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Showing posts from June, 2018

The loneliness of Lionel Messi and Edinson Cavani shows up – World Cup Football Daily

Max and co discuss the seven-goal barnstormer between France and Argentina, the surprisingly fun three-goal tussle between Uruguay and Portugal, social media, thighs and Dirty Dancing If you think this podcast is worth something, then you can support The Guardian from as little as £1. It only takes a minute - go to gu.com/fw Rate, review, share on Apple Podcasts , Soundcloud , Audioboom , Mixcloud , Acast and Stitcher , and join the conversation on Facebook , Twitter and email . Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Philippe Auclair and Marcela Mora y Araujo to discuss the first two of the knockout rounds, starting with the barnstorming seven-goal thriller between France and Argentina. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/audio/2018/jun/30/the-loneliness-of-lionel-messi-and-edinson-cavani-shows-up-world-cup-football-daily

Refreshed or disrupted, talismanic Harry Kane is England’s focal point

Without the captain, no one would have been plotting the best routes but the top scorer must fire instantly against Colombia No one seems to know quite what to make of England’s last performance, which is nothing new in the context of recent World Cups but an unsettling departure in this one. It is quite startling how quickly the ground shifts below one’s feet at major tournaments. When the draw was made England would have been perfectly happy to get out of Group G in any circumstances. Yet when the time to play strongly fancied Belgium came around , Harry Kane was leading the scoring charts, Japan had been identified as the prize for victory and Roberto Martínez had already blinked first by indicating he would be giving some of his best players a rest. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/30/england-harry-kane-colombia-world-cup

Luka Modric: the unassuming genius driving Croatia’s tilt at the World Cup

Croatia midfielder is lighting up Russia 2018 in a way that may finally see him ranked alongside Xavi and Iniesta Saturday 17 November 2007 and the pitch at the National Arena in Skopje is a bog. Incessant rain has caused severe waterlogging and put Macedonia’s hosting of Croatia in a Euro 2008 qualifier under threat. The game goes ahead , and the hosts go on to win 2-0, but it is a poor contest as players on both sides struggle to control the ball, let along do anything with it. Amid the sodden muck one player does catch the eye. Croatia’s No 14, a small and wiry midfielder who, despite the conditions, looks to use possession intelligently and precisely. Sometimes he fails but he continues to try, continues to trust in his technique, and what makes his display even more impressive is he is 22. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/30/luka-modric-world-cup-croatia-unassuming-genius

Dele Alli fit to return and confident England can beat Colombia

• Midfielder set to start in same lineup that defeated Tunisia • ‘As a team we’re not scared of anyone’ Dele Alli has declared himself fit and ready to resume his World Cup campaign, with the midfielder convinced England can force passage beyond Colombia and into the latter stages of the tournament. The Tottenham player suffered a thigh strain late in the first half of the victory over Tunisia in Volgograd at the start of the group stage but insisted on remaining on the field until 10 minutes from time. He missed the remaining two games in the section but has trained fully in Zelenogorsk since last week and will return to the starting lineup in Moscow on Tuesday, when Gareth Southgate is likely to field the side that started against Tunisia. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/30/deli-alli-fit-return-england-colombia

Edinson Cavani sends Uruguay to World Cup last eight as Portugal bow out

Edinson Cavani scored twice to secure Uruguay’s path to the World Cup last eight as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal crashed out of the tournament in a 2-1 defeat. Cavani gave Uruguay a seventh-minute lead before Pepe equalised 10 minutes after half-time, but a 67th-minute winner secured Uruguay’s place in the quarter-finals where they will face France on Friday. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/30/uruguay-portugal-world-cup-last-16-match-report

France fans celebrate after stunning 4-3 World Cup win over Argentina – video

After a scintillating game France progressed to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Russia, Didier Deschamps’s side winning an end-to-end encounter 4-3. Fans in Kazan were in good voice as they revelled in the performances of Kylian Mbappé and Benjamin Pavard Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/jun/30/france-fans-celebrate-after-stunning-4-3-world-cup-win-over-argentina-video

Colombia put trust in Juan Quintero to be chief threat against England

José Pekerman, the Colombia coach, plots way of coping if James Rodríguez fails to be fit for Tuesday’s last-16 match The look in José Pekerman’s baffled pinched eyes said it all. Colombia had just made history by qualifying for consecutive World Cup knockout stages for their first time, but the worry creased across the coach’s furrowed brow when asked about the extent of James Rodríguez’s latest injury was plain to see. “I’m very concerned, it’s very worrying,” the 68-year-old Argentinian confessed after Colombia’s 1-0 win over Senegal in which Rodríguez had to depart the field with a frustrated thumping of the turf just 31 minutes in. “It’s a very difficult situation for us. I don’t know where he stands right now. I can’t say any more because I just don’t know.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/30/colombia-juan-quintero-chief-threat-england-james-rodriguez-last-16-world-cup

Fernando Hierro – Spain’s emergency manager with a pastoral touch

Former players of Hierro have no doubt that despite his limited experience as a coach he’s the right man for the job The message arrived very late on the night Spain played their opening match against Portugal , so Miguel Linares did not see it until the following morning. When he looked at his phone, he says he could hardly believe it: a message from the national team manager, Fernando Hierro. The day before, Linares had announced that, out of contract at 35, he was leaving second division Real Oviedo, where he had played the previous four years. During one of them – and not an especially successful one in 2016-17 – his manager had been Hierro, who now wrote from Russia to wish him well and offer thanks for everything he had done. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/30/fernando-hierro-spain-emergency-manager-pastoral-touch

Maurizio Sarri set to be announced as Chelsea manager early next week

• Former Napoli manager will replace Antonio Conte • Aleksandr Golovin and Alisson Becker are transfer targets Chelsea finally hope to resolve their managerial situation in advance of the return of their non-World Cup players for pre-season training at the beginning of next week, with Maurizio Sarri set to replace Antonio Conte. The club has been in a state of flux since the end of the season, with Conte expecting to be sacked and Sarri teed up as a replacement, only for talks over compensation to delay the process. There is now an acceptance at Chelsea that the process has to gather pace, with those first-team squad members not involved in Russia having been told to report back to Cobham on 9 July. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/30/maurizio-sarri-set-to-be-announced-as-chelsea-manager-early-next-week

Uruguay v Portugal: World Cup 2018 – live!

Kylian Mbappé doubles up in France’s rollercoaster victory over Argentina

France are the first team through to the World Cup quarter-finals after Kylian Mbappé inspired his side to a 4-3 victory over Argentina. France took the lead through Antoine Griezmann’s penalty after just 13 minutes. Mbappé was the creator, tearing through the France defence before being bundled over by Marcos Rojo. Griezmann waited for Franco Armani to dive to his left before slotting the spot-kick down the middle. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/30/france-argentina-world-cup-last-16-match-report

Dele Alli: 'I don't think we lost any momentum against Belgium' – video

Fit-again midfielder Dele Alli spoke confidently before England’s last-16 clash with Colombia on 3 July. Alli missed England’s previous two games through injury. He added that it was ‘important we react positively to the defeat’ against Belgium. The last time England faced Colombia at the World Cup was in 1998, winning 2-0. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/jun/30/dele-alli-england-momentum-belgium-world-cup-video

Russia’s rising star Denis Cheryshev out to upset his adopted homeland

‘Half Russian and half Spanish’ midfielder is confident host nation can shock Spain in last-16 game in Moscow Denis Cheryshev was the player Russia chose to appear at their press conference the day before the biggest football match in the country’s recent history, a last-16 encounter with Spain at their home Luzhniki Stadium, and it was not hard to guess why. Cheryshev, quietly spoken and with a wry smile, has emerged as the unexpected star of the Russia team at the tournament, scoring two goals in the opening match against Saudi Arabia and another against Egypt. But his personal circumstances also lend his involvement against Spain extra spice. Cheryshev has lived in Spain since he was five, came through the Real Madrid academy and has dual Spanish and Russian nationality. On Saturday he answered most questions in flawless Spanish. He stands out in a squad of largely homegrown and home-reared players – one of only two of Russia’s 23-man squad not to play in the domestic league. Cont

World Cup 2018: France v Argentina – live!

