France, Croatia favourites to set up World Cup final repeatThe Saigon Times Daily General view of the trophy during the match between France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Belgium's David Goffin at Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille, France November 26, 2017 – PHOTO: REUTERS LILLE (REUTERS) - France and Croatia, who contested football’s World Cup final this year, will start as favourites this weekend to set up the men’s tennis equivalent in the Davis Cup. With Rafael Nadal injured, France’s semi-final task against Spain in Lille has taken on a very different hue with Yannick Noah’s champions now favourites to be only the second team to reach back-to-back finals since the challenge round was abolished in 1972. Meanwhile, in Zadar, where the Marin Cilic-inspired Croats face the United States in the other last-four contest which also starts on Friday, there will be plenty of scrutiny of umpire Carlos Ramos. He has come into this passionate tie straight from the … [Read more...] about France, Croatia favourites to set up World Cup final repeat
World cup
Spain thrash World Cup finalists Croatia 6-0 in Nations League
Marco Asensio impressed as Spain crushed World Cup runners-up Croatia in Elche. (Photo: AFP/Jose Jordan) Defeat to Russia in July prompted a change of coach and doubts about the Spanish passing style but after an impressive win over England at Wembley, Luis Enrique has now overseen a demolition of Croatia too. Asensio's two long-range shots, the second cannoning in off goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic, had Spain three up before half-time in Elche, after Saul Niguez had earlier headed home. Croatia, abject at the back, were no better after the break. Asensio first threaded Rodrigo Moreno through to finish before supplying the corner for an unmarked Sergio Ramos to nod in number five. Isco then flashed a sixth into the top corner, again Asensio the provider. Two victories in four days mean Spain sit top of League A's Group Two, with a six-point gap over both Croatia and England, who play each other in Rijeka next month. Brushing aside two of the World Cup's top four teams, and one so … [Read more...] about Spain thrash World Cup finalists Croatia 6-0 in Nations League
Real Madrid to face Guadalajara or Asian champions in Club World Cup semis
* Wimbledon and the Australian Open are considering introducing final-set tiebreaks in 2019. The issue hit the headlines after the six-hour, 36-minute semi-final between Kevin Anderson and John Isner at Wimbledon this year, which Anderson won 26-24 in the final set. * Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau were added to the US Ryder Cup team on Tuesday when captain Jim Furyk announced three captain's picks. Furyk will complete his 12-man team next Monday when he makes one more addition to his line-up to take on Europe in Paris from Sept. 28-30. * Jose Pekerman has quit as Colombia manager two months after leading them to the last 16 of the World Cup in Russia, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) said on Tuesday. * Europe's top club coaches have asked UEFA to review the use of the away goals rule in continental competitions because scoring away from home is not as difficult as it used to be. * The world's best surfers are heading inland this week to California's farm … [Read more...] about Real Madrid to face Guadalajara or Asian champions in Club World Cup semis
UEFA president wants only one European bid for 2030 World Cup
* A late stoppage-time goal by substitute Patrick Cutrone gave AC Milan a 2-1 home win over Roma in an electrifying Serie A clash on Friday and eased the pressure on manager Gennaro Gattuso. * Striker Allan Saint-Maximin's powerful deflected shot gave struggling Nice a shock 1-0 away win over Olympique Lyonnais on Friday as Patrick Viera's side earned their first victory in Ligue 1 this season. * Borussia Dortmund twice hit the woodwork but couldn't find a winner on Friday (Aug 31) as they were forced to share the points with Hanover 96 in the first goalless Bundesliga draw of the season. * USA Gymnastics confirmed on Friday (Aug 31) it has requested the resignation of senior coach Mary Lee Tracy just days after her appointment following an outcry by victims of jailed former team doctor Larry Nassar. * Chris Kirk's quick start earned him a share of the clubhouse lead with Keegan Bradley and Beau Hossler as Tiger Woods endured an up-and-down opening round in windy conditions at the Dell … [Read more...] about UEFA president wants only one European bid for 2030 World Cup
Loew admits mistakes in World Cup debacle, makes few changes to squad
Loew admits mistakes in World Cup debacle, makes few changes to squadThe Saigon Times Daily Germany coach Joachim Loew during the press conference at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany August 29, 2018 – PHOTO: REUTERS MUNICH (REUTERS) - Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted making several mistakes that contributed to their World Cup debacle but opted for only a handful of changes to the squad for next month’s internationals, saying a balance of experience and youth was necessary. Loew said on Wednesday that Germany, who were condemned to their earliest World Cup exit in 80 years after being eliminated following the group stage, should never have played their possession game in a knockout tournament as teams counter-attacked successfully. He also said he failed to instil a sense of urgency and passion among his players who lost two of their three group matches. Among the players called up for the Nations League game against France on Sept. 6 and the friendly against Peru … [Read more...] about Loew admits mistakes in World Cup debacle, makes few changes to squad