#RUSSIA2018 - 155 Nigerian World Cup fans stranded in Russia arrive Abuja

A nursing mother and 154 out of 230 Nigerian football fans stranded in Russia after the 2018 FIFA World Cup arrived the country on Friday night.

The stranded football fans including a nursing mother in her mid- thirties came through Ethiopian Airline flight number ET- ALP that arrived Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Abuja at about 9 . 12 pm on July 20 .

The Minister of Foreign Affairs , Mr Geoffrey Onyeama , who was at the airport to monitor their arrival , lauded President Muhammadu Buhari ’s effort to ensure their safe return.
He said that Mr President had directed that Nigerians , who were stranded in Russia after the 2018 World Cup tournament, should be evacuated immediately .
According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been monitoring the process of the evacuation , which is under the coordination of the Mission of Nigeria in Moscow .
He said that 155 stranded Nigerians had been cleared to board an Ethiopian Airline flight to Abuja .
“The aircraft departed Domodedovo Airport in Moscow with the stranded Nigerians in the afternoon and arrived in Abuja this evening.
Onyeama said he had been working very closely with the Minister of State for Aviation following President Buhari ’ s directive on the exercise .
He recalled that some Nigerian football fans who were stranded had besieged the Embassy of Nigeria in Moscow on July 12 .

“They were among the fans who travelled to the Russian Federation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Tournament and were stranded after the events due to lack of funds for their upkeep . ”
The minister explained that there was also an allegation that some airline travel agents cancelled return tickets of their customers without informing them.

He said that Mr President , however ,
gave the directive that they should be evacuated with immediate effect at the expense of the government.

via punchng

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic congratulates France

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic is gracious even in defeat as he said on Sunday that his team should be proud of what it has achieved at the 2018 World Cup and congratulated France on winning this summer's tournament.

Croatia finished runners-up at the 2018 World Cup after losing 4-2 to France in the final at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.

"I congratulate France on their title. We played well in the first 20 minutes, we controlled the game. Then there was an own goal from a set play. We came back to life, dominated and then the penalty was given.

I have to congratulate my players, it was maybe the best game we played in these championships; we controlled the match but we conceded. Against such a strong side as France you must not make mistakes. We are a bit sad but we have to be proud as well for what we've done," Dalic said, as quoted by FIFA's website.

UPDATE! France defeated Croatia 4 - 2, Les Blues are World Champions again

France have defeated Croatia 4-2 in 2018 FIFA World Cup final at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday evening to become the world champions again for the second time in their history.

Own goal from Mario Mandzukic and Ivan Perisic equalize for the Blazers but Les Blues add three goals with Kylian Mbappe scores after Paul Pogba goal, Antoine Griezmann VAR penalty but Hugo Lloris howler for Juventus striker to pull one back.

Russia 2018 - FIFA appoint no nonsense referee for World Cup final

FIFA have named no-nonsense referee Nestor Pitana for 2018 World Cup final between France and Croatia on Sunday at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

The 43-year-old Argentina who is a physical education teacher has already taken charge of four matches in this summer tournament in Russia.

Pitana has officiated the opening game between Russia and Saudi Arabia and was in charge for Sweden's win over Mexico, Croatia's victory over Denmark in the last 16 and France's quarter-final success against Uruguay.

The former actor is joined by assistant referees Hernan Maidana and Juan Belatti, as well as fourth official Bjorn Kuipers.
Pitana becomes the second Argentinian referee to officiate a World Cup final after Horacio Elizondo, who took charge of Italy's 2006 triumph over France in Berlin.

For the third-place playoff between Belgium and England in Saint Petersburg on Saturday, FIFA have selected Iranian referee Alireza Faghani.

via Fcnaija

World Cup, Russia 2018 - France 1-0 Belgium, Samuel Umtiti sends Les Blues into World Cup final

Samuel Umititi sends France to 2018 FIFA World Cup final with 1-0 victory over Belgium in the first semi-final encounter on Tuesday night at Saint Petersburg Stadium in Russia.

