The US and Canada hit the pitch for the first time at their home World Cup, but on day two the drama extended from the field to the TV booths and beyond.
- Check out the full World Cup schedule here in Australian times
- ABC Sport podcast: A chaotic World Cup opener for a chaotic World Cup
Here are the quick hits from around the World Cup today.
1. Ghana’s Thomas Partey denied visa by Canada
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in his team’s World Cup opener after Canada denied his visa application while he awaits trial in London on multiple charges of rape.
FIFA said in a statement the 32-year-old Partey won’t be able to travel from his team’s base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, for Ghana’s opening match with Panama in Toronto.
Ghana’s Thomas Partey will not be playing in his team’s opening World Cup match. (Getty Images: PA Images/Nick Potts)
“His visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas,” the statement read.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said in a statement that every person wanting to come to Canada is assessed individually “based on the facts available and the law that applies”.
“Canada has been consistent that hosting major events does not change Canada’s immigration laws,” IRCC said.
Partey was travelling back to Ghana’s base camp in Rhode Island after his visa denial. He will be able to play on June 23 when Ghana plays England in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
2. Lalas’s on-air ‘wanker’ slip leaves legends stunned
Former US national team star turned media pundit Alexi Lalas had time to bail out.
“What do you guys call him? A, uh…”
Lalas, standing alongside legends Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as part of Fox’s coverage in the States, was being asked about James Corden by host Rebecca Lowe.
“A full kit wanker!” Lalas concluded, adding: “He’s all dressed up and ready to go”.
Henry’s eyeballs nearly burst from his head, before he quietly said: “Did he just say that?”.
The shock seemed to take Lowe’s breath away, before she politely informed Lalas that he was “lucky we’re on American television” because the “W-word” is a no-no in the UK.
Lesson learned, Lalas.
3. Bosnia’s heroic defence comes up short
Up against the fired-up and fervently supported Canadians, kicking off their World Cup campaign on home turf, the underdogs from Bosnia and Herzegovina knew the role they were there to play.
A team built on solidity, belief and physical commitment were there to spoil the party with a dogged defensive display, and when they managed to nick a goal from a corner to take the lead, the mission became even clearer.
Through the second half, the Bosnian defenders were cheering and celebrating their own tackles as they went toe to toe with Canada, but the best effort was produced by captain Sead Kolašinac.
The skipper produced one of the greatest goal-line clearances the World Cup has ever seen when he deflected Richie Laryea’s close-range shot up into the crossbar and back out to safety, all while facing and running towards his own goal.
Richie Laryea thought for sure he had scored… (AP/The Canadian Press: Nathan Denette)
… but Sead Kolašinac had other ideas. (AP/The Canadian Press: Chris Young)
Kolašinac was titanic throughout the game, but it was not enough to keep Canada at bay for the full 90 minutes. Cyle Larin’s late equaliser ignited the home crowd and broken Bosnian hearts.
4. Trump on the blower to the US squad
US President Donald Trump was not at his nation’s opening World Cup game against Paraguay, but he did manage to pick up the phone on the eve of the game to give the squad a call.
“Well, I just got to say you’re a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach, and you’re all about your record and your success, and I know how great the players are,” Trump said.
“I think you’ve got a really good chance of going all the way. I just want to wish you a lot of luck.”
In a video released by the USMNT, the reactions in the room — well, the handful we could actually see — were priceless.
Mauricio Pochettino, or “Coach Pochettino” in American speak, smiled nervously when introduced while captain Tim Ream did not say a word or divert his glance from the floor for the duration of the call.
5. Empty seats? What empty seats?
During South Korea’s game against Czechia in Guadalajara on Friday, plenty of onlookers noticed the many empty seats littered throughout the crowd. Those same onlookers might have been surprised when the official attendance was announced to be 44,985, less than 1,000 shy of capacity.
Empty seats were visible in the stands at the South Korea-Czechia game. (AP: Moises Castillo)
Confused? Never fear, FIFA had the answer.
“Official attendance figures reflect the number of tickets scanned and spectators present within the stadium footprint, rather than visual assessments of seating occupancy at any given moment during the match,” FIFA said.
“Please note that, during last night’s match in Guadalajara, several ticketed fans could be seen standing in concourses rather than staying in their assigned seats throughout the match.”
There you go, they were all in the concourses. Nothing to see here.
ABC/Wires
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