WORLD CUP UPDATE: SPORTS WITH WIZFLAMES
WHO WILL WIN WORLD CUP 2018?
The favourites, outsiders, underdogs & latest odds:
The 21st edition of the World Cup is well under way and some of the best players in world football are gracing the stage in Russia.
With 32 teams taking part it can be difficult to predict a winner, but some teams are inevitably better equipped than others when it comes to personnel.
However, at every major tournament there is always room for a dark horse to upset the established order.
So who's the favourite to win the 2018 World Cup?
Goal takes a look at the contenders for the highest prize in football.
FAVOURITES TO WIN THE 2018 WORLD CUP
BRAZIL
Despite failing to win their opening game against Switzerland , Brazil remain the favourites to lift the trophy according to dabblebet. Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Co. are rated 4/1 to emerge triumphant in Moscow on July 15.
Tite's men will also have to come out on top against Costa Rica and Serbia if they are to have a chance of getting out of the group stage first and foremost, but the bookies have not been deterred by the outcome of their opening game.
However, the reigning champions Germany have taken a hit following their shock defeat to Mexico in their opening match and have subsequently seen their odds lengthen to 17/2. Joachim Low's side, which still features a host of stars from the 2014 triumph, are now playing catch-up in Group F and will be eager to improve in their coming games against Sweden and South Korea.
The 2010 world champions Spain are not the same
Furia Roja that dominated international football from 2008 to 2012, but, with players such as Sergio Ramos, Isco and Andres Iniesta at their disposal, they remain one of the most fearsome teams in the world.
They may have crashed out at the group stage in 2014 and lost their manager on the eve of the tournament, but they are considered 17/4 bets to win in 2018. Spain have a fascinating group, which got off to a scintillating start against Portugal , with games against Morocco and Iran to come.
As well as Brazil, Germany and Spain, France are among the favourites to win the competition 20 years after their first and only triumph. It is not surprising to see Les Bleus so highly rated (7/1) considering that Didier Deschamps has an impressive pool of talent to draw from, which includes the likes of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann.
WORLD CUP 2018 OUTSIDERS
ARGENTINA
For years now pundits have observed that the only thing Lionel Messi needs to cement his status as the best player in football history is the World Cup. The Barcelona star was a beaten finalist in 2014 but the outlook does not look particularly good for 2018.
Argentina's world cup campaign is almost coming to an end after a humiliating defeat to Croatia. They are priced at 11/1 to win the tournament, odds that have lengthened following their disappointing defeat against Croatia in their second group game. With the outcome of the encounter between Nigeria and Iceland, a game against Nigeria to come, the pressure is well and truly on the Albiceleste.
European champions Portugal have not been given much of a chance by bookmakers but it would be foolish to disregard the Cristiano Ronaldo factor. The Real Madrid man has finally rediscovered the kind of form that ensured a slew of accolades last season and he bagged a remarkable 15 goals in qualification.
Fernando Santos' team is peppered with talented youngsters such as Andre Silva and Goncalo Guedes, but they boast one of the best players of all time in Ronaldo and that is significant. Indeed, after his hat-trick performance in the opening game against Spain and record-breaking goal against Morocco , their odds have dropped to 14/1.
Another outside bet for the 2018 World Cup is Belgium, whose 'Golden Generation' - including players like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku - has now reached a level of maturity that should see them mount a serious challenge, something that is reflected in their price of 15/2.
The Red Devils reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup and were knocked out at the same stage at Euro 2016, but they have enough talent in their ranks to warrant a better display in Russia. On paper, they have been given a relatively straightforward group, with England, Panama and Tunisia to top, and they will be eager to show that they're more than also-rans.
Over the years England have had to contend with the pressure of expectation at successive World Cups, but that simply does not exist in 2018. In terms of star quality, Gareth Southgate's side is a far cry from the 'Golden Generation' that fell short in the 2000s and they should perhaps be considered underdogs, but they remain outsiders at 12/1.
WORLD CUP 2018 UNDERDOGS
MEXICO
Having upset the reigning champions Germany in the opening game of Group F, Mexico will be buoyant and feel they have a good chance of going all the way. El Tri have never managed to overcome the
'Curse of the Fifth Game' at the World Cup though, and at 40/1 they are underdogs.
URUGUAY
Two-time world champions Uruguay are another team who can be considered underdogs (20/1) at the 2018 World Cup, but they have shown that they can mount a challenge for honours. As well as winning early editions, the Celeste have finished fourth on three occasions.
They finished second to Brazil in CONMEBOL qualifying - ahead of Argentina - and the fact that they possess some of the best strikers in world football in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani is a massive boost.
Croatia finished third at the World Cup in France 20 years ago but they have failed to replicate the same level of success since. Crashing out at the group stage in 2002, 2006 and 2014, their status as potential challengers is also undermined by the fact that they needed to qualify via the play-offs after being pipped by Iceland in their group.
However, with Real Madrid's Luka Modric and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic in their ranks, they boast the kind of talent other nations envy. Despite that, they are certainly underdogs and are considered a 28/1 bet to win.
World Cup 2018 long-shots
SENEGAL
Every four years it seems that at least one team emerges from nowhere to qualify for the knock-out stages, inflicting upsets along the way.
