Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – Jorge Sampaoli begged for forgiveness from Argentina's fans on Thursday after a 3-0 drubbing by Croatia left Lionel Messi's World Cup dreams hanging by a thread. Second-half goals from Ante Rebic — the first from a horrendous error by Argentina goalkeeper Willy Caballero — Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic sealed […]

Lima (AFP) – Peruvians were reduced to tears Thursday as their team became the first from South America to be eliminated from the World Cup, having played only two matches and yet to score a goal. From the Andes' peaks to the Amazon jungles, a nation that rejoiced in their first appearance at a World […]

Zagreb (AFP) – Thousands of Croatians late on Thursday celebrated with euphoria in the country's streets and squares after their team's 3-0 victory over Argentina powered them into the World Cup last 16. "Croatia is in a trance!" commented the influential Jutarnji List daily paper in its online edition, showing photos of delighted fans celebrating […]

Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli admitted his side were "emotionally broken" after conceding the first goal in their 3-0 defeat by Croatia on Thursday, which left their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. The two-time world champions need to beat Nigeria in their final Group D match on Tuesday and […]

Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – Lionel Messi's Argentina were on the brink of a humiliating World Cup exit on Thursday after they were humbled 3-0 by Croatia on a dramatic day at the World Cup that saw the European side join France in the knockout rounds. Argentina knew they had to chase a win in […]

Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – Lionel Messi's World Cup dream was left hanging by a thread as Croatia powered into the last 16 with a 3-0 rout of Argentina here Thursday. Second-half goals from Ante Rebic, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic sealed a deserved victory as a poor Argentina were left on the brink of […]

London (AFP) – Everton's Argentine defender Ramiro Funes Mori penned a four-year deal with La Liga's Villarreal for an undisclosed fee on Thursday, ending a three-year stay on Merseyside. Funes Mori, 27, arrived at Everton from River Plate in September 2015 and went on to make 67 appearances, scoring five goals. A serious knee problem […]

Nizhniy Novgorod (Russia) (AFP) – A howler from Argentina's Willy Caballero gifted Croatia a 1-0 second-half lead in their World Cup clash on Thursday — the latest in a string of goalkeeping errors in big matches. The Chelsea stopper attempted a chipped pass over Ante Rebic from inside his own area, but totally underhit his […]

Kaliningrad (Russia) (AFP) – Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic said Thursday his Serbia side were ready for a "hellish" clash against Switzerland in a crunch Group E encounter tinged with political tension. The Serbs control their destiny after an opening 1-0 win against Costa Rica on Sunday, which came courtesy of a stunning Aleksandar Kolarov […]

Yekaterinburg (Russia) (AFP) – Paul Pogba paid tribute to fellow midfielder N'Golo Kante after France sealed their place in the World Cup last 16 on Thursday, saying: "He has 15 lungs." France beat Peru 1-0 in Yekaterinburg to roll into the knockout stages with a game to spare. The French were on the defensive for […]

Yekaterinburg (Russia) (AFP) – Kylian Mbappe said that playing at a World Cup was "a dream come true" after the teenager scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Peru to send France into the last 16 on Thursday. France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, join Uruguay and hosts Russia in the knockout rounds with […]

Samara (Russia) (AFP) – Victory over Peru may come too late for Australia at this World Cup but Bert van Marwijk wants nothing less from his Socceroos in Sochi following the disappointment of their 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday. Australia travelled to Samara needing a win after their unfortunate 2-1 defeat to France in […]

Rome (AFP) – German midfielder Emre Can on Thursday signed for Juventus on a four-year deal but admitted "a piece of my heart will always be with Liverpool". The 24-year-old spent four years at Liverpool but will be a free agent on July 1 when his contract at the Merseyside club expires. The player completed […]

Volgograd (Russia) (AFP) – Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr says that his side are looking to turn up the heat on Iceland in a sweltering Volgograd on Friday as they bid to keep their World Cup campaign alive. The Super Eagles must avoid defeat after opening Group D with a 2-0 loss to Croatia, while Iceland […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – A small number of migrants have used Russia's World Cup ticketing system that allows visa-free travel for foreign fans to try to enter the European Union illegally, with neighbouring Belarus and Finland reporting cases. Moscow has implemented a Fan ID system that exempts visiting fans from Russia's strict visa system and […]