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☆ Real Madrid earns Champions League draw against Manchester City in ‘amazing’ all-time classic encounter
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Stunning goals, frantic action and moments of pure quality; Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal between Real Madrid and Manchester City simply had it all. “Amazing and that is exactly what the Champions League is about,” former Liverpool star and CBS pundit Jamie Carracgher said after the game. “We probably are looking at the two best teams in the competition, the history of Real Madrid and Manchester City, the champion at the moment. Exactly 10 minutes after Silva gave City the lead, Madrid had equalized after Eduardo Camavinga’s long-range effort took a wicked deflection off Rúben Dias. In the 66th minute, City superstar Phil Foden produced one of the all-time great Champions League goals.

Persons: Madrid’s Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Jamie Carracgher, Bernardo Silva, Silva, Andriy Lunin, Eduardo Camavinga’s, Rúben Dias, Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr, Stefan Ortega, Pep Guardiola, Phil Foden, Clive Brunskill, “, ” Foden, I’m, Joško Gvardiol, wasn’t, Merengues, Federico Valverde, Carlo Ancelotti Organizations: CNN, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Madrid’s Estadio, Champions League, Liverpool, CBS, City, Silva, Madrid, League, Real, TNT Sports, ” Locations: Madrid’s, Real Madrid, Ukrainian, Madrid, City, ” Madrid

☆ Man City's Gvardiol happy to be on same side as Haaland
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANCHESTER, England, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The last time Manchester City hosted RB Leipzig is not a night Josko Gvardiol remembers with great fondness. "I'm happy to be his team mate," Gvardiol said when asked about the difference between playing against or with Haaland. "It wasn't just about Haaland, it was the first team on the pitch (last season), it was a hard game. As a centre back I was looking forward to facing Haaland but it didn't finish good. Haaland reached the 50-goal mark in the Premier League in record time at the weekend and Gvardiol said watching the Norwegian at work is remarkable.

Persons: Gvardiol, Erling Haaland, subbed, Haaland, Pep Guardiola, John Stones, Guardiola, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: Manchester City, RB Leipzig, Croatia, Champions League, League, Premier League, Thomson Locations: MANCHESTER, England, Leipzig, Norwegian, City

☆ Man City held by Chelsea in eight-goal thriller, Liverpool go second
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Aston Villa beat Fulham 3-1 to match a 40-year-old club record of 13 straight home league wins. City opened the scored when Spanish defender Marc Cucurella pulled Haaland's shirt to concede a VAR-checked penalty which the Norwegian coolly converted in the 24th minute. Things were far more sedate at Anfield where Liverpool moved right into title contention thanks to another contribution from the talismanic Salah. "Crazy," Klopp said of the 31-year-old Salah, who has 10 goals in 12 league games this season. Victory lifted the Hammers to ninth in the table with 17 points from 12 games while Forest are 15th with 13 points.

Persons: Chelsea's Palmer, Salah, Chelsea slugged, Cole Palmer, Chelsea, Tottenham, Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, West Ham, Tomas Soucek, Mauricio Pochettino's, Marc Cucurella, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, Manuel Akanji, Nicolas Jackson, City, Armando Broja, Ruben Dias, Palmer, City's Rodri, Klopp, John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Antonee Robinson, Unai Emery, Emery, Ham's Soucek, James Ward, Mahmoud Dahoud, Simon Adingra, Ben Osborn's, Adam Webster, Lori Ewing, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: Liverpool, Brentford Villa, Fulham LIVERPOOL, Premier League, Manchester City, Chelsea, Stamford, City, Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, Arsenal, Burnley, Aston Villa, Fulham, West, Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove, Sheffield United, Tottenham, Anfield, Hammers, Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brighton, Thomson Locations: England, Brighton, City, Spanish

☆ Man City move clear at the top after pulsating 4-4 draw at Chelsea
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( Clare Lovell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Manchester City moved a point clear at the top of the Premier League on Sunday after a thrilling 4-4 draw at Chelsea with Erling Haaland scoring twice only for former City man Cole Palmer to level the match from the penalty spot in added time. It was the first time Chelsea had scored against Manchester City since they beat them in the 2021 Champions League final. It was the 21-year-old’s fourth Chelsea penalty in four attempts. "Very strange the first time I have played against City," Palmer told Sky Sports. The result moved City clear of Liverpool with 28 points from 12 games.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Thiago Silva, Conor Gallagher, Chelsea, Raheem Sterling, Reece James, Sterling, Chelsea's, Manuel Akanji, Nicolas Jackson, Rodri's, Ruben Dias, Armando Broja’s, Palmer, Rodri, Clare Lovell, Toby Davis Organizations: Manchester City, Premier League, Chelsea, City, League, Former City, 13th Premier League, Manchester City’s, Sky Sports, Sky, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Spanish, Stamford, Liverpool

