Paris (AFP) – Holders the United States began their defence of the women's World Cup by crushing Thailand 13-0 but their joyous celebrations of the tournament's record win triggered a backlash on Wednesday. The US team scored 10 goals in the second half in Reims on Tuesday as they bettered Germany's 11-0 win over Argentina […]

Berlin (AFP) – Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan says he has rediscovered his love of playing for Germany after being applauded — rather than booed — by home fans. Gundogan, 28, was treated to thunderous applause and standing ovations by home fans after he helped orchestrate Germany's 8-0 demolition of Estonia in Tuesday night's Euro […]

Hong Kong (AFP) – Hong Kong football fans booed the Chinese national anthem and held signs opposing government plans to allow extraditions to the mainland at a home match against Taiwan on Tuesday night. The fan protest came as the international hub is rocked once more by huge anti-government protests with record marches over the […]

Reims (France) (AFP) – The United States began their trophy defence in scintillating style with 13-0 Women's World Cup thrashing of Thailand in a ruthless demonstration of strength to potential quarter-final opponents and hosts France, who return to action on Wednesday against Norway. Three-time champions USA scored 10 goals in the second half in Reims […]

Reims (France) (AFP) – United States captain Megan Rapinoe said hammering Thailand 13-0 in the Women's World Cup was all "part of growing the game" after a win so lop-sided there were suggestions they should have eased up to save the Thais from embarrassment. Rapinoe scored the ninth goal for the title-holders, one of 10 […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – The Africa Cup of Nations will be contested by a record 24 teams in Egypt this month, up from just three when the tournament debuted 62 years ago. There were supposed to be four nations at the inaugural 1957 championship in Sudan, but South Africa refused to field a multiracial team […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – Top African football officials hope the history-making Cup of Nations in Egypt from June 21 can deflect attention away from a string of embarrassing incidents involving them. In recent weeks, CAF president Ahmad Ahmad and senior vice-president Amaju Pinnick and VAR have been dominating the headline space usually reserved for stars like […]

Reims (France) (AFP) – Holders United States began their trophy defence by recording the biggest win in Women's World Cup history as Alex Morgan scored five goals in a 13-0 demolition of hapless Thailand on Tuesday. The USA, who won the World Cup for a third time in Canada four years ago, scored 10 in […]

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – It's been an annus horribilis and a half for Chile's iconic leader Alexis Sanchez, who is known as the "Nino Maravilla" — wonder-kid — in his homeland. Chile's most capped player of all time and record goalscorer, Sanchez is so popular in the South American country that he even stars […]

Paris (AFP) – Italy needed a late winner from Marco Verratti to defeat a determined Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 in Euro 2020 qualifying Tuesday, while Germany and France piled up the goals in lopsided victories. Edin Dzeko fired Bosnia in front in Turin, but Lorenzo Insigne equalised shortly after half-time and Verratti curled home on 86 minutes […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – Naim Sliti converted a penalty to give Tunisia a 2-1 away win over Croatia Tuesday in a warm-up match for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on June 21 in Egypt. Croatia were runners-up to France in the 2018 World Cup and after defeating Wales last Saturday in a […]

Turin (Italy) (AFP) – Lorenzo Insigne and Marco Verratti hit back with second-half goals as Italy beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 to extend their winning streak in Euro 2020 qualifying to four games in Turin on Tuesday. Roma forward Edin Dzeko had fired Bosnia ahead after 32 minutes at the Juventus Stadium as the hosts conceded their first […]

Reims (France) (AFP) – Holders the United States began their defence of the women's World Cup trophy in style on Tuesday as Alex Morgan scored five times in an incredible, record-setting 13-0 destruction of hapless Thailand in Reims. Ten of their goals came in the second half as the USA set a new mark for […]

Sao Paulo (AFP) – The woman who has accused Brazilian football star Neymar of raping her in a Paris hotel has been dropped by a third lawyer — the latest twist in a scandal that has gripped the country. Danilo Garcia de Andrade told broadcaster SBT late Monday he was no longer representing Najila Trindade […]

Mainz (Germany) (AFP) – Marco Reus warned Germany not to get ahead of themselves after they maintained a perfect record in their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a thundering 8-0 victory over Estonia in Mainz on Tuesday. Underdogs Estonia were helpless against a bright young Germany side who appeared to have left last year's World […]