Neymar limps out of training

SOCHI: Neymar hobbled out of a training session on Tuesday, setting alarm bells ringing in the Brazil camp as they prepare for their second group game against Costa Rica on Friday. “Neymar came out of training today with a painful right ankle,” said Vinicius Rodrigues, a spokesman for the Brazilian Football Confederation. He put the the knock down to the number of fouls Neymar received in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Switzerland. Neymar had not taken part in training on Monday, as the side returned to their base in Sochi. Rodrigues said the problem concerned Neymar’s ankle and not the foot he fractured in February. “As soon as he felt the pain he went to the physio. He will stay there for today and tomorrow (Wednesday) morning, and will train as normal tomorrow,” added Rodrigues.

Iceland gripped by World Cup fever

GELENDZHIK: A staggering 99.6 percent of TV viewers in Iceland tuned in to see their nation’s first World Cup finals game on Saturday, a 1-1 draw against an Argentina side led by Lionel Messi. According to electronic audience data collected by research firm Gallup, the game broke the previous record for a sporting event set during Iceland’s run to the Euro 2016 quarterfinals in France. “The 60 percent rating with a 99.6 percent share beats the previous record of 58.8 percent rating reached at the Euros 2016 in a game against England,” said Valgeir Vilhjalmsson, who is head of media research for public service broadcaster RUV. “It’s also interesting to know that last Saturday this game got a 58 percent rating among women and 62 percent among men — football has never been this popular with women,” he added. Amazingly, the game did not break the overall viewing record, which is a 100 percent rating held by an annual New Year’s Eve comedy show that was achieved in 2016. 

‘Planning for Ronaldo might prove futile’ 

MOSCOW: Even the best laid plans to limit the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo might not be enough for Morocco, coach Herve Renard said. “Even if you conjure up the best plans to halt Ronaldo, he will find a way to break free. He always makes the difference, at the minimum to put his side on the right track and at best to win the game for them,” the French-born coach said. “He’s absolutely outstanding, exceptional and we might not be good enough to keep him out.”

Every game is a final now: Neuer 

Vatutinki: Germany captain Manuel Neuer said that his side’s two remaining group games are now effectively finals and revealed frank words were exchanged in the team camp after the shock defeat to Mexico. “From now on, we only have finals. The players have to show what they can do, but I am convinced that we can do it,” Neuer said. — Agencies