTyZbcSrAPZj/s640/Russia-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-Schedule.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entire schedule of Russia FIFA World Cup 2018</td></tr> </tbody></table> <h3> <ul> <li>The FIFA World Cup 2018 will take place from June 14 to July 15, 2018.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>A total of 32 teams will be competing for the coveted trophy</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Hosts Russia take on Saudi Arabia in the opener on Thursday</li> </ul> </h3> <br /> <br /> FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia will see 32 nations competing for the coveted trophy. Each team has fielded a 23-man squad for the quadrennial event. The tournament starts from June 14 and will continue till July 15.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp69bivGdtL20gEtQNI1cRX-G6_4sMM1HUEEZwepztdinTPX16kWN8G-oxMr7kMrH0bj7kz-UGzSIAc1ZInNqcyBGv22zVrZ9_wa41XnQ0s0kdWhWTFdcNMBSSpyplJV-Y8Eb7RdkzzSzY/s1600/Russia-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-Schedule-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp69bivGdtL20gEtQNI1cRX-G6_4sMM1HUEEZwepztdinTPX16kWN8G-oxMr7kMrH0bj7kz-UGzSIAc1ZInNqcyBGv22zVrZ9_wa41XnQ0s0kdWhWTFdcNMBSSpyplJV-Y8Eb7RdkzzSzY/s640/Russia-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-Schedule-2.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzVCpQGblL6lf3vHTnC6cNlXPNKqRzOgWKnjOjC7zGpR9KQULw_7wYKM4dWLJ2WFjhK8NdfZPuptGXo_CVJbqLcmFGSJxI41EPzOjZ9rxgcqFfjRyxQV9JjC_dIZ7cZtlGECWmBgfKH3e/s1600/Russia-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-Schedule-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCzVCpQGblL6lf3vHTnC6cNlXPNKqRzOgWKnjOjC7zGpR9KQULw_7wYKM4dWLJ2WFjhK8NdfZPuptGXo_CVJbqLcmFGSJxI41EPzOjZ9rxgcqFfjRyxQV9JjC_dIZ7cZtlGECWmBgfKH3e/s640/Russia-FIFA-World-Cup-2018-Schedule-3.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <br /> <br /> credit: The Times Of India<br /> <br />

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ entire schedule of Russia FIFA World Cup 2018 Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 finals quarter-finals semi-finals Sports third place The entire schedule of Russia FIFA World Cup 2018

The entire schedule of Russia FIFA World Cup 2018 The FIFA World Cup 2018 will take place from June 14 to July 15, 2018. A total of...

Read more »

England vs Colombia: England beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJj4qWJNAZeAh1Kx_sbApzzU2enGWOOKtiq4CKQPz6Y7vEA_rYvbGH590HH5gtKrZLXBYez2GQYfg2cVB1p-JW8CF9KI6guTheqvjGta_iCuSS097RrmAcC1yogcXNREa1G5gN9YcEoQA/s1600/England-vs-Colombia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="720" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJj4qWJNAZeAh1Kx_sbApzzU2enGWOOKtiq4CKQPz6Y7vEA_rYvbGH590HH5gtKrZLXBYez2GQYfg2cVB1p-JW8CF9KI6guTheqvjGta_iCuSS097RrmAcC1yogcXNREa1G5gN9YcEoQA/s640/England-vs-Colombia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">England beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <h3> <ul> <li>England defeat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after game finished 1-1 AET </li> </ul> <ul> <li>Kane opened scoring only for Mina to equalise in stoppage time</li> </ul> <ul> <li>England will play Sweden in quarter-final on 7 July in Samara</li> </ul> <ul> <li>England beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after Eric Dier scored the decisive spot kick</li> </ul> <ul> <li>England set up quarter-final clash with Sweden</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Sweden earlier beat Switzerland 1-0 in their last 16 game to advance</li> </ul> </h3> <br /> <b>MOSCOW: </b>England finally ended their penalties curse when they beat Colombia 4-3 in a shootout after drawing their World Cup last-16 clash 1-1 following extra time after the South Americans equalised in the 93rd minute.<br /> <br /> England had previously lost all three World Cup shootouts and three of four in the European Championship but prevailed on Tuesday when Mateus Uribe and Carlos Bacca failed to convert, leaving Eric Dier to win the game for England<br /> <br /> It was the first time Colombia had been involved in a World Cup shootout and they took first blood when Jordan Henderson missed his spot kick - but for once fortune smiled on England.<br /> <br /> Earlier Harry Kane smashed in a 57th-minute penalty, his sixth goal of the tournament, and England looked to be through until Yerry Mina headed an equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time.<br /> <br /> It was England's first win in a knockout game since 2006 and earns them a quarter-final with Sweden, who were far from impressive in beating Switzerland 1-0 earlier on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> Then comes a potential semi-final against hosts Russia or Croatia with Tuesday's win appearing to vindicate - just - coach Gareth Southgate's decision to field a second-string side in the the final group game loss to Belgium to secure an easier route.<br /> <br /> Colombia's hopes suffered a huge setback before kickoff when key playmaker James Rodriguez was ruled out with a calf injury and without him they took a defensive approach and never rarely threatened.<br /> <br /> England were always the more purposeful side but they lacked the key final ball and needed a gift to take the lead.<br /> <br /> The South Americans had been getting away with blatant holding and wrestling at each of England's many corners and the referee's patience finally snapped when Carlos Sanchez hauled down tournament leading scorer Kane once too often.<br /> <br /> After four minutes of mayhem as the Colombians protested, Kane kept his cool and smashed in his third spot kick of Russia 2018.<br /> <br /> <br /> When Juan Cuadrado blazed horribly over the bar with the goal gaping 10 minutes from time with Colombia's first chance of the match it looked all over for them but there was a fiery sting in the tail of normal time.<br /> <br /> England keeper Jordan Pickford made a superb save to touch wide a furious long shot by Uribe but from the following corner - Colombia's first of the match - giant defender Mina rose highest to head in the equaliser and send the massed Colombian fans into a frenzy.<br /> <br /> <br /> England substitute Dier missed the best chance of the extra period when he headed over the bar but he made up for it in emphatic fashion with the winning penalty in the shootout.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C4QaE4qcfUNLc588Z7rHFyg0lTk0xEnobCdzqH3__bXZS0Ysr9TMyJMAPeiDxmzdv9bxAmMfkHL1VMWbOHU4ox90u_gZ9eOic-XydfMtfO2hoAFc_QTogRnIL3TIuvTgBtSC2M0b9Qg4/s1600/Colombia-vs-England-Infographic-FIFA-World-Cup-2018.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="762" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6C4QaE4qcfUNLc588Z7rHFyg0lTk0xEnobCdzqH3__bXZS0Ysr9TMyJMAPeiDxmzdv9bxAmMfkHL1VMWbOHU4ox90u_gZ9eOic-XydfMtfO2hoAFc_QTogRnIL3TIuvTgBtSC2M0b9Qg4/s640/Colombia-vs-England-Infographic-FIFA-World-Cup-2018.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infographic: FIFA World Cup 2018 - Colombia vs England </td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <br /> credit: The Times Of India<br /> <div> <br /></div>

