World Cup Daily: Will Ferrell delivers message with plenty of bite

In the headlines

Hats off to Xherdan Shaqiri for almost single-handedly rescuing Switzerland’s World Cup campaign.

The Bayern Munich winger netted a hat-trick  in his side’s 3-0 win over Honduras and in doing so secured Group E qualification.

Now the small matter of facing Argentina in the second round awaits Ottmar Hitzfeld’s outfit.

For anyone interested, the Swiss are available at 7/2 to qualify for the quarter-finals.

We’ll have more on Messi and co later on.

Meanwhile, the world is anxiously awaiting the official FIFA verdict on Luis Suarez.

Will football’s governing body ignore the unanimous cries of “guilty, guilty, guilty!” (not heard in small pockets of Liverpool) or will we actually witness a punishment that fits the crime of biting an opponent (on three separate occasions)?

Should Suarez be granted an incredible stay of execution, here’s how one fan site have mocked up how he might react…

Lionel Messi (and Argentina) march on to the second round following La Albiceleste’s 3-2 victory over Nigeria.

While the diminutive genius is lauded for being all-round awesome and a consummate pro, some of his teammates don’t quite have the same attitude or respect for the game.

We’re talking about you, Ezequiel Lavezzi…

The England Camp

A disappointing World Cup campaign and a sad return home have been summed up by the fact that not a single fan appeared to greet the Three Lions upon their arrival back at Manchester Airport.

England team has returned home… without a single fan in sight to welcome them https://t.co/LIaPiDZJXW pic.twitter.com/V1PifXjLKB

— The Independent (@Independent) June 26, 2014

England’s northern-based contingent, including Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Raheem Sterling, were quickly whisked away before the rest of the squad travelled on to Luton.

Injury List

Pepe’s back for Portugal’s Group G decider against Ghana after serving his one-match ban with Fabio Coentrao already ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.

The Selecao are also sweating on the fitness of strikers Helder Postiga and Hugo Almeida while Michael Essien could deputise for Ghana in place of the suspended Sulley Muntari.

Nigeria’s Michel Babatunde is likely to miss the rest of the World Cup after a powerful shot from teammate Ogenyi Onazi  left him writhing in pain with a suspected broken hand.

There’s some been mixed news for Holland boss Louis van Gaal though as while defender Bruno Martins Indi returned to training, midfielder Leroy Fer has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Fan Watch

Epic scenes in the Team USA Fan HQ in Recife as Will Ferrell joins the party to send the assembled mass ranks of Yanks absolutely crazy.

Sporting a USMNT shirt, the Anchorman legend’s message to supporters is clear should he manage to get some game time.

“I will bite, I will bite the Germany players…”

And In Other News

Nothing gees-up a bunch footballers quite like a plane-load of money. At least that’s what Ghanaian officials will be hoping after flying $3m in appearance fees over to Brazil.

Ghana’s national team refused to train on Tuesday and even threatened to boycott tonight’s match against Portugal if they did not receive the $130,000 a head they were owed.

But President John Dramani has been good to his word and had the cash delivered to the relief of the players and coach James Kwesi Appiah.

“For the past two days I have had no sleep. I could not close my eyes” Appiah told reporters.

Thankfully, the Black Stars boss can now rest pretty easy.

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