World Soccer news

• Soccer-Anxiety hit us hard, says Brazil coach Tite after Switzerland draw

  17-06-2018 23:58 via sports.yahoo.com
  ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, June 17 (Reuters) - Brazil's stuttering performance stemmed from anxiety at playing their first World Cup game, coach Tite said after their 1-1 draw with Switzerland in Group E on Sunday. The five-time champions opened the scoring on 20 minutes when Philippe Coutinho's stunning strike went in off the far post but Steven Zuber levelled five minutes into the second half with a powerful header. Switzerland were well-organised throughout and Brazil created chances but failed t
  
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• Petkovic: Time to “take Switzerland seriously” after Brazil draw

  17-06-2018 23:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  While much of the talk about Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Brazil and Switzerland will focus on the former, the Swiss would like their share of credit for frustrating — and matching — one of a handful of favorites to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
  
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• Subdued Neymar kept in check so glory must wait

  17-06-2018 23:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  By Andrew Downie SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Brazil's opening match of the World Cup was supposed to be the game in which Neymar buried the ghosts of 2014 and bounced back from the foot injury that kept him out for most of this year. Instead, as one of the pre-tournament favorites were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland he was a pale shadow of the crowd-pleasing showman widely recognized as the heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player in the world. Neymar was carried out of
  
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• FIFA probes chants by Mexico fans for homophobia

  17-06-2018 23:40 via sports.yahoo.com
  FIFA said on Sunday it was looking into reports of alleged homophobic chants by Mexico fans during their country's 1-0 World Cup win against Germany at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium. Soccer's global governing body said it was "collecting the different match reports and potential evidence in regards to the matter, including the one from the anti-discrimination match observer who was present at the game as part of FIFA's anti-discrimination monitoring system." FIFA added that it could not comment furt
  
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• Brazil Held to 1-1 Draw by Switzerland at World Cup

  17-06-2018 23:30 via usnews.com
  Brazil's Neymar reacts after failing to score during the group E match between Brazil and Switzerland at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Sunday, June 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) The Associated Press By DEREK GATOPOULOS, Associated Press ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AP) — Brazil joined the list of big teams struggling to win their opening matches at the World Cup in Russia. The five-time champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland on Sunday,
  
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• Egypt goalkeeper declines beer-sponsored World Cup award

  17-06-2018 23:04 via foxnews.com
  ST. PETERSBURG, Russia –  An Egypt team official has confirmed goalkeeper Mohamed Elshenawy declined to receive a player of the match trophy at the World Cup for religious reasons. The trophy, an artistic red goblet, is sponsored by Budweiser. Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol. Egypt team director Ihab Leheta told The Associated Press on Sunday that Elshenawy said a "few words" and posed for photos in a brief ceremony, but didn't take the goblet. He said there was no policy o
  
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• Egypt-Russia Preview

  17-06-2018 22:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  Mohamed Salah has the perfect chance to start Egypt's World Cup party and put Russia's on hold when he returns for a crucial match on Tuesday. Egypt needs his mercurial talent and scoring touch, for defeat will end Egypt's World Cup outright if Uruguay beats Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in the other Group A game. Salah's recovery from injury has become an ongoing mini-drama for Egypt fans, although their devotion is understandable considering he netted 44 goals in 51 games for Liverpool in his firs
  
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• World Cup 2018: Fans ecstatic over Mexico win against Germany at LA watch party

  17-06-2018 22:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  Mexico vs Germany: It was one of the most anticipated World Cup matchups, and local fans were up early to show their support on Sunday.
  
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• Day 4 winners/losers: Osorio strikes back

  17-06-2018 22:41 via sports.yahoo.com
  Juan Carlos Osorio might have been the most hated man in Mexico as recently as Saturday. Now he's masterminded a huge win over Germany.
  
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• The Latest: Top teams have trouble winning at World Cup

  17-06-2018 22:36 via sports.yahoo.com
  Parity has come to the World Cup. Five of the top six nations in the FIFA rankings have played, and none has won. Top-ranked Germany lost to No. 15 Mexico, second-ranked Brazil tied No. 6 Switzerland, No. 4 Portugal drew 10th-ranked Spain, and No. 5 Argentina tied 22nd-ranked Iceland.
  
