57671805AM.jpg)
Viet Nam News MOSCOW — England won their first penalty shootout in World Cup history as they beat Colombia 4-3 to reach the quarterfinals at Spartak Stadium here on Tuesday. They will face Sweden in the quarterfinals on July 7 in Samara, and winners of that match are going to play either Russia or Croatia on July 11. Substitute Eric Dier scored the winning penalty for England, after Colombia’s fourth penalty kick hit the crossbar and fifth one palmed away by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, while England’s third one was saved by Colombia’s David Ospina. Colombia’s star player and the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup James Rodriguez was kept on the bench throughout the match due to an injury. Tuesday’s match marked the sixth clash between Colombia and England, with England victorious in three previous ones and tying with Colombia in two. England coach Gareth Southgate fielded the same starting lineup as the side’s opener … [Read more...] about England beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals
Russia world cup fixtures
All eyes on Salah as World Cup hosts take on Egypt
World Cup hosts Russia face an Egypt side buoyed by the likely return of star man Mohamed Salah on Tuesday (Jun 19) knowing a win will all but guarantee a place in the last 16. Egypt's Mohamed Salah (C) missed his team's defeat to Uruguay as he struggles to recover from the shoulder injury sustained during last month's Champions League Final AFP/KARIM JAAFAR Liverpool wizard Salah missed his team's defeat to Uruguay on Friday as he struggles to recover from the shoulder injury sustained during last month's Champions League Final. Salah's shoulder has continued to cause him problems in Russia, and last weekend he needed the help of three team-mates to put a shirt on during a training session. However the 26-year-old is desperate to start in what is a must-win game on Tuesday for the Pharoahs, who are playing in the World Cup for the first time since 1990. Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov was bullish ahead of the match in Saint Petersburg that his team can rein in the … [Read more...] about All eyes on Salah as World Cup hosts take on Egypt
World Cup group stage: 5 potential highlights
The World Cup group stage will see 48 games crammed into two weeks. AFP Sport picks out the moments to look out for in Russia: Spain forward Diego Costa (right) and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. (File photos: AFP) OPENING MATCH How can anyone miss the opening game at the World Cup? It sets the tone for a month-long festival of football, even if in this case it brings together the two lowest-ranked teams in the competition. Will Stanislav Cherchesov's Russia side do the host nation proud at the World Cup? (Photo: AFP/Alexander Nemenov) Hosts Russia will walk out onto the pitch at the 80,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium ranked a lowly 70th in the world, three spots below Group A rivals Saudi Arabia, and without a victory in eight months. However, Russia has spent more than US$13 billion on preparations for the big event, and President Vladimir Putin will be eager for the hosts to get off to the best possible start. In contrast, a defeat against minnows Saudi Arabia … [Read more...] about World Cup group stage: 5 potential highlights
HCM City to broadcast live World Cup action on big screens
HCM City people can see World Cup on Nguyễn Huệ Street. — Photo infonet.vn Viet Nam News HCM CITY — HCM City will be showing the opening ceremony and World Cup fixtures on big screens along the pedestrian zone on Nguyễn Huệ Street, the municipal People’s Committee has announced. Vehicles are prohibited from the street from 6pm-midnight. Live music performances and expert opinions will also be available for fans. 32 nations will be competing in Russia, including defending champions Germany, while Iceland and Panama will both be making their first appearances at a FIFA World Cup. A total of 64 matches will be played at 12 venues located in 11 cities. The final will take place on 15 July at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. — VNS … [Read more...] about HCM City to broadcast live World Cup action on big screens
Improved France among World Cup favourites
Viet Nam News PARIS — Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill believes France are quite capable of winning the World Cup after seeing them get the better of his team in a friendly on Monday evening. France won 2-0 on a wet night, with Olivier Giroud and Nabil Fekir scoring the goals in the first half, and Ireland struggled to get near the ball at the Stade de France. "They are very strong, indivdually they have got a lot talent in their team. I think they’re one of the favourites for the World Cup," said O’Neill. It was the first meeting of the sides since Antoine Griezmann’s goals gave hosts France a 2-1 win in Lyon in the round of 16 of the last European Championship. Only three France players in Monday’s game - Adil Rami, Giroud and Blaise Matuidi - also started in that match at Euro 2016. "I don’t want to put pressure on their coach, but I think they have improved in the last two years and they … [Read more...] about Improved France among World Cup favourites