World Cup 2018 Day 29: FIFA investigates England chants, Manchester United star says France “not favourites”

England
England

There are just two games to go at the World Cup in Russia, although England and Belgium would rather there was just one after missing out on a place in Sunday’s final.

The two sides will play in the third/fourth place play-off game on Saturday in a match that seems as meaningless as their dead rubber meeting in the group stage two weeks ago.

France and Croatia go head-to-head in Moscow the following day with slightly more at stake.

Read on as we look at the talking points from Day 28 at the World Cup.

FIFA investigates England chants

FIFA is investigating chants of a “possible discriminatory” nature by England fans during their World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia.

It relates to the chanting of “no surrender” by supporters and other potentially discriminatory songs.

England were beaten 2-1 in Moscow on Wednesday after extra-time as they attempted to reach a first World Cup final since 1966.

“Proceedings have been opened against the Football Association,” said FIFA.

“We can confirm that a report has been filed in relation to chants of a possible discriminatory nature by English fans.”

The FA was fined 70,000 Swiss francs (£50,000) on Wednesday after Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling wore “unauthorised” socks after ignoring a FIFA warning to stop.

The players wore branded ankle support socks over official Nike socks, “breaching media and marketing regulations and the FIFA equipment regulations”.

Read More: England Squad, Profile, Prediction.

Pogba plays down France hopes

Manchester United star Paul Pogba says France are “not favourites” to win Sunday’s final against Croatia.

France were beaten by Portugal in the 2016 European Championship final and Pogba is eager to avoid a repeat performance.

“We are conscious of the situation, we do not want to make the same mistakes like two years ago,” he said.

“We want to work for it, to give everything we have to take this Cup home.

“I think at the Euro we thought it was already a done deal, the mentality was not the same as now.

“I cannot lie that when we beat Germany we thought that was the final. I know the taste of losing a final. I don’t want it to happen again.”

France have seen off Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium in the knockout rounds without needing extra-time or penalties, while Croatia needed spot-kicks to defeat Denmark and Russia before being taken to extra-time by England.

“The Croats had a very difficult match and they were behind,” added Pogba. “But they are mentally very strong. There are two teams in the final, a cup and there are 90 minutes more.

“For us, we are not the favourites. We stay as we are from the start of the tournament. We have no doubts, we play together, that’s our strength. We are chasing something and will do everything to succeed.”

Read More: France Squad, Profile, Prediction.

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