Gavi's winning goal for Spain against Norway in a European Championship qualifier on Sunday will likely have been cheered as wildly in Glasgow as it was in Madrid. The Barcelona midfielder's strike at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo secured a 1-0 win that means both Spain and Scotland have qualified for Euro 2024. Scotland might not harbor realistic ambitions of winning Euro 2024, but it has arguably exceeded expectations by qualifying from Group A. Wales moved up to second in the group ahead of Croatia in third, with both teams on 10 points. Poland drew 1-1 with Moldova to leave those teams three points and four points off the top respectively.

Persons: Gavi's, Luka, Josko Gvardiol, Marcelo Brozovic, Harry Wilson, Mario Pasalic, Yunus Akgun, Cenk Tosun, Kerem Akturkoglu, ___ James Robson Organizations: Spain, Sunday, Ullevaal, Scotland, Turkey, Latvia, European, Wales, ALBANIA, Faroe, Albania, Andorra — Locations: Norway, Glasgow, Madrid, Barcelona, Oslo, Spain, Scotland, Germany, Konya Metropolitan, Croatia, Wales, CROATIA, Qatar, Turkey, Albania, Poland, Moldova, Romania, Switzerland, Belarus, Georgia, Cyprus

☆ Premier League clubs spend record 2.36 billion pounds in transfer window
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The transfer window, which was open from June 14 to Sept. 1, exceeded last year's record 1.92 billion pounds, with the top-flight clubs spending 255 million pounds on deadline day alone, it said. Premier League clubs were responsible for 48% of the spending across Europe's top five leagues including Spain's LaLiga, Italy's Serie A, Germany's Bundesliga and France's Ligue 1. "Nearly three-quarters of Premier League clubs (14) spent more this summer than the last, reflecting the increased intensity of competition. Champions Manchester City signed midfielder Matheus Nunes for 53 million pounds this week, having brought Jeremy Doku for 55 million pounds, defender Josko Gvardiol for 77 million and midfielder Mateo Kovacic for 25 million earlier. According to the report, almost half of the transfer fees received by Premier League clubs from overseas came from the Saudi Pro League club (SPL), which has the fourth-highest transfer spend of any league globally.

Persons: Chris Radburn, Spain's LaLiga, Tim, Todd Boehly, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Rasmus Hojlund, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Calum Ross, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Martyn Herman, Gerry Doyle, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Soccer Football, Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, American Express, Premier League, Deloitte, Serie, Bundesliga, Ligue, Deloitte's Sports Business, Chelsea, Clearlake Capital, Champions Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Saudi Pro League, Thomson Locations: Brighton, Britain, London, Bengaluru

☆ Transfer deadline day deals
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Asked if Palmer was Chelsea's last signing of the window, he told reporters: "I think so. 0930 CITY SIGN NUNESManchester City have signed Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a five-year contract. 0830 CHELSEA SIGN MIDFIELDER PALMER FROM MAN CITYChelsea said they have signed midfielder Palmer from Premier League champions Manchester City on a contract running until 2027, with the option of a further year. The transfer fee was reported to be worth around 40 million pounds ($50 million). 0800 MAN UTD SIGN GOALKEEPER BAYINDIR FROM FENERBAHCEManchester United signed Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir from Super Lig side Fenerbahce on a four-year deal, with the option of a further year, a day after Dean Henderson joined Crystal Palace.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Sam Navarro, POCHETTINO, Mauricio Pochettino, Cole Palmer, Palmer, Chelsea's, St, Moises Caicedo, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Josko, Karim Benzema, Paris St Germain, Rasmus Hojlund, Atalanta, Dominik Szoboszlai, Matheus Nunes, VILLA, Clement Lenglet, Tyrone Mings, BONUCCI, Leonardo Bonucci, Nuno Tavares, Dean Henderson, Hritika Sharma, Aadi Nair, Peter Rutherford, Toby Davis Organizations: Inter Miami, Nashville SC, USA, CHELSEA, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, St Germain, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Leipzig, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, LENGLET, Barcelona, Aston Villa, France, CITY, NUNES Manchester City, Wolves, JUVENTUS, Serie, Juventus, Union Berlin, TAVARES FROM ARSENAL Portuguese, Ligue, Olympique de Marseille, PALMER, CITY Chelsea, Premier League, BAYINDIR, FENERBAHCE Manchester United, Turkish, Altay Bayindir, Super Lig, Fenerbahce, Crystal Palace, Thomson Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, USA, Brighton, Chelsea, West, Real Madrid, Al, Ittihad, Paris, Liverpool, England, Portugal, Germany

