World Cup in brief
France feeling the heat in Brasilia
FRANCE boss Didier Deschamps fears his team may wilt in the heat in today’s last-16 tie with Nigeria in Brasilia. France played all of their Group E matches in the evening, but have an earlier kick-off time today, which will mean playing in temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Deschamps said: “The heat worries me. Nigerians are naturally more adapted to heat.”
Origi tipped to be Premier League star
TOTTENHAM defender Jan Vertonghen has backed Belgium team-mate Divock Origi to light up the Premier League. The 19-year-old striker has emerged as a target for Liverpool having played a pivotal role in Belgium’s three group victories. Vertonghen said: “Origi has the qualities to play for a good Premier League team.”
Fifa investigate Brazil-Chile clash
WORLD governing body Fifa have opened an investigation into a clash between Chile striker Mauricio Pinilla and Brazil press officer Rodrigo Paiva at half-time during Saturday’s last-16 match. Paiva is accused of punching Pinilla, but said he only “shoved” the former Hearts star in self defence.
Germany without Podolski in last 16
ARSENAL forward Lukas Podolski is set to miss Germany’s last-16 match against Algeria tonight with a thigh injury. Bayern Munich’s Mario Gotze stands by as Podolski’s replacement and manager Joachim Low is anticipating a tough test against the north African minnows. He said: “If you believe Algeria is an easy opponent you are vastly mistaken.”
GAMES ON TV
■ FRANCE v NIGERIA Tonight, 5pm, BBC ONE
■ GERMANY v ALGERIA Tonight, 9pm, ITV