BC SOCCER WEB WORLD CUP CENTRAL
Every day, we’ll bring you all of scores, news and best writing from around the web from the 2018 World Cup.
THURSDAY MATCHES
June 14
GROUP A
RUSSIA 5 SAUDI ARABIA 0
FRIDAY MATCHES
June 15
GROUP A & B
EGYPT 0 URUGUAY 1
MOROCCO 0 IRAN 1
PORTUGAL vs. SPAIN, 10:30 AM PT, (TSN)
SATURDAY MATCHES
June 16
GROUP C & D
FRANCE vs. AUSTRALIA, 2:30 AM PT (TSN / CTV)
ARGENTINA vs. ICELAND, 5:30 AM PT, (TSN / CTV)
PERU vs. DENMARK, 8:30 AM PT, (TSN / CTV)
CROATIA vs. NIGERIA, 11:30 AM, (TSN / CTV)
SUNDAY MATCHES
June 17
GROUP E & F
COSTA RICA vs. SERBIA, 4:00 AM PT (TSN / CTV)
GERMANY vs. MEXICO, 7:30 AM PT, (TSN / CTV)
BRAZIL vs. SWITZERLAND, 10:30 AM PT, (TSN / CTV)
MONDAY MATCHES
June 18
GROUP F & G
SWEDEN vs. SOUTH KOREA, 4:00 AM PT (TSN)
BELGIUM vs. PANAMA, 7:30 AM PT, (TSN)
TUNISIA vs. ENGLAND, 10:30 AM PT, (TSN)
Aziz Bouhaddouz own goal in added time gifts Iran win against Morocco – The Guardian
Even when the World Cup is bad, you absolutely have to watch because something you’ll still be talking about for years could happen at any moment. Unfortunately for Aziz Bouhaddouz Morocco might be discussing his injury-time own-goal, that gave Iran a 1-0 win in this Group B game, for some time to come.
Gimenez’s header clinches Uruguay win over Egypt at 2018 World Cup – Sportsnet
Jose Gimenez came to Uruguay’s rescue by scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Egypt on Friday in Group A of the World Cup.
Bob Lenarduzzi: Brazil’s skill my thrill to kill at FIFA World Cup – Vancouver Sun
It’s all soccer all weekend, with four games on both days, as Russia 2018 kicks into high gear.
Russia vs. Saudi Arabia 2018 World Cup: Hosts romp, fans revel and Putin is pleased – Washington Post
The 21st edition of the World Cup took flight Thursday with a carnival of colors, a parade of performers, 12 presidents, three prime ministers, a crown prince, past tournament heroes, a harpist, a supermodel, firebirds and a wolf.
This was an exemplary refereeing performance in the World Cup’s opening match with VAR working in the background – The Telegraph
We should applaud Argentine referee Nestor Pitana for a terrific opening performance at the World Cup. He has set a high standard for the competition. It bodes well.
Cheryshev lives out his dream by following in his father’s footsteps – FIFA
One of the heroes in Russia’s sensational 5-0 victory against Saudi Arabia in the Opening Match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup was Denis Cheryshev, a player with a unique past in the Russian national team.
Brazil experiments with a new ‘magic quartet’ at World Cup – The Star
More than a decade after the five-time world champions arrived for the World Cup in Germany with its prolific foursome of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo and Adriano, Brazil is set to use a “Fab Four” of Neymar, Willian, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus to try to win its first title since 2002.
Injured Costa Rica defender Matarrita ruled out of World Cup – Sportsnet
Costa Rica defender Ronald Matarrita will not play in the World Cup because of a right hamstring injury.
Lionel Messi: traitor to some, genius to all and carrying the heaviest burden – The Guardian
Some in Argentina revel in the joy he brings, others feel he lacks emotional attachment to his country. Can Messi take surely his final chance to win the World Cup?
Preview: Argentina v Iceland – FIFA
The opening match of Group D at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium will see opposites collide as FIFA World Cup veterans meet one of the tournament’s latest debutants. Two-time world champions and 2014 runners-up Argentina are preparing to take part in their 17th finals, while Iceland – the smallest of all 32 nations by population with just under 335,000 inhabitants – are making their first World Cup appearance in Russia.
The Miracle on Iceland – ESPN
Tiny Iceland shocked the world by qualifying for its first World Cup. In Russia, the goal is simple: Shock the world again.
