Hello and welcome to Daily Mail Sport’s World Cup Breakfast from day 25 at the tournament – your one-stop shop for everything you’ve missed overnight in North America.
For all the latest news, viral moments and what to look out for, stay right here.
OVERNIGHT ACTION
France 1-0 Paraguay
Paraguay deployed every dark art in the book in a desperate attempt to beat the French, but were overcome by a Les Bleus side who proved why they’re favourites for this World Cup across the pond.
Temperatures soared beyond 35C in New York as France spent more than an hour trying to break down a resilient Paraguayan backline. Eventually, in the 69th minute, Desire Doue was hacked down in the box and, following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty.
As Mbappe limbered up to take the spot-kick, the Paraguayans protested and argued – and even scuffed up the penalty spot – in an attempt to put off the French skipper. But Mbappe rendered their methods of distraction utterly pointless when he side-footed home into the bottom corner and proceeded to chuckle as he wheeled away in celebration.
Kylian Mbappe chuckled as he strolled off the pitch in New York following France’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paraguay
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There were cries for a red card after Mbappe appeared to be booted on the floor, pathetic attempts at coercion from the Paraguayans and a splattering of yellow cards – yet the French prevailed in what was their toughest test so far this summer.
Mbappe burst into laughter once more as he strolled off the sun-baked pitch at the MetLife. That’s two down, three to go for France on their quest to lift the World Cup trophy.
VIEW FROM THE GROUND
The World Cup is battling to be heard here today in Philadelphia, the birthplace of the US Constitution, on its 250th anniversary. Thousands have flown in from across the US to be in the cradle of the country for the 4th of July celebrations. Hotel occupancy levels are 90 per cent higher than usual because of that. The anniversary has also shone a light on the country’s divisions. I saw more than 2,000 people marching through downtown Philadelphia this morning, past the hundreds queuing to get into celebrations at Independence Square. They were demanding an end to Donald Trump’s overseas wars.
It seems a happy coincidence that the World Cup has arrived at a time when the US is reflecting on itself and its place in the world. I listened in as Deutsche Welle, the German broadcaster, interviewed people in Independence Square on Friday night. Arnold, a proud American with no great fascination for football, said: ‘We are a divided country but the World Cup has helped. I’ve not heard one person say a bad word about another country and I’ve seen so many people in one place, cheering. We needed some of that.’
By Ian Herbert
The World Cup was struggling to be heard in Philadelphia as Americans celebrated July 4
TEAM OF THE DAY
Thanks to SofaScore for the graphic.
CELEBRITY OF THE DAY
It seems as though everyone wants a piece of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer in what is sure to be his farewell tournament with the Portuguese national team.
He’s shared reunions with old friends Luka Modric and James Rodriguez, given interviews to countless reporters and, now, linked up with the one and only Drake.
The rapper – fresh off the release of his ICEMAN album – was spotted performing his signature ‘where she at?’ gesture in Toronto after CR7 slotted home a penalty against Croatia.
And Drizzy later gave Ronaldo a warm welcome to the city at the Portugal team hotel, with the What Did I Miss? hitmaker joking: ‘We are the same height I swear. Vamos!!! my brother @cristiano.’
Drake gave Cristiano Ronaldo a warm welcome to Toronto on Friday
VIRAL MOMENT OF THE DAY
Canada boss Jesse Marsch has provided some of the most viral content on the pitch at this World Cup, not least his dance down the touchline after his side were awarded a penalty against Qatar in the group stages.
Marsch, sadly, will not be able to provide any more after Canada were beaten 3-0 by Morocco in the last-16 as the co-hosts’ tournament came to an end.
That still did not stop Marsch from grabbing the attention post-match with an interview that raised eyebrows, as the Canada boss declared ‘I’d rather be us than them’, despite Morocco advancing to the quarter-finals.
‘What a privilege our fans have had to root a team on like this,’ Marsch said. ‘[A team] that goes after the game, that doesn’t play defensive, that shows that they can be better.
Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill was see throwing the ball at Mbappe post-match
The incident contributed to both sets of players squaring up to each other following the match
‘Of course, we have to be in these situations more and more,’ the 52-year-old manager continued. ‘And then we have to find ways to succeed and build on that.
‘I’d rather be us than them! As good as Morocco is, I’d rather be us.’
‘I’m really proud of our guys, we went after the game. They’re hurting right now but I couldn’t be prouder,’ he concluded, before adding a final ‘I thank Canada’ to the reporter.
Marsch’s bold declaration was met by incredulity on FOX, with former US star Landon Donovan revealing his surprise at the Canada boss’ comments.
‘Did he just say he’d rather be Canada than Morocco? Wouldn’t you rather be still in the tournament? I don’t really understand that,’ Donovan said.
Alexi Lalas added: ‘Canada’s going home. Morocco is going on. So, I would rather be a team that won and is going on.’
