Here is the latest Soccer News from The New York Times.
A Dream Start as Leicester City’s Fairy Tale Arrives in Europe
Leicester defeated the Belgian champion Club Brugge, 3-0, in its Champions League opener. It is only Leicester’s fourth European competition in 132 years.
On Soccer: Arsenal Earns a Champions League Draw, but P.S.G. Is the One Moving Forward
P.S.G. couldn’t hold on to an early lead against a fellow perennial disappointment. But P.S.G., at least, seems to be trying to change its direction.
Leicester City, the Champions League Party Crasher, Gets Homework as Its Reward
Leicester City, the surprise winner of the Premier League, received a grueling education on how the European tournament operates months before its start.
On Soccer: Lacking World-Beaters, Manchester City Proves Good Enough to Beat a Rival
For City’s new coach, Pep Guardiola, a 2-1 win over Manchester United was an elegant riposte to critics who have credited his successes to his players, not his coaching.
On Soccer: Manchester Renowned, and Redrawn, by Its Soccer
Soccer, in the form of Saturday’s City-United match, has done more than consume Manchester, England, this week. It has revived the city itself.
Landon Donovan Will End Retirement and Return to M.L.S.
Donovan, who retired two years ago at age 32, said a joking suggestion from a Los Angeles Galaxy official would become reality. The team said he could play on Sunday.
In Glasgow, a Most Bitter Rivalry Takes Root Again
Rangers and Celtic, known as the Old Firm, have not met in a league match in four years, since financial mismanagement led to Rangers’ liquidation.
Without Ronaldo, Portugal Loses to Switzerland
For Portugal’s first competitive match since it defeated France in the Euro 2016 final, Ronaldo was left out of the squad while he recovers from a knee injury.
New Wave of American Soccer Players in Europe Bucks a Trend
The dwindling number of Americans playing abroad has been a source of fret, but some have taken solid first steps up the European ladder.
On Soccer: Premier League’s Wealth Often Subsidizes Clubs Across the Channel
The insatiable appetite for talent, along with the league’s deep pockets, has European clubs determined to extract the highest possible price in any deal.
World Cup Qualifier | U.S. 6, St. Vincent 0: Hours After Matt Besler’s First Child Arrives, So Does His First U.S. Goal
Besler scored in his 36th international appearance, helping the United States approach the final stage of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.
Behind Referee’s Inaction, a FIFA Video Replay Milestone
FIFA’s president said “football history” was made when video replay was tested during a friendly between France and Italy over a perceived hand ball.
Swiss Open Criminal Investigation of Franz Beckenbauer
Beckenbauer is one of four top German soccer officials under investigation for fraud and other criminal offenses related to Germany’s bid to host the 2006 World Cup.
Swiss Launch Criminal Probe of Beckenbauer Over German World Cup Bid
Authorities in Zurich have opened criminal proceedings against German soccer great Franz Beckenbauer and two former presidents of the country’s football federation (DFB) in connection with its successful bid for the 2006 World Cup.
Political Tension Between China and South Korea Intrudes on a Fierce Rivalry
The countries are meeting in the opening match of the final round of Asian qualifications for the 2018 World Cup. They have met 30 times, and China has won only once.
Hope Solo Says She Will Not Play Again in N.W.S.L. This Season
Solo, who had her contract with the United States national team terminated last week, said she would not return to her club, the Seattle Reign, this season.
On Soccer: Trapped in the Premier League’s Golden Cage
Deemed surplus by their clubs, players like Mario Balotelli, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Joe Hart find their high salaries are making it hard to move on.
Former Dodgers Owner Frank McCourt to Buy French Soccer Team Marseille
McCourt, who had a contentious time in Major League Baseball, pledged to make Marseille a champion again.
For Now, U.S. Soccer’s Player of the Future Wrestles With the Present
Can Jordan Morris be the first great American goal scorer to star abroad? O.K., next question then?
A Revitalized Raheem Sterling Keeps Manchester City Rolling
Sterling scored twice as Manchester City beat West Ham, 3-1, to open the season with its third straight Premier League win.
Duel of Suitors Yields an M.L.S. Franchise for Minnesota
The owners of the Minnesota Vikings failed in their bid to land a soccer team, losing out to the owners of the Minnesota United, of the North American Soccer League.
