Новости за 29.06.2018

With the group games complete, the serious business of the World Cup's knockout rounds start on Saturday with a pair of heavyweight clashes. France against Argentina will be followed by Uruguay's meeting with Portugal as the last-16 ties stretch across four days during Russia 2018. However, there is still time to look back before the action resumes. The opening stage offers a chance to pick out key points about the 16 nations that remain in with a chance of lifting the famous trophy on July 15. Читать дальше...

Russia 2018 has arguably given us the most thrilling group stage to any World Cup in recent memory. From Spain and Portugal's Sochi epic to the in-form hosts and Germany's shock exit, there has so much to enjoy - and that is even before we consider VAR controversies, late, late drama and fair play criteria. Our reporters are stationed across seven Russian cities and, ahead of the knockout stages, they have the chance to gather their thoughts and pick out some personal highlights. So, here are the magnificent seven's pick of the best goals... Читать дальше...

Romelu Lukaku, Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen are all fully fit and available for selection in Belgium's World Cup last-16 clash against Japan, coach Roberto Martinez assures. Manchester United striker Lukaku scored twice against both Panama and Tunisia but sat out the Group G finale against England due to an ankle injury. Vermaelen made his first appearance in Russia in the 1-0 victory over England, but was left bloodied after a clash of heads with Jamie Vardy in the second half. The Barcelona... Читать дальше...

Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are "from another world", with the duo rated at the same level as Lionel Messi by Brazil midfielder Casemiro. Neymar's Brazil take on Mexico in the World Cup's round of 16 having looked increasingly strong in the group stages of Russia 2018. Ronaldo and Messi also remain in the tournament, with Portugal and Argentina on track to meet in the quarter-finals if they come through ties with Uruguay and France respectively on Saturday. Neymar carries Brazil's hopes of extinguishing the demons of four years ago... Читать дальше...

Newcastle United have announced the signing of Ki Sung-yueng on a two-year contract. The South Korea international was a free agent after leaving Swansea City following their relegation from the Premier League. Ki is Newcastle's second signing of the close-season, following goalkeeper Martin Dubravka to the club. "I'm pleased to welcome Ki to the club," said manager Rafael Benitez. "He is a player with lots of Premier League and international experience and it was an easy decision to bring him... Читать дальше...

Jorge Sampaoli defiantly dismissed any uncertainty about his future with Argentina and intends to fight to keep the job for as long as he can. Argentina endured a difficult group stage at the World Cup, scraping through by the skin of their teeth thanks to an 86th-minute Marcos Rojo goal in a 2-1 win over Nigeria. Sampaoli had to contend with reports of a mutiny, as some publications claimed players had requested the sacking of their coach and the instatement of general manager Jorge Burruchaga after the 3-0 defeat to Croatia. Читать дальше...

Artem Dzyuba has compared Sunday's World Cup last-16 tie against Spain to a world title fight with Russia cast as the daring underdog. Burly striker Dzyuba has been a key player for Stanislav Cherchesov's hosts in their run to the knockout phase with a goal in each of their first two games, against Egypt and Saudi Arabia. A 3-0 thumping by Uruguay in their final Group A fixture dampened the growing enthusiasm, however, and Dzyuba accepts a clash with a star-studded Spain squad in Moscow is another tough task. Читать дальше...

Spain's Euro 2008 triumph changed the story for the nation, according to Fernando Torres. Torres was a key member of Luis Aragones' side that prevailed in Austria and Switzerland a decade ago, the striker scoring the only goal of the final against Germany in Vienna. La Roja built on their success to become a dominant force, winning the 2010 World Cup on South African soil before going on to defend their European crown two years later. However, they had to patiently wait for success, with their... Читать дальше...

VAR has contributed to 99.3 per cent of refereeing decisions at the World Cup being correct, according to FIFA. Video technology is being used for the first time in a World Cup, although the Premier League is among those yet to introduce it beyond trials. Coaches and players have been critical of VAR throughout the tournament. Portugal defender Jose Fonte described the technology as "unacceptable", while Spain midfielder Thiago Alcantara said using the system "loses a little essence of football". Читать дальше...

After 32 nations arrived at the World Cup, 16 are left standing in Russia. The group stage offered great drama and intrigue, both on and off the field. However, whether they made serene progress or squeezed through, all teams in the knockout stages will believe they can go all the way. Juicy ties have been lined up for the second round, with France against Argentina arguably the pick in a stacked top half of the draw, while the likes of England and Colombia may feel a path to the final has opened up. Читать дальше...

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag has confirmed the impending departure of Hakim Ziyech as the Morocco international has a deal in place to join another side. Ten Hag's revelation comes as the 25-year-old continues to be strongly linked with a move to Roma, who have already signed Justin Kluivert from the Eredivisie club in this transfer window. Ziyech, capped 21 times by his country, featured for Morocco at the World Cup in Russia and his performances in recent seasons with Ajax have not gone unnoticed. Читать дальше...

After successfully tricking Belgium into beating his side, Gareth Southgate has confidently declared that England are just one coup and a natural disaster away from winning the World Cup.In a piece of tactical mastery, Southgate managed to lure the naive Roberto Martinez into defeating the Three Lions, teeing up a last-16 clash with Colombia followed by a quarter-final against either Sweden or Switzerland, dodging Brazil.“We’re not scared of playing anyone,” Southgate roared to FourFourTwo.“Except Brazil... Читать дальше...

Antoine Griezmann plans to end his career in MLS, but is first focusing on his "obsession" of World Cup success with France. The Atletico Madrid forward tasted glory in the Europa League this season, scoring twice in the final against Marseille, and has signed a new contract with the LaLiga side to end speculation he could switch to Barcelona. Griezmann was top-scorer at the European Championships two years ago as France lost the final on home soil to Portugal and, ahead of a last-16 tie with Argentina, Griezmann made his intentions clear. Читать дальше...

