London (AFP) – The British central bank's circumspect chief is not prone to optimistic outbursts. But even Mark Carney is getting swept up in World Cup fever as England prepare for Saturday's quarter-final. Ahead of the match against Sweden, the Bank of England governor sported a Three Lions badge on his suit lapel at a […]

Nizhny Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – One appears addicted to fame, the other shuns the limelight, but the chalk-and-cheese midfield partnership of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante is clicking for France at the World Cup. The Premier League stars are the engine room of a vibrant, young French team and despite contrasting personalities off the field, […]

Repino (Russia) (AFP) – John Stones says Colombia were the "dirtiest team" he has ever faced and is glad England's new-found streetwise streak helped knock the South Americans out of the World Cup. A bad-tempered last-16 clash ended 1-1 in Moscow on Tuesday before England won on penalties for the first time ever at a […]

Zagreb (AFP) – Croatia's achievement in reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup has revived national pride in the team which for more than a quarter of century has played a crucial role in the young nation's identity. Miroslav Ciro Blazevic, who was coach when Croatia played its first World Cup as an independent nation […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich have secured France defender Benjamin Pavard from the start of the 2019-2020 season, German football magazine Kicker reported on Thursday. Bayern reportedly agreed the deal with Stuttgart before the World Cup, where the 22-year-old, who has been playing fullback for France, scored a spectacular goal in the victory over Argentina. […]

London (AFP) – The long-running saga over Chelsea manager Antonio Conte's future is set to be resolved imminently with his sacking to be replaced by fellow Italian Maurizio Sarri, according to British media reports. Conte's departure has been long expected, even though he added an FA Cup in May to the Premier League he won […]

London (AFP) – World Cup fever in England will not extend to weddings round the country on Saturday with those tempted to glance at their mobile phones during the match with Sweden facing a red card. England's first World Cup quarter-final in 12 years, following their nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory over Colombia, takes place at […]

Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – Last weekend, Didier Deschamps chalked up another significant achievement in a remarkable career. He became the longest-serving coach of France when he oversaw his 80th game as Les Bleus beat Argentina 4-3 in a thriller to go through to Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay. Six years have passed since […]

Narita (Japan) (AFP) – Japan's football chief took aim at critics of the Blue Samurai on Thursday after the team's World Cup return and confirmed he was on the lookout for a new coach. JFA president Kozo Tashima told a news conference that caretaker boss Akira Nishino would not continue in the role after steering […]

Beijing (AFP) – A "psychic" cat in China that correctly predicted the outcome of six World Cup games has met an untimely end, prompting thousands to pour out their grief on Chinese social media. The orange-furred tabby, named "Baidian'er", which means "white spot" in Chinese, was a stray that prowled around the Palace Museum in […]

Cairo (AFP) – On the sidelines of a small football pitch at a university in Cairo, Hanan Hassan remembers starting out as a referee and the response she got from one female player's mother. "In a loud voice she yelled as she was looking towards me: 'god bless you my daughter and I hope that […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – A self-confessed lover of all things Uruguayan, from grilled meat to bitter-tasting infusion mate, France's Antoine Griezmann knows not to expect any favourable treatment when confronted by close friend Diego Godin in Friday's World Cup quarter-final. Teammates at Atletico Madrid, Griezmann and Godin have formed such a bond over the past […]

Kazan (Russia) (AFP) – Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has admitted he has no secrets as he plots to end Brazil's bid for a record-extending sixth World Cup ahead of their "dream" quarter-final in Kazan on Friday. But the nation's "Golden Generation" have been reminded that the match against the favourites could represent the last chance […]

Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – The build-up to Friday's quarter-final clash between France and Uruguay has been dominated by individuals, but it may be the South Americans' almost unbreachable four-man defence which decides the result. While Uruguay sweat on the fitness of striker Edinson Cavani, it should be remembered that La Celeste's progress in Russia […]

Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – Last weekend, Didier Deschamps chalked up another significant achievement in a remarkable career. He became the longest-serving coach of France when he oversaw his 80th game as Les Bleus beat Argentina 4-3 in a thriller to go through to Friday's World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay. Six years have passed since […]