New York (AFP) – The jersey worn by Diego Maradona when he scored twice against England in the 1986 World Cup, including the infamous "hand of God" goal, is to be auctioned off later this month, Sotheby's announced Wednesday. The blue number 10 shirt has been owned since the end of the controversial World Cup […]

The Hague (AFP) – Former Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman will take over as Netherlands boss from Louis van Gaal after this year's World Cup, the Dutch football federation said on Wednesday. Van Gaal announced at the weekend that he had been receiving treatment for prostate cancer for the last two years but that he still […]

Paris (AFP) – West Ham United host Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday with the Hammers' run in continental competition bringing back memories of the club's halcyon days. They have not seen a European quarter-final in the east end of London since 1981, when second-division West Ham lost to […]

Madrid (AFP) – "A gift from heaven," was how Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez described the arrival Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the striker, discarded by Arsenal, has certainly delivered. It is hard to think of a more significant January acquisition than Aubameyang, given his impact on Barca's immediate and long-term future. By the end of the season, […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Kevin De Bruyne broke Atletico Madrid's stubborn resistence as the Manchester City midfielder's second-half strike clinched a 1-0 win in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg. Pep Guardiola's side spent much of the night banging their heads against the red and white brick wall assembled by Atletico's massed defence at […]

Lisbon (AFP) – Liverpool took charge of their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica on Tuesday as Sadio Mane, Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz gave them a 3-1 lead after the first leg in Lisbon. Konate nodded in his first Liverpool goal from a corner before Mane tapped home to put Liverpool in command at the […]

World Soccer Talk® is pleased to announce that the What the World Cup Means to Me eBook is now available as a free download. Soccer fans can get it by signing up through our website at worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/worldcupbook. The eBook is beautifully designed with a custom look-and-feel throughout the 29 pages. Each of the essays in […]

Lausanne (AFP) – The Russian football federation has dropped an appeal against FIFA's World Cup ban, imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Tuesday. Russia was drawn to face Poland in a World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final, but the Poles received a bye and then reached the […]

London (AFP) – Chelsea face Real Madrid on Wednesday reeling from their heaviest defeat of the season, but Thomas Tuchel's battle-hardened ability to keep his players focused should ensure the Champions League holders are ready for the latest test of their resilience. While Saturday's shock 4-1 home defeat against Brentford was hardly ideal preparation for […]

Berlin (AFP) – He only turned 19 in February, but Jamal Musiala is proving to be the versatile teenage jewel in Bayern Munich's midfield who turned down Chelsea in favour of a return to his native Germany. When Bayern face Villarreal away in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie Wednesday, Musiala could […]

Madrid (AFP) – Carlo Ancelotti knows better than anyone how quickly things can change at Real Madrid. After the sensational comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, Madrid were euphoric. They had defeated one of Europe's elite, humiliated an economic rival, neutralised Lionel Messi and, many believed, convinced Kylian Mbappe. They were about to win La Liga and […]

Milan (AFP) – AC Milan lead Serie A by a single point after failing to get past mid-table Bologna on Monday, a goalless draw the latest twist in a thrilling title race which looks to be heading to the wire. After dropping two precious points Stefano Pioli's side hold a slender lead over second-placed Napoli, […]

London (AFP) – Mikel Arteta apologised for Arsenal's "unacceptable" performance in a 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace that dealt a significant blow to their bid to finish in the Premier League's top four. Arteta's side were destroyed by first half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew at Selhurst Park on Monday. Unable to muster […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal's bid to finish in the Premier League's top four suffered a significant setback as Crystal Palace swept to an impressive 3-0 win on Monday. Mikel Arteta's side were blown away by first half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew at Selhurst Park. Unable to muster a revival after the break, […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted he is "happy" with Mohamed Salah's contract situation. British media reports at the weekend suggested the Egypt forward, currently on a deal that will keep him at Anfield to 2023, was close to agreeing a new contract that would keep him with Liverpool until the end […]