We’re Here! RB Leipzig’s Rise to Bundesliga Isn’t Welcomed by All
On Sunday, Leipzig will play its first game in Germany’s top league, but detractors see the team as just another Red Bull marketing venture.
On Soccer: Hope Solo’s Behavior, and Play, Spells End With U.S. Team
Solo, one of soccer’s most talented goalkeepers, had her contract terminated after a series of episodes that cast her in a bad light. But the move also followed a shaky performance in Rio.
U.S. Soccer Suspends Hope Solo and Terminates Her Contract
The six-month ban for Solo, 35, was her second from the national team in the last two years, and but the termination of her contract could signal the end of her international career.
New Faces and Familiar Matchups in Champions League Draw
Leicester City drew a comparatively easy group for its first visit to the competition, while Manchester City’s new manager, Pep Guardiola, will face his former club Barcelona.
Soccer Team With International Flavor Mixes Drills and Assimilation
Rooklyn International uses soccer to help young immigrants with wide-ranging backgrounds integrate into life in New York City.
Germany Defeats Sweden to Win First Soccer Gold
Germany took control with two goals early in the second half, cracking open a Swedish defense that had eliminated the top-ranked United States and host Brazil in its last two matches.
João Havelange, Who Built and Ruled World Soccer With Firm Hand, Dies at 100
As the head of FIFA for 24 years, the Brazilian businessman built soccer into a multibillion-dollar powerhouse. He was also implicated in a lucrative kickback scandal.
Leicester Opens Title Defense With a Loss to Lowly Hull
A year after a surprising run to the top of the Premier League, Leicester fell to a newly promoted club still playing without a permanent manager.
U.S. Women Will Encounter Former Coach in Soccer Quarterfinal
Two key figures, Sweden Coach Pia Sundhage and United States goalkeeper Hope Solo, will try to keep their teams from being knocked out of the Olympic tournament.
Sports of The Times: In Brazil, Where Men’s Soccer Once Was King, the Women’s Game Rules
With the men’s team looking listless, the wheels of change are turning in Brazil’s macho society as fans express a respect for the women’s game, and chagrin that it took so long.
Red Bulls’ Biggest Midseason Acquisition, Omer Damari, Is a Little-Known Israeli Striker
Damari’s signing, along with that of the Austrian winger Daniel Royer, put an end to rumors of a more high-profile signing by the Red Bulls this year.
Soccer Gold? At This Point Brazil Might Settle for a Goal
Two scoreless ties have made the team an object of ridicule as it risks an embarrassing early elimination from the Olympic tournament.
Soccer: $2 Billion Media Deal Could Bolster Japan’s Soccer Profile
The J.League signed a $2 billion deal with the British-based Perform Group to stream matches, a potential financial turning point for Japanese soccer.
U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Fights to Quiet What-Ifs in Tough Win Over France
Saturday’s match was, in some ways, the World Cup game that could have happened last summer but never did.
On Field and in Hometown, Neymar Tries to Change the Narrative
A Brazilian star tries to lift the weight off his nation’s soccer soul and the dreams of his old neighborhood.
On Soccer: At Soccer’s Coaching Summit, Job Security Is a Relative Term
Carlo Ancelotti is adjusting to life as Bayern Munich’s new manager after a short tenure with Real Madrid.
Red Bulls 2, Fire 2: Bradley Wright-Phillips Scores Late to Give the Red Bulls a Tie
Wright-Phillips scored in the 90th minute to draw even with the Chicago Fire. With the draw, the Red Bulls remained in second place in the Eastern Conference.
Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal’s Chief Executive, Seeks a Major Trophy
Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal’s chief executive, discusses winning, pressure and what he wants his team to look like even after he and Manager Arsène Wenger are gone.
Soccer: Olympic Success Carries a Bonus for Koreans: Military Exemption
Male athletes from South Korea get to avoid a mandatory stint in the military if they win a medal at the Olympics.
Red Bulls 4, N.Y.C.F.C. 1: Red Bulls Swiftly Avenge Their First Loss to N.Y.C.F.C.
