WORLD CUP DAILY: Silver linings for Ecuador | Pico on the brink of history | Derry's Brandywell return

Phil Egan is here with Friday’s World Cup Daily as the group stage drama ramps up and the knockouts come into view.Germany are stunned by Ecuador in New Jersey, the Netherlands seal top spot with a 3-1 win over Tunisia, and Japan set up a blockbuster meeting with Brazil. There’s also a big night for Ivory Coast, plus Portugal push back on the idea they’re too reliant on Cristiano Ronaldo.We look ahead to a packed slate of games, and there’s League of Ireland build-up too: Bohemians vs St Pat’s live from Dalymount, plus updates from around the Premier Division.World Cup Daily on Off The Ball, brought to you by Lynx, “A Proud Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026“. Smell Your Best When You Look Your WorstBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join