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Adil Rami sprayed fire extinguisher on French team

9 hours ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
                 

Coleen moves to US to be with husband Wayne Rooney

9 hours ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
England football star Wayne Rooney's wife Coleen has revealed that she is moving to Washington to be with her husband, who's plying his trade with Major League Soccer (MLS) side DC United. "Wishing our Daddy and my Wayne all the luck, happiness and success in America!!! It's a move we are going to do as a family," Coleen wrote on Twitter recently. She followed the tweet with a congratulatory message to Wayne on his career success. "Leaving England with so many trophies and also as England and Man Utd's all time Top goal scorer is a massive achievement!! It hasn't been done for years and you did it!!!" The ex-Everton striker played a key role in helping his side win since he joined in May with a 3-1 triumph over Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates..
                 

Argentine bull dubbed Mbappe in honour of French star

9 hours ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Mbappe, a 22-month-old bull weighing 920 kg (2,028 lbs) named after the young French national football team star, was the first specimen to enter Argentina's 132nd Livestock, Agriculture and Industry Expo on Monday. The bull - described as a "moderately-sized" animal with "high breed quality" during the show's opening event - hails from the Curaco farm, owned by rancher Luciano Trappa, reports Efe. "In this year of World Cup passion, we want to honour the figure of the winning national team," Trappa said of 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who won Best Young Player at the world soccer tournament. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete o..
                 

Usain Bolt set for trial with Australian football club Central Coast Mariners

9 hours ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Usain Bolt is on the verge of sealing a deal to trial with the A-League's Central Coast Mariners, the Australian club said yesterday, as the sprint legend pursues his dream of playing professional football. Eight-time Olympic champion Bolt, 31, who retired from athletics after August's World Championships in London, is an avid Manchester United fan who has long dreamt of playing top-flight football. Training in full swingThe 100m and 200m world record-holder trained with Norwegian club Stromsgodset last month and Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund in March. The planned arrangement will see him take part in a six-week trial starting next month at the Mariners' base in Gosford, some 75 kilometres north of Sydney, chief executive Shaun Mielekamp said. A season-long deal could follow if it goes well, he told commercial broadcaster Channel Seven. Football agent Tony Rallis, who has been working on the deal, told Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast yesterday it has been agreed "in princi..
                 

Cristiano Ronaldo aiming for Champions League success with Juventus

10 hours ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Cristiano Ronaldo said Monday that he's "different" from other players of his age who move to China or Qatar for mega-money deals, during an official unveiling as a Juventus player in which he said he wanted to help bring Champions League success to his new club. With the World Cup over, the superstar attacker's 100 million-euro ($117 million) move from European champions Real Madrid has put all eyes on the Italian champions and Serie A, and Ronaldo said that he wasn't "here on holiday". "I'm different from other players who think their careers are over when they're my age," said the 33-year-old Portugal captain. "I want to show that I'm not like the others, I'm different. "Players of my age go to China or Qatar so coming to such an important club at this stage in my career makes me very happy." The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was his usual confident self at a press conference held largely in Portuguese at Juve's state-of-the-art Allianz Stadium that was attended by media from all ov..
                 

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini backs Felipe Anderson to add 'new dimension'

10 hours ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
West Ham United manger Manuel Pellegrini believes the London club's record signing, Felipe Anderson, will give his team a "new dimension". The 25-year-old Brazilian attacking midfielder signed for a reported £33.5 million ($44 million, 38 million euros), potentially rising to £42 million, from Italian club Lazio on Sunday. "We feel he will bring a new dimension to the squad but also complement the attacking players we already have," Pellegrini said. Anderson was the Hammers' seventh pre-season signing and former Manchester City manager Pellegrini, who took charge of the east London club after they decided against renewing David Moyes's contract, even though the Scot guided them to top-flight survival last season. "Felipe has a very natural and skilful ability, in the traditional style of Brazilian football, but has proven at Lazio that he also has the strength and mentality to play at the top level in European football," Chilean manager Pellegrini added. And..
                 

Panama World Cup coach Hernan Dario Gomez quits

11 hours ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Hernan Dario Gomez said on Tuesday that he was quitting as coach of Panama after leading the nation to their first World Cup finals. "Now, for me, it is the time for the difficult act of moving my feet from the place where I have put my heart," wrote the Colombian coach, who is known as Bolillo, in a letter published by the Panamanian football federation. Panamanian media reported that Gomez was taking over Ecuador, which finished eighth in the 10-team World Cup qualifying group and failed to reach Russia. Gomez coached Ecuador from 1999 to 2004 and led them to the 2002 World Cup, four years after guiding his native Colombia to the finals. Gomez took charge of Panama in 2014 and led them to the third qualifying place in the final regional group, thanks to an 88th-minute goal in their last game, which allowed them to edge Honduras on goal difference and the United States by a point. In Russia, Panama struggled, losing to Belgium, England, and Tunisia, conceding 11 goals while scoring j..
                 

Kylian Mbappe quashes Paris St Germain exit

yesterday  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
French football player Kylian Mbappe has said that he will continue his journey with Paris Sain-Germain and there are no plans of joining the Real Madrid Club. The 19-year-old was rumoured to have decided to join the Madrid based club. "I will stay with PSG, continuing on my path with them," Goal.com quoted Mbappe, as saying. "I am at the beginning of my career," he added. The attacking midfielder, who was named Young Player of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, was reportedly at the target of Real Madrid after the exit of star Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo from the club. Mbappe played a crucial part in securing France a 4-2 victory against Croatia in the FIFA World Cup final. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Heroes' welcome for runners-up Croatia

yesterday  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
World Cup runners-up Croatia returned to a heroes' welcome as they flew into Zagreb yesterday. Zlatko Dalic's side were surprise finalists in Russia but were beaten 4-2 by France in Sunday's showpiece event in Moscow. Croatia, who eliminated England in extra-time in their semi-final clash, may have lost but the squad were greeted by jubilant supporters as they arrived back home. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Coach Didier Deschamps says his boys are young and crazy

yesterday  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
France manager Didier Deschamps described his delirious World Cup-winning squad as "a little mad" after they celebrated their victory over Croatia in the final by gatecrashing his press conference. As he prepared to begin his post-match media conference Deschamps was mobbed by a conga line of players chanting his name and dousing him with beer and champagne. He was hugged, squeezed, jostled and cajoled by the young, diverse and talented team he has led to the summit of the sport and he did not attempt to stop them for a moment. "They are a little crazy, they have always been a little mad," he said with the broadest of smiles. "They are young and they are happy." At 49, Deschamps cannot claim to be young, but he could hardly conceal his happiness. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibil..
                 

MSSA: A lowdown on defending champions and runners-up

yesterday  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Defending champions Don Bosco 'A' (Matunga), who won both, the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) boys U-16 Div-I League as well as the Ahmed Sailor knockout tournaments last year, are ready to defend their crown as they take on St Mary's ICSE 'A' in their opening match at Azad Maidan, while U-16 Division 1 runners-up Campion 'A' face former champions (2014) St Lawrence (Kandivli) at Azad Maidan tomorrow. Vansh Kale, who was part of the Bosco boys' 3-0 final triumph against Campion last year, said the team began practising early. "We started practicing for this season in May. Our team co-ordination is pretty good," said Kale. Campion's goalkeeper is tested by his teammates during a training session in Colaba yesterday Bosco's balancedWhen asked to name few teams who he felt could pose a threat to Don Bosco, Kale said: "Campion and St Mary's SSC [Mazagaon] are the teams who tend to play well against us, but I'm confident we can do well against any opposition." Don Bosco coach ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Putin's umbrella hogs all limelight at WC presentation

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Russian President Vladimir Putin¿s umbrella stole the show at the presentation ceremony of FIFA World cup 2018 amid a post-match downpour in Moscow. During the ceremony, it commenced pouring and Putin was the only one to be offered an umbrella, while other world leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Croatian leader Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic along with Fifa boss Gianni Infantino got drenched. Apparently, all of them were unfazed by the lack of any specific effort to shield them from the rain. However, later someone managed to rustle up a few umbrellas (smaller ones) for the visiting guests, as per several media reports. Soon after the picture of Putin surfaced on social media, Tweeple could not maintain their calm, and have responded to it. "Only Putin gets an umbrella," Piers Morgan tweeted. Only Putin gets an umbrella. pic.twitter.com/jGX0oGUf4k — Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 15, 2018 "Big umbrella for Putin, late small umbrella for guests, or as T..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Our children will be proud, says French striker Griezmann

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
France forward Antoine Griezmann hailed his "extraordinary" teammates after Les Blues won the FIFA World Cup for a second time. Griezmann was named man of the match, scoring from the penalty spot and setting up Paul Pogba for France's fourth goal in their 4-2 victory over Croatia on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency. He also delivered the 18th-minute free-kick that flew into the back of the net after a deflection off Mario Mandzukic's head. "For me the collective is the most important thing. If you have a strong and united team, you can do anything," the Atletico Madrid forward said after the match. "I have extraordinary teammates and now we're going to be a part of history. Maybe it won't hit home immediately but in the future our children are going to be proud of what we have done. Now we have to enjoy it." Griezmann, who scored four goals during the World Cup, has been touted as a possible winner of this year's Ballon d'Or, awarded to the world's best player. The 27-year-old sai..
                 

