2018 FIFA World Cup

Moscow, June 12 (IANS) Football is practically the last major sport to start using video replay technology to help referees ensure they made the right calls on the pitch, and on March 3 FIFA took…

Moscow, June 12 (IANS) The inaugural match of this summer’s FIFA World Cup between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia is set to kick off on June 14 in the Luzhniki Stadium here, the first edition…

Moscow, June 12 (IANS) Former Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Tuesday that Russia will be an “amazing” host country for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, starting June 14. “I think it will be…

Kazan, June 12 (IANS) Australia defender Josh Risdon said that he had postponed his honeymoon because he was busy preparing for the FIFA World Cup, which will kick off in Moscow on June 14. “A…

Domodedovo (Russia), June 12 (IANS) FIFA Director of Security Helmut Spahn on Tuesday praised the measures taken by Russia to provide safety during the FIFA World Cup. “The security standards and all the efforts you…

Moscow, June 12 (IANS) The Nigerian football team, nicknamed the “Super Eagles,” arrived in Russia early on Tuesday ahead of the FIFA World Cup. “Super Eagles land in (the North Caucasian city) Essentuki,” a FIFA…

Brussels, June 12 (IANS) Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez has played down Eden Hazard’s knock during their 4-1 win against Costa Rica in a pre-World Cup friendly, saying the Chelsea playmaker’s World Cup was not…

Krasnodar (Russia), June 12 (IANS) Spain’s right-back Dani Carvajal on Tuesday joined his national football squad’s training session for the first time since the hamstring injury he sustained during Real Madrid’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League…

Sao Paulo, June 12 (IANS) Brazil full back Filipe Luis has said he remembers praying with his entire family during the dramatic penalty shootout which Brazil won against Italy to decide the 1994 World Cup…

Bronnitsy (Russia), June 12 (IANS) The chance to see Lionel Messi up close unleashed a certain madness as the Argentine national football team held their first open practice session for the 2018 FIFA World Cup…

Lisbon, June 12 (IANS) Portugal’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Russia have been disrupted by reports that three Sporting Lisbon players have demanded the annulment of their contracts. Monday’s move comes less than…

Carnago (Italy), June 12 (IANS) Colombia have the players and the spirit to be legitimate contenders to hoist the 2018 FIFA World Cup, defender Cristian Zapata said after the squad’s final practice session in Italy…

Moscow, June 12 (IANS) When Senegal kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Poland on June 19, the Africans will be looking to repeat the heroics of the 2002 team who failed to make…

Moscow, June 12 (IANS) Russia’s Brazilian-born defender Mario Fernandes has said that he has no regrets about switching his national allegiance despite Brazil’s problems at the right-back position. Fernandes, who was granted Russian citizenship by…

Moscow, June 11 (IANS) Brazilian football great Ronaldo and British pop star Robbie Williams will participate in Thursday’s World Cup opening ceremony before the first match between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia, FIFA announced on…

Krasnodar (Russia), June 11 (IANS) Spanish footballer Rodrigo Moreno on Monday played down concerns about the fitness of Gerard Pique, who was forced to exit team training earlier with apparent pain in his left knee…

Krasnodar (Russia), June 11 (IANS) Spain’s Rodrigo Moreno, best known as Rodrigo, on Monday praised Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of their clash in the first match of the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup in…

Buenos Aires, June 11 (IANS) Argentinean goalkeeper Sergio Romero is confident he will be back for the national football team after missing out on the FIFA World Cup due to a long-standing injury. Romero, who…

Kratovo (Russia), June 11 (IANS) Portugal midfielder Manuel Fernandes said on Monday that his national team is looking to claim the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and can defeat Spain, although the Spanish side is…