Super Eagles look to fly high in Group D opener – African Football
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will look to open their Group D campaign at the 2018 World Cup with a win when they face Croatia at the Kaliningrad Stadium on Saturday, June 16.
France look to set the tone against Australia – Futbolgrad
Group C will kick off with France facing outsiders Australia in Kazan. While for France the match will be all about setting the narrative for the remaining tournament where the Equipe Tricolore is among the favourites, Australia will be looking for a vital point in what is a relatively balanced group behind France.
Didier Deschamps puts faith in Mbappé and France’s new generation – The Guardian
Despite having the youngest squad at the World Cup, Les Bleus appear unfazed by the notion that youth accentuates risk.
El Tri looks to finally clear hurdle to World Cup quarterfinals after six straight losses – SBI
The 2018 World Cup is set up to be a typical one for Mexico. After a strong run through CONCACAF, El Tri is favored to escape the group stages for the seventh-straight tournament. For all of the criticism and frustration that always tends to surround El Tri, Mexico has been remarkably consistent on the field for the better part of two decades.
Are Italian soccer fans watching the World Cup? – CTV
At the World Cup of Soccer, there is one glaring absence from the tournament this year. Italy didn’t make it for the first time since the 1950’s. So now, the large Italian communities across Northern Ontario have to cheer for someone else and hope that Italia makes it back into the next world tournament.
Russian police ordered to withhold news of thefts, killings during World Cup – ESPN
Russia’s interior ministry has ordered police to withhold news about thefts and killings from the media during the World Cup and instead report successes such as crimes being solved, two police sources said on Thursday.
World Cup Diary – Day 1 and 2: Putin’s fun day out – Futbolgrad
Smiling, almost apologetic, the camera zoomed in on President Vladimir Putin and Saudi King Salman. As one goal after another went in, Putin shook Salman’s hand laughed and seemingly had a good time. As for the reactions by Russians to the pictures? One observer smiled and laughed I bet you they made some deal. “One billion euros for every goal.” Another fan suggested, “we gave them an oilfield for every goal.”
World Cup 2018: Sochi joins world’s elite sporting cities – BBC Sport
When Sochi hosts Spain against Portugal on 15 June, it will be only the fourth city to complete the hat-trick of hosting a World Cup match, an Olympic Games and an F1 grand prix.
Saudi women in Russia to support team, reinforce new image – Yahoo Sports
In jeans, headscarves and veils, dozens of Saudi women draped in their country’s green flag and sporting matching face paint streamed into Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday to support their national team against Russia in the World Cup’s opening match.
World Cup 2018: A billboard in support of Iran is changed to include women – BBC Sport
A billboard in Iran which supported the nation’s World Cup team has been replaced after it was criticised for not featuring any women. The previous billboard, in Tehran, showed men of different ethnicities celebrating around a trophy.
David Squires on … Putin, Spain and the World Cup 2018 kick-off – The Guardian
The Guardian cartoonist looks back at the opening to Russia 2018 and Spain reverting to chaotic type.
Why fans still flock to the World Cup despite politics and controversy – CBC
Soccer fans argue the beautiful game has a powerful way of uniting the world.
WORLD CUP GROUP PREVIEWS
2018 World Cup Group A Preview: Uruguay Favored; All Eyes on Salah, Hosts – SI.com
Like all good hosts should, Russia is in Group A to make everyone else feel comfortable. With Uruguay the favorite to advance out of the group, Egypt hopeful it will have a fully fit Mohamed Salah and Saudi Arabia considered an even match, Russia has its work cut out to avoid embarrassment on home soil at the 2018 World Cup.
World Cup Group B preview: Cristiano Ronaldo has a pretty clear path to advance – L.A. Times
Portugal is joined by Spain, Iran and Morocco in Group B of the World Cup in Russia. Here’s a look at each team.
World Cup 2018 Group C preview: France … and then who? – Yahoo Sports
It’s basically a beefed-up version of Group A. France, barring a meltdown, should go through. Australia, barring the invention of a potion that makes Tim Cahill 10 years younger, probably won’t. That leaves Denmark and Peru as the two candidates for one knockout round spot. They square off on the third day of the tournament – the first of Group C. Their matchup will set the tone for the remainder of the round robin.
2018 World Cup Group D Preview: Argentina, Croatia Class of Deadly Group – SI.com
Not every team at the World Cup feels worthy of knockout stage competition, but Group D is unique: Argentina, Iceland, Nigeria and Croatia are all capable of making a run, at least to the round of 16. But for the Group D favorite, Argentina, nothing short of a trophy will satisfy.
