The Athletic broke the news that, in late October, the forward had informed Madrid he does not intend to extend his contract which, by the time the World Cup ends, will have entered its final year. His difficult relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso adds a further layer of complication to any negotiations.

The 1994 World Cup draw in Las Vegas featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Barry Manilow, James Brown and Vanessa Williams plus comedian Robin Williams, who called the draw screen “the world’s largest keno board” and yelled “Bingo!” when Greece was pulled out of a bowl.