Hey guys, it’s David Cooper here giving you a bitesize look at what’s going on this morning in the world of sport including all the major World Cup news from Russia.
TOP STORY
Egypt are on the brink of an exit from the World Cup after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Russia last night.
The return of Mohamed Salah from injury couldn’t prevent the hosts virtually sealing their place in the last 15 by beating the Pharaohs.
An own by Egypt captain Ahmed Fathi opened the floodgates in St. Petersburg before goals from Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba furthered Russian hopes they can defy pre-tournament expectations with a deep run in the latter changes.
Read our talking points and player focus on Salah and Cheryshev here.
WORLD CUP
Andres Iniesta has pledged Spain will overcome their early woes in Russia by beating Iran today to set up another tilt at the title (22:00).
With Iran sitting top of Group B following their 1-0 win over Morocco on Friday, Spain can ill afford to slip-up against Carlos Queiroz’s side. Read our tactical talking points ahead of the match.
In today’s other games, Portugal head into their second Group B clash riding on the crest of a wave after a stunning 3-3 draw with Spain (16:00).
Now, Fernando Santos’ side will aim to place one foot in the knockouts with victory at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Elsewhere, Neymar hobbled out of training yesterday, setting alarm bells ringing in the Brazil camp as they prepare for their second group game against Costa Rica on Friday.
Brazil are due to travel today to St. Petersburg ahead of their clash against the Central American side.
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CRICKET
Alex Hales and Johnny Bairstow both hit hundreds as England broke the record for the highest score in a men’s ODI for the second time in two years at Trent Bridge by scoring 481 for six against Australia yesterday.
Hales made 147 and Bairstow 139 as England surpassed their previous all-time record men’s ODI total of 444 for three, against Pakistan in 2016.
Elsewhere, Ex-Indian coach Sandeep Patil believes players must be given a second chance if they fail the Yo-Yo test.
Ambati Rayudu became the latest victim of the test and was dropped from the squad for India’s ODI series against England.
Prior to that, Mohammed Shami, Yuraj Singh and Suresh Raina have all failed the test.
REGIONAL
UAE Team Emirates will be among the teams lining up fro the inaugural Adriatica Ionica Race, a new international race, which gets underway in Italy today.
Valerio Conti will spearhead the side, with Darwin Atapuma, Simone Petilli and Edward Ravisi in support.
FEATURE OF THE DAY
Read Chris Bailey’s tactical talking points ahead of Spain v Iran tonight.
SOCIAL MEDIA ROUND-UP
⚽⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/LJ0RjKVm1s
— Сборная России (@TeamRussia) June 20, 2018
World Cup Football:
Portugal v Morocco (16:00)
Uruguay v Saudi Arabia (19:00)
Iran v Spain (22:00)
