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The motivation behind the mission to bring football to the Marshall Islands and obtain FIFA recognition all comes back to the love between a father and son. The islands in the central Pacific Ocean represent the last United Nations-recognised country in the world without a national football team. But Shem Livai, a Marshallese businessman who lives on the capital island of Majuro, is leading a group of footballing pioneers who…

If you needed further evidence that sport mirrors politics — especially international sport and, even more specifically, international football — then Russia is a case in point. In February 2022, they were suspended by both FIFA and UEFA from their competitions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. That meant no World Cup in Qatar and after the ban was extended, it meant no UEFA Nations League and no Euro 2024…

Cristiano Ronaldo continued his record-breaking form for Portugal as he grabbed two more goals in his country’s 6-0 thrashing of Luxembourg in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Sunday, giving them a second win in four days. The 38-year-old grabbed a double against Liechtenstein on Thursday and scored twice more in Luxembourg to extend his record tally of international goals to 122 in 198 appearances. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,…

A brace by Christian Ramirez and the first career goals by Aidan Morris, Philip Quinton and Max Arfsten helped shorthanded host Columbus to a 6-1 win against depleted Atlanta United on Saturday. The loss was the heaviest for Atlanta in the team’s history. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The Crew (2-2-1, 7 points) led 1-0 at the half on Morris’ goal in the 14th minute before exploding…

Russia eased to a 2-0 win over Iraq in a friendly on Sunday as they played their first international match on home soil since November 2021 after being barred from global competitions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Substitute Anton Miranchuk fired Russia ahead shortly after half-time, pouncing on a rebound after Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan Hachim parried Alexander Sobolev’s low shot to his right. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga,…

Spain’s late substitute Joselu struck two quick-fire goals on his debut to seal a 3-0 win over Norway in their first Euro 2024 Group A qualifier on Saturday as they got off to a promising start under new manager Luis de la Fuente. Spain, who have won their last 23 European home qualifiers, took the lead in the 13th minute through Dani Olmo, who flicked the ball into the bottom…

Germany forward Niclas Fullkrug scored twice to secure a 2-0 victory over Peru in a friendly on Saturday as the hosts launched their mission to rebuild a competitive team for next year’s Euros on home soil. In their first match since crashing out of last year’s World Cup in the first round, the Germans unusually deployed two strikers with Fullkrug and Timo Werner and were sharp in attack, especially in…

The January transfer window is closed around Europe, but teams are looking ahead to the summer and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals! Barcelona are increasingly interested in midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, with manager Xavi Hernandez making a special request to the club’s hierarchy in order to sign the Manchester City captain, as per…

New France captain Kylian Mbappe lived up to expectations with two goals in a 4-0 statement home win against the Netherlands as Les Bleus got their Euro 2024 Group B qualifying campaign started in ruthless fashion on Friday. Mbappe, named skipper after goalkeeper Hugo Lloris ended his international career in January, set up Antoine Griezmann for the opener before scoring the third, after Dayot Upamecano had doubled the tally in…

Argentina beat Panama 2-0 in a friendly on Thursday with goals from Thiago Almada and Lionel Messi amid a festive atmosphere in their first game in front of their home fans after winning the World Cup in December. Lionel Scaloni picked the same starting lineup from the World Cup final win over France as they looked dominant from the start, but could not break through the Panamanian defensive wall until…