Новости за 15.06.2018

Luka Modric insisted being dubbed the 'Golden Generation' has not hampered Croatia in their World Cup preparations, dismissing suggestions the tag has put them under pressure. Along with Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic, Juventus' Mario Mandzukic and Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic, Real Madrid midfielder Modric is among the most talented players to have played for Croatia, who are tipped to provide Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria with stiff competition in an open Group D. Modric has scored 12 goals in... Читать дальше...

1. Cristiano Ronaldo goes old schoolThe 33-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is supposed to have planed down his game in his later years. He’s a lethal, penalty box predator who doesn’t always run at players as often as he once did. But to break the deadlock early in Portugal vs Spain, he reverted to the old Cristiano – one that Manchester United fans will readily recall.He ran at Nacho, just inside the box, fooled him with a stepover and the Spanish defender tripped Portugal’s danger man. Ronaldocoolly converted his penalty ... Читать дальше...

Cristiano Ronaldo's stunning hat-trick earned Portugal a dramatic 3-3 draw in their Group B opener against Iberian neighbours Spain. Spain led with three minutes to go after Nacho Fernandez hit a wonderful 25-yard drive but Ronaldo was determined to steal the headlines for himself. And he ended the day with a World Cup match-ball after hitting an outrageous late free-kick to ensure the spoils were shared in this blockbuster clash in Sochi. Captain Ronaldo had given Portugal a fourth-minute lead... Читать дальше...

Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in eight consecutive major internationals tournaments as he won and converted a fourth-minute penalty in Portugal's World Cup opener against Spain. There was early drama in the glamour Group B match at Sochi's Fisht Stadium when Ronaldo went down under a challenge from Real Madrid team-mate Nacho Fernandez, prompting referee Gianluca Rocchi to point to the spot. Ronaldo kept his cool to send David de Gea the wrong way with a spot-kick into the bottom-right corner. Читать дальше...

Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli denied suggestions he was underestimating Iceland after naming his starting XI for Saturday's World Cup clash in his pre-match press conference. The former Chile boss read out his team in an unexpected move, but explained he had made up his mind on Wednesday and saw no point in concealing it further. Marcos Rojo and Maxi Meza were the only question marks, but have been given the nod to start at Spartak Stadium against the Euro 2016 quarter-finalists. Asked if he had... Читать дальше...

"No Morocco, No Party" read a banner in one of the corners of the Krestovsky Stadium before the North African nation marked their return to the World Cup after a 20-year absence against Iran. Seemingly taking the banner literally, Herve Renard's men kicked off with FIFA's throbbing, techno soundtracked countdown to kick-off still running. The music soon cut out but, although Morocco substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz's heartbreaking own goal in stoppage time gave this contest a similarly dramatic 1-0 conclusion to Egypt v Uruguay earlier in the day... Читать дальше...

Iran could not have recorded just their second World Cup win in more dramatic circumstances when they downed Morocco on Friday. Carlos Queiroz's men were on the back foot for much of the Group B clash and looked to have held on for a goalless draw when Aziz Bouhaddouz put through his own net in the 95th minute. And the nature of that strike meant that Iran made rather bizarre history in Saint Petersburg. For the first time since the 1966 tournament, a team scored a World Cup goal without having a single shot in that half of football. Читать дальше...

Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel is not worried about the prospect of potentially encountering racism in Russia at the World Cup. FIFA fined the Russian Football Union £22,000 after France internationals Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele were subjected to racist abuse during a March friendly against the World Cup hosts in St Petersburg. Nigeria open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Group D on Saturday, with Mikel shrugging off concerns he or team-mates could face abuse during matches. "No... Читать дальше...

Aziz Bouhaddouz scored a calamitous own goal deep into second-half stoppage time as Morocco slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Iran in their first World Cup match for 20 years. The late drama sparked wild celebrations from the Iran bench in St Petersburg as Carlos Queiroz's side took three points from a game in which they were second best for long periods. Herve Renard's team were well-organised but Morocco extended their record of never having won their opening game in the tournament despite dominating... Читать дальше...

Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to accept a suspended two-year jail term and total fine of €18.8million to end a dispute with the Spanish tax authorities, Omnisport understands. The Real Madrid superstar was accused last year of defrauding Spanish authorities in relation to the taxation of image rights. He has denied any wrongdoing. Spanish newspaper El Mundo reported details of a settlement on Friday and Omnisport understands, while it is yet to be formally ratified by lawyers, the terms of an agreement have been reached. Читать дальше...

Johan Djourou believes "anything is possible" as Switzerland prepare to face Brazil in World Cup opener.  Brazil are among the pre-tournament favourites, having fallen in spectacular fashion on home soil against Germany in the semi-finals four years ago. Serbia and Costa Rica - the latter were quarter-finalists in 2014 - fill out a competitive Group E, but Djourou feels Switzerland can qualify for the knockout rounds in Russia. The Antalyaspor defender, though, accepts the calibre of opponent... Читать дальше...

Arsenal have announced midfielder Granit Xhaka has committed his future to the Premier League club by signing a new "long-term" contract. Switzerland international Xhaka featured in all 38 Premier League games in the 2017-18 season, starting 37 and making a single appearance off the bench. And Arsenal confirmed on Friday that Xhaka has agreed to extend his stay at Emirates Stadium, although the length of his contract remains undisclosed. "Hi Gunners, it's Granit, I'm happy and proud to sign a... Читать дальше...

