Saudi coach Renard expecting a tough game against Japan
TOKYO: Saudi Arabia manager Hervé Renard says Japan’s qualification for the World Cup will not affect how either team plays when they meet on Tuesday at Saitama Stadium just north of Tokyo.
Soccer Sport News
You need to be uncomfortable – Declan Rice wants England spurred on by criticism
England midfielder Declan Rice says being able to take criticism from new boss Thomas Tuchel could be the “kick up the a***” which helps them finally win a trophy.
Bellamy run continues and Jordan James stakes Skopje claim – talking points
Wales play their second 2026 World Cup qualifier away to North Macedonia on Tuesday.
We have our own goals – Thomas Tuchel focused but ‘well aware’ of club concerns
Thomas Tuchel appreciates club managers’ concerns about players at this crucial stage of the season but says his focus is on England’s targets ahead of their second World Cup qualifier in four days.
Your Public Service Media Do Mheáin Seirbhíse Poiblí
Ireland had to come from behind once again to beat Bulgaria in tonight's UEFA Nations League play-off at Aviva Stadium.
Evan Ferguson ignored the critics during his goal drought
Evan Ferguson revealed he has learned to ignore the outside noise after helping to secure the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League B status with his first goal since November.
Spain oust Netherlands on penalties to reach Nations League semis
VALENCIA, Spain: Nations League holders Spain reached the final four with a 5-4 win on penalties against the Netherlands, after a thrilling 3-3 quarter-final second leg draw on Sunday (5-5 on aggregate). Donyell Malen missed and Barcelona’s Pedri slotted home to settle a gripping match in which the Netherlands came from behind three times to force the shoot-out. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring for Spain but Memphis Depay levelled from the penalty spot. Oyarzabal grabbed Spain’s second before Ian Maatsen rifled home to force extra-time. Barcelona starlet Yamal, who also missed a penalty in the shoot-out, scored a brilliant goal to put Spain ahead but Xavi Simons netted another spot-kick to force penalties. After Spain’s struggles in Rotterdam on Thursday in the 2-2 first-leg draw, coach Luis de la Fuente made a handful of changes. Oyarzabal and Dani Olmo came in for Alvaro Morata and Pedri, while Dean Huijsen made his first start, against the country of his birth, and excelled. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman brought in debutant Maatsen at left-back, giving him the unenviable challenge of shackling 17-year-old prodigy Yamal at Valencia’s sold-out Mestalla stadium. Spain’s success in recent years has inspired their supporters and over 20,000 watched them train ahead of the second leg, which also served as a fundraiser for damage caused by the devastating storms which hit the Valencia region last October. They won a penalty early on when Jan Paul van Hecke clumsily brought down Oyarzabal, who scored the winning goal for La Roja in the Euro 2024 final last summer. The Real Sociedad forward took it himself, smashing into the bottom right corner, past Bart Verbruggen’s dive. Oyarzabal beat the Brighton goalkeeper again a