FIFA WC 2018: Coach Didier Deschamps hails France's crushing victory

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
France coach Didier Deschamps hailed his side's "wonderful" World Cup victory after a 4-2 victory over Croatia in yesterday's final at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. Deschamps, 49, becomes only the third man to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach after leading France to their maiden title in 1998 as captain. "It's so beautiful, so wonderful," Deschamps told French TV channel TF1. Croatia president Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic embraces Luka Modric after he is presented with his World Cup runners-up medal yesterday. Pic/Getty Images "I'm really happy for this group... It wasn't always easy, but by working hard, listening, they are on top of the world for four years." France, strongly fancied to win the final, started their tournament in France slowly, beating Australia and Peru by the odd goal before a goalless stalemate with Denmark saw them top the group. But they moved up through the gears in the knockout stages, seeing off Lionel Messi's Argentina in a seven-goal thriller befo..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018 Final: France defeat Croatia 4-2 to lift their second titlel

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
France has clinched its second World Cup title with a 4-2 win over Croatia in a dramatic final in Moscow featuring a series of firsts and a pitch invasion orchestrated by Russian protest group Pussy Riot. France led 2-1 at halftime courtesy of the first own-goal and the first video-reviewed penalty in a World Cup final. The own-goal off the top of Mario Mandzukic's head was the 12th of the tournament. That's double the previous World Cup record of six. Croatia rallied to equalize on a terrific left-foot strike by Ivan Perisic, but France took the lead right back when Perisic handled the ball in the area. Argentine referee Nestor Pitana initially didn't call the handball but awarded the spot kick after a video review. Antoine Griezmann converted the penalty to put France back in front. Four pitch invaders disrupted the game in the 52nd minute for about a minute before being dragged away by security and police. Punk rock group Pussy Riot quickly claimed responsibility for the pitch i..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018 Final: Top 5 battles to watch out for in France vs Croatia

3 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
It’s time for the final face-off of the World Cup 2018 and we have two contenders to take the throne. On one hand France has galloped to the finals after topping their group and conquering heavyweights in the knockouts such as Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium. Croatia on the other hand has shown absolute relentless never-say-die attitude to reach the final frontier, on the way they knocked out Denmark and Russia in penalties, Croatia then upset high-flying England in added time and now they are just one step away from lifting their first ever FIFA World Cup trophy. Let’s take a look at the top 5 battles to watch out for in the all important final: MARIO MANDZUKIC vs RAPHAEL VARANE This will be the most grueling battle in-front of the French goal-post. Mario Mandzukic, who scored the winner against England will keep probing t to get an inch or two behind the French defenders, but Raphael Varane whose stoic defense has led to France keeping four clean-sheets already in the..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Mbappe not given 'special status' in team, says Deschamps

3 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
France head coach Didier Deschamps says that teenage forward Kylian Mbappe does not receive any special treatment in the team despite his status as an emerging superstar. The 19-year-old has been a pivotal part of the France World Cup team that will meet Croatia in Sunday's final at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. He has scored three goals in the tournament so far while causing havoc for opposition defences with his speed and trickery, reports Xinhua news agency. "Kylian (Mbappe) is a hugely talented young player," Deschamps told reporters on Saturday. "He has proved it once again at the World Cup, but I don't have a special relationship with him. He's one of our players who does the same job as the others do. He doesn't have a special status... I pay more attention to the young players. Kylian is a very smart guy who knows what he wants." Meanwhile, Deschamps has urged his players to keep a cool head during the match, in which France will bid to win football's most coveted trophy for a ..
                 

Sergio Ramos' post-World Cup days reserved for family

3 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: It's important to stay calm, says Luka Modric

3 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
It's been a topsy-turvy journey for Croatia while making it to their maiden World Cup final. They have already spent more minutes than any other teams in the World Cup with their last three knockout matches going into extra-time out of which two were decided in tie-breakers. Croatia captain Luka Modric faced some backlash for his comments about England's arrogance motivating them further to beat them in the semi-final. On the personal front, he is facing a case for perjury and will have to appear before a court of law immediately after the World Cup final. However, on the eve of Croatia's maiden World Cup final appearance here, Modric stressed on the importance of being calm. 'No doubts at all'“I never doubt myself and my abilities. All the stuff said to me will be extra motivation. There is no burden on me. I am really happy to be who I am and where I am. We are in the final of the World Cup and this is the moment to relax, to enjoy ourselves, to focus on the game an..
                 

Switzerland midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri joins Liverpool

4 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
English Premier League club Liverpool on Saturday announced the signing of Switzerland attacking midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri for the upcoming season. Shaqiri underwent a medical on Friday and was Liverpool's third signing of the summer. "I'm very happy to be here. It's a huge club with big history, big players and a fantastic coach," Shaqiri told Liverpool's website adding: "So I'm really glad and happy to be here. "As a player you always want to be on the biggest stage in football. A few years ago I wanted to come too but it didn't happen. I'm really happy that now I'm finally here, he stated further. "I want to improve myself too, I want to be with the best and I want to win titles. That's what I'm here for." Shaqiri was with Stoke City and scored 15 goals in 92 appearances for the Potters, who were relegated from the Premier League last season. Shaqiri scored a 90th-minute winner to give Switzerland a 2-1 victory over Serbia at the FIFA World Cup group stage game last month. Shaqir..
                 

Cristiano Ronaldo mania sweeps Turin with CR7 ice-cream and pizza

4 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
An ice-cream flavour in his honour, a pizza named after him, queues to buy his shirt: For some, Cristiano Ronaldo is as important as the Pope. Juventus made shockwaves over the world on Tuesday when it completed the signing of Ronaldo from Real Madrid for a Serie A record of 112 million euros, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner signing a four-year deal with the Italian champion. And Ronaldo mania is in full swing in Turin, with enterprising businessmen not missing the opportunity to celebrate the occasion and cash in on the arrival of the Portugal forward. Leonardo La Porta, who has owned Gelateria Miretti in the heart of Turin for 30 years, has created a flavour called CR7 - Ronaldo's famous brand name. La Porta, 50, is not a Juventus supporter, nor even a football fan, but has often creates flavours to mark important events in the city. However, he has only created one flavour in honor of a person before - when the Pope came to Turin in 2015. La Porta put a lot of thought into..
                 

Belgium deserve to finish with a win: Martinez

4 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Belgium's World Cup third-place play-off game against England here today offers them a chance to finish the tournament on a winning note and Red Devils' coach Roberto Martinez insists his players deserves to end their campaign on a high. Roberto Martinez's side, who were beaten 0-1 by France in the last four, topped Group G ahead of England after an Adnan Januzaj goal settled a low-key encounter in Kaliningrad. That game saw both coaches heavily rotate their teams, and a similar scenario is likely in Saint Petersburg, with several fringe players pushing for a start. For Belgium and their "golden generation", many of the key players should return for the 2022 World Cup, even if Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen will probably be gone by then. Martinez, who signed an extension until after Euro 2020 in May, can guide Belgium to the nation's best result at the World Cup. They finished fourth in 1986. "We want to finish on a high and these players deserve to finish on a high," said t..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: 2018 WC in Russia 'best ever', says Gianni Infantino

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
The FIFA World Cup has changed the perception of Russia among all countries as the visitors have discovered a hospitable country, full of people who are keen to show to the world that what sometimes is said is not actually what happens here, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. "It is an incredible, amazing World Cup. From the very beginning of the tournament, we have experienced incredible emotions from being here and in two days the top of all this will be the finals. These couple of years I said that the 2018 World Cup will be the best for all time. Now I can say it again, being convinced that this is the best world championship in history. I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the organization and preparation of the tournament," Infantino said at a news conference, reports Sputnik news agency. Infantino also thanked the government, President Vladimir Putin and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). "I thank all the people in this country who have ensured the optimal ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: England, Belgium get ready for third place clash