Electric car buyers claim they were misled by Nissan

Nissan is accused of exaggerating the benefits of its latest Leaf electric car model.

World Cup 2018: buildup to the first knockout matches in Russia – live!

Virgin Atlantic stops accepting forced deportations

The airline's move comes amid concern over the treatment of Windrush migrants and LGBT asylum seekers.

Penny drops

Discount retailer Poundworld is teetering on the brink. For staff and customers, it's more than just a brand that could be lost.

Fortnite: A fortnight in my 40s in Battle Royale

A lapsed gamer is challenged to spend a fortnight playing Fortnite to understand its appeal.

AI to help tackle fake news in Mexican election

The smart software will help media groups debunk fake news and respond to reports of violence.

Lettuce growers warn of imminent shortage

Leafy salad growers say the summer's high temperatures have boosted demand but damaged crops.

Bring on England: Colombians believe their team will triumph

Fans following World Cup swing between cautiously and wildly optimistic about chances Colombia does not really do quiet: the need for music, talk and laughter is too deeply ingrained in the national soul. But on Thursday morning its second city, Medellín, fell silent as if the soundtrack had been switched off. It flipped back on at 10.33am, as throaty roars, shrieks, squeals and cries of “Gol! Gol! Gol!” burst out in unison on every street in the city. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/29/bring-on-england-colombians-believe-team-will-triumph

Steel firms Tata and ThyssenKrupp to merge

The German and Indian-owned joint venture will become the second-biggest steelmaker in Europe.

Gareth Southgate looks to lay ghost of Euro 96 penalty shootout to rest

England manager has never been allowed to forget his semi-final miss against Germany and is adamant his players will not suffer the same fate at the 2018 World Cup It was inevitable that, at some point, the conversation with Gareth Southgate would turn to the most harrowing ordeal of his professional life and the reasons why the England manager, after two decades of living with the consequences, is so determined to make sure his team will not fall into the same trap. Southgate was thinking back to that night against Germany in the semi-final of Euro 96, with the game drawn 1-1, and the traumatic events that led to John Major, the prime minister, offering him a sympathetic hug outside Wembley. The night Southgate was asked by Terry Venables, just moments before the penalty shootout started, if he would take one and it hit him, in his own words, like “a bolt from the blue”. The night he assured Bryan Robson that, yes, he had taken a penalty before. “Bryan didn’t ask for details,” South

Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez ready for battle with Spurs clubmate Harry Kane

• Tottenham players in regular contact on WhatsApp • Sánchez: ‘If I play against him, I’ll try to stop him’ The Tottenham Hotspur player WhatsApp group has taken a global twist. The club have 12 on World Cup duty, representing six nations and, whenever one of them or their teams do well, the messages and encouragement follow. The tone of some of the exchanges may be different in the coming days or perhaps radio silence will descend out of necessity. Davinson Sánchez is the lone Spur in the Colombia squad and he has begun to prepare for Tuesday’s last-16 match with England . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/colombia-davinson-sanchez-harry-kane-england-world-cup

Gary Cahill says England ‘are very aware’ of threat posed by Radamel Falcao

• ‘He has been banging goals in since leaving Premier League’ • Colombia striker reignited his career in Ligue 1 with Monaco Gary Cahill believes England will face a far more deadly Radamel Falcao when they play Colombia on Tuesday than the player who failed to make an impact in the Premier League. From Cristiano Ronaldo in Germany in 2006, to Mario Balotelli and Luis Suárez in Brazil four years ago, England are painfully aware of the damage that can be inflicted by Premier League alumni on the big stage. Whether it is a keener awareness of the opposition or some deeper motivation to prove a point to those who doubted them, each has contributed significantly to England’s exit from the World Cup in tournaments past. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/gary-cahill-england-radamel-falcao-colombia-world-cup

England must be wary of ‘formidable’ Colombia, warns Lukasz Fabianski

• ‘They tore us apart in group,’ admits Poland goalkeeper • Midfield particularly strong with Rodríguez and Quintero Lukasz Fabianski has warned England that Colombia are formidable opponents and capable of tearing teams apart if they get control of the game. Reflecting on the way in which Poland were comprehensively outclassed and outplayed by Colombia during their 3-0 defeat in Kazan , Fabianski described José Pekerman’s side as “the team to avoid at this stage” and highlighted the quality of their midfield in particular. England face Colombia in Moscow on Tuesday after losing their final group game against Belgium on Thursday to finish second, with that 1-0 defeat putting Gareth Southgate’s side in the easier half of the draw in the eyes of some. Yet Fabianski, who made his first appearance at the World Cup finals in Poland’s 1-0 win over Japan , believes that England have made life a lot harder for themselves in another respect. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardi

Gareth Southgate: Maybe I’ve put more pressure on myself, maybe I haven’t

• England manager happy with decisions for Belgium game • Southgate says Harry Kane was ‘brilliant’ about sitting it out Gareth Southgate has conceded his honeymoon period as England manager is over and admitted the decision to rest so many players for the team’s final World Cup group game has left him open to criticism should the knockout tie with Colombia be lost. The England players had accepted Southgate’s plan to make eight changes for the game against Belgium in Kaliningrad, where they were beaten 1-0, with the manager making a point of taking his captain, Harry Kane, to one side to explain his reasoning. The defeat has actually dropped England into a potentially more favourable side of the draw but, with momentum checked, Colombia represent awkward opponents in Tuesday’s last-16 tie in Moscow. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/gareth-southgate-pressure-belgium-colombia-harry-kane

Mexican parade at World Cup cancelled after fears of proximity to Lenin's grave

A Day of the Dead-themed parade in Moscow was called off after communist lawmakers objected Mexican soccer fans have called off a Day of the Dead-themed parade in Moscow’s Red Square after communist lawmakers objected to the event being held so close to Lenin’s tomb. A carnival atmosphere has taken over parts of the capital as thousands of fans pack to watch the soccer World Cup. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/mexico-day-of-the-dead-parade-moscow-cancelled-lenin

GM warns against potential car tariffs

The US Commerce Department is probing the impact of foreign auto imports on national security.

After a genuinely epic World Cup group stage, now for knockout drama | Barney Ronay

A brilliantly entertaining group stage produced 116 goals and a plethora of stories – this already feels like a tournament with is own distinctive character And breathe. After 48 matches, 116 goals and a thrillingly varied swag-bag of drama, big-name angst and rolling VAR-palaver, Russia 2018 has now reached its midpoint. These things invariably alter from week to week, the tone and texture of a tournament defined by a few key games. But as the World Cup takes a breath, hitches its shorts up and contemplates a final punt through the laces at the knockout stage, it already feels like a tournament with its own distinctive character. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/jun/29/world-cup-group-stage-knockout-rounds

New NHS app 'puts patients in control of their own healthcare'

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt unveils a new NHS app which "puts patients in control".

Sovereignty issue

The Chinese government has recently been calling a number of businesses to task for calling Taiwan a country, as the BBC's Cindy Sui reports.

Electric car buyers claim they were misled by Nissan

Nissan is accused of exaggerating the benefits of its latest Leaf electric car model.

