France v Iraq resumes, Norway get an early corner
France and Iraq have returned for the second half while Senegal has blocked an early chance for Norway to get ahead.
The shot comes after a corner in the second minute. It’s a cross from Julian Ryerson who gets the ball to Kristoffer Ajer’s head. His header is on target but is saved by Edouard Mendy in the centre of the goal.
Norway 0-0 Senegal, 6 minutes
Norway and Senegal are out to sing anthems
While the French and Iraqi players are warming up again, the Norway and Senegal teams are out to sing anthems. This clash of matches gives us a preview into what the end of this week looks like, as we have several days of conflicting start times.
France, Iraq players are back out
Both teams have returned to the pitch after a substantial rain delay, as have the fans in Philadelphia Stadium who are singing along to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’.
The players will warm up again before play resumes.
Haaland is warming up in New Jersey
While we wait for France v Iraq to return after a weather delay, the next match in New Jersey is just 20 minutes away from kicking off.
It’s a big day for soccer fans, with one Twitter user joking about taking the day off to watch Messi, Mbappe and now Haaland play.
The teams are warming up at Metlife Stadium. Take a look:
Marta reacts to Messi breaking her record
Brazilian footballer Marta has reacted to Lionel Messi breaking her World Cup record of 17 career goals earlier this morning.
Messi first surpassed the men’s record in the 38th minute by scoring his 17th World Cup goal, beating the 16 goal record held by Mirsovlav Klose. When Messi scored again in the fifth minute of stoppage time, he also beat Marta’s record becoming the leading World Cup goalscorer of either the men’s or women’s tournaments.
Marta, who has played in six Women’s World Cups, reshared a post of Messi after the match this morning to her Instagram, accompanied by three clapping emojis, seemingly to applaud the Argentinian.
More lightning further delays France v Iraq
There have been more lightning strikes in Philadelphia, so the players are yet to return to the pitch.
It’ll be interesting to see what impact this break has had, if any, on the outcome of the match. Surely, there will have been some pretty long half-time team talks from the gaffers.
We’re also counting down until Norway v Senegal at 10am (AEST), where in a surprise to no one, Erling Haaland has been named in the starting XI. Take a look:
Christian Pulisic trains, on track for US group stage finale
Christian Pulisic trained with the US team on Monday, his first team workout since straining his left calf in the World Cup-opening win over Paraguay.
Pulisic worked in the team setting and without the protective calf sleeve he wore in focused individual training sessions last week before their win over Australia to remain undefeated in group D.
The US has already done enough to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup. Paraguay defeated Turkey 1-0 in Santa Clara on Saturday.
While no official decision on Pulisic’s availability was made, US coach Mauricio Pochettino applauded the “massive effort” he said Pulisic is making to be healed for Thursday’s match with Turkey. He said after Pulisic missed the win over Australia that he “will be available for the next game”.
Pulisic is “much better” according to Pochettino, who subbed the winger out at halftime of the 4-1 victory over Paraguay on June 13 (AEST).
Reuters
‘It’s giving basic’: The best and worst of the World Cup uniforms
We’re not just here to provide you the best analysis of each game.
Our fashion editor, Damien Woolnough, and his sidekick sports reporter, Billie Eder, have broken down the best looks of this World Cup.
Here’s a hint, Australia haven’t topped the list.
Read the story by clicking this link.
France v Iraq expected to restart play soon
We have an update for you thanks to the SBS broadcast: There have been no new lightning strikes so far so the players will return to the pitch soon to warm-up again and the second half should be under way at 9.10am (AEST).
My colleague Nick Ralston, who is covering the Socceroos’ World Cup campaign from San Francisco, has said Fox Sports are using the delay to replay the US’ 2-0 victory over Australia. Talk about salt in the wound.
Flash flood warning for New Jersey before Norway v Senegal
While France v Iraq is the first match of the tournament to be delayed because of a storm, it might not be the only one.
Fans are arriving at New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium ahead of Norway v Senegal in rain ponchos as a flash flood warning was issued to the area ahead of expected heavy rain and thunderstorms.
That match is set to kick-off at 10am (AEST).
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au



