Already smarting after struggling through its opening two World Cup matches, Brazil needs to improve. Luckily, the five-time champions head into their final group match against Serbia at Spartak Stadium in Moscow on Wednesday knowing a draw is enough to advance to the round of 16. Brazil opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, and then got two injury-time goals to pull out a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica. That second match was a rollercoaster, and Neymar finished it by dropping to his knees and sobbing on the field at the end. He has since defended the tears, which were of both relief and frustration, and insisted he is determined to lead Brazil to success at this year's World Cup. But anything short of a strong outing against Serbia could put the squad on edge. Brazil has been disappointed with its play so far, and Neymar and Philippe Coutinho already have yellow cards. Injuries are also an issue. Douglas Costa, who came on after the break against Costa Rica and made … [Read more...] about Russia 2018, Group E: Brazil mired in doubt for decisive match against Serbia
Group
Russia 2018, Group F: Even with 2 wins, Mexico’s place in next round not secure
Seven teams have won their first two World Cup matches, and six of them are through to the next round. The exception is Mexico. El Tri still may need points to secure a place in the round of 16 for a seventh consecutive World Cup. Victories over defending champion Germany and South Korea weren't quite enough. If Sweden beats Mexico on Wednesday and Germany beats South Korea, three teams would be tied atop Group F with six points, sending it to tiebreakers that start with the best goal differential. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa said there wasn't any panic when he and his teammates learned they had unfinished business in their final game. "We knew that we were going to play for first place against Sweden," Ochoa told reporters Sunday. "This result wasn't going to change anything." If Mexico and South Korea both win, Mexico would win the group and every other team would be tied with three points. Sweden hasn't made it to the second round since 2006. And like Mexico, six points … [Read more...] about Russia 2018, Group F: Even with 2 wins, Mexico’s place in next round not secure
Highs and lows of the World Cup group stages so far
Sport by Press Association June 27, 2018, 11:51 am FacebookTwitterLinkedInWhatsAppEmail Sign up to our Sport newsletter The group stages of the World Cup are drawing to a close. Here, Press Association Sport looks at some of the highlights of the tournament so far. Best game: Portugal 3 Spain 3 The tournament got off to a flyer with Portugal and Spain serving up a classic. Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed the headlines by completing a hat-trick and equalising with a stunning late free-kick. Worst game: France 0 Denmark 0 After 13 days, this World Cup got its first goalless draw as France, already through, and Denmark, who needed a point to join them, went through the motions in Moscow. Best goal: Ahmed Musa (Nigeria) There are plenty of contenders after Russia’s Denis Cheryshev set the tone in game one. There have been fine long-range strikes from Nacho, Philippe Coutinho, Luka Modric, Granit Xhaka, Son Heung-min and Jesse Lingard and a great volley from Dries … [Read more...] about Highs and lows of the World Cup group stages so far
Sphera Franchise Group launches fifth KFC restaurant in Italy
Sphera Franchise Group launches the fifth KFC restaurant in northeast Italy in the city of Udine, after an investment of around EUR 900,000. Built in line with the KFC restaurant design, the new unit located in the food court area of Citta Fiera Mall has an area of 425 sqm and 135 seats for customers. “Italy is an important development market and we are proud to announce the opening of a new KFC location. Restaurant number five opened in Udine, represents for us another great strategy group, our goal is to open a total of 18 restaurants in coming years, especially in the northeast of Italy. By achieving our expansion plans, we will create around 500 new jobs for those in the area,” said Mark Hilton, Chief Executive Officer Sphera Franchise Group. Sphera Franchise Group will continue growth strategy for KFC by adding portfolio to as many cities in Italy. … [Read more...] about Sphera Franchise Group launches fifth KFC restaurant in Italy
Health body named ‘private hospital group of year’
Independent not-for-profit health organisation Nuffield Health has won a top accolade. Nuffield Health picked up the award for Private Hospital Group of the Year for the second time at the Health Investor Awards 2018. The award is designed to recognise outstanding contribution to healthcare over the past 12 months through innovation and excellence in healthcare products and services.With a network of 31 hospitals across the UK, Nuffield Health says it has concentrated on enhancing patient satisfaction and quality care across the organisation. Roger Skipp, hospital director at Nuffield Health Haywards Heath, said: “We’re thrilled that Nuffield Health has been recognised as the leading provider of private healthcare in two consecutive years. “Patient care is at the heart of every decision the organisation makes and this award reflects that.”Nuffield Health was selected from a finalist group of four private hospital groups within the UK. The finalists included a … [Read more...] about Health body named ‘private hospital group of year’