Sports

By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Belgium coach Roberto Martinez says the legacy of the team’s “Golden Generation” is already firmly established whether or not Belgium wins its decisive World Cup match against Croatia on Thursday. Belgium finished third at the 2018 World Cup and reached the quarterfinals at the last

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Brazil brought a lot of attacking power to the World Cup but it’s been the defense impressing the most for the five-time champion in Qatar. Brazil is yet to allow an attempt on target after two group games. Goalkeeper Alisson has been mostly a spectator

LONDON (AP) — The International Tennis Integrity Agency says former top-10 professional tennis player Fernando Verdasco has accepted a voluntary provisional doping suspension of two months after testing positive for an ADHD medication. Verdasco said he was taking methylphenidate as medication prescribed by his doctor to treat ADHD but forgot to renew his therapeutic use

By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer DOHA , Qatar (AP) — When Belgium’s “Golden Generation” meets Croatia’s accomplished veterans in a decisive World Cup match on Thursday, there won’t be much room on the field for younger players. Croatia, which reached the final four years ago, and Belgium, which finished third in 2018, each rely

By RONALD BLUM AP Sports Writer DOHA, Qatar (AP) — John Herdman wants to remain as Canada’s coach through the 2026 World Cup in North America after leading the nation to its return to soccer’s top tournament. In the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Canada outplayed Belgium in an opening 1-0 loss,

MILAN (AP) — World champion Remco Evenepoel will compete in next year’s Giro d’Italia. It will be the first time a reigning world champion has ridden in the Giro since Mark Cavendish in 2012. Evenepoel rides for the Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl team. Evenepoel became Belgium’s first Grand Tour winner in 44 years when he won

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer DOHA, Qatar (AP) — For Harry Kane the wait for a first goal at this World Cup goes on. Kane was substituted after 58 minutes of England’s 3-0 win against Wales. The 29-year-old striker embraced his replacement Callum Wilson and made his way to the bench to watch the

By DANIELLA MATAR AP Sports Writer MILAN (AP) — One important person stands to potentially benefit from the latest Juventus scandal that has sent shockwaves throughout the soccer world. Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri’s job was seemingly at risk less than two months ago but the Bianconeri’s off-the-field problems could give him more power at the

By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer DOHA , Qatar (AP) — When Belgium’s “Golden Generation” meets Croatia’s accomplished veterans in a decisive World Cup match on Thursday there won’t be much room on the field for younger players. The 2018 finalist Croatia and the 2018 semifinalist Belgium each rely on a vast array of experienced

By BERNIE WILSON AP Sports Writer SAN DIEGO (AP) — It’s the middle of the afternoon and Jada Williams begins a live stream on Instagram. In a heartbeat, more than 1,000 of her 671,000 followers join the broadcast and begin typing in questions and comments. Williams does her best to follow along as the comments

By BERNIE WILSON AP Sports Writer SAN DIEGO (AP) — Some high school athletes are banking big bucks thanks to changes that allow them to accept major endorsement deals. California has become the trendsetter among the 19 states that let high school athletes profit from their name, image and likeness without affecting their eligibility to

Associated Press BAGHDAD (AP) — Soccer fans in Iran’s Kurdish majority region have cheered the U.S. win over Iran in a politically charged World Cup, amid ongoing anti-government protests. Videos posted online show fans in Kurdish areas setting off fireworks and honking car horns early Wednesday, following Iran’s 1-0 loss to the U.S. The majority

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — U.S. forward Christian Pulisic is day to day after sustaining a pelvic injury during his team’s 1-0 World Cup win against Iran that sent the Americans to the round of 16 of the tournament. Pulisic scored the 38th-minute winning goal against Iran, but crashed into Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand during the

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — One day after Iran and Wales were eliminated at the World Cup, FIFA has given a public assurance that rainbow items and banners supporting protests in Iran will be allowed into stadiums. Stadium security staff organized by Qatari authorities has seized items with rainbow colors and slogans such as “Women. Life.

By JAMEY KEATEN Associated Press IRPIN, Ukraine (AP) — For soccer lovers in Ukraine, Russia’s invasion and the devastation it has wrought have created uncertainties about both playing the sport and watching it. For Ukrainians these days, soccer trails well behind mere survival in the order of priorities. But the sport — like elsewhere —