World Cup Daily: ‘Six fingered’ Ochoa keeps Brazil at bay
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Goalkeepers with digital advantages, the ongoing Rooney debate and the most bizarre excuse ever from Uruguay … the excitement that is Brazil 2014 continues.
Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa is the talk of the tournament after a fine display in goal for El Tri and elsewhere in the tournament NBA stars show their love for the game, Wayne Rooney has a date with destiny and Suarez and co. cry over spilled (or lost) milk.
Check out what’s what at the World Cup with the Ladbrokes News daily round-up.
In The Headlines
Tuesday was a tale of two goalkeepers playing at different ends of the spectrum.
Mexican stopper Ochoa hit the headlines after his heroics to keep out Brazil led to speculation the Liverpool and Arsenal target has six fingers on one hand!
These rumours are yet to be confirmed or denied but as these highlights show he played an absolute blinder against the hosts.
But, while Ochoa saw his stock rise on the back of a fine display, Russian counterpart Igor Akinfeev was wishing the pitch would swallow him up after this howler against South Korea.
Elsewhere, Belgium’s Marouane Fellaini went some way to repairing his damaged reputation by inspiring his side to a comeback win over Algeria.
The Manchester United man levelled after Sofiane Feghouli’s penalty had put the Africans ahead and fellow sub Dries Mertens then secured the victory with 10 minutes to spare.
The England Camp
A day ahead of the Three Lions’ crunch clash with Uruguay the focus is still very much on Wayne Rooney.
The debate rumbles on as to where – and indeed if – the Man United ace should line up against the South Americans.
However, while the press speculates, Wazza’s team-mates have given him their full backing, with Frank Lampard imploring fans to keep the faith and Raheem Sterling in particular hoping to play alongside Rooney once more.
“I’m trying to learn from him. I look up to him and to train with him here, at the World Cup, with England, is a real honour,” the Liverpool man said.
“He works so hard and always improves and it’s great to have him in the team.”
Injury List
Samuel Eto’o remains an injury concern for Cameroon ahead of their second group match against Croatia but a decision will be left until the last minute.
Luka Modric is also battling to overcome a foot injury but is expected to line up against The Indomitable Lions.
Australia will be without defender Ivan Franjic for their match with Holland after the Brisbane Roar right-back was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.
And Spain look likely to stick with Iker Casillas in goal for their game with Chile as Manchester United stopper David de Gea is nursing a sore bum!
Fan Watch
Their win over Ghana may be old news but Team USA can move forward knowing they are being backed like never before by their home fans.
The victory over the Black Stars drew the highest ever US audience for a “soccer” match and even beat Game 5 of the NBA finals series between San Antonio and Miami.
Think the US is all about American football and baseball? Think again …
In keeping with the US football fan theme, NBA legend Kobe Bryant showed his love for soccer by attending the Brazil v Mexico game … “whatd’ya mean it’s a draw!”
Kobe at the Brazil and Mexico game. | pic.twitter.com/yz1EzKHOAj — 2014 World Cup (@2014WorIdCup) June 17, 2014
And In Other News
According to reports in Uruguay, La Celeste’s unexpected loss to Costa Rica can be put down to the fact that the players were denied their usual treat of dulce de leche.
Brazilian officials confiscated 39kg of the caramel spread on the team’s arrival and as yet a solution has not been found. Here’s hoping they don’t find the sweet stuff before the England game.
And finally, while most of us have been busy watching every game of the competition, one World Cup fan has spent their time transforming into a human version of the trophy .. with staggering results.
#WorldCup2014 Artist turns herself into the trophy with staggering results | The Independent https://t.co/qG0OGTcZUd pic.twitter.com/vy08jV626B
— V2Football World Cup (@v2Football) June 18, 2014
