Europe

Few teams in the history of sport have been through what Denmark experienced this summer. Christian Eriksen, the nation’s talismanic midfielder, suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch in front of millions of viewers at Euros 2020. Forced to finish the match against Finland later that day, the Danes were unable to shake off the horror of nearly watching their friend and teammate die on the pitch, losing in an upset. 

SKOPJE — Germany became the first European team to qualify for the 2022 World Cup by crushing North Macedonia 4-0 away on Monday to secure top spot in Group J with two games to spare.

A second-half double by Timo Werner and one goal each from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala secured Germany's fifth win in their fifth game under new coach Hansi Flick and lifted them to 21 points, with Romania in second place on 13.

Norway’s dream of securing World Cup qualification for the first time since 1998 took a massive step forward Monday after the Løvene recorded a 2-0 victory over Montenegro despite the absence of injured Ballon d’Or finalist Erling Haaland.

With the win, Norway gave itself a chance of actually overtaking the Netherlands and earning automatic qualification with two games to play, but a second-place finish and a spot in the playoffs can almost be guaranteed next time out against Latvia on Nov. 13.   

MILAN — World champions France won the Nations League final with goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe earning them a 2-1 win over Spain at the San Siro stadium on Sunday.

After a subdued fist half, the game sprung into life in the 64th minute when France full-back Theo Hernandez struck the underside of the bar after a swift break.

Moments later, Spain took the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal latched on to a long pass from Sergio Busquets, held off Dayot Upamecano and fired into the bottom corner.

Some soccer players are not vaccinated against COVID-19 because their opinions could be swayed by conspiracy theories on social media, England coach Gareth Southgate said.

British media reported last month only seven of England's 20 Premier League clubs have squads where more than 50% of players are vaccinated.

Southgate said he is unsure of how many of his current England squad are fully vaccinated against the virus, which has caused more than 5 million deaths globally according to a Reuters tally. 

UEFA Group B in FIFA World Cup qualifying continues to deliver after both Sweden and Greece secured victories on Saturday to put pressure on leader Spain with only three matchdays remaining.

MELBOURNE - Daniel Sturridge will come to Perth Glory as a "humble man" seeking to fit into a team ethos, the former Liverpool and England striker said.

Sturridge has signed a one-year contract with the Western Australian outfit for the coming 2021/22 season, which kicks off on Nov. 20 when Perth face Adelaide United.

The 32-year-old's signing has raised hopes the Glory could win their maiden A-League title after several near-misses but Sturridge said he alone could not deliver the hardware fans have long craved.

On Saturday, France Football published Lionel Messi’s first wide-ranging interview since joining Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona. 

The 30 nominees for the women and men’s Ballon d’Or were released on Friday with several big surprises. The Chelsea Ballon d’Or representation was at an all-time high with ten players (five women, five men) nominated for the award.