Messi, Haaland, Bonmati lead Ballon d'Or nominees

PARIS -- Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are among the leading contenders to win this year's men's Ballon d'Or, while Spain World Cup star Aitana Bonmati leads the nominees announced on Wednesday for the women's prize.

Messi, who recently left Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Miami, is in with a chance of succeeding Karim Benzema and winning the Ballon d'Or for the eighth time in his remarkable career after leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year.

Haaland may be his main rival for the prize after scoring 52 goals in 53 games to help Manchester City win the treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup last season.

The Norway striker last week won the UEFA player of the year award for last season.

PSG's Kylian Mbappe and Haaland's City teammate Kevin De Bruyne also feature among the 30 nominees for the prize, the winner of which will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on October 30.

Benzema, who ended a 14-year spell at Real Madrid in June when he moved to Saudi club Al-Ittihad, is also nominated.

Bonmati, winner of the UEFA women's player award, appears the favorite to claim the Ballon d'Or after being the outstanding player as Spain lifted the World Cup in Sydney last month.

She also starred as Barcelona won the Champions League and will hope to succeed her club and international colleague Alexia Putellas, winner in the last two years.

Putellas is not nominated this time having hardly played for Barcelona last season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate knee ligament in July 2022 which kept her out for nine months.

Bonmati is one of four members of Spain's World Cup-winning team nominated, along with Olga Carmona, Salma Paralluelo and Alba Redondo.

Their compatriots Patricia Guijarro and Mapi Leon are also named.

Both of Barcelona, they did not go to the World Cup after being among a group of 15 players who said last year they no longer wanted to play for Spain in a protest against the Spanish federation and coach Jorge Vilda.

Others included in the 30 nominees are Chelsea and Australia striker Sam Kerr and England goalkeeper Mary Earps.

Agence France-Presse

Football: FIFA suspend Spanish football chief Rubiales after Hermoso kiss

BARCELONA, Spain -- FIFA suspended Luis Rubiales as president of Spain's football federation on Saturday for kissing Women's World Cup player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, while even his close friend Jorge Vilda joined the tidal wave of criticism.

The move by world football's governing body was the latest development in a deepening row pitting Rubiales and the federation (RFEF) against Hermoso and her Spain teammates, which the players say has tarnished the glory of winning the World Cup in Australia last Sunday.

"(We) decided today to provisionally suspend Mr. Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level," FIFA said, banning him and the RFEF from contacting Hermoso or those close to her.

The suspension of Rubiales will last 90 days while FIFA undertake disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old.

Later Saturday the majority of the women's team's coaching staff offered their resignations over Rubiales' conduct, although controversial coach Vilda was not among them.

Meanwhile 81 players including Hermoso are on strike from the national team.

"I deeply regret that Spanish women's football's triumph has been harmed by the improper behavior of our leader Luis Rubiales, which he himself has acknowledged," said controversial coach Vilda in a statement to domestic EFE news agency.

Vilda, who was seen applauding Rubiales' speech on Friday in which he refused to resign despite unprecedented criticism, was told in it by the president he would be offered a new deal with a huge pay hike.

Six of Vilda's first-team staff and five others working in women's football in the RFEF offered to step down because of the "unacceptable attitudes and statements" from Rubiales.

They added that they supported Hermoso's version of events.

Hermoso and 80 other Spain players, including the entire World Cup squad, said they will not play for the national team until the "leadership" changes.

The RFEF responded to FIFA's suspension, saying Rubiales has "full confidence in the FIFA bodies" and will defend himself "so the truth prevails and his complete innocence is proven".

The federation also said Pedro Rocha would take over as interim president during Rubiales' suspension.

- Defiant -

Rubiales had been under intense pressure to quit but at an emergency RFEF meeting on Friday he was defiant, saying he refused to resign and claiming he was the target of a "social assassination"

On Saturday, the federation upped the ante by threatening legal action over Hermoso's "lies" about the kiss.

Hermoso said "at no time" did she consent to the kiss following the 1-0 win in the final against England in Sydney, which Rubiales described as "mutual, euphoric and consensual".

The RFEF responded, saying it would take "as many legal actions as necessary to defend the honor of the President of the RFEF."

Later Saturday the federation published another statement attacking Hermoso.