Still fancy going to Russia for the World Cup? All you need to know

There are tickets available for France v Argentina and, more importantly, Colombia v England on Tuesday in Moscow Tickets for six of the eight round of 16 games are still available to varying degrees on the Fifa late availability website. There is still high availability for France v Argentina in Kazan on Saturday, which might be useful for those fans already in Russia. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/russia-world-cup-tickets-england-colombia

Uncle Drew Review

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via CinemaBlend Latest Content https://www.cinemablend.com/reviews/2442959/uncle-drew-review

Canada 'will not back down' over US metals tariffs

Canada also unveiled $2bn in aid to protect its steel and aluminium industries from the US tariffs.

Didier Deschamps hopes France’s La Liga trio can muzzle Lionel Messi

• ‘We’d like to neutralise him but know he can make difference’ • France need Antoine Griezmann to spark against Argentina If a manager’s demeanour in front of the cameras is an indication of the state of his team then France risk staring into the void. The auditorium inside the Kazan Arena is cavernous but after 20 minutes in the presence of Didier Deschamps it seemed to have been sucked dry of air. Nobody present came away feeling remotely illuminated as to how his team may galvanise themselves to overcome Argentina on Saturday, although they did, at least, depart reassured Deschamps knew the identity of their bete noire. “Messi is Messi,” pronounced Deschamps, an observation he repeated later on for good measure. “We’d like to mark and neutralise him but we know very well he can make the difference with very little. We have to take that into account.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/didier-deschamps-france-la-lig

Pierluigi Collina confirms holding crackdown as VAR is hailed success

• Chairman of referees says action taken after early incidents • Total of 14 decisions overturned thanks to video in group stage Pierluigi Collina has confirmed Fifa cracked down on holding by defenders at set pieces after a series of early incidents at Russia 2018. Speaking to reporters at a briefing on video assistant referees in Moscow on Friday, the chairman of the referees’ committee was asked why England’s Harry Kane and Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic were not given penalties for being held during games against Tunisia and Switzerland, respectively. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/pierluigi-collina-holding-crackdown-var-hailed-success

Nike shares fly as sales momentum mounts

A 3% rise in sales in the crucial North America region sends shares in the sportswear firm soaring.

Simon Mignolet set for talks over Liverpool future after World Cup

• Belgium goalkeeper has slipped down Anfield pecking order • Mignolet: ‘After the World Cup I will look at everything’ Simon Mignolet will hold talks with Liverpool on the conclusion of Belgium’s World Cup campaign as he seeks to ascertain whether there will be first-team opportunities for him next season. The goalkeeper, who had begun last season as Jürgen Klopp’s first-choice, made his most recent Premier League appearance on New Year’s Day and has played only once for his club, in the fourth round FA Cup defeat to West Bromwich Albion, since having fallen behind Loris Karius in the pecking order. The latter is due back for pre-season training on Monday with Klopp to assess his fellow German’s state of mind after his errors in the Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/simon-mignolet-liverpool-talks-world-cup

World Cup plaudits cheer Putin as Russia revels in spotlight

Country is putting on its best face to welcome the world, in a case study in effective soft power Vladimir Putin wore a broad smile when the US national security adviser, John Bolton, gave him an extra special compliment on Wednesday. “We are most appreciative of your courtesy and graciousness here and I look forward to learning how you handled the World Cup so successfully, among other things,” Bolton told Putin during a meeting at the Kremlin. A top US official at the Kremlin complimenting Putin’s World Cup as they arranged a summit with Donald Trump . Was this real life or just the Russian president’s fantasy? Could it have gone any better? Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jun/29/world-cup-plaudits-cheer-putin-as-russia-revels-in-spotlight

Quaresma chooses liberation over conformity with the outside of his boot | Barney Ronay

Football does not value to the skill the forward showed against Iran but the World Cup should be an outlet for the unbound There was a moment on Monday night in Kazan, as Ricardo Quaresma veered in off the right wing towards the Iran goal , shifting the angle of his body with a dinky little half-step, when you knew exactly what he was about to do. José Mourinho must have had an inkling, watching from his shark-tank penthouse high above the Moscow skyline. “Quaresma will have to learn, otherwise he won’t play,” Mourinho had told reporters 10 years ago when Quaresma was one of his players at Internazionale. “I am sure he’ll change and become more tactically disciplined. Right now he likes kicking the ball with the outside of his foot.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/jun/29/ricardo-quaresma-outside-of-boot-goal-liberation-world-cup

Tesco trials shopping without tills

The retailer is testing whether shoppers can buy products using an app, rather than visiting a till.

Javier Mascherano’s legs may have gone but his heart has not

The midfielder is the epitome of the bronca , the spirit of defiance that so often propels Argentina, and a voice of reason in a chaotic campaign Javier Mascherano has spent much of the past week looking beat up. He had a black eye as he gave a deeply necessary press conference last Saturday that helped stabilise Argentina, and finished Tuesday’s game against Nigeria with blood pouring from a cut eye and a scratched cheek. While his performance then had little to do with stability, his presence was still deeply necessary. If Mascherano was Argentina’s unacknowledged captain at the last World Cup , it has felt at times here that he has been their unacknowledged coach. At times in St Petersburg there was something almost painful in watching Mascherano, at 34, look so off the pace. Every time a Nigerian ran at him, it seemed, he went past him. Again and again he gave the ball away. And yet at the same time, he was magnificent, constantly urging Argentina forward, organising and cajoling

Hiding up a tree when the going gets tough | World Cup Fiver

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now ! Thanks to some prescient scheduling by Fifa, the World Cup is on a break on Friday, allowing fun-lovers across the planet to pause for solemn reflection after the worst day of the tournament. In every country where football is played, and also in Canada, people are coming together in earnest huddles to brainstorm ways of ensuring that no one ever again has to witness the sort of travesty inflicted by the Japanese bureaucrats sent out against Poland or the kickabout between Belgium’s reserves and a gaggle of English backpackers. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/solemn-reflection-after-the-worst-day-of-the-tournament-world-cup-fiver

Flops XI: the players who misfired in the World Cup group stage

The World Cup is the biggest show on Earth but not all of the greatest players have shown up yet By Martin Laurence for WhoScored , part of the Sport Network The World Cup group stages are over, three quarters of the games have been played and half of the teams are on their way home. Plenty of big names are leaving the tournament having failed to live up to expectations and a few more have been given a second chance to impress after their underwhelming displays. We look at XI who will not look back fondly on the first 48 games of the tournament. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2018/jun/29/world-cup-flop-xi-group-stage

Lloyd's of London chief executive Inga Beale to step down

Dame Inga Beale, the only woman to lead the 330-year-old insurance market, will leave next year.

Ten things we learned from the final round of World Cup group games

Croatia have impressed the most, the fairplay rule isn’t fair and Africa hits a modern low at the tournament Gareth Southgate’s team is now in the “easier” half of the draw and everyone with an England shirt on can plot a route to the last four or, if you’re feeling really optimistic and totally blind to the country’s record on the big stage, the final itself. ‘Well played lads’ screamed the headline on the front page of The Sun, after an understrength England side lost 1-0 against Belgium to avoid a quarter-final with Brazil. This is the same nation that has won two knockout matches at major tournaments – against Denmark and Ecuador – since Stuart Pearce tucked away that penalty against Spain at Euro 1996. Colombia, for the record, were quarter-finalists four years ago and they’ve won six of their last eight World Cup games. Be careful what you wish for. Stuart James Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/ten-things-we-l

Accountancy giant PwC hangs up on landlines in mobile move

Staff must switch to mobiles by the end of the summer as landline phones will be phased out.