2018 World Cup Group E Preview: It’s Brazil and Three Challengers for Second – SI.com
Group E at Russia’s 2018 World Cup isn’t the most star-laden or high-profile, but there’s an argument to be made for all four sides to go through, paced by one giant and three capable contenders. Brazil will go through barring disaster—when combining talent and recent form, Brazil is arguably the team to beat across the entire tournament.
Group F World Cup Preview: Germany’s trend-snapping quest; skipper’s record-breaking feat – Fox Sports
2014 winners Germany will be looking to avoid making the same mistake that Spain and Italy did as holders, by not making it out of the group stage.
World Cup Group G Preview: two giants against two rookies – Chicago Tribune
The moment of truth has arrived for a Belgium side filled with talent. After enduring lackluster World Cups, the Belgians once again provide hope like they did in Mexico 1986 when they reached the semifinals.
World Cup 2018: your guide to Group H – Irish Times
This looks to be one of the most even groups with all four teams laying claim to last 16 spots.
Your complete guide to all 736 players at the 2018 World Cup – The Guardian
Biographies of every player in all 32 squads in Russia, including caps, goals, nicknames, hobbies and, once the tournament starts, ratings for every performance.
HOW TO WATCH THE WORLD CUP
FIFA World Cup on TSN and CTV – Broadcast Schedule – TSN
All matches will be broadcast live on TSN, CTV, TSN 2.
Best places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver – Daily Hive
Even though the Canadian men’s national team didn’t qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Canucks still love to watch the tournament along with the rest of the world (especially when there is food and beer involved).
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS & MLS NEWS
PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC
MLS MATCHDAY #17
SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018, 2:00 PM PT
PPL PARK, CHESTER, PA.
LA Galaxy sign veteran defender Sheanon Williams – MLS
With the World Cup break here in MLS, the LA Galaxy are staying busy with roster moves. The team announced on Thursday the signing of veteran defender Sheanon Williams. Joining as a free agent, Williams will be available for selection on Friday for LA’s U.S. Open Cup match against the Portland Timbers.
Wayne Rooney: Everton forward still to decide on move to MLS side DC United – BBC Sport
Wayne Rooney will decide within the next two weeks whether he is going to quit Everton for Major League Soccer outfit DC United.
Report: Atlanta United set to sign Argentine holding midfielder Eric Remedi – MLS
Current Supporters’ Shield leaders Atlanta United boast one of the most fearsome attacks in MLS. They’re a bit light in the defensive midfield department, however, leading to a dependence on the ageless Jeff Larentowicz – and reports of the club shopping for a new signing earlier this year. Now an Argentinean journalist has linked the Five Stripes to another potential acquisition, 23-year-old midfielder Eric Remedi.
San Jose signs Miazga’s running mate Kashia to fix defense – NBC Sports
San Jose has used Targeted Allocation Money to sign Georgia national team and Vitesse captain Guram Kashia, who turns 31 on July 4.
Diego Fagundez shines as Revolution’s team captain – SBI
The New England Revolution’s regular captain, defender Claude Dielna, missed Wednesday night’s match against the San Jose Earthquakes due to yellow card accumulation and Revs coach Brad Friedel decided to pass the armband on to attacking midfielder Diego Fagundez.
Major League Soccer made Austin inquiries in September 2016, emails show – Columbus Dispatch
Efforts by Major League Soccer and Precourt Sports Ventures to explore relocation to Austin, Texas, after the 2018 season began as early as the summer of 2017, documents have shown. However, conversations about the possibility of a Major League Soccer team in Austin outside the parameters of expansion happened before that.
DC United is one month away from playing in new home – WUSA
On July 14, D.C. United will play in its new, 20,000-capacity stadium, Audi Field, against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Academy Playoffs Preview: What to expect from the ‘Caps U-19s & U-17s – Whitecaps FC
It’s an annual tradition as Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency teams head down south for the Academy Playoffs.
Canada West Soccer Men’s season kicks off Aug. 24, women’s opener Sept. 1 – Canada West
Both the Canada West men’s and women’s soccer schedules were released Thursday, as the conference rolled out its final fall sport schedules after field hockey and rugby 15s were revealed last week. The complete 2018 CW football schedule was released back in April.
