MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Brazil secured top spot in Group C as Vinícius Júnior inspired them to a 3-0 win over Scotland, a result that leaves the Tartan Army’s hopes of making the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed sides hanging by a thread. On a night where Neymar played his first Brazil minutes in three years as a second-half substitute, this was a wonderful night for Carlo…
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said his four players on yellow cards won’t start Thursday’s match against Türkiye to avoid the possibility of being suspended for the round of 32 match on July 1. The USMNT has clinched the top spot in Group D, and with Türkiye having already been eliminated, the match will have no bearing on the final group standings. Therefore, the four players on…
Tottenham are considering rivalling Manchester United to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, sources have told ESPN. Spurs are pursuing an aggressive summer strategy to back head coach Roberto De Zerbi after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season. Goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka became their fourth signing of the window on Wednesday — after Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson — and Tottenham also set to…
MEXICO CITY — Lionel Messi celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday during a World Cup that, at least for now, has brought him nothing but joy: Defending champions Argentina have already qualified for the knockout stage, and its captain has become the tournament’s career scoring leader. Messi marked the occasion alongside his teammates at Argentina’s training base in Kansas City, Missouri. This is his sixth World Cup and the fifth…
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has detailed the improvement in Ryan Gravenberch‘s game as he has developed into a key man for the Dutch at this World Cup. So far in this competition, Gravenberch ranks first on the team in assists (two, both against Japan) and second in ball recoveries. At a news conference before Thursday’s match against Tunisia, Koeman explained what has changed since the Liverpool midfielder spent the entire…
Jürgen Klopp has lended his support to “exceptional” England head coach Thomas Tuchel and told the country’s supporters to “stay calm” after the team’s 0-0 draw with Ghana on Tuesday. Expectations were raised among England fans after the Three Lions beat Croatia 4-2 in their thrilling World Cup opener, but Tuchel’s team failed to break down a stubborn Ghana side in Boston, Massachusetts. Klopp is working as a pundit for…
England are assessing Declan Rice and Reece James‘ fitness ahead of Saturday’s final World Cup group game against Panama. Rice was seen leaving Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Ghana with strapping to his left calf and walking with a slight limp while James, who has dealt with a variety of injury issues down the years, has a tight hamstring, sources have told ESPN. England are assessing the pair ahead of Saturday’s…
SANTA CLARA, California – Tony Popovic will be forced to make at least two changes to his starting XI after Jacob Italiano joined Mathew Leckie in being ruled out of the Socceroos’ crunch clash with Paraguay, but the coach has kept tight-lipped on whether Nestory Irankunda will return to his lineup. After Leckie was officially ruled out with a hamstring injury the day prior, Popovic confirmed on Wednesday that Italiano…
VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Canada lost home advantage as World Cup co-hosts after a 2-1 defeat against Switzerland denied Jesse Marsch’s team top spot in Group B and left them facing a round of 32 tie in the United States. Second-half goals from Rubén Vargas and Johan Manzambi secured Switzerland’s win and ensured that Murat Yakin’s side finished as Group B winners which earns them a round of 32 game…
ATLANTA — Qatar player Assim Madibo was given a five-match ban on Wednesday for the tackle that broke the leg of Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné at the FIFA World Cup. Madibo was issued a straight red card for the incident during Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver last Thursday. The FIFA disciplinary committee said the suspension was for serious foul play and that the decision was subject to appeal.…