Legal bid to throw out US sex trafficking law

The US law is hitting the people it was supposed to protect, argue digital rights campaigners.

Fake bookings hit Singapore's Ryde Technologies

Ryde Technologies says 2,000 "phantom bookings" have cost its drivers thousands of dollars.

Floating robot Cimon sent to International Space Station

The ball-shaped robot that can move around in zero gravity blasts off to the International Space Station.

Hillsborough police commander David Duckenfield to face manslaughter trial

David Duckenfield, who was in charge at 1989 Hillsborough match when 96 people died, will face trial as will four other men The prosecution for manslaughter of David Duckenfield, the former South Yorkshire police chief superintendent who was in command of the FA Cup semi final at Hillsborough in 1989 when 96 people were killed, is to continue to trial, a judge has ruled. Criminal charges against four other men for criminal offences in relation to the disaster and its aftermath will also proceed to trial, after the judge, Sir Peter Openshaw, rejected the defendants’ applications for them to be dismissed. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/29/hillsborough-police-commander-david-duckenfield-to-face-manslaughter-trial

Fake bookings hit Singapore's Ryde Technologies

Ryde Technologies says 2,000 "phantom bookings" have cost its drivers thousands of dollars.

David Squires on … World Cup cliques, Germany going home and group chat

Our cartoonist looks back at the World Cup group stage View all of David’s cartoons here Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2018/jun/29/david-squires-on-world-cup-cliques-germany-going-home-and-group-chat

Chelsea in talks with CSKA Moscow over Aleksandr Golovin move

• Russian club want around £27m for attacking midfielder • Futures of Willian and Pedro in doubt at Stamford Bridge Chelsea are in talks with CSKA Moscow with a view to making the much coveted attacking midfielder, Aleksandr Golovin, their first signing of the summer. Golovin has impressed as Russia have progressed into a meeting with Spain in the l ast 16 at the World Cup , with two assists in the group stage, with Chelsea having now moved to follow up their long-standing interest in the 22-year-old. Juventus had been close to securing the player earlier in the summer, with Arsenal having also been linked with this signature, but Chelsea are now favourites to tie up a deal once his participation at the summer tournament has concluded. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/chelsea-aleksandr-golovin-talks-russia

Tesco trials shopping without tills

The retailer is testing whether shoppers can buy products using an app, rather than visiting a till.

Why Wayne Rooney is joining MLS's worst club, DC United

The former England captain will find himself at a faded North American superpower. But they hope he will be the face of their climb back to the top Wayne Rooney made his first visit to Washington DC earlier this month. Had he picked up a newspaper he’d have been faced with images of sporting celebration in the city. The Washington Capitals’ victorious run to the Stanley Cup final captivated his new hometown , not always the most obvious of sporting hotbeds. ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon once called Washington a “minor league sports town,” but over 100,000 fans attended the Caps’ victory parade on 12 June. DC United, the team Rooney has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with , haven’t registered in this way for a long time, if ever. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/wayne-rooney-joins-dc-united-major-league-soccer

Surprise upgrade to UK growth

The UK's economy grew faster than expected in the first quarter of the year, official figures show.

CO2 shortage 'to hit food choices on supermarket shelves'

The Food and Drink Federation warns that supplies of pork and chicken products will be affected.

Gareth Southgate: England players fully behind my Belgium decisions

• Manager says resting players was key before Colombia • Dele Alli set to return to starting lineup on Tuesday Gareth Southgate has insisted his entire squad understood and accepted his decision to make eight changes in the defeat to Belgium , with the England manager confident his first-choice side will have benefited from the rest when it comes to the knockout tie with Colombia. The team will enjoy a day off on Friday having flown back to St Petersburg overnight, with those who did not feature in Kaliningrad – including the captain and tournament leading scorer, Harry Kane – ready on Saturday to begin their preparations for the last 16 game. Southgate will have a fully fit squad from which to choose, including Dele Alli who has recovered from a thigh strain, and is likely to revert to the lineup that confronted Tunisia in their first game at the finals. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/football-england-world-cup-g

Football transfer rumours: Liverpool to swoop for Marco Asensio?

Today’s fluff is waiting for Saturday to come According to our back-of-a-fag-packet calculations, Liverpool haven’t signed a totally dependable goalkeeper since enticing Ray Clemence from Scunthorpe in 1967. That record is likely to be maintained for a little longer, because Chelsea are going to beat them to the signature of the Roma and Brazil stopper Alisson . Long-time suitors Real Madrid won’t be too happy about that news either. Liverpool will console themselves by landing midfielder Marco Asensio in a big-money deal. And Manchester United want Toni Kroos ! It’s not a good day for Real Madrid, this, is it. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/football-transfer-rumours-liverpool-to-swoop-for-marco-asensio

England fans concentrate on the long game after defeat by Belgium

It is not just the quality of opposition down the line that made second place appear attractive – England have reduced their travel time in the case of a successful run England supporters will no doubt be plotting their way to the final, despite the result against Belgium. With the pre-match talk dominated by the suspicion that finishing second in Group G would be beneficial, fans could shrug off defeat by focusing on the long game. Related: Five things we learned from England’s World Cup group defeat by Belgium | Dominic Fifield Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/29/england-fans-long-game-belgium-defeat-world-cup

Panama v Tunisia: World Cup 2018 – live!

Theresa May scores own goal by holding up Belgium football shirt

Prime minister commits PR gaffe after top handed to her by Belgian counterpart They say sports and politics make uneasy bedfellows, and Theresa May will no doubt agree. At the start of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels, the British prime minister was ambushed by her Belgian counterpart, Charles Michel, who presented her with a Belgium football team top ahead of the England v Belgium World Cup game. May held up the strip, before realising that doing so might be a PR gaffe, and appeared to attempt to hide it away. Unfortunately her fellow leaders pointed to the TV monitors showing her reaction live to a packed hall of reporters. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jun/28/theresa-may-scores-own-goal-holding-up-belgium-football-shirt

'Maybe we took the wrong players': Lothar Matthäus on Germany's World Cup exit – video

Former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus has suggested that a 'lack of passion' and poor squad selection could be the reason for the team's earliest exit from the World Cup in 80 years Löw cannot survive Germany’s World Cup humiliation Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/video/2018/jun/28/maybe-we-took-the-wrong-players-lothar-matthaus-on-germanys-world-cup-exit-video

World Cup 2018: England v Belgium – live!

Colombia advance at World Cup as Senegal go out on yellow cards

A second-half header from Yerry Mina put Colombia through to the knockout stages of Russia 2018 and sent Senegal home on account of having received more yellow cards than Japan. Defeat left Aliou Cissé’s side level on points and goal difference with Japan but the latter’s lower bookings tally meant they go through in second place from Group G. Colombia had been second best throughout the first half as they struggled to regain the heights of their emphatic win over Poland but improved after the break and got the breakthrough when Mina met a corner from the right with a thumping header at the near post. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/28/senegal-colombia-world-cup-group-h-match-report

Japan sneak through to World Cup last 16 despite Poland defeat

Japan are into the World Cup knockout stages despite their 0-1 defeat to Poland after Colombia’s victory over Senegal in Samara meant they finished second in Group H on the same goal difference as the African country but with a better disciplinary record by two yellow cards Related: Colombia advance at World Cup as Senegal go out on yellow cards Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/28/japan-poland-world-cup-group-h-match-report

'I have the hunger': Wayne Rooney completes move to DC United

Club reaches agreement with Everton for permanent transfer Rooney says US move ‘fulfills another career ambition for me’ Wayne Rooney’s dream return to boyhood club Everton is over after one season following the 32-year-old’s move to Major League Soccer side DC United. England’s record goalscorer rejoined the Toffees after 13 years at Manchester United, where he is also the all-time leading scorer, last summer but has left just 12 months later for a new challenge in the United States. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/28/i-have-the-hunger-wayne-rooney-completes-move-to-dc-united

Former referee Mark Halsey admits booking player who asked for card

• Player wanted subsequent suspension to pass before derby • Halsey: ‘He asked if I could show a yellow. And I did actually’ Mark Halsey says he was approached by a player during an English top-flight game in 2011 asking to be booked. The former Premier League referee, who retired at the end of the 2012-13 season, told CNN Sport about the incident . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/28/former-referee-mark-halsey-admits-booking-player-asked-for-yellow-card

Amazon to buy online pharmacy PillPack

Shares in healthcare companies slide as the online retail giant expands into the sector.