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
A match that no team wants to be part of -- playoff for the third place. Deflated England and Belgium will nonetheless want to end their FIFA World Cup campaign somewhat on a high on Saturday. England were left in the lurch after a gut-wrenching 1-2 defeat at the hands of Croatia after extra-time. Aiming a shot at the second World Cup triumph, Gareth Southgate's wards fell short despite taking a fifth minute lead through Keiran Trippier. On Saturday, they will take on a side they lost to in the group stages albeit both teams played their second teams. Roberto Martinez's Belgium, who were beaten 0-1 by France in the last-four stage, topped Group G ahead of England after an Adnan Januzaj goal proved to be decisive. England will aim to achieve their best finish since they won the competition in 1966. For Belgium, who have a collection of world class players, a win would be the nation's best result at the World Cup. They finished fourth in 1986. For the record, European teams have claime..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: England football WAGs proud of their men

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
It was a downcast evening for England following their heartbreaking 1-2 loss to Croatia in the semi-finals of the football World Cup on Tuesday. But their valiant effort won praises from all quarters, and leading thr tributes were their wives and girlfriends (WAGs). Skipper Harry Kane's fiancee Kate Goodland, who is expecting their second child wrote on Instagram: "Boys done us proud." Jordan Pickford and Megan Davison Harry Maguire is consoled by Fern Hawkins Striker Jamie Vardy's wife Rebekah penned a rather touching note on her Instagram account: "Our dreams don"t have an expiration date.... fall seven times, stand up eight! Proud of every single one of these lads! Till the end." Dele Alli of England and his girlfriend Ruby Mae Kyle Walker with Annie Kilner and his daughter  Defender Harry Maguire"s fiancee Fern Hawkins posted a picture of Maguire with the caption: "You have done yourself, your family and the whole nation proud. That in itself makes you a winner." Jamie ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Argentina's Nestor Pitana to referee World Cup final

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Nestor Pitana of Argentina will referee the World Cup final between France and Croatia, FIFA announced on Thursday. Pitana, a former actor who has already refereed four games including the tournament opener between host nation Russia and Saudi Arabia and France's quarter-final win over Uruguay, will take charge of Sunday's showpiece at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. He will have two more Argentines, Hernan Maidana and Juan Pablo Belatti as assistant referees. Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers will be the fourth official backed up by another Dutchman, Erwin Zeinstra. In addition to handling a French victory, Pitana was also in charge when Croatia beat Denmark in the last 16 on penalties. The 43-year-old's other game in Russia was Sweden's 3-0 group-stage victory over Mexico. In Brazil in 2014, Pitana refereed four matches. The last was France's 1-0 loss to eventual champions Germany in the quarter-finals. For the third-place playoff between Belgium and England in Saint Petersburg on Saturday, F..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: It's time to hold our heads high, says Harry Kane

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
England captain Harry Kane believes his side have "reconnected" with the nation after reaching the World Cup semi-finals. Defeat on Wednesday night to Croatia means football will not be coming home, but Kane says Gareth Southgate's men can be proud of their performance at Russia 2018. The Tottenham striker Kane, 24, says this England side has overcome challenges which "haunted" past sides, after progressing further in the global tournament than any England side since Italia 90. Kane wrote on Twitter: "A lot of emotions today. I'm so proud of this team and staff for giving everything we could over a long period of time together. We have overcome so many challenges that have haunted England in the past. We have reconnected with our amazing supporters. "It wasn't the outcome we wanted and I'm sure we will learn an awful lot from last night's game. "It's time now to hold our heads high as a nation and be proud of each other. I'm excited to be part of this team and the challenge to improve..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Mental strength carried Croatia to final, says Dejan Lovren

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Croatia have relied on mental strength to defy limited resources and become the smallest nation in 68 years to reach a World Cup final, said defender Dejan Lovren. Zlatko Dalic's men have taken the long road to a meeting with France in Moscow on Sunday after three lots of extra-time and two penalty shootouts in the knockout phase to squeeze past Denmark, Russia and England.Born to Croatian parents in the Bosnian city of Zenica, Lovren was forced to flee to Germany at just three years old when the Bosnian War broke out in 1992. His family eventually settled back in Croatia and the Liverpool defender believes a tough upbringing and fierce desire to make the nation of just over four million people proud are key motivating factors. "I think it is our mentality. We went through again a lot... wars, all these things, and even now the situation is not the best. But it is unbelievable how many talents we have in sports," Lovren told reporters after Croatia ended England's World Cup dreams wit..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Harry Kane reckons semis run just the start for England

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Playing in their first World Cup semi-final for 28 years, England blew a golden opportunity to reach their first final since 1966, surrendering a 1-0 half-time lead to lose 2-1 to Croatia after extra-time in Moscow on Wednesday. The tournament's top goalscorer with six goals, Kane himself missed a huge chance to give England breathing space in the first half. But he believes even brighter days lie ahead for the third-youngest squad on show in Russia. "It hurts now but I know when we look back there are a lot of positives, (a lot of) experience we can take. That's the aim, in two years' time in the Euros to go again and win big tournaments," said the Tottenham Hotspur striker. "We've shown we can do well in these tournaments and the aim is now not to wait another 20-odd years to get to another big semi-final. It's to go again and try to achieve our dreams." In their run to the last four, England re-engaged with a fanbase disaffected by decades of failure at international tournaments, m..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Harry Kane 'gutted' as England lose against Croatia

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
England captain Harry Kane could not hide his desperate disappointment after his side's 2-1 extra-time defeat against Croatia in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Moscow on Wednesday. "We're gutted. It hurts, it hurts a lot," Kane said after the match at the Luzhniki Stadium. "It's going to hurt for a while of course. We can hold our heads up high. It's been a fantastic journey, we got further than anyone else thought we would have," he added. Playing in their first World Cup semi-final since 1990, England took a fifth-minute lead through Kieran Trippier's superb free-kick. But Croatia summoned the strength to come back in the second half, equalising through Ivan Perisic before Mario Mandzukic got the winner in the 109th minute. "It's been great to get to this stage and we know we've done everyone proud but we wanted to go on and win it," Kane added. "We thought we were just good enough, we thought we could have done that. But we've fallen just a bit short. It hurts. I don't know w..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: We missed Euro title, so want this one, says Samuel Umtiti

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Match-winner Samuel Umtiti is targeting World Cup glory as he attempts to erase the memory of his Euro 2016 heartache. The Barcelona defender headed France to a 1-0 semi-final victory over Belgium on Tuesday and into Sunday's showdown with a chance to make up for the bitter disappointment of a final defeat by Portugal two years ago. Asked if he was a good luck charm after reaching that final, he said: "No, I'm not at all a good luck charm. We didn't win the Euros final, so that's why it's close to my heart now to reach this level at the World Cup. I hope it's going to be different this time, I hope we will able to bring the World Cup back to France." 51st minute: Umtiti heads the ball to score. Pic/Getty Images Manager Didier Deschamps, who led the nation into that tournament, is bidding to become just the third man after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer to win the World Cup as both player and coach, but is refusing to look back to his own triumph as a player in 1998. He said: "..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Courtois says defensive French are a 'shame for football'

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said his team's defeat by France in the World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday was a "shame for football", criticising Didier Deschamps's side for a defensive style of play. "It was a frustrating match. France didn't play at all, they defended with 11 players within 40 metres of their goal," he told Belgian TV channel RTBF. "They played on the counter-attack with Kylian Mbappe, who is very quick. That's their right. They know when an opponent plays very deep, that's where we have problems. The frustration is there because we didn't lose to a team who are better than us, we lost to a side who did not play anything and just defended. "Against Uruguay [in the quarter-finals] they scored with a free-kick and a goalkeeping error. Today, a corner. It's a shame for football that Belgium didn't win today." Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates This story has been sourced..
                 

Juventus online shop crashes over Cristiano Ronaldo jerseys

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Juventus' online shop went down yesterday just hours after the Italian club released its new line of jerseys with the number seven and the name of its latest signing, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has completed a $131.46 million transfer from Real Madrid. Ronaldo, 33, who spent nine years with the Spanish powerhouse, is to retain the number 7 at the Turin-based side, which has won seven consecutive Serie A titles, reports Efe. Although the Juventus online shop was down for the duration yesterday morning, fans were still able to go to official stores in Turin to pick up their brand new shirts. Juventus fans with their club's official Cristiano Ronaldo jerseys outside the Juventus store in Turin yesterday Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependabil..
                 

