Home joy as New Zealand, Australia open World Cup with narrow wins

New Zealand beat Norway 1-0 for a first Women’s World Cup win ever and Australia battled past Ireland by the same scoreline on a triumphant opening day for the co-hosts on Thursday.

Nigerian hero denies Canada but no Philippines World Cup fairytale

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was the hero for Nigeria to earn them a point against Canada at the Women’s World Cup on Friday but there was to be no fairytale debut for the Philippines.

Soccermag’s Best Saudi Pro League XI

Here are Soccermag’s picks for the Saudi Pro League’s ultimate starting XI.  

Watch: Should Jordan Henderson leave Liverpool?

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson looks set for his Premier League exit after agreeing personal terms with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

Watch: How Arsenal can afford to spend £200 million

Watch as Tifo Football explain how the Gunners can afford to spend 200 million pounds upgrading their squad.

Leeds confirm approval for takeover by 49ers’ owners

Leeds United announced Tuesday that the English Football League had approved the club’s takeover by the owners of NFL franchise San Francisco 49ers in the latest example of a US-based group taking a controlling stake in an English team.

Man Utd and Wales icon Giggs ‘free to rebuild career’ after court battle

Ryan Giggs is free to “rebuild his life and career” his lawyer said on Tuesday after prosecutors withdrew domestic abuse charges, ending a three-year legal battle.

Rodgers vows to keep attacking after unexpected Celtic return

Brendan Rodgers said Tuesday that he had returned to coach Celtic “quicker than I had thought” and pledged to continue the attacking philosophy of predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

Watch: Is the Saudi Pro League better than the MLS?

Watch as ESPN discuss whether the Saudi Pro League is bigger and better than Major League Soccer.

Watch: Why Folarin Balogun is a problem for Arteta

Watch as Tifo IRL discuss Folarin Balogun’s return to the Emirates and Mikel Arteta’s selection headache ahead of the new season.