Senegal helped knock out the holders France in 2002, reaching the quarter-finals, and of the African teams involved they are deemed the most likely to make their mark in Russia at 100/1.
Out of 20 editions thus far, the World Cup has been won by tournament hosts on six occasions, but the 2018 hosts Russia are very much long-shots at 33/1. They struggled at the Confederations Cup last year, going out at the group stage, but it must be said that they are looking impressive at this summer's tournament, with Aleksandr Golovin, in particular, shining.
Denmark needed a play-off to qualify for the World Cup, but they have a talented squad that includes Tottenham star Christian Eriksen and will hope to reach the knock-out stage at least. They are 100/1 to go all the way.
Iceland are competiting in the World Cup for the first time in history but their chances are not rated highly at 200/1, while another first-time participant,
Panama , have even less of a chance at 1000/1.
WOMEN FINALLY ALLOWED TO WATCH FOOTBALL IN IRAN
For 38 years, women have been banned from watching men's sporting events in Iran. But on Tuesday, local news agencies in Iran reported that women would be allowed to watch a live broadcast of Iran's World Cup match against Spain, taking place in Russia the next day, at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium. Then, just hours before the doors were set to open, authorities canceled the event.
"Tonight’s match between Iran and Spain will not be broadcasted at Azadi Stadium today due to infrastructure difficulties," Iran's Tasnim news agency wrote less than three hours before kickoff. "Since there will be no public broadcast, it is respectfully asked from our dear nationals to avoid going to Azadi Stadium."
Many fans turned up at the stadium anyway. On Twitter, photos and videos were posted of Iranians sitting, standing and playing vuvuzelas (the plastic horns made famous at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa) in protest. Decked out with Iranian flags, headscarves and other paraphernalia, both female and male soccer fans stared down a row of police blocking the entrance to the stadium.
Finally, after about an hour, the police gave way. The stadium gates were opened and men, women and children who had bought tickets filed in, whipping out their phones and selfie sticks to capture a piece of history. Moments later, the official account of Iran's national team tweeted a picture of a female fan in the stands of Azadi Stadium holding up an Iranian flag. "Azadi Stadium, now!" the tweet said in Fars
Iran’s ban on women watching men’s sporting events has long sparked protests, but it became the subject of heated debate in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Earlier this year, Iran publicly reinforced the ban, which was introduced by Iran’s ruling clerics after the 1979 Islamic revolution. In March, 35 women attempting to sneak into Azadi Stadium for a match between two Tehran clubs were detained by authorities . A day later, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was present at the match, told reporters that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had “promised that women in Iran will have access to football stadiums soon.”
On Friday, Iranian female fans frustrated by the ban took to the stadiums in St. Petersburg in the first of such protests in the tournament's history.
With women finally having entered Azadi Stadium for the first time since the ban, they are hoping that the rules around watching sporting games in Iran will be changed permanently.
ARGENTINA SUFFER WORST WORLD CUP GROUP STAGE DEFEAT IN 60 YEARS
Lionel Messi’s frustrating international career may be coming to an early and anticlimactic finish after Argentina’s worst loss in World Cup group play in 60 years.
With Diego Maradona watching from the stands, the 2014 runners-up were routed by Croatia 3-0 Thursday. The Croats are moving on to the round of 16.
Messi got off only one shot in a defeat that pushed Argentina to the brink of elimination. Messi, who turns 31 on Sunday, has never won a major title with Argentina’s senior national team despite of decade of championships with Barcelona and five player of the year awards.
“He is our captain, he leads the team and we quite simply couldn’t pass to him,” Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said. “We work to give Leo the ball, but the opponent also works hard to prevent him from getting the ball.”
Messi also missed a penalty kick in his team’s opening 1-1 draw against Iceland.
Argentina, hurt by the poor play of goalkeeper Willy Caballero on Thursday, had not lost by such a large margin in the first round since a 6-1 defeat to Czechoslovakia in 1958. Caballero gained the starting role because No. 1 keeper Sergio Romero injured his knee last month in the run-up to the tournament.
“We have to swallow the poison,” Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano said. “The game says it all.”
Argentina, which has not missed the second round since failing to qualify for the 1970 World Cup, has not been eliminated. But the two-time champions need to win their next match against Nigeria on Tuesday, as well as get help from other matches.
Thursday’s humiliating loss came in humiliating fashion for one of soccer’s most storied nations.
Caballero mangled a clearance and kicked the ball toward Croatia defender Ante Rebic, who one-timed it into the net in the 53rd minute.
Caballero buried his face in his hands while a giant television screen showed Maradona doing the same.
“After they scored on us, we were emotionally broken,” Sampaoli said. “I had a lot of hope. I am extremely hurt by this defeat, but I probably didn’t understand the match the way I should have.”
And it got worse as Argentina crumbled, frustrated by the Croatian defence. Modric scored with a hooking shot in the 80th and Ivan Rakitic added the third in stoppage time.
Croatia frustrated Argentina throughout the match and never gave Messi space to operate.
“Argentina wasn’t confused. We were excellent,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said. “We beat a great Argentina with the best player in the world playing, Messi
Croatia, which reached the 1998 World Cup semifinals but has not advanced past the group stage since then, will face Iceland on Tuesday in Rostov-on-Don.
