Star returns for reigning champs
Photo: Hector Vivas
FOOTBALL: Germany defender Mats Hummels has recovered from a neck injury and will be fit for their World Cup game against South Korea but midfielder Sebastian Rudy is doubtful.
Hummels, who missed the defending champion’s last-gasp 2-1 victory over Sweden, has returned to training and is available for selection but Rudy is unlikely after breaking his nose against the Swedes and undergoing minor surgery.
“Sebi (Rudy) was operated on for the broken nose. He will undergo further checks this afternoon and we will see. We must be prepared that he will not be likely to play,” assistant coach Marcus Sorg said yesterday.
Rudy started against Sweden after muscling his way past out-of-form World Cup winner Sami Khedira.
Sorg said team doctors would also look into the possibility of him playing with a face mask for the game in Kazan.
“If there is the possibility of playing with a mask, without risk to his health, then it is something that could be considered,” he said.
Germany must win their final Group F clash by at least two goals to ensure a spot in the round of 16 after their shock 1-0 opening loss to Mexico. They are level on three points with Sweden with the same goal difference. Mexico are top on six.
Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal survived some VAR controversy to make it through to the last 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo had a penalty kick saved in Portugal’s 1-1 draw with Iran, who scored a late penalty thanks to the VAR system.
The VAR also played a part in Kaliningrad, where Spain rescued a 2-2 draw with Morocco courtesy of a clever back-heel in stoppage time from substitute Iago Aspas.
It took almost two minutes before the VAR was put into practice for an offside call before the goal was confirmed.
Portugal will play Uruguay, who earlier defeated hosts Russia 3-0, in the round of 16, while Spain will take on the Russians.
Fixtures: Germany v South Korea, Mexico v Sweden (both midnight); Switzerland v Costa Rica, Brazil v Serbia (both 4am). – Reuters