The Barcelona center-back headed the only goal in match goal from a corner kick Umtiti loses Alderweireld and rises above Fellaini to head home from close range to puts Les Blues into their third World Cup final, all of which have come in the past 20 years. France would be waiting for the winner between either England or Croatia on Sunday in Moscow

FIRST HALF
The first effort of the game comes from Belgium as France give the ball away carelessly. De Bruyne is immediately in there and pokes the ball to Hazard, who drills a low strike a yard or so wide of the far post.
France respond with the first shot on target of the match as the ball comes out to Matuidi around 25 yards from goal and he powers an effort towards goal, but it is easy enough for Courtois to deal with.

The ball breaks to the Belgian captain wide on the left of the box - he lines up a low shot across Lloris, but it slides wide of the keeper's left-hand post. Hazard was unlikely to beat Lloris from there, but it's the first real opening of the match.
A corner falls for Alderweireld to swivel and shoot at goal - the Belgian defender does everything right as he pings an effort high to Lloris' right, but the French keeper pulls off another stunning World Cup save by flinging himself at the ball and just about tipping it wide at full stretch.

Griezmann spots Mbappe with a stunning pass over the top, and the young forward tees up Giroud with a lovely cushioned pass across goal... but Giroud slips and can't finish.
Another big chance for France as Mbappe pokes the ball into the path of Pavard as the right-back gets in behind the Belgians and has time to pick his spot... but Courtois manages to get a leg to the ball and deflect it away.
De Bruyne whips another fine ball into the box which Umtiti misses, and Lukaku cannot react in time as the ball hits him and goes behind for a goal kick.

SECOND HALF
Belgium have started brightly, and Lukaku should do better with the first chance of the half as Witsel crosses and finds the striker, but the Manchester United man can only head over when well placed.
First blood to France as Griezmann whips a corner from right with Umtiti darts to the front post above Fellaini before glancing a header past Belgium goalkeeper Courtois at the near post to make 1-0 for the Les Bleus.

France break at lightning pace through Mbappe feeds Matuidi, but his shot is blocked out and falls on PSG star who manages to pull off one of the great moments of the tournament with a stunning backheel turn to pass the ball to Giroud, but Dembele makes a superb last-ditch block to deny the striker.

Substitute Mertens has made an impact already here, and he swings a good cross into the box which Fellaini meets with a powerful downward header which bounces just wide of the target. France sat back and looked to use the pace Mbappe on the counter attack but were almost caught out as Hazard forced a wonderful tackle from Varane and Lloris had to beat away a vicious shot on the followup from Witse.

De Bruyne's stunning pass floated just too long for Lukaku to put a finishing touch to. France ran the clock down and almost made it 2-0 as Griezmann and then Corentin Tolisso's shots were well saved by Courtois

via fcnaija

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Jermaine Jenas warns Luka Modric may wreck England

For English fans firmly believing that football is coming home and that the Three Lions will win the World Cup in Russia, they must be wary of the threat that Luka Modric poses in Wednesday's semi-final Three Lions international Jermaine Jenas has warned.

Jenas is unequivocal that it will be difficult for England to stop Modric as he believes the midfielder is the world’s best at his position.
Croatia captain Modric has been an instrumental figure in his nation’s run to the World Cup semi-finals having scored two goals in the group stages and assisting on Domagoj Vida’s goal in the quarter-final victory over Russia.

His performances have had some calling for him to be in the mix for the tournament's Golden Ball.
Now he will turn his attention to England, as the two sides meet Wednesday at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow for a spot in the World Cup final.

While it is easy to say England has to stop the Real Madrid star, his former Tottenham team-mate Jenas warns in a column for BBC.com that will be no easy task for the Three Lions.

“I've not met many players as driven as Luka, and I've seen even fewer who are as talented as him,” Jenas wrote for BBC.com.