Real Madrid confirms Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Juventus

7 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Real Madrid have announced that the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus for a reported 105 million euro (Rs 845 cr) has been agreed. The Portugal star, 33, joined Real from Manchester United for a then-world record fee of £80 million in 2009. Ronaldo scored 451 goals in nine years for Real to become the club's record goalscorer. In a statement by the Spanish giants said: "Real Madrid CF communicates that, in response to the will and request expressed by the player Cristiano Ronaldo, he has agreed to transfer to Juventus FC. "Today, Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude to a player who has proved to be the best in the world and who has marked one of the brightest times in the history of our club and world football. "Beyond the conquered titles, the trophies achieved and the triumphs achieved in the playing fields during these nine years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been an example of dedication, work, responsibility, talent and improvement." Catch up on all the latest spo..
                 

Real Madrid announce Cristiano Ronaldo transfer to Italy's Juventus

7 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Real Madrid on Tuesday announced the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo to Italy's Juventus, with the Portuguese superstar saying the time had come "for a new stage" in his life. "Today Real Madrid wants to give thanks to a player who has demonstrated he is the best in the world and who marked one of the most brilliant periods in the history of our club and world football," the club said in a statement. It did not give any details as to the amount of the transfer but Spanish media reports have said it could reach 105 million euros ($120 million), with the 33-year-old signing a four-year contract worth 30 million euros per season. In a letter posted on Real Madrid's website, the multiple Ballon d'Or winner said his time in Madrid had been one of the happiest in his life. "I only have feelings of huge thanks for this club, for the fans and for this city," he said. "But I think the time has come to open a new stage in my life and that's why I asked the club to accept to transfer me. "I ask ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: England making amends for Iceland flop, says Eric Dier

8 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Eric Dier says England are reaping the rewards at the World Cup for a change in approach following a humiliating exit to Iceland at Euro 2016 but are hungry to go beyond the semi-finals. Aside from success on the field, a young side playing attractive football and seemingly freed from the fear of past failures has re-engaged with fans. "After Iceland we knew things needed to change," said Dier, who struck the decisive penalty as England won a World Cup shootout for the first time ever against Colombia in the last 16. "There has been a lot of changes since that moment (defeat to Iceland in the last 16), a moment where we were honestly extremely disappointed and we knew we couldn't let that happen again. "We could only make amends for that moment here at this World Cup. Two years is a long period, it's been a long process since then. We've learned from our mistakes, we've made things right and we've seen the way the country has got behind us." After the tension of extra-time and penalti..
                 

Croatia footballer Vida's wife Ivana grabs eyeballs in the stands

9 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Croatia defender Domagoj Vida's wife Ivana watches the FIFA World Cup quarter-final tie against Russia at Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia on Saturday. Vida scored an extra-time goal and one of Croatia's penalties in a 4-3 shootout win over the World Cup hosts in Sochi on Saturday. Croatia will play England in the semi-final on Wednesday and some Russian officials are calling on FIFA to take the toughest measures possible against the Balkan country. The pony-tailed 29-year-old shouted "Glory to Ukraine!" in a video posted by former Croatia international Ognjen Vukojevic shortly after the match. The two both spent parts of their careers playing for Ukraine's Dynamo Kyiv. FIFA, world football's governing body, said it was investigating. "FIFA is processing the different reports of the said match as well as potential evidence concerning the matter referred to in your message," a FIFA spokesperson told AFP. (With inputs from AFP) Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. A..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Pickford is proving people wrong, says Seaman

9 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman believes Jordan Pickford is relishing proving his critics wrong at the World Cup. The Everton number one has found himself under fire during the tournament, but he produced several superb saves on Saturday as England beat Sweden 2-0 to reach the semi-finals. David Seaman Seaman, who made 75 appearances for his country, said: "He's not lacking in confidence at all. You can see when he makes good saves he loves to celebrate them, and why not? He's doing this on the world's biggest stage and he's coming off the back of a little bit of criticism and he's relishing in the fact that he's proving people wrong and telling them he is Jordan Pickford and he will do it his way." Seaman added: "Some of the criticism he got for the goal [against Belgium] when he went with the top hand was a little bit unjust, I just thought it was questionable but that was about it. But boy has he replied in the right way." Catch up on all the latest sports news and update..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Pope consoles Brazilians - There'll be a next time

9 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Pope Francis is trying to cheer up Brazilian soccer fans after the team's quarter-final exit from the World Cup. The pope, an Argentine and an avid soccer fan, noted a preponderance of Brazilian flags on display in St Peter's Square during his traditional Sunday blessing. 'Have courage'He told the crowd: "I see a lot of Brazilian flags. Have courage! There'll be a next time." The five-time world champions left the World Cup empty handed after losing to Belgium in the quarter-finals, leaving only European teams contending for the title in Russia. Pope Francis often meets with visiting national soccer teams, has a collection of gifted jerseys and frequently promotes the value of sports particularly for young people. Argentina was eliminated from World Cup contention in the first of the knockout rounds. Spain coach Hierro sackedMadrid: Fernando Hierro, who stood in as Spain coach when Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the World Cup, will not continue in the role, the Spanish foot..
                 

FIFA World Cup: We want to write our own history, says Croatia's Rakitic

9 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Ivan Rakitic is hoping this Croatia team can go a step further after matching the country's heroes of 1998 by making it to the semi-finals of the World Cup. Barcelona midfielder Rakitic scored the decisive spot-kick as Croatia beat Russia 4-3 on penalties after a dramatic quarter-final in Sochi on Saturday finished 2-2 at the end of extra-time. The Croatian team after winning the third place World Cup match against the Netherlands at the Parc des Princes in Paris in 1998. Pic/Getty Images "We worked so hard and gave everything we had to get through to the semis. I think for a country like Croatia it is impressive and we want to keep going further," said Rakitic. "We want to enjoy this victory and not put more pressure on ourselves with what happened in 1998 — what they did was impressive but we want to keep writing our own history and enjoy what we are doing which is very positive." Croatia will play England in the last four in Moscow on Wednesday, as they aim to outdo the t..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Samedov, Ignashevich retire from international football

9 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Russian midfielder Aleksandr Samedov, along with veteran defender Sergei Ignashevich, have announced their retirement from international football. The 33-year-old FC Spartak Moscow player Samedov, and the 38-year-old FC CSKA Moscow defender announced on Saturday their World Cup quarter-final defeat to Croatia was their last appearance with the Russian national team, reports Sputnik news agency. "This was my last match with the national team," Samedov told journalists. Samedov, who will turn 34 in July, has been playing for the national team since 2011, earning a total of 52 caps, including three group-stage matches against Belgium, Algeria and South Korea at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Samedov won the Russian Premier League title with Spartak in 2017 and scored three goals in 28 matches for the Moscow club last season. CSKA Moscow veteran Ignashevich, who will turn 39 on July 14, is Russia's most capped player and played the whole game in what would become his 127th -- and las..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Ozil has been made the scapegoat, says Ozil's father

10 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
The father of Mesut Ozil said Sunday his son should quit Germany's national squad after he was "made the scapegoat" for Die Mannschaft's shock first-round defeat at the World Cup. Ozil, 29, has come in for hefty criticism in Germany after the World Champions crashed out in Russia, finishing bottom of their group. Pressure had already been mounting on the Arsenal midfielder in the World Cup run-up over a controversial photograph with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was seized on to question his loyalty to Germany. On Thursday, Germany's team boss Oliver Bierhoff sparked a new round of outcry over a statement suggesting Ozil, who has Turkish roots, should have been dropped after his failure to publicly clear up the Erdogan meeting. "This statement is insolent. In my opinion, it is aimed at saving one's own skin," said the mid-fielder's father Mustafa Ozil in an interview with Bild am Sonntag. Bierhoff later backtracked, apologising that he "was wrong". Ozil senior said he be..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: England reach semis for the first time in 28 years

10 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
England are in dreamland after making it through to their first World Cup semi-final in 28 years thanks to goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli against stoic Sweden. Days after laying their penalty ghosts to rest against Colombia, Gareth Southgate's men diligently went about their job to continue this extraordinary summer and bring the fantasy of replicating the heroes of 1966 closer to reality. Headers either side of half-time by Maguire and Alli secured a comfortable 2-0 quarter-final win against surprise package Sweden. The Three Lions followed manager Southgate's advice to grab the chance of a lifetime and produced an industrious display that made a mockery of Swedish quips about entitlement in the build-up. Maguire epitomises the graft this squad have put in over the years and headed home his first international goal after 30 minutes, continuing his rapid ascent from fan in France at Euro 2016 to England hero in Russia. Sweden's Emil Krafth expresses his dejection as England's..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Beating Brazil is beautiful, says Kevin de Bruyne

