Neymar admits exaggerated reactions at World Cup in ad

Football – Inquirer Sports

Neymar admits exaggerated reactions at World Cup in ad

SAO PAULO — Neymar used a sponsor’s ad to admit he exaggerated some of his reactions after being fouled during the World Cup in Russia. The video, published Sunday and broadcast on several Brazilian TV networks, features the striker accepting criticism for the first time and promising to pick himself up. The striker scored two […]

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Transfer Talk: Chelsea target Vecino, Caldara, Rugani ahead of deadline day

ESPN FC News

Transfer Talk: Chelsea target Vecino, Caldara, Rugani ahead of deadline day

The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the

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Horan’s late goal pulls US into 1-1 draw with Australia

Football – Inquirer Sports

Horan’s late goal pulls US into 1-1 draw with Australia

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — Lindsey Horan scored in the 90th minute to give the United States a 1-1 draw with Australia on Sunday night in the Tournament of Nations. Horan scored on a bouncing header off a well-placed corner kick from Megan Rapinoe. The tie extended the Americans’ undefeated streak to 18 games. “I actually […]

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Whitecaps’ Davies begins farewell tour with performance to remember

Sportsnet.ca

Whitecaps’ Davies begins farewell tour with performance to remember

VANCOUVER – This is going to be one heckuva goodbye.

In the first game of the end of his time with the Vancouver Whitecaps – to cap a whirlwind week that saw storied Bayern Munich close a $22-million transfer for the 17-year-old winger – Alphonso Davies conjured two moments of brilliance Saturday so rare they perfectly demonstrated why he is so wanted in Europe and will be desperately missed in Major League Soccer.

Freed from the stress of his transfer uncertainty, the Canadian soccer sensation scored a pair of sublime goals and set up two others as the Whitecaps beat Minnesota United 4-2 and suddenly look capable of salvaging their Major League Soccer season.

Seriously, you couldn’t write it like this: a conquering hero – or hero about to go off and conquer – returning home to say goodbye, then scoring a pair of goals that everyone who saw them will remember forever.

"We know he’s a wonderful talent," Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson said. "We know he’s got ability, he’s got potential. But when he keeps playing like that, that’s not potential, that’s reality. I think the first 20 minutes was as bad as I’ve seen him play because I think the emotions of the week or the two weeks that he’s had, it takes its toll on young players. But I kept him on and I’m glad I did."

In the 56th minute of what had been a fairly dull game, Davies casually collected a turnover in midfield about 30 yards above the Minnesota goal. He turned and ran with the ball at three defenders. Davies faked a left-footed shot at the top of the penalty area, dragged the ball with the sole of his boot around Michael Boxall, knifed between two other defenders, then clipped a shot through goalie Bobby Shuttleworth to double Vancouver’s 1-0 lead.

WOW! What a finish by Alphonso Davies! #VANvMIN https://t.co/4xnuvQAkLr

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2018

In the 89th minute, after the Whitecaps had surrendered two late goals to turn a 3-0 celebration into a 3-2 nail-biter, Davies scored again – again brilliantly and again by evading three defenders – by curling in a shot from just inside the penalty area.

Alphonso Davies with the #VANvMIN https://t.co/eV6qXo1urK

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2018

"Yeah, it’s amazing," Davies told reporters. "Beginning of the week, I got signed to Bayern, as you all know. And then coming on the field with the club that took me in when I was little, I always try to help the team win.

"With all the big news going on, you know, and then coming back to Vancouver, I wanted it to be special. I think we went out there and we did our best."

After beating the Montreal Impact 2-0 on Wednesday night to erase a first-leg deficit and advance to the Canadian championship final against Toronto, then exploding offensively on Saturday and winning just their second MLS game since June 9, the Whitecaps suddenly look alive in the MLS playoff race.

Four points adrift of the playoff cutoff when the weekend began, and with just an 8.8 per cent chance of qualifying for the MLS Cup according to sportsclubstats.com, the Whitecaps seem reinvigorated and capable of surging as Davies powers the wave.

