Past England expectations unrealistic – Southgate

England have benefited from a lowering of expectations at the 2018 World Cup, according to manager Gareth Southgate.

Is the timing right for Switzerland’s golden generation?

Immigration from Balkan states and a youth set-up that Roy Hodgson helped to build have the Swiss eyeing a first World Cup quarter-final since 1954.

Sweden vs Switzerland: Embolo not ready for another plane home

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo hopes to round off a dream week by securing a place in the World Cup quarter-finals when his country face Sweden in St Petersburg.

How Philippe Coutinho became the critical piece in Tite’s jigsaw

Neymar gets the headlines, but Philippe Coutinho is the player Brazil can’t be without.

Colombia vs England: Alli convinced England still have ‘momentum’

Dele Alli is adamant England manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to rest players for their final group game against Belgium has not damaged ‘momentum’ ahead of the World Cup last-16 clash with Colombia on Tuesday.

France will reach World Cup final, says Vieira

Patrick Vieira believes France’s win over Argentina was the ‘defining game’ they needed and will help them reach the World Cup final.

Layun questions Neymar antics

Neymar would be a better player ‘if he dedicated himself more to playing football’, according to Mexico’s Miguel Layun.

Neymar succeeds where Messi and Ronaldo failed

After Russia 2018 was shorn of two of its greatest stars on Saturday, Neymar ensured he would not be joining the exodus of headline talent by dragging Brazil through to the quarter-finals two days later.

Belgium break golden shackles to preserve date with destiny

Belgium survived Japan’s sucker punch and reminded themselves of what they are capable of ahead of a showdown with Brazil at the World Cup.

Belgium substitutes make World Cup history

Nacer Chadli and Marouane Fellaini made World Cup history as Belgium came from two down to beat Japan and move into the quarter-finals.