Spain put their World Cup rivals on notice with a dominant 3-0 win over Austria on Thursday thanks to a Mikel Oyarzabal double and another commanding defensive display to reach the last 16. Spain, who arrived at the tournament among the favourites and have yet to concede a goal, made a slow start with a […]
World Cup
USA beat Bosnia despite Balogun red card, enter World Cup last 16
Folarin Balogun scored and was sent off as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the last 16 of the World Cup on Wednesday. The co-hosts’ first World Cup knockout victory in nearly a quarter-century – and only their second ever – sets up a clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday. […]
Climate change linked to dangerous World Cup heat, study finds
A new scientific study has concluded that the extreme heat and humidity affecting parts of the United States during the FIFA World Cup would have been virtually impossible without climate change. Researchers said the current weather conditions reflect a significantly warmer climate than in previous centuries, raising fresh concerns about player safety, public health and […]
Cristiano Ronaldo pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after victory
Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated Portugal’s dramatic FIFA World Cup victory over Croatia to the memory of late teammate Diogo Jota, describing the timing as a remarkable “coincidence of life.” Portugal secured a 2-1 win to reach the last 16 almost exactly one year after Jota’s tragic death, making the emotional occasion even more meaningful for the […]
Portugal and Spain set up blockbuster World Cup last 16 clash
Portugal and Spain secured their places in the FIFA World Cup last 16 after producing contrasting victories, setting up a highly anticipated knockout meeting on Monday. Portugal survived a dramatic contest to defeat Croatia 2-1, while Spain delivered a dominant performance to comfortably beat Austria 3-0. The two European heavyweights will now battle for a […]
Portugal edge Croatia as Ronaldo makes World Cup history
Portugal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia to book their place in the FIFA World Cup last 16, where they will meet Spain in a highly anticipated clash. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the first World Cup knockout-stage goal of his career from the penalty spot before substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home a stoppage-time winner. Croatia […]
United States stun Bosnia to reach World Cup last 16
The United States secured a determined 2-0 victory over Bosnia on Wednesday to book a place in the FIFA World Cup last 16, ending a 24-year wait for a knockout-stage win. The result also snapped the Americans’ frustrating run of 10 consecutive defeats against European opponents, keeping their hopes of a memorable tournament alive. The […]
Morocco down Netherlands to reach World Cup last 16
Morocco defeated the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup on Monday after a thrilling battle in Monterrey finished 1-1 after extra-time. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made the crucial save to block the Netherlands’ fourth penalty from Crysencio Summerville before striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast […]
Ambitious Japan search for answers after World Cup exit
Japan will never win the World Cup unless football becomes the country’s number one sport, midfielder Daichi Kamada warned after their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brazil on Monday. Asia’s best side arrived in North America with ambitions of winning the tournament, and they were touted as outside favourites to go far. But they were knocked […]
Eustaquio’s stoppage-time strike sends Canada into World Cup last 16
Stephen Eustaquio hammered home a rasping strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 92nd minute to give Canada a 1-0 victory over South Africa on Sunday, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time in their history. Eustaquio received the ball on the edge of the South […]