"Hermoso lies in all the statements she makes against the president, as we will have the opportunity to prove in due course," it read.

The RFEF said Hermoso had described the kiss as "a mere anecdote without significance" in statements to a FIFA welfare officer soon after it happened. Later they deleted the statement.

- 'Victim of assault' -

Hermoso hit back strongly against Rubiales' claims the kiss was consensual, saying she felt "vulnerable and the victim of an assault".

"I want to clarify that at no time did I consent to the kiss that he gave me and in no case did I seek to lift up the president," she said in the statement on Friday released through the women players' Futpro union.

The Spanish government had confirmed earlier Saturday they had also started a process which may allow them to suspend Rubiales from his post next week.

Spain's High Council for Sport (CSD) president Victor Francos said FIFA's suspension was "no obstacle" for the domestic investigation into Rubiales' conduct to continue.

Players from World Cup runners-up England released a statement in support of Hermoso on their social networks, signed "The Lionesses".

"Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organization. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth," it read.

Before the tournament 15 Spain players had taken a similar stance against the federation and Vilda, but many relented and three were part of the World Cup team.

Spain's men's coach Luis de la Fuente described Rubiales' behavior as "wrong".

"I hope that this unpleasant episode comes to an end as soon as possible for the good of Spanish football and that the competent bodies resolve and take the relevant decisions as quickly as possible," he told EFE.

Agence France-Presse

Spain World Cup hero Carmona learned of father's death after final

MADRID — Spain's Women's World Cup final goalscoring hero Olga Carmona learned her father had died after the nation's 1-0 win over England, the Spanish federation (RFEF) said Sunday.

The 23-year-old defender drilled home the only goal of the game in Sydney to help La Roja win the tournament for the first time in their history.

"The RFEF deeply regrets having to report the death of Olga Carmona's father," said the Spanish federation in a statement.

"The footballer learned the sad news after the World Cup final.

"We send our most sincere embraces to Olga and her family in a moment of deep pain. We love you, Olga, you are in the history of Spanish football."

Real Madrid player Carmona dedicated her goal to the late mother of one of her best friends, displaying an undershirt with "Merchi" written on it.

"I want to say this victory is for one of my best friend's mother, who died recently, I celebrated the goal with that shirt," Carmona told Spanish state broadcasters La 1, soon after the game's conclusion.

 Agence France-Presse 

England, Spain pursue history in Women's World Cup final

SYDNEY — History will be made at the Women's World Cup on Sunday when England and Spain clash in the final in Sydney with both bidding to win the tournament for the first time.

The game kicks off at 1000 GMT (6 p.m. in Manila) in front of an anticipated sell-out crowd of about 75,000 at Stadium Australia.

It will be the final act of a tournament full of shocks which began one month ago and started with 32 teams, making it the biggest Women's World Cup ever.

Now they are down to the last two and it's a final too close to call. Neither team has ever got this far before.

The two sides last met at the European Championship last summer, when hosts England squeezed into the semi-finals 2-1 in extra time and went on to lift the trophy.

Coach Sarina Wiegman and defender Millie Bright said they were attempting to think of this as just another game, but the skipper admitted there was no getting away from the enormity of the occasion.

British media has been full of references to 1966 -- when the country won the men's World Cup for the only time.

"We know how passionate our nation is back home and how much they want us to win," Bright said on Saturday.

"But for us there is a process, we have a game plan to execute and we need to play the game of our lives."

Chelsea attacker Lauren James is back from a two-match ban for stamping on an opponent in the last-16 victory on penalties over Nigeria.

It would be a surprise, however, if Wiegman makes any changes to the side that impressively saw off Colombia 2-1 and then disposed of co-hosts Australia in the semi-final.

"We have grown through the tournament, we've grown in confidence and we are just preparing as we always do," said Wiegman.

'NEXT QUESTION'

Except against Nigeria, England have been mostly ruthless and machine-like in reaching the final, especially in silencing the home crowd in the 3-1 victory over Australia.

Spain are more slick and have often passed their opponents into submission, coupled with sparks of attacking flair.

England are unbeaten at the tournament, but a notable blip for Jorge Vilda's side was their 4-0 drubbing to a Japan team which hit Spain at pace on the counterattack in the group phase.