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• World Cup 2018: Germany 'crestfallen' as shock Mexico defeat is called 'embarrassing'

  17-06-2018 22:28 via bbc.com
  Media playback is not supported on this device It was a defeat that left Germany "crestfallen", was described as an 'embarrassment' by the country's media and even triggered an earth tremor, such were the celebrations in Mexico. World Cup holders Germany looked a shadow of their usual selves as they were humbled 1-0 in Moscow - and the result could have been much worse for them. But despite the loss - the first for a German team in a World Cup opener since 1982 - coach Joachim Low remains confid
  
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• Neymar, Brazil sleepwalk through World Cup opener against Swiss

  17-06-2018 22:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  Brazil’s first chance to build toward another World Cup title since the infamous 7-1 home loss to Germany in 2014 did little to suggest that the five-time champions will add a sixth crown to their record haul in Russia. The Selecao settled for a 1-1 tie against a resilient Switzerland in the tournament opener for both nations Sunday in Rostov-on-Don. Philippe Coutinho’s curling, right-footed blast off the post left keeper Yann Sommer grasping at air just 20 minutes in.
  
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• Brazil frustrated by Swiss in 1-1 draw

  17-06-2018 22:18 via sports-ak.espn.go.com
  Nick Miller ESPN FC ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia -- Three thoughts from a frustrating 1-1 draw for Brazil against Switzerland. 1. Brazil stumble to a point Another game and another disappointing result for one of the World Cup favourites. A day after Argentina were held by Iceland and with Mexico's celebrations for beating Germany still hanging in the air, Brazil drew their opening game of the 2018 World Cup with Switzerland. Brazil looked comfortable after Philippe Coutinho's brilliant first-half open
  
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• UPDATE 4-World Cup Standings

  17-06-2018 22:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  Jun 17 (OPTA) - Standings for the World Cup on SundayStage : Group Stage
  Group A
  P W D L F A GD Pts
  1 Russia 1 1 0 0 5 0 +5 3
  2 Uruguay 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
  3 Egypt 1 0 0 1 0 1
  
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• Mexico stun Germany as Brazil are held at World Cup

  17-06-2018 22:08 via sports.yahoo.com
  Mexico stunned World Cup holders Germany on Sunday, inflicting a 1-0 defeat that throws the Germans' title defence into disarray as Neymar's Brazil stuttered to a draw against Switzerland. The outstanding Hirving Lozano smashed home the Mexican winner in the 35th minute at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, leaving Manuel Neuer clutching at thin air on his return to the German goal after a nine-month injury absence. Toni Kroos crashed a shot against the crossbar for Germany but they were never able to g
  
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• World Cup 2018: Brazil held by Swiss, Germany stunned by Mexico

  17-06-2018 22:06 via aljazeera.com
  A second-half header from Steven Zuber cancelled out a sensational early goal from Philippe Coutinho as Switzerland and Brazil drew 1-1 in a tight Group E World Cup opener. With 20 minutes gone on Sunday, Coutinho gathered a clearance 25 yards from goal and curled a marvellous shot into the far corner off the post to give the five-times world champions the lead. However, Switzerland, who had looked toothless throughout the first half, got back on level terms five minutes into the second period w
  
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• Diego Maradona responds to criticism over alleged racist gesture

  17-06-2018 22:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  Once again Diego Maradona has taken center stage at the World Cup and not in a good way at all. The former Argentina superstar found himself embroiled in controversy following an incident where the soccer legend appeared to have made a racist gesture towards a young fan. While meeting supporters from South Korea ahead of Argentina’s match with Iceland over the weekend, Maradona spotted a young boy wearing one of his country’s jerseys and reportedly pulled his eyes back and to the sid
  
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• Leon, Donovan part ways ahead of Apertura

  17-06-2018 21:58 via espn.com
  Landon Donovan and Leon are parting ways before the end of his contract, the club announced in a statement on Sunday. Donovan came out of retirement for a second time in January to join the Liga MX outfit, but he didn't feature regularly for the club, who finished 13th in the 2018 Clausura standings. The 36-year-old's contract ran through the end of 2018, with the announcement confirming that he won't compete with the club in the upcoming Apertura. The Leon statement read in part: "Landon Donova
  
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• Coutinho stunner not enough for Brazil against Switzerland in controversial draw

  17-06-2018 21:58 via sports.yahoo.com
  A wonderful goal from former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho has not been enough for Brazil as they could only manage a 1-1 draw with Switzerland n their opening match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Brazil were rarely at their best and struggled through large portions of the match, with Coutinho’s 20th minute goal one of the few flashes of brilliance from the Seleção in the match. Neymar in particular, seemed rusty in his first competitive appearance since February.
  
