Tuesday cannon fodder: VAR arrest superstar

World Cup

France look unconvincing in 1-0 win over Nigeria
Wendie Renard’s VAR-awarded penalty and VAR-awarded retake lifted the host nation into the knockout stages, but Les Bleus have not lived up to their place among the pre-tournament favorites.

Spain and China draw 0-0, advance to the knockout stages
Spain will likely play the US in the last 16. China advance with one of the four best third place records.

Norway advance with 2-1 win over South Korea
Two penalties, one in each half, were enough to secure Norway a place in the Round of 16. The South Koreans goal was their first and only one of the tournament.

Germany trounce South Africa 4-0
The second ranked team in the world looks every bit the juggernaut people thought they might be. They will face one of the four third place sides to advance in the Round of 16.

FIFA admits removing supporters campaigning for women to be allowed into Iranian stadiums was wrong
The incident on Saturday made waves because of the apparent social, as opposed to political message, that many thought (and now FIFA have confirmed) did not contravene any FIFA policies.

Renard’s VAR-penalty episode the latest controversy
VAR seems to not be working nearly as well or efficiently as it has in past international competitions, including the 2018 Men’s World Cup.

CBS News headline about the Ertz’s draws criticism
The article, linked above, is from a few days ago, but soccer Twitter was (rightfully) upset about the promotion of the article. The NFL is in minicamp. Julie Ertz is playing in the Women’s World Cup. She should be receiving top-billing at the moment.

Premier League/England

Sources: Chelsea to offer Frank Lampard manager position
In news that should surprise nobody, the Blues midfield legend appears to be headed back to Stamford Bridge after a year in charge at Derby County.

Rafa Benitez could be on his way to China
The Newcastle United manager is out of contract at the end of the month. Chinese side Dalian Yifang has reportedly offered him £12 million a year, which would double his current salary.

Manchester United fans tops in racism-related football arrests
Admittedly, 27 arrests over 4 seasons doesn’t seem to be that large of a number, but we shouldn’t be satisfied until it is 0.

Europe

Michel Platini arrested over awarding of 2022 Men’s World Cup to Qatar
French officials confirmed the former UEFA president was detained as part of the investigation into the corruption surrounding the selection of Qatar as Men’s World Cup hosts.

Mario Balotelli might be on his way back to Italy
Parma are reportedly in talks to bring the Italian striker back home from Olympique Marseille. He scored eight goals in twelve appearances last season.

Other

Casey Stoney, manager of Man United Women, pens insightful column about managing
No summary I could write would do it justice - take a few minutes to read what she wrote.

Freddy Adu: the superstar that wasn’t
To non-soccer fans, Adu might be the most recognizable name in American soccer. ESPN took at look at what happened, what might have gone wrong, and where Adu is now.