Soccer-Brazil thrash Bolivia 5-1 in Neymar’s record-breaking appearance

BELEM, Brazil (Reuters) -Brazil lived up to expectations by smashing Bolivia 5-1 at home in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers opener on Friday, with Neymar surpassing the late great Pele as the country's top scorer. The 31-year-old Neymar, who recently joined Saudi side Al-Hilal, bounced back after missing a penalty in the first half, scoring two...

Safawi hopes to score and bring pride to the nation

PETALING JAYA: China can be deemed a happy hunting ground for Safawi Rasid (pic). The Johor Darul Ta’zim winger scored two goals in the AFC Under-23 Championships for Harimau Muda in Changshu, China in 2018, and many believe he could continue his luck when the national team play in  two international friendlies in Chengdu this week. The...

Soccer-Brazil’s Antony withdrawn from squad after assault allegations

(Reuters) - Brazil's forward Antony has been withdrawn from the squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Peru following assault allegations, the country's football confederation (CBF) said in a statement on Monday. The decision was taken after Brazilian media outlet UOL published allegations from Antony's ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin accusing him of physical assault. Antony...

Azam determined to take charge of Malaysia’s engine room after recovery

PETALING JAYA: 2023 has been a rough year so far for national midfielder Nor Azam Azih, who had to endure two injuries and even missed out on two national call-ups. And now that he is back in the Harimau Malaya squad to face Syria (Sept 6) and China (Sept 9) in Chengdu, China, the Pahang playmaker...

Soccer-Fulham beat Tottenham on penalties in League Cup, Leeds knocked out

LONDON (Reuters) -Fulham beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-3 on penalties to reach the third round of the League Cup after they drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, while second tier Leeds United also suffered shootout misery as they were dumped out by Salford City. Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez failed to find the net with their third...

Rhinos’ man of the moment is mercurial Machado

PETALING JAYA: Looks like Sabah are warming up to the goals and ways of Ramon Machado, who is proving to be one of the signings of the second transfer window. The 32-year-old striker was truly on song against Negri Sembilan when he scored two goals in the 13th and 29th minutes to help the Rhinos win...

Soccer-Liverpool’s Van Dijk charged by FA after Newcastle red card

(Reuters) - Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk has been charged by the Football Association (FA) for behaving in an "improper manner" following his red card during their 2-1 Premier League win at Newcastle United, English soccer's governing body said on Tuesday. Liverpool's captain Van Dijk was issued a straight red card by referee John Brooks around the...

Soccer-Real Sociedad sign defender Tierney on loan from Arsenal

(Reuters) - Real Sociedad have signed Arsenal left back Kieran Tierney on a season-long loan, both clubs confirmed on Sunday. The 26-year-old Scotland international joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2019 and played more than 120 games for the club. He made 27 Premier League appearances last season but started only six times as Arsenal finished runners-up...

Spain’s World Cup winning team says they will not play again if Rubiales remains

BARCELONA, Spain (AP): Less than a week after winning the Women's World Cup, Spain's national team players announced Friday that they will not play any more games unless the president of the country's soccer federation steps down for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after their victory. Luis Rubiales, who was also chastised for grabbing...