Nigeria’s win gives Argentina hope
Nigeria's shock 2-0 win against Iceland has given hope to Argentina, who are currently languishing at the bottom of Group D. Croatia are leading the group after their win against Jorge Sampaoli's men on Thursday but there's still all to play for as any of the teams could finish in second place.
Nigeria play Argentina next with the African team’s fans undoubtedly hoping Ahmed Musa will be able to repeat his double goal-scoring success.
The hero Argentina has been missing. pic.twitter.com/J4YZYoTsfy
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 22, 2018
VAR “gets it right”
Brazil finally got their first win of the tournament, with stoppage time goals from Philippe Coutinho and Neymar against Costa Rica placing them at the top of Group E.
But earlier on in the game things were looking a bit desperate for Brazil, who missed out on a penalty after referee Bjorn Kuipers reversed his initial decision, having consulted the Video Assistant Referee system.
The VAR showed that Giancarlo Gonzalez had not committed a foul on Neymar, who went down easy. The right decision, according to British football pundit, Gary Lineker.
VAR gets it 100% right. Neymar dived and justice was done. That’s exactly what VAR is for.
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) June 22, 2018
Tite goes head over heels
Brazil’s manager Tite took a tumble while celebrating Philipe Coutinho’s last-minute winner, leaving the 57-year-old a little red-faced.
"I think I kind of pulled a muscle,” Tite said after the match.
"I'm limping now after the celebration. We were a bit over-excited.”
Unsurprisingly, the fall was quickly picked up by football fans on Twitter.
Tite doing his best Neymar impersonation. pic.twitter.com/ubUrrZ2Vxy
— Justin Sherman (@JShermOfficial) June 22, 2018
Our fares fall faster than Tite #WorldCup #BRACRC pic.twitter.com/mnH7tDyXBA
— Ryanair (@Ryanair) June 22, 2018
Group E elimination
Brazil’s victory sealed Costa Rica’s fate as the central American country became the fifth team to be eliminated from this year’s World Cup.
Costa Rica defended heavily against footballing giants Brazil with coach Oscar Ramirez admitting there was nothing else they could have done.
"What we did I think was perfect,” he said. “You have to think we were playing against the second best team in the world. They have great players.
"Considering what I have at my disposal and what they have, I think it is reasonable what we did."
_______________
Read more:
Xhaka and Shaqiri put Switzerland on the verge of last 16 at World Cup
World Cup 2018 Day 9 as it happened: Delight for Switzerland as Brazil and Nigeria win
_______________
Double-headed eagle sparks controversy
Xherdan Shaqiri's last gasp goal against Serbia could well have ensured Switzerland's safe passage through the group stages but his and teammate Granit Xhaka's celebrations sparked controversy on Friday evening.
Both players made the symbol of the double-headed eagle displayed on Albania’s national flag by opening their hands together with thumbs locked and fingers outstretched.
Xhaka’s parents are from Kosovo and of Albanian heritage, while Shaqiri was born in Kosovo.
Serbia does not recognise Kosovo, a former Serbian province, as an independent state and the move would likely inflame tensions among Serbian fans.
The gesture could mean the players face punishment from FIFA for flouting a ban on making political statements during celebrations.