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Colombia football team England national football team England vs Colombia Eric Dier Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Harry Kane Sports Yerry Mina England vs Colombia: England beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals

England beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals England defeat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after gam...

Read more »

Sweden vs Switzerland: Sweden beat Switzerland 1-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtpYJD86SbFoXzblXjMnXYRdlpl9H962q10EYRhyyUv4CyVRG1BEtvWdwbKDFhQuS95UUmh34nyEw_ZYxPxN9qYHmbqJQnioW-GLKBNUc0S0b3B4LUHi1ELkAIuXeOJzm3GZJGwIfX94P/s1600/Sweden-vs-Switzerland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="800" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtpYJD86SbFoXzblXjMnXYRdlpl9H962q10EYRhyyUv4CyVRG1BEtvWdwbKDFhQuS95UUmh34nyEw_ZYxPxN9qYHmbqJQnioW-GLKBNUc0S0b3B4LUHi1ELkAIuXeOJzm3GZJGwIfX94P/s640/Sweden-vs-Switzerland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World Cup - Round of 16 - Sweden vs Switzerland - Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia - July 3, 2018  Sweden's Marcus Berg in action with Switzerland's Ricardo Rodriguez   REUTERS/Henry Romero</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <h3> <ul> <li>A deflected shot from Emil Forsberg gave Sweden a 1-0 victory over Switzerland</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Switzerland had the lion's share of possession but were toothless in attack</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Sweden will face England in the quarter-finals</li> </ul> </h3> <br /> <br /> <b>ST PETERSBURG:</b> A deflected shot from Emil Forsberg gave Sweden a 1-0 victory over Switzerland in a dull World Cup round of 16 match in St Petersburg on Tuesday, sending the Swedes through to a quarter-final against England.<br /> <br /> Switzerland had the lion's share of possession but were toothless in attack, and bowed out in dispiriting fashion after registering four shots on target over 90 minutes, none of which unduly tested Robin Olsen in the Swedish goal.<br /> <br /> Boos and whistles rang around the St Petersburg stadium as early as the 25th minute, with both Swedish and Swiss fans alike left irate by the lack of quality and attacking verve on display.<br /> <br /> The teams went into the interval locked in a goalless stalemate, with Sweden just about shading their opponents in terms of the quality of the few clear chances created.<br /> <br /> Marcus Berg forced a fine save from Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the 27th minute, and Albin Ekdal squandered an excellent chance when he volleyed over the bar from 12 metres out after getting on the end of a cross from Mikael Lustig.<br /> <br /> At the other end, Blerim Dzemaili wasted Switzerland's best chance when he fired over from 12 metres, while Xherdan Shaqiri had a terrible day at the office, sending several diagonal balls from the wing sailing over the heads of his team mates.<br /> <br /> The second half started in a similarly stultifying manner, with play bogged down in midfield and both sides looking to be inching inevitably towards extra time and a penalty shootout until Forsberg struck in the 66th minute to inject a flicker of life into the contest.<br /> <br /> Picking up a pass on the edge of the penalty area, the RB Leipzig midfielder shifted the ball to his right foot and struck a low shot that deflected off Swiss defender Manuel Akanji's foot and past the wrong-footed keeper.<br /> <br /> <br /> Switzerland came to life after the goal but Sweden defended stoutly and looked threatening on the counter-attack.<br /> <br /> They broke through the Swiss cordon in extra time when the substitute Martin Olsson was released into space and brought down just outside the box.<br /> <br /> <br /> The referee first awarded a penalty but then changed his mind after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR) to award a free kick, but Sommer saved Ola Toivonen's effort.<br /> <br /> credit: The Times Of India<br /> <div> <br /></div>

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Marcus Berg Ricardo Rodriguez Sports Sweden Football Team Sweden vs Switzerland Switzerland national football team Sweden vs Switzerland: Sweden beat Switzerland 1-0 to reach World Cup quarter-finals

World Cup - Round of 16 - Sweden vs Switzerland - Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia - July 3, 2018  Sweden's Marcus B...

