Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Brazil superstar Neymar brushed off his critics after firing the five-time World Cup winners to victory over Mexico on Monday and into a quarter-final showdown with Belgium. Neymar scored one goal and created another as his increasingly impressive Brazil side overpowered the Mexicans 2-0 in sweltering conditions. But Neymar's sparkling performance […]

Rostov-on-Don (Russia) (AFP) – Japan coach Akira Nishino admitted his desperate disappointment after seeing his side bow out of the World Cup in an agonising 3-2 defeat against Belgium on Monday. "We started off very well, but at the end, right at the very end, to concede a goal like that is not expected," Nishino […]

Rostov-on-Don (Russia) (AFP) – It was the most agonising way for Japan to go out of the World Cup. Their players slumped to the turf as Nacer Chadli slammed the ball into the net at the end of a 94th-minute counter-attack, the last move of the game in Rostov-on-Don allowing Belgium to clinch a stunning […]

Rostov-on-Don (Russia) (AFP) – Nacer Chadli scored a stunning injury-time winner as Belgium fought back from 2-0 down to defeat Japan 3-2 and advance to a World Cup quarter-final showdown with Brazil here Monday. Chadli's superbly worked goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time was the final act of an epic last-16 battle that […]

Istra (Russia) (AFP) – Teenager Kylian Mbappe was the star turn in France's thrilling World Cup victory over Argentina that confirmed their status as potential champions, but the outstanding goal came from the previously unheralded Benjamin Pavard. The right-back's sweet strike on the half-volley that brought his side level at 2-2 early in the second […]

Buenos Aires (AFP) – Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is heading for the exit door following his team's World Cup elimination by France, reports said on Monday. Rumoured to be at odds with his players, including captain Lionel Messi, Sampaoli is expected to be sacked after just a year in charge, even though there are another […]

Washington (AFP) – Former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney said Monday his move to D.C. United and Major League Soccer was the change he "needed" at the "right time for me." The 32-year-old striker was unveiled Monday by D.C. United after leaving Premier League side Everton and agreeing to terms with the struggling […]

Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – Edinson Cavani has not suffered a calf muscle tear, Uruguay said on Monday, increasing the chances that he could play in the World Cup quarter-finals against France. A team statement said Cavani's fitness would be assessed on a daily basis ahead of Friday's last-eight clash in Nizhny Novgorod. "A scan […]

Moscow (AFP) – England coach Gareth Southgate said it was "pointless" to look beyond his team's World Cup last-16 tie against Colombia on Tuesday despite the wide open nature of their side of draw. Following Spain's surprise exit against hosts Russia, England are the only team remaining in their half of the draw to have […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio hit out at Italian referee Gianluca Rocchi's handling of their 2-0 World Cup quarter-final loss to Brazil, claiming Neymar play-acted. Neymar broke the deadlock with a 51st minute opener at Samara Arena and set up Roberto Firmino for a late second. But tensions flared following a […]

Ulan-Ude (Russia) (AFP) – Thousands of kilometres and a five-hour time difference with Moscow cannot dull World Cup fever in the Siberian town of Ulan-Ude, even if it means missing out on sleep. After Russia's stunning victory over Spain on Sunday, joyful celebrations broke out in this city of roughly 400,000 people to the east […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Brazil cruised into the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Monday as goals from Neymar and substitute Roberto Firmino gave them a 2-0 victory over Mexico to stay on course for a sixth title. Neymar was criticised for his early performances in Russia as he eased his way back to fitness […]

London (AFP) – Seasoned Greek international defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos became Arsenal manager Unai Emery's third signing in the close season on Monday, putting pen to paper on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee. The 30-year-old, capped 79 times, will be reunited with former Borussia Dortmund teammates, Armenian playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Neymar said Brazil need to "learn to suffer" after their 2-0 win over Mexico on Monday booked a World Cup quarter-final place. The five-time champions overcame a tricky start to the last-16 tie, as second-half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino sealed a deserved victory and a last-eight clash with either […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Neymar scored a stylish opener and set up substitute Roberto Firmino for a late second as Brazil cruised into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Mexico on Monday. Bidding for a record-extending sixth title in Russia, Brazil weathered an early storm at Samara Arena before Neymar […]