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• UPDATE 3-World Cup Results

  17-06-2018 21:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  Jun 17 (OPTA) - Results and fixtures for the World Cup on Sunday (start times are GMT)
  Group Stage
  -----------------------------------------
  Costa Rica (0) 0 Serbia (0) 1
  Germany (0) 0 Mexico (1) 1
  Brazil (1) 1 Switzerland
  
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• Mexico shakes with excitement over Germany World Cup win

  17-06-2018 21:39 via usatoday.com
  MEXICO CITY (AP) — Thousands of exuberant Mexican soccer fans took to the streets Sunday to cheer their national team's long-shot win against Germany in Mexico's first match of the 2018 World Cup soccer tournament. The 1-0 stunner, with Hirving Lozano scoring the winning goal, has given Mexicans hope that their team might win the tournament for the first time ever. Mexico has competed in the FIFA World Cup since the sporting event kicked off in 1930. The highest it has ever advanced is to
  
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• Mexico's World Cup goal against Germany may have triggered 'artificial earthquake'

  17-06-2018 21:30 via foxnews.com
  Mexico's FIFA World Cup goal that led its team to an upset win over Germany on Sunday triggered so much excitement that it may have caused what officials called an "artificial earthquake" in Mexico City. SIMMSA, a "seismic monitoring network" in Mexico, tweeted that at least two sensors inside the capital city detected a quake just after 11:30 a.m. The agency said it "possibly" could've been caused by "massive jumps" during Mexico's goal during the 35th minute. Mexico stunned Germany, the defend
  
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• Mexico upsets Germany as the World Cup begins

  17-06-2018 21:20 via sports.yahoo.com
  FC Yahoo’s Ryan Bailey recaps Mexico's win (1-0) against the defending champions.
  
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• Senegal left back Ciss out of World Cup after ankle injury

  17-06-2018 21:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  Senegal defender Saliou Ciss has been ruled out of the World Cup in Russia and will be replaced by Adama Mbengue, the Senegal Football Federation said on Sunday. The left back, who plays his club football at Valenciennes in France's Ligue 2, suffered an ankle injury in last month's friendly against Luxembourg. Mbengue, 24, arrived on Sunday, having been on standby over the last weeks.
  
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• Mexico stuns Germany with 1-0 World Cup win

  17-06-2018 21:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  Mexico’s quest for an elusive fifth game at a World Cup got off to a rousing start with a 1-0 upset of Germany on Sunday. Chucky Lozano’s first-half goal was enough to vanquish an uninspired and frustrated German team.
  
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• Stunned Germany Hopes to Avoid Early World Cup Exit

  17-06-2018 20:59 via usnews.com
  Germany's Thomas Mueller walks off the pitch at the end of the group F match between Germany and Mexico at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, June 17, 2018. Mexico won 1-0. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano) The Associated Press By BEN NUCKOLS, AP Sports Writer MOSCOW (AP) — Germany didn't play the way it usually plays. Coach Joachim Loew isn't sure why. Stymied by Mexico's skillful forwards and speedy counterattacks, the defending World Cup champions pl
  
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• Sami Khedira, Thomas Muller off the pace as Germany suffer shock defeat

  17-06-2018 20:58 via espnfc.us
  Everyone said everything would turn out just fine. They said Germany are a Turniermannschaft, a tournament team. They said those friendly results did not matter. They said they'd be able to shake off the Mesut Ozil, Ilkay Gundogan controversy without a problem. They were wrong. An already difficult year for German football on Sunday became even more difficult. The title holders lacked pretty much everything in their first match in Russia. The false start against Mexico now sees the Nationalmanns
  
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• Maradona pours scorn on Argentina coach after Iceland draw

  17-06-2018 20:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  Argentina legend Diego Maradona issued a scathing assessment Sunday of his country's World Cup draw with Iceland, warning manager Jorge Sampaoli that he would not be welcome back home unless he changes his tactics. "Playing like that, he can't come back to Argentina," the 1986 World Cup winner told Venezuelan television after Lionel Messi missed a penalty in the 1-1 Group D stalemate in Moscow. Not having prepared for the match knowing that Iceland are all 1.90m tall... I get the feeling there's
  
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• Belgium boss Martinez: Hazard 'as good as anyone in the world'

  17-06-2018 20:55 via chicagotribune.com
  Belgium coach Roberto Martinez believes Eden Hazard can be one of the stars of the World Cup as the Chelsea man prepares to lead his nation into their tournament opener against Panama. Hazard is the captain of a supremely talented Red Devils side who are determined to improve on runs to the quarter-finals at each of the last two major tournaments. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder is fresh from winning the FA Cup with Chelsea, scoring the only goal in the final against Manchester United. Haza
  
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• Mexico upsets World Cup champion Germany 1-0

  17-06-2018 20:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  Mexico has upset Germany 1-0 in their opening World Cup game, leaving the defending champions with a tougher task to qualify for the knockout stages.
  
