Marcus Rashford joins Manchester United squad in Republic of Ireland
Marcus Rashford is back with his Manchester United team-mates after travelling to join the squad at their pre-season training camp in Ireland.
County Republic Sport News
South Africa stun South Korea, advance in second place from Group A
Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal lifted South Africa to a must-win 1-0 result against South Korea in their Group A finale in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Wednesday, sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Maseko put South Africa in front in the 63rd minute with a clinical finish, burying a shot from his favored left foot to the right corner after a precision pass by Tshepang Moremi. Ronwen Williams preserved the lead with a save on Park Jin-seob’s header in the third minute of second-half stoppage time. South Korea (1-2-0, 3 points) needed a win or draw to finish runner-up to Mexico and advance to the round of 32. South Africa (1-1-1, 4 points) had to win and have Czech Republic lose to Mexico in the concurrent match to claim the second spot. Mexico (3-0-9, 9 points) logged a 3-0 win over the Czechs (0-2-1, 1 points), and when the hosts’ 1-0 lead was posted in the Guadalupe stadium in the 55th minute, the South African fans joined the Mexicans in attendance in celebrating. South Africa was written off by many after losing the opening match of the World Cup 2-0 to Mexico while having two players sent off. The South Africans had failed to get out of the group stage in their previous World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2010. South Korea still have a chance to advance in the event as one of the best third-place teams, but they will need other results to go their way. South Korea started as if it were playing for the win with several forays into the penalty area in the first three minutes but soon fell into a conservative mode.
Confident DR Congo ready to bring African flair to World Cup after long wait
HOUSTON, June 13 : Jubilant singing and the raspy sound of vuvuzelas have created an unmistakingly African feel to Democratic of Republic Congo’s training in Houston, where supporters are confident their side can shine at the World Cup and have a message for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Why Ecuador could be sleeper team of the 2026 World Cup - ESPN
Back at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, Republic of Ireland coach Jack Charlton hit upon a revelation. In a World Cup where many third-place teams in their groups advanced to the knockout phase, it was possible to lift the trophy without winning a single game in regulation time.
Republic of Ireland head to playoffs after narrow defeat to France
The Republic of Ireland’s dreams of automatic qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup were ended after by 1-0 defeat by France in Grenoble.
Iran beats Mali in last World Cup warm-up before heading to Tijuana
(Corrects to 'beat' from 'beats' in headline)
Iran to play World Cup warm-up behind closed doors, head to Mexico on Saturday
June 3 : Iran will play their final World Cup warm-up behind closed doors in Turkey on Thursday before departing for their tournament base in Mexico on Saturday, the Iranian FA (FFIRI) said on Wednesday.