Football

Bend It Like Beckham 15 years on: Inspiring women's football

You would be wrong for thinking Keira Knightley's career is the only one to be launched by the 2002 film.

"That was the film for girls to watch to inspire them to play football," says England's Alex Greenwood.

It certainly inspired the 23-year-old. Her country takes on France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2017 on Sunday.

The Liverpool defender caught up with Newsbeat shortly before flying to the Netherlands.

"I love that film," says Alex. "I mean I watch it back now and it's a little bit cringe but it was the film to watch."

Republic of Ireland 1 Austria 1 Walters' late strike salvages vital point

With leaders Serbia facing Wales in a later kick-off on Sunday, Martin O'Neill's side needed just a point to - temporarily at least - move top of what is proving to be a tightly contested group.

And, despite a flat first-half performance, a late glut of pressure from the hosts resulted in Walters thumping home a deserved equaliser to cancel out Martin Hinteregger's opener.

Shane Duffy thought he had snatched a winner two minutes later, only for the referee to disallow the header for a foul by the defender, who led with a raised arm.

College football star chooses rugby over NFL

He had captained the Washington Huskies to the national championship playoffs, and had an opportunity that most players can only dream of.

But not Wooching. Ever since he was a kid growing up in Hawaii, this burly, tattooed linebacker had harbored dreams of a different kind.

"My passion was rugby," the 23-year-old tells CNN. "The first time I picked up a ball ... that's when my love for the game started, and ever since then it's just been gaining.

Football returns to Aleppo after five years of war

Local side Al-Ittihad beat their city rivals Hurriya 2-1 on Saturday.

There has been no professional football in Aleppo since it was divided between the army and rebel forces in 2011.

But the government regained complete control of the city last month in a major offensive.

The grass was brown and weathered from the winter cold, and the stadium had clearly been damaged by the war's bombing campaigns - but the atmosphere was like any local football game elsewhere.

Gaidi take out honours with 3-1 win

Kicking off under lights at 7.45pm in Central, the game provided plenty of action with players from both sides eager to catch the eye of Team Manager of Hekari United FC, Vonnie Kapi Natto, who was there scouting for new talent.

It was Gaidi who struck first after Jack Karo opened the scoring in the first half to give his side the lead, going into the break.

Netta equalised minutes into the second half through the boot of Kila Polena, who powered one past the keeper.

Clement appointed Swansea boss

Clement, 44, has been assistant manager at Bayern Munich to Carlo Ancelotti, with whom he also worked at Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Real Madrid.

In his only managerial job, however, the Englishman lasted less than a year at Championship (second tier) Derby County, who sacked him last February.

Swansea were reported to have interviewed him before appointing Bradley in October.

The American was dismissed just before Christmas, having won only two of his 11 games since taking over from Francesco Guidolin.

Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or

Respected publication France Football named the 31-year-old forward as its player of the year on Monday, Ronaldo claiming the accolade ahead of arch-rival Lionel Messi of Barcelona.

Ronaldo enjoyed a glittering 2015-16 season with club and country, lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid and finally ending his wait for international honours, as Portugal triumphed at Euro 2016.

The former Sporting CP player won his first Ballon d'Or at Manchester United in 2008, before collecting the prize again at Madrid in 2013 and 2014.

 

Rio 2016: Neymar? Brazil must stop us - Hrubesch

Germany coach Horst Hrubesch has no interest in talking about Neymar, warning Brazil they needed to stop his team in the men's football final at the Rio Olympics.

Hrubesch's men have scored 21 goals on their way to Saturday's decider, with Serge Gnabry and Nils Petersen netting six apiece.

Mourinho: Pogba is world's best midfielder

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes Paul Pogba is the world's best midfielder, but does not expect the France international to produce fireworks every week. 

While Pogba became the world's most expensive transfer with his move from Juventus to United, he is not expected to score as many goals as the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

2022 World Cup: Fans could be housed in Bedouin-style camps

Some of the 500,000 fans expected in the Gulf nation might be accommodated under canvas near stadiums.

"At the heart of this World Cup is a commitment to showcase hospitality and friendship of the Middle East," said a spokesman.

"As a result, we are actively researching the concept of supporters sleeping under the stars."

Bedouin campsites are inspired by the homes of tribes that have historically lived in the Arabian and Syrian deserts.