Yordy Reyna, with a play as impressive individually as were Davies’ goals, and Kei Kamara also scored for Vancouver. Davies’ setups gave him 10 assists in 21 games this season. Former Whitecap Pedro Morales holds Vancouver’s MLS record with 12 assists in 33 games in 2014.

"Phonzie will get the headlines tonight and rightly so again, but I thought Yordy was absolutely fantastic," Robinson said. "When you have nights like this, it’s important you enjoy them and take them in. It’s also important you remember it’s three points. We knew we needed to win this game. Anything other than a win, we knew it would be very, very difficult (to make the playoffs). And it is going to be very difficult for us."

Robinson said he was disappointed the Whitecaps scored four goals because they "could have scored six or seven."

It’s the two from Davies that no one who was at B.C. Place Stadium will forget. They are memories to be pulled out like snapshots and admired years from now when Davies is seen only on television, mostly early in the morning West Coast time, playing with and against the best soccer players in the world.

He is down to just six more MLS games in Canada. It’s unlikely any of them could eclipse Saturday’s.

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Arsenal vs PSG: Mesut Ozil ends tumultuous week on happy note as Gunners rout French champions

The Independent - Football

Arsenal vs PSG: Mesut Ozil ends tumultuous week on happy note as Gunners rout French champions

Arsenal 5-1 PSG: The German, who was captain for the day, scored the opener as Unai Emery's side ended their tour of the Far East with a confidence-boosting win

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Canadian Mark-Anthony Kaye fractures ankle in L.A. derby

Sportsnet.ca

Canadian Mark-Anthony Kaye fractures ankle in L.A. derby

LOS ANGELES — Canadian midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye fractured his ankle in Los Angeles FC’s derby match with the L.A. Galaxy on Thursday.

"I’ll start with the worst news of the night," LAFC coach Bob Bradley told the post-game news conference. "It’s Mark-Anthony Kaye, fractured inside part of ankle. Surgery (needed). That part has had me in a bad mood since I got the report at halftime."

There was no immediate timeline on Kaye’s return. An LAFC spokesman said Kaye saw a doctor Friday to determine the extent of the injury before coming up with a treatment plan.

The 23-year-old from Toronto, who had been having a breakthrough season, left the field 20 minutes into the 2-2- tie.

Kaye has started 20 of LAFC’s 21 matches this season with two goals and five assists. The former York University player spent time with Toronto FC II in its inaugural USL season in 2015 before playing the next two seasons with Louisville City FC of the USL.

He signed with expansion LAFC in February.

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Ronaldo set for Juventus league debut at Chievo Verona

Football – Inquirer Sports

Ronaldo set for Juventus league debut at Chievo Verona

MILAN — Cristiano Ronaldo will likely make his Juventus debut at Chievo Verona as the Bianconeri kick off their attempt to win a record-extending eighth league title at the Stadio Bentegodi. The 2018-19 Serie A fixtures were announced on Thursday. Juventus signed Ronaldo from Real Madrid earlier this month for 112 million euros ($131.5 million). […]

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Jose Mourinho insists Liverpool must challenge for Premier League title to justify big spending

The Independent - Football

Jose Mourinho insists Liverpool must challenge for Premier League title to justify big spending

Klopp had previously said he would never spend the sort of money United did on Paul Pogba

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A-League salary cap may be abolished with new collective bargaining agreement

ESPN FC News

A-League salary cap may be abolished with new collective bargaining agreement

The A-League salary cap could be abolished and transfer fees finally permitted between clubs as part of a new collective bargaining

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Jose Mourinho refuses to comment on Manchester United's title chances

The Independent - Football

Jose Mourinho refuses to comment on Manchester United's title chances

Mourinho hopes to secure at least two new arrivals ahead of the new season

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Transfer Talk: Barcelona trump Roma's move for Bordeaux winger Malcom