1. CroatiaIn three words: Pass, pass, scoreThe Group D winners didn’t evenget out of second gear in beating Nigeria 2-0, took a wrecking ball to Argentina in a fiesty 3-0 win, then – even with the group won – beat Iceland to complete a perfect round. Luka Modric has been imperious. Now watch them lose to Denmark.Next: vs Denmark (July 1)2. BelgiumIn three words: Sweet like chocolateTop scorers in the group stage, besting powerhouses Panama and Tunisia before their second-string side beat England’s reserves 1-0. Читать дальше...

Sami Khedira has Joachim Low to continue as head coach of Germany, insisting responsibility for their World Cup failure rests "100 per cent" on the shoulders of the players. The Juventus midfielder credited Low with bringing through a generation of talented young players after Germany's World Cup success in 2014 and said the current squad is determined to make amends for a poor performance in Russia. Germany suffered defeats to Mexico and South Korea on their way to being knocked out of the World... Читать дальше...

Napoli would land the 'new Gianluigi Buffon' with the capture of Alex Meret, according to Udinese legend Antonio Di Natale. The 21-year-old goalkeeper is being tipped to move to the Serie A runners-up from Udinese for a reported €35million, filling the void left by Pepe Reina's imminent switch to AC Milan. Meret has spent the last two seasons on loan with SPAL and Di Natale has strong praise for the youngster.  "I saw him grow in all aspects, both technically and in terms of character," the former Italy striker told Radio Kiss Kiss. Читать дальше...

Wayne Rooney's arrival at DC United will have a similar impact on MLS to that of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Beckham, says Bruce Arena. It was confirmed on Thursday that Rooney had joined DC from Everton, agreeing terms on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Rooney leaves Goodison Park after just one season back with his boyhood club, following a trophy-laden spell at Manchester United that saw him become the club's record scorer. Now retired from international football at the age of 32, having also become England's most prolific marksman... Читать дальше...

Ivan Rakitic is wary Croatia's dream of lifting the World Cup could be shattered by Denmark and Christian Eriksen on Sunday. Zlatko Dalic's side return to Nizhny Novgorod, the scene of their 3-0 win over Argentina in the group phase, for a delicately poised last-16 date. Croatia are the favourites to progress to the quarter-finals, having topped Group D with victories over Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland, while Denmark battled through from Group C behind France. Tottenham star Eriksen cut something... Читать дальше...

Didier Deschamps is hopeful France can "mark and neutralise" Argentina's Lionel Messi on Saturday, but accepts the superstar can provide a "spark" out of very little. France secured their spot in the knockout phase early on and were able to rest players against Denmark in their final group game, something Argentina were unable to do. Messi provided fleeting moments of brilliance against Nigeria, giving Argentina the lead with a sumptuous opening goal, as they ultimately went on to win 2-1 thanks to Marcos Rojo's crucial late goal... Читать дальше...

Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli have agreed new contracts to extend their stays with Serie A champions Juventus, the club has confirmed. Chiellini, named Juve's new captain following the departure of veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, has signed a two-year deal that runs until 2020. Defensive partner Barzagli, meanwhile, has signed on for another season that will take him past his 38th birthday next May. The duo have been core members of a Juve team that has dominated in Serie A, winning each of the past seven league titles. Читать дальше...

FranceStar manChelsea'sN’Golo Kantehas been his usual self at the World Cup, making 10 interceptions (Wilfred Ndidi was the only midfielder to make more) to break up play before invariably moving the ball onto a team-mate efficiently. He's also recovered possession more times than any other player at the tournament.Must improveAntoine Griezmannscored a penalty in the 2-1 victory over Australia, but he’s done little else in Russia so far despite being moved into his favoured second-striker role for matches against Peru and Denmark. Читать дальше...

Hugo Lloris thinks Lionel Messi can "decide the fate of the match" if he raises his game in Argentina's World Cup last-16 match against France. Messi offered Argentina fans a tantalising moment of brilliance with his goal as Jorge Sampaoli's men beat Nigeria 2-1 to avoid a group-stage exit. Lloris, who earned his 100th cap against Peru before being rested for the match against Denmark, suggested France will take collective responsibility for keeping the Barcelona star in check, with a place in the quarter-finals on the line. Читать дальше...

Spain boss Fernando Hierro has insisted he will not drop David de Gea from his starting line-up ahead of the knockout stages of the World Cup. The Manchester United goalkeeper has attracted widespread criticism following his performances so far in Russia, where he conceded five goals in three group stage matches. Spain have Athletic Bilbao's Kepa Arrizabalaga and veteran Pepe Reina to choose from but Hierro has no desire to make a change between the sticks. Asked by Marca if De Gea will remain... Читать дальше...

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Gonzalo Castro has joined Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart in a deal reported to be worth up to €7million. The 31-year-old joined Dortmund from Bayer Leverkusen for €11m in 2015 and made a positive impact in his first season, scoring three goals in 25 Bundesliga appearances as the club finished second, 10 points behind Bayern Munich. Since then, Castro's performances have dwindled and he started only 16 of the club's league matches as they finished fourth in 2017-18, and... Читать дальше...

Former South Yorkshire Police (SYP) chief superintendent David Duckenfield will face trial for the manslaughter by gross negligence of 95 football fans at Hillsborough following a ruling by a judge. The judge at Preston Crown Court on Friday lifted a stay on Duckenfield's prosecution, which was imposed 18 years ago, and granted a voluntary bill of indictment to allow the prosecution against him to proceed. Four other men will also stand trial. Duckenfield was the SYP match commander for the 1989... Читать дальше...