Lionel Messi reveals he wore reporter's lucky charm for World Cup win – video

Argentina star Lionel Messi surprised a reporter by revealing he wore the lucky charm he gave him after his team's draw against Iceland . Messi 's superb  goal against Nigeria helped the team progress to the last 16 – and the forward wore the ribbon, which belonged to the reporter's mother, around his ankle ‘I knew God was with us’: Messi hails Argentina’s salvation Marcel Desailly : Messi’s in a mess and doesn’t seem to fit with Argentina Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/sport/video/2018/jun/28/lionel-messi-reveals-he-wore-reporters-lucky-charm-for-world-cup-win-video

Lafarge cement giant in terrorist funding probe

French cement giant Lafarge is under investigation over allegations of funding a terrorist group in Syria.

Facebook and Google use 'dark patterns' around privacy settings, report says

Consumer watchdog the Norwegian Consumer Council says the firms give users "an illusion of control".

Tobacco giant Imperial Brands invests in medical cannabis

Imperial Brands invests in a biotech firm as pressure to allow marijuana products for medicinal purposes grows.

Arsenal agree £17.6m fee for Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos

• Greece defender set to complete move to north London • Papastathopoulos set to become Unai Emery’s third signing Arsenal are close to signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund after agreeing a fee of €20m (£17.6m) for the Greece defender. The 30-year-old, who has won 79 caps for his country, was identified as one of new Arsenal manager Unai Emery’s prime transfer targets after the Spaniard took over from Arsène Wenger. Negotiations with Dortmund have been ongoing for several weeks, with Papastathopoulos now expected to complete his move to the Emirates. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/28/arsenal-sokratis-papastathopoulos-fee-borussia-dortmund

CO2 shortage: Pubs promise not to spoil the party

Despite the CO2 shortage pubs say there will be plenty of beer to enjoy England's World Cup game.

A million couples miss out on tax break

The Marriage Allowance is worth up to £238 a year, and backdated payments of up to £662 could be available.

Ticketmaster 'warned of hack attack in April by Monzo'

Digital bank Monzo claims it warned Ticketmaster that data had been compromised three months ago.

'Dancing baby' YouTube copyright case settled after 11 years

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We thought we’d seen everything with England | World Cup Fiver

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now ! The Fiver is a pacifist. By that, we mean when that discoloured buffoon starts World War III, we’ll come up with any excuse possible to ensure we’re nowhere near the line of fire. If it means eating flavoured fatbergs until we’re the size of a house, so be it. What we won’t do is proudly demonstrate our integrity, patriotism and masculinity by marching intrepidly towards certain death. That, in football terms, is what England are apparently aiming to do when they play Belgium Reserves on Thursday night. We thought we’d seen everything with England at the World Cup, but it’s definitely a first to go into a match game fearing a victory . Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/28/world-cup-fiver-england-belgium-its-continuing-to-come-home

Joachim Löw cannot survive Germany’s World Cup humiliation | Uli Hesse

The national team’s shock exit must force a chance of manager – and serious soul searching about the state of the Bundesliga The most amazing thing about Germany’s World Cup exit at the group stage is that the sun still rose this morning. You wouldn’t have thought so yesterday evening. Anyone who was walking the streets of Berlin kept staring into the empty faces of people trodding zombie-like to the next tube station and felt like an extra in some post-apocalyptic drama. One can understand why those fans were shell-shocked. If you count the Confederations Cup as a big tournament, Germany had reached eight semi-finals at major events in a row since 2005. Quite apart from the fact that nobody has ever achieved anything remotely like this before – not even one of the many fine Brazilian teams in history, not even the Germans themselves previously – it lulled the country into a sense of security that turned out to be very false indeed. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian

New Fortnite practice mode quickly taken offline

The new mode, called Playground, let players practise their skills in the popular video game Fortnite.

New £50m JCB factory in Staffordshire to create 200 jobs

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BA owner IAG expands budget airline Level to short-haul routes

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A story about Harry Kane and Russian history is inspiring schoolkids to read

Children’s author Tom Palmer has teamed up with the National Literacy Trust to write a story that captures reluctant readers By Richard Foster , author of The Agony and the Ecstasy Amid the avalanche of words written for football fans during the World Cup, perhaps the most unusual and original will be those created by children’s author Tom Palmer. Unlike the reporters and pundits who are documenting events in Russia, Palmer has a very particular mission. Throughout the tournament he is posting daily entries of a story called Defenders: Russia , a tale that mixes fact and fiction and is aimed at a group of young people who are classed as “reluctant readers”. “There is often a strong correlation between reluctant readers and those interested in sporting events like the World Cup,” Palmer says. “The idea is to draw in readers who might otherwise think that all stories are set 300 years ago and in places they have never been to and will never go to either.” Continue reading... from F

Elon Musk accused of stealing farting unicorn image

Technology entrepreneur engages in a fresh Twitter argument over pottery of a mythical animal.

Elon Musk accused of stealing farting unicorn image

Technology entrepreneur engages in a fresh Twitter argument over pottery of a mythical animal.

Cashing-in pension pot 'may be costly'

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Quiz: England at the World Cup

Everyone seems to know the score. They’ve seen it all before. But can they remember the details for this quiz? What was the score in England’s first match at a World Cup? England 0-1 USA, 1930 England 3-3 Uruguay, 1934 England 6-4 Italy, 1938 England 2-0 Chile, 1950 Who was the last player born in England to win the World Cup? Manuel Almunia Louis Saha Lewis Holtby Simone Perrotta Gary Lineker is England's top scorer at World Cups with 10 goals. Which two players are joint second with five goals each? Bobby Charlton and David Beckham Geoff Hurst and Harry Kane Tom Finney and Roger Hunt Alan Shearer and Michael Owen England made it to the semi-finals at Italia 90. Which team beat them in the third-fourth play-off? Argentina Italy Spain West Germany England have lost three penalty shootouts at World Cups. How many have they won? None One Two Three Which of these players has not missed a penalty for England in a shootout at the World Cup? Stuart Pearce Chri

AI India

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Sporting sack coach Sinisa Mihajlovic nine days after appointing him

• Serbian has contract cancelled by new president • Mihajlovic had been given three-year contract Sporting have sacked coach Sinisa Mihajlovic just nine days after he was hired by the Portuguese club. The 49-year-old Serbian was appointed on a three-year contract just days before president Bruno de Carvalho was voted out in a bid to save the club after nine players quit in protest of an attack by group of supporters in May. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/28/sporting-sinisa-mihajlovic-sack-coach

China hits back at US investment rules

China is worried about US move to expand the powers of its foreign investment watchdog.

Dr Dre hit with $25m bill for Beats headphones

The rapper and his business partner Jimmy Iovine lose a case over headphone royalties.

