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USMNT’s Tyler Adams wants to play despite suspension risk

IRVINE, Calif. – Tyler Adams understands the logic. He gets it. But even knowing that earning a yellow card in Thursday’s match against Türkiye would see him suspended for the knockout round match the United States has already clinched, he still isn’t convinced that sitting out is the right decision. “I want to be on the field,” he told ESPN during a sit-down interview following U.S. training on Wednesday. “I…

England’s World Cup momentum stalled by Ghana after Kane miss

Harry Kane missed a golden late chance as England‘s World Cup campaign was brought back to earth with a goalless draw against Ghana at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday. England had only enhanced their credentials as one of the pre-tournament favorites in an opening 4-2 win over Croatia. But they couldn’t find a way past a Ghana side ranked 65th by FIFA — the lowest ranked team that England has faced…

South Korea see Group A finale in Mexico as ‘home’ game

MONTERREY, Mexico — Approximately 7,120 miles separate the Mexican city of Monterrey and the South Korean capital of Seoul. There is only one commercially available direct flight from Monterrey to Incheon International Airport, taking almost 15 hours. Everything else involves a transit of some sort. And yet, thousands of miles away, South Korea have not only been feeling the love in Mexico at the FIFA World Cup, it could even…

Ronaldo: World Cup clash with Messi would be ‘awesome’

HOUSTON — Cristiano Ronaldo said facing Lionel Messi‘s Argentina in a World Cup knockout-stage showdown “would be awesome” after scoring twice in Portugal‘s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday. Ronaldo, 41 — who had struggled in Portugal’s opening draw with Congo DR in Group K — scored with just six minutes played in Houston, and added a second before halftime, either side of a Nuno Mendes free kick. – Ronaldo…

‘Every ball I touched went wrong’ – Kalidou Koulibaly on Norway horror show

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Kalidou Koulibaly acknowledged he was culpable for Senegal‘s 3-2 FIFA World Cup defeat by Norway at the MetLife Stadium on Monday, which leaves their prospects of reaching the knockouts hanging by a thread. Having appeared sluggish in Senegal’s opening 3-1 loss against France, Koulibaly ensured a disastrous outing against Norway, where he was directly at fault for two goals during another listless display as the Teranga…

Ronaldo: World Cup clash with Messi would be ‘awesome’

HOUSTON — Cristiano Ronaldo said facing Lionel Messi‘s Argentina in a World Cup knockout-stage showdown “would be awesome” after scoring twice in Portugal‘s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan on Tuesday. Ronaldo, 41 — who had struggled in Portugal’s opening draw with Congo DR in Group K — scored with just six minutes played in Houston, and added a second before halftime, either side of a Nuno Mendes free kick. – Ronaldo…

Paraguay’s Almirón gets one-game ban for covering his mouth

ATLANTA — Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón has been given a one-match suspension after he was the first player to be sent off at the World Cup for covering his mouth in a game against Türkiye. FIFA confirmed on Tuesday that Almiron will miss Paraguay’s final group game against Australia on Thursday. World soccer’s governing body said the decision was not subject to appeal. Almiron made history when he was issued…

France boss Deschamps to miss Norway game after mother’s death

France coach Didier Deschamps will not be on the touchline for Les Bleus’ final World Cup group game against Norway on Friday after the death of his mother, the French Football Federation (FFF) said Tuesday. The FFF said Deschamps learned of his mother’s death on Tuesday morning and that he is going back to France to attend her funeral. “At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great…

Mexico players back Ochoa for historic World Cup start vs. Czechia

With their spot already guaranteed into the knockout rounds, Mexico players were in full support of a possible historic start for goalkeeping icon Guillermo “Memo” Ochoa against Czechia in their World Cup group stage finale on Wednesday. Ochoa, 40, was named to Mexico’s squad for a sixth World Cup, joining players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in that milestone. However, unlike Messi and Ronaldo, Ochoa has yet to…