Elsewhere, fans also highlighted how the bad blood between France and Paraguay carried on after their match. Footage showed Kylian Mbappe refusing to shake the hand of Paraguay’s Orlando Gill post-match, with the goalkeeper responding by throwing the ball at Mbappe.
Mbappe was then seen laughing at the incident, which may have contributed to a post-match scuffle in the centre circle.
STAT OF THE DAY
Mbappe’s penalty against Paraguay, his 19th for Les Bleus at World Cups, meant the Real Madrid man has now scored as many at football’s premium tournament as Thierry Henry, Olivier Giroud, Zinedine Zidane and Karim Benzema.
Mbappe is still only 27. Just let that sink in. The French captain could, fitness permitting, play in another three World Cups.
It’s surely only a matter of time before he overtakes Messi’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record.
THREE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR TODAY
1) Could England’s clash with Mexico be affected by rain?
In the UK, we don’t even consider the possibility that a football match could be postponed or, dare I say, cancelled due to the rain. No, that embarrassment is spared for cricket and golf.
But, incredibly, the England football team’s biggest game in years tonight in Mexico City – a city with a much hotter climate than London – could be seriously affected by the weather.
A forecast of thunderstorms in the Mexican capital at around 7pm local time on Sunday prompted calls for the fixture to be moved and, for a brief period, it appeared as though it was going to be. Yet, after backlash, FIFA pulled the plug.
And so the Round of 16 clash will go ahead as planned at 1am BST – weather permitting, of course.
2) Could Thomas Tuchel ring the changes against the Mexicans?
The Three Lions’ bid to end 60 years of hurt across the pond has been nowhere near as plain sailing as many had assumed. Tuchel’s men made hard work of their opener against Croatia, couldn’t break down Ghana, failed to beat Panama convincingly and, versus DR Congo, flirted with elimination.
So, should our German boss make changes? And, if so, where?
England’s defence, particularly the two centre-backs, have come under scrutiny thus far and, in the intimidating Azteca, it could be wise to offer John Stones a starting berth in place of one of Ezri Konsa or Marc Guehi.
Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham are near certs in the midfield, as are Noni Madueke on the right and Kane up front, but the other dilemma lies with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon. Neither star has performed at their best, and it remains to be seen which Tuchel will opt for across the Mexican border.
England face the tough task of beating Mexico at the Azteca Stadium this evening
3) Norway to cause a shock?
Erling Haaland has repeatedly played down not only his own, but also Norway’s chances at this World Cup. Prior to the Vikings’ clash with France last week, the blonde behemoth admitted his side would ‘probably not’ beat Les Bleus and then, in a Snapchat post this week, talked down his own chances of winning the Golden Boot.
Yet, quietly, Norway are becoming one of the stories of this World Cup. After qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time ever, the Norwegians overcame a strong Ivory Coast side to set up tonight’s tie with Brazil. With Martin Odegaard, Haaland and the exciting Antonio Nusa in their ranks, don’t be surprised if they cause an upset against the South Americans too.
TODAY’S GAMES
Brazil vs Norway (New Jersey, 9pm, ITV)
It was 24 years before their victory over Japan that Brazil last had to come from behind to win a knockout match. It was also 24 years ago that the Brazilians last lifted the World Cup. A coincidence? That remains to be seen, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men continue their pursuit of football’s most coveted prize against Norway tonight on the outskirts of New York.
The Brazilians, while boasting game-changers up top, haven’t looked completely assured on more than one occasion this tournament and so, for once, do not go into this clash as overwhelming favourites. In bygone years, the outcome of Brazil vs Norway would not have even been a debate.
Haaland (even if he won’t admit it) will be quietly fancying his chances against Marquinhos and his old enemy Gabriel Magalhaes should Odegaard be able to pull the strings behind him. The Man City star, remember, trails Leo Messi and Mbappe by just two in the race for the Golden Boot.
Will the Norwegians be performing their ‘Viking’ celebration after the match? I’m not quite sure, but I think they’ll go close.
Prediction: Brazil win on penalties.
Brazil, for once, should not be considered overwhelming favourites for their clash with Norway
England vs Mexico (Mexico City, 1am, BBC)
Now the drama surrounding England’s kick-off time has at last come to an end, let’s focus on the football and, more specifically, their opponents.
Overcoming the Mexicans will be a formidable task for Tuchel’s men not only because they’re ranked 10th in FIFA’s rankings, but mainly due to their incredible record at the Azteca Stadium. Mexico have lost just two of their last 89 matches at the Mexico City venue, and have won all four of their games there this summer. Sitting more than 7,000 feet above ground level, the cauldron that is the Azteca is a significant leveller for the Mexicans against an English team who would ordinarily be favourites.
The outcome of this one depends on how Tuchel’s men cope with the atmosphere, the heat and the altitude. Marc Guehi claimed earlier today that Mexico head into the clash as favourites, though Daily Mail Sport is backing the Three Lions to get the job done.
Prediction: England win.
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