Kazan (Russia) (AFP) – The Video Assistant Referee system was used for the first time in World Cup history on Saturday, when France were awarded a penalty against Australia in Kazan. Antoine Griezmann went down after a tackle in the penalty box in the second half of the Group C fixture. Referee Andres Cunha from Uruguay […]

Yekaterinburg (Russia) (AFP) – England's Raheem Sterling branded himself "The Hated One" after becoming the target of online abuse at Euro 2016 — exposing the dilemma faced by players who try to connect with fans through social media. Twitter, Instagram and other platforms are a godsend for players cooped up in their hotel rooms at […]

Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – Diego Costa looked like a misfit at the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, where Spain's inability to accommodate the burly centre-forward contributed to their disastrous campaign. But on Friday in Sochi, his physical presence and penalty-box prowess worked a treat for the Spanish as they ended a chaotic week with […]

Barcelona (AFP) – Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said he is surprised at criticism of his role in producing a video in which France star Antoine Griezmann announced he was staying at Atletico Madrid. Griezmann caused a stir after appearing in the film on Thursday in which he ended speculation about a possible […]

Moscow (AFP) – Tens of thousands of South Americans have flocked to Moscow for the World Cup and become the most visible group of visitors so far, with Peruvian, Mexican and Argentinian chants reverberating around the Russian capital. Spanish is rarely heard on the streets of Moscow but has overnight become the primary foreign language […]

Moscow (AFP) – Lionel Messi's bid for World Cup redemption begins Saturday when he leads Argentina against an unfancied Iceland side intent on springing a surprise in their first appearance on football's biggest stage. Messi's eternal rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, made history on Friday, when he became only the fourth player to score at four World […]

Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo's brilliant hat-trick for Portugal that lit up the World Cup on Friday capped one of the most extraordinary days in his remarkable career. In the afternoon, news broke in Spain that the Portuguese superstar has agreed to pay a huge, multi-million euro fine to settle a tax fraud claim, […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – Carlos Queiroz said Iran may have won their World Cup 'final' against Morocco on Friday but he already has his sights set on a "Universe Cup final" against Spain. Iran have emerged as the early challengers to Spain and Portugal in Group B after Aziz Bouhaddouz's 95th-minute own-goal sealed a dramatic […]

Moscow (AFP) – Germany must shrug off a rocky World Cup build-up as they begin the defence of their title on Sunday against a vastly experienced Mexico side jolted by their own pre-tournament scandal. While Manuel Neuer finally won his lengthy fitness battle after more than eight months out, Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan were […]

Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – For three months, a whole nation feared it might not happen, but Neymar will take to the field with his Brazilian teammates when they kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on Sunday. The world's most expensive player appears to have recovered fully from the fractured foot that required an […]

Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo made it clear that he means business at this World Cup after his stunning hat-trick secured a 3-3 draw here with Spain in a tournament classic and saw him reach another career landmark. The Real Madrid superstar crashed in an 88th-minute free-kick to earn a point for the European […]

Sochi (Russia) (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo scored a magnificent hat-trick on Friday to rescue a point for Portugal against Spain in the dying minutes as the World Cup in Russia caught alight. Ronaldo's 51st career hat-trick in the 3-3 draw cancelled out two goals from Diego Costa and a strike from Nacho just as Spain […]

Kaliningrad (Russia) (AFP) – Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel says the youngest squad at the World Cup must keep their nerves in check and shoulder their nation's expectations when they play Croatia on Saturday. With more than 180 million fans back home roaring them, the African juggernauts enter this World Cup under pressure after a […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – Iran coach Carlos Queiroz pleaded for equal treatment after his side overcame difficulties posed by cancelled friendlies and Nike's refusal to supply boots due to US sanctions to beat Morocco 1-0 in their World Cup opener. Aziz Bouhaddouz's 95th-minute own goal sparked wild scenes of celebration from the Iranian players and […]

Madrid (AFP) – European champions Real Madrid on Friday beat Barcelona to the signature of 17-year-old Rodrygo from Santos in Brazil with the youngster expected to move to La Liga in 2019. "Real Madrid and Santos have agreed that Rodrygo Goes will play his football at Real Madrid when he reaches the legal age requirement," said […]