World Cup round-up: Ex-Man Utd star aids Curacao heroics, England harm replace and Bielsa rant
England face World Cup injury concerns over Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, while Curacao’s goalkeeper Eloy Room breaks records with 15 saves and Marcelo Bielsa hits out at hydration breaks
Curacao drew 0-0 with Ecuador in the early hours
Another World Cup minnow shocked the world overnight as Curacao followed in Cape Verde’s footsteps to claim their first ever point at the festival of football with a 0-0 draw.
Meanwhile, Germany left it late to beat Cote d’Ivoire – having to come from behind to stun the African side in the final minutes, thanks to an excellent touch and finish from Deniz Undav. While Japan compiled more misery on a torrid Tunisia during a 4-0 win.
However, it is not just on the pitch where there has been action over night, and Daily Star Sport rounds up all the stories you need to know about…
Curacao’s heroics
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The standout story overnight was undoubtedly Curacao’s stunning draw against Ecuador. Goalkeeper Eloy Room claimed player of the match honours following an extraordinary 15 saves – the most ever in 90 minutes of football at the World Cup.
Enner Valencia had five shots on target for the South American nation but was denied by Room on every occasion while Moises Caicedo and John Yeboah also saw their efforts saved excellently by the 37-year-old Miami FC shot-stopper.
Former Manchester United star Tahith Chong was Curacao’s bright spark, with his relentless running and footwork helping them get up the pitch, but following his withdrawal after 76 minutes, it was backs to the wall for Curacao.
England injury update
Injuries have been the dominant talking point over recent hours, with worrying news emerging about England pair Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
The latter was absent from team training on Saturday, while Rice has disclosed his persistent problem stretches back to Christmas, with his premature substitution against Croatia seemingly confirming he’s battling to cope with it.
Harry Kane also has question marks surrounding his fitness after he was spotted with his leg strapped after the Three Lions opening game win over Croatia on Wednesday evening.
Marcelo Bielsa vs hydration breaks
Uruguay vs Cape Verde kicks off later on Sunday, with the deeply unpopular hydration breaks firmly in Marcelo Bielsa’s sights.
He declared at a press conference: “Playing four halves instead of two alters the conception that had been culturally constructed to interpret football. It adds nothing and takes away a lot.
“When it was divided into four, no thought was given to the effect it might have on what made football a sport that captivates people, but rather to another type of repercussions that I neither discuss nor analyse. Before this decision, football had one characteristic; now it has another.”
