Alvarez hails resilient Argentina

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026

Alvarez hails resilient Argentina

Kansas City: Julian Alvarez said "you have to know how to suffer" after Argentina came through yet another gruelling FIFA World Cup 2026 test to beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals following extra-time on Saturday.

The Atletico Madrid forward scored Argentina's decisive second goal in the 112th minute in Kansas City to finally end the resistance of the European team.

The Swiss mounted a robust rearguard action after Breel Embolo was dismissed in the second half - shown a second yellow card for simulation.

But Alvarez eventually broke their hearts with a stunning curling effort into the top corner and Lautaro Martinez added a last-gasp third.

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Tuchel says 'lucky' England must improve

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026

Tuchel says 'lucky' England must improve

Miami: England head coach Thomas Tuchel said his team were "lucky" to squeeze past Norway 2-1 after extra-time to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, but praised "world-class" Jude Bellingham after his two goals dragged the Three Lions to victory.

A furious Tuchel was in little mood to celebrate despite England reaching the last four for just the fourth time in history after Bellingham's double overturned Andreas Schjelderup's opener.

Only pride for Norway's Solbakken

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026

Only pride for Norway's Solbakken

Miami: Norway's amazing FIFA World Cup 2026 journey came to an end on Saturday but Stale Solbakken insisted his side had every reason to be proud.

Norway's fairytale run looked set to continue after Andreas Schjelderup gave them the lead but a Jude Bellingham brace - the second of which came in extra time - meant England advanced to a semi-final meeting with Argentina on Wednesday.

Courtois backs Lammens to bounce back

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Courtois backs Lammens to bounce back

Los Angeles: Thibaut Courtois rallied behind Belgium substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens on Friday after the Manchester United stopper's agonising late blunder gifted Spain a 2-1 victory in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final.

Real Madrid star Courtois exited the game in the 71st minute after complaining of a muscular problem, making way for 24-year-old understudy Lammens at the Los Angeles Stadium.

But Lammens' appearance off the bench ended in calamity, when he failed to deal with a long-range strike from Pau Cubarsi, and Mikel Merino pounced to blast in an 88th-minute winner for Spain.

Deschamps leads France into familiar territory in final assignment

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Deschamps leads France into familiar territory in final assignment

New York: Didier Deschamps has had to cope with personal tragedy and the looming realisation that his long spell as head coach of France is about to end, but he looks more at ease than ever at this FIFA World Cup having led the favourites into the semi-finals.

On Thursday, France made light work of Morocco as goals by captain Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele gave them a 2-0 win in their last-eight clash in Boston.