Argentina need more than magic

A multitude of celebrities from around the globe have been expressing their condolences following the unexpected passing of Liam Payne, the former member of One Direction.

Payne tragically lost his life at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16.

MTV expressed its condolences releasing a statement, stating, "We are heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of Liam Payne. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this incredibly challenging time."

Shortly after, socialite and singer Paris Hilton shared her sadness on X, posting, "Heartbreaking to hear about @LiamPayne's passing. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, my friend."

Irish pop duo Jedward, who gained prominence on "The X Factor like One Direction", shared their condolences, remarking, "Rest in peace, Liam Payne. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

They also sent a message to his ex-partner, Cheryl Cole, stating, "Wishing strength to Cheryl, his son Bear, and the entire One Direction family."

Public Enemy rapper Flavor Flav took to social media to express his sorrow, posting, "Rest in peace, Liam Payne. Gone way too soon."

Rylan, another "X Factor" alum, wrote, "Heartbreaking news. So tragic and far too young. Rest in peace, Liam."

US singer-songwriter Charlie Puth honoured Liam Payne by sharing a photo of the two together without a caption. In his Instagram stories, he expressed his disbelief, writing: "I'm in shock. Liam was always incredibly kind to me. He was one of the first big names I collaborated with. I can't believe he's gone."

Puth also posted a video with Payne, adding, "I'm heartbroken right now. May he rest in peace."

Anne Twist, mother of Harry Styles, shared a broken heart emoji on Instagram along with the caption, "Just a boy…"

Boyzone's Mikey Graham reacted to the tragic news on X, saying, "Rest in peace, Liam Payne. Such heartbreaking news. In his memory, record labels should consider having psychologists on staff to support their young talents. Fame can be incredibly overwhelming, especially today—so much money, but no guidance. Lots of people saying yes, but no one being truly honest."

"X Factor" host Dermot O'Leary posted a black-and-white photo of himself with Payne during the show. "This is devastating news. I remember him as a 14-year-old arriving at the 'X Factor' auditions, wowing us with Sinatra. He was passionate about singing, always a joy to be around—grateful, polite, and humble. Sending all my love and prayers to his family."

Former One Direction hairstylist Lou Teasdale shared on X, "Sending love to all."

One Direction guitarist Dan Richards posted on Instagram, saying, "This feels unreal… still trying to process it all. My thoughts are with Liam's family."

Max George, lead singer of The Wanted, posted a tribute on X, "Devastated. Liam was incredibly supportive during one of the hardest periods of my life. I'll never forget that. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Liam."

Music producer Zedd, who collaborated with Payne on "Get Low," expressed his shock, "RIP Liam… I can't believe this is happening… it's truly heartbreaking."

Singer Corbyn Besson shared a picture of One Direction and wrote, "This Liam Payne news has left me speechless… One Direction was such an inspiration for me during my "WDW" days. It's a reminder that you never know when it's your time. Tell your friends and family you love them today and every day."

"Fifty Shades of Grey" author E L James shared her grief, remarking, "I'm devastated to hear of Liam Payne's tragic passing. I can hardly believe it. My deepest condolences to his family."

The Brit Awards posted a photo of Payne, sharing, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Liam Payne. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time."

Music platforms Spotify and Amazon Music each shared messages of condolence on their social media accounts.

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Former One Direction member Liam Payne found dead in Buenos Aires

Broadcaster Piers Morgan also expressed his shock on X, stating, "Good grief… what a heartbreaking tragedy."

Russia will look to continue the winning tradition of host nations at the World Cup when it takes on Croatia in a quarter-final matchup at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi today. The Russians pulled off a stunning upset of heavily favored Spain to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. However, they face a Croatian side that has gone undefeated at the 2018 FIFA World Cup while allowing just two goals. The match is scheduled to start at 12:00 am in Bangladesh time. Here we look at some of the statistics ahead of the game.

Head-to-head

1) The two previous competitive meetings, in qualifying for Euro 2008, both ended 0-0.

2) The only other encounter was a friendly match in November 2015 which saw the Croats win 3-1 in Rostov-on-Don. The Russians led at half-time through Fedor Smolov's goal but second-half strikes from Nikola Kalinic, Marcelo Brozovic and Mario Mandzukic won it for the visitors.

Russia

1) The last five host nations to feature in a World Cup quarter-final have all progressed to the semi-final (Italy in 1990, France in 1998, South Korea in 2002, Germany in 2006 and Brazil in 2014).

2) Mexico were the last tournament hosts to bow out at this stage, losing on penalties to West Germany in 1986.

3) This is Russia's first World Cup quarter-final since reaching this stage at four consecutive tournaments between 1958 and 1970 whilst competing as the Soviet Union.

4) Excluding penalty shootouts, Russia are winless in their last five World Cup knock-out games (D1, L4), with their last victory a 2-1 win against Hungary in the quarter-finals of the 1966 tournament, which is the only previous occasion they have reached the semi-finals.

5) Again excluding shoot-outs, Russia are winless in their last seven World Cup games against European sides (D2, L5), with their last victory coming in 1986 (also against Hungary).

6) After having 10 shots on target in their first two games, Russia have managed two in their subsequent two matches (one versus Uruguay and one against Spain).

7) Russia have conceded two own goals at this World Cup - Bulgaria in 1966 are the only other side to score two at the same tournament.

Croatia

1) The Croats' only previous World Cup quarter-final was their 3-0 win against Germany at France '98.

2) That victory is also the last time they have won a knockout match at a major tournament without the aid of a penalty shoot-out.

3) Croatia have scored in their last eight World Cup games, netting 16 goals in total.

4) Of their last 12 World Cup goals, 10 have come after half-time.

5) The Croats have lost their two previous World Cup games against host nations, losing 2-1 to France in the semi-finals in 1998 and 3-1 to Brazil in the group stage in 2014.

