Category Other

Infantino praises 32-team WWC: ‘FIFA was right’

SYDNEY — FIFA president Gianni Infantino hit back at critics and took a victory lap at the FIFA Women’s Football Convention Friday, saying that expanding the Women’s World Cup has turned out to be a success and “FIFA was right” to do so. The tournament had 24 teams competing in its previous edition in 2019 in France, but this edition in Australia and New Zealand expanded to 32 teams. Two…

Other
August 19, 2023

Rodri’s rise against the odds to Man City success involved doing his homework along the way

You won the treble. You scored the winning goal in the Champions League final. You’ve been hailed as the world’s best all-round midfielder. And you won the UEFA Nations League over the summer, cementing your status as your country’s most important player. Where do you go from there? With any other player, you might worry about all that success going to their head or causing some degree of complacency. But…

Other
August 18, 2023

James and Putellas create selection dilemma ahead of Women’s World Cup final

SYDNEY — Sarina Wiegman and Jorge Vilda are preparing for the biggest game of their coaching careers — the Women’s World Cup final between England and Spain here in Sydney. As the clock ticks down to kick-off, they must both make a huge decision that could shape their professional legacies. It is about high stakes and making the right call; balancing cold, calculated judgment against emotion and the gut feeling…

Other
August 18, 2023

Why Kylian Mbappe chose to stay at Paris Saint-Germain

On Saturday night at the Parc des Princes, Kylian Mbappé was in a good mood. Not because his team, Paris Saint-Germain, were struggling to score without him against Lorient in their Ligue 1 opening game of the 2023-24 season. Not because one of his best friends in football, Ousmane Dembélé, was sat next to him in his box. No: most of all, Mbappé was happy because he knew that his…

Other
August 18, 2023

Bundesliga preview: What you need to know about all 18 teams, key transfers, prospects in 2023-24

The 2022-23 Bundesliga season saw Bayern Munich win their 11th consecutive title, but it obscures the fact that it was secured on the final day of the season, in a dramatic twist, snatched from the grasp of Borussia Dortmund. It was a result that did little to combat allegations that Germany’s top flight is predictable, but the circuitous journey the Bavarians took to lifting the Meisterschale ensured plenty of intrigue…

Other
August 17, 2023

Ruthless England end Australia’s World Cup dream to reach final

SYDNEY — It was sheer pragmatic, controlled aggression from England that ended Australia’s fairy tale. Not even Sam Kerr scoring one of the greatest goals in Women’s World Cup history could keep the music playing for the team that has led Australian football to new heights. The Lionesses had no interest in playing their role in the miracle of the Matildas; that’s just not how they do things under coach…

Other
August 17, 2023

Australia’s historic World Cup gives fans generation-defining memories

SYDNEY, Australia — Some will tell you that the Women’s World Cup branding around the host cities in Australia and New Zealand is scant, but in all nine, it’s there. You’ll see the touch of the tournament across billboards, countless lampposts and trams. There are always the ones that tell you where you are, fabric declaring “Sydney/Gadigal” waving in the breeze across the bay from the Opera House — basically,…

Other
August 17, 2023

Spain have passed every test put to them to reach WWC final

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — It was written in the script that this semifinal would be settled by a decisive set piece. The twist in the tale, however, was that it was scored by Spain, rather than Sweden, to secure La Roja’s first Women’s World Cup final appearance. By doing so with their 2-1 win at Eden Park, Spain sent a message to their potential opponents in the final on Sunday…

Other
August 16, 2023

A new chapter is about to be written in an epic rivalry

SYDNEY — England’s Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman has taken a crash course on the England-Australia sporting rivalry this week. The front page of Monday’s Australian Daily Telegraph would’ve helped bring her up to speed. The headline rang out: “Now for the Poms!” The accompanying text detailed the tale of this summer’s sporting match-ups between the two nations: the battle for The Ashes in men’s and women’s cricket, and the recent…

Other
August 16, 2023

Kepa targets permanent Real Madrid transfer

Kepa Arrizabalaga said he wants to stay at Real Madrid for the long term as he was unveiled as the club’s latest signing on Tuesday, after arriving on loan to replace the injured Thibaut Courtois. Madrid moved quickly to sign goalkeeper Kepa — who had been on the brink of joining Bayern Munich from Chelsea — when No.1 Courtois suffered an ACL tear in training last week. – Stream on…

