KAZAN, Russia — Four years after Radamel Falcao was supposed to lead Colombia at the World Cup, he’s doing just that.
Falcao missed the tournament in Brazil with a knee injury and had to wait until arriving in Russia to score his first World Cup goal. It came in Colombia’s 3-0 victory over Poland on Sunday.
“It’s a dream goal,” Falcao said. “I’m happy for the victory, for the team’s performance and the goal that I scored, which I’ve been waiting for for many years.”
The victory kept Colombia in the running for a spot in the round of 16 and knocked out Poland, the first European country to be eliminated.
Falcao, Colombia’s all-time leading scorer with 30 goals, made sure he would stay healthy for this year’s World Cup by sitting out several matches with his Monaco club this season.
So far, so good.
“We always hope that he can score and hope that he can be fit as he was today, and we want to help him,” Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said. “I think the fact that he scored was very important, not just for today but for the matches to come.
“He is a symbol of the national team. He is a symbol of Colombian football.”
Playing some scintillating soccer in Kazan, Falcao scored with the outside of his foot in the 70th minute after a superb pass from playmaker Juan Quintero in the back of the defense.
Manchester United star Paul Pogba has made a rather surprising claim about his future with the France national team.
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The midfielder is currently playing in his second FIFA World Cup, and given that he is only 25 years old, many would expect to see him being named in their World Cup team in Qatar four years from now.
Pogba, however, has insisted that this could very well be the last time he appears at the tournament as he does not know what the future holds.
"I'm realistic about the fact this could be my last World Cup," he said, according to Sport.
"You never know what could happen the day of tomorrow. I could get injured or better players are selected.
"I hope to play at more World Cups but there are some players who never get to play at this tournament."
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The player has been a mainstay for Les Bleus since his senior debut in 2013, and has already represented his nation on 56 occasions.
Do you expect to see Pogba at the 2022 World Cup? Let us know in the comments section below.
ou can watch the stream of Iran Vs Portugal Live & Exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
Iran needs a victory against Portugal, to seal progression to the knockout phases for the first time in their history. Team Melli showed plenty of spirit despite losing 1-0 to Spain. Iran set up defensively frustrating La Roja, and could have come away with a famous draw had Saeid Ezatolahi’s goal not been chalked off for being offside thanks to VAR.
Mehdi Taremi has been one of Iran’s stand out players in the two group games and the Al Gharafa striker will have to play well if his country is to reach the round of 16. Stationed on the right wing of a five-man midfield, Taremi put in a disciplined performance against Spain working hard defensively whilst being a threat on the rare times they went on the attack.
Iran Predicted Team
Beiranvand; Safi, Pouraliganji, Rezaeian, Hosseini; Ezatolahi, Amiri, Ebrahimi, Ansarifard, Taremi; Azmoun
How to watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 21:00
Stadium Mordovia Arena, SaranskAs for Portugal, they just need one point to book their place in the round of sixteen. Portugal has Ronaldo to thank for their 1-0 victory over Morocco. The Real Madrid star came up with an important header early in the first half in what was otherwise a lacklustre performance against Morocco.
Now, Portugal will face a real challenge in breaking down Iran who will be relishing trying to halt the 2016 European Champions. More interestingly, Iran is managed by Carlos Queiroz who took Portugal to the 2010 World Cup he will be well placed to know how to outplay Portugal in Saransk.
As ever, Ronaldo will be the man to watch for Portugal against Iran. The Real Madrid man is now just behind Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot with four goals. A few more goals against Iran would push Ronaldo into the lead and bolster the already sky-high confidence of the player ahead of a potential round of sixteen game against Uruguay or Russia.
Portugal Predicted Team
Patricio; Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; Soares, Carvalho, Moutinho, Silva, Mario; Guedes, Ronaldo
It promises to an Interesting contest as Iran look to book their place in the round of sixteen for the first time in their history take on Portugal in Saransk. Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
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