Read more »

Brazil vs Mexico: Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 to reach quarter-finals at 2018 FIFA World Cup

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE4SOruc2nUysAWBNFcvtYsozvcFGUr_ChiRbeFaih6P3I_nTwYGcBMVpzs29XqikAGza77IEPRHcm6xzjey3dhVdIj_W-XyJasNKILa6dC6iR66V85rbPhOUxxepzuVdIpNO93ilD8Dy/s1600/brazil-neymar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbE4SOruc2nUysAWBNFcvtYsozvcFGUr_ChiRbeFaih6P3I_nTwYGcBMVpzs29XqikAGza77IEPRHcm6xzjey3dhVdIj_W-XyJasNKILa6dC6iR66V85rbPhOUxxepzuVdIpNO93ilD8Dy/s640/brazil-neymar1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neymar celebrates after scoring the opening goal. </td></tr> </tbody></table> Brazil roared in the World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Mexico on Monday as Neymar shone with a goal and an assist that dumped the central Americans out at the last-16 stage for the seventh straight occasion.<br /> <br /> The PSG forward slid home in the second half and then teed up Roberto Firmino late on as the five-time champions beat an otherwise stubborn Mexico, whose World Cup began with such promise with a victory over champions Germany but ended in familiar fashion in the first knockout round.<br /> <br /> It was the seventh World Cup running that Brazil have reached the last eight, where they will now face Belgium or Japan, while Mexico have not made it to that stage since they hosted the tournament in 1986.<br /> <br /> Mexico, who enjoyed an enviable recent record against Brazil having won seven of their previous 15 matches against them, were a threat on the counter in the first half but then faded without ever really being put to the sword.<br /> <br /> A glaring spotlight had been on Neymar after his opening three performances saw him miss a litany of chances, frequently squander possession and spend far too long on the turf.<br /> <br /> Yet he answered a number of questions with a much more positive display and a decisive finish early in the second half from a move that he had started himself, although his propensity for histrionics were again in evidence.<br /> <br /> Minutes after the restart Brazil took the lead in exquisite fashion with Neymar starting and ending the move.<br /> <br /> He darted across the edge of the area before a perfect backheel released Willian, whose low cross fizzed into the danger area where Neymar slid in to turn the ball home.<br /> <br /> It was a choking blow for Mexico, who had been the better side for the opening half an hour, pegging Brazil back and creating several half chances.<br /> <br /> <br /> Brazil had to wait until the 88th minute to put the match to bed as Neymar was the architect, crossing for Firmino to tap the ball home.<br /> <br /> They will have to do without defensive midfielder Casemiro in the quarters, however, after he picked up his second booking.<br /> <br /> Credit: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Brazil national football team Brazil vs Mexico Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Igor Akinfeev Mexico Football Team Neymar Jr. Sports Brazil vs Mexico: Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 to reach quarter-finals at 2018 FIFA World Cup

Neymar celebrates after scoring the opening goal.  Brazil roared in the World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 victory over Mexico on Monda...

Read more »

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia: Croatia vs Denmark [1:1] but 3-2 on penalties with Danijel Subasic saving three spot-kicks

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeDXT4aUIh5eeJp-xQh0K72Vl2PFGY4CioTgOIbmaRsCDj8F_cZEa7UtjBlYxU3tr6TMaL6NLbfKruPig4CSXmDyaU7Wb5a51SDZ5XXUrOIVrNC5okCzNxthn2GDWosxkBs8Bh7u0WT1l/s1600/croatia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeDXT4aUIh5eeJp-xQh0K72Vl2PFGY4CioTgOIbmaRsCDj8F_cZEa7UtjBlYxU3tr6TMaL6NLbfKruPig4CSXmDyaU7Wb5a51SDZ5XXUrOIVrNC5okCzNxthn2GDWosxkBs8Bh7u0WT1l/s640/croatia.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luka Modrić (Left) plays as a midfielder for Spanish club Real Madrid and the captain of Croatia national team and Danijel Subašić (Right).</td></tr> </tbody></table> <h3> <ul> <li>Croatia win 3-2 on penalties with Danijel Subasic saving three spot-kicks</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Denmark scored within 60 seconds but Croatia equalised inside four minutes</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Croatia equalise in fourth minute after Danish first-minute goal</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Croatia to face hosts Russia in quarter-finals</li> </ul> </h3> <br /> According to GhanaSky.com analyst, this is the second time in July 1, 2018 FIFA Matches, a penalty shoot-out will decide who progresses to the quarter-finals. Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will certainly be confident after dramatically saving Luka Modric's penalty with four minutes of extra time remaining.<br /> <br /> In extra time Denmark relied heavily on that defensive organisation that served them so well throughout the tournament. Both sides didn't look like there was any strength left to try attacking moves during extra time. And when Hareide's men needed it most, Kasper Schmeichel showed all his class to preserve the Danish chances in the penalty shoot-out.<br /> <br /> <h3> Agony and ecstasy:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTxIOG1bGr2C4vLAoJO_F5hxqvFX_lJSO5KlsINfENJP3YgVx9Uwqpv6CWnAyA-b7uWEyBK_SgICMXR73RaCCqQZWwJ-NjSKnBjgFJkAowkObZQ1Pe4tpsRYfLBRKsfwdbpRfgeWSO8hc/s1600/Agony+and+ecstasy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqTxIOG1bGr2C4vLAoJO_F5hxqvFX_lJSO5KlsINfENJP3YgVx9Uwqpv6CWnAyA-b7uWEyBK_SgICMXR73RaCCqQZWwJ-NjSKnBjgFJkAowkObZQ1Pe4tpsRYfLBRKsfwdbpRfgeWSO8hc/s640/Agony+and+ecstasy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> </h3> Nothing brings out emotional extremes like a penalty shoot-out as these pictures prove.<br /> <h3> Gaolkeepers to the fore:</h3> Five penalties were saved by Danijel Subasic and Kasper Schmeichel during the shoot-out, with the latter also saving one in the final minutes of extra time.<br /> <h3> Subasic the hero:</h3> Croatia win 3-2 on penalties after Danijel Subasic saved three spot-kicks, including the opener from Christian Eriksen. Subasic equals the World Cup record for most saves in a shoot-out, equaling the mark set by Portugal's Ricardo against England in 2006.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP8FOI1OdB2E0dsUFo-BkVZdw7f_KxRQXAE7kZxunYPRmojJwkyZYDyM0qtjzTEM5cl0guU6bivPUQjiXuemBYFEdC93y9_Q7gT7qnfmx5wsb5F4-RfTs_v2iDC7iajgmU7usZ3e8crYn/s1600/Danijel-Subasic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP8FOI1OdB2E0dsUFo-BkVZdw7f_KxRQXAE7kZxunYPRmojJwkyZYDyM0qtjzTEM5cl0guU6bivPUQjiXuemBYFEdC93y9_Q7gT7qnfmx5wsb5F4-RfTs_v2iDC7iajgmU7usZ3e8crYn/s640/Danijel-Subasic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danijel Subašić is a Croatian footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for AS Monaco and the Croatia national team.</td></tr> </tbody></table> <h3> A new record:</h3> Confirmation that Mario Mandzukic's equaliser was the earliest that both teams have scored in a FIFA World Cup. His goal tonight came at 3 mins 39 secs, eclipsing the equaliser scored by Ahmed Musa for Nigeria against Argentina at 3.52 in 2014.<br /> <br /> Mario Mandžukić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Italian club Juventus and the Croatia national team. Besides being a prolific goalscorer, he is known for his defensive contribution and aerial power.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7X6KZ6x7tCNDzs-PAirtreVgsFqB41NEGBW6m1WRgXNKCM58VAyrqvb58YgXSyN42K13IrSSZLcUWXxKP4gZ2ErE8GLiYCQvl2JEPda3c_If7I5TGL4XoMQueAPc0QXWQmZnpZ_Rk_dU/s1600/MarioMandzukic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="759" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7X6KZ6x7tCNDzs-PAirtreVgsFqB41NEGBW6m1WRgXNKCM58VAyrqvb58YgXSyN42K13IrSSZLcUWXxKP4gZ2ErE8GLiYCQvl2JEPda3c_If7I5TGL4XoMQueAPc0QXWQmZnpZ_Rk_dU/s640/MarioMandzukic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mario Mandžukić (left)</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj682bsGexBkB2zKHWxuKB7IgIFtuteGVVmiomhd4PqrAHTimCxIs233MhmVT2ycL47vfeCnS6r_0xskJvTHV5SUgWOgr_Dk_HIFwcJj3AcJGTowHRCT6iUGc8hoTC3aZO6bp1ZG-k0D7xz/s1600/MarioMandzukic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="768" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj682bsGexBkB2zKHWxuKB7IgIFtuteGVVmiomhd4PqrAHTimCxIs233MhmVT2ycL47vfeCnS6r_0xskJvTHV5SUgWOgr_Dk_HIFwcJj3AcJGTowHRCT6iUGc8hoTC3aZO6bp1ZG-k0D7xz/s640/MarioMandzukic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <br /> Source: GhanaSky.com but credit to: fifa.com<br /> <div> <br /></div>