Jenas talked about his experience in training when the two played with Spurs, thinking he could mark the midfielder but discovering Modric would find ways to get free time and time again.
“He would go into areas just in front of the full-backs where, if I was playing against him, I would think, 'I am going to go out there and mark you',” Jenas said.

“But he would get the ball and all of a sudden he would be at you - and past you. Every time I thought I had him pinned down, he just got away from me. I've seen him do the same thing time and time again at this World Cup.

“So it is going to be hard for England to shut him down on Wednesday because he is quicker than most people think, and a lot stronger too. For a player who is only 5ft 6in, he has got the biggest calves I have ever seen in my life.”

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Brazil Football Federation attack Fans For Racist Abuse Of Fernandinho For Own Goal against Belgium

The Brazil Football Federation (CBF) has hit back at fans for directing racist abuse at Selecao midfielder, Fernandinho and his family following their 2-1 loss to Belgium in their quarter- final fixture at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The Manchester City man put through his own net in the first half before Kevin De Bruyne struck as Brazil were dumped out at the quarter-final stage of the World Cup.

And on Sunday, Brazil’s governing body made their feelings known regarding the horrific abuse, taking to Instagram to release a strong statement in defence of Fernandinho.

“The CBF repudiates the racist attacks suffered by Fernandinho and his family,” the Brazilian football governing body stated.

“Football represents the union of colours, genres, cultures and people. We are with you. Racists will not pass!” Several internet users referred to the Premier League star as a ‘monkey,’ while some even threatened to kill him after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Belgium.

The player’s wife, Rosa Glaucia, also found her Instagram account full of insults. ‘Your husband’s (screw up) ruined everything,’ was one comment.
Fernandinho’s mother had to close her Instagram account due to the heap of offensive comments on her profile.

Russia 2018 - Nigerian Musician, Banky W Hails Croatia Progress, Tips England To Reach World Cup For Final

Popular Nigeria musician and songwriter Banky W has kind words for Croatia following the Vatreni 4-3 penalty shoot-out win against hosts Russia in their 2018 FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash on Saturday.

The game ended in a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes with both teams scoring a goal each in extra-time.
Denis Cheryshev put the hosts ahead with a stunning 20-yard strike, but they required a 115th-minute header from Mario Fernandes to take the game to spot-kicks after goals from Andrej Kramaric and Domagoj Vida.

“Congrats Croatia.. but I’m thinking the final will be England versus whoever wins between Belgium and France. And the world cup winner will be whoever wins between Belgium and France,” Banky W whose full name is Banky Wellington wrote on his Twitter handle.

Croatia will face the Three Lions of England in the semi-final in Moscow on Wednesday.

It is the second time they will be appearing in the last four after they made it through to the same stage in France ’98.

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Croatia Coach Admits Lucky Win against Russia, Eager To Unleash Powerful Team In Semi-Final against England

Croatia coach, Zlatko Dalic has hailed his players for their impressive showing and a win against hosts Russia in their Saturday’s 2018 World Cup quarter-final clash at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi.

Croatia won the explosive match 4-3 on penalties after it ended 2-2 in 120 minutes.
“Congratulations to my lads but also to the Russia team, who fought well. This was not a beautiful game, it was a fight, a battle for the semi-final. We were lucky,” Dalic said after the match.

“I was concentrated throughout the match but after Rakitic’s penalty, it came bursting out of me. I felt really relieved. We made ourselves happy but we also made everybody back home in Croatia happy. Those emotions just burst out of me. I don’t cry often but now I have a good cause: Croatia are in the semi-finals. This is a great success and a great result.”

Dalic would also pick up the gauntlet ahead Croatia’s semi-final clash with England on Wednesday.
Hello
He said: “Of course, there is some power left for the English. We do not want to stop, we will try to play our best game. We have two matches to play and we are very motivated. We’re giving our all. It will be a battle again but I trust us, I have belief in us.”