ESPN FC News

Transfer Talk: Barcelona trump Roma's move for Bordeaux winger Malcom

The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout

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Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius hits back at critics after further errors in Dortmund friendly

The Independent - Football

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius hits back at critics after further errors in Dortmund friendly

Karius was at fault for Dortmund's third goal in a 3-1 friendly defeat

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Neymar: “I couldn’t look at a football” after the World Cup

Football – Inquirer Sports

Neymar: “I couldn’t look at a football” after the World Cup

Brazil superstar Neymar admits that after his nation's quarter-final defeat to Belgium at the World Cup he couldn't look at a ball and didn't want to see any of the remaining matches.

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Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac see midfielder Renato Sanches 'unfreezing'

ESPN FC News

Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac see midfielder Renato Sanches 'unfreezing'

KLAGENFURT, Austria -- Bayern Munich coach Niko Kovac praised Renato Sanches performance in the German champions 3-1 comeback victory over

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Transfer Talk: Real Madrid ready £112 million bid for Eden Hazard, also targeting Mauro Icardi

ESPN FC News

Transfer Talk: Real Madrid ready £112 million bid for Eden Hazard, also targeting Mauro Icardi

Cesc Fabregas says Chelsea want all their top players to stay. After Eden Hazard hinted at a Chelsea exit, the FC crew explain why it makes sense for him to join Real Madrid this summer. The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer. When does the transfer window close in the Premier League and the top European leagues? TOP STORY: Real Madrid to move for Hazard, Icardi Real Madrid are preparing a £112 million bid for Eden Hazard and have also tabbed Mauro Icardi a target.  Madrid have been closely linked with Hazard for the last couple of seasons and already consider...

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Sports court overturns AC Milan’s ban from Europa League

Sportsnet.ca

Sports court overturns AC Milan’s ban from Europa League

AUSANNE, Switzerland — The Court of Arbitration for Sport has overturned UEFA’s ban on AC Milan competing in the Europa League this season.

The court says the punishment was "not proportionate" even though UEFA was right to judge Milan had broken financial monitoring rules.

UEFA must now review the case and apply a "proportionate disciplinary measure," the court says.

The court says UEFA had not "properly assessed" some relevant points, and the club’s finances improved after a takeover last week by a hedge fund in the United States.

The original sanction followed a spending spree last year under the club’s Chinese then-owners, who bought the club from Silvio Berlusconi in April 2017.

Milan finished sixth in Serie A last season and qualified for the Europa League.

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Transfer news, rumours - LIVE: Liverpool to confirm Alisson, Manchester United set for spending spree plus Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs latest

The Independent - Football

Transfer news, rumours - LIVE: Liverpool to confirm Alisson, Manchester United set for spending spree plus Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs latest

All the latest transfer news plus gossip, rumours and done deals

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Liverpool expect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to miss 'majority' of season

ESPN FC News

Liverpool expect Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to miss 'majority' of season

Liverpool have confirmed that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to the vast majority of the 2018-19 season as he continues his recovery from

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Transfer Talk: Real Madrid ready £200m move for Chelsea's Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois

ESPN FC News

Transfer Talk: Real Madrid ready £200m move for Chelsea's Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois

The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog

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Real Madrid have made 'an historic error' by selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, claims former president Ramon Calderon

The Independent - Football

Real Madrid have made 'an historic error' by selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus, claims former president Ramon Calderon

The 33-year-old was unveiled in Turin on Monday after completing a £100 million transfer to the Serie A champions

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Croatia gears up to give heroes’ welcome to World Cup team

Football – Inquirer Sports

Croatia gears up to give heroes’ welcome to World Cup team

ZAGREB, Croatia — Fans are pouring in from throughout the country as Croatia gears up to give a heroes’ welcome on Monday to the national team despite its loss to France in the World Cup final. Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the celebrations at the central square in the capital Zagreb […]

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France World Cup win proves Kylian Mbappe is the sport's future king