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Croatia football team Croatia vs Denmark Danijel Subašić Denmark Football Team Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Kasper Schmeichel Luka Modrić Sports 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia: Croatia vs Denmark [1:1] but 3-2 on penalties with Danijel Subasic saving three spot-kicks

Luka Modrić (Left) plays as a midfielder for Spanish club Real Madrid and the captain of Croatia national team and Danijel Subašić (Right)...

Read more »

FIFA World Cup 2018: Russia defeat Spain 4-3 on penalties after match ends 1-1 after extra time

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqd99Vl6seaUeOs3vG2d4i6p63UEq7xRUkhdWcR2aJFA462Gic93lj8nAJMJva7UnEYBL544T5ZWgEoclNJ4011UogrCB69t3QkjEXxbA_iEujDY5zkR31hVyp24QtMfDMksQFIEtRd3C/s1600/Spain1-vs-Russia1-3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqd99Vl6seaUeOs3vG2d4i6p63UEq7xRUkhdWcR2aJFA462Gic93lj8nAJMJva7UnEYBL544T5ZWgEoclNJ4011UogrCB69t3QkjEXxbA_iEujDY5zkR31hVyp24QtMfDMksQFIEtRd3C/s640/Spain1-vs-Russia1-3-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russia defeat Spain 4-3 on penalties after match ends 1-1</td></tr> </tbody></table> <h2> <ul> <li>The Luzhniki Stadium has exploded into a sea of celebrations. The hosts, Russians are into the quarter-finals!</li> <li>Russia stun Spain with penalty shootout win to reach quarter finals, Iago Aspas and Koke miss pens.</li> <li>Russia hung on in extra time to beat Spain on penalties in a shock result that sends the hosts through to the last eight of World Cup 2018.</li> <li>Russia reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the second time in history, after they achieved the feat in 1966.</li> </ul> </h2> In a match where Spain enjoyed 79 per cent of possession, not even the positive impact of another stand-out performance from Isco could break down the Russia defence to give Spain the easy win many had predicted.<br /> <br /> Two saves from Igor Akinfeev in the penalty shoot-out gave the hosts the 4-3 win.<br /> <br /> The match still started well for Spain. Russia seemed overwhelmed by the occasion for the first time this tournament, in this their first knock-out stage match at a World Cup since Mexico 1986.<br /> <br /> The first goal highlighted this quality discrepancy early on, as abysmal Russia defending gave Spain the lead. Sergei Ignashevich seemed more concerned by bulldozing Sergio Ramos down in the six-yard box than defending the Spain corner, and with his back to the ball accidentally clipped it over the line to put Russia behind in the 11th minute.<br /> Spain's Sergio Ramos was fouled by Russia's Sergei Ignashevich, who directed the ball into his own net.<br /> <br /> But some counter-attacking from Russia late in the half gave paid off, as a Russia corner turned into a penalty thanks to Gerard Pique's flailing arm catching the ball in the air.<br /> <br /> Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov couldn't even bear to watch, turning his back on the action as the weight of the country's expectations fell on Artem Dzyuba's shoulders.<br /> <br /> But you wouldn't have guessed it, as the striker coolly slotted the penalty into the bottom-left corner of the goal in the 41st minute to the delight of the home crowd's booming cheers.<br /> <br /> Spain's frustration going into the half-time undoubtedly motivated their much more positive start to the second period - with more purposeful crossing and penetration at goal, but still struggling to create tangible goal-scoring opportunities.  Report by Molly McElwee.<br /> <br /> credit: telegraph.co.uk

