England are bracing themselves to face goal machine Erling Haaland and Norway for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
After a rest day yesterday, the tournament in North America resumes today with the first of the quarter-finals seeing much-fancied France taking on African champions Morocco in a mouthwatering tie. Meanwhile, England are bracing themselves for a significant knockout tie against a formidable Norway on Saturday.
This match is a crucial test for the Three Lions, but things seem far from harmonious within the Norwegian camp. Here’s all you need to know in our daily morning World Cup round-up.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Norway mind games begin?
Over the past 72 hours, rumours have surfaced of a sickness bug within the Norway squad, alongside tension with Alexander Sorloth due to him playing out of position to accommodate Erling Haaland.
Their federation has also lodged complaints after being moved from their five-star hotel in Fort Lauderdale. So what is the truth of the situation? We’ll only know when Norway head coach Stale Solbakken addresses the media ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final.
Reports of an illness outbreak within the squad have been downplayed, while the Norway team logistics manager has described their preparations as brutal, reports the Mirror.
Belgium’s World Cup complaints
The Belgian national team have encountered logistical issues concerning their designated tournament training facilities.
The squad have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the state of their practice setup as they gear up for their quarter-final.
Belgium have submitted an official complaint to FIFA concerning the dire condition of their training pitch grass. Team officials maintain the patchy, uneven surface is wholly unacceptable for a competition of this stature.
FIFA appeal rejected
FIFA have formally rejected France’s appeal to reverse the contentious yellow card shown to winger Michael Olise during their heated clash with Paraguay.
France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed the governing body opted to uphold the original refereeing decision, despite the French federation’s formal objection.
This disciplinary ruling means that should former Crystal Palace winger Olise collect another yellow card during that match, he will face an automatic ban from featuring in a potential semi-final.
It stems from an on-pitch confrontation with Paraguayan player Matías Galarza that resulted in the Bayern Munich ace being cautioned and now walking a disciplinary tightrope.
The disputed yellow card was shown to the winger deep into added time in the 97th minute of play. The booking was prompted by an aggressive on-pitch confrontation with Galarza.
Another managerial change
Former Barcelona star defender Rafael Márquez has formally been appointed the new manager of the Mexico national side.
He moves up directly from his previous role as the team’s assistant manager to succeed Javier Aguirre and assume the top position.
The federation’s announcement emphasised the 47-year-old Márquez’s tremendous reputation as the nation’s fourth-most capped player of all time.
They conveyed profound official appreciation to the outgoing Aguirre for his years of dedication, as he stepped aside after the thrilling 3-2 defeat to England at the Estadio Azteca in the Round of 16.