India fans during the Asian Cup game between Thailand and India. Nineteen-year-old Swapnil is so pumped about the India-UAE game that he and his friends have travelled to the Zayed Sports City stadium almost six hours ahead of kick-off. A college student based in Mumbai, Swapnil is one of 150 fans who have travelled together and will be seated together for the Group A clash on Thursday night. More fans have bought tickets but will be in the UAE section of the crowd because they assumed India would be the away team tonight, while the fixtures have them as the...
Read more March 10, 07:00
Phil Foden and Manchester City put an end to Newport County's FA Cup run, beating the League Two side at Rodney Parade to reach the quarterfinals. Shaka Hislop reveals his latest power rankings which see Manchester City keep hold of the top spot and Manchester United drop out. The parent company of Premier League champions Manchester City, MLS franchise New York City FC and A-League club Melbourne City has bought a stake in third-tier Chinese side Sichuan Jiuniu, who will become the seventh club added to their portfolio of football clubs. City Football Group -- which also owns Japan's Yokohama F Marinos, Club Atletico Torque in Uruguay and FC Girona of Spain -- announced the joint purchase of the Chengdu-based China League Two club, along with tech giants UBTECH and China...
Read more February 20, 12:13
Atletico Madrid Juventus BT Sport 3 12:00 PM UTC Leg 1 Game Details Live football odds with bet365. Bet Now » PickCenter GameCast Lineups and Stats Feb 20 (Reuters) - Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira will be on the sidelines for a month after having treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat, the Serie A leaders said on Wednesday.The 31-year-old Khedira, who was part of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning squad, did not travel for Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg at Atletico Madrid after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.Khedira underwent an "electrophysiological study and successful interventional therapy", the Italian champions...
Read more February 20, 04:43
Shaka Hislop and Craig Burley shed some light on Real Madrid's surprising loss to Girona, citing too many changes to the lineup as the problem. Gareth Bale is still facing an anxious wait to discover if he will be allowed to play in the upcoming Copa del Rey and La Liga Clasicos, with sources telling ESPN FC that a decision on a possible suspension for his goal celebration at Atletico Madrid has been postponed. La Liga's authorities criticised the Wales international for making "a gesture of possible obscene and derogatory meaning" towards Rojiblanco fans during the 3-1 derbi victory. The incident was not mentioned in the referee's report...
Read more February 20, 04:39
Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata accepts his Real Madrid past is a problem for some Rojiblanco fans, but "not even Jesus Christ was liked by everyone." Morata joined Atletico from Chelsea in January on an 18 month-loan deal, with some supporters at the Wanda Metropolitano having protested against the idea, but coach Diego Simeone stood firm in his wish to bring the Spain international back to his boyhood club. Speaking to AS before facing Juventus, another former club, in Wednesday's Champions...
Read more February 20, 03:52
Kylian Mbappe was the goal-hero for PSG again, as his late goal secured three points for the league leaders on the road. France legend Frank Leboeuf joins ESPN FC to talk the ramifications for PSG should they fail to progress in the Champions League for yet another season. Paris Saint-Germain will speak with right-back Dani Alves' representative this week as they consider a contract extension for the Brazil international, sources have told ESPN FC. The French champions are keen to tie Alves, 35, to the Parc des Princes for at least another year, while talks are also underway with midfielder Marco Verratti and Lassana Diarra has left the club after his contract was mutually terminated. Although there is no agreement with Alves yet, sources have told ESPN FC that the...
Read more February 20, 03:49
Thanks to the much-maligned aways goal rule in European football, many consider a 0-0 draw in the first leg of a knock-out tie a good result for the home team. But after Tuesday night's game at Anfield, Bayern Munich walked away by far the happier side. The German champions probably knew that a goalless draw statistically tilts the tie in favour of the away side. In 31 previous first-leg 0-0 draws in the Champions League, the club hosting the return fixture have gone through 21 times. Based on those...
Read more February 20, 02:53
The Port Said Stadium was the site of a disaster in 2012 in which 72 people died. Egypt has chosen six venues across five cities to host this year's African Cup of Nations finals, local media reported, including the Port Said Stadium where 72 supporters died in the country's worst violence at a football venue in 2012. After a board meeting, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) confirmed that Cairo Stadium, Borg el Arab Stadium in Alexandria and Ismailia stadium are among the venues chosen for the tournament. Other venues are the army-owned June 30 Stadium, on the outskirts...
