Iran hit back as Belgium walk a World Cup tightrope

Iran fired up by Belgian statements

Iran's Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Mehdi Taremi have hit back at the Belgian camp ahead of the now-finished group stage. "They want to drive us crazy, but it doesn't work that way," Jahanbakhsh said (3). Whatever was said in your camp clearly landed. Iran made sure they were ready for the mental battle (3).

Serbian analyst unleashes racist comment after Ngoy red card

Rade Bogdanovic, a Serbian analyst, said on air: "Black players don't have the concentration to hold on that long", a direct reference to Nathan Ngoy's red card against Iran (4). The comment needs no commentary. It speaks for itself, and it has no place anywhere near this sport (4).

Doku is back, but will he play?

Jeremy Doku has rejoined the squad after the birth of his son in London. But he is dealing with a respiratory infection, and his availability for the New Zealand match remains uncertain (5). Brahim Hacene is also a doubt. Rudi Garcia may have to make late calls on both (5).

Third-place qualification tightrope

Belgium are in the danger zone in the race for the best third-placed teams. Two draws have left no margin. The final group match against New Zealand is not just about that result, other groups will decide your fate too (2).

Belgian defender heads to Croatia

A Belgian defender is leaving the Eredivisie for a traditional Croatian club. No name confirmed yet, but the move is done (1).