England’s World Cup quarter-final opponents Norway have been hit by a sickness bug ahead of their clash in Miami on Saturday night, as the tournament is rocked by controversy over FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s leadership.
The illness has worsened after the team travelled thousands of miles throughout the competition, threatening their preparations against Thomas Tuchel’s men. Meanwhile, Switzerland progressed to the quarter-finals after a tense penalty shootout victory over Colombia, winning 4-3 on spot-kicks following a goalless 120 minutes.
“Norway hit by sickness ahead of England quarter-final as Infantino faces calls to resign over Balogun controversy.”
But the biggest story away from the pitch remains the fallout over USA striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun accepted the decision to clear him to play against Belgium on Monday was “controversial” but insisted he played no part in the process. US President Donald Trump confirmed he personally lobbied his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino on the topic, and Trump has subsequently been mocked following Belgium’s thrashing of the hosts.
UEFA said on Monday that FIFA had “crossed a red line” in making the Balogun decision, and Infantino is now a man under fire amid growing criticism and questions over his leadership. US coach Mauricio Pochettino admitted his disappointment at the “politics and manipulation” which overshadowed his team’s World Cup exit.
Cristiano Ronaldo has played his last World Cup match but said he will take time to consider his future after Portugal’s last-16 defeat to Spain. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi was in tears as Argentina inspired an astonishing comeback against Egypt to book a quarter-final place.
The pressure on Infantino intensifies as the World Cup enters its decisive stages, with England’s path now clouded by the prospect of facing a weakened Norway side — but also the wider questions hanging over the sport’s governing body.