Author: Brila

FIFA is investigating Domagoj Vida’s conduct after the Croatia international allegedly made anti-Russia comments following his side’s quarter-final win against the World Cup hosts. Vida was on the scoresheet with an extra-time header as Croatia triumphed on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in Sochi on Saturday, booking a semi-final clash against England. But the Besiktas defender could be sanctioned prior to that game with FIFA looking into comments he seemingly made in a social media video. Appearing alongside former Croatia international Ognjen Vukojevic – with whom he played at Dynamo Kiev – Vida said: “Glory to Ukraine.” The…

Former Director of Sports, Fernando Hierro has stepped down as Spain’s interim head coach following their early exit from the World Cup. The 2010 champions crashed out of Russia after losing to the hosts in a penalty shootout where keeper Igor Akinfeev was the hero. A statement on Spain football’s official website read: “After many kilometers of walking together, the Royal Spanish Football Federation and Fernando Hierro put an end to their relationship once the participation of Spain in the World Cup in Russia ended. “The last Spanish coach declined to return to his previous position as sports director…

Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard has hinted that his team are nearing a deal for Roma’s Nigerian forward Sadiq Umar. Umar, 21, scored twice in six Serie A appearances for Roma during the 2015-16 season but has spent time out on loan with Bologna, Torino and NAC Breda over the last couple of years. Last term, the striker netted five times in 12 league matches for Breda, and Gerrard confirmed last month that he was interested in bringing the Nigeria Under-23 international to Scotland. The former Liverpool captain has insisted that Umar remains a Roma player, but has said to “watch this space”…

Croatia set up a World Cup semi-final with England after winning 4-3 on penalties against hosts Russia. Russia and Croatia were playing for the chance to take on England in the semi-finals after their win against Sweden earlier on Saturday, and Croatia might have considered themselves favourites before an attritional slugfest. Both sides failed to settle into the match as the significance of the match appeared to dawn on both sets of players. Just as we were starting to settle into a tight first period, the game exploded into life in stunning circumstances. Out of nowhere, Russia took the lead…

England are through to their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 after beating Sweden 2-0 on another wonderful day for Manager Gareth Southgate and his team in Russia. This dream summer for England fans just carries on getting better, with goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli in Samara – not to mention some fine saves from Jordan Pickford – sending them into a last four match in Moscow on Wednesday night. More Follows…

World Footballer of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo’s proposed £88m move from Real Madrid to Juventus is said to be edging over the line. Juve chief executive Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici have received word from Spain that the deal is progressing, according to Sky Sports. Ronaldo is reportedly keen to join the Old Lady for a “new experience”, and the report suggests that his agent Jorge Mendes is in ongoing talks with Real in the hope of brokering the deal. The Portugal international’s former club Manchester United were rumoured to be plotting a bid for him at one point, but the latest reports indicate that they will not…

Veteran goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon who left Juventus after 17 years at the end of last season, has signed a one-year contract with the French champions. “It is with a great feeling of happiness that I join Paris Saint-Germain,” Buffon told PSG’s official website. “For the first time in my career, I am leaving my country and only a project this ambitious could have encouraged me to make such a decision. “I want to thank the club and the president for their confidence. To have followed the club’s incredible progression in recent years, I know what dreams Paris Saint-Germain and its…

Serena Williams has earned a place in the fourth round at Wimbledon with a victory over Kristina Mladenovic. The seven-time champion is competing in just her fourth tournament since January 2017, but the American has remained on course for another Grand Slam title with a 7-5 7-6 triumph. Williams was well-matched by France’s Mladenovic throughout the clash on Centre Court, with the pair sharing breaks of serve before the American struck again towards the end of the opening set. The second was equally competitive but Williams took a tie-break by a 7-2 scoreline to secure the win in one hour and…

Belgium have beaten Brazil and will play France for a spot in the World Cup final. Roberto Martinez’s side secured passage to the semi-final after beating the five-time World Cup winners 2-1 thanks to a Fernandinho own-goal, then a stunning strike from Kevin De Bruyne. The Red Devils were able to see things through for just a second-ever appearance in the semis, despite being made to hold on in the final 15 minutes following a consolation header from Renato Augusto. Both managers made a couple of changes to their starting lineups, with Marouane Fellaini and Nacer Chadli – key players in the 3-2…

The 2018 World Cup Quarterfinals begin earlier on Friday with Former World Cup winners Uruguay losing 0-2 to France who have been tipped as tournament’s favourite. Meanwhile, Brazil hope to secure a semifinal spot, while Belgium’s greatest generation of talent looks to move closer to a maiden World Cup trophy. With France already in the Semifinals, who are you tipping to win tonight encounter between The ssamba boys of Brazil and the Belgian Red Devils? Drop your comments…