09 July,2018 09:54 AM IST | Vatican City | Agencies
Pope Francis
Pope Francis is trying to cheer up Brazilian soccer fans after the team's quarter-final exit from the World Cup. The pope, an Argentine and an avid soccer fan, noted a preponderance of Brazilian flags on display in St Peter's Square during his traditional Sunday blessing.
'Have courage'
He told the crowd: "I see a lot of Brazilian flags. Have courage! There'll be a next time." The five-time world champions left the World Cup empty handed after losing to Belgium in the quarter-finals, leaving only European teams contending for the title in Russia. Pope Francis often meets with visiting national soccer teams, has a collection of gifted jerseys and frequently promotes the value of sports particularly for young people. Argentina was eliminated from World Cup contention in the first of the knockout rounds.
Spain coach Hierro sacked
Madrid: Fernando Hierro, who stood in as Spain coach when Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the World Cup, will not continue in the role, the Spanish football federation said yesterday.
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
ALSO READ
India to observe state mourning on April 26 for Pope Francis's funeral
Pope Francis arrives in East Timor
East Timor welcomes Pope Francis on his visit to encourage its recovery from independence fight
Activists criticise high cost of Pope Francis' visit to East Timor, one of the poorest nations
Pope Francis to use handmade chairs by Indian-origin carpenter during Singapore visit
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
