France, Croatia favourites to set up World Cup final repeatThe Saigon Times Daily General view of the trophy during the match between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Belgium's David Goffin at Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille, France November 26, 2017 – PHOTO: REUTERS LILLE (REUTERS) - France and Croatia, who contested football’s World Cup final this year, will start as favourites this weekend to set up the men’s tennis equivalent in the Davis Cup. With Rafael Nadal injured, France’s semi-final task against Spain in Lille has taken on a very different hue with Yannick Noah’s champions now favourites to be only the second team to reach back-to-back finals since the challenge round was abolished in 1972. Meanwhile, in Zadar, where the Marin Cilic-inspired Croats face the United States in the other last-four contest which also starts on Friday, there will be plenty of scrutiny of umpire Carlos Ramos. He has come into this passionate tie straight from the … [Read more...] about France, Croatia favourites to set up World Cup final repeat
1979 world cup final scorecard
World Cup: France eye World Cup final but Belgium have Henry factor
World Cup favourites France are targeting the final in Russia two decades after their 1998 triumph with one of their greatest players, Thierry Henry, plotting their downfall from the dugout of opponents Belgium. Belgium assistant coach Thierry Henry is plotting the downfall of France in the World Cup semi-finals AFP/FRANCK FIFE The European neighbours meet in Tuesday's (Jul 8) first semi-final in Saint Petersburg for the right to play England or Croatia in Sunday's showpiece in Moscow. Former Arsenal and Barcelona forward Henry, who was part of the squad that won the World Cup on home soil 20 years ago, is now alongside Belgium coach Roberto Martinez and eyeing the chinks in France's armour. "It will be bizarre to have him up against us," said France striker Olivier Giroud. "He is a living legend of French football. "He has given so much to the France team and we have got a lot of respect for what he has done. But we're not thinking about it too much, we're going to be … [Read more...] about World Cup: France eye World Cup final but Belgium have Henry factor
World Cup final in Vietnam: advertising rates on national broadcaster skyrocket
The Television Advertising and Services Center (TVAd) of national broadcaster VTV has upped the ad fees for halftime airtime during the final match of World Cup 2018 by 60 percent. Businesses will have to pay VND800 million ($35,020) per 30 seconds to advertise on the VTV6 and VTV2 channels during halftime of the 2018 World Cup final match and the time between the end of the match and beginning of the closing ceremony. Another option for these periods is a 10 seconds pack for VND400 million ($17,475). Enterprises can save VND50 million for each pack if they choose to advertise their product or service during the halftime commentary. On June 11, VTV had announced halftime advertising rates for the final at VND500 million ($21,854) for 30 seconds. Just a fortnight later, it has jacked up the price by VND300 million. The current price is a record for an advertisement during World Cup final on VTV. The last World Cup in 2014 saw enterprises paying $15,297 for 30 seconds on air. “The … [Read more...] about World Cup final in Vietnam: advertising rates on national broadcaster skyrocket
World Cup final in Vietnam: halftime airtime prices skyrocket
The Television Advertising and Services Center (TVAd) of national broadcaster VTV has upped the ad fees for halftime airtime during the final match of World Cup 2018 by 60 percent. Businesses will have to pay VND800 million ($35,020) per 30 seconds to advertise on the VTV6 and VTV2 channels during halftime of the 2018 World Cup final match and the time between the end of the match and beginning of the closing ceremony. Another option for these periods is a 10 seconds pack for VND400 million ($17,475). Enterprises can save VND50 million for each pack if they choose to advertise their product or service during the halftime commentary. On June 11, VTV had announced halftime advertising rates for the final at VND500 million ($21, 854) for 30 seconds. Just a fortnight later, it has jacked up the price by VND300 million. The current price is a record for an advertisement during World Cup final on VTV. The last World Cup in 2014 saw enterprises paying $15, 297 for 30 seconds on air. … [Read more...] about World Cup final in Vietnam: halftime airtime prices skyrocket
He has spoken: Beckham tips England versus Argentina World Cup final
Former captain David Beckham has tipped England to play Lionel Messi's Argentina in the World Cup final, reflecting rising optimism about the Three Lions' chances after a positive start in Russia. David Beckham played three World Cups with England. (File photo: AFP/Fred Dufour) Beckham was speaking at a promotional event in China after England beat Tunisia 2-1 in their opening game, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout rounds. England have long stuttered on the big stage and they last reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2006, when Beckham was captain. Their only World Cup final was way back in 1966, when they beat Germany at Wembley. "I believe Argentina will play against England in the final," Beckham predicted at an event to promote China's largest collegiate football league. "I think obviously my choice would be England to win the competition, but that's me being biased and passionate about my country," he added. But the former Manchester United and Real … [Read more...] about He has spoken: Beckham tips England versus Argentina World Cup final