World Cup guide: Controversy over Seattle pride match

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World Cup guide: Controversy over Seattle pride match
Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/AP/TT

+ Group I: Norway–France, tonight, 9:00 PM

Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

TV4/P4 Radio Sport

+ Group final without national team captain

Both teams have two wins and are qualified for the playoffs, but who wins the group will be decided in Foxborough.

Ahead of the meeting, Les Bleus' national team captain Didier Deschamps has traveled home to France. The 57-year-old's mother passed away on Tuesday morning and Deschamps has been approved to temporarily leave the World Cup to attend the funeral.

+ Group I: Senegal–Iraq, tonight, 9:00 PM

Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Ontario

TV4/P4 Radio Sport

+ Both teams must win

Neither Senegal (–3 on goal difference) nor Iraq (–6) have taken any points after two matches played. To have a chance at the playoffs, the teams need to take three points, and then there will be a wait for the rest of the group stage matches to be completed. Depending on the other results, it could be a goal-difference affair.

+ Group H: Cape Verde–Saudi Arabia, tonight, 2:00 a.m.

Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas

TV4

+ The dream is alive

The dream of playing in the finals is alive for both World Cup debutants Cape Verde (two points) and Saudi Arabia (one point). Cape Verde will finish second in the group at worst with three points, while Saudi Arabia can finish second or third. In the event of a draw, Saudi Arabia will be eliminated immediately and Cape Verde will have to wait for other results.

+ Group H: Uruguay–Spain, tonight, 2:00 a.m.

Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara, Mexico.

TV4/P4 Radio Sport.

+ Uruguay pressured

Uruguay probably expected to be ready for the playoffs before the match against Spain. Instead, the team has a knife to its throat after draws against both Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. A draw and a total of three points could be enough for advancement, while a win would completely secure a playoff spot. For Spain, one point is most likely enough to win the group.

+ Group G: Egypt–Iran, tomorrow, 5:00 a.m.

Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington.

TV4.

+ Argument over the “rainbow match”

The match in Seattle coincides with the city's annual pride parade. That's why the local organizer is calling the meeting a pride match. FIFA will allow rainbow flags in the stands, something that union officials from both teams have opposed.

"We have no interest whatsoever in our third World Cup match being played under the colors of the rainbow," said Mehdi Taj, chairman of the Iranian Football Federation, ahead of the championship.

In Iran, homosexuality can lead to the death penalty.

In sporting terms, the match is of great importance. If Iran (two points) wins, both teams will most likely advance to the playoffs. A draw could be enough for Iran, but then help from other results is needed. Egypt wins the group if they win.

+ Group G: New Zealand–Belgium, tomorrow, 5:00 a.m.

BC Place Stadium, Vancouver, British Columbia.

TV4.

+ A knife to the throat

After draws against both Iran and Egypt, Belgium has found itself in a precarious position. Now a victory is needed to secure a playoff spot. In the event of a draw, Belgium will have to hope that other results go their way. New Zealand (one point) will likely advance to the playoffs if the team manages to take three points.

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By TT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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