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Backheel Breakfast: Neymar’s suspension got reduced
Why? Because ... uhh ... Brazil asked nicely?
Neymar picked up a red card at the end of Brazil’s Copa America match with Colombia, which usually carries a mandatory two-game suspension. That would have seen the Brazil star miss his team’s final group stage game against Venezuela, then the quarterfinal if they progressed. Instead, his ban was reduced to one game.
Just one hour after CONMEBOL said that Neymar was provisionally suspended for two games, as is standard, they announced the reduction. Offer up your wildest conspiracy theory -- it’s probably true.
In the news
Your goal of the day comes from Hyuri of Botafogo. (r/soccer)
West Ham says they’ll fill the Olympic Stadium. OK. (BBC)
Swansea are moving fast this summer, and have added left back Franck Tabanou. (Swansea City)
Harry Kane says he’s not leaving Spurs this summer. (Guardian)
You should be reading
Iain McIntosh on the preferred tattoo artist of Premier League stars. (ESPN FC)
Neil DeMause asks if soccer on turf is harmful to long-term health. (Vice)
Barney Ronay on how Raheem Sterling can be born again at Manchester City. (Guardian)
Fun with transfer rumors
The section in which nothing should be taken seriously. It’s rumor season, so this section will be expanded, and as the summer rolls on, it will probably be bigger than the actual news section.
Radja Nainggolan’s agent is baiting Real Madrid. (ESPN FC)
Expect Mario Mandzukic to sign for Juventus. (AS)
Lazio’s director fell, hit his head and went to sleep. When he woke up, he asked “what year is it?” He was told 2007, so he’s going after Gourcuff and Pato. (Football Italia)
PSG are willing to pay Juve’s asking price for Paul Pogba. (Star)
Petr Cech looks close to an Arsenal move. (Mirror)
Sorry mid-table sides, Loic Remy will cost £15m. (Telegraph)
Thursday’s games
Peru beat Venezuela, so every team in Group C of Copa America has three points. (Guardian)
What to watch this weekend (click for listings, all times ET)
There’s a lot.
Copa America: Mexico vs. Ecuador (Friday, 5 p.m.) - Quite possibly for one knockout stage spot.
Copa America: Chile vs. Bolivia (Friday, 7:30 p.m.) - Probably without Arturo Vidal in the Chile lineup.
Copa America: Uruguay vs. Paraguay (Saturday, 3 p.m.) - A draw probably gets Uruguay through, but they need a win to feel good.
WWC: Germany vs. Sweden (Saturday, 4 p.m.) - The headline match of the World Cup Round of 16.
Copa America: Argentina vs. Jamaica (Saturday, 5:30 p.m.) - Probably an easy win for Messi and company.
WWC: China vs. Cameroon (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.) - A total pick-em. Cameroon have been impressive.
WWC: Brazil vs. Australia (Sunday, 1 p.m.) - The other match with a case for headliner, since Australia out-performed Sweden in the group stage.
Copa America: Colombia vs. Peru (Sunday, 3 p.m.) - As mentioned before, everyone has three points. So no one knows what they need to do, except win and you’re in.
WWC: France vs. South Korea (Sunday, 4 p.m.) - Upset potential: decent? Thanks for messing with us, Colombia.
Copa America: Brazil vs. Venezuela (Sunday, 5:30 p.m.) - What will Brazil look like without Neymar?
WWC: Canada vs. Switzerland (Sunday, 7:30 p.m.) - The hosts would be scared if Switzerland weren’t awful in the group stage.
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