World Cup - Russia 2018 - Belgium defeat worse than Germany thrashing-Paulinho

For some, it would be incomprehensible to say that a 2-1 loss is more painful than being beaten 7-1 on home soil.

However, that is how Paulinho feels about Brazil's exit from Russia 2018 saying it is harder to accept than their 2014 World Cup humiliation.
A 2-1 loss to Belgium saw Tite's men eliminated in the quarter-finals Friday, four years on from a last-four defeat.

In 2014, World Cup hosts Brazil were crushed 7-1 by Germany, who went on to win the title.
Paulinho, who played in that game in Belo Horizonte, said the loss to Belgium was tougher to take.
"For me, they were both difficult," Paulinho said in a television interview. "A very complicated 2014, but this one is harder."

The midfielder added: "The way we left, we were fighting until the last second, in a match when we were all over them." Meanwhile, Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus was left to rue a tournament of lost opportunities.

Via fcnaija

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Uruguay 0-2 France, Les Bleus keep World Cup dreams alive

France kept their World Cup dreams alive following their 2-0 win against Uruguay in the quarter-final showdown at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Friday.

A first-half goal netted by Raphael Verane at the 40th minute put the Les Bleus ahead followed by a second-half goal by Antoine Griezmann which sealed the victory for the French team.

France opened scores at the 40th minute of the showdown. Raphael Varane came through with a gorgeous header from Griezmann's free-kick to put the French side in the driving seat. The first half of the encounter was very competitive, niggly and enjoyable between the two seriously proficient teams.

Uruguay almost equalised twice in a couple of minutes. The second effort was thwarted by a fine Lloris save, low to his right to parry Caceres' flashed a header from a right-wing cross following a free-kick. Godin was attacking the back post for the tap-in but Lloris leaped to his feet to face up to him and the Uruguay captain blundered his shot from 3m into the crowd. Earlier Nandez had fired a rising shot at Lloris that the keeper saved with great agility.

France made the breakthrough, but Uruguay's indomitable tenacity meant they kept battling. It was like one of those fist fight scenes atop a moving train as the tunnel approaches. Big haymakers, lots of jabs, wild swings of fortune. It was Uruguay 0-1 France in the first half.
The second goal came in at the 61st minute as Antoine Greizmann made it two for the Les Bleus. Muslera did a Karius and spilled Griezmann's shot which found its way to the back of the net to keep the scoreline 2-0 to the favour of France.

France introduced Dembele as Mbappe left the stage at the 87th minute. The game ended in a 2-0 humiliation of Uruguay whose World Cup dreams ended at the quarter-finals against France.

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Belgium coach, Martinez says we are set for the challenge against Brazil

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez insisted that his team is set for the huge challenge against the World Cup favourite Brazil as both team clash to earn a place in the semi-finals of the tournament on Friday in Kazan, according to the report in Marca.

Martinez is of the view that his players will not be intimidated when they take on the clash. Romelu Lukaku confirmed Brazil as the favourite at Kazan Arena but Believe Belgian can reach the finals of the World Cup for the second time in their history.

"It is a big occasion, you can't hide that. If you try to hide it you're a bit of a stupid person," Martinez told reporters Thursday.

"We're as ready as we'll ever be, in the previous two years we've been working towards this moment.
"Brazil is ranked second in the world, we're number three, we know who we are and we know the magnitude of the game."

Lukaku believes the team has improved since Euro 2016 when they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Wales.
"We have prepared thoroughly as a team, we have a system we've been putting in place for two years now," said the Manchester United striker.

"As individuals, we've also improved. Everything is going smoothly, and it will be put to the test tomorrow. We play against the best team in the tournament, the favourites, so will be a good test to see where we stand as a team.

"I don't think it's the most important game [in my career], because if we win, then the game after that will be more important, won't it? It won't be easy, but we have the quality to make the difference."

