Новости за 18.06.2018

So often the question has been asked: Why can't England's top Premier League protagonists translate that form to major tournaments with the national team? In Monday's dramatic 2-1 Group G win over Tunisia, Harry Kane took the first tentative steps towards confining that criticism to the history books and laying it squarely at the feet of those belonging to vintages gone by. Time and again since the turn of the century, England's so-called 'golden generation' failed to deliver for their country... Читать дальше...

Saudi Arabia arrived safely in Rostov-on-Don for their second World Cup fixture despite a "technical failure" with the team's aircraft, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation has said. Social media videos appeared to show one of the engines of Saudi Arabia's plane on fire. But in a statement released via Twitter, the national governing body confirmed nobody was hurt in the incident. "The Saudi Arabian Football Federation would like to reassure everyone that all the Saudi national team players are safe... Читать дальше...

While not surprised by Panama's physical approach, Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the World Cup debutants committed unnecessary tackles during Monday's Group G encounter. Belgium opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory thanks to Romelu Lukaku's brace and Dries Mertens' stunner in Sochi, though they were made to work for it by newcomers Panama at Fisht Stadium. There were robust challenges flying in from Hernan Dario Gomez's side, especially in the first half – Belgium captain and superstar... Читать дальше...

It's coming home (eventually)Harry Kane once again proved he's the man for a big occasion– but must they do this to us? England were clearly the better side in Volgograd but should never have required a 91st-minute goal to see off Tunisia in their World Cup opener.Their last-gasp effort was just reward for a thoroughly dominant night which threatened to end in disappointmentafter a string of fine opportunities went begging and referee Wilmar Roldan's decisions mostly went against them. VAR didn't serve them well either... Читать дальше...

Harry Kane's 91st-minute winner rescued England from a frustrating draw against Tunisia as the Three Lions got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start.The Tottenham man flicked home a header in the dying embers of a difficult night for Gareth Southgate's side in Volgograd, having given his side the lead on just 11 minutes with a similar opportunistic goal from close range.But despite a thoroughly dominant display, England were pegged back on 33 minutes when Ferjani Sassi converted a penalty... Читать дальше...

Eden Hazard joked his best will come later in the World Cup after his important role in Belgium's 3-0 win over Panama on Monday. Hazard combined with Kevin De Bruyne to set up Romelu Lukaku's first goal and teed up the Manchester United striker for his second, as title contenders Belgium opened their Group G campaign in tough but victorious fashion at Fisht Stadium in Sochi. A lot of the pre-match build-up centred on Hazard and his form, with Belgium and Chelsea team-mate Thibaut Courtois saying... Читать дальше...

Adam Nawalka hailed the professionalism of Robert Lewandowski with the Bayern Munich striker set to spearhead Poland's World Cup challenge. Lewandowski was the top scorer in the European qualifiers with 16 goals and scored a Bundesliga-best 29 times to propel Bayern to another German title last season. The 29-year-old has never played at a World Cup following Poland's failure to qualify in 2010 and 2014 and coach Nawalka is delighted Lewandowski will now be rewarded for his continued excellence. Читать дальше...

Roberto Martinez knew what was coming. He stressed the importance of patience from his World Cup contenders. The Belgium boss wanted a mature performance against a Panama side he refused to underestimate. Panama – the debutants with nothing to lose and all to gain on a historic day after coach Hernan Dario Gomez playfully promised to drink two bottles of vodka if the newcomers somehow managed to make it out of Group G. And it unfolded just as Martinez predicted, despite Romelu Lukaku's quickfire... Читать дальше...

Mohamed Salah will face a late fitness test before Egypt boss Hector Cuper makes a final decision on his involvement against Russia in World Cup Group A. Salah swept to a host of end-of-season awards after his stunning debut campaign at Liverpool yielded a remarkable 44 goals in all competitions. However, he signed off 2017-18 on a note of bitter disappointment as a shoulder injury sustained in a grappling challenge with Sergio Ramos saw the 26-year-old substituted 30 minutes into last month's 3-1 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

Park Joo-ho's World Cup campaign could be over after the defender sustained a suspected torn hamstring in South Korea's 1-0 defeat to Sweden on Monday. Park overstretched when trying to keep the ball in play in Nizhny Novgorod and had to be replaced by Kim Min-woo in the 28th minute. South Korea coach Shin Tae-yong thinks it could be a serious problem for the left-back. "Park has hurt his hamstring. We think he might have hurt it very seriously. I think he probably tore it," Shin said after the game. Читать дальше...

Andreas Granqvist praised the use of VAR in Sweden's 1-0 World Cup win over South Korea on Monday. The 33-year-old team captain scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the second half at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium. Referee Joel Aguilar initially decided Kim Min-woo won the ball when sliding into a challenge on Viktor Claesson in the area, but changed his call after watching a replay provided by the video assistant team. Granqvist made no mistake after the lengthy delay, sending... Читать дальше...

Isco has praised interim Spain coach Fernando Hierro for having the wisdom not to make significant changes since taking the reins from the sacked Julen Lopetegui, as they aim to get their first World Cup win against Iran on Wednesday. Hierro was thrown into the deep end after being appointed just before the finals started, replacing Lopetegui, who was fired for accepting a future role at Real Madrid without telling the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). His first game in charge saw Spain's... Читать дальше...

