Sport

France, Morocco Set for World Cup Quarter-Final Rematch

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  France will continue their quest for a third FIFA World Cup title on Thursday when they face Morocco in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash, as the tournament’s star-studded last-eight stage gets under way. After a month of scintillating action that has dispelled pre-tournament anxieties over sky-high ticket prices and geopolitics, the biggest, boldest and most logistically complex World Cup ever staged has been whittled down to eight teams. France, who have emerged as the outstanding team of the tournament after a series of dazzling attacking displays, face arguably their toughest test so far in the shape of African champions Morocco at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston. Les Bleus have surged into the last eight in style, scoring 14 goals in five games — seven of them from in-form captain Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe is one of four star strikers who are leading the chase for the World Cup’s Golden Boot as the tournament enters the home stretch. Argentina’s Lionel Messi tops the scoring chart with eight, Mbappe and Norway’s Erling Haaland have seven each and England’s Harry Kane has six. Thursday’s opening quarter-final is a repeat of the 2022 World Cup semi-final in Qatar, won 2-0 by France, who would go on to lose in the final against Argentina. – Tactical nous – Morocco meanwhile have looked impressive en route to the last eight, easing through the group phase before battling past the Netherlands in the last 32 and swatting aside Canada in the round of 16 last weekend. The Atlas Lions will threaten France with a mix of technical quality, physicality and tactical nous under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who masterminded Morocco’s shock victory in the under-20 World Cup last year. The winner will advance to a semi-final showdown against the victor of Friday’s tie in Los Angeles between European champions Spain and Belgium. The Spaniards eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the last 16 on Monday to advance with a clinical 1-0 victory. While La Roja haven’t hit the dizzying attacking heights of France, they will fancy their chances of navigating a Belgium side who have slowly built momentum over the course of the tournament. Belgium struggled through the group phase with lacklustre draws in their first two matches before routing New Zealand 5-1 to secure their place in the knockout rounds. They came back from the dead in the last 32 to beat Senegal 3-2, when they had trailed 2-0 with four minutes to go, before dismantling the United States 4-1 with arguably their best display of the tournament in Seattle on Monday. – Houdini act – On the other side of the draw, holders Argentina face Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday after staggering into the quarter-finals. The South Americans, aiming to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962, were given an almighty scare by Cape Verde in the last 32 before winning 3-2 in extra-time. On Tuesday, Messi inspired an incredible Houdini act in a jaw-dropping 3-2 defeat of Egypt in Atlanta, when the reigning champions recovered from 2-0 down with 11 minutes of normal time remaining to snatch victory. Messi was reduced to tears of relief after that roller coaster victory. “We wanted to stay in the tournament,” the Argentina captain said afterwards. “We didn’t want today to be the end, we didn’t want to go home.” The winner of Argentina-Switzerland will face either Norway or England in the semi-finals in Atlanta next week. England advanced to the last eight on Sunday with a pulsating 3-2 defeat of Mexico in the Azteca Stadium, winning an extraordinary, drama-filled contest which has given the Three Lions renewed belief in their bid to win a first major title since 1966. England’s talismanic midfield star Jude Bellingham says the victory reinforced his belief that the Three Lions can claim the ultimate prize — and wants his team-mates to feel the same. “I’m convinced of it and I hope that a win like this can give them that same “I’m convinced of it and I hope that a win like this can give them that same conviction that they’re top players and we shouldn’t fear anyone,” Bellingham said. Blocking England’s path is a formidable Norway side spearheaded by the irrepressible Haaland, who scored both goals in Sunday’s last 16 win over Brazil. “We have to study England but obviously we have seen them in their previous games in the tournament and they will be a very strong opponent, but hopefully it will be a very even and tight game,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said. AFP

World Cup: Morocco Victory Triggers Celebrations, Arrests in Netherlands

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  Morocco’s dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over the Netherlands sparked jubilant celebrations across The Hague on Tuesday, where a large Moroccan community resides, but the festivities were also marred by clashes with police that led to several arrests. In the Schilderswijk district of the city, AFP reporters saw fans draped in Moroccan flags dancing and cheering in the streets, as car horns blared and firecrackers exploded. Several hundred supporters gathered at a crossroads in the district, kicking a ball in the air and celebrating wildly with passengers of passing vehicles, sometimes jumping on cars. Around one hour into the festivities,however, the mood soured as riot police arrived on the scene, deploying water cannon and conducting baton charges to clear the crowd. The last-32 match in Monterrey ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out. After several misses on both sides, Morocco striker Ismael Saibari, who plays in the Netherlands for PSV Eindhoven, slotted home the winning penalty to set up a last-16 clash with co-hosts Canada. AFP

World Cup: France Face Sweden Test with Mbappe, Dembele, Olise

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  France are set to deploy their star-studded attack against Sweden in Tuesday’s World Cup Round of 32 encounter, as Erling Haaland aims to guide Norway past Ivory Coast and into the last 16. Co-hosts Mexico, meanwhile, bid to continue their journey in front of a fervent crowd at the Estadio Azteca when they take on Ecuador. The Swedish defence is bracing to face not only Kylian Mbappe, who has scored four times already in this tournament, but also Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, who notched a hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Norway in the group stage. Completing the French trio, Michael Olise’s runs at defenders have been creating havoc. With attacking swagger and midfield flair, France appear well-placed to reach their third final in as many World Cups. The only question mark might be their defence — and Sweden have their own high-profile forward line who will try to unlock it, although Premier League duo Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have not fully fired yet at this tournament. If France get past Sweden, they will face not Germany — who were beaten in a penalty shootout for the first time in World Cup history on Monday — but their conquerors Paraguay. France coach Didier Deschamps said Sweden had “nothing to lose”. “Sweden are playing for their survival. Obviously they will do everything to win the game,” Deschamps said on Monday. “We need to stay humble, maintain our determination and concentration. In the group stage winning the first game gave us some margin for error, but now we have no second chances.” France came into the World Cup as one of the leading contenders to win the trophy, following their triumph in 2018 and defeat on penalties to Argentina in the 2022 final. Sweden’s route to the World Cup was unusual — they finished bottom of their qualifying group but were parachuted into the play-offs thanks to their performances in the UEFA Nations League. They reached the knockout rounds in North America, despite a 5-1 drubbing by the Netherlands, as one of the best third-placed teams in the group phase. Sweden coach Graham Potter said his team would have to produce something special to beat France. “They have quality all over… They have won the World Cup before and they have a fantastic manager,” Englishman Potter said Monday. “An exciting challenge awaits us, and we will have to play the game of our lives, clearly.” ‘Powerhouse’ Haaland Haaland, another potent attacking force at this World Cup with four goals in two games, will be fully rested when he comes up against the Ivory Coast in Dallas after he was not used in the defeat to France. Norway coach Stale Solbakken hailed the leadership of his “powerhouse”, hailing Haaland as “one of the best players in the world”. “He’s a great leader for us, he leads by example on the pitch,” he said. “He has something that maybe you can’t train so much to reach it, the sniff for goals, the feeling that the ball will land at your feet… and I think that is his biggest strength.” Mexico meanwhile have the added bonus of knowing that if they beat Ecuador, they will remain in their capital city to face the winner of the tie between England and the Democratic Republic of Congo. On a dramatic day of action Monday, Paraguay stunned Germany in a penalty shootout of high drama after holding them to a 1-1 draw after extra time in Foxborough. “This qualification is for all Paraguayans who believed in us,” coach Gustavo Alfaro said — and Paraguay’s president called a national holiday to celebrate. Morocco won their own shootout to eliminate the Netherlands after an enthralling contest in Monterrey as goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved the Netherlands’ fifth penalty from Crysencio Summerville. Then striker Ismael Saibari stepped up to blast home the winning effort for the Atlas Lions. And Brazil came from behind to overcome Japan 2-1 in the day’s first game, and will face the winner of Norway’s game against the Ivory Coast on Sunday AFP