Read more February 20, 02:42
Tomas Repka returned to Sparta Prague after spells at Fiorentina and West Ham. Former Czech Republic defender Tomas Repka has been handed another nine-month jail sentence. The latest verdict comes less than two weeks after he was convicted of fraud on Feb. 7 and sentenced to 15 months in prison. On Tuesday, The Prague-West county court turned two previous suspended sentences for drunk driving into jail terms because of his convictions for other crimes since receiving the initial terms. Earlier in February, the 45-year-old was convicted for selling a luxury car to a woman even...
Read more February 20, 02:16
Jesus Corona is having a career season with five goals and nine assists so far for Porto. A long list of Mexican soccer's top talents are making names for themselves at clubs abroad. With several key figures playing week in and week out in a number of Europe's top leagues, keeping track of all of El Tri's stars can at times be daunting. In order to help keep tabs on those across the Atlantic, we've created a weekly award that will be given to the most outstanding player. Along with a few honorable mentions -- and a "dishonorable mention" label -- here are the noteworthy performances...
Read more February 19, 12:57
In typical Zlatan Ibrahimovic fashion, he tells ESPN FC that his LA Galaxy will be successful in 2019 and discusses his 500th career goal. The ESPN FC crew react to Ashley Cole's transfer to former teammate Frank Lampard's Derby County from the LA Galaxy. Take the mic away? Avoid him? Kick him? MLS coaches have their (tongue-in-cheek) say as to how to stop the great man. LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has said he is looking to "break every single record" in Major League Soccer. The former Manchester United man was speaking at the launch of his club's new kit and made one his boldest predictions yet. MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER WATCH ON ESPN+ ESPN+: Examining Europe's perception of MLS ESPN FC TV has all the latest MLS action and debate. Watch anytime, anywhere by subscribing to ESPN+ Preseason with the Quakes: How Almeyda is turning them around Matias Almeyda returned River Plate to Argentina's first division and won Chivas titles. Now he's tasked with reviving the San Jose Earthquakes. #SaveTheCrew worked. Now what for Columbus? After the rip-roaring success of #SaveTheCrew and a new ownership group keeping the team in Columbus comes the hard work of moving forward. - ESPN FC TV: MLS debate on ESPN+ - Upcoming fixtures - All the latest MLS news "This season I will bring something for you," the 37-year-old told reporters. "Because they say I'm old, I am looking to break every record in MLS this season." In Ibrahimovic's first campaign with the Galaxy, he amassed 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 appearances...
Read more February 19, 12:50
Ahead of the 2019 season, coaches from around MLS share their views on how to define success in the evolving league. The Portland Timbers are prepared to move on from their pursuit of Tigres forward Eduardo Vargas, a club source with direct knowledge of the negotiations told ESPN FC. The Timbers' bid for Vargas was thought to include a transfer fee just under $10 million, but the source indicated that Portland's offer was actually $8.5m including incentives. MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER WATCH ON ESPN+ ESPN+: Examining Europe's perception of MLS ESPN FC TV has all the latest MLS action and debate. Watch anytime, anywhere by subscribing to ESPN+ Preseason with the Quakes: How Almeyda is turning them around Matias Almeyda returned River Plate to Argentina's first division and won Chivas titles. Now he's tasked with reviving the San Jose Earthquakes. #SaveTheCrew worked. Now what for Columbus? After the rip-roaring success of #SaveTheCrew and a new ownership group keeping the team in Columbus comes the hard work of moving forward. - ESPN FC TV: MLS debate on ESPN+ - Upcoming fixtures - All the latest MLS news The source added that Tigres has a higher valuation of the player, but are keen to move Vargas, and could circle back to the Timbers if they decide...
Read more February 19, 12:30
Matchday 24 in Serie A saw a plethora of world-class goals, but were any better than Krzysztof Piatek's no-look volley for Milan? Dan Thomas and Craig Burley make their picks for the first legs of this week's Champions League, including Liverpool-Bayern and Atletico-Juventus. Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has stayed in Turin to undergo tests on a heart problem that emerged on Tuesday and sees him miss Wednesday's Champions League round-of-16 clash at Atletico Madrid. Khedira complained of a cardiac arrhythmia as Juve trained in Turin before flying out to Madrid, and the club's medical department will keep him under observation. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE How to fix the Champions League It's time to find a way to fix the Champions League -- or start a European super league. Watch on ESPN networks in the U.S. ESPN+ is America's home for a host of professional soccer leagues from around the world, highlighted by Italy's Serie A, Major League Soccer, UEFA Nations League and English FA Cup. | ESPN+ schedule - Latest Champions League tables - Upcoming group fixtures - Champions League statistics - All the latest UCL news His absence was confirmed by Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, who told Sky Sport Italia he would probably have been picked at the Estadio...
