Garcia condemns ‘ugly’ Belgium criticism after statement New Zealand victory
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia slammed the “ugly” criticism his players had been subjected to, insisting “all Belgians should be proud” following their progress to the World Cup knockout stages. Following a pair of underwhelming draws against Egypt and Iran,…
‘Nothing is impossible’ – Cape Verde coach Bubista revels after historic World Cup progress
Bubista proclaimed “nothing is impossible” after debutants Cape Verde secured qualification for the World Cup knockout stages. The Blue Sharks sealed second place behind Spain in Group H, following a goalless draw with Saudi Arabia at Houston Stadium. Cape Verde became…
‘Nobody could see that coming’ – Tuchel defends full-back selections after James injury
Thomas Tuchel has defended his squad selection despite Reece James’ injury depriving England of their first-choice right-back. James started England’s opening two Group L games, but the Chelsea man has now sustained a minor hamstring issue. The injury is set to…
Bielsa leaving ‘nothing’ for Uruguay after World Cup disappointment
Marcelo Bielsa sensationally claimed he is leaving “nothing” for Uruguay to build from, as their World Cup exit was confirmed. Uruguay went down to 10 men and lost 1-0 to Spain as they crashed out of Group H on Friday….
Messi to start on bench but Scaloni hoping for high Argentina levels
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is hoping for more of the same from his team, even if Lionel Messi will be on the bench against Jordan. Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals so far at the World Cup, with…
Iraq must be proud of World Cup journey, says Arnold
Graham Arnold insists Iraq must look back at their World Cup campaign with pride, despite losing all of their matches. Iraq exited the tournament without a point to their name as they slumped to a thumping 5-0 defeat to Senegal…
England’s Toney: I bring more than just penalties
Ivan Toney wants to offer more to England at the World Cup than just being a penalty specialist. Toney was a surprise call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad, with the forward having not featured for the Three Lions since June 2025….
Martinez and Portugal focused on Colombia, not World Cup knockouts
Roberto Martinez said his full focus remained on Portugal’s final Group K game against Colombia rather than who his team could face in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Portugal take on Colombia at Miami Stadium in a battle for…
Stephan: France delivered ‘special’ performance for Deschamps
France assistant Guy Stephan said his team delivered a “special performance” during their 4-1 victory over Norway for the absent Didier Deschamps. Deschamps was not at Boston Stadium following the passing of his mother earlier in the week, but France and…
Resting Haaland and Odegaard a ‘no-brainer’ for Norway boss Solbakken
Stale Solbakken defended his decision to rest Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard for Norway’s 4-1 defeat to France in their final Group I game. With top spot on the line, France swept aside Norway at Boston Stadium, with Ousmane Dembele scoring…