Ochoa gets perfect Azteca send-off

Brought on for the last 12 minutes with his team 2-0 up against the Czech Republic Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa poses with family members after the match. Photo: REUTERS MEXICO CITY: If Wednesday’s World Cup match marked the last time Guillermo Ochoa appears in Mexico colours, the 40-year-old goalkeeper could not have wished for a better send-off….

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Mayweather’s Athens fight with Zambidis is off: report

Former multi-weight world boxing champion Floyd Mayweather’s planned exhibition against Greek kickboxing star Mike Zambidis in Athens on Saturday is off, according to federal court filings obtained by ESPN. The pay-per-view event was to be held at the Telekon Center at the OAKA Olympic Complex in Athens. Events company CSI, which is suing Mayweather in…

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S Africa stun S Korea to make history

South African players celebrate their stunning victory over South Korea. Photo: AFP MONTEREY: South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history — an astonishing turnaround after a dismal opening defeat. The Bafana Bafana, playing in a World Cup for the first time since…

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Switzerland down Canada to top Group B

Johan Manzambi celebrates scoring the decisive second goal for Switzerland against Canada. Photo: AFP VANCOUVER: Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi fired Switzerland to top spot in World Cup Group B on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Canada as the co-hosts also ensured a historic spot in the knockout rounds. With the top two teams in the…

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Al-Hamadi’s talent forged on streets

Iraqi striker Ali al-Hamadi’s tough character was forged on the streets of edgy Liverpool neighbourhoodToxteth. Photo: AFP PARIS: From being shepherded out of Iraq as a baby to growing up on the mean streets of Toxteth in Liverpool, Iraqi striker Ali al-Hamadi’s journey to the World Cup has been challenging. The 24-year-old will draw on all the qualities…

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Munoz strike sends Colombia into last 32

Colombia’s Daniel Munoz scores a goal that was later disallowed. Photo: REUTERS MEXICO: Daniel Munoz fired Colombia into the World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 ​win over DR Congo in Group K after goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi had threatened to turn the match ‌into a night of frustration. Munoz struck the winner from the…

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Stokes urged to use curfew controversy

England captain Ben Stokes missed the second Test after breaking a midnight curfew. Photo: AFP LONDON: Brendon McCullum has challenged England captain Ben Stokes to use the controversy over his curfew breach as fuel to inspire a series-clinching victory in the third Test against New Zealand. Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped from…

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England left frustrated by Ghana

Harry Kane and England endured a frustrating afternoon in a goalless World Cup draw with Ghana on Tuesday. Photo: AFP FOXBOROUGH: England suffered a World Cup setback on Tuesday as Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Ghana, leaving them with work still do as they bid to progress to the knockout stage…

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Panama out of World Cup after defeat to Croatia

Luka Modric was feted by his Croatia teammates after making his 200th international appearance. Photo: AFP FOXBOROUGH: Panama were eliminated from World Cup contention after Croatia kept their hopes of progressing to the last 32 alive with a hard-fought 1-0 win on Tuesday. Croatia, who made it to the last four of the 2018 and…

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