Argentina bump France from top spot in rankings ahead of World Cup title defence
June 11 : Argentina returned to the top of the world rankings on Thursday right in time for their World Cup title defence as France dropped two spots to third.
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Real Madrid turn to Mourinho in bid to bring stability and end trophy drought
June 11 : Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract on Thursday, turning back to the Portuguese tactician who once delivered them a record-breaking LaLiga triumph but has not won a league title since leaving the Spanish capital.
Mourinho named Real Madrid coach on three-year deal
MADRID: Real Madrid appointed Jose Mourinho as their coach on Thursday on a three-year deal, with the Portuguese veteran making a sensational return to the Spanish capital after 13 years away. The 63-year-old replaces Alvaro Arbeloa after Madrid finished a second consecutive season without a major trophy, falling behind domestic rivals Barcelona. “(Real Madrid have) agreed to appoint Jose Mourinho as the first team’s head coach for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2029,” said the 15-time European champions in a statement. “Jose Mourinho will join Real Madrid on July 13, the day preseason begins.” One of football’s most successful yet divisive managers, Mourinho arrives from Benfica, where the Lisbon club completed an unbeaten league campaign but finished third. Benfica said Wednesday Real Madrid were paying 15 million euros ($17.25m) for the Portuguese coach. Mourinho managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during an intense period of rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s golden era Barcelona side. Real Madrid became the first club to reach 100 points in a La Liga season under Mourinho in the 2011-12 campaign, although Barcelona did the same in the subsequent season before Mourinho departed. Mourinho divided the Real Madrid dressing room, with some players — including predecessor Arbeloa — fiercely loyal to him, while others were at loggerheads with the coach. Known to rule with an iron fist, Mourinho is charged with bringing Real Madrid’s dressing room egos in check, after multiple conflicts and problems marked a troubled season. Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde was treated in hospital after a row with team-mate Aurelien Tchouameni in May, among other flashpoints. C
José Mourinho named Real Madrid coach 13 years after first stint - ESPN
Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of José Mourinho for a second spell as the club's coach after ratifying the departure of Álvaro Arbeloa.
World Cup Bold Predictions: Best Players, Storylines And Who'll Win It All
We all remember, nearly four years ago, when Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy high into the sky in Qatar. A crowning moment for one of the game's legends.
Bruised Brazil face Morocco in heavyweight World Cup opener
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey, June 11 : Brazil begin their latest hunt for a long-awaited sixth World Cup crown on Saturday with little room for a gentle landing, facing up-and-coming Morocco in a Group C opener that will test the side's ability to cope with a lengthy injury list.
Relegated Wolves sack Edwards after seven months in charge
LONDON: Wolves sacked manager Rob Edwards on Thursday after just seven months in charge following their relegation from the Premier League. Edwards was hired from Middlesbrough in November to replace the axed Vitor Pereira, but was unable to stop Wolves crashing into Championship after eight years in the Premier League. It is believed Cesar Peixoto, who led Gil Vicente to sixth place in Portugal’s top-flight last season, is the leading candidate to replace Edwards at Molineux. Wolves finished bottom of the Premier League after winning only three of their 38 games. Edwards, who left Middlesbrough when they were second in the Championship. mustered just five wins and lost 16 of his 30 games in all competitions with Wolves. Following an end of season review, the club decided dismissing Edwards would improve their chances of promotion from the second tier. “This has been an extremely difficult decision,” Wolves executive chairman Nathan Shi said. “Our decision was not about character, professionalism or dedication.
Scotland and Haiti target vital opening win with tougher games ahead
June 11 : Scotland and Haiti cannot afford to start their World Cup campaigns gently when they meet on Saturday with both teams in need of a quick win in their tournament opener ahead of tougher opposition in the next two games.