Messi could retire after World Cup, says Zabaleta

Lionel Messi could retire from international football if Argentina crash out of the World Cup, according to his former teammate Pablo Zabaleta.

Croatia stun Messi’s Argentina

Croatia threw Argentina’s World Cup hopes into turmoil after an emphatic 3-0 win at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Thursday.

Highlights: Mbappe books last 16 spot with record goal

Kylian Mbappe made history as France booked their place in the World Cup’s knockout rounds with an unconvincing 1-0 Group C defeat of Peru.

Mbappe fires France into last 16

Kylian Mbappe guided France into the Fifa World Cup last 16 while eliminating Peru after their 1-0 victory in their second Group C encounter at the Ekaterinburg Arena on Thursday.

Mbappe sets France record with maiden World Cup strike

Kylian Mbappe’s first World Cup goal means the Paris Saint-Germain attacker is now the youngest player to score for France at a major international tournament.

Highlights: Jedinak strikes back after Eriksen rocket

Mile Jedinak’s second penalty of the World Cup earned Australia a precious 1-1 draw against Denmark after a controversial VAR decision led to Christian Eriksen’s superb opener being cancelled out in Samara.

Australia hold Denmark to earn first point

Denmark maintained their unbeaten run in Group C, despite playing to a 1-1 draw with Australia in their second Fifa World Cup encounter at Samara on Thursday afternoon.

Fifa: Referee didn’t ask Ronaldo for his shirt

Referee Mark Geiger has ‘strongly refuted’ claims he asked for the shirt of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo at half-time of the clash with Morocco on Wednesday.

Neymar to improve against Costa Rica

Brazil star Neymar is targeting an improved performance against Costa Rica on Friday after an underwhelming World Cup Group E opener against Switzerland.

Pavon set to be unleashed by Argentina

Cristian Pavon has been tipped to start for Argentina against Croatia, as Jorge Sampaoli looks to liberate Lionel Messi.