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Igor Akinfeev Russia football team Sergio Ramos Sergio Ramos García Spain Football Team Spain vs Russia Sports FIFA World Cup 2018: Russia defeat Spain 4-3 on penalties after match ends 1-1 after extra time

Russia defeat Spain 4-3 on penalties after match ends 1-1 The Luzhniki Stadium has exploded into a sea of celebrations. The hosts, Rus...

Read more »

Uruguay vs Portugal 2-1 Goals & Highlights, Edinson Cavani scored two wonder goals

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pWPClIckQQN2vtrGKDnDgMoNXYhinwOJnAPXfWMl-JE9cZLvk2k77_3g4CJec5WV8JHPbj9Yzx7XfFUVAo62LU_OumGr6TY8oIsqovWoaeDU2eCDYTyt3LQ4bWT0trcj1EP9XdU8rAS-/s1600/SuarezRonaldo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="968" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8pWPClIckQQN2vtrGKDnDgMoNXYhinwOJnAPXfWMl-JE9cZLvk2k77_3g4CJec5WV8JHPbj9Yzx7XfFUVAo62LU_OumGr6TY8oIsqovWoaeDU2eCDYTyt3LQ4bWT0trcj1EP9XdU8rAS-/s640/SuarezRonaldo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luis Suárez (Left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Right)</td></tr> </tbody></table> <h2> Edinson Cavani scored two wonder goals as Uruguay progressed to the quarters at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo and the reigning champions of Europe.</h2> <h2> Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi crash out of World Cup on same day as Edinson Cavani brace stuns Portugal .</h2> Two sumptuous goals from Edinson Cavani set up a tantalising quarter-final meeting with France on Friday on a day when hope of a Messi-Ronaldo showdown in Nizhny Novgorod was vanquished.<br /> <br /> Yet this was not quite the fairytale for Cavani that France’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Argentina had proved for his club team-mate, Mbappe, who also scored twice, earlier in the day.<br /> <br /> There was only 10 minutes between Cavani scoring Uruguay’s decisive second, after the Portugal defender Pepe had cancelled out his opening goal, and the striker pulling up with a hamstring injury and limping off with a crestfallen look on his face.<br /> <br /> Oscar Tabarez, the Uruguay coach, said Cavani would be assessed, but with only six days until they face France, time is against him. “He felt pain,” Tabarez said. “We don’t have a lot of time for recovery but after a rest day we will have a diagnosis. Now we are worried but right now we don’t know how grave this injury is.”<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Cavani was helped off the field in a show of great sportsmanship from Ronaldo but this was the closest the Portugal captain got to making an impression on the game. The Real Madrid maestro was a virtual bystander, powerless, like Messi, to prevent his team’s exit, his misery compounded in the closing seconds when he was booked for protesting over a perceived Uruguay foul.<br /> <br /> It was actually the only yellow card of a game that, while ferociously fought, didn't descend into the slugfest many anticipated. Whether Ronaldo gets another stab at winning a World Cup in Qatar in four years time, when he will be 37, remains to be seen but Fernando Santos expects him to still be there when qualifying for Euro 2020 begins in September. “Cristiano still has a lot to give, there’s qualifying starting in September and, of course, we hope Cristiano will be with us to help these young players to grow. It’s important to have the captain’s presence there and he’s always there for us.”<br /> <br /> Portugal were certainly knocking on Uruguay’s door in the final 20 minutes but it was Bernardo Silva and others, rather than a strangely subdued Ronaldo, who led the fight, only to be repelled time and again by Uruguay’s outstanding defence, which played as big a part in this victory as its electrifying attack. And what an attack, one that will be sadly weakened if Cavani is missing against France.<br /> <br /> There have been all manner of arresting goals scored in this tournament but a pair of centre-forwards combining to convert what was effectively a 100-yard one-two provided a new category altogether.<br /> <br /> Cavani picked up the ball on Uruguay’s right touchline, about 15 yards past the halfway line, and speared a raking pass over to Suarez on the opposite side. Suarez controlled on his chest and, while Cavani made a dash for the six-yard box, the Barcelona striker cut inside Ricardo and then bent a venomous, humdinger of a cross from the edge of the penalty area over Jose Fonte and the despairing Raphael Guerreiro to Cavani.<br /> <br /> Initially, it looked as if Cavani had craned his neck quite superbly to head home from close range. In fact, the ball hit his face and bounced in but the combination play was still something to savour. “There was no scheme against that - it was an incredible play,” Santos said. “Uruguay have never scored like that. We weren’t prepared to control that sort of movement from Cavani and Suarez.”<br /> <br /> That was seven minutes in and an early reminder that, for all its pre-match billing as a bruising, cynical encounter between some of the game’s most wily and belligerent individuals, there were plenty of players on show who could play a bit, too.<br /> <br /> That is not to say the fine arts were not interspersed with some occasional dark arts. There was some play-acting from Suarez and Pepe, a late poleaxing of Fonte by the uncompromising Martin Caceres and some grizzled old-school defending from the imperious Diego Godin, whose reaction to planting his forehead into the back of Goncalo Guedes’s head was the quickest rub and a shrug of the shoulders. But for the most part it was a game played hard but fair and was all the more engrossing for it.<br /> <br /> It was slim pickings for Ronaldo throughout, though. There were shades of the 2009 Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United early on when he kept trying his hand from distance. One sighter was comfortably saved, another charged down and then he bludgeoned a free-kick into a wall, but, as the game wore on, he became increasingly peripheral as Portugal instead looked to Bernardo.<br /> <br /> Ronaldo’s one contribution of note was to draw the attention of Godin and his equally brilliant central-defensive partner, Jose Gimenez, away from Pepe and allow his Portugal team-mate the space and opportunity to head home Guerreiro’s corner.<br /> <br /> The goal was a frustration for Uruguay but no more. It was pretty much the only time their obdurate, highly-organised backline was breached but there is strength and balance running through this side and, within seven minutes, they were back in front.<br /> <br /> The ease with which Rodrigo Bentancur picked up possession after a long punt up field was knocked down will grate with Santos but make no mistake about the quality that followed. Bentancur swept the ball across the edge of the penalty, right to left, and into the path of Cavani, who opened up his body and stroked a sublime first-time finish low into the far corner. It would be Cavani's last contribution. But what a contribution, the kind Ronaldo must have dreamt of.<br /> <br /> credit: telegraph.co.uk<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Cavani Cristiano Ronaldo Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Luis Suárez Pepe Portugal Football Team Sports Uruguay Football Team Uruguay vs Portugal Uruguay vs Portugal 2-1 Goals & Highlights, Edinson Cavani scored two wonder goals

