Kylian Mbappé has said he is not thinking about the World Cup Golden Boot race after he scored twice in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq on Monday to take his goal tally for the tournament to four. The forward, who was speaking at a news conference after the match, is joint-second in the standings, one goal behind Lionel Messi and level with Erling Haaland. “It’s not something I’m thinking about…
Portugal defender João Cancelo says neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Neymar deserve the criticism they are receiving at this World Cup. Ronaldo, 41, came under fire in the media after a lacklustrE performance in Portugal’s first game, a 1-1 draw with Congo DR. Neymar, 34, has not played for Brazil in their first two games due to a calf injury, leading critics to argue he should not have been included in…
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Norway dispatched Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey on Monday in their second World Cup game, booking their ticket for the knockout stages, and their players knew exactly how to celebrate: With the “Viking Row.” Norway fans have been performing the chant — for the first time at this World Cup — at both their opening games, as well as across host cities Boston and New York…
Roberto Martínez said his Portugal team are “united” and “stronger” ahead of their crucial World Cup game with Uzbekistan in Houston on Tuesday, after facing criticism for their opening 1-1 draw with Congo DR. Portugal’s star-studded squad put them among the pre-tournament favourites, but last week’s result increased the pressure on Martínez’s side, with a spotlight on captain Cristiano Ronaldo, 41. A social media storm saw midfielder João Neves being…
FOXBOROUGH, Mass — Declan Rice has paid a glowing tribute to Harry Kane by describing his tournament form as “inevitable” and added that he will proudly tell his children one day that he played alongside the England captain. Kane scored twice in last week’s 4-2 win over Croatia to tie Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top goalscorer in World Cups with 10. The 32-year-old will move above David Beckham into…
FOXBOROUGH, Mass — .Thomas Tuchel has said hydration breaks “change the identity” of World Cup matches and take away a “characteristic of the beautiful game.” At this year’s World Cup, all 104 games are due to be stopped once for three minutes in each half regardless of the weather or if the stadium is air-conditioned. An exception came on Monday when the break was aborted in France’s second half against…
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Thomas Tuchel said his plan to ensure England’s attacking players continue to thrive at the World Cup is to “not disturb the music” when they take on Ghana. The Three Lions beat Croatia 4-2 in Dallas in an impressive start to their Group L campaign as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford all got on the scoresheet. England can seal top spot with a win…
Lionel Messi said he was “very angry” when he missed an early penalty in Argentina‘s 2-0 win over Austria, before scoring a superb brace to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history . After being sent to the spot by VAR in Dallas, Messi fluffed a poor effort which rolled wide — which was his third non-shootout miss in the competition since his debut in 2006. The 38-year-old…
IRVINE, Calif. — Antonio Freeman has had his own incredible Seattle moments. But the former Green Bay Packers receiver said watching his son, Alex, score for the United States in a World Cup game on Friday was “10,000 times better” and kicked off “the best Father’s Day weekend ever.” Speaking to ESPN at the U.S. team’s training site, the elder Freeman said his phone overheated on Friday afternoon and that…