☆ Soccer-Bayern still a work in progress with Bundesliga season set to start
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Bavarians have won the last 11 consecutive league crowns but they needed a Borussia Dortmund slip-up on the final matchday last season to retain it. A 3-0 loss to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup at home on Saturday left Tuchel, who took over from Julian Nagelsmann late last season, fuming. Kane's German debut, with a low-key substitute appearance in the second half of their Super Cup loss, did little to dampen Bayern fans' enthusiasm and expectations. Their Super Cup win over Bayern gave them an early shot of confidence but they will have to repeat it again on Saturday when they face ambitious Leverkusen in their season opener. "We can improve many things but this obviously did give us a push," said Leipzig coach Marco Rose of the win against Bayern.

Persons: Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane, Kai Pfaffenbach, Robert Lewandowski, Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Manuel Neuer, Kim Min, jae, Felix Nmecha, Marcel Sabitzer, Rami Bensebaini, Granit Xhaka, Victor Boniface, Jonas Hofmann, Christopher Nkunku, Konrad Laimer, Dominik Szoboszlai, Josko Gvardiol, Andre Silva, Marco Rose, Robin Gosens, Karolos, Robert Birsel Organizations: Soccer Football, DFL, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Allianz Arena, REUTERS, Rights, Bundesliga, Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany, Leverkusen, Champions League, Thomson Locations: Munich, Germany, Barcelona, Napoli, Leipzig, Union Berlin

☆ Man City sink Sevilla in shootout to win first Super Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - UEFA Super Cup - Manchester City v Sevilla - Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Athens, Greece - August 16, 2023 Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips and Erling Braut Haaland celebrate with their medals after winning the UEFA Super Cup REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov Acquire Licensing RightsATHENS, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Manchester City held their nerve to beat Sevilla 5-4 on penalties and win the UEFA Super Cup for the first time in their history after an enthralling game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. Youssef En-Nesyri had given Europa League winners Sevilla the lead with a towering header in the 25th minute but City equalised through a header from 21-year-old Cole Palmer in the 63rd minute. Sevilla made last season's Champions League winners uncomfortable with aggressive high pressing and En-Nesyri wasted several opportunities before he scored following a counter-attack. Sevilla started the second half strongly, however, and En- Nesyri missed a sitter following a brilliant counter-attack led by Lucas Ocampos. We have to be more clinical but we got the job done," City captain Walker told TNT Sports.

Persons: Georgios Karaiskakis, Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips, Erling Braut Haaland, Stoyan, Nemanja Gudelj, Youssef En, Nesyri, Cole Palmer, Sevilla, Marcos Acuna, Nathan Ake, Josko, Ederson, Erik Lamela, Erling Haaland, Mateo Kovacic, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Lucas Ocampos, Rodri, Palmer, Yassine Bounou, Bounou, Kyle Walker's, Gudelj, Walker, Pep, Fernando Kallas, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, UEFA, Manchester City, Sevilla, UEFA Super, REUTERS, Rights, City, Arsenal, Europa League, Georgios, League, TNT Sports, Thomson Locations: Athens, Greece, Manchester, Serbian, Morocco, Madrid

☆ Haaland back in the groove with double as Man City win at Burnley
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Haaland, who bagged a Premier League season-record 36 goals and a total of 52 in all competitions for treble winners City last season, slotted his side in front after four minutes. POACHER'S GOALHaaland's opening goal was a typical poacher's effort, pouncing to jab a shot past goalkeeper James Trafford after Rodri headed a De Bruyne cross back into the area. Burnley recovered from that early setback quite well and almost punished City for some sloppiness when Lyle Foster curled a shot past the far post. The second half was a lessen in game management by City who were content to run the legs out of Burnley. Haaland was substituted late on while City also offered a late cameo to new defensive signing Josko Gvardiol.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Vincent Kompany, Anass Zaroury, Kyle Walker, Craig Pawson, Guardiola, James Trafford, Lyle Foster, De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, Julian Alvarez teeing, Josko Gvardiol, City's Rico Lewis, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: City Rodri, Turf Moor City, Premier League, BURNLEY, Manchester City, Burnley, Turf, City, Champions League, Thomson Locations: England, Norwegian, Burnley, City's

☆ Arsenal in better position than City, says Guardiola ahead of Community Shield
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

City, who won their first Champions League title in June, will kick off their 2023-24 season against runners-up Arsenal on Sunday in the traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season. "The situation that we are in, we finished (last season) two weeks later than Arsenal and we start (this season) two weeks later. Arsenal have bought a really good player," Guardiola said. Guardiola reiterated his desire to keep England defender Kyle Walker, who has a year left on his City contract, amid interest from German giants Bayern Munich. Guardiola said Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, who is set to join City from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, is undergoing his medical test.

