WORLD CUP DIARY Cahill arrows in on glory
GARY CAHILL proved he is a good sport yesterday by having a game of darts at England’s media centre.
At the Euros two years ago England were under such tight orders that they were banned from even talking about their own darts tournament and it became something of a standing joke among the Press.
But Cahill (left) beat one reporter yesterday, while Jesse Lingard hit three strikes in a row as the team also played 10-pin bowling at the hotel where the Press meetings are held. The aim is to try and show that Gareth Southgate is in favour of a more open door policy and wants the players to feel less restricted than in previous regimes. SAM ALLARDYCE never made it to this World Cup but the question in Sochi ahead of
Spain’s press conference was whether he will be claiming an assist if new Spanish chief Fernando Hierro carries off the trophy.
Allardyce (above) left the England job just one game into the qualifying campaign but it didn’t stop scribes wondering whether he will get a mention if Spain repeat their triumph of eight years ago. Former Real Madrid star Hierro was gushing in his praise of his ex-bolton chief, underlining how much Big Sam had influenced him.
“Sam was miles ahead of his time,” said Hierro. “He is a Premier League master.”
The world is now waiting to see what Sam’s reaction will be to a Spanish triumph. SAUDI ARABIA fan Fahd Al-yahya cycled 3,200 miles from his homeland to watch his country in the World Cup’s opening match.
The epic voyage from Riyadh to Russia took Al-yahya 75 days before he arrived in Moscow to watch his country take on the hosts at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Al-yahya said: “I made the trip so I can support the Green Falcons at the World Cup.”
Unfortunately for the Saudi fans (above), the hosts were not too hospitable on the pitch as Russia won the opening clash 5-0.
And after such a brutal trek, Al-yahya has made other plans for his return. “It’s a very long bike ride,” he said. “So I’ll be flying.” EGYPT coach Hector Cuper says Mo Salah will start their World Cup opener today – and can be the tournament’s top scorer.
Salah, whose 44 goals for Liverpool last season earned him double player-ofthe-year honours, was a major doubt to face Uruguay following the shoulder injury suffered in the 3-1 defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Kiev.
But Cuper is certain Salah (comforted by Kop boss Jurgen Klopp, inset,) is fit enough to start against the
South Americans, whose talisman is the former
Liverpool icon
Luis Suarez.
“He has recovered and will play,” said
Cuper. “Nothing will stop him competing for the Golden Boot. The doctors are giving him the option to play or not but I know Salah very well and I’m sure he’s not afraid, I’m sure he’s not fearful.”
But Cuper has warned his side they cannot pin all their World Cup hopes on their star man. “Egypt are lucky to have one of the best players in the world in their ranks,” said Cuper. “Salah is the Egyptian Lionel Messi, but we can’t just rely on him.
“Salah is the star but it’s possible that a goalkeeper or a defender will come to the rescue. And then of course there are the midfielders, who do a lot of running for the team.” Aside
MO SALAH
from a Salah, Egypt have a well-drilled group of players, including Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny, and qualified for their first World Cup in 28 years with a game to spare.
Argentinian Cuper, who led Valencia to the Champions League final in 2000 and 2001, said he now feels Egyptian after taking charge in March 2015.
“I have become Egyptian,” said Cuper. “I want to lead us to victory.”
LUIS SUAREZ Games played for Liverpool Minutes played for Liverpool Goals for Liverpool Assists for Liverpool Minutes per goal for Liverpool
Win percentage for Liverpool POSSESSION SHOTS ON TARGET SHOTS OFF TARGET CORNERS OFFSIDE FOULS CARDS