Madrid, July 23 (IANS) Head coach Edin Terzic has revealed he has remained in regular contact with Athletic Bilbao’s three World Cup-winning stars as he prepares the club for the new La Liga season.The former Borussia Dortmund coach replaced Ernesto Valverde this summer, taking over from the veteran manager, who guided Athletic across three spells spanning a decade.Athletic have made a positive start to pre-season, winning their opening three warm-up matches against lower-division opponents de…
Latest World Cup News & Updates
Madrid, July 22 (IANS) Spain midfielder Gavi said on Wednesday that he did not believe Argentina’s Leandro Paredes should be banned for his role in the incidents that followed Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final.As Spain’s players began celebrating after the final whistle, Argentina defender Nahuel Molina swung a punch at Spain captain Rodrigo Hernandez, while Paredes, Thiago Almada and Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala also became involved.Paredes appeared to gr…
Rome, July 22 (IANS) The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is prepared to make an exceptional adjustment to its budget in a bid to appoint Pep Guardiola as the new head coach of the men’s national team, as the country looks to rebuild after another disappointing World Cup qualification campaign.Senior FIGC officials Paolo Maldini and his advisor Leonardo recently held extensive talks with Guardiola in Barcelona, presenting a long-term vision for Italian football that goes beyond managing the …
New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has called for accountability from head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management following India’s 2-1 ODI series defeat to England, questioning the side’s preparation for the 2027 World Cup and criticising the frequent changes to the playing XI. Speaking after England clinched the series with a 27-run win in the third ODI at Lord’s, Srikkanth said India’s performances against stronger opposition should be the benchmark …
New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) Hockey India on Monday announced the 20-member men’s squad for the upcoming FIH World Cup Belgium & Netherlands to be held from August 15 to 30, with ace defender and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh leading the side. Veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh, India’s most-capped player, brings vast experience to a balanced squad comprising a blend of seasoned campaigners and exciting young talent. The goalkeeping department includes Mohith HS and Suraj Karkera, while the…
Madrid, July 21 (IANS) Spain’s national football team was welcomed by nearly 2 million fans as it celebrated winning a second World Cup with an open-top bus parade through central Madrid before a jubilant gathering at the city’s landmark Plaza de Cibeles. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in World Cup final in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner to cap a dominant performance.The team arrived back in Madrid at around 1 p.m. local time and began the celebrations with official…
New Delhi, July 21 (IANS) Lionel Messi has described his “immense” pain after Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final, saying only time would help the team overcome the result. Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal in New Jersey ended Argentina’s hopes of back-to-back titles on Sunday and denied Messi a chance to cap his decorated career with a second World Cup title.The 39-year-old is not expected to play at the next World Cup in 2030, although he is yet to announce any retirement plans.”…
Madrid, July 20 (IANS) Celebrations continued in Spain on Monday following the country’s second World Cup triumph, with Ferran Torres’ injury-time winner against Argentina on Sunday earning him a place alongside Andres Iniesta, who scored the decisive goal in the 2010 final.Beyond the honour of adding a second star to the national team shirt, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the 26 players in the squad also have significant financial reasons to celebrate.Winning the 2026 World Cup earn…
New York, July 20 (IANS) US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino faced jeers from spectators upon taking the field to present the World Cup trophy, following Spain’s victory in the final, before the US president attempted to gatecrash Spain’s victory party. Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One, with the president’s helicopter first flying over the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off. He received “scattered boos” following the performance of the U.S. national anth…
New Delhi, July 20 (IANS) Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh believes India’s recent struggles on the tour of the United Kingdom should be viewed in the context of a team undergoing transition, urging patience while also calling for introspection after a disappointing run of results. Reflecting on India’s campaign, Yuvraj said phases of inconsistency are inevitable when a side is rebuilding, but stressed that the team must now regroup and respond strongly.”When things aren’t going well, you s…