Dr Dre hit with $25m bill for Beats headphones

The rapper and his business partner Jimmy Iovine lose a case over headphone royalties.

BP buys UK's largest car charging firm Chargemaster

The oil giant follows rival Shell and hedges its bets by buying UK car charging network Chargemaster.

Football transfer rumours: PSG eyeing move for Chelsea's N'Golo Kanté?

Today’s whispers had a close shave The transfer carousel never stops turning – except for a few minutes yesterday when the whole footballing world paused to laugh at Germany – and it’s about to pick up speed. Because now that Serbia have joined Jogi Löw’s decrepit outfit on the plane out of Russia, the future of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could be resolved. Related: Transfer window 2018 – every summer deal from Europe's top five leagues Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/28/football-transfer-rumours-psg-eyeing-move-chelseas-ngolo-kante

Fox-Disney merger cleared, but sports networks must be sold

Competition regulator has given the deal the go-ahead, but regional sports networks must be sold.

Ticketmaster admits personal data stolen in hack attack

Up to 40,000 UK customers may have had data stolen, the BBC understands.

Ticketmaster admits personal data stolen in hack attack

Up to 40,000 UK customers may have had data stolen, the BBC understands.

Ant-Man And The Wasp Review

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Serbia v Brazil: World Cup 2018 – live!

Switzerland v Costa Rica: World Cup 2018 – live!

Dejan Lovren: ‘I want Croatians to remember me, not Bilic and Stimac’

The Liverpool defender is used to hearing about the history boys of 1998 but is confident Croatia’s current generation can go one better and reach the World Cup final Dejan Lovren had a message for Slaven Bilic and Igor Stimac – the twin defensive pillars of Croatia’s fabled 1998 team – and it was surely designed to make them smile. “They have a record of reaching the World Cup semi-finals and I want to beat that and I also want to beat them,” the Liverpool centre-half said. “I want people to remember my name in the future, not theirs.” Lovren has played under the management of Bilic and Stimac for Croatia and he knows how to push their buttons. Perhaps it takes one maverick central defender to know another two. It was put to Lovren that Bilic and Stimac were a little crazy. “Yeah but you need to be crazy in our country,” he replied. “Nobody is normal. I’m not normal.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/dejan-lovren-i-w

Germany crash out of World Cup group stage after defeat to South Korea

This, then, is how the world ends, not with a bang but with a whimper. There are certain events so apocalyptic that it feels they cannot just happen. They should be signalled beneath thunderous skies as owls catch falcons and horses turn and eat themselves. At the very least, there should be a sense of fury, of thwarted effort, of energies exhausted. And yet Germany went out of the World Cup in the first round for the first time in 80 years with barely a flicker of resistance. There was no Sturm. There was no Drang. They had come to this World Cup not merely as defending champions but as winners of the last summer’s Confederations Cup – with what was effectively a second string. The overhaul of their academy system was the envy of the world, talent production on an industrial scale. And yet, called upon to score a goal against a disappointing South Korea side that had already lost to Sweden and Mexico, that had lost in qualifying to Qatar and China, they struggled to create a chance.

Sweden cruise to victory over Mexico as both qualify for World Cup last 16

Sweden have qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup after defeating Mexico 3-0 in Ekaterinburg to finish top in Group F. Mexico have also qualified after Germany were surprisingly beaten by South Korea. A goal early in the second half from Ludwig Augustinsson and a second from the penalty spot from the captain Andreas Granqvist put Sweden in charge, and an own goal from Edson Álvarez ensured Sweden made up for their last-gasp defeat to Germany. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/mexico-sweden-world-cup-group-f-match-report

China lifts ban on British beef exports

Ban was first introduced more than 20 years ago after the outbreak of mad cow disease.

What does Didier Deschamps want from his France team? If only he knew

Nabil Fékir and Steven N’Zonzi may be shoehorned into the team for the Argentina match but France need some clear direction if they are to impress at this World Cup By Adam White for Get French Football News France and Denmark emphatically ended a streak of 36 matches without a goalless draw at Russia 2018. Their 90-minute standoff in Moscow took both sides through to the last-16 but it represented something of a nadir for this World Cup, with France somehow managing to double down on their slow, turgid opening to the tournament. The game also posed further selection questions for Didier Deschamps as he attempts to wrestle some form from his supremely talented yet cripplingly uninspired squad. Most notably: what should he do with Nabil Fékir, the only player who posed a consistent threat against Denmark. With France already assured of a place in the last-16, Deschamps made some changes for the Denmark game. Steve Mandanda replaced the rested Hugo Lloris in goal; Djibril Sidibé and

Diego Maradona lives like he played, with blatant disregard for the rules and norms

His performance in the stands watching Argentina v Nigeria was a sad reminder of his struggles but we have to accept his extremes and that he is neither good or bad – but both Halfway through the match between Argentina and Nigeria it looked as if something had begun to take hold as the image of Diego Maradona seemingly asleep in his VIP box appeared on TV screens all over the world. In reality his appearance had raised questions from the moment he entered the stadium. Memes of his demoniac look, arms crossed across his chest, had gone viral, as did the gif of him dancing with a woman in the crowd. Related: Diego Maradona receives medical treatment after Argentina victory Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/diego-maradona-argentina-disregard-rules-norms

Swann home security camera sends video to wrong user

Swann Security acknowledges it sent clips from inside a family's home to the wrong person's app.

World Cup 2018: South Korea v Germany – live!

Mexico v Sweden: World Cup 2018 – live!

CO2 shortage: Britain's biggest pub chain runs low on beer brands

Wetherspoon and Ei Group are struggling to secure some beer and ciders due to the CO2 gas scarcity.

Argentinian press round-up: 'Lionel Messi was angry. What great news!'

Jorge Sampaoli’s men are through to the last 16 thanks to a late winner against Nigeria. More importantly, their key player seems to be getting back to his best Former national team coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said it best this week: Argentinians can’t live without conflict. The team is a microcosm of that culture. So, a day after the country went on a general strike, Argentinians looked to Messi and Co to vent their feelings. And when Argentina scored the winner against Nigeria to put them through to the last 16 of the World Cup, those feelings even spilled through to cable news reports on the economy: Cuando estas hablando del dóYGOOOOOOOOOOLLL Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/argentinian-press-round-up-lionel-messi-world-cup

FCA boss: 'No such thing as free banking'

Up to half of the profits made by big banks from current accounts come from just one in 10 customers.

Make the schadenfreud-ometer rattle as much as you like | World Cup Fiver

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now ! While everyone else in England was getting very excited watching Germany lose to Sweden on Saturday night, The Fiver was busy resisting the urge to shout “ACHTUNG! FOR YOU, JÉRÔME, ZE ETHICS WORLD CUP IS OVER!” at the television. We’ll leave that kind of coarse jingoism to $exually Repressed Morris Dancing Fiver, who really should have known better than to tempt fate by riffing on Germany’s misery. Let’s face it, it was never going to last. Make the Schadenfreud-ometer™ rattle as much as you like, but we’ve all seen this play before. Spoiler alert: it ends with John Stones, England’s Golden Boot-in-waiting, scuffing a sad penalty straight at Manuel Neuer and sending Germany into the semi-finals at the expense of Gareth Southgate’s darts whizzes. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/world-cup-fiver-germany-south-korea-mexico-sweden

How a simple change cuts coffee cup waste

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BBC releases computer history archive

Computing 1980s-style is to be shown off in BBC archive intended to inspire new generation of coders.

Bank’s red light warning for EU on lack of Brexit progress

Bank of England says UK making progress on financial services risks around Brexit, but that the EU is lagging.