Via fcnaija

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Southgate Hints At England’s Opportunity To Win World Cup

England manager Gareth Southgate claims that the Three Lions have a golden chance to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia but warns that they must not be carried away by their progress.

England last won a major tournament in 1966 and having reached the quarter-finals of the competition edging Colombia 4-3 on penalties after both sides were locked at 1-1 after extra time.

Ahead of their quarter-final clash against Sweden on Saturday at the Samara Arena, Southgate said: “Although our team will be better in two years with more life experience, maybe the cards on injuries and things won’t fall as kindly and we won’t get this opportunity again,’ he told ITV News.

“It’s dangerous if I start to get carried away, but I’m proud of the way we’re playing.”
“It’s a huge privilege to be able to send everybody to work happy, to be able to make a difference to people lives.” he added.

“Football can bring connection through a country and I’m delighted we are exciting people, bringing enjoyment and we want to keep it going.” Should England beat Sweden at the Samara Arena on Saturday they will face the victor from Russia-Croatia in Wednesday evening’s semi-final in Moscow.

Via Completesports

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Brazil with Belgium To Meet In Mouth-Watering Quarter-Final Clash

Battle between Neymar and Eden Hazard one to keep an eye on, with place in final four up for grabs
World Cup favourites Brazil take on Belgium this coming Friday (6 July) at the Kazan Arena. Belgium came from two goals down to beat Japan 3-2 to reach this stage, and this game should be a real treat for the neutral between two stacking sides.

First things first, head on over to the
Oddsshark website, find your favourite betting site and get your account sorted out with a username and password. As a new customer and with the World Cup quarter-finals set to start, there should be several promotions and sales on offer for you.

Where can I win money in this game?
On paper, there is a whole host of attacking talent on show which should mean goals. On one side, Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus for Brazil, while the Belgians can count on Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

This could be the best tie of the quarter-finals and we could be in for goals. You can bet on over 2.5 goals at 1.95, while under 2.5 goals is just under at 1.85, according to Oddsshark.

You can be even more specific: under two goals is at 3.50, two or three goals is at

1. 95 and over three goals is at 3.40. A Brazil win and over 2.5 goals in the game is also at a price of 3.40.
But while Brazil boast a whole range of attacking talent, coach Tite has also worked hard on their defensive discipline.

The South American giants have conceded just one goal at the tournament so far, having kept three clean sheets in a row and scoring at a rate of close to two goals per game.

And it is Brazil who come into this game as the clear favourites to make the final four. Tite’s side are at 2.15 to win the tie in 90 minutes, with the Belgians out at 3.70 to do the same.
You can also make a simpler bet on who will progress, regardless of whether it goes to extra time or penalties. Brazil are at 1.57 to go through, whereas you can more than double your money if you back Belgium to eliminate the Brazilians at a price of 2.37 – without doubt, this will be both sides’ biggest test of the tournament thus far.

Brazil have won their last three games by a 2-0 score line and, while trying to predict the exact score of any game, a 2-0 win for Brazil in this one is priced at 11.00, offering more than a ten-fold return on your investment. If you think Belgium can pull off a surprise 2-1 win then the price rises to 15.00.

However, it will come as no surprise that the focus will be on the forwards in this tie. Brazil forward Neymar already has two goals to his name and is the favourite to get his name on the score sheet here; he is at 2.25 to score at any time during the game and at 5.00 to open the scoring.

For Belgium, the focal point of their attack will be Lukaku. The Manchester United forward already has four goals to his name at the World Cup, and is at 2.40 to net at any time during this tie and at 5.50 to score either the first or last goal of the match.

