World Cup guide: Concerns for
Photo: Andre Penner/AP/TT

World Cup guide: Concerns for superstars Pulisic and Neymar

The United States is aiming for a second straight World Cup victory. But the host nation could be without captain Christian Pulisic. Brazil is chasing its first World Cup win, but superstar Neymar remains a question mark. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the games on Midsummer's Eve.

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+ Group D: USA–Australia, Friday, 9:00 PM

Seattle Stadium, Seattle

SVT/P4 Radio Sport

+ The US superstar trains alone

USA star forward Christian Pulisic was substituted because of a calf injury in the host nation's World Cup opener (4-1) against Paraguay. The Milan striker is doubtful for the match against Australia and has been training on his own this week.

"If we don't have him available for this game, we'll make sure to have him back for the rest of the World Cup. We're going to need him," Antonee Robinson said, according to ESPN.

+ Group C: Scotland–Morocco, Saturday, 00:00

Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

SVT/P4 Radio Sport

+ Scottish supporter to be honored

A 76-year-old Scotsman traveled to the United States to watch Scotland in the World Cup. But on Sunday he died. A family friend told STV News that the man had traveled to Boston with friends and that the family is devastated.

"But they still find comfort in knowing that he was able to devote himself to what he loved most when he passed away," she tells the TV channel.

Ahead of Scotland's second group stage match, the supporters' association "The Tartan Army" is now planning to honor the 76-year-old.

"It would mean a lot to his family if we could hold a minute's applause in the 76th minute of the match against Morocco," they write on X.

+ Group C: Brazil–Haiti, Saturday, 2:30 a.m.

Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

TV4

+ Neymar missing again

Brazil superstar Neymar came to the World Cup with a calf injury and sat out the opening match against Morocco (1–1). On Tuesday, the 34-year-old took part in training with the team.

Despite this, Neymar will not play in the match against Haiti. He will not fly to Philadelphia with the team but will continue his recovery in New Jersey, the Brazilian federation has announced.

After earning a point in the first match, Brazil still has work to do.

+ Group D: Turkey–Paraguay, Saturday, 5:00 AM

San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California

TV4

+ The defense after harsh criticism

Turkey suffered a surprising 0-2 defeat to Australia in their World Cup opener and were heavily criticized by the domestic press and on social media. But the criticism wasn't just about the sport. Defender Merih Demiral was mocked for his mustache, prompting fellow defender Samet Akaydin to react.

"Some of the things that are written and said are really outrageous. To interfere with someone's hair, mustache, or appearance, I think is just ridiculous," he said, according to Turkish media.

Now a must-win match awaits a Turkey under pressure.

"We feel a great responsibility towards our country," said Akaydin.

In this story
AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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