From the Back Pages, June 23: Louis van Gaal rails against Fifa’s dirty ‘tricks’ as Group B crunch arrives
Manchester United target Thomas Vermaelen picked up a knee injury just 31 minutes into Belgium’s 1-0 win over Russia. (Daily Mail)
If there was one man you could guarantee would stand aloof from the general joie de vivre of this World Cup, it was Fabio Capello. He is living this World Cup as he lived the last, grimly battering away criticism as drab tournament performances fail to live up to the promise of qualifying. The Sovetsky Sport columnist Yury Tsyban had described Capello’s football as being whisky after the champagne of Guus Hiddink at the Euros in 2008; this felt more like a £3.99 cava grabbed as a last resort at the garage on the way home after a late night. (The Guardian)
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Hide AdFORMER Arsenal man Park Chu-Young was unable to prevent South Korea from slipping to defeat against Algeria, who were powered by Tottenham’s midfield enforcer Nabil Bentaleb, with Islam Slimani also playing a key role in the World Cup Group H clash. (The Express)
Gerrard will not rush England decision. England captain “hurting” after early elimination in Brazil and will use summer to mull over international future. (The Telegraph)
Mercedes star extends title lead over Hamilton: You could almost hear the sound of shattered crockery as Nico Rosberg charged to victory in the Austrian Grand Prix yesterday. (The Times)
Moeen Ali grabbed two late wickets to turn the tables for England and leave the second Test at Headingley in the balance. (The Mirror)