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Socceroos phenom Lucas Herrington staying present despite global interest

ALAMEDA, California – 18-year-old phenom Lucas Herrington says he’s staying locked in on the Socceroos’ looming Round of 32 clash with Egypt, and not the reported interest of some of the world’s biggest clubs. Making his first World Cup appearance in Australia’s knockout-stage sealing 0-0 draw with Paraguay last Thursday – becoming the youngest ever player to start for the Socceroos at a FIFA World Cup – Herrington was characteristically…

Co-hosts Canada beat South Africa to book 1st last-16 spot

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Stephen Eustáquio scored in the second minute of second-half stoppage time, and Canada beat South Africa 1-0 on Sunday for its first knockout match victory in a World Cup and a first-ever appearance in the round of 16. A tense match at SoFi Stadium appeared to be headed for extra time until Eustáquio, who plays professionally for LAFC several miles away, put a stunning volley from outside…

Balogun says United States finding ‘another gear’ for knockouts

IRVINE, Calif. — United States forward Folarin Balogun said he can “feel the difference” in the atmosphere around the World Cup now that the knockout stages have begun. After finishing atop Group D, the U.S. is set to play Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California, in the round of 32. Whereas in the group stage teams can survive a poor result, that isn’t the case now that the tournament…

South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo quits after World Cup exit, criticism from president

South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo resigned on Sunday, a day after the team’s quick elimination from the World Cup and following heavy criticism from the country’s president. South Korea won its opening match against Czechia, then lost its next two Group A matches to South Africa and Mexico. South Korea hoped it would qualify for the next round as one of the third-place teams to advance in this year’s expanded…

Uruguay, Man United’s Manuel Ugarte suffers knee ligament injury

Uruguay midfielder Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury in his final World Cup group stage match against Spain, Manchester United have confirmed. The 25-year-old was stretchered off the pitch, visibly in pain, in the first half of Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat. Assessment into the extent of the injury is still underway, with the full timescale of his return unknown. United said in a statement: “Assessment of the injury is ongoing…

France, Argentina top World Cup odds; U.S. puts sportsbooks at risk

Star-powered France and Argentina, which both made it through the World Cup group stage with three wins, top the championship odds board as the tournament moves into the knockout stage, while the United States’ positive momentum will have sportsbooks sweating more with each game it wins. France is the favorite to win the World Cup at +350, followed closely by reigning champion Argentina at +430, according to DraftKings odds as…

Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz: 48-team format risks World Cup becoming ‘vulgar, ordinary competition’

Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz has criticised the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, expressing his fear that the move risks turning it into a “vulgar, ordinary competition.” The Portuguese coach spoke at a news conference after Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia on Saturday, a result which meant the Black Stars qualified for the knockout stage as one of the group stage’s eight best third-placed teams. “I do believe…

Liverpool and ‘great coach’ Andoni Iraola will ‘need luck’ for lasting success – Jürgen Klopp

Jürgen Klopp has backed Andoni Iraola to succeed at Anfield, but noted that if his former club and its new head coach are to form a long-term successful partnership, they will need some good fortune along the way. Klopp enjoyed a trophy-laden nine years in charge of Liverpool, delivering the club’s sixth Champions League and ending their long wait for a Premier League title before announcing his shock resignation during…

This World Cup’s United States team the best in country’s history – Jürgen Klopp

Jürgen Klopp has told ESPN he believes Mauricio Pochettino’s United States are the best version of the national team in the country’s history. The USMNT have captured hearts and minds across the U.S. thanks to their impressive victories over Paraguay and Australia during the group stage. Pochettino’s team face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 in Santa Clara on July 1. While the U.S. reached the semifinals in…

Thomas Tuchel admits England World Cup worry amid ‘tight race’ for injured stars

Thomas Tuchel has admitted he is worried about England‘s right-back situation heading into the World Cup knockout phase after Reece James‘ replacement Jarell Quansah limped off against Panama. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane struck in Saturday’s 2-0 victory against the already-eliminated Central American side at MetLife Stadium, setting up a round-of-32 tie against Congo DR in Atlanta on Wednesday. But England head to Georgia dealing with an injury headache, with…