How Rodrigo De Paul became Messi’s closest ally in Argentina’s World Cup squad
His tears this time came from relief. Not from escaping defeat against Egypt, but relief that he hadn’t let his team-mates down after missing a penalty that, for a while,…
Spain reach World Cup final after dismantling France
Spain are into the World Cup final after a dominant victory over France, with Luis de la Fuente’s side keeping a clean sheet in six of their seven games at…
Ismail Elfath appointed to referee World Cup final as Oliver and Taylor ruled out
American referee Ismail Elfath has been appointed to take charge of the World Cup final, having already officiated group stage matches between Japan and the Netherlands and Uruguay versus Spain,…
Newcastle’s Emily Murphy in advanced talks to join Brighton in potential club-record sale
Newcastle United are set to receive a club-record sale fee as forward Emily Murphy edges closer to joining Brighton, with sources confirming the 23-year-old is in advanced discussions over the…
Deschamps expects spectacular Spain showdown as France chase third straight World Cup final
Didier Deschamps has described Spain as favourites ahead of their World Cup semi-final, even as he insisted France are ready to reach a third consecutive final. The outgoing France boss,…
Deschamps warns France are ‘at another level’ ahead of Spain semi-final
Didier Deschamps has insisted France are operating at a new level as they prepare to face Spain in a World Cup semi-final, with the outgoing manager stepping down after 14…
Declan Rice fitness doubt for England semi-final after illness forces half-time substitution
Declan Rice is a doubt for England’s World Cup semi-final in Atlanta after illness forced the Arsenal midfielder off at half-time during the quarter-final victory over Norway. Rice had spent…
Iraola calls on Liverpool players to earn Anfield atmosphere as new era begins
Andoni Iraola has urged his Liverpool players to earn the backing of the Anfield crowd, acknowledging that the atmosphere supporters create must first be sparked from within the pitch. The…
Borrowed boots, no trophy: The forgotten story of football’s greatest World Cup scorer
Just Fontaine’s name surfaces every four years as the benchmark against which the latest generation of strikers is measured — yet for much of the time in between, he remains…
Kane backs Tuchel’s frustrations as England target improvement ahead of Argentina semi-final
Harry Kane has backed Thomas Tuchel’s frustrations with England’s performances while insisting the squad know they have another level to reach, with a World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta…