England winning the world cup

Creative forces: Croatia's Luka Modric (right) and Antoine Griezmann of France could hold the key to the World Cup final AFP/Pierre-Philippe MARCOU, Gabriel BOUYS France will also be spurred on by trying to put behind them the bitter disappointment of losing the Euro 2016 final to Portugal in Paris. It is a final few people anticipated when football's global showpiece kicked off four weeks ago. Croatia have brought joy to their Balkan nation of just four million people by defying the odds to progress to the final while reigning champions Germany, then Argentina and Brazil all fell by the wayside in Russia. They have been inspired by mercurial midfielder Luka Modric while coach Zlatko Dalic, who only took over last year with the squad in chaos, has coaxed remarkable performances from his team. Deschamps would become only the third man to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager - he was captain when France lifted the World Cup in 1998. His France side, spearheaded by … [Read more...] about France and Croatia seek World Cup glory

Croatia defender Dejan Lovren believes his jaded team are ready to seize the opportunity of a lifetime when they face England in the World Cup semi-finals in Moscow on Wednesday. Croatia's defender Dejan Lovren gives a press conference at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on the eve of the World Cup semi-final football match between Croatia and England. (YURI CORTEZ/AFP) It is the first time since 1998 that the nation of little over four million people have reached this stage of the competition, after they eliminated Russia in a penalty shoot-out at the weekend. There are concerns that fatigue could be a factor for Zlatko Dalic's side, given they were forced to come through 120 minutes and penalties against both the hosts and Denmark in the last two rounds. However, Liverpool centre-back Lovren dismissed such fears. "I am perfectly ready and fit and I can say the same for my teammates. We know what it takes and in such moments you forget any fatigue you may feel," said the … [Read more...] about World Cup: Croatia play down fatigue fears as they eye England scalp

Brazil's Neymar (L) and Marcelo take part in a training session in Samara, on July 1, on the eve of their Russia 2018 World Cup round of 16 match against Mexico AFP/Fabrice COFFRINI Monday's other last-16 game sees a much-fancied Belgium take on a Japan side who are dreaming of reaching the quarters for the first time after scraping through their group thanks to their fair-play record. While Neymar's Brazil, and a Belgian outfit inspired by Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, are both expected to advance, events of the weekend have shown that nothing can be taken for granted. Spain, the 2010 winners, were stunned on Sunday (Jul 1) as they lost on penalties to Russia in Moscow, with Igor Akinfeev the hero for the hosts, saving two spot-kicks. Russia won 4-3 in the shoot-out after the tie ended 1-1 at the Luzhniki Stadium, and will now play Croatia in the last eight. Croatia also won on penalties, defeating Denmark 3-2 in the shoot-out following another 1-1 draw, with Luka Modric having a … [Read more...] about Neymar’s Brazil, Belgium target World Cup quarter final spot

Argentina have been shambolic at times - but they still have Lionel Messi AFP/GABRIEL BOUYS Here, AFP Sport ranks the 16 teams to have made it through based on their performances in Russia so far. Luka Modric's Croatia were the most impressive team of the group stage AFP/PASCAL GUYOT 1. CROATIA Three wins out of three, including a thumping of Argentina, sends Croatia through top of arguably the toughest group in the draw. Fears the corruption scandal would affect the players have not materialised while Nikola Kalinic's hint of rebellion was swiftly dealt with. Luka Modric has been arguably the player of the tournament so far. 2. BELGIUM Wins over Panama and Tunisia were backed up by a victory over England and even if the latter match was played between two second-string line-ups, Belgium have hardly put a foot wrong. Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard are both firing and, after being rested against England, fresh. This team can go far. 3. URUGUAY Also through with maximum … [Read more...] about How the 16 teams rank ahead of the World Cup’s knockout stages

Former captain David Beckham has tipped England to play Lionel Messi's Argentina in the World Cup final, reflecting rising optimism about the Three Lions' chances after a positive start in Russia. David Beckham played three World Cups with England. (File photo: AFP/Fred Dufour) Beckham was speaking at a promotional event in China after England beat Tunisia 2-1 in their opening game, boosting their chances of reaching the knockout rounds. England have long stuttered on the big stage and they last reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2006, when Beckham was captain. Their only World Cup final was way back in 1966, when they beat Germany at Wembley. "I believe Argentina will play against England in the final," Beckham predicted at an event to promote China's largest collegiate football league. "I think obviously my choice would be England to win the competition, but that's me being biased and passionate about my country," he added. But the former Manchester United and Real … [Read more...] about He has spoken: Beckham tips England versus Argentina World Cup final

Brazil star Neymar will make his World Cup bow on Sunday (Jun 17) as the five-time champions kick off quest for redemption while holders Germany launch their bid for back-to-back titles. Brazil's Neymar is the focal point of one of the most menacing attacks at the World Cup. (Photo: AFP/Joe Klamar) Four years after injury cut short his World Cup, before Brazil suffered a humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany, Neymar is once again spearheading his country's hopes. The Paris Saint-Germain striker's participation at the finals in Russia had been cast into doubt after he suffered a fractured right foot in late February. However the 26-year-old forward has shown little signs of rust since returning for Brazil, scoring in consecutive friendlies on the eve of the finals. That could spell trouble for Switzerland as they take on Brazil in Group E on Sunday. Brazil coach Tite, who masterminded a dominant qualifying campaign which saw the "Selecao" finish 10 points clear of their … [Read more...] about Germany and Brazil roll into the World Cup

Left to right, clockwise: England's Harry Kane, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil's Neymar, South Korea's Son Heung-min, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Egypt's Mohamed Salah. (Photos: AFP,Reuters) All 32 countries have announced their squads, with 736 players headed to the biggest showpiece in sport. Who are your favourites for the World Cup? Let us know in the comments below. GROUP A File photo of Egypt's star Mohamed Salah, who will be one of those expecting to light up World Cup 2018. (Photo: Reuters / Amr Abdallah Dalsh) RUSSIA Goalkeepers: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow), Vladimir Gabulov (Brugge/BEL), Andrey Lunev (Zenit St Petersburg) Defenders: Vladimir Granat (Rubin Kazan), Fyodor Kudryashov (Rubin Kazan), Ilya Kutepov (Spartak Moscow), Andrey Semyonov (Akhmat Grozny), Igor Smolnikov (Zenit St Petersburg), Mario Fernandes (CSKA Moscow), Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow) Midfielders: Yury Gazinsky (Krasnodar), Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow), Alexander Golovin (CSKA Moscow), … [Read more...] about Complete guide to World Cup 2018 squads