World Cup: Netherlands Crush Sweden 5-1 in Houston

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  Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey both scored twice as the rampant Netherlands thrashed Sweden 5-1 in a World Cup warning on Saturday in Houston. The big win in front of nearly 69,000 put the delighted Dutch on the cusp of the knockout rounds and gave them liftoff after being held by Japan. Ronald Koeman’s side top Group F with four points from two games, ahead of Sweden on three, Japan (one) and Tunisia (none). Despite the sobering loss the Swedes had plenty of chances but were denied by good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing.   They are still in with a good chance of progressing into the last 32. Japan and Tunisia play later Saturday in Monterrey, Mexico. Sunderland striker Brobbey got his first start of the tournament and repaid Koeman with predatory goals after five and 17 minutes. Before that the 24-year-old had scored only once for his country since making his debut three years ago. In a game full of top Premier League talent, Liverpool’s Gakpo — who set Brobbey up for the opener — scored twice early in the second half. Substitute Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden just before the hour with a classy finish. Crysencio Summerville had the last word for the five-star Dutch. Two crew members from the historic Artemis II lunar mission were among the VIP guests, a nod to Houston’s place as the home of space flight. The Dutch, twice pegged back in a lively 2-2 draw with Japan to start their title bid, made the brighter start in front of their orange-clad fans and King Willem-Alexander. Brobbey, who came in for Summerville despite the winger scoring against Japan, started and finished the first goal. It was made in the Premier League, with goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and Gakpo all involved. Brobbey exchanged passes with Gakpo, before the Anfield attacker crossed in low from the left for his team-mate to stab in from close range. Sweden, who thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their first game, could not handle Brobbey’s muscular presence. Up front the much-vaunted attack of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal were feeding on scraps for Sweden. – Gakpo’s half – Twelve minutes after his opener Brobbey made it 2-0 when a deflected Denzel Dumfries cross from the right fell perfectly into his path and he toe-poked past Kristoffer Nordfeldt. Sweden’s English coach Graham Potter was in deep discussions with his backroom staff as the game threatened to run away from them. At the unpopular hydration break Potter made a beeline for left-sided defender Gabriel Gudmundsson of Leeds United, who was being overrun by the flying Dumfries and Donyell Malen. Sweden then had their best chance, Gyokeres crossing for an unmarked Yasin Ayari who completely miscontrolled the ball with his chest. Gyokeres was next to fluff a good chance, failing to make proper contact after being played in by the largely anonymous Isak. Gyokeres and Ayari twice both had further sights of goal, only to be denied by the increasingly overworked Verbruggen. The Netherlands were hanging on by end of the half. Koeman sent on Summerville for Malen at the break, and two minutes later it was mission impossible for Sweden, Gakpo prodding in from close range after yet another dangerous low cross from Dumfries. All three goals were strikingly similar. Gakpo scored a lovely fourth on 54 minutes, turning inside his defender before firing low into the bottom corner. Nottingham Forest winger Elanga pulled one back five minutes later when he raced clear of the Dutch defence and rattled the ball past Verbruggen. West Ham’s Summerville made it five in the dying minutes with his second goal in North America. Sweden face Japan next while the Netherlands play Tunisia. AFP