Vikes kick off opening weekends of CW soccer action – UVic Vikes
The Vikes men will be forced to play the role of road warriors at the beginning of their schedule. The team that is looking to get back into the playoffs after a two-year absence start the season with four straight games away from home before returning to Centennial Stadium for their home-opener against the UBC Okanagan Heat on Sep. 7.
Cascades men’s soccer program caps strong recruiting cycle with trio of signings – UFV
The University of the Fraser Valley men’s soccer program has rounded out its 2018 recruiting class, signing a pair of local high schoolers and one transfer student.
WolfPack Soccer schedule released: open season at home – TRU Wolfpack
The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack soccer teams will open the 2018-19 Canada West regular season at home.
Canada West men’s soccer season kicks off Aug. 24, women’s opener Sept. 1 – UBC
2018 will be a historic one for men’s soccer, as it will mark the 50th consecutive season of university soccer across Western Canada. It will also mark the 47th season of Canada West men’s soccer, which is one of 14 CW sports to be contested annually since the conference formed in the spring of 1972.
UNBC releases the 2018-2019 Men’s soccer schedule – Kelowna Now
The full regular season schedule for the UNBC Men’s soccer team has just been released and it’s looking intense!
SPARTANS OPEN SEASON AT HOME WITH CANADA WEST CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH – TWU
Trinity Western’s women’s soccer team will open its Canada West championship defence with a rematch of last year’s gold medal game against Victoria Sept. 7 at the Spartans Chase Office Field. The 2018 regular season schedule was released Thursday.
SPARTANS KICK-OFF SEASON ON THE ROAD, HOST VICTORIA IN HOME-OPENER – TWU
Trinity Western’s men’s soccer team will open a road-heavy regular season schedule with a late-August trip to the Okanagan before returning home to host Victoria Aug. 31 at the Spartans Chase Office Field. The 2018 Canada West regular season schedule was announced Thursday.
Kelowna keeper set for step to university pitch – Kelowna Capital News
Karina Bagi will travel to Winnipeg July 14 to join the Manitoba Bisons’ women’s soccer program.
KYSA round-up to June 10, 2018 – Kamloops This Week
The under-13 Kamloops Blaze Orange boys finished atop TOYSL standings after posting a pair of weekend victories.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: KYSA seeks an Executive Director (PDF File) – KYSA
Kamloops Youth Soccer Association has an exciting opprtunity available for an Executive Director.
PHOTOS: BC Provincial Men’s A Cup: BCT Rovers Tigers Utd. 5, Langley Utd. 2 (XT) – BC Soccer Web
Exclusive photos for BC Soccer Web by Bill Currie.
PHOTOS: 2018 BC Provincial Cup Parade of Champions – BC Soccer Web
See the winners from the 2018 BC Provincial Cup.
TSS Rovers release Season Tickets for the 2018 season – TSS Rovers
A great summer of soccer is in store at Swangard Stadium with the PDL & WPSL TSS Rovers. Season yickets are only $70.
Victoria Highlanders FC 2018 Season Tickets now on sale – Victoria Highlanders
Spend your summer with the PDL Highlanders at Centennial Stadium for only $75.
Canada’s College ID Camps set for Shawnigan Lake & Kingston, Ontario – Canada College ID Camps
Our purpose is to provide a space where players grade 9-12 can connect with college coaches from all levels in Canada and the USA. We hope to assist in the promotion of youth players into environments which will challenge them academically and athletically after high school.
Becoming a BC Soccer Referee – BCSA
Whether you are an experienced referee new to British Columbia or if you are new to the discipline of refereeing BC Soccer Assoc. has a clinic and a pathway for you. The minimum age to become a referee is 12 years old (small sided) and 14 years old (11-a-side). Please enjoy the short video showcasing some Referee programs that BC Soccer offers and continue below for more on how to become a referee in BC!
Free Physiotherapy Clinical Trial for Achilles Pain at UBC – UBC Centre for Hip Health & Mobility
Do you have Achilles pain? Interested in free Physiotherapy? If yes, join our clinical trial to look at the effectiveness of intramuscular stimulation (IMS), a form of acupuncture therapy, in treating Achilles tendon pain.
The BC Soccer Web Guide to Empire Field – BC Soccer Web
Empire Fields and Plateau Sports Park is the lofty and formal name given to Vancouver’s newest addition to the soccer scene. Yet, anyone who’s ever kicked or carried both kinds of footballs around these parts knows the place by heart.