10 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Belgium are on a once-in-a-lifetime journey that they plan on extending, according to Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City man scored a stunning goal as the Red Devils beat tournament favourites Brazil 2-1 to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. A Tuesday date with France now stands between them and a first ever final, the current squad having matched the exploits of their 1986 countrymen. This particular group of Belgian players have long been talked up and De Bruyne has his eyes set on making the most of this opportunity. "We have achieved something that is really beautiful and not easy," he said. Belgians, a proud lot"We are proud to reach the semi-finals and will do our utmost to win that match. We are in the top four and are happy, but once you're that close, you want to do everything you can. Only a few times in your lifetime [can you come to a World Cup], you might go to two or three in a lifetime if you're lucky. We will do all we can and hopefully we can give you some nic..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatia beat Russia on penalties to reach semi-finals

10 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Ivan Rakitic scored the winning penalty as Croatia beat Russia 4-3 in a shoot-out after a dramatic 2-2 draw on Saturday to end the World Cup hopes of the host nation and advance to a semi-final against England. Brazilian-born Mario Fernandes had kept Russia's dream alive when he headed home in the 115th minute to level the scores and force penalties, but he and Fedor Smolov both failed to convert their spot-kicks in Sochi. Croatia, for whom Andrej Kramaric and Domagoj Vida had earlier found the net, advance to their first World Cup semi-final since 1998. They will face England, who beat Sweden 2-0 earlier, at the Luzhniki Stadium Moscow on Wednesday. In contrast for Russia, who had taken the lead through another Denis Cheryshev wonder goal in the first half, there is only heartbreak as they finally go out. They can however be proud of their efforts, with a run to the last eight exceeding expectations for a side written off as no-hopers before the tournament. And it remains to be seen ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Gareth Southgate eyeing Moscow semi-final clash with Russia

10 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
England manager Gareth Southgate said a World Cup semi-final against hosts Russia in Moscow would be "incredible", after his side saw off Sweden today to reach the last four. The 1966 winners will face either Russia or Croatia on July 11 at the Luzhniki Stadium for a place in the final, and Southgate has his eyes on the home nation. "We have to stay seven days anyway," he said. "We approach each game similarly, but Russia in Moscow would be an incredible game to be involved in." England controlled the game for long periods against Sweden, but needed three excellent second-half saves from Jordan Pickford to secure a 2-0 win after goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli. "We knew it would be such a different game to Colombia (in the last 16) and we would have to come back from that and lift ourselves in a scrappier game as Sweden don't let you play," former Middlesbrough boss Southgate added. "The resilience of the team and togetherness was special today. We got goals from both areas we..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatian President arrives in Sochi to attend match

11 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Croatia's President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic arrived on a chartered flight from Zagreb to Sochi, where she is to attend the FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between Russia and Croatia on Saturday. The Croatian president came with a large delegation of Croatian fans. They flew on the Leoleta -- a Boeing 777-300 plane of the Rossiya airline, which carries the image of the Far Eastern leopard. Earlier several more charter flights from Zagreb arrived in Sochi, reports Tass news agency. A diplomatic source told Tass that before the match Mrs Grabar-Kitarovic may visit the Sochi Sports Glory Museum. Earlier the press service of the Russian government reported that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Kolinda are expected to attend the Russia vs Croatia match, which kicks off at 21:00 Moscow Standard Time [18:00 UTC]. "Also on July 7, the Russian Prime Minister and the President of Croatia will have a meeting, in the course of which they hope to discuss the main issues of Russian-Croatian c..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Brazil coach Tite keeping quiet on future

11 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Brazil coach Title left questions hanging over his future but refused to point the finger as the five-time champions crashed out of the World Cup after a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Belgium. Four years after the drama of Neymar's injury and a humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany on home soil, Brazil were forced back to the drawing board as they followed neighbours Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia in exiting the tournament earlier than hoped. Brazil had been undefeated in their last 15 games under Tite, a streak in which a resurgent Selecao had conceded only three goals. Their World Cup hopes were turned upside down in 31 first-half minutes when Fernandinho's 13th minute own goal put Belgium ahead before a superb strike from Kevin De Bruyne left Brazil, and Neymar, staring at a spectacular defeat. Tite admitted it was a "bitter" defeat, but he brushed aside suggestions he could resign. "I'm not going to talk about the future, I'm not thinking about the future," said the 56-year..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: France beats Uruguay to reach semi-finals

11 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
France became the first side to book their place in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 win over Uruguay here yesterday. The 1998 champions advanced thanks to goals from Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann, his third of the tournament. France received a major boost with the news that PSG star Edinson Cavani, Uruguay's two-goal hero in the last round against Portugal, failed to recover from the calf injury. France were the better team but Uruguay were resolute and relatively unruffled, which is why the goal they conceded in the 40th minute will annoy them so much. Griezmann's freekick from 40 yards out was well delivered and the classy Varane, who glanced it expertly past Fernando Muslera. Uruguay started the second half well. But then disaster struck. Paul Pogba found Griezmann about 25 yards out and he pulled the trigger. It was certainly travelling but it was straight at Muslera and should have been a routine save. A disappointed Luis Suarez The 'keeper got it ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Russia not focussing on Modric alone, says coach Stanislav

11 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Russia will try to keep their dream run alive when the host nation face Croatia in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1970 here today. Croatia will expect their elegant midfielder Luka Modric to prevail in the knockout tie, but Russia coach Stanislav insists he is not thinking particularly about Modric, the man behind Croatia's brilliant performances so far in the World Cup. "I shall never focus on any one player of the Croatian team. They are playing great as a team and I don't think there is one player who is better than others; everyone plays at the same level." Croatia had come to here early to acclimatise with the sea-side weather. It was raining heavily even after Cherchesov completed his press meet and it continued for another hour. The Russian coach was not bothered by the weather: "We've played here. We know the ground, the grass. Weather has always been fantastic in Sochi, comfortable football climate, so it shouldn't be a problem." Catch up on all the latest sports ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Golden Boot is not my target, says Harry Kane

11 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Harry Kane is leading the race for the World Cup Golden Boot as he bids to become the first England player to win the prize since Gary Lineker 32 years ago. The clean-cut skipper is on the fast track to virtual sainthood in England, matching Lineker's tally of six goals from 1986 in just three matches in Russia to set up a quarter-final against Sweden. Kane scored twice against Tunisia in England's first match in Russia and then bagged a hat-trick in a 6-1 romp against Panama. Gareth Southgate rested Kane for the third group game -- a 1-0 defeat to Belgium -- but the Tottenham striker returned to score from the penalty spot against Colombia in the last 16. In doing so the England captain became the first player to score in six consecutive England appearances since Tommy Lawton in 1939. Gareth Southgate's side play the Swedes in Samara on Saturday, eyeing their first semi-final since 1990, a defeat against Germany in which Lineker played and scored. London-born Kane insists it is lifti..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Germany boss Bierhoff admits mistakes over Ozil at WC

11 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
In the wake of their shock World Cup exit, Germany team boss Oliver Bierhoff has said Mesut Ozil should have been dropped over a pre-tournament scandal involving Turkey president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ozil, 29, is one of a group of senior players slammed for woeful performances in Russia as Germany finished bottom of their group to suffer a shock early exit. At the World Cup, the Arsenal midfielder refused to comment about a controversial meeting on the eve of the finals with Erdogan which sparked questions about his loyalty to Germany. Bierhoff admits it was a mistake to allow Ozil to stay silent as the controversy cast a shadow over the German camp. "We have never compelled players in the German national team to do something, but always tried to convince them when it comes to certain things," Bierhoff, Germany's team director, told Friday's edition of Die Welt newspaper. "We did not succeed with Mesut. And in that respect one would have had to consider whether to refrain from playin..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: England reap rewards of Southgate's meticulous preparation

12 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
England's return to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in 12 years is no fluke as the team reap the rewards from coach Gareth Southgate's meticulous eye for detail. A first-ever World Cup penalty shootout win in the last 16, against Colombia, followed months of practice from the spot and psychometric tests on the players to determine who was best placed to handle the pressure. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford even switched his water bottle before the shootout for one with where the Colombians preferred to put their penalties written on the side. "We'd done all the hard work on the training pitch and we were able to execute when we were there," said defender John Stones. "It's about covering all the bases and making sure that you are taking in every detail to give you the best advantage you can. That's down to the staff, down to the players, the hours on the training pitch." Much of that preparation comes from Southgate's own experience of missing a penalty in the semi-final of..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatia look to seize moment against hosts Russia