Read more February 19, 11:29
Dan Thomas and Craig Burley make their picks for the first legs of this week's Champions League, including Liverpool-Bayern and Atletico-Juventus. Kevin De Bruyne has said it will be "almost impossible" for Manchester City to win the Quadruple this season. City return to Champions League action against Schalke on Wednesday after securing a place in the sixth round of the FA Cup and ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Chelsea. Pep Guardiola's side are also top of the Premier League, but De Bruyne said nobody was thinking about lifting all the trophies yet. "The goal is not to win the four trophies -- the goal is to win every game. Then...
Read more February 19, 11:21
Perth Glory extend their unbeaten run to 10 games as they increase their lead at the top of the A-League. The Western Sydney Wanderers claim back-to-back wins for first time since February 2018. Central Coast Mariners found themselves the leaders at halftime but couldn't keep it as Sydney hit back in the second half. The Newcastle Jets scored two fantastic second half goals to zoom away from Melbourne City. Wellington Phoenix scored first against the run of play before a Keisuke Honda penalty meant the two sides would share the points. Perth Glory defender Matthew Spiranovic will barely recognise a face when he returns to his former stomping ground in Sunday's clash with Western Sydney. Spiranovic played with the Wanderers for two seasons between 2013-15, helping the club win the AFC Champions League in 2014. But almost the entire Western Sydney squad has changed since Spiranovic departed, with only a sprinkling of familiar faces left. Wanderers captain Brendan Hamill is one of the few players who have remained. A-League A-League Table The 2018-19 A-League season is starting to take shape. Check out where your team sits on the ladder. Australia Home Head to ESPN's home of everything A-League, W-League, Socceroos and Matildas! "It's definitely...
Read more February 19, 10:27
Vinicius Vital cries during the funeral of his friend Arthur Vinicius, one of ten young soccer players who lost their lives after the fire at Flamengo. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Fifteen-year-old Christian Esmerio's funeral on a 95 degree Sunday packed the humble chapel at Rio's Iraja cemetery well beyond capacity, with photographers and television crews jostling for space along cracked sidewalks. Burials in front of the media are rare here. Most people laid to rest are fameless residents of the working-class suburbs, where Esmerio was born to a 20-year-old recent high school graduate and a 23-year-old street vendor. But Esmerio, a goalkeeper,...
Read more February 19, 10:26
ESPN FC's Craig Burley says Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri looks over matched in the Premier League, after yet another lackluster performance from the club. Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera secured Man United's place in the FA Cup quarterfinals as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side knocked out 2018 winners Chelsea. The FC crew answer your tweets including more speculation about Maurizio Sarri's future at Chelsea, Dortmund's loss of form and more. Maurizio Sarri faces a defining week as Chelsea head coach after recent results caused disappointment at the highest levels of the club, sources have told ESPN FC. Chelsea's 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday was their fifth loss in 12 matches in all competitions in 2019. There were also signs at Stamford Bridge that fans' patience with Sarri's possession-based style has run out. Editors' Picks Watch on ESPN networks in the U.S. ESPN+ is America's home for a host of professional soccer leagues from around the world, highlighted by Italy's Serie A, Major League Soccer, UEFA Nations League and English FA Cup. | ESPN+ schedule Welcome to the 2018 FC 100 ESPN FC's experts ranked the best men's players and managers in world football. Check out the list. How Mourinho unravelled at Man United Fear, paranoia, difficult behaviour and constant battling with club officials and players led to the inevitable, writes Rob Dawson. The greatest game never played When Boca Juniors and River Plate were set to meet in Argentina's most important match, Buenos Aires lost its mind, writes Wright Thompson. - Follow Transfer Talk LIVE - Fantasy: Set lineups, check scores! Sources have told ESPN FC that Chelsea's next two matches -- against Malmo in...
