Spain appoint Luis Enrique as Lopetegui successor

Luis Enrique has been appointed Spain’s new head coach following the pre-World Cup sacking of Julen Lopetegui, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has confirmed.

France vs Belgium: Pogba and De Bruyne confronted by Zidane’s path to greatness

For a dominant midfielder aiming to make their mark in the latter stages of an international tournament, Zinedine Zidane undisputably remains the benchmark in the modern era.

Rakitic is in career-best form – Dalic

Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic is in career-best form at the World Cup, according to coach Zlatko Dalic.

Henderson hopeful over fitness for Croatia clash

England midfielder Jordan Henderson is hopeful over his fitness ahead of his team’s World Cup semi-final against Croatia.

WC win would be crazier than 1966 triumph – Southgate

England manager Gareth Southgate has no doubt that winning the 2018 World Cup would result in his players being even more revered than those who guided the country to their last success in 1966.

Vermaelen wary of Mbappe threat

Thomas Vermaelen picked out Kylian Mbappe as the major threat to Belgium’s chances of making their first appearance at a World Cup final, saying the 19-year-old forward can ‘decide every match in a flash’.

Lukaku, Hazard, De Bruyne in Team of the Quarter-Finals

FourFourTwoSA selects the World Cup team of the quarter-finals as Belgium stars Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne steal the show, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

Superbru: Mbappe set to fire France into final

Before you make your Superbru picks for the World Cup semi-final action, take a look at FourFourTwo’s predictions as Kylian Mbappe looks set to lead France past Belgium to reach the final.

Croatia’s Vida free to face England after Fifa warning

Domagoj Vida says his pro-Ukraine comments in a social media video were not a political message, with the Croatia defender having avoided a World Cup ban.

Mbappe a phenomenon who scares opponents – Blanc

Kylian Mbappe is a phenomenon who will scare opponents such as World Cup semi-finalists Belgium, says former France coach Laurent Blanc.