12 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Croatia are targeting the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 -- when they made their debut as an independent nation on football's biggest stage. It is unwise to look too far ahead at an event so full of surprises, but will a Croatian team facing host nation Russia in the last eight ever get a better chance to outdo the heroes of two decades ago? Zlatko Dalic's side showed in their comprehensive dismantling of Argentina during the group phase that they have no fear of the big names, and there is a strong case to say they are the best team left in their half of the draw. England might disagree, and the two countries could yet meet in the semi-finals. However, while Croatia needed penalties to beat Denmark in the last round, they have come to Sochi full of confidence. "We have shown in this World Cup that we have the right to hope for big things. We are playing really well and we have such players that we certainly should believe can go to the very end," said defender D..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: 'Godfather' Godin will make Griezmann toil for success

12 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
France's Antoine Griezmann knows not to expect any favourable treatment when confronted by close friend Diego Godin in quarter-final clash today. Teammates at Atletico Madrid, Griezmann and Godin have formed such a bond over the past four years that the rugged defender is the Godfather of Griezmann's daughter, Mia. "Diego [Godin] is a great friend. I'm with him every day in Madrid. It [Uruguay] is a nationality that I love, people that I love. It will be a very emotional match for me," Griezmann said. At Atletico, while Griezmann is the star striker, Godin, is the embodiment of the dogged, determined and defensively brilliant side Diego Simeone has created. "They will waste time, they'll fall, surround the referee. It's their game, it's the same at Atletico. They will want us to fall into their trap," said Griezmann, who has been overshadowed by his blistering strike partner Kylian Mbbape, but knows Godin and another Atletico teammate, Jose Maria Gimenez, won't give Mbappe the space t..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Uruguay to take on favourites France in quarter-final clash

12 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
The build-up to tomorrow's quarter-final clash between France and Uruguay has been dominated by individuals, but it may be the South Americans' almost unbreachable four-man defence which decides the result. While Uruguay sweat on the fitness of striker Edinson Cavani, it should be remembered that La Celeste's progress in Russia has been built upon their defence as much as their A-list attack. And while France pin their hopes on Kylian Mbappe, it is unlikely that the teenage superstar has encountered a defence quite like Uruguay's. The mouth-watering last-eight tie in Nizhny Novgorod is likely to be decided by a battle between Uruguay's stifling backline and the speed of Mbappe, 19. Led by captain Diego Godin, and including Jose Gimenez, Martin Caceres and Diego Laxalt, along with goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, Uruguay's defence have the joint-best record at the World Cup. They passed through the group stage without conceding a goal, and the only player to score against Uruguay was Port..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Neymar, Suarez, Kane, Mbappe - The fateful Eight

13 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
After some last-minute winners, penalty shootout heroics and controversial results, it’s time for the top eight teams to face-off in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2018. URUGUAY vs FRANCE Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe A determined Uruguay take on tournament favorites France, after sending Portugal home in the Round of 16, thereby ending Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup dream. But, Uruguay’s World Cup 2018 hero, Edinson Cavani, could be doubtful for the match due to the hamstring injury he suffered against Portugal. France, on the other hand, will be keen to put up another attacking master-class against the South Americans. BRAZIL vs BELGIUM Neymar Next up, the two top contenders for the trophy - Brazil and Belgium - face off in the second quarterfinal on Friday. Neymar, has been in top form for Brazil so far (ignoring his on-field antics), while Belgium have been battle-toughened after their maverick fight-back against Japan in the Round of 16. The winn..
                 

Spain keeper David De Gea's girlfriend trolled after FIFA World Cup 2018 exit

14 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Spain goalkeeper David De Gea's stunning girlfriend Edurne Garcia was trolled after La Roja crashed out of the World Cup following their 3-4 loss on penalties to Russia in the Last 16 on Sunday. Garcia, a judge on TV reality show, Spain's Got Talent, had posted a picture of herself in a De Gea jersey doing a twirl on Instagram from the stands in Moscow before the game. However, after the World Cup 2010 champions were knocked out by the hosts, fans were quick to troll the singer. "You move more than De Gea," one user wrote. "You are useless and your boyfriend is a mannequin," another added. Some fans did come to Garcia's defence. "Keep it up girl, nothing and nobody will take away the illusion and desire," a user wrote. The couple have been dating since 2010. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates..
                 

Mumbai: Women's loo at MSSA ground kept locked on girls' matchday

10 hours ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Almost a month after inaugurating a new changing room for players at Azad Maidan, MSSA ended up red-faced on match day yesterday. Female players from Bombay Scottish and Sitaram Mill Compound Public School were left in the lurch as the ladies washroom and the new changing room facility were locked. Interestingly, mid-day had recently reported that MSSA had introduced a new air-conditioned changing room for its participants this season onwards, loaded with bunker beds, washrooms and a television set too. Girls use the staff washroom before a match Irresponsible officialHowever, only after mid-day intervened did MSSA open the new facility, around 2:30pm. MSSA staffer Ram Ahiwale said he did not realise that he also had the option of offering the participants of the DSO district level inter-school girls' U-17 Subroto Mukherjee Cup access to the new changing room. "From this year, MSSA has also appointed a lady attendant near the ladies washroom for security purpose. Today, the ladies w..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Title glory 'just the beginning' for Mbappe-led France

yesterday  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Kylian Mbappe and another supremely talented generation of French players may just be getting started after overcoming Croatia to win the World Cup in Russia. While the 19-year-old is the poster boy for France's new crop of talent, the make-up of the squad suggests they have the youth and firepower to dominate international football for years to come. The average age of a fine back four of Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Hernandez is just 23. Ousmane Dembele, who cost Barcelona 105 million euros ($123 million), played for just two minutes in the knockout stages, while France's other goalscorers on Sunday, Antoine Griezmann, 27, and Paul Pogba, 25, are in their prime. In scoring his fourth goal of the tournament and France's fourth of a 4-2 win in the World Cup final in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, Mbappe -- named young player of tournament -- became the youngest player since Pele to score in football's biggest match. "I have a story to write, this is just the b..
                 

Thierry Henry quits TV to focus on coaching

yesterday  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Retired France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry said on Monday that he was quitting as a football analyst with British broadcaster Sky Sports to focus on a coaching career. Henry, who had worked for Sky since 2015, has also been an assistant to Belgium manager Roberto Martinez since 2016 and helped lead the team to third place at the World Cup. "Over the last four years I have had some extremely rewarding coaching experiences in football," Henry wrote on Instagram and Twitter. "These experiences have only made me more determined to fulfill my long-term ambition to become a football manager. "I have decided that I must leave Sky Sports to enable me to spend more time on the pitch and concentrate on my journey to achieving that goal." Henry gained his coaching licence working with Arsenal's youth team but opted in 2016 to focus on his work for Sky rather than take a job at the club. France's all-time leading goalscorer was a member of the squads that won the 1998 World Cup on home soil an..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Paris renames metro stations

yesterday  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Six Paris metro stations were temporarily renamed in honour of France's World Cup winning champions after their 4-2 rollercoaster victory against Croatia. Among the changes, station Victor Hugo became "Victor Hugo Lloris", named after the team's captain and goalkeeper, whose second half mistake gave Croatia faint hopes of a late comeback. The metro stop at Bercy has become "Bercy les Bleus", a play on words to thank the team. The station Avron has taken the name "Nous Avron Gagne", a play on the French to mean "We have won". Charles de Gaulle-Etoile was turned into "On a 2 Etoiles", meaning "We have two stars" -- referring to the country's first World Cup win on home soil in 1998 and last night's victory in Russia. Notre-Dame des Champs has become "Notre Didier Deschamps", while Champs-Elysees- Clemenceau has been changed to "Deschamps Elysees-Clemenceau" -- both stations pay tribute to the team's coach Didier Deschamps, who was also a midfielder in the 1998 side. The changes represe..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Dream 11

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
The FIFA World Cup 2018 has finally come to an end and France put on a goal-fest against Croatia in the final at Moscow to lift the trophy for the second time in their history. Some expected players did really well in the tournament, a few new names came to the fore and some players regarded as the best in the world faded into oblivion. On June 14th 2018, nobody would have expected that Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar would fail to make it to the semifinals and very few had predicted a World Cup 2018 Best XI squad without any of them. We have compiled the Best XI from the FIFA World Cup 2018 with a 3-4-3 formation based on performances: Hugo Lloris (France): GoalkeeperDespite his goal-keeping howler in the final and the Golden Glove being awarded to Thibaut Courtois, Hugo Lloris makes it to our list as the best goalkeeper of the World Cup. The Frenchman captained his team against major contenders keeping two clean sheets in the knockouts. Hugo Lloris's campaign was highlighted by his heroi..
                 