The worst-performing World Cup teams to get out of their groups | The Knowledge

Plus: England debutants at major tournaments and why the name isn’t always on the back of the shirt. Mail us here or tweet @TheKnowledge_GU “Mexico, Sweden or Germany could go out of the tournament despite winning two of their group games,” notes Paul Blandon. “Has this ever happened before? And on the flip side, what are the worst-performing teams to get out of their group?” Only one team has been eliminated after winning two of the group games: Algeria, whose loveable 1982 team were stitched up by West Germany and Austria. But this question is muddied slightly by the fact that, from 1986 to 1994, the four best third-placed teams also qualified for the last 16. Had only the top two teams in each group gone through, both Argentina and Belgium would have been eliminated in 1994 despite winning two of their three matches. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/the-worst-performing-world-cup-teams-to-get-out-of-their-grou

The six oddest tie-breaking rules in World Cup history

The number of yellow cards or even drawn lots could decide qualification in 2018. They aren’t the weirdest tie-breakers … As we continue the final round of group matches in Russia, both Group F and Group G feature possible scenarios where the number of yellow and red cards or the drawing of lots may have to be employed to separate teams on identical records at the end of their three games. This wouldn’t be the first time World Cups have employed strange ways of deciding which team have qualified. Here are some of the odder examples from history. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/the-six-oddest-tie-breaking-rules-in-world-cup-history

Where am I? World Cup stadiums quiz

Can you identify these World Cup stadiums from the clues? • Try more World Cup quizzes: photos , hat-tricks and players The venues that have hosted epic World Cup matches are as much part of the history of the tournament as the teams and players themselves. But can you identify these 12 World Cup venues from the descriptions of the encounters that took place there? Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/world-cup-stadium-quiz

England’s unknown unknowns leave us clueless about their World Cup trajectory | Marina Hyde

I don’t know what is happening, but … I think I like it? I certainly like the fact that most England fans’ joy cheerfully acknowledges that it’ll probably go tits-up any minute Nobody knows anything, runs William Goldman’s famous line about Hollywood. Part of its appeal is the sheer range of trades to which it could be applied. Many people get up and go to work every day in places they regard as almost comically clueless and dysfunctional – and some of them may not even be journalists. Nobody knows anything. One of Alex Ferguson’s best lines is so memorable because it acknowledges the decisive part of chaos in one of his most artfully strategised campaigns. “Football, bloody hell …” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/27/england-unknown-unknowns-world-cup-trajectory

Fastjet shares collapse as cash crisis threatens survival

The African budget airline says it may go bust if it cannot raise new funding from investors.

Thomas Vermaelen: anglophile with high hopes for Belgium – and England

The Belgium defender with an English wife says both teams are capable of winning the World Cup and sees similarities between Hazard and Messi Diego Maradona stood there in a black shirt, black suit, two watches, one on each wrist, and a yellow bow tie, holding up a piece of paper that said “England” on it. That meant they were going into Group G with Belgium; it also meant that, sitting watching the draw at home, Thomas Vermaelen had an awkward question for his English wife, Polly Parsons. “I asked her straightaway who she was supporting,” he says. And? “And, of course, she gave a good answer,” he adds, smiling and moving on quickly. On Thursday they meet in Kaliningrad. “It’s a nice game for us and I think England is very interesting,” Vermaelen says. “I know in England you’re usually all very negative about your national team but I think now with the qualities you have – young, talented players – it’s not going to be easy for us. You have a very good side.” Continue reading... f

John Lewis warns of zero first-half profit

The company blames heavy investment for an expected decline in profits this year.

UK housing market lull drags into summer, says Nationwide

Annual growth in house prices fell to its slowest pace in five years in June, the Nationwide says.

Man shot after 'home attack' of girl met online

The girl's mother shot the man after he smashed his way into their house with a brick, police say.

No more years of hurt? Why Three Lions is in vogue again for England | Paul MacInnes

A blend of nostalgia and the new spirit surrounding England’s World Cup campaign has made Baddiel and Skinner’s hit ubiquitous once more It’s coming home. Three simple words but yet so much more. Twenty-two years after it was first written, the refrain to Three Lions is once again being sung lustily. You can hear it from the stadiums in Russia whenever England are playing, or at home in pubs and those weird human pens they call “fan zones”. It is being shared between people as a greeting, daubed in dust on the back of white vans, posted in group chats and, naturally, turned into a meme. It’s back and it’s everywhere, but why? When David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, of the TV show Fantasy Football, sat down with Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds to record a song for Euro 96, they were indulging in an act of guerrilla marketing. The official theme song was “We’re in this Together” by Simply Red. But despite boasting Alan Shearer in the video and Hugh Masekela on guest vocals (the song ha

VAR: the World Cup verdict so far – some success but more clarity needed | Sachin Nakrani

The multiple controversies surrounding Iran v Portugal and Morocco v Spain showed that VAR can create as much argument as it resolves but in other areas it has worked well So here we go again, another discussion about VAR. It feels like a day hasn’t passed at this World Cup without the video‑assistant elephant in the room raising its trunk and spraying controversy all over proceedings, and that is largely because a day has indeed not passed without its use – or lack of – becoming a matter for debate. Tensions have been simmering and reached boiling point after Monday’s double header in Group B. The outcomes of Iran’s 1-1 draw with Portugal in Saransk and Spain’s 2-2 draw with Morocco in Kaliningrad were both affected by the link-up between officials at the stadiums and those back at VAR HQ in Moscow. There were right calls, there were wrong calls, and by the end came the impression that something designed to reduce the sense of injustice and foul play in football has made matters wo

World Cup 2018: Nigeria v Argentina – live!

Iceland v Croatia: World Cup 2018 – live!

Uber overturns ban on operating in London

The taxi hailing firm has been granted a 15-month licence to operate in the capital.

BMW says Brexit customs costs would push up prices

BMW has told the BBC the price of its cars could rise because of increased costs after Brexit.

Uber overturns ban on operating in London

The taxi hailing firm has been granted a 15-month licence to operate in the capital.

Denmark and France through to World Cup last 16 after goalless draw

Denmark have qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup after a 0-0 draw with France, who win Group C. The result put paid to the hopes of Australia, who lost to Peru . Olivier Giroud missed a good chance just before half-time but the first half passed with little incident, with both sides knowing a draw would be enough to send them through to the last 16. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/denmark-france-world-cup-group-c-match-report

Australia out of World Cup as Carrillo and Guerrero strike for Peru

Australia have been eliminated from the World Cup after losing 2-0 to Peru in their final Group C game at Sochi’s Fisht Stadium. The Socceroos needed to win to have any chance of reaching the last 16, but they were beaten by goals from André Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero leaving Denmark and France as the qualifiers from Group C. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/australia-peru-world-cup-group-c-match-report

The UK boss of BMW says a no-deal Brexit would push up the cost of its cars

Ian Robertson, BMW's special representative in the UK tells the BBC a no-deal Brexit would push up the cost of its cars

Scammers abuse multilingual domain names

Millions of scam sites use characters that look like English letters, research into international domains reveals.

CO2 shortage: Tesco-owned Booker restricts beer sales

Tesco-owned wholesaler Booker restricts beer and cider sales because of the CO2 gas shortage.

Getty deletes gallery of World Cup's 'sexiest fans' after criticism

Campaign group and social media users decry ‘hottest fans’ gallery as a sexist throwback to 1970s Picture agency Getty has come under fire from campaigners and social media users after publishing, then deleting, a gallery of what it deemed the “sexiest” fans at the World Cup. The gallery, with the sub-heading “Talk about a knock-out round …”, exclusively featured pictures of women, and was tweeted out with the description “The hottest fans at the #WorldCup” in a social media post that was subsequently removed. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/getty-delete-gallery-of-world-cups-sexiest-fans-after-criticism

World Cup 2018: Denmark v France – live!

