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.

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Q-final: Norway 1-2 England (AET)

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026

Q-final: Norway 1-2 England (AET)

Miami Gardens: Jude Bellingham was England's hero once more by scoring twice as the Three Lions came from behind to end Norway's historic run and reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 2-1 win after extra-time on Saturday.

In their first ever quarter-final, Andreas Schjelderup fired Norway into a shock lead in the searing Miami heat.

But Bellingham, who also netted a double in a memorable 3-2 over Mexico in the last 16, produced a moment of magic to equalise just before half-time.

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.

France clash a 'final before the final', says Spain's De la Fuente

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

France clash a 'final before the final', says Spain's De la Fuente

Inglewood: Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente said on Friday that the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final with France would be "a final before the final".

He said his side, who beat Belgium 2-1 in Friday's quarter-final thanks to an 88th minute Mikel Merino winner in Los Angeles, were "capable of beating any team", including tournament favourites France and red-hot forward Kylian Mbappe.

New Portugal coach Jesus 'will call up' Ronaldo if available

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

New Portugal coach Jesus 'will call up' Ronaldo if available

Oeiras: Portugal appointed Jorge Jesus as their new national team head coach on Friday and he said he would continue to call on veteran superstar Cristiano Ronaldo if he is available, insisting the forward will "never" be a problem.

The 41-year-old striker was criticised for his FIFA World Cup 2026 performances under predecessor Roberto Martinez as Portugal were eliminated in the last 16 by Spain.

Ronaldo, who said he has appeared at his last FIFA World Cup, has not decided whether he will continue to play for the national team.

Vinicius apologises to Brazilians

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Vinicius apologises to Brazilians

Sao Paulo: Vinicius Junior apologised to Brazilian fans on Friday for the "enormous frustration" caused by their FIFA World Cup 2026 elimination by Norway and promised to "fight" to restore the might of the Selecao.

The five-time world champions were knocked out by upstarts Norway in a shock 2-1 Round of 16 rout.