FIFA revoked a journalist's accreditation after a bizarre outburst, France's match against Iraq was delayed by severe weather, and Lionel Messi made history on Day 12 of the World Cup.
Severe weather wreaks havoc in Philadelphia
The Group I clash between France and Iraq was brought to a standstill at half-time after torrential downpours and dangerous lightning struck the stadium. Fans were evacuated from the open seating area, resulting in a delay of more than two hours before conditions were deemed safe enough to continue.
FIFA scraps second-half hydration break
In an unusual move, FIFA cancelled the mandatory three-minute second-half drinks break during the France vs Iraq fixture. The emergency call was made on the basis that the prolonged weather delay had left the pitch saturated and fundamentally changed conditions inside the stadium.
Drinks break controversy rumbles on
Initially introduced by FIFA across all 104 matches to help players cope with the intense North American summer heat, hydration breaks have attracted fierce criticism from supporters and pundits. High-profile voices, including Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk, have argued that the enforced stoppages kill a match's natural flow and serve chiefly as an opportunity to air television adverts.
Messi rewrites the World Cup history books
Argentine legend Lionel Messi cemented his status as the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history, bagging a brace in a 2-0 win over Austria. Despite squandering an early penalty, his 17th tournament goal — a new all-time record — eclipsed the mark previously held by German great Miroslav Klose, reports the Mirror.
Erling Haaland dazzles for Norway alongside the world's best
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland recovered from an embarrassing early miss to deliver a stunning second-half double in Norway's 3-2 triumph over Senegal. His match-winning display meant that he, Messi, and Mbappe all remarkably netted braces on the very same day of tournament action.
Commentator stripped of credentials following furious on-air outburst
Paraguayan broadcaster Jorge Vera had his World Cup press accreditation revoked by FIFA after an explosive live meltdown. He launched a scathing personal attack on the match referee and FIFA President Gianni Infantino following Miguel Almiron's red card. The former Newcastle star became the first player ever sent off under a strict new FIFA anti-discrimination rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontations. Although his national broadcaster has appealed for leniency over the commentator's subsequent tirade, Vera has publicly apologised for losing his temper.
Jeremy Doku jets home on emergency flight for family reasons
Belgium winger Jeremy Doku was given permission to depart the squad's training camp to board a last-minute flight to London for the birth of his first child. He successfully welcomed his newborn baby boy, Praise, and is due to rejoin his international teammates in Seattle ahead of their pivotal clash against New Zealand.
Roy Keane pours cold water on praise for Tuchel's team talk
Roy Keane has poured cold water on the widespread praise for Thomas Tuchel's half-time team talk, insisting that players and pundits alike are massively overblowing its impact during England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. Despite Three Lions stars Declan Rice and Harry Kane heaping credit on the manager's tactical tweaks for turning their performance around, Keane flatly insisted that getting the best out of his squad is nothing more than a basic part of the job.
