FIFA World Cup 2018: Pope consoles Brazilians - There'll be a next time

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.

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