Football News: Review Of The Day 18th June 2018

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Review of the Day

Transfers

Brazilian midfielder Maycon has moved to Ukrainian Premier Liga side Shakhtar Donetsk. The 20 year old was sold by Corinthians for just under £6m.

Former Manchester United and Celtic full back, Saidy Janko, has left Saint Etienne to join Porto for a fee of £2.7m.

Alaves have taken Malaga's Spanish winger Jony on loan.

Newly promoted Serie A side Frosinone have moved to strengthen their side with the signing of 23 year old Slovenian defender Luka Krajnc from Cagliari. Kranjc cost Frosinone just under £1m.

Ciss Out Of World Cup

Senegal have suffered an injury blow after Saliou Ciss has been ruled out of the World Cup with an injury he picked up in a recent friendly against Luxembourg. The left back has been replaced by Adama Mbengue.

Kompany To Stay With Belgium Squad

Despite having an injury, as usual, Belgium defender Vincent Kompany will not be replaced by coach Roberto Martinez. Kompany is not expected to be fit to play until the final group game against England in Kaliningrad, but Martinez is determined to stand by the Manchester City captain. Martinez said: "We are going to maintain the squad of 23 as announced. We are not going to use any changes. Vinny has evolved better than we thought, even though we thought that he could have a good opportunity to be involved in the group phase. Now he has a stronger opportunity." There are also injury problems with another Belgian centre half, as Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen has a hamstring issue.

South Koreans Swap Shirts To Confuse Opponents

South Korea's coach admits he made his players wear different numbered shirts in recent friendlies to confuse forthcoming opponents as Sweden are forced to apologise for spying on a closed training session held by the Koreans. South Korea's coach Shin Tae-yong said: "We switched them around because we didn't want to show our opponents everything and to try and confuse them. They might know a few of our players but it is very difficult for Westerners to distinguish between Asians and that's why we did that. All coaches probably feel their opponents are always spying on them. I think it's perfectly natural that we all try to get as much information on each other as we can." Clearly a necessary precaution as Sweden coach Janne Andersson had to apologise after one of his scouts, Lasse Jacobsson, had watched Koreans train in Austria. Andersson said: "He heard about a practice session, he didn't understand that it was a closed session, he didn't understand and he watched from a distance. It's very important we show respect to all our opponents in all circumstances. If someone could interpret it in another way we regret it. It's been made a mountain out of a molehill."

Raiola Backs Pogba

Mino Raiola has criticised the French attitude towards Paul Pogba, by saying the French do not like heroes. Raiola said: "Paul confirmed once again what a great player he is and the importance he has in the team. He is a true ambassador for France. France ought to be proud to have him in the side and not always criticise, but then the French do love to criticise their heroes and it's not just Pogba. I also think Matuidi coming off the bench changed the game and the whole energy of the team, as he is a winner and an amazing guy. That's how he conquered Juventus and Italy too. I don't know why the coach decided to leave him out of the starting XI, but he came on and everyone saw what he could do. I'm proud of him. I think in France they don't like heroes, as there is so much envy and jealousy. I don't see why they are criticised so much when they can write football history. Pogba in particular always stays positive, works hard and has nothing to prove. He does what the coach wants and is a perfect ambassador on and off the field. France have the quality and strength in depth to win the World Cup. If the media can be a little more positive, that won't hurt."

Balotelli Speaking With Marseille

Mino Raiola has been a busy boy, the (not so) super agent has confirmed he has been holding talks with Marseille over the signing of Mario Balotelli. Raiola said: "I have a good relationship with Marseille. I know the sporting director very well and the president. We will see, it is too early. Mario is a player who creates emotion. He always gives 100%. This could marry up very well with the Marseille mentality. Marseille people are like that. They are passionate. Mario is passionate, it is like that. We will see."

Earthquake Detectors Set Off By Mexican Celebrations

After Mexico created the biggest shock of the World Cup by beating Germany, a seismic monitoring network said that Mexico City suffered a small artificial earthquake caused by the celebrations.

Mexico Fans Under Investigation By FIFA

Mexico fans are once again under investigation by FIFA for a homophobic slur their fans chant. They have been fined in the past, CAS cancelling two fines last November after ruling the chant was insulting but not intended to offend. It has been claimed that some of the Mexicans chanted it at Germany keeper Manuel Neueur as he prepared to take a goal-kick in the first half. Fifa says it is "collecting the different match reports and potential evidence in regards to the matter, including the one from the anti-discrimination match observer who was present at the game as part of FIFA's anti-discrimination monitoring system."

Written by Tris Burke June 18 2018 06:40:28