Éder Militão has warned his Brazil teammates to expect a big test against Japan in Monday’s World Cup round of 32 showdown in Houston. The Real Madrid defender, who was ruled out of this summer’s tournament with a hamstring injury, was on the bench when Japan stunned Brazil 3-2 in a friendly in Tokyo in October to record their first win against them. Japan also upset England 1-0 at Wembley…
Police were out in force as thousands of fans flocked to Federation Square to watch Australia take on Paraguay at the World Cup. A 16-year-old boy who allegedly set off one of several flares was the only person arrested out of an estimated crowd of 7500. Several people were evicted from the live site following a small brawl in the viewing area, which had reached capacity by 10am. Police said…
Eberechi Eze has said Bukayo Saka is a “special player” as his England and Arsenal teammate hopes to make his first start at the World Cup against Panama on Saturday. Saka has featured as a substitute in England’s first two matches, having come into the tournament managing an Achilles injury that dogged the latter part of his domestic season. The 24-year-old looked lively during his cameo in the 0-0 draw…
SANTA CLARA, California — Socceroo players have lavished praise on Jordan Bos after his standout role in their 0-0 draw with Paraguay, with veteran teammate Miloš Degenek declaring him the best left-back in Australian history and Nestory Irankunda going one better, calling him the “best wing-back in the world.” Deployed onto the right-hand flank in place of the injured Jacob Italiano, with Aziz Behich coming into the side on the…
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Mauricio Pochettino was combative and seemingly frustrated with the news media during his postgame news conference Thursday night, telling reporters after the United States lost to Türkiye 3-2 at SoFi Stadium, that “the questions are a little bit weird” and the focus should be on the fact that the Americans finished first in their World Cup group. Pochettino, speaking in both Spanish and English, said it was…
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – After starting the World Cup with two performances full of incredible verve and vibrancy, the United States finished their group stage with a showing that was erratic, inconsistent and ultimately dispiriting as they lost for the first time at this World Cup — beaten on the final kick of the game when Turkiye substitute Kaan Ayhan smashed the ball into the net off a scramble in front…
SANTA CLARA, California — The Socceroos have moved into the FIFA World Cup‘s knockout stages after easing to a 0-0 draw with Paraguay. Requiring only a point to ensure they would lock up second place in Group D, Australia took control of the contest early in Santa Clara and never really looked in danger of conceding against the South Americans. The result ensures that the Socceroos will now face the…
The United States men’s national team’s opponent for the first World Cup knockout round has been confirmed, with Bosnia-Herzegovina lying in wait for the co-hosts in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday. That matchup was confirmed by results in Group F on Thursday, where Sweden‘s 1-1 draw against Japan meant that Bosnia would be the third-place team to face off with the U.S. – Why every round-of-32 team will, won’t win…
ARLINGTON, Texas — Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead and Anthony Elanga took it away six minutes later, giving Sweden a 1-1 draw Thursday night that sent both teams to the knockout round of the World Cup. Japan are advancing out of the group stage for the third consecutive World Cup and fifth time in seven tries since first reaching the round of 16 as co-hosts in 2002. The Japanese…
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – United States men’s national team attacker Christian Pulisic remained on the bench for the Americans’ group-stage finale against Türkiye. The U.S. lineup was announced just over 75 minutes before game time, with Pulisic listed among the substitutes. Brenden Aaronson took Pulisic’s usual spot at left wing, with only Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi keeping their spots in the lineup from the previous game against Australia. There were…