Europe

Cold virus hits France ahead of World Cup final against Argentina

DOHA - Several France players have caught colds, the French Football Federation said, as they prepare for the World Cup final against Argentina, with Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate the latest to fall ill on Friday.

Centre back Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot missed Wednesday's 2-0 semi-final win over Morocco with the illness.

Cold virus hits France ahead World Cup final

Coach Didier Deschamps refused to panic after Wednesday's game and said they were being careful to ensure the illness did not spread.

Dato del árbitro que pitará la final del Mundial ilusiona a los aficionados argentinos

La FIFA designó este jueves al árbitro que impartirá la ley en la final del Mundial entre Argentina y Francia. Se trata de Szymon Marciniak, silbante que ya le pitó a ambas selecciones durante el torneo y que se convertirá en el primer polaco en dirigir esta instancia.

Por si alguien busca tendencias, coincidencias y la quinta pata a los gatos, Marciniak ya dirigió a ambas selecciones durante el torneo, con victorias tanto para Argentina como para Francia. Sin embargo, hay un dato de su biografía que ilusiona más a los aficionados de La Albiceleste. 

The 10 players who'll determine Sunday's World Cup final

With over one billion people tuning in around the globe, Sunday's World Cup final represents the grandest stage in all of sports. For the players, it's a chance to touch immortality by joining the pantheon of winners.

Many on France's team already tasted glory in 2018, but now they're focused on becoming the first nation to successfully defend its crown since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

5 clubs that benefitted the most from the 2022 World Cup

With this year's World Cup being held in the middle of the European soccer season, many questioned the impact it would have on the players’ clubs. While there have been some high-profile injuries, there've also been some players who've written their names among the stars. 

For their clubs, this break has helped star players gain global recognition and grow their values ahead of the January transfer window. Whether they cash in and sell high or keep their players, the World Cup has absolutely helped some clubs more than others. 

Real Madrid signs Brazil's most celebrated 16-year-old prodigy for $75 million

MADRID - Real Madrid have reached an agreement to sign Brazilian teenager Endrick from Palmeiras, the teams announced on Thursday, beating a host of leading European clubs linked to the prodigy.

The 16-year-old striker will join the European and LaLiga champions in July 2024, due to world soccer governing body FIFA's rules prohibiting underage players from playing abroad.

European Super League dealt huge blow after EU court sides with UEFA and FIFA

BRUSSELS - Soccer bodies UEFA and FIFA on Thursday won the backing of an adviser to Europe's top court on rules contested by potential rival the European Super League (ESL) as anti-competitive in a case that could affect other sports.

The case centers on the dispute between European soccer's governing body UEFA and world equivalent FIFA and the ESL last year but could also impact other sports, clubs and players tempted by lucrative deals offered by rebel bodies and seeking to cash in during relatively short careers.

Argentina vs. France: Who will win the World Cup final?

The stage is set. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final will be a clash of titans — Lionel Messi and Argentina battling Kylian Mbappé and France with both nations going for a third title. Only Brazil (five), Germany and Italy (both four) have won it more.

France, the defending world champions, have a lethal mixture of know-how and individual brilliance, but Argentina, South American champs, have Messi and a supporting cast ready to run through walls for their beloved captain.

Una jugada imperial de Mbappé mata el cuento de hadas marroquí y sella el paso de Francia a la final

El cuento de hadas de Marruecos se acabó. Lo mató Francia y lo mató una jugada sublime de Kylian Mbappé.

Los Leones del Atlas fueron la gran sorpresa del Mundial de Catar, pero la gasolina no les alcanzó ante un equipo galo pragmático y que con dos estocadas aseguró su segunda final consecutiva en el evento deportivo más grande del planeta.

Mbappé no estuvo al tope de sus capacidades, pero una fenomenal creación suya selló el partido para Francia y le dio uno que otro punto en la carrera que tiene con Lionel Messi por ser el mejor jugador del torneo.

It took five Morocco players to try and stop Kylian Mbappé… France still managed to score

No guys, that won’t count as an assist for Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman helped set up an amazing game-sealing goal during France’s 2-0 World Cup semifinal win vs. Morocco on Wednesday.

Trailing 1-0 late in the game, Morocco looked to be getting closer and closer to finding an equalizer until Mbappé produced a moment of magic in the 79th minute.

Receiving the ball at the top of the Moroccan box, Mbappé quickly glided past Soyfan Amrabat and then slithered away from Achraf Dari. In the blink of eye there were five Morocco players converging on the 23-year-old.

Hugo Lloris denies Morocco (and us) of goal of the tournament

Trailing 1-0 to France shortly before halftime in Wednesday's FIFA World Cup semifinal, Morocco center back Jawad El Yamiq almost found an equalizer with an outrageous bicycle kick from 12 yards out.

Initially it looked like the overhead attempt had thumped directly off the base of the post, but it was counted as a shot on target and save for Hugo Lloris after replays showed the French goalkeeper getting his fingertips to it to help aid it onto the woodwork.

Without Lloris' touch, maybe the shot hits the inside of the post and goes in. 

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