World Cup round-up: Vincent Kompany expects to be fit for Russia

The Manchester City defender says 'I am fine, thanks' ahead of Belgium's Group H match with Russia on Sunday.

Vincent Kompany trains on Saturday ahead of Belgium's Sunday match with Russia at the 2014 World Cup. Martin Bureau / AFP / June 21, 2014

Belgium

Belgium captain Vincent Kompany said he expects to be fit to play against Russia in a World Cup Group H match today after recovering from a groin strain. Kompany missed training with the rest of the team for a second day on Friday while he received attention for the strain, which he picked up late in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Algeria. “I am fine, thanks,” he told a reporter when asked about his fitness before taking part in a group training session at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. “If everything goes well today, there shouldn’t be any problems.” Belgium are top of Group H after the opening games, which also saw Russia draw 1-1 with South Korea.

Switzerland

Switzerland defender Steve von Bergen will miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering an eye-socket injury early in the 5-2 loss to France. Von Bergen was led off the field in the fifth minute after he was caught in the face by French forward Olivier Giroud’s left foot, leaving him with blood streaming from the wound near his left eye. The Swiss Football Federation said the defender suffered an orbital-floor fracture on the left side of his face and would “return to Switzerland as soon as possible and undergo specialist treatment”. Switzerland, with three points from two games, face Honduras in their final Group E match on Wednesday.

Spain

David Silva said fatigue cannot be an excuse for Spain’s surprising early World Cup exit, particularly given their track record at other major tournaments. The Manchester City midfielder said, “we won European Championships and the World Cup with the fixture calendar being just the same”. The 2010 champions are desperate to avoid finishing last in Group B ahead of their final match against Australia tomorrow. Silva said any finger-pointing over the squad’s poor performance in Brazil needed to end. “You can’t look for excuses. We all committed errors at this World Cup,” said Silva, who added that he has no intention of retiring from international football amid speculation that Xabi Alonso and Xavi are set to commit their futures to their clubs once the team’s time in Brazil ends.

England

England players Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart said yesterday they were devastated by England’s early elimination from the World Cup and apologised to the country for their failure. England exited the finals at the group stage for the first time since 1958 after losing to Italy and Uruguay. Rooney said: “Obviously we are hurting to be out of the tournament. It is tough. We have a long few days ahead of us right now. We just want to go out and win the last game [against Costa Rica on Tuesday], but right now it’s not a great feeling. The fans have been incredible to us and we are sorry for not going through.” Goalkeeper Hart said this was the lowest point of his playing career. “It is a really strange empty feeling. I have put everything I have into this tournament, but this is ultimately pretty cruel and it is gutting for me,” he said.

Ecuador

Antonio Valencia, who is on World Cup duty with Ecuador, has signed a new three-year deal with Manchester United. Valencia, 28, skippered the side that beat Honduras 2-1 on Friday to boost their hopes of qualification for the last 16. “My time at Manchester United has been like a dream come true. To be the first Ecuadorean player to win the English Premier League was a very proud moment for me and for my country,” he said.

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