Other
August 16, 2023

How will Liverpool move on from Alexander-Arnold, as Real Madrid move nears?May 6, 2025
LIVERPOOL, England — As Trent Alexander-Arnold held his arms aloft and soaked up the ovation from the Anfield crowd after his Liverpool side had clinched the Premier League title with a 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday, a jubilant Kop crowed: “He’s Alexander-Arnold, the Scouser in our team.” It has been a familiar refrain… Read more: How will Liverpool move on from Alexander-Arnold, as Real Madrid move nears?
Transfer rumors, news: Madrid in talks with Arsenal star SalibaMay 6, 2025
Arsenal and Manchester City are keeping tabs on Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, while Manchester United will battle Newcastle United for Bryan Mbeumo’s signature. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe. Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s January grades | Women’s January grades – Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool… Read more: Transfer rumors, news: Madrid in talks with Arsenal star Saliba
Man United ratings: Garnacho, Amad bright sparks; young stars struggleMay 5, 2025
Manchester United suffered a third Premier League away defeat in four matches on Sunday as they lost 4-3 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. It was almost a nightmare start for the Red Devils when Luke Shaw headed a ball narrowly past his own goal following a lack of communication with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir,… Read more: Man United ratings: Garnacho, Amad bright sparks; young stars struggle
Transfer rumors, news: Juventus make first concrete move to sign HøjlundMay 5, 2025
Juventus have taken the first concrete steps to sign Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United, while Dean Huijsen’s future could be decided this month with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all in the race. Join us for the latest transfer news, rumors and gossip from around the globe. Transfers homepage | Done deals | Men’s January grades… Read more: Transfer rumors, news: Juventus make first concrete move to sign Højlund
Leeds win title, Lampard’s Coventry in playoffsMay 4, 2025
Leeds United sealed the Championship title while Frank Lampard guided Coventry City to their second playoff appearance in three years in a typically dramatic final day in the second tier of English football. Daniel Farke’s team pipped Burnley to the league title on goal difference after Manor Solomon’s 91st-minute goal sealed a 2-1 win over… Read more: Leeds win title, Lampard’s Coventry in playoffs
The worst game in Premier League history? Southampton might just be the worst teamMay 4, 2025
LEICESTER, England — The security guard tasked with pat-down duties at the entrance to the King Power Stadium ahead of Leicester City’s Premier League game against Southampton had a wry grin on his face. “Enjoy,” he said, as he granted access. “If you can!” It’s a line he will have grown accustomed to saying this… Read more: The worst game in Premier League history? Southampton might just be the worst team
Maguire: Utd owe fans a trophy after poor seasonMay 3, 2025
Harry Maguire has said Manchester United’s players feel they owe the fans a trophy to repay their faith during a miserable season in the Premier League. United are set to finish in the bottom half the table for the first time since 1990, but their league form is in stark contrast to the results in… Read more: Maguire: Utd owe fans a trophy after poor season
Conte: McTominay better now than at Man UnitedMay 3, 2025
Napoli manager Antonio Conte praised Scott McTominay’s rise to prominence, highlighting the Scotland midfielder’s growing maturity and influence as the Serie A leaders head into the decisive final weeks of the Serie A title race. Conte’s side are in a strong position before Saturday’s match at Lecce, holding a three-point lead ahead of inconsistent second-placed… Read more: Conte: McTominay better now than at Man United
Man United look like different (good) team as Europa League final gets closerMay 2, 2025
BILBAO, Spain — A performance out of nowhere and a result no one saw coming: Manchester United breathed new life into their ailing season by shocking Athletic Club in the Europa League semifinals Thursday night. A stunning 3-0 victory in Bilbao means Ruben Amorim’s team — battered and bruised by a miserable campaign in the… Read more: Man United look like different (good) team as Europa League final gets closer
Source: Chicago Fire in talks with Kevin De BruyneMay 2, 2025
Chicago Fire FC is in talks with Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne on a designated player contract, a source confirmed to ESPN, and look to have the inside track to sign the Belgium playmaker if he moves to MLS. De Bruyne announced last month that he would leave Man City at the end of… Read more: Source: Chicago Fire in talks with Kevin De Bruyne