Luis Suárez (Left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Right) Edinson Cavani scored two wonder goals as Uruguay progressed to the quarters at the ex...

Read more »

France vs Argentina [4:3], France's Kylian Mbappe at FIFA World Cup 2018 was so fast that he makes quick players look slow but he sent Lionel Messi and co home

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1kV5wyTajjBrnawHojydQ7Nf1hGSgvB6JQ63s3Kzaywe7jR1zSOjQIjF1wrFUF3F1Jx_bviQWwBd5cQXqSLCLybVZRpvLbFJVv8AkiXd1PVy3pLsRjyT70Ad9v2TuufQ27MIOOEqLS4y/s1600/Kylian+Mbappe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="759" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1kV5wyTajjBrnawHojydQ7Nf1hGSgvB6JQ63s3Kzaywe7jR1zSOjQIjF1wrFUF3F1Jx_bviQWwBd5cQXqSLCLybVZRpvLbFJVv8AkiXd1PVy3pLsRjyT70Ad9v2TuufQ27MIOOEqLS4y/s640/Kylian+Mbappe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FIFA World Cup 2018 - Round of 16, <b><a href="https://ofmtv.com/france-vs-argentina-43-kylian-mbappe-at-fifa-world-cup/" target="_blank">France vs Argentina</a></b> - Kazan Arena,  on June 30, 2018  France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates scoring their first goal with Kylian Mbappe and team mates. Credit: Reuters /Carlos Garcia Rawlins</td></tr> </tbody></table> <h2> 1. Kylian Mbappe announced himself on football's biggest stage with two fine goals that gave France victory in a classic World Cup encounter with Argentina, and a place in the quarter-finals.</h2> <h2> 2. Kylian Mbappe destroys Argentina to send Lionel Messi and co home in World Cup thriller.</h2> <h2> 3. France’s Kylian Mbappe became the first teenager to score at least twice in a World Cup match since Pele netted twice for Brazil against Sweden in the 1958 final.</h2> <h2> 4. <a href="https://ofmtv.com/france-vs-argentina-43-kylian-mbappe-at-fifa-world-cup/" target="_blank">France's Kylian Mbappe, the 19-year-old whose speed won France the penalty.</a></h2> <h2> 5. France’s Kylian Mbappe was so fast that he makes quick players look slow. What a speed, according to GhanaSky.com</h2> <h2> 6. France are into the quarter-final! Argentina are out! </h2> <h2> 7. Though much of the focus before the game was on Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, it was Mbappe who produced a brilliant performance that will linger long in the memory.</h2> <br /> It is one of the gifts of being the most talented teenager footballer in the world that Kylian Mbappe makes fast defenders look slow and slow defenders look ridiculous, although in the end this was about bigger things than just a first half demolition of poor old Marcos Rojo.<br /> <br /> Mbappe's second-half double turned the game decisively in France's favour, and inflicted more pain on Argentina in what may be their final chance to win the World Cup during Messi's prime.<br /> In doing so, the 19-year-old became the first teenager to score two in a World Cup match since Pele netted twice for Brazil against Sweden in the 1958 final.<br /> <br /> Antoine Griezmann had already hit the bar with a free-kick by the time he put France ahead from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, following a searing Mbappe run that was ended by a clumsy Marcos Rojo foul.<br /> <br /> Argentina looked unable to reply for much of the first half, until Angel di Maria hauled his side level with a stunning long-range curler shortly before the break.<br /> <br /> Thousands of raucous South American supporters were sent into raptures when Gabriel Mercado diverted a Messi shot past Hugo Lloris to give Jorge Sampaoli's side the lead.<br /> <br /> But Benjamin Pavard's stunning strike levelled the scores, and 11 minutes later Mbappe had scored twice - two clinical finishes that ensured the 2014 beaten finalists would be going home at the last 16.<br /> For the first he swept body and ball into space before driving past Franco Armani to score, while the second was swept in crisply at the end of a counter-attack as Argentina chased another leveller.<br /> Substitute Sergio Aguero did get a late consolation - a low header from a pin-point Messi cross in the 93rd minute.<br /> <h3> Les Bleus warming to Russia after sluggish start</h3> Despite their obvious attacking talent, there were still plenty of questions around this France team after a group phase during which they never really hit their stride. <br /> Les Bleus qualified comfortably as Group C winners but laboured to a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6041288821139222559">win over Australia,</a> beat Peru unconvincingly then played out a dire draw with Denmark, the only 0-0 of the tournament so far.<br /> They must have just been waiting for the knockout stage to start, because here we finally witnessed the kind of blistering display many expected sooner, with Mbappe the embodiment.<br /> <br /> 'Glorious' Pavard strike brings France level His run for the penalty was sensational, pure athleticism coupled with bravery and belief as he drove past defender after defender; all Rojo could do was haul him down. His two goals were not bad either.<br /> <br /> Responding to concerns about his team's style, manager Didier Deschamps had made the point that under his watch tournament progress is only building in momentum. <br /> In 2014 there was the World Cup quarter-final loss to winners Germany, then the Euro 2016 final defeat by Portugal in extra time.