Martinez: Spain could be stronger after Lopetegui sacking

Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez believes Spain could come back stronger following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.

Ramos: I hope Ronaldo isn’t at his best

Sergio Ramos hopes the ‘dangerous’ Cristiano Ronaldo is below his best when Spain face Portugal at the World Cup.

England can win the World Cup – Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has backed England for World Cup glory, claiming Gareth Southgate’s young squad has enough top-level experience to be a success on the biggest stage.

Griezmann snubs Barcelona

Antoine Griezmann has rebuffed Barcelona’s advances and announced he will remain at Atletico Madrid next season.

Highlights: Russia put five past Saudi Arabia in WC opener

Watch as host nation Russia demolish Saudi Arabia 5-0 in their Fifa World Cup opener at the Luzhniki Stadium on Thursday.

Russia confirm Dzagoev needs scan on hamstring injury

Russia star Alan Dzagoev requires a scan on a hamstring injury that could rule him out for the rest of the World Cup.

Russia thump Saudi Arabia in World Cup opener

A brace from Denis Cheryshev and goals from Yuri Gazinsky, Artem Dzyuba and Aleksandr Golovin saw host-nation Russia thump Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening clash of the 2018 World Cup.

France v Australia: Cahill ready to dance on the biggest stage

Evergreen Australia striker Tim Cahill is ready for ‘the big dance’ as he attempts to waltz into World Cup folklore.

Salah almost certain to face Uruguay, says Egypt boss

Mohamed Salah is almost certain to feature in Egypt’s World Cup opener against Uruguay on Friday, coach Hector Cuper said.

World Cup can be the making of Neymar, insists Zanetti

Former Argentina international Javier Zanetti believes Neymar is nearing the same level as serial Ballon d’Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.