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Sorry, Harry: Why Kane’s hat trick for Bayern doesn’t count in Germany

Harry Kane put in another dominant performance for Bayern Munich as he scored a hat trick in Saturday’s 7-0 win over Bochum in the Bundesliga … or, at least, he thought he did. Even Kane himself may have been surprised to learn after his three-goal haul that fans in Germany are slightly fussier than their English counterparts when deciding what can be defined as a “hat trick.” – Stream on…

European review: 10-man Man City still unstoppable, Man United end winless streak, more

The calendars have officially turned to autumn this weekend in Europe, and we’re starting to get a better sense of how clubs are looking this season in the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A. Manchester City looked like a team in need of a challenge as they cruised past Nottingham Forest despite being down to 10 men. Bayern Munich looked more like their old selves with a…

Fernandes stunner gives Man Utd needed win

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes struck a sublime volley to earn a 1-0 victory at Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday as Erik ten Hag’s side ended a three-match losing streak in all competitions.

What made Megan Rapinoe so good? Teammates, opponents and coaches break it down

On Sunday, Megan Rapinoe will don a U.S. women’s national team jersey for the final time. She’ll have recorded over 200 caps, and she’ll step on the Soldier Field turf with 63 international goals to her name, and the hope that she’ll add to that tally. For those in attendance — and even those watching on television — it’s an event that figures to evoke both joy and some sadness,…

Euros hosts Germany hire Nagelsmann as coach

Germany have appointed Julian Nagelsmann as their new manager, the German football federation (DFB) announced on Friday, with the former Bayern Munich coach replacing the sacked Hansi Flick. Flick was dismissed by Germany following their 4-1 defeat to Japan on Sept. 9, leaving the Euro 2024 hosts with a sizable task to rediscover their top form ahead of next summer’s tournament. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) The…

Transfer Talk: Juventus not yet convinced on USMNT’s Weston McKennie to renew contract

The summer transfer window has closed for Europe’s top leagues, but there are still moves in the works and plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals! The hopes of a contract renewal for U.S. men’s national team midfielder Weston McKennie at Juventus hinge on his upcoming performances, according to Calciomercato. The 25-year-old has not always…

Brandon Aubrey’s wild journey from MLS draftee at Toronto FC to kicker in the NFL

FRISCO, Texas — Growing up in Plano, Texas, Brandon Aubrey had friends wanting to be Dallas Cowboys stars Tony Romo, Jason Witten or DeMarcus Ware. Aubrey wanted to be someone different from those football-loving friends. He wanted to be Thierry Henry, the Arsenal star (1999-2007) and a World Cup winner with France in 1998. “He was the best player, a lot of fun to watch,” Aubrey tells ESPN. “He could…

Messi: PSG never honoured me for World Cup win

Lionel Messi said he resents not having been recognised by Paris Saint-Germain for his World Cup triumph, especially as all of his Argentina teammates were honoured by their respective clubs. Messi scored twice in the final and also converted a penalty in the shootout as Argentina won 4-2 on penalties against France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Regarding his return…

England women reach agreement over bonuses

The England women’s team have reached an agreement with the English Football Association (FA) over pay and bonuses, defender Millie Bright said on Thursday. The squad had initially paused discussions ahead of the Women’s World Cup, where England finished runners-up after losing the final to Spain. The squad had presented the FA with concerns related to bonus and commercial structures last year. – Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)…

European football is 40,000 referees short and the elite game is partly to blame

Late last month, UEFA head of referees Roberto Rosetti stood in front of a PowerPoint presentation and made an impassioned simple plea: “We need referees!” He pointed out that roughly one in seven registered match officials quit the game every year and that while football is booming around Europe, with increasing numbers of teams and leagues both in the men’s and women’s game, the pool of match officials isn’t keeping…