Wilander calls for fifth-set tiebreaks after six-hour semi-final
Tennis must see sense and bring in fifth-set tiebreaks to avoid the kind of marathon which saw Kevin Anderson outlast John Isner in a six hour, 36 minute Wimbledon semi-final on Friday, according to retired great Mats Wilander.
Soccer: France’s road to the 2018 World Cup final
France’s progression to Sunday’s World Cup final, where they face Croatia as they target a second title to add to their victory on home soil in 1998, has included arguably the tournament’s most boring and most exciting matches.
Soccer: Croatia’s road to the 2018 World Cup final
Croatia’s road to Sunday’s World Cup final, where they will play France for a chance to lift the trophy for the first time:
Soccer: Croatia World Cup final penpix
A guide to the Croatia starting 11 ahead of the World Cup final against France.
Soccer: France World Cup final penpix
France’s captain has underlined his status as leader throughout their run to the final, making an outstanding low dive to claw away a header from Uruguay’s Martin Caceres in the quarter-final and outdoing himself in the semi-final against Belgium with a world class save to deny Toby Alderweireld.
Croatia’s dream World Cup run ignites diaspora in Australia
Nothing has united the Croatian diaspora more than qualifying for the country’s first World Cup final, with celebrations among ex-pat communities rivaling the excitement felt in Zagreb.
Factbox: Goals, Neymar and Kalinic – best and worst of the World Cup
Following is a factbox on the best goals, most memorable moments and biggest disappointments of the 2018 World Cup:
France coach Didier Deschamps on brink of history
A firm hand on the tiller for France comes not only from captaining a World Cup-winning team 20 years ago, but also from some harsh lessons in Didier Deschamps’ six years as coach.
Never mind the goals, Giroud key to France’s hopes
France center forward Olivier Giroud has failed to score at the World Cup in Russia but is still a vital cog in their plans for Sunday’s final against Croatia in Moscow.
Croatia coach Dalic chooses the hard path to success
Zlatko Dalic’s coaching career has mirrored his team’s campaign at the World Cup – a long, hard road to recognition and respect on the back of the hard currency of results.
