Category Other

Switzerland beat Colombia in shootout, Argentina up next

Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout in Vancouver on Tuesday to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 1954. Colombia faltered when Davinson Sánchez smashed his spot-kick against the bar and Cucho Hernández had his effort saved by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel before Rubén Vargas scored to book a quarterfinal date with holders Argentina. The two sides were tied 0-0 after extra time. It…

Jordan Henderson ‘proud’ of ‘special’ England despite injury at World Cup

Jordan Henderson spoke of his pride at being part of a “special” England team as the injured midfielder reflected on an unforgettable night that ended in a Mexican hospital. The 36-year-old is at his seventh major tournament and had quite the Sunday evening at the Estadio Azteca, where he managed to get booked despite not playing a minute and then took a painful tumble. Henderson joined his England team-mates for…

Martinez told ’emotional’ Messi to enjoy ‘his last World Cup’

ATLANTA — Lautaro Martínez told a visibly emotional Lionel Messi to enjoy the moment following Argentina‘s 3-2 triumph over Egypt on Tuesday to qualify for the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup. Messi began crying when the final whistle blew to seal the Argentina comeback from two goals down at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as teammates gathered around the captain to celebrate the result in what is likely the last World Cup…

FIFA suspended 2 U.S. staff members for Belgium game

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Two staff members of the United States soccer team were suspended by FIFA from Monday’s round of 16 game against Belgium. FIFA did not explain why it imposed the discipline on team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell. – U.S. loss sets mark for most-watched soccer game – Belgium say beating U.S. ‘justice’ after ban U-turn – USMNT shrugs…

Ed Sheeran backs England to reach World Cup final, performs for squad at camp

Ed Sheeran has said England are on their way to World Cup glory having played a secret gig at their Kansas City base. Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 victory against adversity at the Estadio Azteca gave fans shivers and set-up Saturday’s quarterfinal clash between Thomas Tuchel’s side and Norway in Miami. England were buoyed heading into the knockout phase by a visit from Sheeran, who performed for a group he has helped…

Egypt boss bemoans ‘injustice’ after loss to Argentina at World Cup

ATLANTA —Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said his team were the victim of an “injustice” in their 3-2 World Cup round of 16 defeat against Argentina, suggesting FIFA wanted “Lionel Messi to stay in the running” at the competition. Reigning world champions Argentina fought back from 2-0 down to win the game in Atlanta following a stunning late intervention by Messi who created one goal and scored another. But Egypt were…

U.S.-Belgium most-watched soccer game in American history

The United States game against Belgium in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup set another record as the most-watched soccer telecast in U.S. history, Fox said after preliminary ratings came out Tuesday. Fox said 30 million people watched the game, a 4-1 victory for Belgium on Monday in Seattle that moved them into the quarterfinals and eliminated the last of the tournament’s three co-hosts. Fox said audience…

Belgium’s Amadou Onana out of World Cup after suffering ACL injury

Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana has been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, the Red Devils have confirmed. Onana sustained the injury in the first half of Belgium’s 4-1 victory over the United States in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday. Belgium team doctor Brahim Hacene said: “Unfortunately, the medical examinations have confirmed that Amadou has suffered a rupture of the anterior…

Messi saves Argentina in dramatic World Cup win over Egypt

Lionel Messi scored in a record sixth-straight World Cup knockout match to help Argentina reach the quarterfinals after a stunning late comeback to beat Egypt 3-2 in Atlanta. Egypt were leading the defending champions 2-0 heading into the closing stages before Messi provided an assist for Cristian Romero in the 79th minute and then a goal of his own four minutes later to tie the game. Just when it seemed…

Belgium say beating USMNT ‘justice’ for Balogun playing

SEATTLE — Shortly after Romelu Lukaku scored the goal that capped a commanding 4-1 win over the United States, Belgium‘s all-time leading goal scorer held his right hand to his ear. On American soil, and in the aftermath of star U.S. forward Folarin Balogun being permitted to play after a one-game red-card suspension was controversially lifted by FIFA, Lukaku egged on the crowd of 66,925 at Lumen Field. The Red…