Both Neymar and Lukaku are still in with a chance of winning the Golden Boot. Harry Kane currently leads the way with six goals and is the favourite, at 1.30, to win the individual prize, while Lukaku is at 13.00 and Neymar is out at 26.00.
As previewed here, Uruguay and France are also set to meet this Friday in a clash between two former world champions. The Uruguayans have looked as solid defensively as Brazil, and if they are to progress in this competition they will need to keep the likes of Antoine Griezmann and an in-form Kylian Mbappe quiet.
Uruguay have won all their games at the competition so far, conceding just one goal, and you can back them to edge past France 1-0 at a price of 10.00. It is France, however, who are the red hot favourites to make the final four.

You can back Didier Deschamps’ side at 2.00 to win this tie inside 90 minutes, with Uruguay out at 4.60. A simple bet on who will progress has France priced at 1.44, while you can almost triple your investment by backing Uruguay at 2.75.

Read More - Completesports

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Jose Pekerman, Colombia Coach Says We Battle With England To A Standstill

Colombia’s head coach Jose Pekerman’s insists his side fought hard in their loss to England in the round of 16 clash at the on going 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Colombia lost 4-3 on penalties after full time scores ended 1-1.

The defeat extended Colombia’s winless streak against England to six games having lost three and drawn three.

“The World Cup has unraveled like this,” Perkerman told FIFA.com after the game.
“Like every team here, we had the ambition to win it.”
“We have made every possible effort to progress. It was highly intense, very competitive. Both sides have testified to the importance of this match.”

“We’ve been a brave squad, we’ve fought hard. We’ve never thrown in the towel when facing an opponent. We’ve had the right attitude and mindset.”

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Luis Suarez Doubtful For Uruguay, France Clash

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez reportedly limped out of a training session just three days before Uruguay’s quarter-final meeting with France in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

La Celeste are already sweating on the fitness of Edinson Cavani , who has been unable to take part in any sessions since injuring his hamstring late on in the 2-1 win over Portugal last weekend.

According to Spanish publication Marca, Uruguay face a double blow as Suarez injured his right leg during training at the team’s base in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

The Barcelona star later returned to the field, but boss Oscar Tabarez is said to be concerned ahead of Friday’s showdown with France.

Speaking to reporters earlier on Tuesday, Suarez insisted that Uruguay can cope without Cavani if his strike partner fails to recover from injury.

Hot! World Cup, Russia - Uruguay 2-1 Portugal, Cavani's brace sends Ronaldo packing

Edinson Cavani's brace sent Cristiano Ronaldo parking in the World Cup after Uruguay defeated Portugal 2-1 at the Fisht Stadium in Russia on Saturday night.

Both teams started the game in an attacking mode as they played ended to end attacking football both Cristiano Ronaldo made the first attempt after he unleashed a shot in the fifth minute of the game.
Edinson Cavani broke the deadlock through a brilliant header in the 7th minute of the clash after he picks up a cross from Luis Suarez to put Uruguay ahead.

Fonte nearly equaliser just three minutes after but his effort went off the mark. Portugal continued to push ahead to find a way out of the deficit as they enjoyed a lot of ball possession.

Uruguay looked dangerous on the counter attacker and in the 22nd minute, Luis Suarez's effort from a free-kick was denied by Rui Patricio.
Portugal looked more comfortable with the ball in the midfield but unable to find the back of the net as Uruguay remained compact at the defence line.

With the first 45 minute, Uruguay had a slim lead over the European Champions.
Portugal aim to get the equaliser in the second half as they pushed high to get the goal and in the 55th minute Pepe rose to the top of Uruguay defence to give Portugal the equaliser.

The Selecao broke the Uruguay defensive record as they became the first team to score them in the World Cup.
Cavani scored the second goal after Pepe miss timed an aerial ball that landed the Portuguese defence in trouble in the 62nd minute of the encounter.
Portugal made their first change as Ricardo Quaresma replaced Andrien Silva in the 64th minute. Bernardo Silva almost equalised for Portugal after Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera mishandled a shot from Portugal attack.

