The FIFA World Cup is half over — but the drama is just beginning
It's halftime at the World Cup. Take a break, everyone.
County Rutherford Sport News
USA, Germany in control as Dutch eye World Cup knockouts
EAST RUTHERFORD, USA: Co-hosts the United States and Germany will bid to complete perfect World Cup group stage campaigns on Thursday, while the Netherlands and Japan look poised to join them in the last 32. The US have clinched top spot in Group D with a game to spare after wins over Paraguay and Australia, and will try to maintain that momentum against already-eliminated Turkiye in Los Angeles. Mauricio Pochettino could rest a number of first-choice players, with Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun at risk of missing the next round if they pick up another yellow card. Forward Christian Pulisic has recovered from a calf injury that has limited him to just 45 minutes at the tournament so far and urged the US to keep their foot on the accelerator. “Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win,” said Pulisic. “We don’t necessarily need a win, but it’s a World Cup game, and we all want to give our best and do well.” The US have not reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup since 2002, but a strong start has raised hopes they could go on a deep run on home turf. Australia and Paraguay square off in a battle for second place in Santa Clara. A draw would favor the Socceroos thanks to their better goal difference but would likely be enough to send Paraguay through too. Germany are guaranteed to advance as winners of Group E following wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast, putting first-round exits in the two previous World Cups behind them. “It is very important that we remain modest,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. “We have won two matches, one was clear, one was very close.
Ruediger stepping up, but few changes as Nagelsmann reluctant to shake up formula
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, June 24 : Germany's "bogeyman" Antonio Ruediger will be ready for more playing time as coach Julian Nagelsmann plans a few tweaks to the starting lineup when the team go for three wins in their final World Cup Group E match against Ecuador on Thursday.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland dazzle on same day
EASTS RUTHERFORD, N.J.: After Lionel Messi scored two goals to set the World Cup record and Kylian Mbappe kept pace in the career chase, Erling Haaland delivered another dazzling performance on a showcase day for the tournament’s top stars.
Trump to present trophy at World Cup final, says Infantino
NEW YORK, June 23 : U.S. President Donald Trump will be on hand to present the World Cup final trophy on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday.
Senegal skipper Koulibaly owns up to mistakes against Norway
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, June 23 : Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly owned up to key mistakes in his side’s World Cup group-stage loss to Norway on Monday that left the African side in danger of early elimination.
Norway World Cup fans take over Times Square as team prepares for Senegal match
Norwegian soccer fans perform the 'Viking Row' in Times Square as the team prepares for a match against Senegal.
Senegal in trouble but World Cup dream not dead, coach says
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, June 22 : Senegal are in a precarious position after two World Cup defeats, but coach Pape Bouna Thiaw said his side's hopes of progress at the tournament are not dead.