<br /> And the Portuguese could be next for a team looking very dangerous indeed.<br /> <h3> What now for Messi and Sampaoli?</h3> This is an Argentina team around which there seem to have been so many major issues, with rumours of dressing room discontent, reports Messi was calling the shots in team selection, and a sense they were simply not getting the best from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.<br /> During the nine minutes after the Mercado goal that put them ahead early in the second half, all was forgotten in the stands packed with light-blue-and-white striped shirts.<br /> But Mbappe's brilliance - after Pavard's stunning equalising goal - brought them crashing back to reality.<br /> That reality is this could well be the end for a generation that has failed to win a major title despite promising so much.<br /> Di Maria levels for Argentina with 'a shot from the heavens' This last-16 exit follows three consecutive defeats in major finals - the World Cup in 2014, the Copa America in 2015, and the special centenary Copa America in 2016. <br /> After that third final defeat, Messi announced his retirement, before <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6041288821139222559">changing his mind</a> a month later. Six days ago he turned 31.<br /> Following the final whistle here, all of the Argentina players lingered long on the pitch, only leaving after France had. Messi was first down the tunnel, with his head bowed and the captain's armband in his hands.<br /> <h3> Man of the match - Kylian Mbappe (France)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVYZCh72QmvPsqKLzyk0G2ZS03RD-l1KDc_bScdZHTThg-oLiTYYhJeVis9LLh4gFVfFxnKztgJlPzTU-xOkrLIWOeoH3BQwpLXHJaQTK07Yk7rsaLr1MDfCbb23m7OGz48XZdeG4A7ih/s1600/Kylian+Mbappe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="759" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVYZCh72QmvPsqKLzyk0G2ZS03RD-l1KDc_bScdZHTThg-oLiTYYhJeVis9LLh4gFVfFxnKztgJlPzTU-xOkrLIWOeoH3BQwpLXHJaQTK07Yk7rsaLr1MDfCbb23m7OGz48XZdeG4A7ih/s640/Kylian+Mbappe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kylian Mbappe (10) became the first teenager to score multiple goals in a World Cup tournament since Michael Owen for England in 199</td></tr> </tbody></table> </h3> Kylian Mbappe became the first teenager to score multiple goals in a World Cup tournament since Michael Owen for England in 1998<br /> <h3> 'I won't decide my future today' - what they said</h3> <b>Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli:</b> "This is very painful, especially because the players have made a huge effort. <br /> "It was a very difficult game but we have not achieved our goal here in Russia. I'm sad, I'm frustrated - I think that's quite normal. <br /> "I won't decide my future today."<br /> <b>France boss Didier Deschamps:</b> "Our team is much younger, but it's there. We answered the call, we have a lot of character and it was not easy as we were leading, then there was an equaliser, then we were 2-1 behind, but we kept fighting.<br /> "There is an excellent mentality in this group and we did everything to go further. Since I am responsible for everything, particularly when it doesn't go well, I'm very proud."<br /> <b>Man of the match Kylian Mbappe:</b> "It's flattering to be the second teenager to score twice in a World Cup match after Pele but let's put things in context. Pele is another category, but it's good to be among these people.<br /> "As I've already and always said, at a World Cup you have all the top-level players, so it's an opportunity to show what you can do and what your abilities are. There's no better place than a World Cup."<br /> <h3 class="sp-story-body__cross-head"> Messi yet to score in World Cup knockout stage - the stats</h3> <ul> <li>Messi has played 756 minutes of football in World Cup knockout-stage matches, but has failed to score.</li> <li>Messi is the only player to have delivered an assist in each of the past four World Cups.</li> <li>This was just the fifth time Argentina have conceded four or more goals in a World Cup match, and first since losing 4-0 to Germany in the 2010 quarter-finals.</li> <li>France scored with all four of their shots on target. They had scored three goals from 12 shots on target in the group stages.</li> <li>There were eight yellow cards, equalling the most shown in a single game so far at the 2018 World Cup (also Belgium v Panama).</li> <li>Seven of the eight shots on target were scored, with the exception Messi's in the 85th minute.</li> <li>France have never lost an international match in which Griezmann has scored.</li> <li>At 30.16 yards, Di Maria's equaliser for Argentina was the longest-range goal scored so far in the 2018 World Cup.</li> <li>Pavard's goal was his first for France, in his ninth appearance.</li> </ul> Source: BBC

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Argentina Football Team Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 France football team France vs Argentina [4:3] Kylian Mbappe Lionel Messi Sports France vs Argentina [4:3], France's Kylian Mbappe at FIFA World Cup 2018 was so fast that he makes quick players look slow but he sent Lionel Messi and co home

FIFA World Cup 2018 - Round of 16, France vs Argentina - Kazan Arena,  on June 30, 2018  France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates scorin...