ESPN FC News

France World Cup win proves Kylian Mbappe is the sport's future king

MOSCOW -- He is still only 19 years old, but Kylian Mbappe has already gone one better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The

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France vs Croatia: Didier Deschamps will draw on Euro 2016 defeat to win World Cup final

The Independent - Football

France vs Croatia: Didier Deschamps will draw on Euro 2016 defeat to win World Cup final

The France manager says lessons from the Euro 2016 final defeat will serve his team well

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Miami commissioners delay vote on Beckham soccer deal

Sportsnet.ca

Miami commissioners delay vote on Beckham soccer deal

Miami city commissioners have pushed back a vote following hours of public comment for and against David Beckham’s latest soccer stadium plan.

At the end of Thursday’s meeting, commissioners delayed a decision until Wednesday to put a measure on the November ballot to replace the city-owned Melreese Country Club.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star and business partner Jorge Mas pitched their current plan Thursday night for their Major League Soccer franchise. The group’s latest proposal calls for a 28,000-seat stadium, hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, a new park and public soccer fields near Miami International Airport.

If commissioners approve, voters would decide on Nov. 6 whether to change the city’s charter and allow what would be a no-bid deal to lease 73 acres (30 hectares) at the Melreese site.

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FIFA invites rescued Thai boys to London awards event

Football – Inquirer Sports

FIFA invites rescued Thai boys to London awards event

MOSCOW — The boys soccer team in Thailand rescued from a flooded cave this week has been invited to FIFA’s annual awards event. FIFA President Gianni Infantino says they will be invited to come to London, where the world’s best player prize will be presented on Sept. 24. READ: Thai cave boys, coach invited to Spain […]

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France could take advantage of tired Croatia in World Cup final

Sportsnet.ca

France could take advantage of tired Croatia in World Cup final

Sportsnet’s John Molinaro and Alex Seixeiro are in-studio with Bob McCown and Joey Vendetta to talk about Ronaldo’s move to Juventus and who Real Madrid could target to replace him, then the guys give their picks for the World Cup final.

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England vs Croatia: 30,000 fans disappointed but proud in Hyde Park after World Cup semi-final defeat

The Independent - Football

England vs Croatia: 30,000 fans disappointed but proud in Hyde Park after World Cup semi-final defeat

For 80 barely believable minutes, football really was coming home

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Manchester City signs Riyad Mahrez in record club deal

Football – Inquirer Sports

Manchester City signs Riyad Mahrez in record club deal

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City has signed Riyad Mahrez for a club-record 60 million pounds ($80 million) as it further strengthens its team after winning the Premier League title. The 27-year-old Algeria winger was an integral part of Leicester’s astonishing run to the title in 2016, but has been pushing to leave the central England […]

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France vs Belgium LIVE World Cup 2018: Prediction, what TV channel, what time, how to watch online, team news, line-ups, head-to-head, past results, odds

The Independent - Football

France vs Belgium LIVE World Cup 2018: Prediction, what TV channel, what time, how to watch online, team news, line-ups, head-to-head, past results, odds

Follow all the action from the first semi-final of the 2018 World Cup

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Marcotti: It looks as if Ronaldo's on his way to Juventus

ESPN FC News

Marcotti: It looks as if Ronaldo's on his way to Juventus

Gab Marcotti explains developments between Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid and says there's a genuine possibility the he will leave for Turin.

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Ceres-Negros salvages draw with Kaya-Iloilo, retains PFL lead

Football – Inquirer Sports

Ceres-Negros salvages draw with Kaya-Iloilo, retains PFL lead

Kevin Ingreso snatched a late equalizer as Ceres-Negros kept its nine-point lead at the top of the Philippines Football League following another 1-1 stalemate with Kaya FC Iloilo on Saturday at Iloilo Sports Complex.

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England World Cup 2018 semi-final: Which players are suspended for next match and when are yellow cards reset?

The Independent - Football

England World Cup 2018 semi-final: Which players are suspended for next match and when are yellow cards reset?

