Iran World Cup striker Sardar Azmoun has retired from international football at the age of 23, claiming his mother has become seriously ill because of the insults he has received. Azmoun – nicknamed the ‘Iranian Messi’ – had scored 23 goals in 33 games for his country before the tournament. He did not find the net in Russia as Carlos Queiroz’s side finished third in Group B behind Spain and Portugal. Azmoun described his decision to stop playing for Iran as “painful”.
Everton striker Wayne Rooney has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Major League Soccer club DC United. He will officially complete his move when the US mid-season transfer window opens on 10 July. There is no transfer fee but it is understood DC United have agreed a compensation package with the Toffees. The 32-year-old’s deal is worth £10m, meaning he becomes the highest paid player in DC United’s history.
Saturday 30 June
France vs Argentina – Kazan Arena, Kazan – 3pm
Uruguay vs Portugal – Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi – 7pm
Japan 0 – 1 Poland (Group H)
Senegal 0 – 1 Colombia (Group H)
England 0 – 1 Belgium (Group G)
Panama 1 – 2 Tunisia (Group G)
Belgium and England advance from Group G
Colombia and Japan advance from Group H
Naija Sports Crib 