need to know
England have been at the center of World Cup controversy ahead of their match against Mexico, with the BBC commenting on accusations that they were involved in the FIFA debate.
England player (right) booed as he entered a hotel in Mexico
Here’s everything you need to know about what happened overnight at the World Cup after England vs. Mexico kick-off time confusion…
England arrived in Mexico in the final hours and were greeted with boos and shouts from the co-hosts’ supporters. It wasn’t quite the level of atmosphere they faced at the Aztecs, but it was certainly a hostile reception ahead of their last-16 match against Thailand. The Three Lions had hoped the hotel’s location would remain unknown, but it appears to have been leaked almost immediately. Meanwhile, the BBC has been forced to deny that they were involved in negotiations to change the kick-off time for the England-Mexico match. Despite reports in Mexico, a spokesperson for the agency confirmed that it was “not involved in these discussions.” FIFA called an emergency meeting to postpone the match by six hours to 12pm Mexican time (7pm BST). England and Mexico opposed the proposed changes, which later led FIFA to make a U-turn on the plan. Despite thunderstorms expected, FIFA’s discussions to change the kick-off time centered on fan safety, arguing that if the match was played in the evening, attendees would be more likely to participate in pre-match drinking and post-match gatherings. All 32 previous games have now been played, with Colombia and Argentina locking up spots in the final two games. Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 in overtime, and Colombia defeated Ghana 1-0 overnight. The Three Lions could face either of these teams in the semi-finals, but assuming they beat Mexico, they would first need to get past either Brazil or Norway. The latter defeated Ecuador in convincing fashion to get this far, but the South American nation is still not satisfied with their treatment ahead of that encounter. Both countries then issued new statements calling for a “detailed investigation” and issuing a clear warning of the turmoil England could face. Early Saturday morning, Paraguay’s unexpected victory over Germany was almost overshadowed by Cape Verde. Two great goals took Argentina into extra time, but an unlucky own goal cost them the game. Lionel Messi was the key to the team’s two goals and heaped praise on Cape Verde both on and off the pitch. After the interview, the football icon happily posed with the players of the national team that took Argentina to the limit, telling Tyc Sports: “They asked for my jersey, everything… On the field, they kicked the crap out of me, haha.” And that statement certainly proved true as Messi was fouled five times in the game. Earlier in the day, it was revealed that Argentina would face Egypt, assuming Mohamed Salah won the penalty shootout and advanced. When the final spot-kick was awarded, he showed his true colors by shaking hands with several Australian players before joining in the celebrations. Read more: Thomas Tuchel lays out worst-case scenario, ensuring England’s place in World Cup final