“Let’s keep our feet firmly on the ground and prepare for the next matches,” said Modric, the man of the match. “We should be focused on what awaits. Every next game is going to be more difficult, but our main objective has been reached. It looks easy, but it was not that easy.”
Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 — the last with Maradona as the star player — but has not won any major title in 25 years. The Argentines also lost in the last two Copa America finals.
FIFA FINES MEXICO OVER DISCRIMINATORY CHANTS
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has been fined CHF 10,000 (£7,616/$10,035) by FIFA in relation to "discriminatory and insulting chants" at the World Cup.
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was the latest to be targeted by an alleged homophobic slur, a common chant among the Mexican fans who have been warned about its use and asked to avoid it by players, as he prepared to take a goal-kick in the first half of a Group F encounter in Moscow.
Disciplinary proceedings were opened following Mexico's 1-0 win over the world champions, which came thanks to a goal from Hirving Lozano.
FIFA has now confirmed Mexico have been hit with a fine, although it noted the FMF's efforts in attempting to persuade fans to stop such chants.
"The decision was passed after a thorough assessment of the relevant match reports, the FMF's precedents and the evidence provided, which included videos of the incidents as well as examples of certain sustainable actions taken by the FMF to raise awareness among its supporters," FIFA said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"Moreover, the disciplinary committee gave a warning to the FMF, who may face additional sanctions in case of repeated infringements of this type."
Mexico are next in action against South Korea on Saturday, with striker Javier Hernandez calling on supporters not to use homophobic slurs again.
In addition, FIFA has fined the Serbian Football Association CHF 10,000.
FIFA confirmed the punishment was handed out for the display of an "offensive and political banner" by Serbian fans during their match against Costa Rica.
FRED COMPLETES £50M MANCHESTER UNITED MOVE
Brazilian international midfielder Fred completed his move to the team he says are the “ biggest club in the world” Manchester United for a reported £ 50m ( $ 67 m) on Thursday .
The 25- year-old — who missed Brazil ’s opening 1- 1 draw with Switzerland at the World Cup because of an ankle injury — gives United manager Jose Mourinho a powerful-looking midfield, with the Brazilian set to slot in alongside Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
“This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team,” Fred told the United website .
“To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed.
“I cannot wait to get started and to meet my new team-mates .
“This is a very exciting time for me with my focus now fully on the World Cup with Brazil.”
Mourinho, who has also signed Portuguese full - back Diogo Dalot from Porto , said Fred would add a missing component to the midfield .
“Fred will complement our other midfielders’ qualities,” said Mourinho.
“His creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game.”
Mourinho is under pressure for his side — who also finished without any silverware last season — to put up a proper title challenge to neighbours Manchester City.
United finished second in the Premier League behind City but a whopping 19 points behind their fierce rivals .
Despite their highest league finish since Alex Ferguson retired , Mourinho was heavily criticised for adopting cautious tactics in several big games as United were often made to look ponderous in comparison to stylish City’s commitment to attack .
Beating City to the signature of Fred, who was a target for the English champions in January, could prove to be a significant first step.
Fred caught the eye in Shakhtar’s run to the last -16 of the Champions League, where the Ukrainians only lost out on away goals to Roma .
A stunning free - kick in the first leg of that tie was a glimpse of what Fred’s talented left foot can produce.
However , he is far more of a creator than goalscorer as his record of just 15 goals in five years at Shakhtar suggests.
United are in need of midfield reinforcements with Michael Carrick retiring and Marouane Fellaini out of contract .
Mourinho’ s task will now be to harness Fred ’s passing ability, while also finally getting the best out of Pogba in his third season since an £ 89 million move from Juventus .
Fred will hope to make the same impact on the Premier League as Brazilian international team- mates Willian and Fernandinho, who also arrived in England via spells with Shakhtar.
Handed his debut by Dunga in 2014 , Fred’ s international career was disrupted after testing positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide during the 2015 Copa America.
He was banned from international football for a year by South America ’s governing body CONMEBOL , but only missed four months for Shakhtar as FIFA did not extend the ban to cover all confederations until February 2016 .
Fred did not return to the national team until a 3 - 0 friendly win over Russia in March.
WILSHERE CONFIRMS ARSENAL EXIT
Midfielder Jack Wilshere has announced he will leave London club Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of June.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Wilshere – who came through Arsenal’s academy and made his first-team debut for the club in 2008 at the age of 16, confirmed he was ending his lengthy stint at Emirates Stadium with reluctance.
However, the midfielder said he felt he was “ultimately left with little choice” after multiple conversations with the club and new manager Unai Emery over his future.
Wilshere made only 12 starts and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League during Arsene Wenger’s final season in charge and duly missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad.
In a post accompanied by the message ‘Thanks for the memories’, Wilshere wrote: “I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal Football Club when my contract expires at the end of June.
“Following a number of extensive conversations with those at the club, and in particular a recent meeting with the new manager, Unai Emery, I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.
“As has widely been reported I, along with my representative, have been in talks with the club for a number of months with the view to signing a new contract to extend my stay at the Emirates.
“My intention throughout these discussions has always been to remain an Arsenal player. I have been on the books at Arsenal for 17 years and have always felt part of the fabric of the club.
“Such was my desire to stay that I had in fact recently agreed to sign a financially reduced contract in order to commit my future to the club.”