Germany full-back Joshua Kimmich has tipped team-mate Timo Werner to make a major impact at the World Cup, starting on Sunday against Mexico. Werner has supplanted Mario Gomez as the Germans' first-choice striker and Kimmich, who has known the RB Leipzig man since he was 13, believes he has the ability to justify the faith shown in him by coach Joachim Low. Bayern Munich star Kimmich said: "I think he showed at the Confederations Cup last year and in the matches after that how good he is. "With his speed he is a weapon for us. Читать дальше...

Watford have completed the signing of Marc Navarro from Espanyol. The 22-year-old defender has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League side, with Espanyol confirming a €2million fee has been paid. Navarro came through Barcelona's youth ranks before switching to Catalan rivals Espanyol, where he made his LaLiga debut in January 2017. "Marc has attracted interest from a host of top European clubs, therefore we are delighted to have secured his services," said Watford chairman and chief executive Scott Duxbury. Читать дальше...

As Thiago Silva arrived in Russia for theWorld Cup, he won't have been able to ignore the memories of his worst nightmare.Thirteen years ago, the Brazilian star nearly died of tuberculosis in a Moscow hospital, and was apparently rescued by Russian doctors. He spent nearly six months alone in a room, fearful that he wouldn't be able to play football again. Those days were absolute torture, but now he returns to the country as an ageing superstar eager to get back on track. Could Russia save his international... Читать дальше...

Denmark boss Age Hareide is confident his side can handle the pressure that comes with a World Cup ahead of their crucial Group C clash with Peru. Hareide's side kick-off their campaign in Saransk on Saturday, with Australia and tournament favourites France also in the pool. With France favourites to claim top spot, the fight is seemingly on for second place, and Hareide acknowledged that beating Peru - taking part in their first World Cup since 1982 - is vital to Denmark's chances of progression. Читать дальше...

Hector Cuper's decision to allow Mohamed Salah more time to recover by leaving him on the bench against Uruguay almost paid off, but in the end it backfired on the Egypt coach. Salah has been nursing a shoulder injury since his early exit from the Champions League final, the Liverpool forward having limped off following a clash with Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos. His participation at the World Cup was in doubt initially, but Salah recovered in time to make the squad. Cuper opted not to start him in Ekaterinburg... Читать дальше...

Didier Deschamps is happy to throw France's rising stars in at the deep end as they prepare to begin their World Cup campaign on Saturday. Having fallen at the final hurdle at Euro 2016 on home soil, losing to a late extra-time goal from Portugal, Les Bleus will hope to go one better in Russia with a squad that includes a number of fresh faces. Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe did not feature two years ago, though the attacking duo's lack of tournament experience did not stop them from being included in the 23-man party. Читать дальше...

Bruce Arena has revealed how he convinced David Beckham to remain with the LA Galaxy in 2008. Arena took charge during Beckham's second season in MLS and was aware the then-England international was considering a move away. In his upcoming book 'What's Wrong with US?: A Coach's Blunt Take on the State of American Soccer After a Lifetime on the Touchline', the former Galaxy boss details the conversation that kept the former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder in Los Angeles. Arena also... Читать дальше...

Marcel Desailly says Paul Pogba will have to play as a holding midfielder ifFrance are to have a successful World Cup.The 25-year-old operated in a variety of defensive and attacking roles for Manchester United last season, but has been crticisedfor his lack ofconsistency.Critics have debated Pogba’s best position, with his most eye-catching display coming in the 3-2 win over Man City, as he scoredtwo goals from advanced midfield positions.However, Desailly, who won the World Cup with France back... Читать дальше...

Brazil's magnificent resurgence under Tite is beyond doubt but there remains a sense that the rehabilitation will only truly start with victory over Switzerland in their opening World Cup Group E match. Sunday's game in Rostov marks the Selecao's first game in the competition since their humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat to Germany on home soil four years ago – an ordeal that rocked a football-mad nation to its core. Dunga came in for the humiliated Luiz Felipe Scolari, at which point stagnation truly set in. Читать дальше...

Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground currently sits straight in the path ofthe planned £52 billion rail route that will directly link London, Birmingham, East Midlands, Leeds and Manchester.As a result, the facility will need to be relocated, with contractors O’Brien securingthe brief to create nine grass pitches and one 3G pitch."A portion of Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground is needed for phase one of the HS2 project," said a HS2 spokesperson.Tony Mitchell, operations manager of O’Brien... Читать дальше...

I designed all of my goalkeeper shirts with a friend in Acapulco, and then we ordered them to be made.I wanted to do something a bit different, but I'm not a cartoonist, so I asked him to take some of my ideas and put them down on paper. Then the brands started showing interest –I signed with Nike and we made them with their brand designer.Colours were what I liked most. Shirts generally have more colours now – perhaps that was all thanks to me. I was ahead of my time! I never dressed colourfully in normal life... Читать дальше...

Australia coach Bert van Marwijk is confident that Daniel Arzani is ready to make a difference at the World Cup despite being the youngest player at the tournament. Arzani, 19, has risen to prominence at Melbourne City over the last year, catching the eye with his direct approach and skilful play on the wing. Iran – the country of his birth – had been keeping tabs on his situation with a view to potentially calling him up to their World Cup squad, but Australia secured his services and could benefit from his prodigious talents in Russia. Читать дальше...

Heimir Hallgrimsson rubbished talk of Iceland's qualification for the World Cup being a "miracle" and is hoping they can build on their surprise run to the European Championship quarter-finals two years ago. Iceland won the hearts of football fans everywhere after reaching the last eight in France and part-time dentist Hallgrimsson believes securing a place in Russia is just reward for how they have continued to evolve. Speaking ahead of Saturday's tricky opener against Lionel Messi and Argentina... Читать дальше...