England beat Sweden 2-0 on Saturday afternoon and will now play either Russia or Croatia for a place in the World Cup final. But which players will miss the clash?

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IKEA, fish and chips: Ibrahimovic, Beckham make friendly bet on Sweden-England

Football – Inquirer Sports

IKEA, fish and chips: Ibrahimovic, Beckham make friendly bet on Sweden-England

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Beckham have agreed on the terms of a friendly wager ahead of the England vs Sweden World Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Ibrahimovic, Sweden’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals, has been vocal in support of his homeland from his vantage point with his Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy — […]

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Belgium eliminates Brazil from World Cup, wins 2-1

Football – Inquirer Sports

Belgium eliminates Brazil from World Cup, wins 2-1

Belgium advances to World Cup semifinals, beats five-time champion Brazil 2-1.

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Bedic powers big Kaya win

Football – Inquirer Sports

Bedic powers big Kaya win

Kaya FC Iloilo warmed up for its back-to-back showdowns with leader Ceres Negros with a 4-2 drubbing of Stallion-Laguna last Wednesday in the Philippines Football League at Iloilo Sports Complex.

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FIFA rebukes Maradona for criticizing World Cup referee

Football – Inquirer Sports

FIFA rebukes Maradona for criticizing World Cup referee

MOSCOW — FIFA’s patience with Diego Maradona’s World Cup antics finally ran out on Wednesday. Soccer’s world body said it “strongly rebukes” comments by the Argentina great criticizing American referee Mark Geiger’s handling of England’s win against Colombia in the World Cup round of 16. It was yet another controversial moment involving Maradona —an official […]

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How do the World Cup quarterfinalists compare?

Football – Inquirer Sports

How do the World Cup quarterfinalists compare?

Just eight teams remain from the 32 who started the World Cup in Russia. AFP Sport looks how each side are placed ahead of the quarter-finals on Friday and Saturday. Uruguay vs France Uruguay: One of only two teams to win all four games so far, Uruguay boast one of the meanest defenses in Russia […]

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Kane gives England the lead from the spot

ESPN FC News

Kane gives England the lead from the spot

World Cup: Harry Kane penalty (57') Colombia 0-1 England

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Belgium unbeaten in 23 games after thriller with Japan

Sportsnet.ca

Belgium unbeaten in 23 games after thriller with Japan

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Croatia beats Denmark on penalties, sets up QF vs Russia

Football – Inquirer Sports

Croatia beats Denmark on penalties, sets up QF vs Russia

Danijel Subasic made three saves in the shootout as Croatia beat Denmark 3-2 on penalties to advance to a World Cup quarterfinal against Russia.

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Piatti, Silva score as Impact win 3rd straight, end K.C. unbeaten run

Sportsnet.ca

Piatti, Silva score as Impact win 3rd straight, end K.C. unbeaten run

MONTREAL – Ignacio Piatti and Alejandro Silva scored in the second half as the Montreal Impact extended their winning streak to three games with a 2-0 victory that ended Sporting Kansas City’s nine-game unbeaten run.

The Impact (7-11), coming off back-to-back wins over Orlando, handed Western Conference-leading Sporting (9-3-5) a first defeat since April 28. Kansas City’s unbeaten run included two wins in U.S. Open Cup play.

It was Montreal’s fourth win in five games, with clean sheets in all four wins.

Piatti scored his ninth goal of the season and his fourth in the last three matches in the 54th minute while Uruguayan midfielder Silva got his first MLS goal from the penalty spot in the 70th.

The Impact looked to have wasted a glorious chance as Saphir Taider and Matteo Mancosu couldn’t control a loose ball in front of the Kansas City net, but Silva managed to slip it to the onrushing Piatti for a bullet shot from the edge of the penalty area that went off the crossbar and landed just over the line.

Daniel Lovitz jumped on a loose ball in the area and looked likely to score when Ike Opara stuck out a foot to trip the Impact fullback. Piatti normally takes penalties, but it was Silva who stepped up to the spot and scored on a slow, rolling shot.

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