Introducing BC Soccer Web Syndication – BC Soccer Web
You can now add BC Soccer Web news to your website simply by adding our new RSS Feed! Find out more.
Send your Soccer News to BC Soccer Web! – BC Soccer Web
BC Soccer Web is the hub for soccer in British Columbia. We want to share your soccer news with the entire province, and you can help by letting us know! We want your match reports, club news, league standings, and info on upcoming tournaments and clinics. Whether you submit links to existing news on the web, or your own original writing, we want to share it with the soccer community in B.C.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
United bid team hoping 2026 World Cup will make soccer the “preeminent sport in North America” – AFTN
The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America. As disappointed as we are that Vancouver will be playing no part in it (although we still do hold out the faintest of faint hopes that something changes in the next eight years to somehow make it happen), we can’t hide our excitement at it being played on Canadian soil for the first time in what will be the tournament’s 96 year history.
Editorial: World Cup is Edmonton’s goal – Edmonton Journal
Edmonton has a rare and glorious chance to score a World Cup role. The province should help kick this opportunity right into the top corner.
Editorial: Three cheers for North America’s World Cup coup – Hamilton Spectator
What a great example can be set between now and 2026 as these three neighbours plan and work together to jointly host the World Cup. On an occasion like this, soccer could be more than a game; it could be a continental matchmaker.
2026 World Cup a rallying point for Canadian men’s program – Waking the Red
It’s somewhat ironic that Canada has likely found its way back into the men’s World Cup as part of a “United” bid with the USA and Mexico. Unity, or a lack thereof, after all, has long been an issue that has plagued the sport in this country. There has been infighting among member associations, leagues that have been created only to subsequently fail and numerous national team coaches with various agendas and visions shepherded in and out.
Edgar ready to go for Canada – The Record
David Edgar is already crunching the numbers. The Kitchener native will be 39 years old by the time Canada co-hosts the 2026 World Cup of Soccer. “I was doing the math,” he said. “It might be tough, but I’m never going to rule it out. I’m going to play until my legs fall off.”
Editorial: Calling in the Cavalry – Calgary Herald
The new team — Cavalry FC — will play in a stadium to be built at Spruce Meadows. The venue, as others have noted, is certain to give the club a boost because of its unparalleled picturesque setting in the city’s southwest corner.
Red Deer City Soccer excited for 2026 World Cup games in Canada – Red Deer News Now
The announcement this week that Canada will join the United States and Mexico in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup has the Red Deer City Soccer Association excited for its impact locally.
VIDEO: World Cup announcement sparks debate about better connecting Edmonton to its airport – Global
With the very real possibility now that Edmonton may host some games during the 2026 World Cup of soccer, a debate has started about how to better connect the city to its airport.
It’s an exciting time to be a soccer fan in Saskatchewan – CKRM
This is a great time of year for soccer fans in this province. The 2018 World Cup starts Thursday in Russia, with word Wednesday morning the 2026 event will be partially played in Canada, as a joint bid from this country, the U.S. and Mexico has been selected by FIFA to play host.
Soccer showcase at Niagara College – St. Catherines Standard
The Niagara College Knights soccer teams held its annual showcase for high school players. About 80 players from 22 schools took part Wednesday.
N.L. Challenge Cup: Woodfine scores three times as Holy Cross downs Feildians – The Telegram
Scott Woodfine scored three times as Holy Cross downed Feildians 4-1 in Johnson Insurance Challenge Cup soccer action Wednesday night at King George V Park in St. John’s.
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USL & LOWER DIVISION NEWS
Crepeau Voted USL Player of the Month – USL
Ottawa Fury FC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau has been voted the USL Player of the Month for May after an immaculate month that saw the Canadian international not concede a goal in six appearances for the club.
Q&A: USL president bullish on league’s present and future – WRAL Sportsfan
It’s been a heady few years for the United Soccer League. Left reeling following a schism in 2010 that bore the insurgent North American Soccer League, USL winnowed down to just 12 teams in 2013 occupying the third division of American professional soccer.
Eastern Conf. Notebook – Win Boosted NCFC Before Road Trip – USL
North Carolina FC’s offense came alive on Wednesday night in a 4-2 win over Ottawa Fury FC at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, a victory that broke a two-game losing streak as the side ended its four-game home stand on a high note. One of the notable performances in the match was midfielder Steven Miller, who scored the fourth goal to seal the win, a finish that brought a smile to the face of Head Coach Colin Clarke.
