World Cup

BRAZIL spent four days insisting they had enough superstars to not to notice the absence of Neymar – but no-one thought that the hero would be Casemiro.Yet that was exactly the case, when the midfielder best known for his defending than the dynamite in his boots produced an absolute rocket to send the favourites into the last 16.
Casemiro netted a great goal to secure Brazil’s place in the Round of 16Credit: Getty
The Man Utd man proved the unlikely heroCredit: AP
Casemiro’s last goal for his country came in a qualifier against Ecuador nearly two years ago. He had five in 65 games going into this Group G clash.
But never will he hit a ball with more power and precision than the 83rd minute rocket which arrowed past Yann Sommer to snatch a win most had all but given up on.
Without their talisman Brazil had been laboured and quite frankly flat for long, long periods.
Yes, they had the ball in the net from Vinicius Junior, only to be denied by bad luck as much as bad judgement.
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But by their magnificent standards they had been poor. Proof in fact, that while Tite tried to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes by saying they could cope without Neymar, the truth was far different.
The Brazil coach had better pray his medical team work their magic on his striker’s damaged right ankle ligaments by the time of their last 16 game, or the wait for a sixth World Cup may go on a little longer.
And when Fred is the replacement, it does leave you questioning whether there should be a ‘Mad’ in front of Tite’s usual nickname of Professor.
Mind you, at least it is two wins from two, at least they are through as table toppers and at least they can’t play as badly as this again. Surely not – and not get away with it anyway.
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They didn’t look like they were going to against the Swiss for such long, long periods either.
Vinicius Jnr thought he was was going to be the man who won it for them when he skipped past Nico Elvedi and buried it past Yann Sommer after Casemiro’s through ball on 64 minutes.
But Richarlison, the two-goal hero of their opening win over Serbia, was half a yard offside before he got the faintest of touches to Casemiro’s pass, to deflect it away from Manuel Akanji.
Having said that, even if he hadn’t clipped the ball, he would have been interfering with play so VAR official Drew Fischer was right to tell ref Ivan Barton to disallow it.
That aside, VIni Jnr had come closest to a winner, when he arrived at the far post to meet Raphinha’s delicious 27th minute cross.
But his connection was more shin than boot, and although Sommer had to make a save, he was always going to push it behind.
That looked as close as we were going to get to a winner – but then Vini turned provider with the cutest of flicks.
And Casemiro spun and rocketed a flying half volley into the far corner to snatch it. The Swiss clocked at last… and finally reason for Brazil to go nuts. More

KARIM BENZEMA could make a sensational recovery to play at the World Cup.France were dealt a blow on the eve of the tournament when he withdrew from the squad with a thigh injury that was estimated to keep him out for three weeks.
Karim Benzema was ruled out for the tournament following an injury in trainingCredit: AP
Benzema uploaded a photo on Instagram as he steps up his recovery from injuryCredit: @karimbenzema
But sensational reports from Spain have suggested the Real Madrid star may be recovering quicker than expected, and could rejoin the squad at a later date.
Benzema was never replaced so could technically link back up with Les Bleus, but French sources are playing down the likelihood of it actually happening.
Meanwhile, Jules Kounde has promised not to rein it in against Tunisia – despite the risk of suspension.
France have already qualified from Group D after beating Australia and Denmark and will likely rotate their squad against the Tunisians tomorrow.
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But Kounde, who was booked against the Danes, will still go full pelt even though he knows another caution would see him banned for the last 16.
The Barcelona star, 24, said: “I’ll be a bit more careful maybe but I’ll never play at 50 per cent just not to have a yellow card.”
Kounde was set to join Chelsea in the summer from Sevilla.
But he switched at the last minute to Barca instead, where he will enjoy El Clasicos against best mate and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, 22.
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The close pair were in the Bordeaux academy together and are now starring for the national team alongside each other.
Versatile defender Kounde added: “It’s amazing to be able to share this opportunity with your friend. We’re very close. We look at things the same. 
“We have the same mentality, we have the same agency, we have the same desire to succeed. It connects us and is very special.”
Tottenham captain Hugo Lloris will equal Lilian Thuram’s record of 142 France caps if he is selected in goal against Tunisia, who are fighting to stay at the World Cup. More

SERGIO AGUERO has rushed to the defence of Lionel Messi after he was threatened by UFC star Canelo Alvarez for kicking a Mexico shirt.Messi, 35, inspired Argentina with a goal and assist as his country beat Canelo’s nation 2-0 to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Lionel Messi moved a Mexico shirt with his foot
Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi are best friendsCredit: AFP
Canelo Alvarez fumed at Lionel Messi’s apparent disrespectful actionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In the dressing room celebrations the Paris Saint-Germain star booted a Mexico shirt away from him that was on the floor.
Canelo took offence to this tweeting: “Did you guys see Messi cleaning the floor with our jersey and flag?
“He better pray to God that I don’t find him.
“Just like I respect Argentina, he has to respect Mexico!”
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Messi’s old Argentina teammate Aguero has fired shots back at the fighter.
Aguero wrote in response: “Mr. Canelo, don’t look for excuses or problems, surely you don’t know about soccer and what happens in a locker room. 
“The shirts are always on the floor after the games are over due to sweat and then if you see, he makes the movement to remove the boot and accidentally hits it.”
Aguero and Messi are close friends and were roommates on international duty for years before the ex-Man City striker retired.
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It has been reported that Messi is rooming alone in Qatar as he wants nobody to replace Aguero.
Another of the seven time Ballon d’Or winner’s pals also defended his antics.
Cesc Fabregas bit back at Canelo saying: “You neither know the person, nor do you understand how a locker room works or what happens after a game.
“All shirts, even the ones we wear ourselves, go on the floor and are washed afterwards. And more when you celebrate an important victory.” More

A Ghana official attempted to take a selfie with Son Heung-min while he was CRYING after South Korea’s defeat at the World Cup.A thrilling Group H clash saw Ghana go 2-0 up – before a quickfire Cho Gue-sung double levelled things up with 30 minutes remaining.
The Ghana official was intent on getting a selfie with an emotional Son Heung-minCredit: BBC

Another member of the Ghana team had to tell him to put the camera awayCredit: BBC
Those on social media were left furious at the selfie attemptCredit: Getty
But Mohammed Kudus then netted his second of the game to put Ghana back in front.
And they hung on to secure their first win of this World Cup.
The result leaves Ghana on three points, but South Korea are now facing a difficult task if they wish to qualify for the round of 16 after a draw and a defeat from their opening two matches.
And Tottenham star Son was in tears at the full-time whistle after an emotionally-draining loss.
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Yet one member of the Ghana team still had his eyes set on getting a picture with Son – regardless of the South Korean’s deep disappointment.
He came over to the Spurs man and thrust the camera in his face.
Son turned away from the official, before a member of the Ghana backroom staff urged the man to put his phone away.
They then attempted to check on the welfare of Son, but he walked off as it was clear he wanted to be left alone.
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Reacting on social media, one person said: “Son is crying and this Ghana coach is taking a selfie with him… bro 😭😭.”
Another added: “Did that Ghana coach just take a selfie with Son? Shame is actually free.”
A third said: “Nah wanting a selfie with Son afterwards when he’s devastated is crazy 😭.”
And a fourth added: “Absolutely shameless from that Ghanaian coach taking a selfie while Son crying.”
South Korea’s final group stage match comes against Portugal on Friday.
Ghana’s third games comes against Uruguay on the same evening, with both sets of results expected to have a major impact on who qualifies from the group. More