The Red Bulls built a three-goal lead by halftime and never looked back, defeating N.Y.C.F.C., 4-1. Bradley Wright-Phillips scored twice.
Jack Harrison’s U.S. Soccer Path Started With a Choice in England by His Mother
Harrison has begun to cause a stir for New York City F.C., the fulfillment of a dream that began when he was a boy and his mother withdrew him from Manchester United’s youth academy.
Lazio Inches Closer to a Title … From 1915
An Italian committee is set to decide next month whether to award Lazio a championship title from the 1914-15 season, which was interrupted by the onset of World War I.
Testing a Replay System to Give Soccer Referees Another Set of Eyes
Soccer officials tested a video replay system at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday to get feedback on what it might look like for professional leagues in the future.
Special Report: 2016 European Championship: The ‘Little’ Teams That Kept on Running
In the year of the unexpected at Euro 2016, it was heart and spirit that mattered.
Special Report: 2016 European Championship: The 10 Best Goals of Euro 2016
Spectators at this tournament were blessed with some sublime moments of grace that changed games and enriched players’ reputations.
Special Report: 2016 European Championship: And in the End, the Fans Won at Euro 2016
Despite security fears and a dull final, France hosted a successful event.
Barcelona’s Support of Lionel Messi in Tax Fraud Case Is Criticized
The team’s campaign to support a star player has infuriated those trying to collect Spanish taxes and been described by a government agency as “completely wrong.”
Megan Rapinoe Makes Cut as U.S. Names Olympic Soccer Roster
Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and Tobin Heath will be chasing their third straight gold medals in Rio, and the American team its fourth.
Global Soccer: Overturning of Suspension Came Too Late for French Soccer Team
France was threadbare at center back in the Euro final, in part because Mamadou Sakho was left off the roster after a doping-related suspension.
Project Commits $3 Million to Build 50 Soccer Fields in New York
New York City F.C., Adidas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and New York City will contribute $750,000 apiece to build and maintain the fields in underserved neighborhoods.
Portugal 1, France 0: Portugal Loses Ronaldo but Defeats France in Extra Time
Cristiano Ronaldo was taken off on a stretcher in the first half with a knee injury, but Éder supplied the victory with a goal in the 105th minute.
Global Soccer: Paul Pogba, a Force of Nature for France
Built like a light-heavyweight boxer, with an immense stride and a big heart, Pogba has been a mercurial midfield force in the European Championships.
United States 1, South Africa 0: U.S. Women Win Olympic Warm-Up Against Backdrop of Wage Dispute
The friendly was the final match for the Americans before Coach Jill Ellis releases her roster for the Summer Games in Brazil.
On Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo, Quiet Superstar, Can Win Portugal’s Heart With Euros Title
Cristiano Ronaldo has had years of success at Real Madrid but still seeks his first major title for Portugal, which faces France in the European Championships final on Sunday.
Global Soccer: Unlikely Heroes Have Made Their Mark for Portugal and France
France may complete a remarkable run of winning major titles as the host, and Portugal is on the brink of its first big title. Something has to give.
U.S. Women’s Soccer Players Renew Their Fight for Equal Pay
With the Rio Olympics fast approaching, the team is turning to the court of public opinion to press its case.
France 2, Germany 0: France Beats Germany to Reach Euro 2016 Final
Antoine Griezmann scored twice and France moved a step closer to winning another major soccer championship on home soil with its victory over Germany.
Portugal 2, Wales 0 | European Championships Semifinal: Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo Get Another Chance for Glory
Portugal, led by Ronaldo, advanced to the final of the European Championships, where it will play the winner of the France-Germany game on Sunday.
Letter From Europe: In Soccer, Winners Are Clear; in ‘Brexit,’ Not So Much
Across Europe, there are only two topics of conversation these days: the British vote to leave the European Union, and the European Championships.
Lionel Messi Fined in Tax Case, but Won’t Go to Prison
Lionel Messi and his father were given suspended sentences of 21 months in prison for tax fraud in Spain.
Sister of French Soccer Star Antoine Griezmann Recalls Terror of Paris Attacks
Maud Griezmann was in the concert hall that gun-wielding terrorists struck on Nov. 13, minutes after suicide bombers set off explosions outside the nearby stadium where France was hosting Germany.
