Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov says words of encouragement from President Vladimir Putin are an "extra boost" as the team prepare for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Croatia. "President Putin called me before the game with the Spanish and after," Cherchesov said at a press conference in Sochi on Friday. "Of course […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Sweden coach Janne Andersson said his side were "easy to analyse but very difficult to beat" ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against England in Samara. Sweden are attempting to reach a first semi-final since 1994, when they were beaten 1-0 in the last four by eventual champions Brazil. They saw […]

Moscow (AFP) – FIFA president Gianni Infantino told President Vladimir Putin on Friday the world was "in love" with World Cup hosts Russia and praised him for overcoming negative stereotypes about the country. Infantino spoke at a meeting with Putin and former world football stars including former England defender Rio Ferdinand and ex-Denmark goalkeeper Peter […]

Repino (Russia) (AFP) – England's return to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years is no fluke as the team reap the rewards from coach Gareth Southgate's meticulous eye for detail. A first-ever World Cup penalty shootout win in the last 16, against Colombia, followed months of practice from the spot […]

Moscow (AFP) – Russia will try to keep their unlikely dream alive on Saturday when the host nation face Croatia in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1970. It has been an enchanted summer for the world's largest nation as it hosts the biggest event in sport. Russia's once-hapless team have suddenly turned into giantslayers […]

London (AFP) – Stage actors raged against audience members who were glued to England's dramatic World Cup penalty shootout win on their mobile phones while they attended a musical. The country was gripped as Gareth Southgate's team ended their penalties hoodoo to beat Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday But actor Niall Sheehy tweeted […]

Kazan (Russia) (AFP) – Brazil defender Danilo will play no further part in the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury in training, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed. The CBF said the Manchester City full-back had suffered ligament damage in his left ankle after twisting it in training on Thursday, ahead of Friday's […]

Moscow (AFP) – FIFA president Gianni Infantino has invited the Thai boys' football team trapped in a cave to the World Cup final, as messages of support poured in from top players. Infantino said he hoped the Wild Boars team, who were stranded by rising floodwaters two weeks ago, would be rescued in time to […]

Moscow (AFP) – Football stars urged the Thai team trapped in a cave to "stay strong" as messages of support and concern poured in for the 12 boys and their coach. Players from Brazil legend Ronaldo to England's John Stones said they were closely following attempts to rescue the team, whose ordeal coincides with the […]

London (AFP) – Britain's diplomatic boycott of the World Cup in Russia over a nerve agent attack in southwest England is back in the spotlight after a new case of exposure to the same poison in the same area. Even as the team advances in the competition and ahead of the quarter-final showdown against Sweden […]

Repino (Russia) (AFP) – Enthused by an exciting young squad and a potentially kind draw against Sweden in Saturday's quarter-final, England fans are starting to believe they can end a 52-year wait to win the World Cup. But the obdurate Scandinavians have a habit of upsetting the odds, particularly against England, having lost just one […]

Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – Croatia are targeting the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 — when they made their debut as an independent nation on football's biggest stage. It is unwise to look too far ahead at an event so full of surprises, but will a Croatian team facing host nation Russia […]

Buenos Aires (AFP) – Hot on the heels of Diego Maradona, another Arentine World Cup winner has thrown his hat into the ring to become the next national team coach. Jorge Sampaoli may still be resisting pressure to resign after Argentina's World Cup debacle and last 16 elimination against France in Russia, but now Mario […]

Kazan (Russia) (AFP) – In-form Romelu Lukaku will be key to Belgium's plans to unlock Brazil's formidable defence in Friday's World Cup quarter-final. The 25-year-old Manchester United striker has already begun to silence his critics with a four-goal haul in Russia. But his impressive goalscoring prowess and his aim to be remembered as Belgian's most […]

Kazan (Russia) (AFP) – Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said Thursday he was excited by the challenge of facing the most famous yellow shirts in football but underlined the gulf in World Cup pedigree between the two sides. Brazil and Belgium meet in a quarter-final in Kazan on Friday where Brazil coach Tite expects "a great […]