Europe

Spain scores 7, takes 82% possession and completes 1,043 passes to end Costa Rica

Tiki-taka (the lethal variety) is back. Spain was greatly helped by Costa Rica's decision to grant mobile brain-in-a-jar Sergio Busquets freedom of the park Wednesday, but to downplay La Furia Roja's 7-0 World Cup victory over Los Ticos is like throwing mashed potatoes at a Van Gogh.

This was always the danger for Old Man Costa Rica: 35-year-old Keylor Navas, 34-year-old Celso Borges and 33-year-old Óscar Duarte getting torn apart by 22-year-old Ferran Torres and Barcelona teenage prodigies Pedri and Gavi. 

USA vs. England: TV channel, kick-off time, streaming options and pregame hype

The United States began its World Cup odyssey with a bittersweet 1-1 draw against Wales on Monday, and Gregg Berhalter's men return Friday against an England team that reaffirmed its status as a tournament favorite by hammering Iran 6-2 to go top of Group B after Match Day 1. 

Japan defeats Germany 2-1 in a historic upset

Germany kicked off its 2022 campaign with a continuation of its World Cup struggles from four years ago. Japan scored a late equalizer followed by an even later winner to secure a historic 2-1 win over the champions from 2014. 

Antonio Rüdiger’s goofy running form will never not be funny

Japan shocked the world and defeated Germany 2-1 in the team’s opening World Cup game on Wednesday to get their 2022 tournament on track. My personal favorite moment of the match was German defender Antonio Rüdiger sprinting with his hilarious running form.

Rüdiger Sprint Form vs. Japan

Germany players cover mouths in team photo amid LGBTQ+ armband controversy

DOHA — Germany players placed their hands over their mouths during a team photo ahead of their game against Japan for their World Cup Group E on Wednesday as the row over FIFA's threat of sanctions over the "OneLove" armband continued.

All Germany players took part in the gesture in front of dozens of photographers on the pitch ahead of kickoff, after world soccer body FIFA had threatened seven European teams with sanctions if they wore the armband symbolizing diversity and tolerance.

Jugadores de Alemania cubren sus bocas para protestar contra la FIFA

Las relaciones entre Alemania y la FIFA están tensas. Y prueba de las asperezas que protagonizan fue la decisión de los jugadores de la Mannschaft de cubrir sus bocas durante la foto oficial del equipo, en la previa del duelo ante Japón, como una forma de protesta en contra del organismo.

If you slept in and missed Croatia vs. Morocco don’t worry because you didn’t miss anything

AL KHOR — Croatia's World Cup campaign got off to a stuttering start with a 0-0 draw against a battling Morocco on Wednesday as the 2018 runners-up lacked the punch of the side that went so close in Russia.

Chances were at a premium at Al Bayt Stadium as an even Group F contest produced little goalmouth action, and ended in the third goalless draw in nine games at the World Cup so far.

There were glimpses of goal for both sides, with Nikola Vlasic going close for Croatia at the end of the first half while Noussair Mazraoui had a header saved for Morocco.

Lucas Hernandez will miss the rest of the World Cup after ACL tear

The French national team has confirmed that Lucas Hernandez has sustained an ACL tear and will take no further part in the 2022 World Cup. 

Cristiano Ronaldo officially leaves Man United — where's he headed next?

After Saudi Arabia's historic upset of Argentina at the World Cup on Tuesday morning, Lionel Messi became the trending topic around the world with everyone only interested in discussing his performance and team's future. Cristiano Ronaldo can't be having that.

Kylian Mbappé proves he’s human after skying an easy goal to the 30th row

Kylian Mbappé was his silky brilliant self on Tuesday during France’s 4-1 victory against Australia. That is except for one moment in the 45th minute when a shockingly uncharacteristic Mbappé miss took place.

Mbappé Miss vs. Australia

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