World Cup in brief
Portugal sweating on Ronaldo
PORTUGAL forward Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to complete yesterday’s full training session as he continues to struggle with a knee injury. The Real Madrid star is doubtful for Sunday’s match against USA in Manaus and Portugal’s final Group G contest against Ghana.
Vanishing spray given red card
VANISHING spray being used during World Cup matches will not appear in the Premier League next season. Referees use the substance to ensure defensive walls remain 10 yards away from the ball at free-kicks, but the English top-flight chiefs do not deem encroachment to be a problem. The spray will, however, be used in Champions League matches.
Ghana deny player protest
THE GHANA Football Association have vehemently denied reports of a player revolt against coach Kwesi Appiah following Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to USA. The governing body cited a long journey back to their training camp as the reason for delaying yesterday’s press conference by five and a half hours.
Chile fans storm Maracana
WORLD governing body Fifa said last night “at least 85” Chile fans had been detained by riot police after “violently” forcing their way into the Maracana Stadium without tickets.
GAMES ON TV
COLOMBIA v IVORY COAST
Today 5pm, BBC ONE
URUGUAY v ENGLAND
Today 8pm, ITV1
JAPAN v GREECE
Today 11pm, BBC ONE