• The Canadian Press

    Varane's return lifts French mood even higher at World Cup

    DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Kylian Mbappe's goals took defending champion France into the knockout round of the World Cup. Raphael Varane's return gave the French camp an added reason to celebrate. The pre-tournament injury blues are fading, Les Bleus are feeling upbeat again and looking like one of the tournament favorites. Mbappe's two goals in Saturday's 2-1 win against Denmark helped the French become the first defending World Cup champions to reach the round of 16 since Brazil in 2006. France's nigh

  • The Canadian Press

    Why are Man United and Liverpool suddenly on the market?

    DOHA, Qatar (AP) — English soccer’s two most storied teams are suddenly in play. Manchester United has joined great rival Liverpool in opening its doors to a potential buyout that could be the biggest in sporting history. Following the sale of Chelsea in May, it sets up the prospect of three of the biggest Premier League clubs changing ownership in just a few months. Newcastle was also bought by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund last year. So why this relative, but rapid,

  • The Canadian Press

    Costa Rica rallies late to beat Japan 1-0 in Group E

    AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Keysher Fuller scored in the 81st minute to lift Costa Rica to a 1-0 victory over Japan on Sunday, leaving both teams with three points after two games in Group E of the World Cup. Fuller, who took advantage of a defensive error when Japan failed to clear in it end and hit the net from 18 meters just off the fingertips of leaping Japan goalkeeper Shuichi Gonda. The match at Ahmad Bin Ali stadium was tactical and largely lackluster, particularly in a first half that did no