EPL: Fulham hold talks with Arbeloa over Manager’s Job

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  Fulham have reportedly opened talks with Álvaro Arbeloa as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager following Marco Silva’s exit. Silva left Craven Cottage after five years in charge to take over at Benfica, ending a successful spell that saw Fulham establish themselves as a stable Premier League side and finish 11th last season. As reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, Arbeloa, 43, has emerged as a strong contender for the role, although sources suggest that talks are not yet at an advanced stage. The former Spain international is admired within Fulham’s recruitment structure for his coaching development within Real Madrid’s system, where he progressed through the youth ranks before stepping into a senior interim role last season. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Arbeloa worked across various coaching levels and briefly took charge of the first team on an interim basis, having previously been part of the club’s youth setup. His elevation came during a period of transition that also saw changes involving senior coaching figures, including José Mourinho and Xabi Alonso, both of whom have been linked with managerial movements across Europe. Arbeloa’s playing career also includes spells in the Premier League with Liverpool F.C. and West Ham United F.C., which is seen as a potential advantage as Fulham consider candidates familiar with English football. Fulham have also explored other options, including former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, but his availability was complicated by contractual issues before he subsequently stepped away to take a break from management. For now, Arbeloa remains one of several candidates under consideration as Fulham weigh up their next appointment following a solid mid-table finish and the ambition to continue progressing in the Premier League.

EPL: Maresca Deal Faces Setback as Chelsea Seek Compensation from Man City

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  Talks between Chelsea and Manchester City regarding the possible appointment of Enzo Maresca as a replacement for Pep Guardiola have hit a deadlock due to disagreements over compensation. Guardiola confirmed on May 22 that he would step down from his role at City after a highly successful decade in charge, prompting the club to identify Maresca as their leading candidate to take over at the Etihad Stadium. However, discussions between the two clubs have become increasingly complicated, with Chelsea insisting they are entitled to a compensation fee for Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge only months ago while still under contract until 2029. As reported by BBC Sport on Monday, Chelsea maintain that the circumstances of his departure mean a financial settlement is required before any move can be completed, and have been exploring their legal position while talks continue. A Chelsea source said the club’s stance remains firm, noting that Maresca’s contract status means “there is an obligation for compensation to be agreed before any appointment can proceed.” City are understood to be keen to finalise an agreement quickly as they prepare for a new managerial era following Guardiola’s exit announcement, but negotiations have been slowed by the disagreement over valuation and timing. Maresca, who previously worked as an assistant to Guardiola during City’s Treble-winning 2022–23 season, is said to be open to returning to the club where he also spent time in the coaching setup before moving into senior management. The Italian coach later managed Leicester City, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League before his spell at Chelsea, where he won the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League. While both clubs remain in dialogue, the timeline for any potential appointment remains unclear, with the compensation issue now the key factor delaying progress.

BREAKING: PSG Edge Arsenal on Penalties to Retain Champions League Title

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  French giants, Paris Saint Germain have edged Arsenal in a penalty shootout to win the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League final at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary, on Saturday. The match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes before the holders held their nerve from the spot to clinch the title.   More details later…

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  Pep Guardiola has disclosed that fatigue and a desire for a new challenge played a major role in his decision to depart Manchester City after spending a historic 10 years in charge of the club. Guardiola confirmed that Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa will be his final match as City manager, bringing an end to one of the most successful eras in the club’s history. During his decade at the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard guided City to 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the club’s first UEFA Champions League triumph. Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Guardiola said he believes the team now needs “new energy” to continue progressing. “I think the club needs a new manager, new energy with these incredible players that we have right now, and you start to write another chapter,” he said. The 55-year-old admitted that the relentless demands of modern football had taken a toll on him after nearly two decades of constant management. “I feel I will not have the energy that is required, every three days, the expectations to fight for the titles, with being in front of the players,” Guardiola explained. Although he will remain linked with the City Football Group in a global ambassadorial role, Guardiola said he plans to step away from coaching for a period. “I will not train for a while,” he stated. Guardiola reflected on the intensity of his managerial career, which began at Barcelona before continuing at Bayern Munich and Manchester City. “It’s not 10 years. I’ve been, except for a year in New York, I’ve been 17, 18 years, every three days, three days, three days,” he said. “I need to breathe a little bit and relax. I’ll be a while, that is my feeling right now.” Guardiola leaves Manchester City widely regarded as the most successful manager in the club’s history after transforming the side into a dominant force in English and European football.  

