Theo Hernandez defiantly stated Lionel Messi does not scare France, while Olivier Giroud is intent on denying the Argentina legend a dream World Cup swansong in Sunday s final.

Les Bleus are on the cusp of defending the title they won in Russia four years ago after a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Morocco in Wednesday s second semi-final.

The showpiece fixture will be Messi s final World Cup game and, at least for the football romantics, would be seen as a fitting send-off for one of the all-time greats.

But France will have little time for sentiment as they aim to be crowned world champions for the third time and Milan full-back Hernandez said Les Bleus are not fearful of Argentina s talisman – who was star of the show in La Albiceleste s own last-four triumph o…

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Looking to make an early statement when they open up the 2023/24 campaign on Monday night, AC Milan will travel to the Stadio Renato Dall Ara when they meet Bologna.

Bologna

Starting with the hosts, shocking many across Serie A last season as they claimed an eye-catching top-half finish, Bologna will be desperate to match a similar level this time around. However, while some in Thiago Motta’s camp might be dreaming of the chance to mount a famous European charge, the Greyhounds will be more than aware that they face a stern opening test on Monday night. Although the former Spezia boss might have seen his squad sign off the 2022/23 campaign with an action-packed 3-2 victory against Leece on June 4th, they did largely struggle to find …

Newcastle United are interested in signing Jonas Wind from FC Copenhagen in the January transfer window, according to  in France. Newcastle, who have recently been taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), want to sign a new striker and have identified Wind as a potential signing in the middle of the season.

FC Copenhagen could sell Wind, but the Danish giants will want at least €20 million in transfer fees for the 22-year-old, who can also play as a second striker. The Denmark international has been on the books of FC Copenhagen since 2012 and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

Wind has scored four goals in 10 SuperLiga appearances so far this season. The 22-year-old has also scored three goals in two Europa Conference League so …

Uli Hoeness believes Bayern Munich would be gaga to sign Harry Kane, but that does not mean the Bundesliga champions will not pursue a move for the England captain.

Another trophy-less season for Tottenham has again prompted discussion over Kane s future.

Bayern are one of a select few clubs seemingly capable of signing a player of that calibre, able to both pay the fee and wages and assure the striker of the potential to finally win silverware.

But honorary president Hoeness has suggested the idea of splashing out on Kane would be completely gaga .

Hoeness appeared to hint at that sentiment once more in an interview with Sky Sports, although he also explained how Bayern could yet bid for Kane.

It doesn t go over my desk, Hoeness said. I m one of…

We are in the home stretch in the Premier League, which means everything is at stake – in the fantasy leagues, that is.

It is that time of the year when fantasy managers start to go over which games matter at opposite ends of the table to maximise points hauls.

Stats Perform has you covered with some Opta-powered recommendations below, so here are our suggestions for a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and striker.

EDERSON (Manchester City v Newcastle United)

Following their dramatic Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid, there is a possibility Manchester City players might actually breathe fire on Sunday against Newcastle United.

It will likely mean sporadic and low-quality opportunities for the Toon and, ultimately, light wor…

Diego Costa is poised to become a prize catch for one club in the days ahead, but what does the former Atletico Madrid striker have in mind?

He was released from his contract with LaLiga s leaders on Tuesday but looks set to make a swift return to football.

Atleti head coach Diego Simeone said he expects Costa to make a success of his next move, with the likes of Benfica, Arsenal and Wolves already linked with the fiery frontman.

Perhaps Costa will favour a move home to play in his native Brazil, or could MLS beckon?

— Diego Costa (@diegocosta)

Could Costa light up the Primeira Liga?

Benfica were linked with Costa in the previous close season, but nothing came of their reported interest. However, the Portuguese giants may sti…

Gary Smith is hopeful the goals will soon start to flow for Nashville SC as they prepare to face Los Angeles FC this weekend.

Nashville have scored just seven goals through their opening eight games this campaign and have fired blanks in half of those matches.

At the opposite end of the field, Smith s side have the best defensive record in the entire MLS with only four goals conceded thus far.

On the back of a 2-1 loss at New York City FC last time out, Smith wants to see his side turn chances into goals, starting against the reigning MLS Cup champions on Saturday.

It s always frustrating when you get beat, particularly when you have some difficulties in finding the back of the net and not being a bit more clear-cut with chances, Smith said.

I …

David Seaman hailed “amazing” Mikel Arteta for Arsenal’s transformation which has seen them rival Manchester City at the top of the Premier League this season.

The Gunners will play in the Champions League next year for the first time since 2016-17 after an impressive campaign which saw them lead the title race until recent weeks.

And the former Arsenal and England goalkeeper commended the Spanish manager for his impact, despite it being his first managerial role, as he called for his former side to take further steps towards their long-term ambitions of silverware next season.

“It’s his first job, he’s doing an amazing job and it’s a massive job but he’s making it work,” Seaman told the PA news agency.

“It’s all down to Arteta, the …

Sergio Ramos returned to win and score a game-turning penalty in Real Madrid s 3-1 Clasico win at Barcelona on Saturday.

Madrid captain Ramos was substituted in last week s home defeat to Cadiz and missed the subsequent shock reverse against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League as the Spanish champions crept towards a crisis ahead of their first meeting with Barca this season.

But the centre-back was fit to start for the crunch LaLiga clash at Camp Nou and drew a second-half spot-kick from Clement Lenglet to restore Madrid s lead after Ansu Fati had cancelled out Federico Valverde s opener in a frantic start.

Luka Modric then preyed on a Neto error in the 90th minute to secure the points and take Zinedine Zidane s men top, earning back-to-back LaLiga wins aga…

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was full of praise for striker Nicolas Jackson following his brace in their 3-0 victory away to West Ham on Saturday.

The Senegalese’s double came inside the opening 18 minutes of the match, making it Chelsea’s earliest-ever brace scored in a London derby in the Premier League.

“We are 100% happy with Nicolas,” said Maresca, speaking to BBC Sport after full-time.

“Since I arrived here, he’s been very good on the ball in terms of goals and assists… but he also did a fantastic job off the ball.

“We are very happy.”

On the victory itself, which lifted Chelsea to second in the Premier League table prior to the remainder of Saturday’s matches, Maresca said there was still more to come from his players.

…