World Cup
Former Super Eagles’ Coach Fired In Vietnam –
Globe-trotting Philippe Troussier who qualified Nigeria for France ‘98 World Cup has been sacked by Vietnam after his side’s 3-0 defeat by Indonesia in the third round of Asia’s preliminaries for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, the Vietnam Football Federation announced.
The Frenchman, famously known as the ‘White Witchdoctor’ for his belief in witchcraft took over from Park Hang-seo last year.
He was given a second chance by Nigeria in 2005, he walked off just as he was expected to fly down for contract signing.
He was suspected to have done so to pay Nigeria back for an earlier sacking. He had since made a tour of the globe to South Africa, Burkina Faso, Japan, Qatar and now Vietnam where he has been sacked following the loss in Hanoi, which was the second defeat in six days against the Indonesians and has left Vietnam in third place in qualifying Group F.
Only the top two from each of the nine groups in the second phase of Asia’s preliminary tournament reach the next round.
Vietnam have never played at the World Cup but, with Asia’s representation at the finals in 2026 increased to a guaranteed eight spots, hopes had been high that the former Japan coach could take the country closer to their first qualification.
However back-to-back losses mean the Vietnamese are four points behind their South East Asian rivals and must win against the Philippines and Iraq in June and hope Indonesia fail to collect three points from their two remaining matches.
Iraq secured one of the group’s two qualification spots on Tuesday as a 5-0 win over the Philippines moved Jesus Casas’ side to 12 points from four games.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
England will look to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds when they take on Ghana in a Group-stage clash that could also see captain Harry Kane write another chapter in the nation’s football history.
Kane enters the match level with Gary Lineker as England’s highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history, with 10 goals apiece. A goal against Ghana would see the Bayern Munich striker become England’s outright leading marksman on football’s biggest stage.
The Three Lions will, however, face a Ghanaian side that has developed a reputation for attacking football at the World Cup. The Black Stars have scored in eight of their last nine matches in the competition and will be confident of troubling England’s defence.
With both sides chasing valuable points, the encounter promises an intriguing battle between England’s experience and Ghana’s flair and resilience.
For Kane, the match presents an opportunity to add another record to a glittering international career. For Ghana, it offers the chance to claim a statement victory against one of the tournament favourites.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Croatia captain Luka Modrić is poised to reach another remarkable milestone when the Vatreni face Panama in their latest FIFA World Cup fixture.
The veteran midfielder is expected to make his 200th international appearance, becoming one of the few players in world football to achieve the feat. The landmark match further underlines the enduring influence of the Real Madrid legend, who continues to be the heartbeat of the Croatian team.
Croatia will start as favourites against a Panama side still searching for a breakthrough result against European opposition at the World Cup. The Central Americans previously faced Belgium and England during their debut campaign in Russia in 2018 and lost both encounters.
Panama will be eager to upset the odds and keep their hopes alive, but Croatia’s blend of experience and tournament know-how makes them formidable opponents.
All eyes, however, will be on Modrić as he celebrates a historic personal milestone while seeking to guide his country another step closer to the knockout phase.
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World Cup
One dead, eight injured in stampede in Jordan as fans watched World Cup match, says Jordan News Agency
One person died, and eight others were injured after a stampede during a crowded gathering of fans in central Amman to watch Jordan’s World Cup match against Algeria early on Tuesday, Jordan News Agency reported, citing the country’s Public Security Directorate (PSD).
The incident occurred at Hashemite Square, where large numbers of fans had gathered in the capital to watch Jordan’s 2-1 defeat to Algeria, according to the Jordan News Agency.
Emergency teams transported nine injured people to the hospital after heavy congestion and crowd movement at the venue led to the crush. One of those injured later died, while the others sustained minor to moderate injuries, it reported citing the PSD.
Experts were investigating to determine the exact cause of death, it added.
Large crowds of spectators had gathered across the capital to follow the match, with Jordan competing in their first World Cup.
-Reuters
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Kane Eyes World Cup Scoring Record as England Face Dangerous Ghana
Modrić Set for 200th Croatia Cap Against Ambitious Panama
One dead, eight injured in stampede in Jordan as fans watched World Cup match, says Jordan News Agency
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