Iran left a message saying “may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations” following their World Cup group match against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.

The handwritten note was left in their dressing room following a goalless draw in their second Group G game.

Iran are competing at the World Cup while their country and the United States – who are co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico – are in negotiations to end their war.

“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” read the message, which was released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI).

“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity,” the note continued.

“Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.

“And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.

“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”

The message also made reference to an attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the war.

Iran played their opening match – a 2-2 draw with New Zealand – at Los Angeles Stadium, and will play their third and final group game against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).

Their involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

Multiple “integral” members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after its allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

Iran subsequently switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico, and face strict travel restrictions during their campaign.

They are allowed to fly into the US a day before they have a game and have to leave the country on the same day as the match, under the conditions of their visas.

This led to Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei saying they are the “most oppressed” team at the tournament following the draw with New Zealand.

However, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, says there are “discussions going on” about the timings for Iran’s travel to and from their game against Egypt.

– BBC

Accoridng to Lazio’s official announcement, Gennaro Gatusso, the former Milan, Napoli and Italy National Team head coach, is Lazio’s new head coach. 

Lazio’s Official Announcement:

SS Lazio announces that it has appointed Mr. Gennaro Gattuso as head coach of the First Team.

The Club welcomes the new coach with satisfaction, believing that his experience, professionalism, and determination can contribute to the achievement of the Club’s sporting goals.

SS Lazio announces that it has appointed Mr. Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach of the First Team.

The Club warmly welcomes its new manager and is confident that his experience, professionalism, and determination will contribute to achieving the Club’s sporting objectives.

It has been a successful and at times dramatic season for Antoine Semenyo. That will not let up this summer either with the Manchester City forward expected to be a key player Ghana at the World Cup.

That’s the view of Asamoah Gyan and few would disagree with the former Black Stars striker.

“There will be a lot of pressure on Semenyo at the World Cup,” he told Sky Sports at a PUMA launch event for Ghana’s World Cup kit.

“People back home have questions about his performance when it comes to the national team, but as a former player and a striker, I have to be in his shoes.

“There will be a bit of pressure because of where he’s playing now. When you’re playing for one of the best teams in the world and you come into the national team, there will be a lot of expectations.

“Everything is going to depend on how he’s going to deal with that pressure for the first time, because he hasn’t been under it with the national team before he made that huge transfer.

“He’s the face of Ghana football right now because of his position and what he has done for himself. Everything is going to depend on Antoine Semenyo for this World Cup.”

Semenyo joined Manchester City in January from Bournemouth, having scored 10 Premier League goals with three assists for the Cherries in the first half of the season.

He hit the ground running at the Etihad too, adding another seven league goals – finishing as the third-highest scorer in the league – as well as scoring the winning goal against Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

However, his creativity and influence was restricted by Panama in Ghana’s opening Group L game, although he was joint-top with his team-mates for shots (2), chances created (1), but he had the most touches in the opposition box (4).

“Semenyo can have a huge influence in the team,” Gyan added. “He did great for Bournemouth and he had a deserving transfer to Manchester City. He’s continuing doing what he does best with goalscoring.

“He’s very good with the left foot, with the right foot, his agility, his pace, his strength. He has done so well for himself for now.”

But it has not been a smooth build-up to the World Cup for Ghana. Carlos Queiroz was appointed as the new head coach in April after the sacking of Otto Addo, and he comes with significant international pedigree – the former Manchester United coach took charge of Iran for the last three World Cups

Addo was relieved of his duties after the March international break, in which the Black Stars lost to Germany and Austria in friendlies. In fact, Ghana did not win any of their matches after qualifying for the World Cup, in which they topped their group, and drew with Wales in a friendly on June 2.

However, that streak was finally broken after a late Caleb Yirenkyi goal beat Panama last Thursday morning.