Norway celebration draws Nordic envy

Norway’s success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team’s trademark “Viking row” celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.

“I am never going to do it. We just sigh. Perhaps mostly at the TV crew who choose to zoom in on it every single time,” Sweden defender Gustaf Lagerbielke told reporters. “It is very similar to the Icelandic volcano, after all. But, whatever floats your boat.”

Yet while the Swedes can remain focused on their own camp, the Danes, absent from the tournament after a qualification playoff defeat to the Czech Republic, are finding the Norwegian euphoria much harder to stomach.

Senegal suffer Mendy blow

A knee injury sustained during Monday’s loss to Norway has ruled out Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy from Friday’s World Cup match against Iraq, his national team said on Wednesday.

Mendy suffered the injury while trying to make a save, and he left the field in the 63rd minute with Norway leading 3-1. Norway won 3-2 after Ismaila Sarr scored his second goal in added time.

Media reports said Mendy, 34, had suffered a ligament issue.

Senegal and Iraq are both coming off two losses going into their final Group I game in Toronto.

Travel curbs eased for Iran

The United States will ease travel restrictions imposed on the Iranian team during the World Cup, allowing them to arrive in Seattle two days before their next match, the US Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday.

Iran team officials complained they could only arrive for matches in Los Angeles one day before kick-off -- and had to leave almost as soon as the match was over.

“The Iran team will still be required to leave the day the match ends. The overall security measures and protocol are the same,” a department spokesperson said.

Team Melli, who play Egypt on Friday, drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their first game before holding a 10-man Belgium to a 0-0 draw.

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei praised his squad for managing two ties in what he said were trying conditions. He has previously said Iran is the “most oppressed team in the World Cup.”