Olivier Giroud was an integral part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning side, but in Qatar the striker has brought the goals missing from his game four years ago in Russia. On a night when the insatiable Kylian Mbappe scored two brilliant goals, Giroud wrote himself into the history books with his 52nd goal for Les Bleus — eclipsing Thierry’s Henry …

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski refused to confirm if he had played his last ever game at the World Cup after his side were knocked out of the tournament in Qatar in a 3-1 last-16 defeat by France on Sunday. Barcelona striker Lewandowski scored a late consolation from the penalty spot for a Poland side who were outclassed by the fearsome …

The battle between ‘football’ and ‘soccer’ concluded in the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Saturday as Netherlands defeated USA 3-1 in the Round of 16 clash to book a spot in the quarter-finals. While fans on social media termed the result a victory for ‘football’ over ‘soccer’, the top political leaders of the Netherlands and USA also got involved into …

Lionel Messi finally scored a goal in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Saturday as he inspired Argentina to a 2-1 win over Australia that sets up a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown with the Netherlands, who proved too strong for the United States earlier. The Argentina captain marked his 1,000th career appearance with his 789th goal to open the …

Cristiano Ronaldo says that the gestures he made when he was substituted against South Korea weren’t directed at coach Fernando Santos, but at an opponent who was urging him to leave the pitch. After the Portuguese coach explained the situation at the post match press conference, Ronaldo added his version of events. “The Korean player was telling me to leave …

Cristiano Ronaldo said he was involved in a verbal spat with a South Korean player who criticised him for failing to leave the field quickly enough when he was substituted during Portugal’s 2-1 World Cup defeat on Friday. Portugal still topped Group H despite the result, which also sent South Korea into the last 16, but Ronaldo looked annoyed as …

Dani Alves became the oldest player to represent Brazil at the men’s World Cup as the 39-year-old captained the tournament favourites in their final group game against Cameroon at Lusail Stadium on Friday. Alves, who turned 39 in May and has since left Barcelona to play in Mexico, broke the record that had been set by current teammate Thiago Silva, …

  Switzerland booked a last-16 showdown with Portugal at the World Cup on Friday after a 3-2 win over Serbia in a bad-tempered match secured them second place in Group G. Xherdan Shaqiri’s deflected strike put the Swiss ahead but Aleksandar Mitrovic’s fine header brought Serbia level at Stadium 974. Dusan Vlahovic then gave Serbia the lead only for Breel …

Vincent Aboubakar headed in a stoppage-time winner and was then sent off as Cameroon claimed a memorable 1-0 victory over favourites Brazil at the World Cup on Friday, but still failed to go through to the last 16. Aboubakar, who had come in to captain Rigobert Song’s team, connected with a cross from substitute Jerome Ngom Mbekeli to break the …

Uruguay crashed out of the World Cup on Friday despite beating Ghana 2-0 after South Korea scored a late winner in the other Group H match to leapfrog the South American side. Giorgian De Arrascaeta netted twice in quick succession in the first half, with 35-year-old Luis Suarez having a hand in both goals. However, Suarez finished the match on …