Cristiano Ronaldo arrives in Italy to join Juventus

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Football great Cristiano Ronaldo arrived here ahead of his formal presentation as the latest acquisition of reigning Serie A champions Juventus. The private plane carrying the Portugal international and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez, landed at Turin's Caselle Airport on Sunday, Juventus said on Twitter, reports Efe. Juve agree to pay Real Madrid a total of 112 million euros ($131.46 million) for the rights to the 33-year-old striker. Ronaldo will undergo a medical on Monday at J Medical, a clinic owned by Juventus, before signing a four-year contract with the Italian club that calls for him to receive around 31 million euros a season. Cristiano is scheduled to wrap up his first official day with the club by holding a press conference in an event at Allianz Stadium. Last Tuesday's announcement that Cristiano Ronaldo was headed to Turin set off a frenzy among Juve fans to buy team shirts with his No.7. Massive demand for the CR7 shirts caused the club's online Web site to crash in ..
                 

Argentina settles coach Jorge Sampaoli's exit terms

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has settled the terms of exit of their head coach Jorge Sampaoli following the national team's disappointing performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.The AFA will pay Sampaoli $2 million for early termination of his duties instead of the $20 million indicated in his contract which was initially valid until 2020, Sputnik news agency quoted daily sports newspaper Ole as reporting on Sunday.The 58-year-old specialist took charge of the South American giants in May 2017 with the two-time champions struggling to qualify for the World Cup. After an underwhelming qualification campaign, Argentina managed to set off to Russia, where the team scraped into the knockout stage with a 2-1 win over Nigeria only to be sent home after losing 3-4 to France.In June, the media reported that the Argentina players unanimously voted for Sampaoli to be sacked as the team's head coach after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland and thrashed 0-3 by Croati..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018 Final: France give fitting conclusion with win over Croatia

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
France rode their luck before roaring past Croatia to win the World Cup for a second time as a thrilling tournament came to a fitting conclusion here yesterday. Croatia's Mario Mandzukic (encircled) gives France the lead via an own goal as he heads a ball floated in by Antoine Griezmann (unseen) from a free kick All eyes were fixed on the Luzhniki Stadium for a showpiece finale that few could have predicted when this action-packed summer got under way in Russia. The clash brought goals, blunders and no little controversy as France eventually ran out 4-2 victors in Moscow. France's Griezmann scores from the penalty spot past Croatia's goalkeeper Danijel Subasic, after VAR adjudged a Perisic hand ball The final was an unforgettable end to a tournament that will live long in the memory. Played at a ferocious intensity from the outset, Croatia continued in the same manner that had seen off England in the semi-finals only for Mario Mandzukic to become the first player to score an own go..
                 

French President Macron congratulates Putin for hosting 'perfect' World Cup

2 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Russia's President Putin for his "perfect" organisation of the World Cup as the two leaders prepared to watch the final on Sunday. Macron and his wife Brigitte met the Russian leader at the Kremlin on Sunday afternoon before the match between France and Croatia at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. Macron told Putin he wanted "to congratulate you as the organising country for how well this event has passed off. It has not only been watched around the world, but the whole world has come here" to watch it. "To do it in safe conditions and with everything going perfectly was a challenge, so well done for that." Putin congratulated France for having reached the final. "I am sure we will see an interesting, intense, close match which millions of spectators across the world will enjoy," he said. Putin met earlier with Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic. She congratulated him on his hosting of the competition, saying it was an "example of how ..
                 

Fernando Torres signs for Japan's Sagan Tosu club

3 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Former Spanish international football star Fernando Torres was introduced in Tokyo on Sunday as a new signing for the J1 league's Sagan Tosu football club. Torres, 34, is scheduled to join training Monday with the aim of debuting this week, reports Efe. The striker will play in the Japanese championship against his old teammate Andres Iniesta, former Barcelona FC star and recently signed by Vissel Kobe. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Except for the change in headline, the story has been provided "AS-IS," "AS AVAILABLE, without any verification or editing from our side. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Potential key battles ahead of World Cup final clash

3 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Kylian Mbappe vs Mario MandzukicBoth sides possess goal threat and, in teenager Mbappe, France have one of the stars of the tournament. He has torn defences apart with his blistering pace, dazzled with his skilful touches and shown a cutting edge in the box. Mandzukic, Croatia's main striker, presents a different type of challenge. His prime attributes are his strength and aerial power. He can be clinical in front of goal too. Paul Pogba vs Luka ModricThe match brings two of the world's best midfielders head to head. Both have enjoyed excellent tournaments. Pogba has enjoyed more freedom in this France team than he has at Manchester United and he will look to dictate the pace and intensity of the game. Modric may not be popular with the Croatian public but he is the heartbeat of their side. He has impressed both on the ball and as a leader. Raphael Varane vs Dejan LovrenFrance have been solid in defence throughout the tournament, their thrilling 4-3 win over Argentina in the Last 16 ..
                 

Maurizio Sarri is new Chelsea boss

3 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Maurizio Sarri has succeeded Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager on a three-year deal, the club announced on Saturday. The 59-year-old former Napoli head coach becomes Roman Abramovich's ninth full-time manager in his 15 years as owner less than 24 hours after Conte parted company with the club he led to a league and FA Cup title. Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "We are delighted to welcome Maurizio and are looking forward to him bringing his football philosophy to Chelsea." Sarri, a chain-smoking former banker, said he would be starting his new job "and meeting the players" on Monday ahead of Chelsea' pre-season Australia tour. "I hope we can provide some entertaining football for our fans, and that we will be competing for trophies at the end of the season, which is what this club deserves," he said. Winning trophies didn't save Conte being shown the Stamford Bridge exit door as he was dismissed after guiding Chelsea to the FA Cup in May. His days were numbered after he fell ..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatian players will sacrifice final places if not fit, sa

4 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic is prepared to make changes for Sunday's World Cup final against France if some of his players have not recovered from their exertions in reaching football's biggest game. Dalic's men have been forced to go through three periods of extra-time against Denmark, Russia and England to become the smallest country in 68 years to make the final. "Tomorrow is the World Cup final. Simply, the players know what that is," Dalic said on Saturday. "One thing that brings me happiness is that all my players tell me if they are not 100 percent fit. They will concede and say they are not fit. They know what is at stake, but if they are unable to give their all they will tell us. They have such an attitude." Ivan Perisic, who scored and set up Mario Mandzukic's winner in a 2-1 semi-final win over England, was among five Croatian players to miss training on Friday. "We have nothing to train. We need relaxation and rest to gain freshness for tomorrow. We have some minor injuri..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Croatia hungry for World Cup title, says Ivan Rakitic

4 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic has said that all 4.5 million of his compatriots will be behind the team when they battle France in the 2018 World Cup final. "You need only to look at the footage from Croatia to see what's been going on over the past month - the joy felt by the people there," he said at a press conference at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, the venue for Sunday's final, reports Efe. "It doesn't just concern the 23 players, coaching staff and backroom staff, but the 4.5 million people back home. If there was a stadium big enough for 4.5 million people, it would be full," the FC Barcelona player said. Rakitic, 30, acknowledged that defeating France would "be difficult, both in defense and attack, but the most important thing is to concentrate on ourselves." "We want to leave the pitch with our heads held high and to say we did everything," he said. Also Read - FIFA WC 2018: Ivan Rakitic Is The Heartbeat Of Team Croatia Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates her..
                 

Did Gareth Southgate restore Susanna Reid's faith in marriage?

