IRAN’S CHESHMI RULED OUT AFTER MUSCLE INJURY
KAZAN: Iran have suffered a blow ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup Group B clash against Spain with versatile defender Rouzbeh Cheshmi ruled out of the rest of the tournament by injury. Cheshmi, who started Iran’s opening 1-0 victory over Morocco in central defence, suffered a muscle injury in training on Sunday and would be sidelined for four weeks, according to the Iran Football Federation.
Mexico face action over ‘homophobic’ chants
MOSCOW: Fifa said Monday it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Mexico after supporters allegedly shouted a homophobic slur during the World Cup match against Germany. Fifa gave no details of the nature of the insults but media reports said Mexican fans aimed the shouts at Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at Luzhniki Stadium during their 1-0 win.
Neymar leaves training session with sore ankle
SOCHI: Brazil forward Neymar left training early on Tuesday after feeling pain in his right ankle and will spend the rest of the day undergoing physiotherapy, the Brazilian football confederation said. “He was feeling pain thanks to the large number of fouls he suffered in the Switzerland game,” a spokesman told reporters. “He complained of pain and so he went to physio and he will train normally tomorrow.”
Pogba shorn, in more ways than one
MOSCOW: France midfielder Paul Pogba has been stripped of the winning goal in the 2-1 Group C victory over Australia on Saturday. Pogba’s 81st minute lob took a deflection and went in off the cross bar. The goal was initially credited to him but a Fifa panel has adjudged it as an Aziz Behich own-goal. Pogba’s focus is as much on style as substance as he has reportedly flown in his barber from London to the team’s World Cup base to give a haircut to 13 French players, according to the British media, with pictures uploaded on Instagram.
Griezmann extends Atletico Madrid deal till 2023
MADRID: France star Antoine Griezmann has signed a contract extension with Atletico Madrid through to 2023, the club announced on Monday. Griezmann was subject to an offer from Barcelona, but Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin flew to Russia on Monday where the forward, who is with the French squad, signed the new deal.