Spain had never even won a knockout match at the World Cup until this edition and their exploits are even more impressive for the turmoil that threatened to torpedo their chances.

In September last year, 15 players -- many of them from European powerhouse Barcelona -- came out and said they no longer wanted to represent their country.

They had numerous complaints, but their chief issue was with Vilda -- how strict he was, his lack of success, his tactics and his methods.

Three of the 15 mutineers returned for the World Cup and one of them, Barcelona midfield schemer Aitana Bonmati, has been among the best players at the tournament.

Vilda has been asked repeatedly by reporters at the World Cup about the missing players and was once quizzed about whether the ones he brought to Australia and New Zealand even liked him.

On the eve of the final he appeared to have had enough of that line of questioning, replying: "Next question, please."

He was more forthright about the spirit among his players, saying they were "united".

"The training sessions, the games, everything that's happened outside has been extraordinary," he said.

'SORRY' PRINCE WILLIAM 

Spain's Queen Letizia will be in attendance but Prince William -- chairman of England's Football Association -- has faced criticism for staying at home.

"Lionesses I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow," he said in a video with daughter Charlotte sitting next to him.

"We're sorry we can't be there in person but we're so proud of everything you've achieved and the millions you've inspired here and around the world."

Whoever wins, it will be a new name on the Women's World Cup.

The United States, who had been chasing a third title in a row, went out on penalties in the last 16 to Sweden.

Norway, Germany and Japan are the only other nations to have lifted the trophy.

Agence France-Presse 

Norway in World Cup peril amid Hegerberg injury and player unrest

HAMILTON, New Zealand -- Norway coach Hege Riise was left sweating on news of an injury which forced star striker Ada Hegerberg out of Tuesday's goalless Women's World Cup draw with Switzerland.

Riise's problems were exacerbated due to tensions in the squad with Caroline Graham Hansen unhappy at being left out of the line-up.

Winger Graham Hansen, a Champions League winner last month with Barcelona, was dropped by Riise for the game in Hamilton following Norway's 1-0 defeat to co-hosts New Zealand in the opening match of the World Cup.

Meanwhile, former Ballon d'Or winner Hegerberg had lined up on the pitch for the national anthems before heading back towards the dressing room injured, with Sophie Roman Haug coming in as a last-minute replacement.

The Norwegian Football Association said Hegerberg had felt a pain in her groin in the final sprint of the warm-up, with Riise admitting she only realized a change would need to be made at the last moment.

"We were quick to have (the line-up) changed so Sophie could come in and not use a substitute," said Riise, who did not provide any further update on the extent of Hegerberg's injury.

Graham Hansen's frustration at not starting might be a more pressing concern for Riise with Norway now needing to win their last Group A game against the Philippines just to stand a chance of reaching the last 16.

According to Norwegian media, Graham Hansen complained she had not been shown respect after being left out of the starting XI.

"These are things we will handle internally," Riise said when asked about the player's reaction.

- 'Frustration' -

"There is a lot of frustration that we didn't win. Caroline is entitled to be frustrated and to express an opinion, but since I arrived in this position I have always said the team is the most important thing.

"All players want to start matches. I reached the decision in the best interest of my team and I defend my decision today," added the 54-year-old coach.

Norway lacked inspiration in the final third in the absence of Hegerberg, the UEFA Champions League's all-time top scorer, and with Graham Hansen only coming on just before the hour mark.

They remain without a goal or a win in the tournament and have just one point in Group A.

Switzerland are top with four points, one ahead of New Zealand and debutants the Philippines, who beat the co-hosts 1-0 earlier in Wellington.

Norway must win their final group game against the Philippines in Auckland on Sunday to stand a chance of progressing.

Switzerland just need to avoid defeat against New Zealand at the same time in order to reach the last 16.

The loss just before kick-off of Hegerberg, whose career has been blighted by injuries in recent years, was a disappointment for the 10,769 fans who showed up on a cold, wet and miserable night.

Her replacement, the Roma player Roman Haug, was unlucky not to score, forcing a good save from Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann with a header midway through the first half and from a half-volley after the restart.

Norway were more lively following the introduction of Graham Hansen, who forced another save from Thalmann after cutting in from the right flank.