A player who has endured several lengthy injury lay-offs, Wilshere spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Bournemouth, before returning to Arsenal for the recently concluded campaign.
Amid persistent speculation over his future, he was restricted to a bit-part role in the league, but did feature frequently as the Gunners reached the Europa League semi-finals.
Wilshere has not represented England since their humiliating exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of Iceland, but retained hope of making Gareth Southgate’s 23-man party for the World Cup in Russia.
He was left disappointed, though, and it now remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old can now resurrect his international career at his next club.
Arsenal released a statement praising Wilshere, who made 197 appearances for the team and won the FA Cup on two occasions.
The statement concluded: “Thank you Jack for your contribution and the fantastic memories. Good luck in the future.”
LENO COMPLETES €22m ARSENAL MOVE FROM LEVERKUSEN
Arsenal have completed a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Arsenal are yet to confirm the transfer fee or length of Leno's contract.
The 26-year-old made 230 appearances for Leverkusen across seven seasons in the Bundesliga and has won six caps for Germany but was not included in Joachim Low's 23-man squad for the World Cup.
The Stuttgart academy product holds the distinction of being the youngest goalkeeper to feature in a Champions League match when he played for Leverkusen against Chelsea in 2011 at just 19 years and 193 days old.
Arsenal's head coach Unai Emery told the club's website: "We are very pleased that Bernd Leno will be joining us.
"Bernd is a goalkeeper of high quality and experience. He has been a top performer and regular number one goalkeeper with Leverkusen in the Bundesliga for the past seven years.
"We are all excited that Bernd has chosen Arsenal Football Club and look forward to start working with him in pre-season."
Leno will become Emery's second official signing since replacing Arsene Wenger at the end of the season, with former Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner arriving on a free transfer .
The Gunners have also agreed a deal for Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos, with the transfer expected to be formally announced on July 1.
They are also in talks with Sampdoria for midfielder Lucas Torreira.
MAN CITY CLOSE ON £50m DEAL FOR NAPOLI STAR JORGINHO
Manchester City are closing in on a deal worth around £50 million (€56.9m $66m) for Napoli midfielder Jorginho.
Jorginho and his agent are poised to finalise the move after a payment structure between City and Napoli was agreed earlier this week.
City are still in talks with Leicester regarding a move for Riyad Mahrez, although there is a difference in opinion regarding the winger’s value.
The Premier League champions had found themselves in that position with Napoli for the best part of the last two months, although there had always been a confidence and a willingness from both sides to get a deal done.
In May, City had seen a bid of around £39m ($52m) rejected for Jorginho. After weeks of further haggling a fee of around £46m ($60.4m) plus bonuses worth around £6m ($7.9m) was provisionally agreed on Monday.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has now given his sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, the go-ahead to rubber-stamp the agreement.
City had agreed personal terms with Jorginho many weeks ago, having identified him as their priority midfield target .
The Blues had been hoping to bring him to the club ahead of the World Cup, but adjusted their expectations after Napoli rejected their initial proposal.
Jorginho recently spent some time with family in Brazil, his homeland, after learning that the deal had dragged on, but returned to Europe this week and is now ready to sign a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.
City still indeed to sign Mahrez this summer but have been frustrated by Leicester’s demands.
Unlike in their pursuit of Jorginho, City would have an alternative option if their pursuit of Mahrez comes to nothing - Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey has been watched closely - but negotiations with Leicester will continue in the coming wee
LEICESTER CITY’S AHMED MUSA IN TALKS WITH GALATASARAY
Leicester City forward Ahmed Musa is nearing a move to Galatasaray this summer, according to his agent William D’avila.
The 25-year-old joined the 2015-16 English Premier League champions on a club-record deal from CSKA Moscow in 2016 but has struggled for game time.
In an attempt to revive his 2018 World Cup chances, the former VVV-Venlo star was loaned back to the Russian giants for the second part of the 2017-18 season where he scored seven goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.
However, Musa could, again, be on his way out on a temporary deal as his representative confirmed negotiations with the Lions; one which could lead to a permanent switch.
“Yes, we are in talks with Galatasaray. They are a huge club who’ll play in the Champions League. So why not? The transfer is possible,” D’avila was quoted by Leicester Mercury .
“Musa has offers from other clubs but he’s keen on playing for Galatasaray. We are currently working on a loan deal with an option to buy. He’ll make a decision soon. I think we can say there’s a 50 percent chance of Musa joining the club.”
The pacy forward is currently at the World Cup with Nigeria and was afforded 18 minutes in their 2-0 defeat to Croatia on Saturday.
JUVENTUS SIGNS EMRE CAN FROM LIVERPOOL
Emre Can has finalised his move to Juventus from Liverpool on a four-year deal.
The 24-year-old Germany international joins the Italian champions on a free transfer.
Liverpool announced on 8 June that Can, who signed from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2014, would leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
The midfielder, who scored 14 goals for Liverpool, will officially become a Juventus player on 1 July.
He made his 167th and final Reds appearance in last month's Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.
Can has 20 caps for Germany but missed out on Joachim Low's World Cup squad.
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The favourites, outsiders, underdogs & latest odds:
The 21st edition of the World Cup is well under way and some of the best players in world football are gracing the stage in Russia.
