Volgograd (Russia) (AFP) – England fans arriving in the Russian city of Volgograd Monday for their team's first World Cup fixture received a warm welcome, despite ice-cold relations between the two countries and the memory of violence at Euro 2016. Turnout for the side was expected to be low for the match, with less than […]

Yekaterinburg (Russia) (AFP) – While millions of people are tuning in to watch the World Cup and commenting about it online, thousands more on Twitter are talking about what appears to be a similar but equally riveting event, the #WordCup. "In #Paris, where cafe seating famously faces the street for optimal people-watching, chairs are turned […]

Moscow (AFP) – Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov says the World Cup hosts have figured out a way to reign in Egypt's striker Mohamed Salah on Tuesday in Saint Petersburg. The 26-year-old has scored 44 goals in a sensational first season for Liverpool and is keen to make his debut after missing the Pharaohs' 1-0 opening […]

Lisbon (AFP) – The controversial bronze bust of Cristiano Ronaldo at the airport on Madeira which bears his name has been replaced, Portuguese media reported on Monday. "This bust is much better than the other one, that's what everyone thinks," Hugo Aveiro, brother of the five-time Ballon d'or, winner, told the Diario de Noticias da […]

London (AFP) – Wales international Joe Allen says he will make up for his failing to save Stoke City from relegation by helping them regain their Premier League status after signing a four year contract on Monday. The 28-year-old midfielder — an integral part of the Wales team that reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals losing […]

Tokyo (AFP) – Japan's hopes of winning their opening World Cup fixture on Tuesday have been written off before a ball has been kicked — by a chirpy parrot believed to possess psychic powers. The grey-feathered tipster called Olivia, who lives at Nasu Animal Kingdom in Tochigi prefecture, north of Tokyo, predicted that Colombia would […]

Volgograd (Russia) (AFP) – England open their World Cup campaign on Monday seeking to banish memories of dismal performances in recent tournaments as Belgium's "Golden Generation" kick off as dark-horse challengers. England, winners on football's biggest stage more than half a century ago, crashed out without a win four years ago in Brazil, and have […]

Kratovo (Russia) (AFP) – Portugal striker Andre Silva believes the European champions are well equipped to beat Morocco ahead of their upcoming World Cup group stage clash in Moscow. "I think we are stronger than Morocco if we compare the two teams, but I'm not saying the game will be easy for us," Silva told […]

Moscow (AFP) – Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov had a good day in Samara: he scored a magnificent World Cup goal and was presented with a Lada by the governor. The Roma defender struck a thunderous second-half free-kick that clinched Serbia a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica on Sunday. "Kolarov scored a wonderful goal and we gave […]

Volgograd (Russia) (AFP) – England open their World Cup campaign on Monday with manager Gareth Southgate seeking to banish memories of dismal recent finals performances while Belgium's "Golden Generation" kick off as dark horse challengers. England, winners on football's biggest stage more than half a century ago, crashed out without a win four years in […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – Mohamed Salah is a looming obstacle as Russia attempt to virtually secure their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. Fears that poor performances from the home side could dampen enthusiasm in the host nation were blown away by a 5-0 demolition of Saudi […]

Saransk (Russia) (AFP) – Despite sacking their coach just 71 days before the World Cup, Japan will attempt to prove their doubters wrong on Tuesday against a Colombia side sweating on the fitness of star midfielder James Rodriguez. The top scorer at Brazil 2014 is a doubt for the Group H opener at the Mordovia […]

Mexico City (AFP) – Thousands of jubilant Mexico supporters partied in the streets of the capital Sunday after their team's shock 1-0 victory over World Cup holders Germany — singing, dancing, blaring car horns and cheering El Tri. The earth literally moved in quake-prone Mexico City when Hirving "Chucky" Lozano smashed home the game-winning goal […]

Rostov-on-Don (Russia) (AFP) – Brazil's bid for a sixth World Cup got off to a slow start as Switzerland withstood an early onslaught to snatch a 1-1 draw in Rostov-on-Don on Sunday. On the day when holders Germany were shocked 1-0 by Mexico, Brazil's tag as pre-tournament favourites looked justified in a dominant first-half capped by […]

Moscow (AFP) – Mexico stunned World Cup holders Germany on Sunday, inflicting a 1-0 defeat that throws the Germans' title defence into disarray as Neymar's Brazil stuttered to a draw against Switzerland. The outstanding Hirving Lozano smashed home the Mexican winner in the 35th minute at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, leaving Manuel Neuer clutching at thin […]