Read more February 19, 10:14
Sebastian Lletget and Paul Arriola were on the scoresheet for the USMNT as they picked up their second win in the Gregg Berhalter era. Adrian Healey and Taylor Twellman reflect on the United States' 3-0 win over Panama and what it means big picture for Gregg Berhalter. In the wake of comments by U.S. Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro that cast doubt on the future of the Gold Cup, CONCACAF released a statement indicating it remains committed to putting on the confederation's championship and said the 2023 edition is already part of the FIFA calendar. Speaking to the Athletes Council at the USSF's Annual General Meeting last weekend, Cordeiro appeared to indicate that the future of the Gold Cup is uncertain, especially now that the Confederations Cup is...
Read more February 19, 10:06
Jurgen Klopp failed to get one over on former foe Bayern Munich as Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their second round Champions League tie at Anfield. The crew debate on whether Manchester United interim manger Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done enough to win the job, or if Mauricio Pochettino will be next in command. The transfer window for Europe's biggest clubs is closed, but click here for all the deals and keep track of who has joined the big boys. And Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world's media and set correspondents loose to see what's on the agenda for the summer. A Sporting chance? Another day, another transfer rumour involving a young star in Portugal. This time, instead of speculating over the possible future of young Benfica magician Joao Felix, there's a debate raging over where Sporting...
Read more February 19, 06:04
Jurgen Klopp failed to get one over on former foe Bayern Munich as Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their second round Champions League tie at Anfield. The crew debate on whether Manchester United interim manger Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done enough to win the job, or if Mauricio Pochettino will be next in command. The transfer window for Europe's biggest clubs is closed, but click here for all the deals and keep track of who has joined the big boys. And Transfer Talk will continue to scour the world's media and set correspondents loose to see what's on the agenda for the summer. TOP STORY: A Sporting chance? Another day, another transfer rumour involving a young star in Portugal. This time, instead of speculating over the possible future of young Benfica magician Joao Felix, there's a debate raging over where...
Read more February 19, 06:04
Matchday 24 in Serie A saw a plethora of world-class goals, but were any better than Krzysztof Piatek's no-look volley for Milan? Cristiano Ronaldo scored a goal and assisted Paulo Dybala's screamer to help Juventus rout Frosinone ahead of the first leg against Atletico Madrid. Italian Serie A: Leonardo Bonucci (17') Juventus 2-0 Frosinone Italian Serie A: Paulo Dybala (6') Juventus 1-0 Frosinone Juventus captain Giorgio Chiellini said Cristiano Ronaldo has "filled the void" left by Gianluigi Buffon. Buffon, 41, left in the summer after 17 years with the Bianconeri and joined Paris Saint-Germain, while Ronaldo arrived from Real Madrid. Serie A Watch on ESPN networks in the U.S. ESPN has reached an exclusive, multi-year rights agreement in the United States for Italy's Serie A TIM, one of the world's top soccer leagues. The agreement will bring more than 340 matches per season to ESPN+ | Schedule Why Italian football finds its way into your blood Roma beat Lazio, but the derby doesn't end, it merely pauses. Because like the city that birthed both clubs, it is eternal, reports Wright Thompson. LISTEN: The Serie Awesome Podcast Get the latest edition of The Serie Awesome Podcast, as the likes of Gab Marcotti, Mina Rzouki and Paolo Bandini discuss what is happening in Serie A. Speaking ahead of Juve's visit to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round-of-16 first leg, Chiellini has said swapping the goalkeeper for the forward has worked as a like-for-like transfer terms of the two players' influence off the pitch. "The arrival...
Read more February 19, 05:28
Newcastle Jets' chance of progressing into the AFC group stages were ended by a comprehensive 4-1 defeat to Kashima Antlers.
Read more February 19, 05:13
180 minutes of football produced two goalless draws in the Champions League round of 16, meaning it is still all to play for.
Read more February 19, 04:14
Jurgen Klopp failed to get one over on former foe Bayern Munich as Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their second round Champions League tie at Anfield. LIVERPOOL, England -- There are times when people get carried away with the emotion of a European night at Anfield. The noise, the colour, the fear that makes world-class opposition players freeze in their tracks; all those elements helped drive Liverpool to the Champions League final last season, but Bayern Munich debunked some myths as they secured a 0-0 round-of-16 first-leg draw on Tuesday. Bayern, five-time European champions just like Liverpool, turned up, shrugged their shoulders at what...
Read more February 19, 04:12
Nick Lima talks about his return to the San Jose Earthquakes and training with new coach Matias Almeyda after spending January with the USMNT.
Read more February 19, 03:57