Portugal vs. Wales Represents More Than Ronaldo Against Bale
The Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale lead national teams that will oppose each other in a European Championship semifinal, but they may not be the deciding factors in the game.
Global Soccer: Still Waiting to See Cristiano Ronaldo’s Brilliance
While Gareth Bale, his Welsh teammate, has had a wonderful Euros, Cristiano Ronaldo has been quiet, except for one 12-minute burst of brilliance.
‘Brexit’ Could Provide Headaches for British Sports
The ability of Britain’s major soccer clubs to sign and retain some of their international stars would be complicated should the country leave the European Union. Rugby and cricket teams could be affected as well.
A Lopsided Rivalry With the Red Bulls Is Fuel for N.Y.C.F.C.
N.Y.C.F.C. has lost all four meetings against the Red Bulls, including a 7-0 thrashing in May. The teams meet again Sunday in a battle for second place in the Eastern Conference.
Global Soccer: Wales’s Euro Anthem Could Be ‘Land of My Grandfathers’
Though nine of the 23 players on the Welsh Euro 2016 roster are adopted sons of Wales, they have formed a strong nationalistic bond.
N.Y.C.F.C. 2, Red Bulls 0: New York City F.C. Exacts Revenge Over Rival Red Bulls
After a 7-0 loss to the Red Bulls at home in May, New York City F.C. regrouped for a 2-0 victory and moved into first place in the Eastern Conference.
Germany 1, Italy 1 | Germany wins on penalty kicks, 6-5 | European Championships Quarterfinals: Germany Defeats Italy in Shootout Because the Rules Require a Winner
Germany’s Jonas Hector slid an unremarkable shot under Gianluigi Buffon, the star Italian goalkeeper, to end a cautious, grueling game.
France 5, Iceland 2 | European Championships: Iceland’s Dream Run Is Ended by France’s Frenetic First Half
France defeated Iceland, 5-2, after scoring four goals before halftime in a European Championships quarterfinal. France will face Germany in the semifinals.
Wales 3, Belgium 1: Wales Attacker Slots a Ball Into the Net and a Team Into History
Hal Robson-Kanu scored the game-winning goal for Wales as it beat Belgium, the No. 2 team in the world, for a spot in the European Championships semifinals.
Russia’s World Cup Stadium Rises, Matryoshka Style
Russia is building a modern-day structure — to host 2018 World Cup — inside the walls of Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium, which opened in 1956 and hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics.
How Tiny, Quirky Iceland Won Over Soccer Fans Worldwide
Iceland’s startling, feel-good run at the European Championships continues on Sunday with a quarterfinal game against France.
Global Soccer: Italy vs. Germany Feels Like an Early Euro Final
Saturday’s quarterfinal in Bordeaux matches the best, the most solid, the most tournament savvy teams in the competition.
Portugal 1, Poland 1 | Portugal wins on penalty kicks, 5-3 | European Championships Quarterfinal: With a Teenager’s Help, Portugal Edges Poland to Win a Euros Quarterfinal
Portugal beat Poland, 5-3, in a shootout after regulation goals by Poland’s Robert Lewandowski and Portugal’s Ricardo Quaresma.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Says He Is Joining Manchester United
Ibrahimovic announced on his social media accounts that he would be joining Manchester United next season, confirming weeks of reports.
France Faces a Big Test: Winning Over Its Fans
Les Bleus, as the French team is known, have often endured a fractious relationship with their fans. When the team fails to impress, jeers and boos ring out from the stands.
In Paris, Modeling Takes a Back Seat to Soccer
‘I don’t care about castings and fittings,’ one model says. ‘I came here to watch matches.’
From President on Down, Argentines Clamor for Lionel Messi’s Return
Many Argentines are calling for Messi to continue playing for the national team, despite his announcement that he was retiring from the team after Sunday’s loss in the Copa América final.
Global Soccer: Euro 2016 Finds the Spark It Was Lacking
Just as the Copa América ended with a dour final, the European Championships found the energy it needed in a number of top-notch games.
European Championships | Iceland 2, England 1: Upset Loss to Iceland Has England Gnashing Its Teeth
Iceland, a country of about 300,000 people, beat England, 2-1, in the round of 16 at the European Championships.