Persons: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish, Kim Kyung, Mikel Arteta's, Guardiola, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Rice, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Kyle, Bernardo, Silva, Josko Gvardiol, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, Yokohama F Marinos, Manchester City, Japan, Manchester, Arsenal, Community, City, Champions League, FA, Premier League, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, West Ham United, Chelsea, Ajax Amsterdam, England, Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Barcelona, Croatia, Bundesliga, RB Leipzig, Thomson Locations: Tokyo, Japan, London, West, Portuguese, Bengaluru

☆ Holders Leipzig thrash Freiburg 5-1 to reach German Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FREIBURG, Germany, May 2 (Reuters) - Holders RB Leipzig crushed hosts Freiburg 5-1 courtesy of a goal and three assists from Spaniard Dani Olmo on Tuesday to reach the German Cup final for the third straight year. They will play either VfB Stuttgart or Eintracht Frankfurt, who meet on Wednesday, in the showpiece match. Leipzig made it 3-0 in the 37th after another fine move and a finish from Dominik Szoboszlai, with Freiburg failing to stem the constant flow of attacks. Nkunku made it look easy when he added another in first-half stoppage time following some more disastrous defending from the hosts and another Olmo assist. Leipzig eased to victory as they added a fifth goal with a stoppage time penalty from Hungary international Szoboszlai.

☆ Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +3 min

Luka Modric high-fived and embraced his Croatia teammates after what was likely the midfield great’s last appearance at the World Cup. Croatia ended up taking third place at the World Cup after a 2-1 win over Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium on Saturday. We are leaving Qatar as winners.”The World Cup final between defending champion France and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday at Lusail Stadium. It is the second time Croatia has taken third place at the World Cup. “We had 0.01% of winning this World Cup at the outset and we managed to get through to the last four.

☆ Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at the World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Croatia's Luka Modric, front, kicks the ball during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. Luka Modric led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great's last appearance at the World Cup. The runners-up from four years ago secured another medal by beating Morocco 2-1 in the third-place match on Saturday. After becoming the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals, Morocco's tournament ended in two losses. The World Cup final between defending champion France and Argentina is scheduled for Sunday at Lusail Stadium.

☆ Croatia edge Morocco 2-1 to clinch third spot at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Despite defeat, Morocco also leave with heads aloft after becoming the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final. We won a tough game," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic, who also led the nation of four million people to runners-up in Russia four years ago. But the African side lacked the killer instinct in front of goal, the final pass or touch always found wanting. By the 67th minute, Morocco had made all five of their substitutions. We're still happy, we're among the four best teams in the world," Regragui said.

☆ Orisic gives Croatia halftime lead against Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Mislav Orsic curled in a brilliant goal in the 42nd minute to give Croatia 2-1 lead over Morocco at halftime in an open and entertaining World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday. Croatia went ahead after seven minutes with a clever free kick routine as Ivan Perisic peeled away then headed the ball back across goal for the masked Josko Gvardiol to meet it with a diving header from 13 yards out. The lead lasted less than two minutes as a Moroccan free kick looped up off the head of Lovro Majer and Achraf Dari bravely followed it to head in from close range. Both teams created some good chances before Orsic struck with a brilliant shot over and beyond goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and in off the post to restore Croatia's lead. Reporting by Mitch Phillips; Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Factbox: 10 memorable impressions from the Qatar World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

SAUDI ARABIA STUN ARGENTINAArgentina were cruising in their opening Group C game after Lionel Messi scored a first-half penalty. RONALDO EXITS FINAL WORLD CUP IN TEARSPortugal's talisman became the first male player to score in five World Cups with a penalty against Ghana. FIRST FEMALE REFEREE AT A MEN'S WORLD CUPFrenchwoman Stephanie Frappart was handed control of Germany's final Group E clash against Costa Rica, becoming the first female referee to officiate at a men's World Cup. Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez described it as a big step forward in 'sexist sport' and the 39-year-old Frappart produced a calm and assured display in Germany's victory. Germany needed a win over Costa Rica and for Spain to beat Japan to go through as runners-up, and at halftime that was exactly what was happening.

