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Coach Dave Rennie said he was "really rapt" after New Zealand unfurled a commanding first-half performance to beat Ireland 40-21 on Saturday and extend their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 53 matches.
France beat Japan 42-15 on Saturday to wrap up their Nations Championship southern hemisphere series with a comfortable win in humid Tokyo.
New Zealand unfurled a commanding first-half performance to beat Ireland 40-21 in a bruising Test on Saturday and extend their remarkable unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 53 matches.
There are rooftops draped in blue and white and murals of Lionel Messi everywhere -- but this is not Argentina, it is Bangladesh where football-crazy fans are again celebrating their unique bond with the South American giants.
The World Cup has "exceeded expectations" with an 80% increase in betting volume compared to the 2022 edition, even taking into account the higher number of matches for a 48-team tournament, a betting expert told AFP.
Thomas Tuchel said Friday that England's players carry the "scars" of a painful World Cup exit, admitting there was still a gap to close to the top nations.
While Latin Americans have traditionally rallied behind football teams from the region who advance deep into the World Cup tournament, a flood of memes, jokes and criticism has made it clear there is one exception: Argentina.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni urged fans to make the most of seeing Lionel Messi lead his team out in another World Cup final at the age of 39 as the holders aim to retain the trophy when they take on Spain this weekend.
Aston Villa announced the signing of Switzerland World Cup star Johan Manzambi from German side Freiburg on Friday for a reported club record fee of just over £50 million ($67 million).
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez said Friday that thinking about his team's success in recent years sometimes brings him to tears as they attempt to retain the World Cup trophy in the final against Spain.
Luis de la Fuente said Spain planned to pay "special attention" to Lionel Messi in Sunday's World Cup final but ruled out trying to man-mark the Argentina captain.
Spain captain Rodri is bracing for a "physical" battle with reigning champions Argentina when the two sides collide in the World Cup final on Sunday.
Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada has had his ban for criticising a referee downgraded to one Test, with the Argentinian saying Saturday he "deeply regrets" the outburst.
The late Garry Sobers "stood out" even among cricket's greats but remained humble despite his standing in the game, former West Indies bowler Michael Holding told AFP on Friday.
Lucas Herbert stormed into a two-shot lead at the British Open on Friday after the Australian and American Sam Burns equalled the record for the lowest round in major golf history on Friday with eight-under par 62s.
Bryson DeChambeau's charge towards the top of the British Open leaderboard was dealt a huge blow by a two-shot penalty after the conclusion of Friday's second round.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge's rib injury is healing, but he's still not ready to resume baseball activities, the Major League Baseball club said Friday.
If Lionel Messi and Argentina are to clinch back-to-back World Cup titles on Sunday, they will have to find a way past one of the meanest defences in tournament history.
Lionel Messi could end any debate about whether he is the greatest player of all time if he leads Argentina to World Cup glory again on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium -- where a decade ago he tearfully declared his international career over.
Lucas Herbert said he hoped to have inspired the next generation of golfers back in Australia after equalling the low score for a round at a major of 62 at the British Open.
Lucas Herbert stormed into the lead at the British Open on Friday after the Australian and American Sam Burns equalled the record for the lowest round in major golf history on Friday with eight-under par 62s.
World champion Lando Norris said Friday he misses being a winner this season with McLaren and resents the intrusions into his life that have come with global celebrity.
Garry Sobers, the West Indies all-rounder regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, has died at the age of 89.
Alpine's Franco Colapinto wound up seventh fastest for Alpine in Friday practice at the Belgian Grand Prix and then said he will be more nervous watching Argentina in the World Cup final than driving in Sunday's race.
Didier Deschamps brings the curtain down on a remarkable 14-year reign as France coach on Saturday when Les Bleus face England in the World Cup third-place play-off.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc escaped any grid position penalties on Friday when instead Ferrari were fined for a breach of sporting regulations at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Spanish super-sub Mikel Merino said Friday that neutralising the threat of Lionel Messi will be a "huge challenge" as La Roja prepare for their World Cup final showdown against Argentina.
Argentine football players know how to suffer, experts and fans believe, as the South American nation sets its sights on a second consecutive World Cup title.
Germany defender Robin Gosens signed with Schalke on Friday, joining from Fiorentina on a season-long loan which will become permanent if the freshly promoted club stay up this season.
All-conquering Tour de France leader Tadej Pogacar on Friday urged his rivals not to give up and to fight for the overall victory.
Garry Sobers, arguably the greatest all rounder of all time, has died aged 89 West Indies Cricket announced on Friday.
Didier Deschamps said Friday that no tears will be shed as he prepares to take charge of his final France match in the World Cup third-place play-off against England.