Read more »

Goals, Lucky Japan qualify for knockout stages through Fifa's fair play rules despite losing 1-0 to Poland

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQAt6NFOpAJon4qb0_P9eoYONFsXnJCsWiEG99baqq1-sP7yFUmjxg1npicdUk59UKaCWIjQEpDM8tTOgio8WCWEvxFwLALRXCUTg3p5MjkM6Y8c5t8HnemvpnkTxTIhjx66k2HU6SHpR/s1600/Japan+0+%25E2%2580%2593+1+Poland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="720" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQAt6NFOpAJon4qb0_P9eoYONFsXnJCsWiEG99baqq1-sP7yFUmjxg1npicdUk59UKaCWIjQEpDM8tTOgio8WCWEvxFwLALRXCUTg3p5MjkM6Y8c5t8HnemvpnkTxTIhjx66k2HU6SHpR/s640/Japan+0+%25E2%2580%2593+1+Poland.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japan vs Poland [0:1]</td></tr> </tbody></table> kira Nishino is a lucky man indeed. Unconvincing, barmy and lucky. Maybe the stifling heat in Volgograd had got to the Japan coach? How else to explain his thought process?<br /> <br /> Nishino rolled the dice not once, but twice here in a fog of muddled thinking and, in the end, was only spared total humiliation back home courtesy of the fair play rule. No one, least of all his players, could quite fathom his decision to make a raft of bewildering changes with everything still to play for against Poland. And no less bemusing was his insistence that Japan run down the clock for the final 10 minutes of the match amid a cacophony of boos inside the Volgograd Arena, despite the knowledge that a second Poland goal or a Senegal equaliser against Colombia would have sent his team crashing out.<br /> <br /> “It was a very tough decision, of course,” Nishino said as he embarked on a rambling defence of his perverse masterplan. “‘What if?’ was always there. There was ‘What if?’ on our pitch. There was another ‘What if?’ on the other pitch, and what I chose was to stay put and keep the status quo. I wanted to make sure that ‘What if?’ was not going to take place on our pitch, so I decided that I was going to rely on the other match’s result.”<br /> <br /> Get the logic? No, nor do I. Japan were heading out after falling behind to Jan Bednarek’s volley shortly before the hour mark and, at that point, Nishino looked like a ghost. It was possible to tell just by looking at that deeply worried expression on his face that he knew he was heading for an almighty fall if something did not give. And then Colombia came to the rescue, or rather the towering figure of Yerry Mina did.<br /> <br /> The 6ft 5in defender’s winning goal against Senegal may just have earned him a place on Nishino’s Christmas card list. It also helped that the lamentable Robert Lewandowski missed a glorious chance to double Poland’s lead right before Mina spared Nishino’s blushes. The Bayern Munich striker might be on the Christmas card list, too.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_k_YyYx7L1kYZZ4aafkcNSHOOHtnouKeaINjGppoRBDO1l2MwywR4GHJzSbq3vc5Wj1xRYDR8YkHrR3cp4McXYxW9Vqy69taK5b6lCJU6ZsDTlZU1igkUs36bl07AwMayNEyWE0f8xwL/s1600/poland-celebrate-vs-japan-world-cup-2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_k_YyYx7L1kYZZ4aafkcNSHOOHtnouKeaINjGppoRBDO1l2MwywR4GHJzSbq3vc5Wj1xRYDR8YkHrR3cp4McXYxW9Vqy69taK5b6lCJU6ZsDTlZU1igkUs36bl07AwMayNEyWE0f8xwL/s640/poland-celebrate-vs-japan-world-cup-2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jan Bednarek scored the only goal of the game Credit: Getty images</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <br /> With the same points, goal difference and goals scored as Senegal, Japan went through by virtue of having two fewer yellow cards than their opponents. It was the footballing equivalent of heading straight past Go in Monopoly and avoiding being sent directly to jail. Japan’s prize is not £200 in this instance but a place in the last 16.<br /> <br /> Japan have their weaknesses, and a madcap coach, but their next opponents should, at the very least, know that their next opponents have lived a charmed life so far in Russia. They played against ten men for 87 minutes in their opening 2-1 win against Colombia after Carlos Sanchez’s red card for handball and got away with an awful goalkeeping error from Eiji Kawashima in their 2-2 draw against Senegal. Now this.<br /> <br /> <br /> Japan needed a point before the game to guarantee their progress but Nishino elected to rest six players who started against Senegal, including his four scorers in the tournament, star players Takashi Inui and Shinji Kagawa and captain Makoto Hasebe.<br /> <br /> Although indebted to a fine save from Kawashima to keep out a header from Kamil Grosicki in the first half, Japan were in control and had spurned chances of their own to score. Then Poland exposed Japan’s weakness at defending set-pieces, Bednarek volleying home Rafal Kurzawa’s free-kick from inside the six-yard box and Nishino really would have been sweating in Volgograd’s 100 degree heat had Lewandowski not ballooned Grosicki’s pinpoint cross over from close range.<br /> <br /> But no sooner had Lewandowski blazed over, Colombia scored and Japan had a foot back in the last 16. And Nishino’s reaction? To send on Hasebe with the instruction to settle for what they had, even though there were no guarantees it would be enough.<br /> <br /> “When I put on Hasebe I told him what was in my mind: ‘Do not go for any high risks.’ I told him not to concede any yellow cards, go 4-1-4-1, defensive, and then I told him to tell the team to ‘stay put’. And we went through. Therefore it was perhaps the right decision by me and for the team.” Talk about gambling with a country’s fortunes.<br /> <br /> Source: telegraph.co.uk<br /> <div> <br /></div>

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Featured FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup Round of 16 Japan football team Japan vs Poland Poland Football Team Sports Goals, Lucky Japan qualify for knockout stages through Fifa's fair play rules despite losing 1-0 to Poland

Japan vs Poland [0:1] kira Nishino is a lucky man indeed. Unconvincing, barmy and lucky. Maybe the stifling heat in Volgograd had got to...

Read more »