SPORTS

Montevideo, Uruguay | XINHUA |   A stoppage-time goal from Valencia striker Maxi Gomez gave Uruguay a dramatic 2-1 home victory over Chile in their opening South American zone World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Gomez came off the bench in the 87th minute and struck six minutes later by controlling Francisco …

BARRANQUILLA, Colombia | XINHUA |   Veteran striker Radamel Falcao said Thursday he still has plenty to offer Colombia’s national team as he prepares for his fourth World Cup qualifying campaign. The 34-year-old said he is prepared to help either as a starter or off the bench when Los Cafeteros begin …

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | XINHUA |    Brazil forward Neymar could still play in Brazil’s opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia on Friday despite a back problem that has left him unable to train, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said on Thursday. Neymar was limited to physiotherapy on Thursday after …

Berlin, Germany | XINHUA |   It looks like the 2014 World Cup winner Germany is trapped in a crisis while past financial scandals also seem to be catching up on the country’s soccer association. After a disappointing draw in the friendly against Turkey, Joachim Loew’s team seems to have lost …

Madrid, Spain | XINHUA |    Adama Traore had to make a choice after receiving call-ups from both Mali and Spain for the current international break. The player, who was born in the outskirts of Barcelona 24 years ago, decided to join Spain rather than his parents’ homeland and made his …

Buenos Aires, Argentina | XINHUA |    Lionel Messi converted a first-half penalty as Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0 in their opening South American zone World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Messi put the hosts ahead in the 13th minute at La Bombonera after Lucas Ocampos was scythed down by Pervis Estupinan after …

Madrid, Spain | XINHUA |   Valencia coach Javi Gracia will remain at the club for the time being, as it would cost him three million euros if he chooses to leave now. Gracia had been close to resigning from the club he only joined in the summer due to his …

Tokyo, Japan  | XINHUA |    World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said here on Thursday that Tokyo will host a fantastic Olympic Games despite the uncertainties amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Coe arrived here on Wednesday night and became the first high-profile leader of international sports organizations to visit Japan since the …

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  | XINHUA |   Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is a doubt for Brazil’s opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia because of a back problem, the Selecao team’s doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said on Wednesday. The 28-year-old was earlier forced to leave a training session at Brazil’s Granja …

Buenos Aires, Argentina  | XINHUA |    Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Wednesday that Lionel Messi’s decision to stay at Barcelona is good news for the Albiceleste as they prepare for their opening 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia. Messi told Barcelona officials that he wanted to leave in …