With 32 teams taking part it can be difficult to predict a winner, but some teams are inevitably better equipped than others when it comes to personnel.
However, at every major tournament there is always room for a dark horse to upset the established order.
So who's the favourite to win the 2018 World Cup?
Goal takes a look at the contenders for the highest prize in football.
FAVOURITES TO WIN THE 2018 WORLD CUP
BRAZIL
Despite failing to win their opening game against Switzerland , Brazil remain the favourites to lift the trophy according to dabblebet. Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Co. are rated 4/1 to emerge triumphant in Moscow on July 15.
Tite's men will also have to come out on top against Costa Rica and Serbia if they are to have a chance of getting out of the group stage first and foremost, but the bookies have not been deterred by the outcome of their opening game.
However, the reigning champions Germany have taken a hit following their shock defeat to Mexico in their opening match and have subsequently seen their odds lengthen to 17/2. Joachim Low's side, which still features a host of stars from the 2014 triumph, are now playing catch-up in Group F and will be eager to improve in their coming games against Sweden and South Korea.
The 2010 world champions Spain are not the same
Furia Roja that dominated international football from 2008 to 2012, but, with players such as Sergio Ramos, Isco and Andres Iniesta at their disposal, they remain one of the most fearsome teams in the world.
They may have crashed out at the group stage in 2014 and lost their manager on the eve of the tournament, but they are considered 17/4 bets to win in 2018. Spain have a fascinating group, which got off to a scintillating start against Portugal , with games against Morocco and Iran to come.
As well as Brazil, Germany and Spain, France are among the favourites to win the competition 20 years after their first and only triumph. It is not surprising to see Les Bleus so highly rated (7/1) considering that Didier Deschamps has an impressive pool of talent to draw from, which includes the likes of Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann.
WORLD CUP 2018 OUTSIDERS
ARGENTINA
For years now pundits have observed that the only thing Lionel Messi needs to cement his status as the best player in football history is the World Cup. The Barcelona star was a beaten finalist in 2014 but the outlook does not look particularly good for 2018.
Argentina's world cup campaign is almost coming to an end after a humiliating defeat to Croatia. They are priced at 11/1 to win the tournament, odds that have lengthened following their disappointing defeat against Croatia in their second group game. With the outcome of the encounter between Nigeria and Iceland, a game against Nigeria to come, the pressure is well and truly on the Albiceleste.
European champions Portugal have not been given much of a chance by bookmakers but it would be foolish to disregard the Cristiano Ronaldo factor. The Real Madrid man has finally rediscovered the kind of form that ensured a slew of accolades last season and he bagged a remarkable 15 goals in qualification.
Fernando Santos' team is peppered with talented youngsters such as Andre Silva and Goncalo Guedes, but they boast one of the best players of all time in Ronaldo and that is significant. Indeed, after his hat-trick performance in the opening game against Spain and record-breaking goal against Morocco , their odds have dropped to 14/1.
Another outside bet for the 2018 World Cup is Belgium, whose 'Golden Generation' - including players like Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku - has now reached a level of maturity that should see them mount a serious challenge, something that is reflected in their price of 15/2.
The Red Devils reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup and were knocked out at the same stage at Euro 2016, but they have enough talent in their ranks to warrant a better display in Russia. On paper, they have been given a relatively straightforward group, with England, Panama and Tunisia to top, and they will be eager to show that they're more than also-rans.
Over the years England have had to contend with the pressure of expectation at successive World Cups, but that simply does not exist in 2018. In terms of star quality, Gareth Southgate's side is a far cry from the 'Golden Generation' that fell short in the 2000s and they should perhaps be considered underdogs, but they remain outsiders at 12/1.
WORLD CUP 2018 UNDERDOGS
MEXICO
Having upset the reigning champions Germany in the opening game of Group F, Mexico will be buoyant and feel they have a good chance of going all the way. El Tri have never managed to overcome the
'Curse of the Fifth Game' at the World Cup though, and at 40/1 they are underdogs.
URUGUAY
Two-time world champions Uruguay are another team who can be considered underdogs (20/1) at the 2018 World Cup, but they have shown that they can mount a challenge for honours. As well as winning early editions, the Celeste have finished fourth on three occasions.
They finished second to Brazil in CONMEBOL qualifying - ahead of Argentina - and the fact that they possess some of the best strikers in world football in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani is a massive boost.
Croatia finished third at the World Cup in France 20 years ago but they have failed to replicate the same level of success since. Crashing out at the group stage in 2002, 2006 and 2014, their status as potential challengers is also undermined by the fact that they needed to qualify via the play-offs after being pipped by Iceland in their group.
However, with Real Madrid's Luka Modric and Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic in their ranks, they boast the kind of talent other nations envy. Despite that, they are certainly underdogs and are considered a 28/1 bet to win.
World Cup 2018 long-shots
SENEGAL
Every four years it seems that at least one team emerges from nowhere to qualify for the knock-out stages, inflicting upsets along the way.
Senegal helped knock out the holders France in 2002, reaching the quarter-finals, and of the African teams involved they are deemed the most likely to make their mark in Russia at 100/1.