We don’t know about you, but the World Cup has taught us more about Earth’s nations, flags and anthems than many years sat at the back of Mr Ashmore’s geography class ever did. And they said we were wasted our summer in front of the TV…Well, it’s time to sock it to the man (we mean you, Ashmore) and show off your football geography skills by naming every nation to feature in a World Cup, from the first in 1930 right up to 2018.Admittedly, it’s hard. Anything above 60 is impressive, but we’re sending... Читать дальше...

Dries Mertens scored a stunning volley and Romelu Lukaku was twice on target as Belgium started their Group G campaign with a 3-0 defeat of World Cup debutants Panama in Sochi. Belgium impressed in an unbeaten qualifying campaign, becoming the first European nation to book their place at Russia 2018. But Roberto Martinez's side struggled to break Panama down in a flat first half at the Fisht Stadium on Monday, requiring a moment of magic from Mertens to break the deadlock in the 47th minute. Panama... Читать дальше...

Jorginho has a five-year contract waiting for him at Manchester City if he completes a move from Napoli to join the Premier League champions, his agent has claimed. The Italy international is widely reported to have been identified by Pep Guardiola as the ideal midfield addition for the Citizens, but a transfer has yet to be agreed with the Serie A club. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has already said that the club have rejected a €50million offer from City for the midfielder, who has been capped eight times by Italy. Читать дальше...

Promoted Premier League side Wolves have signed Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio on a four-year contract.

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman has hit out at Barcelona's treatment of Yerry Mina during his first few months in Spain, adamant he should have played more often. Mina made the switch from Brazil's Palmeiras to Barca in January to much fanfare after establishing himself as arguably the best centre-back in South America. But his transition to LaLiga has been difficult, with Barca coach Ernesto Valverde playing him just five times in the league. Pekerman remained faithful to the defender by selecting... Читать дальше...

The former Manchester United forward's frightening list of achievements continueto growas he seeks his first World Cup with Portugal: his three goals on Friday night marked a pretty useful starting point in the race for the Golden Boot.Ronaldo's desire to be better than the rest is well documented, but now his former United team-mate Evra has revealed the kind of lengths he will go to to make sure he stays on top.Evra remembers how Ronaldo was once so unhappy at being beaten by Rio Ferdinand at table... Читать дальше...

Brazil star Neymar sat out training on Monday following the 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their World Cup opener. The 26-year-old was fouled 10 times in Sunday's Group E clash in Rostov-On-Don, more than any other player at a World Cup since 1998, as Switzerland looked to limit the impact the of the world's most expensive footballer. Neymar was making his first competitive appearance since February, having missed the latter stages of Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 title-winning campaign because of a fractured foot... Читать дальше...

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Mexican Football Federation relating to alleged homophobic chants during the World Cup clash with Germany. It is alleged some Mexico fans chanted slurs at Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as he prepared to take a goal-kick in the first half of the Group F encounter in Moscow.  A FIFA spokesperson confirmed to Omnisport that disciplinary proceedings have been opened but could not comment further. Mexico won the game 1-0 thanks to Hirving Lozano's... Читать дальше...

Aliou Cisse is hoping the memory of Bruno Metsu can inspire his Senegal players at the World Cup - and cement his own status as a pioneer for a new breed of black coaches. Cisse, the only black coach at the World Cup in Russia, was the captain under shaggy-haired Frenchman Metsu as Senegal reached the quarter-finals in 2002 on their maiden appearance on the global stage. And, after paying tribute to Metsu, who died aged 59 in 2013, Cisse is hoping to become a positive influence for change. Speaking... Читать дальше...

Croatia have sent AC Milan striker Nikola Kalinic home from the World Cup due to a back problem, head coach Zlatko Dalic has confirmed. Reports emerged earlier on Monday that Kalinic had refused to come off the bench during his country's opening 2-0 win over Nigeria in Group D, citing his back complaint. Speaking after Saturday's match, Dalic told reporters his side had finished the 90 minutes without injuries but "with a problem". However, Dalic told a specially arranged news conference that... Читать дальше...

Paul Pogba is a "natural leader" for France despite the criticism received by the midfielder, says team-mate Blaise Matuidi. Pogba claimed he is the "most criticised player in the world" after France started their World Cup campaign with a fortunate 2-1 defeat of Australia. The Manchester United midfielder was involved in both goals, playing the pass that led to Antoine Griezmann's penalty, and seeing his shot deflect in off Aziz Behich for the winner. Despite his impact Pogba still faced criticism... Читать дальше...

Japan coach Akira Nishino believes it will take a team effort to stop Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez in their World Cup Group H opener on Tuesday. James won the Golden Boot as Colombia reached the quarter-finals four years ago, scoring six goals to help them to the last eight, where they were beaten by hosts Brazil. He matched that total in qualifying and also contributed four assists as Colombia booked a place at the finals in Russia by finishing fourth in the CONMEBOL group. Japan are looking... Читать дальше...

Lukas Podolski (Germany)The obvious one. Poldi might not have been a total failure for Bayern Munich and Arsenal – far from it. He's also a local legend at Cologne, the club that nurtured him. And yet, judging by his club career, he most definitely doesn't deserve to be considered one of the best German players in history.That's what the stats show, however. Incredibly, the versatile winger/striker has 130 caps for Germany, putting him third in all-time rankings– just behind Lothar Matthaus and Miroslav Klose. Читать дальше...