Italy 2, Spain 0: Italy Shows Some Flair, and Spain Shows Last Gasp of an Era
Suddenly aggressive on offense, the Italians knocked off the two-time defending champ to set up a matchup with Germany.
Chile 0, Argentina 0 | Copa América Final | Chile wins on penalty kicks, 4-2: Chile Tops Argentina in Shootout for Copa América Title
A game that had all the charm of a street brawl was scoreless through 120 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout in which Lionel Messi missed Argentina’s first attempt.
‘Brexit’ Could Put Up Significant Roadblocks for English Soccer
After the British vote to leave the European Union, soccer leagues in England face uncertainty in the potential ramifications of the historic decision.
European Championships | Belgium 4, Hungary 0: Eden Hazard Turns Heads in a Late Belgium Flurry
Minutes after an impressive assist, Hazard beat several defenders for a spectacular goal, sending Belgium to a quarterfinal meeting with Wales.
European Championships | Germany 3, Slovakia 0: Missed Penalty Kick Barely Fazes Germany in Rout of Slovakia
The win advances Germany to a quarterfinal matchup with either Spain or Italy.
Euro 2016: Eden Hazard Leads Belgium to 4-0 Defeat of Hungary
Belgium captain Eden Hazard produced an inspired performance, including a fine solo goal, to lead his side to a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary at Euro 2016 on Sunday to set up a quarter-final clash with Wales.
Euro 2016: Germany Advances to Quarterfinals With Rout of Slovakia
Germany’s Julien Draxler repaid the faith of coach Joachim Low with a dazzling display featuring a volleyed goal and an assist as they thumped Slovakia 3-0 to book a Euro 2016 quarter-final with holders Spain or Italy.
France 2, Ireland 1: France Rallies to Defeat a Spirited Ireland
Antoine Griezmann scored twice in four minutes to save the host nation from an upset at the European Championships.
Global Soccer: Wayne Rooney Now Sets the Table for England
No longer the reticent goal scorer, Rooney has changed as a player and as a man; he is now the team’s clear spokesman and playmaker.
Colombia 1, United States 0: Colombia Beats U.S. for Third Place in Copa América
Carlos Bacca scored after 31 minutes to give Colombia a 1-0 victory in Saturday night’s third place game.
Copa América: Event’s Success Spurs U.S. Hopes of Hosting World Cup
With two games remaining, the tournament had drawn an average crowd of 45,491, nearly double that at last year’s tournament in Chile.
Euro 2016: Poland Defeats Switzerland to Reach Its First Quarterfinals
The Poles converted all their penalty kicks in a shootout, with Grzegorz Krychowiak launching the game winner into the top left corner of the Swiss net.
Wales 1, Northern Ireland 0: An Own-Goal by Northern Ireland Gives Wales a Victory
In a match destined to end a remarkable tournament run either way, Gareth McAuley tipped the ball into his own net and sent Wales to the European Championships quarterfinals.
Argentina Seeks to Conjure Away Its Tournament Demons
Argentina, ranked No. 1 in the world, will have an opportunity to end 23 years of frustration in major soccer tournaments when it plays Chile in the Copa América Centenario final on Sunday.
The Saturday Profile: Writer Looks to Soccer Field for Peaks and Valleys of Argentine Life
The writer Eduardo Sacheri has found critical and commercial success by reviving the soccer story as a literary genre.
Global Soccer: Smaller Copa América So Far Trumps the Bloated Euros
The Copa América has delivered a tournament that many see as superior to the Euros. Perhaps this will change with the Euros now in the knockout phase.
Jamie Vardy, Rejecting Arsenal’s Advances, Agrees to Stay at Leicester City
Vardy scored 24 goals while leading Leicester City to an improbable Premier League title.
Despite a Copa América Thrashing, Mexico Retains Its Coach
Juan Carlos Osorio keeps his job after Mexico lost to Chile, 7-0, in a quarterfinal.
A Soccer Game, With an Orchestral Soundtrack
In a concert hall in Paris, an orchestra provided an eclectic musical backdrop to Croatia’s victory against Spain.
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