GENEVA: Italy set an international record of 36 games unbeaten on Sunday as Germany and Spain returned to the top of their World Cup qualifying groups. Though European champions Italy were held 0-0 at Switzerland, Germany and Spain were joined by England and Poland in routing low-ranked opponents. Top-ranked Belgium were lifted by Romelu Lukaku … Read more
SAO PAULO: A FIFA World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil was suspended amid farcical scenes on Sunday after Brazilian health authorities accused a number of Premier League players of violating the country’s Covid-19 quarantine rules. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Tottenham duo Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso were on the Neo Quimica … Read more
PARIS: Cristiano Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in men’s international football with two late goals as Portugal beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1, while holders France drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022 World Cup qualifying on Wednesday. A day after completing his return to Manchester United, Ronaldo had an early penalty saved … Read more
BRASILIA: Brazilian former soccer star Pele said on Tuesday that he was undergoing routine exams in hospital and that he was in good health, denying a report of a more serious health issue. “Guys, I didn’t faint and I’m in very good health. I went for my routine exams, which I had not been able … Read more
MADRID: Atletico Madrid on Tuesday sensationally announced they had re-signed France forward Antoine Griezmann on a season-long loan from Barcelona. In one of the most eye-catching moves on Europe’s deadline day, Atletico secured the return of a player they sold for a reported 120 million euros ($141.68 million) in 2019. Mann, what a day.🔴⚪️ #Griezback … Read more
SEVILLE: Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal celebrated his return from a long injury lay off by firing his side to a 1-0 win at Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday. Carvajal volleyed home a cross from Karim Benzema to break the deadlock in the 61st minute in his first start for Real since April … Read more
LIVERPOOL: Ten-man Chelsea delivered a fine defensive display as they held on for a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday after defender Reece James was sent off just before halftime of the Premier League clash. Having gone in at the break at 1-1 and down a man, European champions Chelsea were pleased at … Read more
KABUL: Players from Afghanistan women’s national football team had an “important victory” on Tuesday when they were among a group of more than 75 people evacuated on a flight from Kabul. Global football players’ union FIFPRO thanked the Australian government for making the evacuation of players, team officials and family members possible, with work continuing … Read more
MADRID: Gareth Bale scored his first Liga goal since 2019 but took two late goals from his replacement, Vinicius, to earn Real Madrid a 3-3 draw at Levante on Sunday. That result allowed champions Atletico Madrid, who beat Elche 1-0 earlier in the evening, to take top spot in La Liga. In the late game … Read more
Premier League club Liverpool have opened talks with forward Mohamed Salah over a new contract, manager Juergen Klopp said. Salah, who joined Liverpool from Serie A club AS Roma in 2017, has two years left on his current deal. The Egypt international is one of Klopp’s key players, having scored 126 goals in all competitions … Read more