4 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Sometimes even the smallest things can make a huge impact on somebody's life and that's what happened to Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid. Reid, 47, who split with English journalist Dominic Cotton, 51, in 2014, has revealed that seeing a picture of England manager Gareth Southgate hugging his wife Alison inside an empty Luzhniki Stadium in Russia as she consoled him after his team lost to Croatia in the semi-final of the World Cup. She posted this picture (above) of them on Twitter and wrote, "I think a photo has just changed my mind on marriage." Within few hours of her tweet, she was flooded with marriage proposals. One Twitter user wrote, "I have the blue 3 piece suit, just let me know which Stadium & I'll see you there!" Another said, "Marry me then." A third one added, "So millions of people have just formed a queue!!" And a fourth one joked, "I'm here waiting for you Susanna." Reid was among many known names who paid tribute to Southgate after England failed t..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: 'Hope our Cup run inspires home coaches'

4 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Gareth Southgate believes England's remarkable run to the World Cup semi-finals has not only showcased homegrown talent but struck a blow for the country's coaches. Heartache and frustration was intertwined with pride after Wednesday's galling 2-1 extra-time loss to Croatia denied them a place in the Luzhniki Stadium showpiece finale. Southgate's disappointment at missing the final is clear but there is understandable confidence about the future given the improving health of the national game and inspiration this run provide. "We felt it was the chance to showcase what young English players can do," the England manager said. "And, also, we hoped that we could strike a blow for English coaches as well because it's not always been possible for English coaches to have this job. "That's why it is an honour to do it and to play in a way and get to a stage of a tournament that will hopefully inspire young coaches as well."..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: From Germany to Mbappe - a look at the hits and flops!

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
FIFA World Cup 2018 is coming to an end and we will have France taking on Croatia in the finals on July 15, 2018. This tournament has seen many ups and downs, but the quality of the event has been top-notch and as usual, we have had hits and misses in this World Cup. Let's check out 5 players who made their mark in the tournament: 1. Harry Kane: England captain Harry Kane has had a wonderful tournament and one of the reasons for England reaching semi-finals is purely down to Harry Kane's superlative effort. The skipper of the English team scored six goals (most by any player currently) and is leading the Golden Boot category. The only disappointment for Kane would be the elimination by Croatia in the semi-finals. Harry Kane led from the front and proved that if you follow the process right, the results will take care of themselves. England had a magnificent tournament and Kane's energy and performance played a huge role in it. 2. Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal's favourite son an..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Luka Modric best player at the event, says coach Zlatko Dal

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic praised team captain Luka Modric, stressing that the midfielder deserved the award for being the best player at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Modric deserves to win the Ballon d'Or even if Croatia does not win the World Cup because he has had a great season with Real Madrid and has captained a career-defining World Cup campaign, Dalic said on Thursday, reports Efe. The coach said his squad was successful at the World Cup because of unity and stressed that football has advanced to the point that strong team play and organisation were more important than individual superstars like Messi and Neymar. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Except for the change in headline, the story has been provided "AS-IS," "AS AVAILABLE, without any verification or editing from our side. Mid-day accepts no responsibi..
                 

Is Pamela Anderson engaged to footballer Adil Rami?

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: Team player Pogba does the dirty work to help France flouri

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
A towering physique and range of flashy hairstyles mean Paul Pogba rarely goes unnoticed but he has become emblematic of a French squad willing to sacrifice personal gain for World Cup glory. France go into Sunday's final against Croatia in Moscow aiming to make amends for the bitter disappointment of losing the Euro 2016 final on home soil to Portugal. Just weeks before Manchester United paid a then world-record £89 million ($118 million) to sign Pogba from Juventus, that final largely passed him by. The intervening two years have not always been easy either. Pogba has been criticised in England for failing to dominate big games and was even dropped a number of times last season because his defensive work did not match the standards demanded by Jose Mourinho. However, it is that aspect of Pogba's game that has been so impressive in Russia as he and N'Golo Kante have laid the perfect foundation for France's array of attacking talent headlined by Kylian Mbappe and Antoine ..
                 

Antonio Conte finally out, Sarri in: reports

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
The long-running saga over Antonio Conte's future appears to have been resolved with Chelsea sacking him as manager and appointing Maurizio Sarri, according to media reports on Thursday. The BBC said the 48-year-old Italian's two year reign -- which brought league success in 2017 and the FA Cup last season -- was ending although they added Chelsea would not comment. However, Conte's apparent dismissal drew a response from Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas, who liked a tweet a Chelsea fan posted about Conte having been sacked although the Spanish 2010 World Cup winner subsequently claimed he had liked it by accident. Conte leaves with the best win percentage 65.1% of any of Chelsea's managers in the Premier League era. Former banker Sarri, 59, will be Chelsea's ninth full-time manager since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003. Conte -- who had a year to run on his contract -- is seen to have contributed to his own demise by falling out both with the players and the board as the sheen of the..
                 

Cristiano Ronaldo wil retire at Juventus, says player's agent Jorge Mendes

5 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has revealed that the Portugal superstar will retire at Juventus, the club he just joined from Real Madrid. "I'm very happy for Cristiano," Mendes told Sport. "Juventus will be his last club and I'm glad he has made this decision. With this team he'll close out his marvellous career." Ronaldo left Real after spending nine years with them. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner joined Italian champions Juventus on a four-year deal. Ronaldo has been Real's all-time top scorer, with an extraordinary 451 goals in 438 games. Ronaldo won four Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and two Copa del Reys during his time at the Bernabeu. Mendes also heaped praise on Juventus board for making the deal happen. "I thank (Juventus president) Andrea Agnelli in particular for his determination and his willingness to negotiate with Real Madrid. "And I also thank [Juventus general manager] Beppe Marotta for his professionalism." Ronaldo will officially be presented as ..
                 

Brazil legend Pele congratulates Cristiano Ronaldo on move to Juventus

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Brazilian football legend Pele congratulated Cristiano Ronaldo on being signed by Italian-league club Juventus and compared the move to his decision to come out of semi-retirement at age 34 and play for the New York Cosmos. "Congratulations, @Cristiano. It was hard to join another side after so long at Santos but it was the right move. Champions never tire of new challenges," Pele, who before going to the United States had played his entire career (since the age of 15) for that Brazilian club, wrote Tuesday on Twitter, reports Efe. Real Madrid on Tuesday confirmed that it had acceded to the 33-year-old Portuguese superstar's request to be transferred to Juve. Juve confirmed the same day that an agreement had been reached with the Spanish-league giants "for a consideration of 100 million euros (around $117 million) payable in 2 financial years, in addition to the solidarity contribution provided by FIFA regulations and additional costs of 12 million euros." It added that the club and ..
                 

Beyonce, Jay-Z to show FIFA World Cup final before their concert

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Who runs the world? Footballers. And not even Beyonce and Jay-Z can compete. Apparently concerned that the World Cup final will steal the show in Paris on Sunday, where they are due to perform a concert, the first couple of pop have offered to show the game between France and its as-yet-unknown rival ahead of their gig. "Twenty years after the French team won its first world title, Beyonce and Jay-Z invite people with tickets for their concert to come to the Stade de France at 16h00 in order to take advantage of the stadium's screens, as well as those of the production team, to carry Les Bleus towards their final victory," the organisers of the Paris leg of the couple's On The Run II world tour announced. The show at the national stadium, which starts at 7.30 pm, is the second Paris date in the tour. While Saturday's concert is sold out, tickets are still available for Sunday, when France is gunning for its second World Cup title, 20 years after winning the tournament with a 3-0 vict..
                 

Italian media hail Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival as coup of the century

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
Italian media was bubbling with enthusiasm yesterday after Serie A club Juventus announced the 100 million-euro deal of the century and wrestled Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid. The country's number one daily the Corriere della Sera led the cries of joy at Ronaldo's arrival by acclaiming a dream come true, while La Repubblica hailed a 117 million-euro dream, referring to the huge investment Juventus will make in their signing. La Repubblica breaks down the cost of the deal to Juventus as 100 million euros going to Real Madrid, a five million-euro solidarity contribution paid to FIFA and 12 million  incidental costs. The Corriere della Sera believes that the latter sum is the commission being paid to those who facilitated the transfer — principally Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes. The front page of Italy's sport daily Gazzetta Dello Sport has Ronaldo exclaiming, "I'm coming!" after what it calls "the coup of the century". Rome-based paper Il Messaggero acclaimed club p..
                 

FIFA World Cup 2018: France rail takes a dig at Thierry Henry

6 days ago  
News / Mid-Day/ Football  
That the French people were not too happy to see their former star striker Thierry Henry helping out Belgium as assistant coach was evident from a tweet put out by France's national rail service (SNCF) yesterday. A day after France beat Belgium 1-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals, SNCF trolled Belgium's assistant coach, Henry. "@ThierryHenry, si vous souhaitez revenir en France demain, plusieurs @thalys_fr partent de la gare de Bruxelles Midi. #FRABEL #FiersdetreBleus," SCF wrote on its official Twitter handle. The message in French translates into "Thierry, if you want to come back to France tomorrow, several trains are leaving Brussels Midi station." Henry, who won the 1998 World Cup with France in 1998 and finished runner-up in the 2006 edition, has been Belgium's assistant coach since 2016. Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated fe..