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• Mexico beats defending champion Germany 1-0 at World Cup

  17-06-2018 20:42 via sports.yahoo.com
  Germany became the third defending champion in the last 16 years to lose its opening match at the World Cup, falling to Mexico 1-0 Sunday.
  
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• Mexico stun champions Germany 1-0 in World Cup opener

  17-06-2018 20:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  By Alastair Macdonald MOSCOW (Reuters) - Defending champions Germany crashed to defeat in their first game at the World Cup on Sunday as an enterprising Mexico refused to be intimidated by history and ran out 1-0 winners in a thrilling Group F opener. A shaky warm-up campaign had called into question the dominant form the Germans showed in qualifying, but experience and records were on their side, having won every opening game at major tournaments since Joachim Loew took over as coach in 2006. J
  
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• It's no choke: young England can shine says Southgate

  17-06-2018 20:13 via sports.yahoo.com
  Gareth Southgate says his young side are ready to ditch their tag as chokers that has haunted England at previous major tournaments. "This team shouldn't be burdened with that because they're a fresh group, most of them have very few international caps, so the future is all ahead of them," Southgate told reporters at the Volgograd Arena on Sunday. England failed to get out of their group in Brazil in 2014 and were humiliated by tiny Iceland in Euro 2016 in France but Southgate insisted his side
  
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• Germany 'played very badly' in Mexico loss - Loew

  17-06-2018 20:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted the reigning World Cup champions were made to pay for a poor first half as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat by Mexico on Sunday. Hirving Lozano scored the only goal after 35 minutes in Moscow as Germany lost their opening game at a World Cup for the first time in 36 years. "In the first half we played very badly," Loew said.
  
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• Soccer-Mexico spring perfect trap to catch naive Germans napping

  17-06-2018 20:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  Mexico sprang the perfect trap for confident and overwhelming pre-game favourites Germany on Sunday to take advantage of the champions' defensive weakness in their opening match at the World Cup. Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio lulled the four-time tournament winners into a false sense of security, fielding only one out-and-out forward in Javier Hernandez and awarding their opponents possession of the ball. The Germans had more than 60 percent of it throughout the game but were unable make it co
  
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• Julian Green joins second-division German side

  17-06-2018 20:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  Julian Green has found another home in Germany, as the U.S. Men’s National Team attacker completed a new deal in 2.Bundesliga. The 23-year-old signed a two-year contract with second-division side Greuther Furth on Sunday, after having spent last season on loan with the club. “Here, I made a return to the national team and I get the opportunity to develop myself and continue to improve.
  
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• Ex-USMNT Star Landon Donovan Ripped For Supporting Mexico in World Cup

  17-06-2018 19:49 via sports.yahoo.com
  United States men's national team great Landon Donovan is taking heat for appearing in an ad in which he reveals he's rooting for Mexico at the World Cup.
  
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• Factbox: Germany's defeat in World Cup opener

  17-06-2018 19:48 via sports.yahoo.com
  (Reuters) - Following is a factbox after Germany were stunned 1-0 by Mexico in the opening game of their World Cup defense on Sunday.* It was only the second defeat in an opening match at the World Cup finals for Germany
  
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• England free of baggage of past defeats: Southgate

  17-06-2018 19:45 via sports.yahoo.com
  By William Schomberg and Alexandra Ulmer VOLGOGRAD, Russia (Reuters) - England will go into their opening game of the World Cup against Tunisia on Monday free of the psychological burden that has built up after a string of limp tournament exits, manager Gareth Southgate said on Sunday. England fell at the first hurdle in Brazil four years ago after failing to win a group stage game. "The players of the past and the opportunities of the past are gone." England go into Monday's Group G game in the
  
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• Hirving Lozano Winner Causes Earthquake

  17-06-2018 19:40 via worldsoccer.com
  Hirving Lozano's goal against Germany caused an earthquake after the whole country celebrated. Hirving Lozano scores to win against Germany (Getty Images) Hirving Lozano's goal against Germany caused an earthquake after the whole country celebrated.
  
