Russia’s unlikely run came to an end at the quarter-final stage as Croatia once again progressed via a shoot-out. Croatia reached the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in their history with Ivan Rakitic again the hero in a 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Russia. Rakitic slotted home the winning kick against Denmark in the last 16 and once again held his nerve to convert from the spot, with Mario Fernandes going from hero to villain by missing from 12 yards after his 115th-minute header had made it 2-2 deep into extra time. After ending the home side’s incredible…
Koke and Iago Aspas missed for Spain as Russia produced a huge World Cup shock to move into the quarter-finals after shoot-out success. Igor Akinfeev was Russia’s hero after saving two penalties in a shoot-out to sensationally dump Spain out of the World Cup and book the hosts a place in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw in Moscow. Koke and Iago Aspas were denied by the Russia goalkeeper as 2010 champions Spain, who dominated possession without creating clear chances, were defeated 4-3 on penalties. Sergei Ignashevich became the oldest scorer of an own goal in World Cup history when…
Mohamed Salah scored from the spot on his World Cup debut, but Egypt are on the verge of an early exit following a 3-1 defeat to Russia. Mohamed Salah’s penalty failed to save Egypt as World Cup hosts Russia all-but secured progression from Group A with a comprehensive 3-1 win in St Petersburg. Making his first appearance since going off injured in the Champions League final on May 26, Salah was often on the periphery at the Krestovsky Stadium, but still managed to mark his World Cup debut with a consolation on 73 minutes DOWNLOAD VIDEO HERE
Denis Cheryshev scored his first Russia goals as the World Cup hosts brushed Saudi Arabia aside at Luzhniki Stadium. Denis Cheryshev scored a brace and Aleksandr Golovin starred as Russia kicked off their first home World Cup with a rampant 5-0 Group A win over a lacklustre Saudi Arabia side in Moscow.
There have been international reactions over a chemical attack on a rebel-held town in Syria’s eastern Ghouta, linked with deaths of dozens of people. Washington and London said the reports – if confirmed – would demand an immediate international response. A joint statement by the medical relief organization Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and the civil defense service, which operates in rebel-held areas, said 49 people had died in the attack late on Saturday. Others put the toll at 150 or more. The Russian-backed Syrian state denied government forces had launched any chemical attack as the reports began circulating and…