Australia v Peru: World Cup 2018 – live!

The biggest problem with technology is humans | World Cup Fiver

Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now ! The Fiver knows all about the perils of technology. Take the time our Social Media Disgrace Twitter account was hacked and some ne’er-do-well posted a picture of the masculine phallus to our followers, both of whom haven’t spoken to us since. We knew then – and we certainly know after watching the Ethics World Cup – that the biggest problem with technology is humans. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/world-cup-fiver-var-portugal-iran-spain-morocco-what-a-business

CO2: The build-up of a gas problem for food and drink firms

How a shortage of C02 gas is affecting a host of essentials - from drinks to meat to their delivery.

E-sports team banned for using programmable mouse

The team was close to qualifying for a lucrative tournament when it was hit with the ban.

European readers still blocked from some US news sites

Major outlets including the LA Times and the New York Daily News remain inaccessible to Europeans, a month after GDPR came into effect.

European readers still blocked from some US news sites

Major outlets including the LA Times and the New York Daily News remain inaccessible to Europeans, a month after GDPR came into effect.

Danny Ings to exit Liverpool in search of first-team football

• Liverpool striker has suffered injury blighted time at Anfield • Will attract interest from European and Premier League clubs Danny Ings has taken the difficult decision to seek a move away from Liverpool this summer as he aims to relaunch a career that has been blighted by injuries throughout his time at Anfield. There is no real desire within the club’s hierarchy to part company with a striker who has become a useful squad player under Jürgen Klopp, but the 25-year-old craves regular first-team football and recognises he will struggle to gain game-time on Merseyside. He will depart with Liverpool’s blessing. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/danny-ings-exit-liverpool-summer-injury-blighted-time-anfield

Brexit prompts Heathrow operator Ferrovial to move international HQ out of UK

Spain's Ferrovial says it plans to move its international base to Amsterdam because of Brexit.

‘The fairytale is over’: Russian fans react with dismay to Uruguay defeat

The host nation may have made it to the knockout stages but the heavy defeat to Uruguay has deflated home hopes of going much further with Spain barring their path on Sunday When Russia’s comedown finally came, it played to a full house. Tens of thousands of Russians turned out on a work day to the Fifa Fan Fest in Moscow for a familiar scene: Russia playing like Russia. And the Russians knew the script. “I knew this was going to happen when we came up against a real opponent,” said Ilya Kabanov, 19, a university student. “It was a bit like a fairytale. The fairytale is over.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/fairytale-over-russian-fans-uruguay-defeat

David Squires on … hostility, culture and Nordic noir at the World Cup

After big results for Germany, Brazil and VAR, our cartoonist delves into the latest stories at Russia 2018 View all of David’s cartoons here Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2018/jun/26/david-squires-on-hostility-culture-and-nordic-noir-at-the-world-cup-brazil-germany-var

Political ads on social media must be transparent - Electoral Commission

Voters "need to know who is targeting them and how", the Electoral Commission says.

Sheffield FC become latest casualty of FA’s restructuring of women’s football

Club’s withdrawal from the rebranded second tier for financial reasons raises questions about the FA’s application process and the financial criteria within it The latest casualty of the FA’s restructuring of women’s football came at the weekend as Sheffield FC announced they would be withdrawing from the rebranded second tier, the Women’s Championship , less than a month after their application to remain there was successful. “Following a meeting of the directors, the club has taken the very difficult decision to withdraw from the FA Women’s Championship. The financial commitments necessary to compete at this level are proving now too onerous,” a Sheffield FC statement posted on their website read. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/jun/26/sheffield-fc-fa-womens-championship-football-restructure

Quiz: what happened next at the World Cup?

Can you deduce the brilliance from the blunders? • Try more World Cup quizzes: photos , hat-tricks and players What happened next? Rivellino smashes the ball into the top corner, one of the great free-kicks in World Cup history Rivellino lays the ball off to Gerson, who pings his thunderous shot off the bar Rivellino falls over and Italy score on the break Rivellino smashes the ball into the stands behind the goal, one of the worst free-kicks in World Cup history What happened next? A good old-fashioned streaker romps into view Brazil score from Nelinho's corner but referee Clive Thomas blows for time. Nelinho stumbles as he takes the corner, kicking the ball twice and giving away a free-kick Nelinho begins surging towards the box with the ball, Zico having craftily already tapped the ball to take the corner What happened next? Illunga Mwepu storms out of the wall and hoofs the ball away Jairzinho curls a beautiful free-kick past Kazadi Mwamba in the Zaire goal Refe

Transgender woman wins pension court battle

A transgender woman refused her state pension after staying married was discriminated against by UK law, European judges say.

Big winners, big losers: Kenya's addiction to gambling

Gambling is a multi-million dollar business in Kenya, but there are more losers than winners, writes Anthony Wanjiru.

Ajax admit treatment for Abdelhak Nouri after collapse was ‘inadequate’

• Nouri suffered a cardiac arrest during a pre-season friendly • The player suffered ‘serious and permanent’ brain damage Ajax have admitted to providing “inadequate” on-field medical treatment for Abdelhak Nouri after the former midfielder collapsed during a pre-season friendly last year, the Dutch club’s general manager Edwin van der Sar has said. Nouri suffered a cardiac arrest during the match against German club Werder Bremen in July 2017 and despite being revived on the pitch and airlifted to a hospital, the 21-year-old suffered “serious and permanent” brain damage. Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/26/ajax-admit-on-field-treatment-abdelhak-nouri-after-cardiac-arrest-collapse-inadequate

Football transfer rumours: Juventus to win race for Aleksandr Golovin?

Today’s fluff is looking for litter to trundle away Paris St-Germain want Paul Pogba , says the Sun, and will fund the move by selling their Italy midfielder Marco Verratti , or by offering him to Manchester United in part-exchange. There are still many uncertainties lingering over the potential deal, including the fact Verratti has been offered a new contract in Paris, and the admission “it is unclear whether United have any interest in moving on Pogba”, but apparently it could still happen. Less likely to happen is a Tottenham move for Anthony Martial , with the Londoners scared off by United’s £75m asking price. Amid rumours of a move to Arsenal , a “high-ranking Sevilla official” has told the Independent that the Argentina playmaker Ever Banega is “not for sale under any circumstances”, though it is not clear whether a club meeting his surprisingly low release clause – estimated in the region of €20m – is one of those circumstances. If it is it would surely make a mockery of

Wimbledon 2018: AI uses player emotions to edit highlights

Wimbledon and IBM are using artificial intelligence systems to automatically edit the tennis action.

Donald Trump criticises Harley-Davidson for decision over tariffs

The president says he is surprised at the US motorcycle maker's move to shift production overseas.

Iceland’s eternal optimists face Croatia without fear of failure

World Cup debutants still have hope in Group D despite their defeat to Nigeria leaving them with a tough assignment against Croatia in Rostov It is a phrase that reflects the carefree Icelandic spirit and is used so frequently by the island’s 335,000 inhabitants that it has been described as the national motto: thetta reddast , ‘It will be OK’. Whatever happens, and however grave the situation, it will somehow work out. “Why are Icelanders so optimistic?”, Heimir Hallgrímsson, the Iceland manager, said. “I think it’s in the genes. We are optimistic about everything. If it’s the Eurovision song contest, we always think we’re going to win it, even though we never do. It’s the same here at the World Cup. We think we’re going to win all the games and, even if we lose, we think we’re going to win the next one.” Continue reading... from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/25/iceland-optimists-croatia-group-d-argentina