World Cup round-up: Schar says Swiss have shot against Messi’s Argentina

Switzerland centre-back says Switzerland 'are clearly the underdogs against Argentina and we want to use the opportunity'.

Switzerland's Fabian Schar shown at a training session on June 23, 2014 during the 2014 World Cup. Anne-Christine Poujoulat / AFP

Switzerland

Centre-back Fabian Schar says Switzerland welcome their underdogs tag and are relishing the chance to create a World Cup upset in their last-16 clash against Argentina on Tuesday. Bayern Munich midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri claimed a hat-trick in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Honduras as Switzerland finished second in Group E to book their berth in Sao Paulo against Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The Swiss had to pick themselves up to beat Honduras after their 5-2 hammering to France in their second group game. Schar says the relief at making the knockout stages was palpable in the Swiss squad, who now have nothing to lose against Argentina. “We have reached our main goal and we can now play without pressure,” said the 22-year-old Basel defender, whose unenviable job will be to contain Messi on Tuesday. “We are clearly the underdogs against Argentina and we want to use the opportunity.”

Italy

Italy’s midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo says he may go back on his decision to retire from international football. Pirlo, 35, who plays for Juventus, said before the World Cup that he would quit international football after the tournament in Brazil. However, on the airplane back to Italy following a disappointing group-stage exit, Pirlo said: “If the new national coach thinks he needs me, I will happily remain available.” Pirlo has scored 13 goals in 112 appearances for Italy, since making his debut in 2002 and helped Italy to their World Cup victory in 2006. Italy lost to Costa Rica and Uruguay in Brazil after winning their opening game 2-1 against England. Coach Cesare Prandelli resigned after the Uruguay defeat.

Japan

Japan turned their attention yesterday to the hunt for a new national team coach after Alberto Zaccheroni resigned after a winless World Cup, with former Mexico and Espanyol manager Javier Aguirre in the frame. The Japan Football Association has offered the Mexican veteran, who led his nation to the last-16 twice in 2002 and 2010, a four-year deal with an annual wage of €1.5 million (Dh7.5m), the Nikkan Sports daily reported.

Netherlands

Netherlands midfielder Leroy Fer will miss the World Cup last-16 match against Mexico on Sunday after injuring a hamstring in training. Fer came on as a substitute and scored with his first touch of the tournament as the Dutch beat Chile 2-0 in Sao Paulo to finish top of Group B. Fer, 24, could also miss a possible quarter-final match next week if the Dutch win Sunday’s game in Fortaleza.

Chile

Chile had to suspend training yesterday after a helicopter used by Brazilian broadcaster Globo flew above the field. “Chile training was stopped today a few minutes after it started because of a helicopter flying above the pitch,” a Chile press official said. Chile face hosts Brazil in a last-16 game in Belo Horizonte on Saturday. The official said the Chilean FA had asked the company who own the helicopter for an explanation. Globo is a World Cup rights holder.

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