Athens (AFP) – Olympiakos centre-back Ruben Semedo was released on 10,000 euros ($11,860) bail on Thursday after the Portuguese international was accused of rape. The examining magistrate and the prosecutor agreed the 27-year-old, accused of the rape of a 17-year-old girl, could be released without any restrictive conditions, according to judicial officials. Semedo, who made […]

Oslo (AFP) – Norway coach Stale Solbakken has caused controversy in the country by calling for people to vote against the government in the upcoming parliamentary elections over the strictness of its coronavirus rules. Solbakken was angry that the 28,000-capacity Ullevaal Stadion could only be a quarter-full for Norway's 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in […]

Seoul (AFP) – Iraq held South Korea to a 0-0 draw in Seoul on Thursday in the opening game of the final World Cup qualifying round. The home team dominated proceedings and came close to breaking the deadlock, but Dick Advocaat's side defended stoutly. South Korea's best chance came after a first-half corner, when the […]

Florence (Italy) (AFP) – Olivier Giroud has tested positive for Covid-19, his club AC Milan announced on Thursday as the France forward sits out his country's World Cup qualifiers. In a statement, Milan said Giroud "tested positive in a molecular swab carried out at home", adding that he is "doing well but must remain in […]

Berlin (AFP) – RB Leipzig's new teenage midfielder Ilaix Moriba admits he never figured out how to stop his former teammate Lionel Messi during training sessions at Barcelona with the pair poised for a possible rendezvous in the Champions League. Having made 18 appearances for Barcelona last season, Moriba, 18, signed a five-year deal for […]

London (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo signalled his intention to keep playing for Portugal for "years to come" after breaking the all-time international goalscoring record of 109 previously held by Iran's Ali Daei. The Manchester United forward scored twice in the dying minutes to move to 111 international goals as Portugal came from behind to beat […]

Looking where to find CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers on TV and streaming? Here are the answers to your questions: In the latest round of World Cup qualifiers, CONMEBOL plans to squeeze three match windows into one week. That means three games per country across the continent of South America from Thursday, September 2 through Thursday, […]

London (AFP) – Gareth Southgate has challenged his England stars to make amends for their agonising Euro 2020 final defeat by winning the World Cup. Southgate's side were denied in heartbreaking fashion as Italy beat England on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final at Wembley in July. Despite leading England to a first […]

Copenhagen (AFP) – Denmark extended their perfect start to the World Cup qualifying campaign as Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle netted in quick succession in a 2-0 win against Scotland on Wednesday. Kasper Hjulmand's side killed off the Scots with two goals in two minutes at the Parken Stadium. Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark have a […]

Paris (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in men's international football with two late goals as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1, while holders France drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022 World Cup qualifying on Wednesday. A day after completing his return to Manchester United, Ronaldo had an early […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – Sadio Mane scored as Senegal won and his Liverpool teammate Naby Keita created a goal as Guinea drew when 2022 World Cup group qualifying in Africa finally kicked off on Wednesday after three coronavirus-induced postponements. Mane netted through a close-range shot on 56 minutes and Paris Saint-Germain defender Abdou Diallo scored a […]

Faro (Portugal) (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo broke the all-time international goalscoring record with his 110th Portugal goal and then scored an injury-time winner to salvage his country a dramatic 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over the Republic of Ireland in Faro on Wednesday. The 36-year-old Ronaldo, whose return to Manchester United from Juventus was confirmed […]

Strasbourg (France) (AFP) – World Cup holders France needed a scrappy Antoine Griezmann equaliser before holding on with 10 men to draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina as they resumed their campaign to qualify for the 2022 finals in Qatar. Edin Dzeko gave Bosnia a first-half lead in Strasbourg on Wednesday but soon after his […]

Copenhagen (AFP) – Denmark extended their perfect start to the World Cup qualifying campaign as Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle netted in quick succession in a 2-0 win against Scotland on Wednesday. Kasper Hjulmand's side killed off the Scots with two goals in two minutes at the Parken Stadium. Euro 2020 semi-finalists Denmark have a […]

Milan (AFP) – Italy fans will get to cheer on the same heroes that beat England in the Euro 2020 final, coach Roberto Mancini said on Wednesday as his team prepare for their first match since their triumph at Wembley. The Azzurri host Bulgaria in Florence on Thursday in the first of three 2022 World […]