Interactive Sport

Over 7.6 million viewers tuned in to French television’s TF1 to see France thump Italy 3-1 in Nice in their second World Cup warm up game, according to figures released on Saturday. France’s foward Antoine Griezmann (C) celebrates with France’s defender Lucas Hernandez (L) and France’s foward Kylian Mbappe (R) after scoring a penalty kick during the friendly football match between France and Italy at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, southeastern France, on June 1, 2018. The Friday evening prime time slot featuring a sumptuous goal from Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele only just edged out Monday’s viewing figures of 6.9 million who tuned in to watch France beat Ireland 2-0 in a deluge. Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti grabbed the opening goal before Italy cut the deficit before the break through Leonardo Bonucci. French poster boy and playground favourite Antoine Griezmann, also reported to be joining Barcelona, added a second from the penalty spot before Dembele’s ...

Chelsea star, Eden Hazard still wants to join Real Madrid despite Zinedine Zidane’s departure. Hazard has been on Real Madrid’s radar over the last few months, with Zidane a known admirer. However, Zidane shocked the football world when he called an emergency press conference to announce his resignation from the club on Thursday. Zidane’s resignation yesterday plunged Hazard’s transfer into doubt. But Spanish outlet Don Balon reports that the Belgium international has told his national teammates that he is still keen to leave Stamford Bridge for the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Real Madrid are expected to carry out a major overhaul of their squad. An attacker is expected to be pursued with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale both being linked with moves away to Manchester United and Paris saint Germain.

Mauricio Pochettino says he is “so happy” at Tottenham, despite interest from Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane shocked Real Madrid by resigning on Thursday, less than a week after winning his third-consecutive Champions League. Real have already turned their interest to Pochettino as Zidane’s replacement, according to Sky sources. But Tottenham sources have told Sky Sports News that no buyout clause exists in Pochettino’s new five-year deal, which he signed only last week. “I am so happy and I’m so excited,” said Pochettino, speaking at the Spanish launch of his new book, A New World, in Barcelona. “I signed a new contract 10 days ago – what is going to happen tomorrow, I don’t know, but I will always tell you ‘football is football,’ football will put you in your place always. “The most important thing is to explain day by day that life is very short and we need to spend the day thinking and enjoying life. “We can’t be thinking too much and worrying about what is happen...

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has suggested that his side cannot be considered serious candidates to win the 2018 World Cup. Argentina is ranked fifth favourites with most bookmakers to lift the famous trophy in Russia this summer, behind only Brazil, Germany, Spain and France. Lionel Messi was part of the Argentina side that finished runners-up four years ago in Brazil and, after netting a hat-trick in the midweek friendly win against Haiti, the Barcelona superstar is not entirely giving up hope of going one better this time around. “I am very grateful to all the people, we always feel the affection of all, not like other times that we received insults,” he told reporters. “We all go to Russia for the same reason, the World Cup is the dream of us, of the country. “We are not candidates but we are very good, training and improving day by day. We have good players and we are getting stronger to fight as an equal with anyone. “In a World Cup, logic is almost never given....

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said Thursday he was leaving the Spanish giants, just days after winning the Champions League for the third year in a row. Zinedine Zidane has quit as Real Madrid manager just days after becoming the first coach to win the Champions League in three consecutive seasons. Zidane, 45, replaced Rafael Benitez in January 2016 and despite his European success has come under pressure for winning only one La Liga title during his two and a half years in charge. He told Real president Florentino Perez he would be leaving on Wednesday before informing captain Sergio Ramos. "I know it is a strange moment for everyone involved," said Zidane. "But it had to be done for everybody. "This team has to continue winning and need a change. After three years they need a new voice, a new way of saying things - possibly another way of working. "That's why I've taken that decision. I love this club, I love the president, he's g...

Three-time champion Serena Williams will make her eagerly-awaited return to Grand Slam tennis on Tuesday with a French Open first-round match against Kristyna Pliskova on Court Philippe Chatrier. The 36-year-old last played a major tournament in a victorious 2017 Australian Open campaign while two months pregnant, before taking time out of the game to give birth to her daughter. Serena has since crashed to 453 in the world as a result, although she was able to use her protected ranking to enter the French Open. The former world number one briefly returned for the American hardcourt season, but suffered early losses to sister Venus and Naomi Osaka in Indian Wells and Miami respectively. A run to the title at Roland Garros so soon into her comeback may be unlikely, but Serena can never be ruled out and victory would draw her level with Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Should she get through the first couple of rounds, Serena appears to have ...

 Brazil was the first team from CONMEBOL to book their place at Russia 2018. FIFA Ranking: 2 Continent: South America Nickname: Samba Boys  World Cup History: Qualifying Campaigns : 20  First stage appearances : 12 Semi final appearances :11 Finals: 7 Titles: 5 First World Cup : 1930  Last World Cup :2014 Best outing :Champion (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) Key Player: NEYMAR Neymar is set to make his second appearance at a World Cup. The Paris Saint-Germain star also won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup title with former club Barcelona. MATCHES: June 17: BRAZIL vs SWITZERLAND June 22: BRAZIL vs COSTA RICA June 27: SERBIA vs BRAZIL