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• Mexico upsets Germany 1-0 at 2018 World Cup

  17-06-2018 19:39 via cbsnews.com
  MOSCOW -- Germany became the third defending champion in the last 16 years to lose its opening match at the World Cup, falling to Mexico 1-0 Sunday. Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute, picking up Javier Hernandez's pass inside the penalty area and beating Mesut Ozil before shooting past Manuel Neuer from 10 yards. "I don't know if it's the biggest victory in (Mexico's) history, but one of the biggest for sure," Lozano said. "It's great to start on the right foot when you
  
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• Mexico shocks reigning World Cup champs Germany 1-0

  17-06-2018 19:39 via cbsnews.com
  MOSCOW -- Germany became the third defending champion in the last 16 years to lose its opening match at the World Cup, falling to Mexico 1-0 Sunday. Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute, picking up Javier Hernandez's pass inside the penalty area and beating Mesut Ozil before shooting past Manuel Neuer from 10 yards. "I don't know if it's the biggest victory in (Mexico's) history, but one of the biggest for sure," Lozano said. "It's great to start on the right foot when you
  
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• Lozano goal propels Mexico to victory over champions Germany

  17-06-2018 19:35 via chicagotribune.com
  Germany became the third defending champion in the last 16 years to lose its opening match at the World Cup, falling to Mexico 1-0 Sunday. Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute, picking up Javier Hernandez's pass inside the penalty area and beating Mesut Ozil before shooting past Manuel Neuer from 10 yards. "I don't know if it's the biggest victory in (Mexico's) history, but one of the biggest for sure," Lozano said. "It's great to start on the right foot when you are playing th
  
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• Soccer-Croatia turn to Barca's Rakitic for ideas to stop Messi

  17-06-2018 19:32 via sports.yahoo.com
  Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic says he will turn to his Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic for ideas on how to stop Argentina's Lionel Messi in Thursday's Group D match between the two teams. Croatia beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opening game on Saturday while Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland in what is one of the toughest groups in the tournament. Messi missed a penalty in that draw and Dalic wants suggestions from Rakitic on how best to frustrate his Barcelona team mate.
  
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• England reconnects with disaffected fans with image makeover

  17-06-2018 19:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  Whatever happens to England at the World Cup, at least the reception facing the squad should be less brutal than it was in 2014 after its exit following the group stage. The hallmark of England's preparations for Russia has been shedding the past reticence to engage with the public, a calculated move by the team leadership to reconnect with a public disaffected by years of failure at tournaments and uninspiring performances.
  
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• Mexico stuns defending World Cup champs Germany with 1-0 win

  17-06-2018 19:30 via chicagotribune.com
  Germany became the third defending champion in the last 16 years to lose its opening match at the World Cup, falling to Mexico 1-0 Sunday. Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute, picking up Javier Hernandez's pass inside the penalty area and beating Mesut Ozil before shooting past Manuel Neuer from 10 yards. "I don't know if it's the biggest victory in (Mexico's) history, but one of the biggest for sure," Lozano said. "It's great to start on the right foot when you are playing th
  
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• Senegal call up Mbengue with Ciss ruled out

  17-06-2018 19:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  An ankle injury has ended Senegal defender Saliou Ciss' hopes of playing at the World Cup and Caen full-back Adama Mbengue has replaced him.
  Ciss sustained the injury in Senegal's 0-0 draw against Luxembourg on May 31 and failed to recover in time to
  
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• Mexico pulls off World Cup upset, stuns defending champions Germany in opening match

  17-06-2018 18:59 via foxnews.com
  Mexico stunned defending champions Germany in their opening game at the 2018 World Cup on Sunday, upsetting the powerhouse team. Hirving Lozano's strike in the 35th minute was enough to secure the 1-0 win for Mexico, despite the Germans dominating possession and fighting desperately to get back into the match. After Lozano's goal, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa pulled off a spectacular save to keep the score level, palming Toni Kroos' shot onto the crossbar. Mexico pulled back into a more def
  
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• Three still in hospital after taxi hits crowd near Kremlin

  17-06-2018 18:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  Three people were recovering in hospital on Sunday after a taxi ploughed into pedestrians just steps from Moscow's Red Square during the World Cup in Russia. More than 600,000 foreign tourists are expected to descend on Russia during the June 14 to July 15 showpiece. Colourful crowds of fans from the 32 participating nations have been congregating by Red Square to snap pictures of the Kremlin for the past week.
  
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• UPDATE 2-World Cup Standings

  17-06-2018 18:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  Jun 17 (OPTA) - Standings for the World Cup on SundayStage : Group Stage
  Group A
  P W D L F A GD Pts
  1 Russia 1 1 0 0 5 0 +5 3
  2 Uruguay 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
  3 Egypt 1 0 0 1 0 1
  
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