Out of 20 editions thus far, the World Cup has been won by tournament hosts on six occasions, but the 2018 hosts Russia are very much long-shots at 33/1. They struggled at the Confederations Cup last year, going out at the group stage, but it must be said that they are looking impressive at this summer's tournament, with Aleksandr Golovin, in particular, shining.
Denmark needed a play-off to qualify for the World Cup, but they have a talented squad that includes Tottenham star Christian Eriksen and will hope to reach the knock-out stage at least. They are 100/1 to go all the way.
Iceland are competiting in the World Cup for the first time in history but their chances are not rated highly at 200/1, while another first-time participant,
Panama , have even less of a chance at 1000/1.
WOMEN FINALLY ALLOWED TO WATCH FOOTBALL IN IRAN
For 38 years, women have been banned from watching men's sporting events in Iran. But on Tuesday, local news agencies in Iran reported that women would be allowed to watch a live broadcast of Iran's World Cup match against Spain, taking place in Russia the next day, at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium. Then, just hours before the doors were set to open, authorities canceled the event.
"Tonight’s match between Iran and Spain will not be broadcasted at Azadi Stadium today due to infrastructure difficulties," Iran's Tasnim news agency wrote less than three hours before kickoff. "Since there will be no public broadcast, it is respectfully asked from our dear nationals to avoid going to Azadi Stadium."
Many fans turned up at the stadium anyway. On Twitter, photos and videos were posted of Iranians sitting, standing and playing vuvuzelas (the plastic horns made famous at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa) in protest. Decked out with Iranian flags, headscarves and other paraphernalia, both female and male soccer fans stared down a row of police blocking the entrance to the stadium.
Finally, after about an hour, the police gave way. The stadium gates were opened and men, women and children who had bought tickets filed in, whipping out their phones and selfie sticks to capture a piece of history. Moments later, the official account of Iran's national team tweeted a picture of a female fan in the stands of Azadi Stadium holding up an Iranian flag. "Azadi Stadium, now!" the tweet said in Fars
Iran’s ban on women watching men’s sporting events has long sparked protests, but it became the subject of heated debate in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Earlier this year, Iran publicly reinforced the ban, which was introduced by Iran’s ruling clerics after the 1979 Islamic revolution. In March, 35 women attempting to sneak into Azadi Stadium for a match between two Tehran clubs were detained by authorities . A day later, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was present at the match, told reporters that Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had “promised that women in Iran will have access to football stadiums soon.”
On Friday, Iranian female fans frustrated by the ban took to the stadiums in St. Petersburg in the first of such protests in the tournament's history.
With women finally having entered Azadi Stadium for the first time since the ban, they are hoping that the rules around watching sporting games in Iran will be changed permanently.
ARGENTINA SUFFER WORST WORLD CUP GROUP STAGE DEFEAT IN 60 YEARS
Lionel Messi’s frustrating international career may be coming to an early and anticlimactic finish after Argentina’s worst loss in World Cup group play in 60 years.
With Diego Maradona watching from the stands, the 2014 runners-up were routed by Croatia 3-0 Thursday. The Croats are moving on to the round of 16.
Messi got off only one shot in a defeat that pushed Argentina to the brink of elimination. Messi, who turns 31 on Sunday, has never won a major title with Argentina’s senior national team despite of decade of championships with Barcelona and five player of the year awards.
“He is our captain, he leads the team and we quite simply couldn’t pass to him,” Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said. “We work to give Leo the ball, but the opponent also works hard to prevent him from getting the ball.”
Messi also missed a penalty kick in his team’s opening 1-1 draw against Iceland.
Argentina, hurt by the poor play of goalkeeper Willy Caballero on Thursday, had not lost by such a large margin in the first round since a 6-1 defeat to Czechoslovakia in 1958. Caballero gained the starting role because No. 1 keeper Sergio Romero injured his knee last month in the run-up to the tournament.
“We have to swallow the poison,” Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano said. “The game says it all.”
Argentina, which has not missed the second round since failing to qualify for the 1970 World Cup, has not been eliminated. But the two-time champions need to win their next match against Nigeria on Tuesday, as well as get help from other matches.
Thursday’s humiliating loss came in humiliating fashion for one of soccer’s most storied nations.
Caballero mangled a clearance and kicked the ball toward Croatia defender Ante Rebic, who one-timed it into the net in the 53rd minute.
Caballero buried his face in his hands while a giant television screen showed Maradona doing the same.
“After they scored on us, we were emotionally broken,” Sampaoli said. “I had a lot of hope. I am extremely hurt by this defeat, but I probably didn’t understand the match the way I should have.”
And it got worse as Argentina crumbled, frustrated by the Croatian defence. Modric scored with a hooking shot in the 80th and Ivan Rakitic added the third in stoppage time.
Croatia frustrated Argentina throughout the match and never gave Messi space to operate.
“Argentina wasn’t confused. We were excellent,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said. “We beat a great Argentina with the best player in the world playing, Messi
Croatia, which reached the 1998 World Cup semifinals but has not advanced past the group stage since then, will face Iceland on Tuesday in Rostov-on-Don.
“Let’s keep our feet firmly on the ground and prepare for the next matches,” said Modric, the man of the match. “We should be focused on what awaits. Every next game is going to be more difficult, but our main objective has been reached. It looks easy, but it was not that easy.”
Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986 — the last with Maradona as the star player — but has not won any major title in 25 years. The Argentines also lost in the last two Copa America finals.
