8 h. ago Asia benefits from World Cup expansion as AFC qualification delivers thrills | John Duerden

There are concerns that quality at the 2026 tournament will be diluted but giving Asia more places has brought a new dimension to qualificationJeddah is more relaxed and laid-back than Riyadh. Tony Popovic should know. On Tuesday, for the second time in his coaching career, he left Saudi Arabia with a big prize, though back in 2014, it had been a far more fierce fight. Then, Western Sydney Wanderers went to the capital to defend their 1-0 first leg lead in the Asian Champions League final and, despite the best that Al Hilal could throw at them, held firm amid the storm for the most unlikely of trophy wins. This week, however, there was a five-goal cushion by the Red Sea, meaning there was only ever going to be one outcome: a seventh World Cup appearance. After successive playoff qualifications, to advance directly to North America is a welcome change and to do so with wins against Japan and Saudi Arabia is especially pleasing.It may have ended calmly, but this campaign has been a re...

Politics

15 h. ago Micky van de Ven gives honest verdict on Ange Postecoglou sacking

Postecoglou was sacked just 16 days after Tottenham’s triumph in the Europa League final

Politics

15 h. ago Football tourists help Manchester cement place among UK’s busiest airports

Northwest hub and London Heathrow saw passenger numbers soar for Europa League final in Bilbao between United and Spurs

Society

32 h. ago Alejandro Garnacho: Manchester United set lofty asking price for wantaway winger as top clubs circle

The Argentina international hinted he was ready for a move after being dropped for the Europa League final

Politics

40 h. ago ‘Ruben Amorim backed himself into a corner – but it’s not too late to reverse Man Utd mistake'

Ruben Amorim was appointed as Manchester United manager in November, but has struggled since, with the club finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final

Politics

50 h. ago ‘Play with a smile’: Tuchel challenges England to relax and hit top gear

Head coach thinks players ‘will rise to the occasion’Tuchel wants ‘more fluid’ and ‘more exciting’ footballThomas Tuchel has said England should not have an inferiority complex in relation to the world’s strongest teams but must start playing with a smile to realise their true potential.The England head coach said his side “have not clicked yet” and, as well as criticising the attitude against Andorra on Saturday, believes the performance was too rigid and too serious. England’s labours in Barcelona were put into sharper focus by the quality of Portugal and Spain in the Nations League final the following night. Tuchel, however, insists England are not inferior to those nations and will improve, beginning with the friendly against Senegal in Nottingham on Tuesday. Continue reading...

Events

58 h. ago 'I made Cristiano Ronaldo cry after his touchline message – but I'm a Premier League flop'

Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal win the Nations League final on Sunday, but former Swansea City striker Eder also admitted how he inspired his winning goal at Euro 2016

Politics

60 h. ago Alejandro Garnacho put straight as questions over Man Utd exit emerge

Alejandro Garnacho's future at Man United is in doubt after he was benched for the Europa League final and the Argentinian has now been given some stern advice by an England icon

Politics

61 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo fires Lamine Yamal warning as Spain star snubs Portugal celebrations

Lamine Yamal has already won five trophies in his career aged 17 and is being tipped for superstardom, but tasted a rare defeat as Spain lost to Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday night

Events

62 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo shows true colours over injury nightmare and Roberto Martinez

Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off in the closing stages of Portugal's Nations League final win over Spain, with the forward admitting he was struggling with an injury that he suffered in the warm-up

Events

63 h. ago Police issue statement after fan falls from stand and dies during Nations League final

Portugal won the Nations League final against Spain on penalties, but the game has been overshadowed by the tragic death of a supporter, who had fallen from a stand just before both the shootout began

Sport

63 h. ago CR7 fanboys come for Ronaldo Ballon d'OR rival at Nations League Final as Bayern royalty ducks for cover

The incident happened at the Allianz Arena as fans goaded Franck Ribery after his online spat

Sport

65 h. ago Supporter dies in fall from stands during Nations League final

Medical personnel, stewards, and police immediately cordoned off the area as the game continued

Sport

66 h. ago Cristiano Ronaldo confirms injury nightmare as he makes Roberto Martinez thoughts clear

Cristiano Ronaldo played through the pain barrier to lead Portugal to winning the Nations League final against bitter rivals Spain, with the skipper breaking down in tears after the game

Events

3 d. ago Portugal win Nations League with penalty shootout victory over Spain

Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 penalties): Cristiano Ronaldo netted a second half equaliser before Ruben Neves slotted in the decisive penalty

Events

3 d. ago Spain vs Portugal live: Result and reaction as Ruben Neves scores decisive penalty Nations League final

Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 on penalties): Roberto Martinez’s men are the first team to win the Nations League twice

Sport

3 d. ago Portugal vs Spain LIVE: Nations League final result, latest updates and reaction after Selecao win in shootout

Plenty on the line as two European heavyweights meet at the Allianz Arena

Sport

3 d. ago Portugal beat Spain on penalties to win Nations League final – as it happened

Alvaro Morata missed the decisive spot kick as Portugal triumphed on penalties in MunichWe’re under way.OK, OK, so there’s another biggish sporting event going on elsewhere in Europe today catch the final moments with Daniel Harris here: Continue reading...

Sport

3 d. ago Portugal crowned UEFA Nations League champions after scrappy final with Spain

Portugal have won the UEFA Nations League after the pair couldn't be separated until penalty kicks in Munich on Sunday evening

Sport

3 d. ago Spain vs Portugal live: Nations League final heads to extra time after Cristiano Ronaldo’s equaliser

Can a Lamine Yamal-inspired Spain defend their Nations League title against Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo?

Sport