Former Czech Coach Banned for Life Over Secret Recordings of Female Players

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  UEFA has issued a lifetime ban from all football-related activity to former coach Petr Vlachovsky after finding him guilty of secretly filming women footballers in changing rooms and showers. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body ruled that Vlachovsky had breached regulations relating to insulting and indecent behaviour, as well as bringing the game into disrepute. The decision follows criminal proceedings in the Czech Republic, where he had already received a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year coaching ban. Announcing the ruling on Tuesday, UEFA confirmed the severity of the sanction. “The individual is banned from exercising any football-related activity for life,” the disciplinary body stated. Authorities said the case involved covert recordings of players over a period of four years while Vlachovsky was coaching women and girls at top-tier club 1. FC Slovácko. He was arrested in September 2023 after police discovered the footage online, and investigators also found material linked to child sexual abuse offences. The global players’ union FIFPRO said players only learned what had happened after his arrest. A spokesperson described how the recordings were hidden, saying, “The players were filmed using a camera concealed in a backpack, and the youngest was aged 17.” The emotional impact on victims has been severe. Some players later told Czech media that the experience left them deeply traumatised. UEFA has also formally requested that world football’s governing body, FIFA, extend the ban worldwide and instructed the Czech Football Association to revoke Vlachovsky’s coaching licence. Vlachovsky, once regarded as a leading figure in Czech women’s football and a former coach of the Czech Republic U-19 women’s team, has now been permanently removed from the sport following the findings.

EPL, FA Trophies Win won’t Define Man City’s Season, says Guardiola

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  Pep Guardiola insisted Manchester City have had a successful season whether or not they win the Premier League title or Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea. Guardiola’s side will put their attempt to catch Premier League leaders Arsenal on hold as they head to Wembley for a fourth successive FA Cup final appearance. City start every season with the Premier League and Champions League as their main targets, but they are on the verge of falling short in both. Knocked out of the Champions League last-16 by Real Madrid in March, City will be five points behind Arsenal if the Gunners beat relegated Burnley at home on Monday. Guardiola’s men can close the gap back to two points with a victory at Bournemouth in their penultimate match of the season on Tuesday. But Arsenal would then still be able to guarantee their first English title since 2004 by winning at Crystal Palace on May 24. Having already won the League Cup by beating Arsenal, City have a chance for a domestic double this weekend. However, Guardiola is adamant the campaign has been positive, no matter what happens at Wembley or in the title race. “It depends on the trophies you lift. Sometimes you lift trophies and the season has been successful,” said Guardiola, who would only offer “we’ll see” when asked if Rodri would be fit to start in midfield. “Sometimes, you lift and the truth is the season has been really, really bad. “I said a few weeks ago this season has been good. Really, really good.” – ‘Do better’ – After starting with Erling Haaland, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku on the bench for Wednesday’s win against Crystal Palace, Guardiola isdon’t likely to field a full-strength team against Chelsea instead of prioritising the title fight. “It is the final of the FA Cup. The message is there are two prestigious clubs at Wembley in the FA Cup final. Our fans make an incredible effort to come down to London. It is not cheap,” he said. “We try to perform as much as possible to win. It is always the game-plan.” City have lost the last two FA Cup finals against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, who they had beaten in the 2023 showpiece. “There’s excitement, of course. I hope we can do better than the last two times,” Guardiola said. “Wembley is still a special place. Everything is so nice. The pitch is extraordinary. We are desperate to perform well.” Ahead of his 24th trip to Wembley with City, Guardiola joked that he is “so disappointed” heyou has not had a stand named after him at the home of English football. and “So many times I have been there, at least a lounge or a box orEPL, FA trophies win won’t define Man City’s season, says Guardiola something like that. Maybe I have to go 24 more times!” he said. Guardiola has one year left on his City contract and is yet to sign a new deal amid speculation that he could end his decade at the Etihad Stadium once the current campaign is over. Asked about reports that City’s fitness coach Lorenzo Buenaventura and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor are set to leave the club, Guardiola said with a smirk: “I extended the contract with them three more years,” before adding: “Nope.”  

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