Istanbul (AFP) – Turkish officials vehemently criticised Iceland on Monday over "disrespectful" treatment of its football team at Reykjavik airport. The team was kept waiting for several hours at passport control on Sunday night and subjected to intense security checks, according to reports from the players published by Turkish media. Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin took […]

Nice (France) (AFP) – Former winners Japan will hope to keep pace with group rival England's winning start when the Nadeshiko kick off their Women's World Cup campaign against outsiders Argentina on Monday. England got the better of their old foes Scotland in Nice Sunday, although Phil Neville's side were forced to cling on for […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – Fearless and ferocious, on and off the field, Megan Rapinoe will be one of the cornerstones of the United States dressing room as they chase a record fourth Women's World Cup crown. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder is one of the four co-captains of the American team, forming a brains trust alongside […]

Barcelona (AFP) – After starring in the Netherlands side that won Euro 2017, Lieke Martens has her sights set on this year's World Cup as she dreams of winning a prize that always eluded her illustrious compatriot, Johan Cruyff. The discreet 26-year-old might not say so herself, but she is one of the stars of […]

Nice (France) (AFP) – England coach Phil Neville did not hold back in his praise for Nikita Parris after the forward was named player of the match in her side's 2-1 win over Scotland at the Women's World Cup on Sunday. The 25-year-old scored England's opening goal from the penalty spot and tormented the Scottish […]

Porto (Portugal) (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo insisted he has no immediate plans to retire from international football after helping Portugal lift the inaugural Nations League on Sunday. Ronaldo, 34, was a peripheral figure as Goncalo Guedes's goal won an underwhelming final against the Netherlands 1-0 in Porto. But after sitting out the group stage of […]

Porto (Portugal) (AFP) – Portugal added the inaugural Nations League title to their Euro 2016 triumph as Goncalo Guedes's strike on the hour won an underwhelming final 1-0 against the Netherlands in Porto on Sunday. The Dutch defensive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt largely kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet, but Valencia winger […]

Nice (France) (AFP) – A Nikita Parris penalty set England on their way to a 2-1 win over Scotland in Nice to open their women's World Cup campaign after Italy and Brazil both emerged victorious on Sunday. It was an ideal start for Phil Neville's side, who are among the tournament favourites, on a hot […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – Defending champions Cameroon edged Zambia 2-1 and Ghana lost 1-0 to Namibia Sunday in warm-up matches for the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on June 21 in Egypt. Playing their first friendly ahead of the 24-nation tournament, Cameroon built a two-goal lead through Paul-Georges Ntep and Joel Tagueu in Madrid. […]

Nice (France) (AFP) – Nikita Parris blasted home a penalty awarded after a VAR review to set England on their way to a 2-1 win over old rivals Scotland in their opening match at the women's World Cup in Nice on Sunday. Parris scored from the spot in the 14th minute and Ellen White added […]

Paris (AFP) – Argentina face a daunting return to the women's World Cup after a 12-year absence on Monday when they take on Japan at the Parc des Princes. While Argentina have been away, the Japanese have grown into one of the powers of women's football, winning the World Cup in 2011 and reaching the […]

Guimaraes (Portugal) (AFP) – England manager Gareth Southgate believes the bitter disappointment of losing a second semi-final in 12 months will be the fuel his side needs to take the next step at next year's European Championships. After a 3-1 defeat to The Netherlands in the Nations League last four on Thursday, Southgate's men claimed […]

Nice (France) (AFP) – Nikita Parris blasted home a penalty awarded after a VAR review to set England on their way to a 2-1 win over old rivals Scotland in their opening match at the women's World Cup in Nice on Sunday. Parris scored from the spot in the 14th minute and Ellen White added […]

Valenciennes (France) (AFP) – Barbara Bonansea ensured Italy made a dramatic return to the Women's World Cup after a 20-year absence on Sunday with a stoppage-time winner that gave her team a last-gasp victory over tournament dark horses Australia. Juventus' Bonansea popped up at the back post to head home the winner having already levelled […]

Guimaraes (Portugal) (AFP) – England deservedly claimed the consolation prize of third place at the Nations League 6-5 on penalties on Sunday after a 0-0 draw against a limited Switzerland in Guimaraes. Gareth Southgate's men dominated the 120 minutes in northern Portugal, but Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling all hit the woodwork, Callum […]