Leckie lends an ear

“That’s why he’s with me!” said quick-thinking Australia coach Bert van Marwijk after being handed a radio earpiece by forward Mathew Leckie after the Dutchman had failed to understand a question in Russian. Minutes earlier, Van Marwijk denied that Leckie’s attendance at the pre-match press conference meant his traditional captain, Mile Jedinak, would not be on his team sheet against France on Saturday. “For me, it’s good sometimes another player is sitting next to me. It’s also good for you (media) to see a new face!”