FIFA FINES MEXICO OVER DISCRIMINATORY CHANTS
The Mexican Football Federation (FMF) has been fined CHF 10,000 (£7,616/$10,035) by FIFA in relation to "discriminatory and insulting chants" at the World Cup.
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was the latest to be targeted by an alleged homophobic slur, a common chant among the Mexican fans who have been warned about its use and asked to avoid it by players, as he prepared to take a goal-kick in the first half of a Group F encounter in Moscow.
Disciplinary proceedings were opened following Mexico's 1-0 win over the world champions, which came thanks to a goal from Hirving Lozano.
FIFA has now confirmed Mexico have been hit with a fine, although it noted the FMF's efforts in attempting to persuade fans to stop such chants.
"The decision was passed after a thorough assessment of the relevant match reports, the FMF's precedents and the evidence provided, which included videos of the incidents as well as examples of certain sustainable actions taken by the FMF to raise awareness among its supporters," FIFA said in a statement released on Wednesday.
"Moreover, the disciplinary committee gave a warning to the FMF, who may face additional sanctions in case of repeated infringements of this type."
Mexico are next in action against South Korea on Saturday, with striker Javier Hernandez calling on supporters not to use homophobic slurs again.
In addition, FIFA has fined the Serbian Football Association CHF 10,000.
FIFA confirmed the punishment was handed out for the display of an "offensive and political banner" by Serbian fans during their match against Costa Rica.
FRED COMPLETES £50M MANCHESTER UNITED MOVE
Brazilian international midfielder Fred completed his move to the team he says are the “ biggest club in the world” Manchester United for a reported £ 50m ( $ 67 m) on Thursday .
The 25- year-old — who missed Brazil ’s opening 1- 1 draw with Switzerland at the World Cup because of an ankle injury — gives United manager Jose Mourinho a powerful-looking midfield, with the Brazilian set to slot in alongside Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
“This is the biggest club in the world and I am delighted to be a part of this amazing team,” Fred told the United website .
“To work with Jose Mourinho, who has won so many trophies in his time as a coach, is an opportunity not to be missed.
“I cannot wait to get started and to meet my new team-mates .
“This is a very exciting time for me with my focus now fully on the World Cup with Brazil.”
Mourinho, who has also signed Portuguese full - back Diogo Dalot from Porto , said Fred would add a missing component to the midfield .
“Fred will complement our other midfielders’ qualities,” said Mourinho.
“His creative brain and passing vision will give us another dimension to our game.”
Mourinho is under pressure for his side — who also finished without any silverware last season — to put up a proper title challenge to neighbours Manchester City.
United finished second in the Premier League behind City but a whopping 19 points behind their fierce rivals .
Despite their highest league finish since Alex Ferguson retired , Mourinho was heavily criticised for adopting cautious tactics in several big games as United were often made to look ponderous in comparison to stylish City’s commitment to attack .
Beating City to the signature of Fred, who was a target for the English champions in January, could prove to be a significant first step.
Fred caught the eye in Shakhtar’s run to the last -16 of the Champions League, where the Ukrainians only lost out on away goals to Roma .
A stunning free - kick in the first leg of that tie was a glimpse of what Fred’s talented left foot can produce.
However , he is far more of a creator than goalscorer as his record of just 15 goals in five years at Shakhtar suggests.
United are in need of midfield reinforcements with Michael Carrick retiring and Marouane Fellaini out of contract .
Mourinho’ s task will now be to harness Fred ’s passing ability, while also finally getting the best out of Pogba in his third season since an £ 89 million move from Juventus .
Fred will hope to make the same impact on the Premier League as Brazilian international team- mates Willian and Fernandinho, who also arrived in England via spells with Shakhtar.
Handed his debut by Dunga in 2014 , Fred’ s international career was disrupted after testing positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide during the 2015 Copa America.
He was banned from international football for a year by South America ’s governing body CONMEBOL , but only missed four months for Shakhtar as FIFA did not extend the ban to cover all confederations until February 2016 .
Fred did not return to the national team until a 3 - 0 friendly win over Russia in March.
WILSHERE CONFIRMS ARSENAL EXIT
Midfielder Jack Wilshere has announced he will leave London club Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of June.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Wilshere – who came through Arsenal’s academy and made his first-team debut for the club in 2008 at the age of 16, confirmed he was ending his lengthy stint at Emirates Stadium with reluctance.
However, the midfielder said he felt he was “ultimately left with little choice” after multiple conversations with the club and new manager Unai Emery over his future.
Wilshere made only 12 starts and eight substitute appearances in the Premier League during Arsene Wenger’s final season in charge and duly missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad.
In a post accompanied by the message ‘Thanks for the memories’, Wilshere wrote: “I can confirm that I will be leaving Arsenal Football Club when my contract expires at the end of June.
“Following a number of extensive conversations with those at the club, and in particular a recent meeting with the new manager, Unai Emery, I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.
“As has widely been reported I, along with my representative, have been in talks with the club for a number of months with the view to signing a new contract to extend my stay at the Emirates.
“My intention throughout these discussions has always been to remain an Arsenal player. I have been on the books at Arsenal for 17 years and have always felt part of the fabric of the club.
