Soccer-De Ketelaere double puts Belgium into World Cup last eight and ends home interest
SEATTLE, July 6 (Reuters) - Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to take his country into the World Cup quarter-finals, handing co-hosts United States a 4-1 thrashing in their round-of-16 tie on Monday, despite the controversial inclusion of previously suspended Folarin Balogun.
Soccer-Flexibility key for Colombia's Lorenzo as Swiss challenge awaits
VANCOUVER, July 6 (Reuters) - The ability of Colombia's players to adapt to different situations will be key when they take on Switzerland in their World Cup last-16 tie on Tuesday, coach Nestor Lorenzo said.
Soccer-FIFA backs referee after Trump criticism
MIAMI, July 6 (Reuters) - FIFA threw its full support behind Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned his integrity on Monday following the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun that sparked a controversy at the World Cup.
Soccer-No clear favourites for World Cup, says Argentina's Scaloni ahead of Egypt clash
ATLANTA, July 6 (Reuters) - Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni believes this World Cup has been a great leveller where traditional powerhouses are struggling to assert their dominance.
Soccer-De la Fuente sings Lamine's praises as Spain reach World Cup quarter-finals
July 6 (Reuters) - Spain coach Luis de la Fuente hailed Lamine Yamal's performance in Monday's 1-0 victory over Portugal as one of the most important of the 18-year-old's burgeoning career as the European champions advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Soccer-A blue city shakes off politics over US forward Balogun's red card controversy
SEATTLE, July 6 (Reuters) - A city known for angry protests, grunge and wearing head-to-toe black was transformed into a harmonious sea of red, white and blue on Monday.
Soccer-Ronaldo says his last World Cup is over but Portugal decision can wait
ARLINGTON, Texas, July 6 (Reuters) - Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup ended with a Spanish sting in the tail, courtesy of Mikel Merino's last-gasp winner that earned a 1-0 round-of-16 win on Monday, but he was unwilling to make a hasty call on his international future.
Soccer-Balogun starts for US after red card suspended
July 6 (Reuters) - U.S. striker Folarin Balogun will start Monday's World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the red-card sanction he received in the team's previous match, with a FIFA appeals committee rejecting Belgium's challenge to the decision.
Soccer-Portugal coach Martinez to leave after World Cup exit to Spain
ARLINGTON, Texas, July 6 (Reuters) - Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said he was leaving his role after Spain beat his side 1-0 in the World Cup last 16 on Monday, calling the defeat the end of a cycle for the team.
Soccer-Switzerland sweat over fitness of three key players ahead of Colombia clash
VANCOUVER, July 6 (Reuters) - Switzerland coach Murat Yakin faces an anxious wait to see if three of his most influential players will be fit for their World Cup last-16 clash with Colombia on Tuesday.
