Doha (AFP) – Ryogo Yamasaki grabbed a first-half hat-trick as Nagoya Grampus thrashed Ratchaburi FC 4-0 to close in on a last-16 berth from Group G in the Asian Champions League on Monday. It was the third straight victory for the Japanese side after they notched up wins over Pohang Steelers and Johor Darul Ta’zim […]

Prague (AFP) – When the Czech Republic's Tomas Holes scored a late goal to clinche a late draw for Slavia Prague at Arsenal in the Europa League in April, his sibling got in trouble with the neighbours. "We apologise for the noise around 11pm," read an excuse posted by Jiri Holes on the ground-floor notice […]

Paris (AFP) – A gang of cat burglars accused of scaling buildings to steal millions in jewellery, fashion items and other valuables from the rich and famous, including Paris Saint-Germain football star Thiago Silva, went on trial in the French capital on Wednesday. The group of seven men and one woman is believed to have […]

Seville (Spain) (AFP) – Facing Spain's massive attacking potential on Wednesday, Slovakia will rely on their only number-one goalkeeper in the Premier League, Martin Dubravka of Newcastle United fame. Spain will be huge favourites against Slovakia, who have so far beaten Poland 2-1 and lost 1-0 to Sweden in Group E, with Dubravka pulling off […]

Shanghai (AFP) – Brazilian star Paulinho has left Guangzhou FC by mutual consent after failing to return for the start of the Chinese Super League season. The former Barcelona midfielder, who has been described as the best foreign player in Chinese Super League history, leaves the Fabio Cannavaro-coached club having made 176 appearances and scored […]

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Ronald Hernandez scored an injury time equalizer to earn minnows Venezuela a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Ecuador at the Copa America on Sunday. Ecuador twice took the lead through Ayrton Preciado and Gonzalo Plata either side of a powerful headed goal from Venezuela's Edson Castillo. […]

Glasgow (AFP) – After a 23-year wait to even reach a major tournament, more history beckons for Scotland on Tuesday if they can beat Croatia at Hampden to reach the knockout stage for the first time at Euro 2020. A hard-earned 0-0 draw against England at Wembley has restored belief in the Scottish support that […]

London (AFP) – Gareth Southgate insists England can overcome their growing pains as his young side aim to get their Euro 2020 campaign back on track by winning Group D against the Czech Republic on Tuesday. England are level on four points with the Czechs and will be guaranteed a first-place finish if they win […]

Prague (AFP) – Two East Londoners, Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, are set to return home as they lead the Czech Republic against England at Euro 2020 at Wembley on Tuesday. Nicknamed "Suk" and "Cuf", the two former Slavia Prague players were behind West Ham's spectacular rise in the Premier League last season. And although […]

Paris (AFP) – Denmark host Russia in Copenhagen on Monday still in with a chance of reaching the last 16 of Euro 2020 despite losing their first two games, while Austria and Ukraine go head-to-head for a place in the knockout phase. The Danes could snatch a top-two finish in Group B if they beat […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – Star Raja Casablanca forward Soufiane Rahimi was out of luck as the CAF Confederation Cup title favourites drew 0-0 at Egyptian club Pyramids in a semi-final first leg on Sunday. With home advantage next weekend, the Moroccan outfit remain the likelier aggregate winners, and if they do advance are set to meet […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – Belgium captain Eden Hazard said on Sunday that he is not yet at "100 percent" but he will be able to start his side's final group game at Euro 2020 against Finland in Saint Petersburg. The Real Madrid forward endured an injury-hit season and only made substitute appearances in Belgium's opening […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – Struggling Botswana will not renew the contract of Algeria-born national coach Adel Amrouche when it expires in August, the national football association confirmed on Sunday. The final task for the 53-year-old will be to guide the Zebras at the Cosafa Cup southern Africa championship in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) from July 7. […]

London (AFP) – Phil Foden has defended Gareth Southgate after the England manager was criticised for his side's spluttering start at Euro 2020. Southgate's team selections and tactics have been slammed in some quarters after England scored just once in their first two games. Friday's drab 0-0 draw against old rivals Scotland at Wembley ended […]

Baku (AFP) – Switzerland goalscorer Xherdan Shaqiri said he was "proud" of his side's performance in Sunday's 3-1 Euro 2020 win over Turkey as they finished third in Group A. Despite the victory the Swiss will have to wait on results in other groups to see if they qualify for the next round as one […]