Round of 16 – 2018 U.S. Open Cup – USSF
Welcome to the 2018 U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 Match Center. Watch available games, read previews and recaps and explore all the round’s matches.
FC Cincinnati to Host La Liga’s RCD Espanyol on July 28 – FC Cincinnati
Orange and Blue will face second La Liga squad in an international friendly next month during team’s MLS celebration.
NWSL & WOMEN’S WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Thorns feeling rejuvenated and ready for Chicago after break in schedule – Oregonian
The Portland Thorns took advantage of a break in the National Women’s Soccer League schedule last week to spend some extra time on the training pitch, making adjustments as a team and working individually on specific positional skills.
Vero Boquete Speaks Out About Her Time at the 2015 World Cup – Stumptown Footy
The Men’s World Cup is upon us. In between the six hours of soccer there is to watch per day, take a second to remember former Portland Thorn Vero Boquete. Boquete spent just one season with the Thorns but left a lasting impression, scoring four goals and tallying six assists in only 15 appearances. She won three NWSL player of the week awards, was the first ever Thorns player to make the NWSL first XI, finished second in MVP voting and won Riveters Player of the year in 2014. That very year was the year Spain clinched its first ever spot in the Women’s World Cup.
The Lowdown: Comparing Courage, Sky Blue to the streaks they’re chasing – The Equalizer
The NWSL season has been on for nearly three months, and some teams will begin the back half of their schedules this weekend. For two teams the season has had a consistent ring to it.
2019 Women’s World Cup Qualification (UEFA) – Group 5, 6 and 7 round-up – Vavel
We recap what happened in Group 5, 6 and 7 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualification (UEFA).
Tokyo 2020: Team GB playing at Olympics ‘fundamental’ – Phil Neville – BBC Sport
Fielding a Team GB women’s football team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is “absolutely fundamental” for the growth of the women’s game, says England head coach Phil Neville.
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Griezmann says he is staying at Atletico Madrid – Sportsnet
Antoine Griezmann said Thursday that “I have decided to stay” at the end of a 45-minute television special called “The Decision,” broadcast on Spanish TV station Movistar Plus.
Odsonne Edouard: Celtic sign PSG forward in ‘biggest transfer’ – BBC Sport
Celtic have described it as the “biggest transfer” in their history as Odsonne Edouard agreed a four-year contract from Paris St-Germain.
Nantes name Ranieri’s successor – Ligue 1
FC Nantes have announced Miguel Cardoso as Claudio Ranieri’s replacement at the helm of the club’s senior team. The Portuguese coach, 46, sign from Rio Ave in his homeland.
Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa signs two-year contract to become new manager – BBC Sport
Ex-Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa says a club with Leeds United’s history was “impossible to turn down” after being named manager of the Championship club.
Ronaldo settles tax fraud case with £16.4m fine and 2-year suspended jail sentence – Inside World Football
On the day Portugal opened their World Cup campaign in Russia against Spain, their superstar player Cristiano Ronaldo has accepted a suspended prison sentence to settle his tax fraud case, and agreed to pay £16.4 million to the Spanish tax authorities.
Real Madrid swoop for Brazilian youngster Rodrygo Goes – Four Four Two
Santos teenager Rodrygo Goes will become a Real Madrid player after the European champions agreed a reported €45million deal.
Anthony Martial’s desire to leave Manchester United is sad but no surprise – ESPN
It’s a shame that Anthony Martial wants to leave Manchester United, but hardly a surprise. Moreover, unlike a year ago when he tweeted Les rumeurs sont fausses after being linked to Arsenal, this time the information has come straight from his agent and the player has not denied it.
Palestine’s Rajoub comes under FIFA fire over Messi shirt burning call – Inside World Football
Palestinian football has suffered a second off-the-field blow in a matter of days after FIFA announced it is taking disciplinary action against Jibril Rajoub, the federation’s tub-thumping leader, for threatening Lionel Messi. Last month Rajoub called on fans to burn pictures and shirts of the Argentine superstar if he played in a friendly against Israel in Jerusalem.
Carabao Cup first-round draw: Frank Lampard’s Derby County to face Oldham Athletic – BBC Sport
Frank Lampard’s first cup game as Derby County manager will be away to Oldham Athletic following the draw for the first round of the Carabao Cup.