“Such was my desire to stay that I had in fact recently agreed to sign a financially reduced contract in order to commit my future to the club.”
A player who has endured several lengthy injury lay-offs, Wilshere spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Bournemouth, before returning to Arsenal for the recently concluded campaign.
Amid persistent speculation over his future, he was restricted to a bit-part role in the league, but did feature frequently as the Gunners reached the Europa League semi-finals.
Wilshere has not represented England since their humiliating exit from Euro 2016 at the hands of Iceland, but retained hope of making Gareth Southgate’s 23-man party for the World Cup in Russia.
He was left disappointed, though, and it now remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old can now resurrect his international career at his next club.
Arsenal released a statement praising Wilshere, who made 197 appearances for the team and won the FA Cup on two occasions.
The statement concluded: “Thank you Jack for your contribution and the fantastic memories. Good luck in the future.”
LENO COMPLETES €22m ARSENAL MOVE FROM LEVERKUSEN
Arsenal have completed a deal to sign Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
Arsenal are yet to confirm the transfer fee or length of Leno's contract.
The 26-year-old made 230 appearances for Leverkusen across seven seasons in the Bundesliga and has won six caps for Germany but was not included in Joachim Low's 23-man squad for the World Cup.
The Stuttgart academy product holds the distinction of being the youngest goalkeeper to feature in a Champions League match when he played for Leverkusen against Chelsea in 2011 at just 19 years and 193 days old.
Arsenal's head coach Unai Emery told the club's website: "We are very pleased that Bernd Leno will be joining us.
"Bernd is a goalkeeper of high quality and experience. He has been a top performer and regular number one goalkeeper with Leverkusen in the Bundesliga for the past seven years.
"We are all excited that Bernd has chosen Arsenal Football Club and look forward to start working with him in pre-season."
Leno will become Emery's second official signing since replacing Arsene Wenger at the end of the season, with former Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner arriving on a free transfer .
The Gunners have also agreed a deal for Borussia Dortmund centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos, with the transfer expected to be formally announced on July 1.
They are also in talks with Sampdoria for midfielder Lucas Torreira.
MAN CITY CLOSE ON £50m DEAL FOR NAPOLI STAR JORGINHO
Manchester City are closing in on a deal worth around £50 million (€56.9m $66m) for Napoli midfielder Jorginho.
Jorginho and his agent are poised to finalise the move after a payment structure between City and Napoli was agreed earlier this week.
City are still in talks with Leicester regarding a move for Riyad Mahrez, although there is a difference in opinion regarding the winger’s value.
The Premier League champions had found themselves in that position with Napoli for the best part of the last two months, although there had always been a confidence and a willingness from both sides to get a deal done.
In May, City had seen a bid of around £39m ($52m) rejected for Jorginho. After weeks of further haggling a fee of around £46m ($60.4m) plus bonuses worth around £6m ($7.9m) was provisionally agreed on Monday.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has now given his sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, the go-ahead to rubber-stamp the agreement.
City had agreed personal terms with Jorginho many weeks ago, having identified him as their priority midfield target .
The Blues had been hoping to bring him to the club ahead of the World Cup, but adjusted their expectations after Napoli rejected their initial proposal.
Jorginho recently spent some time with family in Brazil, his homeland, after learning that the deal had dragged on, but returned to Europe this week and is now ready to sign a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.
City still indeed to sign Mahrez this summer but have been frustrated by Leicester’s demands.
Unlike in their pursuit of Jorginho, City would have an alternative option if their pursuit of Mahrez comes to nothing - Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey has been watched closely - but negotiations with Leicester will continue in the coming wee
LEICESTER CITY’S AHMED MUSA IN TALKS WITH GALATASARAY
Leicester City forward Ahmed Musa is nearing a move to Galatasaray this summer, according to his agent William D’avila.
The 25-year-old joined the 2015-16 English Premier League champions on a club-record deal from CSKA Moscow in 2016 but has struggled for game time.
In an attempt to revive his 2018 World Cup chances, the former VVV-Venlo star was loaned back to the Russian giants for the second part of the 2017-18 season where he scored seven goals in 16 appearances in all competitions.
However, Musa could, again, be on his way out on a temporary deal as his representative confirmed negotiations with the Lions; one which could lead to a permanent switch.
“Yes, we are in talks with Galatasaray. They are a huge club who’ll play in the Champions League. So why not? The transfer is possible,” D’avila was quoted by Leicester Mercury .
“Musa has offers from other clubs but he’s keen on playing for Galatasaray. We are currently working on a loan deal with an option to buy. He’ll make a decision soon. I think we can say there’s a 50 percent chance of Musa joining the club.”
The pacy forward is currently at the World Cup with Nigeria and was afforded 18 minutes in their 2-0 defeat to Croatia on Saturday.
JUVENTUS SIGNS EMRE CAN FROM LIVERPOOL
Emre Can has finalised his move to Juventus from Liverpool on a four-year deal.
The 24-year-old Germany international joins the Italian champions on a free transfer.
Liverpool announced on 8 June that Can, who signed from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2014, would leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
The midfielder, who scored 14 goals for Liverpool, will officially become a Juventus player on 1 July.
He made his 167th and final Reds appearance in last month's Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.
Can has 20 caps for Germany but missed out on Joachim Low's World Cup squad.
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