Colombia suffered defeat to England in the World Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday night without James Rodríguez. The 26-year-old Bayern star missed the match due to a calf problem and had to watch on at the sold-out Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow as his side lost 4-3 on penalties to the Three Lions. The Cafeteros had taken the game into extra-time through Yerry Mina’s header in stoppage time after Harry Kane’s penalty had given England the lead on 57 minutes. After a goalless 30 minutes, the Colombians’ luck ran out. James, who suffered the calf bruising during the final group match against Senegal, constantly got out of his seat during breaks in play to shout out advice to his teammates, but the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot winner could do nothing to stop the South Americans’ elimination.
Tolisso likely to start against Uruguay
The World Cup action resumes this Friday when France take on Uruguay in the first of the quarter-finals (16:00 CEST) – and Bayern’s Corentin Tolisso has a good chance of starting for the Équipe Tricolore. The 23 year-old is the obvious candidate to replace the suspended Blaise Matuidi in midfield. Tolisso started France’s opening game against Australia and also came on as a substitute during their 4-3 win over Argentina in the last 16, and is now set for his second World Cup start. The midfielder feels ready for such a big game, thanks in part to his move to the German record champions last year: “My experience at Bayern, where you’re constantly challenging yourself, has also helped my international career,” Tolisso said in an interview in May which was published by L'Équipe on Tuesday. “I say to myself that I just have to be better than the others and outdo myself,” he added.
Neuer pleased about Löw staying
Bayern captain Manuel Neuer welcomed the news that Jogi Löw is to stay on as Germany coach. “I’m pleased that we can continue on our journey with Jogi Löw which has been successful for such a long time, and I’m confident we can regain our strength together,” commented the 32 year-old. Following Germany’s first ever exit at the World Cup group stage in Russia, there was speculation that Löw could step down but on Tuesday afternoon, the 58 year-old confirmed he’ll be continuing in his post.
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