Peter Rutzler

What started as a message in a group chat ended with appointment of a coach capable of turning team into challengers thanks to two men willing to pay for the privilege

Belgium and Senegal go head-to-head in Seattle before USA face Bosnia-Herzegovina in San Francisco on the hunt for round of 32 spot at World Cup

Spain 3 Austria 0: Austria fail to register a shot on target as defensive masterclass and brace from Mikel Oyarzabal give Spain momentum going into last 16

Explosive on the pitch and humble off it, the onus is on World Cup posterboy to deliver against Belgium in the absence of the in-form Folarin Balogun

USA striker was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina but will be able to lead line versus Belgium after governing body suspends ban by a year without explanation

What: Fifa World Cup round of 16, United States v Belgium. Where: Seattle Stadium. When: 12pm Tuesday (NZT), TVNZ+.

USA 1 Belgium 4: Charles De Ketelaere scores twice as Mauricio Pochettino’s side exit home tournament amid several errors after controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun

Peter Rutzler of The Times | Times Newspapers In another world, where the unexplained use of Article 27 by Fifa does not

Brazil midfielder’s representatives are pushing for £60m move to Arsenal, which Newcastle say they will reject, while his compatriot leaves Chelsea

Coach has endeared himself to once sceptical American public, but desire for daily cut and thrust of club football may make shot at return too hard to pass up