Norway must keep cool heads in World Cup clash with Brazil, says Solbakken
July 4 : Norway coach Stale Solbakken urged his players to keep their nerve and not get swept up in the occasion when they face Brazil in Sunday's World Cup last-16 showdown.
Norway Sport News
Argentina break Cape Verde hearts in extra time at World Cup, Lionel Messi scores - ESPN
Argentina were taken into extra time by Cape Verde but eventually prevailed 3-2, with Lionel Messi on the scoresheet, in the round of 32 on Friday in Miami.
FIFA to stick to schedule for Mexico v England game, source says
NEW YORK, July 3 : FIFA will keep the scheduled kickoff time for Sunday’s World Cup last-16 match between Mexico and England, despite earlier concerns that severe weather could force changes, a source familiar with the discussions told Reuters.
Brazil face Haaland and Norway hoodoo in World Cup last 16
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 3 : Brazil have spent decades collecting World Cup wins like precious stones but on Sunday in New Jersey they run into opponents who stubbornly refuse to join the pile - Norway.
FIFA mulling kickoff time changes for Mexico-England and Brazil-Norway, sources say
MEXICO CITY/NEW YORK, July 3 : FIFA is considering changing the kick-off times of two World Cup last-16 matches on Sunday as severe weather, including a risk of flooding, in Mexico City threatens to disrupt the schedule, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Raphinha returns to give Brazil selection dilemma before Norway clash
NEW JERSEY: Brazil’s Raphinha returned to training on Friday to give coach Carlo Ancelotti a welcome boost before their World Cup last-16 clash with Norway, but the Barcelona forward may find his place on the right wing is no longer guaranteed. Brazil held their penultimate session before Sunday’s knockout match in New Jersey, with Raphinha rejoining the squad after two weeks recovering from a hamstring injury he sustained in the first half of the group-stage victory over Haiti. During the 15 minutes open to the media, Raphinha warmed up normally and took part in a passing drill with his teammates, suggesting he is likely to be available for the Norway match. His return leaves Ancelotti with a decision to make after 19-year-old Rayan seized his chance in Raphinha’s absence. Rayan came on when Raphinha was forced off and has emerged as one of the most eye-catching players in Brazil’s team, with energy, stamina and aggressive pressing from the right wing. That work rate has had a direct impact on Brazil’s campaign, helping create two goals — one against Scotland and another in the last-gasp comeback win over Japan that secured their place in the last 16. As well as the return of Neymar, who is also available, Raphinha’s recovery gives Brazil a more experienced attacking option for the knockout stage, but Rayan’s performances have ensured Ancelotti faces a selection dilemma.
European MEPs urge FIFA to probe Infantino over Trump ‘peace prize’
LAUSANNE: Fifty members of the European Parliament have urged FIFA’s ethics committee to investigate their president Gianni Infantino for awarding a ‘peace prize’ to US President Donald Trump. The MEPs signed a letter, supporting a complaint by British-based sports human rights lobbying group FairSquare in December. The letter, dated June 29 and released on Thursday night by FairSquare, said that FIFA’s code of ethics required Infantino “remain politically neutral.” The letter made clear that the 50 MEPs from 13 European countries were echoing FairSquare. It quoted the NGO’s request that FIFA’s “ethics committee investigate whether the decisions to introduce an annual FIFA peace prize and then award the prize to President Trump were taken by the FIFA Council or by the bureau of the council or unilaterally by Mr.Infantino himself.” The MEPS added: “This complaint represents an opportunity for FIFA to prove its commitment to political neutrality, transparency, and accountability.” Of FIFA’s 211 member nations, only Norway, whose football federation in June wrote a letter calling for an investigation, has so far joined criticism of the ‘peace prize’. FairSquare said in an accompanying press release that the letter was “the most significant intervention by European policymakers into misgovernance and rulebreaking at the top of the world game since the European Parliament called on Infantino’s predecessor Sepp Blatter to resign in 2015.” Blatter announced his resignation in June 2015, shortly after he was re-elected president. The 50 MEPS are primarily Social Democrats, Liberals, and Greens.
Have Brazil lost aura that made them defining World Cup team? - ESPN
Brazil are preparing for a FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash with Norway on Sunday. It's hardly uncharted territory for them.