France won the match, but not the hearts.

The first semifinal between the two best sides of the World Cup failed to live up to its Battle Royale billing. It was a good match but could have been great had France not played negative football. There was no reason for France to play defensively.

Didier Deschamps could not emerge as a coach of attacking and entertaining football despite having all the weapons in his armoury to do so. He brought the most talented and balanced side among all 32 teams to Russia. Thirteen of the 23 players are of African origin. They were solid everywhere in the line-up, with equally qualified alternatives on the bench. They were all young, hugely talented and highly adventurous.

Yet, the game plan of France's 1998 World Cup-winning captain was solely aimed at winning the match, not the hearts of fans who love beautiful football. He was an orthodox defender in his playing days and has brought that defensive football gene into his coaching. What a disappointment!  

It was a sore sight during most of the first half when play was limited to France's half, with Roberto Martinez's men attacking and Deschamps's young talents defending. Thanks to a chancy header by Samuel Umtiti from a curling corner by Antoine Griezmann after the break, France could get away with their ugly game and reach the final for the third time. A goal came from a set-piece in an unlikely France way. It was the first goal by France from a set-piece in this tournament.

My heart really goes out to Belgium, and I can't agree more with captain Eden Hazard for feeling so bitter about France's style of play.    

"I prefer to lose with Belgium than win with France," said Hazard after the match. "We know Deschamps' France. We expected that, but we couldn't find that little spark to score a goal. I didn't find it. France scored first and it became difficult.”

Belgium indeed played brilliant football. They had far better ball possession (64 percent), number of passes (595 against France's 345) and corners (5 against France's 4). The Red Devils ruled the whole pitch yet something went wrong when their marksmen entered the D-box and tried to shoot or head into the net --  just some small things they could not do right in front of the goal like Brazil, their opponents in the quarterfinals.

Lady Luck was with them against Brazil, but three days later, against France, she switched sides.

A reversal of fate it may seem. Against Brazil, Belgium chose to keep fending off waves of attacks before knocking the five-time champions out of the tournament on fast counters. Tuesday night saw a role reversal, with Belgium, like Brazil, on the offence and France, like Belgium against Brazil, on the back foot. Belgium dominated the match and France got lucky on the counter.

However, it was really eye-pleasing the way Eden Hazard played his game. He was always busy, doing something -- either winning the ball from his opponents' feet, making diagonal passes, dodging, turning and twisting to free himself from 2-3 chasing defenders or shooting on target. He was truly hazardous for France.

To me, Hazard was the best player with No. 10 jersey in this World Cup. And it is sad that he won't be the one to kiss the famous cup on July 15. But thank you, Hazard, for making football beautiful.

The writer is former Sports Editor of The Daily Star

Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Thursday in Lionel Messi's return to international duty in South America's World Cup qualifiers.

Captain Messi, 37, fully recovered from an injury sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia in July, was brilliant in setting up Otamendi on a drenched pitch to open the scoring 13 minutes after kick-off, which was delayed by half an hour due to heavy rain.

A fierce Venezuela equalised in the second half when Salomon Rondon's header from Yeferson Soteldo's pass beat goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who filled in for Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez as he is serving a two-match ban for offensive behaviour.

Argentina remain top of the standings with 19 points and will face Bolivia on Tuesday, while Venezuela, who moved up to sixth on 11 points, visit Paraguay.

Harry Maguire and Dele Alli scored as England comfortably defeated Sweden 2-0 in Samara on Saturday to reach the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1990.

Leicester defender Maguire headed in the opening goal from a corner on 30 minutes, with Alli adding a second just before the hour.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford then produced a series of crucial saves in the final half-hour to seal England's long-awaited spot in the last four.

It was just a second England victory over Sweden in nine competitive meetings, and sets up a clash with either hosts Russia or Croatia on July 11 in Moscow for a place in the final.

Southgate stuck with the same team that overcame Colombia on penalties in the last 16, while Sebastian Larsson returned for Sweden after missing the 1-0 win over Switzerland through suspension.

A Brazil fan wipes her tears after the five-time champions were eliminated from the World Cup following a 2-1 defeat against Belgium at the Kazan Arena on Friday. PHOTO: REUTERS

Viktor Claesson drilled over for Sweden early on with an ambitious attempt from distance, while Harry Kane, the tournament's leading scorer with six goals, dragged wide after a penetrating run by Raheem Sterling.

Sweden manager Janne Andersson had warned his side England were a match for them at set-pieces, and so it proved when Maguire connected with Ashley Young's corner after a low-key first half hour.

Maguire outjumped the much smaller Emil Forsberg to nod low into the corner, as England scored for the eighth time in Russia from a dead-ball situation.

The lively Sterling should have doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time when he brilliantly controlled Jordan Henderson's lofted pass, but he was unable to find a way past Robin Olsen and his follow-up was blocked by Andreas Granqvist.

Pickford had relatively little to do in a quiet first half, but the England goalkeeper produced a vital stop to claw away a Marcus Berg header minutes after the restart.

England promptly cranked up the pressure and pulled further ahead on 59 minutes when a completely unmarked Alli sent a thumping header past Olsen after a first-time cross by Jesse Lingard.

Maguire then lashed over after a scene of panic in the Sweden area as England chased a third goal, although they were twice indebted to Pickford for preserving their two-goal lead.

The Everton shot-stopper thrust out a hand to superbly keep out Claesson's low strike from 10 yards following a neat lay-off by Berg.

Pickford then showed terrific reflexes to tip over an effort from Berg, who shot on the turn after being picked out in the area by substitute John Guidetti.

Southgate withdrew Henderson for Eric Dier in the closing stages and will have a full squad to choose from in the semi-final, injuries permitting.