Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – Ivan Rakitic scored the winning penalty as Croatia beat Russia 4-3 in a shoot-out after a dramatic 2-2 draw on Saturday to end the World Cup hopes of the host nation and advance to a semi-final against England. Brazilian-born Mario Fernandes had kept Russia's dream alive when he headed home in […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – England manager Gareth Southgate said his side was "not the finished article" after qualifying for the country's first World Cup semi-final appearance since 1990 with a 2-0 victory over Sweden on Saturday. Headed goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli in Samara, and a handful of key saves from goalkeeper Jordan […]

London (AFP) – Fans back home erupted in celebration and the beer went flying as England reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years on Saturday. At Flat Iron Square in London, where 650 people crammed in to watch on a giant screen, the party began with beer showers and chants […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Midfielder Fabian Delph reflected on a whirlwind week after he dashed back to England for the birth of his third child and returned to play on the winning side in the World Cup quarter-final against Sweden on Saturday. The Manchester City player was a late substitute in the 2-0 victory in […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – He may be small in stature, but Jordan Pickford is making a big name for himself at the World Cup as the Everton goalkeeper produced three stunning saves against Sweden to help England reach the semi-finals for the first time in 28 years. In just his eighth international appearance, Pickford became […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – England reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 on Saturday, comfortably beating Sweden with goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli to set up a clash against either Russia or Croatia. Gareth Southgate's young team came into the match as firm favourites and had too much for the Swedes, although […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Sweden coach Janne Andersson said England are capable of winning the World Cup after seeing his side beaten 2-0 by Gareth Southgate's side in the quarter-finals on Saturday. England will meet hosts Russia or Croatia on Tuesday for a spot in the final, after goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli […]

London (AFP) – People erupted in celebration and the beer went flying as England reached the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years on Saturday. At Flat Iron Square in London, the party began with beer showers and chants of "Football's coming home" after the 2-0 win over Sweden. Friends jumped on […]

Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – Neymar has expressed his anguish after Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup on Friday, losing 2-1 to Belgium in the quarter-finals in Russia. "I can say it is the saddest moment of my career, the pain is great because we knew we could get there, we know we had […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – England captain Harry Kane said his team were "buzzing" and full of confidence as they reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 after seeing off Sweden 2-0 on Saturday. Goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli and a string of fine second-half saves from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford were enough for […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Harry Maguire and Dele Alli scored as England comfortably defeated Sweden 2-0 in Samara on Saturday to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1990. Leicester defender Maguire headed in the opening goal from a corner on 30 minutes, with Alli adding a second just before the hour. […]

Alua (Mozambique) (AFP) – In front of a large screen in a dusty field in remote northern Mozambique, a crowd is gripped by the second World Cup quarter-final, desperately willing Brazil to victory. The project to show live football for free in the remotest parts of Mozambique is a novel attempt to provide a rare […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – Long touted as World Cup contenders thanks to an abundance of talent, Belgium claimed their biggest scalp ever in beating five-time winners Brazil to reach just their second semi-final. A 'golden generation' featuring Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku exited tamely to Argentina four years ago and […]

Zagreb (AFP) – Croatians were gearing up Saturday for the "match of a generation" against hosts Russia in the World Cup quarter-finals as tens of thousands prepared to watch the game on giant screens. An estimated 10,000 fans will support captain Luka Modric's side in Zagreb's main square, where the World Cup matches are watched […]

Beirut (AFP) – Brazil's surprise defeat in the World Cup has stunned fans in the Lebanese capital Beirut, where football supporters have long put their hopes in the Latin American side. "We are all Brazilian, we all love Brazil to death whatever happens," said Ali, dressed in a skin-tight shirt, after seeing his heroes lose […]