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.
Germany survive Italy scare to make Nations League semifinals
DORTMUND, Germany: Germany survived a spirited second-half fightback from Italy, letting a three-goal lead slip to draw 3-3 in Dortmund on Sunday, before reaching the Nations League semifinals 5-4 on aggregate. A first-half Joshua Kimmich masterclass, with a penalty and two assists for Jamal Musiala and Tim Kleindienst, had Germany 3-0 up and cruising at the break. However, injury-hit Italy kicked into gear in the second half, Moise Kean scoring a double to rattle the hosts. Italy looked on course to level the scores when they were awarded a penalty with 73 minutes gone, but it was overturned by VAR. Giacomo Raspadori then converted a stoppage time penalty to give Italy a glimmer of hope. The result not only secured Germany a first-ever Nations League semifinal spot, but it means the remainder of the tournament will be held on German soil, in Stuttgart and Munich in June. Despite the second-half scare, the victory continues Germany’s resurgence under Julian Nagelsmann. Germany’s only loss in their past 17 matches came in extra-time at Euro 2024 against eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals. Nagelsmann said Germany “learned lessons for our development” from the game, adding “we know how well we can play football — but we have to show it throughout the game. “I’m going home with an understanding of what we’re capable of, but it’s also nice that we’ve got a bit more to do,” he said. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti admitted his side lacked “maturity” and said “you always learn from games like this.” “The second half was very good, but we were too afraid to play like that for the whole game.” Italy traveled to Dortmund, the site of their 2006 World Cup semifinal win over the same opponents, with a mountain to climb. A