Cavani got injured and was replaced was by Stuani. Portugal coach Fernando Santos also replaced Goncalo Guedes as he brings in Andre Silva in the 74th minute.
Joao Mario was replaced by Manuel Fernandez with five minutes to go.
The game ended in favour of Uruguay as Portugal and Ronaldo bow out of the World Cup.

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Argentina 3-4 France, Messi crashesout as Mbappe shines

Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates have crashed out of the World Cup after they were beaten 4-3 by France in their Round of 16clashon Saturday.

While Messi was largely kept quiet on Saturday, French youngster, Kylian Mbappe stole the show as France recorded a thrilling 4-3 victory over Argentina in Saturday's last-16 clash in Kazan.

Mbappe with his stunning burst of pace earned a penalty for France in the early stages before a quick-fire double from the PSG forward after the break put his team in control.

Antoine Griezmann and Benjamin Pavard - in some style - also netted for France as goals from Angel Di Maria, Gabriel Mercado and Sergio Aguero proved in vain.With France proceeding into thequarter finals, they will face either Portugal or Uruguay.

For Argentina, they will be catching the next flight to Buenos Aires with alot of retirements and other massive sweeping changes expected in the coming days.

WorldCup, Russia 2018 Germany World Cup exit, Matthaus blasts Bayern Munich Stars

Germany great Lothar Matthaus blast Bayern Munich players in Joachim Low's squad after their 2018 FIFA World Cup early exit.

The Die Mannschaft failed to defend their title they won four years ago in Brazil with an early group stage exit from this summer Mundial in Russia after two losses against Mexico and South Korea.

However, this will be the first time since 1938 Germany failed to go beyond the first round at the showpiece tournament.

The 57-year-old Matthaus was a part of 1990 World Cup winner was angry with the performance of Bayern Munich trio Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels.

He said via Goal: "The team has got leaders but the leaders were preoccupied with themselves.

"I am thinking in particular of the Bayern Munich players – Boateng, Hummels, [Manuel] Neuer, Muller. Apart from Manuel, I believe that nobody can be happy with his performance.

"A [Champions League] semi-final loss against Real Madrid, a [DFB-Pokal] final defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt."

Despite being contracted until 2022, Low's future at the helm of Germany remains uncertain.

While Matthaus praised the 58-year-old, the 150-time international said Low got it wrong with his squad selection.

"I am a fan of his. In the last 12 or 14 years he has characterised the German football and Germany," he said.

"He didn't only lead Germany to the World Cup but also they reached the semi-finals in every tournament. There is nothing to reproach him for in all of his past – apart from this current tournament.

"In my opinion, he didn't find the right mix in the team between the Confederations Cup-winning team and the World Cup winners from 2014.

"It was actually a team who didn't have a chance of keeping up physically with the Mexicans and South Koreans, especially their pace."

fcnaija

World Cup, Russia 2018 - Super Eagles coach backs France to beat Argentina - Gernot Rohr

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is obviously not happy that his World Cup adventure was short lived by Argentina and he has predicted that the two-time world champions will meet their own Waterloo when they face France in the first Round of 16 ties at the 2018 World Cup.

Rohr is emphatically backing the French National Team to knock out Argentina from the 2018 World Cup when both countries face off at the Kazan Arena, Kazan on Saturday afternoon.

According to the Eagles' gaffer, France's pacy offensive players, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Antoine Griezmann will give the Argentinians a tough time on the pitch.

''France is stronger, more clam. She will win, it will be tight but with a goal in advance.'' Rohr said in an interview with French sports newspaper L'Equipe. 

He added ''The speed of the French attackers will pose a lot of problems to the Argentine defenders.

''And Didier also managed to strengthen his defense. It was the big job before the start of the World Cup and it became a big defense.''

Argentina secured a dramatic passage to the last sixteen after they edged Nigeria 2-1 in their final group match on Tuesday, with Marcos Rojo netting the winner on 86 minutes after Victor Moses had canceled out the earlier lead give to Argentina by Lionel Messi.

fcnaija