• The Canadian Press

    France counting on Rabiot to play starring World Cup role

    DOHA, Qatar (AP) — France is counting on midfielder Adrien Rabiot to continue to deliver for the defending World Cup champions in their match against Denmark on Saturday. Rabiot scored on a header and assisted on a second goal in France's 4-1 opening match victory over Australia. It's been a remarkable turnaround for a player previously exiled for more than two years from the national team. “There’s an opportunity for him at this World Cup. It’s arrived at the right time and he’s ready," France

  • The Canadian Press

    World Cup Viewer's Guide: Ronaldo and Neymar seek history

    DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Two of the best players in soccer start World Cup competition Thursday as Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar both seek history in Qatar. Ronaldo is attempting to become the first male soccer player to score in five different World Cups when he leads Portugal against Ghana. Marta of Brazil has scored in five Women's World Cups. Neymar, meanwhile, is the leader of a Brazil team seeking a record-extending sixth World Cup title but first in 20 years. Brazil plays Serbia in its first mat

  • The Canadian Press

    Brazil seeks respect if players dance after World Cup goals

    DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Brazil coach Tite pleaded for “respect” if his players celebrate goals at the World Cup by dancing. Forward Raphinha revealed earlier this week that the team has prepared dances “up to the 10th goal” ahead of Brazil’s debut against Serbia on Thursday. Fellow forward VinĂ­cius JĂșnior was criticized in Spain for dancing after his goals with Real Madrid this season. “It’s not making fun of anyone — no way whatsoever,” Tite said Wednesday. “This is one of our characteristics and we

  • The Canadian Press

    Injury-hit France needs Mbappé even more at the World Cup

    DOHA, Qatar (AP) — With defending champion France missing so many big names through injury at the World Cup, there is even more of an onus on Kylian MbappĂ© to become the team’s leader in Qatar. He was 19 years old when he took the last World Cup by storm, scoring in the final and becoming a superstar every team in the world would love to have. Who could turn down 14-time Champions League winner Real Madrid? Well, MbappĂ© did, twice. The 23-year-old MbappĂ© already has a hefty total of 28 internati