Ian Wright quits Brazil after robbery, Chile fans stampede

World Cup whispers: Wright's family threatened by raiders, Cahill scores wonder-goal

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

IAN WRIGHT FLIES HOME AFTER ROBBERY

ITV pundit Ian Wright has flown home from Brazil after his family were held at knifepoint by a gang of four men during a robbery at their north London home. The 50-year-old left the World Cup immediately after learning of the raid. One of the gang told Wright's wife, Nancy: "If you don't tell us where the safe is we'll cut your kids' fingers off," reports The Sun. Before he left Wright posted a message on Twitter warning the gang, "you won't get away with it".

CAHILL VOLLEY IS 'GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT'

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Tim Cahill wrote himself into World Cup folklore last night with a stunning volley for Australia against the Netherlands, which brought back memories of Marco van Basten's wonder-strike at Euro '88. The veteran Aussie frontman blasted home an exquisite left-foot shot, already touted as goal of the tournament, moments after Arjen Robben had put Holland ahead. It was not enough to prevent Holland winning 3-2, but Cahill said: "That's what football's all about, these moments. And what better place to do it than the home of football in Brazil?"

CHILE FANS STAMPEDE AT MARACANA

Chile's players may have covered themselves in glory against Spain, but the same cannot be said of their fans. A mob of ticketless supporters broke through fences at the Maracana and once inside the stadium smashed their way into the press area, demolishing a wall in the process. Journalists were left dumbstruck as the fans stampeded through the bowels of the stadium, attempting to get to the pitch before security forces restored order. Eighty-five people were detained and will be expelled from the country.

LINESMAN LEFT HANGING

There was one moment of levity before Spain's sorry capitulation to Chile at the World Cup, when one of the assistant referees was left hanging during the pre-match handshakes. Canadian Joe Fletcher saw the extended hand of a Fifa official and moved to shake it, only to realise that it was meant for Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, standing behind him. Even unfortunate Spanish skipper Iker Casillas could not stifle a grin as Fletcher styled out the snub with a classic head stroke.

CRAZY CAMEROON CRASH OUT

Cameroon followed Spain and Australia out of the World Cup, losing 4-0 to Croatia in Group A. Ivica Olic gave Croatia an early lead but a moment of madness from Alex Song decided the tie. With the score at 1-0 Song was shown a straight red for an inexcusable elbow on Mario Mandzukic. Croatia made their extra man count after the break as Ivan Perisic doubled the Croatian lead and two goals from Mandzukic added insult to injury. Cameroonian frustrations boiled over as Benoit Assou-Ekotto headbutted teammate Benjamin Moukandjo.

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