Madrid (AFP) – Spain were denied a winning start by Portugal in the Nations League on Thursday as Alvaro Morata’s first-half finish was cancelled out by a late equaliser from Ricardo Horta. Morata sidefooted home at the end of a scintillating counter-attack and while Cristiano Ronaldo came on in the second half for Portugal, it […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan has reacted with "disbelief" at French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin's insistence that the chaotic scenes at Saturday's Champions League final in Paris were caused by supporters of the English club. Darmanin has faced growing criticism and accusations of lying for his claims issues outside the stadium, that […]

Rome (Italy) (AFP) – Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri has extended his contract with the Roman outfit until 2025, the Serie A club confirmed on Thursday. The 63-year-old former Chelsea, Juventus and Napoli boss agreed a two-year extension to the deal he signed in June last year after Simone Inzaghi left for Inter Milan. "Coach Maurizio […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday confirmed the signing of Czech Republic teen forward Adam Hlozek from Sparta Prague. The 19-year-old chalked up 12 goals and 15 assists for Sparta last season. His transfer reportedly cost more than 10 million euros ($11 million) as Leverkusen look to strengthen their squad for next season after […]

Glasgow (AFP) – Scotland captain Andy Robertson said missing out on the World Cup rounded off the toughest 10 days of his career after the Liverpool left-back also failed to get his hands on the Premier League and Champions League. Robertson was far from his best as Scotland were well beaten 3-1 by Ukraine at […]

Tokyo (AFP) – World Cup-bound Japan say they are primed to test themselves against the mighty Brazil next week after a comprehensive 4-1 win over Paraguay in Sapporo on Thursday. The four-time Asian champions will take on Brazil and Neymar at Tokyo's Olympic stadium on Monday with the aim of beating the South Americans for […]

Paris (AFP) – Less than a week after the chaotic scenes that marred the Champions League final, the Stade de France in Paris will be the centre of attention again as the French national team play Denmark on Friday before an expected capacity crowd. The pictures of Liverpool fans massed outside the stadium gates and […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry said Thursday he hopes the Bundesliga champions quickly settle the matter of want-away striker Robert Lewandowski which rumbles on amid reports Barcelona are eager to sign the Poland star. "It's a bit of a shame how it's always going back and forth," Gnabry said with the Germany […]

Paris (AFP) – France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin put himself in the front line of defending the actions of Paris police at the Champions League final, remaining impervious to criticism not just from the UK but also reportedly President Emmanuel Macron. Darmanin, a 39-year-old ambitious right-winger has blamed the chaos that marred Saturday's final in […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Juan Mata will be the latest player to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the month Manchester United said on Thursday. A major overhaul is expected at United over the coming months as new manager Erik ten Hag tries to put his stamp on the […]

Madrid (AFP) – German international defender Antonio Rudiger has joined Spanish and European champions Real Madrid from Chelsea, the two clubs confirmed on Thursday. The 29-year-old centre-back, who was out of contract at Chelsea, has signed a four-year deal in the Spanish capital, Real announced. In a statement on their official website, Madrid said Rudiger […]

Tokyo (AFP) – World Cup-bound Japan warmed up for their friendly against Brazil next week with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Paraguay in Sapporo on Thursday. The four-time Asian champions will take on Brazil at Tokyo's Olympic stadium on Monday with the aim of beating the South Americans for the first time in a full […]

Seoul (AFP) – Son Heung-min was awarded South Korea's highest sporting honour on Thursday after the Tottenham forward became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot. The 29-year-old was given the Cheongnyong Medal by President Yoon Suk-yeol before South Korea's friendly against Brazil at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Son, dressed in […]

Cincinnati (AFP) – Chelsea star Christian Pulisic played a leading role as the United States launched their final preparations for the World Cup with a convincing 3-0 friendly win over fellow qualifiers Morocco on Wednesday. Pulisic created a goal for new Leeds signing Brenden Aaronson and won a penalty converted by debutant Haji Wright as […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – AS Roma teenager Felix Afena-Gyan, 19, scored as Ghana cruised to a 3-0 win over Madagascar on Wednesday and claimed the leadership of Group E as 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying kicked off. Angola came from behind to edge the Central African Republic 2-1 in the same section and lie […]