☆ Croatia proud of World Cup third place, expect bright future
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Dec 17, 2022; Doha, Qatar; Croatia midfielder Luka Modric (10) and family pose for a photo after winning the third place match against Morocco during the 2022 World Cup at Khalifa International Stadium. Croatia, runners-up in 2018, prevailed with goals by Josko Gvardiol and Mislav Orsic to end their World Cup on a high as Luka Modric possibly bid farewell to the soccer extravaganza. "Yes this is the last World Cup for some of my players today due to their age. Dalic, however, is still counting on his old guard for the Nations League and the Euro 2024 qualifiers. Croatia qualified for the Nations League final four to be played in June with Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.

☆ Soccer legend Maradona is cheering Lionel Messi from heaven, Argentina fans sing ahead of World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Qatar — The blue-and-white wall of Argentina fans launched into another rendition of their World Cup anthem as fulltime approached at Lusail Stadium. The parallels between the two all-time greats of Argentine soccer, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, are becoming ever more striking in Qatar. There have always been echoes of Maradona in Messi — his size, his dribbling skills, his quick feet, his wand of a left foot. “Messi is playing the Maradona role in the World Cup,” Jorge Valdano, who was in Argentina’s victorious World Cup squad in 1986, said in an interview to TyC Sports channel. That was clear to see in Messi’s latest stirring performance as Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 on Tuesday to advance to the World Cup final for the sixth time.

☆ A second chance: How Messi's Argentina reached the World Cup final again
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Messi scored a 10th minute penalty in the first half where Argentina had three goals disallowed for offside before the Saudis struck twice in the second half to stun the South American champions. If Argentina could take any solace from the result, it was that when they lost their group opener to Cameroon in 1990 they still reached the final. Substitute Enzo Fernandez scored with another sublime strike to seal the points and set Argentina on their way amid an electric atmosphere at Lusail Stadium, the biggest arena in Qatar. "Today starts another World Cup for Argentina," Messi had said after admitting they were poor in the first half. LAST 16: ARGENTINA 2-1 AUSTRALIAThe stars seemed to align for Messi in a physical last-16 clash with Australia as he scored in his 1,000th match to move past Maradona's World Cup tally.

☆ Lionel Messi confirms final will be last World Cup game ever as Argentina overpowers Croatia 3-0
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/AFP via Getty ImagesWhen asked whether Sunday’s game will be his last at a World Cup, Messi replied: “Yes. To finish my World Cup career playing my last game in a final. Everything I’ve lived in this World Cup, what people experienced and how much the people back in Argentina are enjoying it all is very emotional. Luka Modric was unable to guide Croatia to a second consecutive World Cup final. That was Messi’s 11th World Cup goal, taking him past Gabriel Batistuta as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup finals.

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ From bloody Balkan war to World Cup heavyweight: the making of Croatia as a soccer nation
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Croatia’s World Cup pedigree is an altogether different story. Štimac challenges Clarence Seedorf of the Netherlands during the 1998 World Cup third place playoff match, which Croatia won 2-1. The Croatia players celebrate a goal against France in the 1998 World Cup semifinals. Having been appointed after the team’s qualification for the 2018 World Cup, Dalić came with pressure on his shoulders. Antonio Bronic/Reuters“There is no place in the national team dressing room of Croatia for big egos, and everyone knows that.

☆ Croatia oust favourites Brazil 4-2 on penalties to reach semi-final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Karolos Grohmann | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In an evening filled with tension and drama, Brazil superstar Neymar thought he had won the game when he rifled in an extra-time goal for the five-time world champions. Croatia substitute Bruno Petkovic's left-footed equaliser three minutes from the end of extra time drew his side level, breaking Brazilian hearts in Doha's Education City Stadium. Croatia initially refused to be intimidated by their more illustrious opponents and in the first half successfully stifled most Brazil moves early. Apart from a weak Vinicius Jr. shot, Brazil had little else to offer in terms of attack with Neymar off the pace and shut out by a hard-working backline. But the Croats refused to surrender with Petkovic's equaliser forcing penalties and coming out on top in the shootout with Livakovic saving Rodrygo's spot kick and Marquinos hitting the post.

☆ Croatia vs Brazil: Vatreni have 'nothing to fear' ahead of quarterfinal clash against 'terrifying' Seleçao, says head coach
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“I try to adapt to the characteristics of the players,” Tite told reporters after the match, according to Reuters. “Sure, some love to complain when they see other people’s happiness and we Brazilians are a joyful people, so it will always bother,” Vinícius told reporters, per Reuters. Croatia has a remarkable recent record in World Cup knockout matches. Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images“Brazil is the favorite, let’s face it,” Dalić told reporters, per Reuters. “Brazil is the most powerful and the best national team at the World Cup.

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