In Iran the World Cup used to trigger joy on our streets. It feels very different now

A growing divide between fans and team, coupled with economic hardship and war, has dampened the mood Abbas Kiarostami, the late Iranian director, made a film called Life, and Nothing More …, set during the 1990 World Cup in Italy. The film tells the story of a father and son who, during the tournament, travel to an earthquake-stricken village that had served as the location for Kiarostami’s earlier films. The son, eager to watch Argentina play Brazil, finds a villager who, despite having lost several family members, is busy adjusting a television antenna to watch the game between the two Sout

Leeds Rhinos head coach Arthur signs contract extension

Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has agreed a two-year extension to his contract with the club.

Ex-Spurs boss Levy sells 24.99% Enic stake

Former Tottenham executive chairman Daniel Levy sells 24.99% stake in the club's parent company Enic, reducing his stake to 4.89%

Real Madrid want the world to know there’s another show in town

Before the Geopolitics World Cup circus gets under way, Real Madrid would like you to know there’s always another show in town. Los Blancos have an odd, difficult relationship with the tournament. Spain’s 2010 triumph involved Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas being bolted on to a raft of Barcelona players, somewhat demeaning to any aristocratic pretensions. Back in 2018, Madrid upended the Spain national team by snaffling away Julen Lopetegui to be their coach, such that he was sent back from Russia before a ball was kicked. After Fernando Hierro, a Madrileno final boss, took the

Taylor to face Pili in farewell fight at Croke Park in September

Undisputed super-lightweight champion Katie Taylor is to end her stellar career with a fight against unbeaten French fighter Flora Pili at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday September 5.

'That was a dolly! | New Zealand's FIVE dropped catches so far this Test

New Zealand's FIVE dropped catches so far this Test against England at Lord's.

Zverev gets past Mensik to book French Open final spot

Alexander Zverev moved to within touching distance ‌of a maiden Grand Slam title, as the German fought past 26th seed ‌Jakub Mensik 7-5 6-2 3-6 6-3 on Friday to reach the ​French Open final again.

Former Spurs boss Frank will not rush return to management

Former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank says it "does not feel like the right time" to go back into management yet.

England vs New Zealand | Day two morning highlights

Highlights of day two of the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's.

Hull City latest: Tigers interested in Venezuelan teenager

Rozicki rages after weigh-in and accuses Billiam-Smith of 'looking terrible'

Ryan Rozicki has accused Chris Billiam-Smith of "looking terrible" at their weigh-in, claiming some "magic" took place on the scales as both fighters came in at exactly the required 200lb cruiserweight limit.

Leclerc leads Hamilton as favourites Ferrari start fastest in Monaco practice

Charles Leclerc set the pace from team-mate Lewis Hamilton in first practice as Ferrari strengthened their status as favourites for the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, with championship leaders Mercedes only fourth and fifth.