World Cup, 5 things to know: Tartan Army heads to Foxborough, England’s boots stolen

The first two days of a World Cup always feel like the calm before the storm; the gentleness of the opening game eventually gives way to the chaos of the group stage where matches come thick and fast, and somewhere around the globe bleary-eyed fans head to work having already been up for hours. Fortunately, the first of the four-game affairs is a Sunday in Hong Kong, and anyone interested in watching 360 minutes of football should be all done in time for a decent lunch and an afternoon nap – assuming kids and family don’t get in the way. And while it’s difficult to see many people getting excited about the prospect of Qatar v Switzerland, the first of the competition’s big guns are in action too. As are Brazil. Here then are five things you should know heading into day three of this summer’s festivities in Canada, Mexico and the United States. A peaceful invasion Boston is hardly known as being a city full of shy, retiring types, but even some of the hardy locals have been caught out by the arrival of hordes of Scotland supporters. The Tartan Army have been in full voice since arriving, and when not singing have been doing their best to drink the town dry. Still, long-time member Martin Riddell, chairman of the Association of Tartan Army Clubs, said the massed ranks, bagpipes and all, were “nothing to be fearful of – it’s the biggest peacekeeping army in the world”. Steve Clarke’s side get their tournament under way against Group C opponents Haiti in Gillette Stadium in Foxborough at 9am (HKT). Back in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years, Clarke has midfield talisman Scott McTominay available and sent one simple message to his players: “Don’t get humped.” Under the competition’s expanded format, a win on Saturday against opponents ranked a lowly 83rd in the global standings would go a long way towards making the dream of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time come true, even if tougher opposition in the form of Morocco and Brazil await in their other group matches. Time to shine Paraguay’s rather tepid performance against the United States means there is some South American pride to be restored, and who better than Brazil to make that happen. The most successful team in the competition’s history open up against Morocco, who were the darlings of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they reached the semi-finals and lost to Croatia in the third-place play-off. Less popular now after their African Cup of Nations fracas with Senegal, the North Africans are without winger Abde Ezzalzouli and defender Nayef Aguerd, both of whom were replaced because of knee and groin injuries respectively. Brazil are hardly at full strength, with fading star Neymar out of his side’s opening game, and forwards Rodrygo and Estevao out of the squad due to injury. However, Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr is ready for the “most important time in my life and in my career”. Without a World Cup trophy in 24 years, the Selecao have turned to Carlo Ancelotti to end that streak, and he and his 25-year-old striker have a good track record when it comes to collecting trophies. Together, the pair won two Uefa Champions League crowns, two La Liga titles and the 2022 Fifa Club World Cup during their time in Madrid. Sunday’s game kicks off at 6am (HKT). Lofty expectations A little bit of confidence is never a bad thing, but Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka might be drifting into the realms of fantasy with his belief that his side can deliver “like never before”. While featuring in a tournament for the sixth consecutive time – a feat matched only in Europe by France, Spain, England, Portugal and Germany – the Swiss have never been beyond the quarter-finals and the last time they managed that was in 1954. Even so, Switzerland are the clear favourites against Group B rivals Qatar, who are only making their second appearance in the tournament and have yet to earn a single point, and were described by the opponent’s coach, Julen Lopetegui, as “one of the best teams” in the World Cup. “They don’t just have strong individual players, they play at an extremely high level. They’re physically very strong. They’re probably one of the most balanced teams in Europe,” Lopetegui said. And the 1-1 draw between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the other two sides in the group, leaves the door wide open for Xhaka’s men to put one foot in the last 32. First though, they need to beat the two-time Asian champions in a game that gets the day’s action under way at 3am (HKT). Fighting talk Turkey are clear favourites to win Group D, no matter what Americans may think, and despite being back in the tournament for the first time since 2002, they are not backwards in coming forwards. Captain Hakan Calhanoglu told reporters his side would dominate their opening encounter with Australia because “we have more qualities and a more talented team”. The Socceroos though are no slouches when it comes to performing on the world stage, qualifying for the past six tournaments. They reached the last 16 for a second time in Qatar four years ago, where they lost to eventual champions Argentina. “We understand that not many people are expecting much from us, outside of our own people, our own media, our own team, our own staff. But we’re accustomed to that,” Tony Popovic, the Australia coach, said. “We’re confident that we can show them some great football tomorrow and show them what Australian football can do.” Sunday’s encounter in BC Place Vancouver starts at 12pm Hong Kong Time, rounding out a long morning of football. England equipment theft Police are investigating the theft of team equipment ahead of England’s arrival at their Kansas City base, the Football Association has confirmed. Thomas Tuchel’s side land in the Midwest on Saturday afternoon as World Cup preparations go up a notch following a warm-weather camp in Florida. England arrive in Missouri dealing with an unexpected headache, with boots and balls reported to have been discovered stolen ahead of training at Swope Soccer Village on Saturday. The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department told the Daily Mail: “We are investigating a possible theft of equipment from a team vehicle that arrived in Kansas City with items missing this evening. The investigation is ongoing.” Tuchel’s men open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, before completing Group L against Ghana and Panama.

World Cup, 5 things to know: Tartan Army heads to Foxborough, England’s boots stolen

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The opening ceremonies are all behind us and the slow burn of the World Cup’s first 48 hours gives way to a Sunday featuring 4 matches

A peaceful invasion

The opening ceremonies are all behind us and the slow burn of the World Cup’s first 48 hours gives way to a Sunday featuring 4 matches