Midfielder says it is important the European champions have ‘humility’ after disappointing draw against debutants. The mourning after isn’t always easy, Mikel Merino says – and yes that is mourning with a “u” ... Each in their own way, but as a family.
Dublin-born defender’s display against Spain drew comparisons with Paul McGrath’s against Italy in 1994 but he says there is still room to improve ... It had taken a little while and a word or two to realise it ... ....
Australian has had to contend with war, 50C heat and playoffs to steer country to a first World Cup in 40 years. Twenty-eight months, 21 games, four rounds, a 117th-minute penalty and a playoff ... “It’s been an experience,” Graham Arnold says ... ....
Wow, just wow ... Bubista had said that he wanted the world to see who and what they are and, boy, did they see ... So what was this? This was wonderful ... An Atlantic archipelago of 600,000 people ... All of them ... ....
Squad has evolved since 2024 but the European champions are happy to embrace the tag of tournament favourites. Spain knew, now everyone else does too ... “Seems I have an eye for a player,” he said. Seems he did ... ....
Eight years on from being sacked by Spain on the eve of the World Cup, Julen Lopetegui will get his chance on the big stage as head coach of Qatar... this is the World Cup ....