Her club teammate Ana Maria Crnogorcevic had Switzerland's best chance, firing over after a quick exchange of passes in the first half.

Yet a draw was a better result for Switzerland, and Norway are at risk of a group-stage exit, just like at last year's European Championship.

Agence France-Presse

Changed role, same goal for Rapinoe at fourth and final World Cup

LOS ANGELES -- Megan Rapinoe has embraced a different role for the United States as the decorated veteran bids to bow out from the World Cup with a third title in a row.

The 38-year-old is set to retire from football at the end of the season and is the senior member of a US squad packed with young talent in Australia and New Zealand.

The forward scored six goals, earning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot, as the Americans triumphed once more in France four years ago.

Her open-armed goal celebration became a defining image of the tournament.

Rapinoe is just as formidable off the field. she was a key voice in the team's battle with the US federation for equal pay and conditions, and remains an unflinching advocate for women and the LGBTQ community.

She is now past her prime on the pitch and won't play every minute at her fourth World Cup, but US coach Vlatko Andonovski said the 2019 Ballon d'Or winner was as important as ever.

"First and foremost, the thing with 'Pinoe' is, when she's on the field, she's a great player," he said in the build-up to the tournament.

"That's the first reason why she's on this team.

"She's one of the most creative players that I've ever seen."

Rapinoe's experience and leadership will arguably be just as critical off the field for a squad that features 14 World Cup newcomers.

"She will have a role of a player-leader -- and leading the leaders as well," Andonovski said.

The United States begin their campaign on Saturday when they face Vietnam in Auckland and are favourites to retain their crown over the next month.

Setting the standard 

Rapinoe took a knock in a June 10 game for her club OL Reign in the National Women's Soccer League but expects to be fit for whenever she is needed.

"It was quite minor," she said. "Not amazing timing, but such is life for an athlete. It's nothing I'm worried about for the start of the tournament."

Whatever minutes she ends up playing, Rapinoe still sets the standard for the rest of the World Cup squad.

"First, she's an amazing player, so on the field you already know where the level needs to be," said 18-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson.

"And off the field she's so funny and makes me feel comfortable even though I'm so young and she's much older than me.

"She just makes me feel like I'm supposed to be here too."

Rapinoe certainly doesn't need anyone to make her feel she belongs at a World Cup, but nor has she lost her sense of wonder at taking part in what she calls "the premier women's sporting event in the world, bar none."

"I can't believe we're back at the World Cup again," she said. "This is the best moment of all our career.

"It never gets old."

Agence France-Presse

Football: Lionel Messi signs contract with Inter Miami through 2025

MIAMI -- Argentine superstar Lionel Messi has signed a contract through the 2025 season with Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team announced on Saturday.

The 36-year-old striker, who sparked Argentina to a World Cup title last year in Qatar, is set to be unveiled by the team in a Sunday ceremony and expected to join Inter Miami on the pitch by Friday.

"I'm very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States," Messi said in a statement.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner's arrival in Miami from Paris Saint-Germain has already caused a sensation and is expected to spark greater interest in the game and MLS across the United States.

It's also hoped the long-time Barcelona talisman can revive the fortunes of a Miami squad at the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference at 5-13 with three drawn.

"This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project," Messi said. "The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set and I'm very eager to start helping here in my new home."

Messi's debut match is planned for Friday when Inter Miami will host Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup, a revamped competition between MLS and Mexican league squads.

It's the biggest boost for MLS since English star David Beckham, now a co-owner of Inter Miami, joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. He launched the MLS Miami squad in 2020 after years of trying to find a stadium site.

"Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city, players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much," Beckham said in a statement.

"Today that dream came true.

"I couldn't be prouder that a player of Leo's caliber is joining our club... The next phase of our adventure starts here and I can't wait to see Leo take to the pitch."

- 'World's Greatest' -

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino has managed Messi in two separate prior stints –- with FC Barcelona in the 2013-14 campaign, winning the 2013 Spanish SuperCup, and from 2014-2016 with the Argentine national team.

Maestro Messi captained the Albiceleste to victory at the 2021 Copa America as well as the Qatar World Cup and has records of 103 goals and 175 appearances for Argentina.

"We're overjoyed that the greatest player in the world chose Inter Miami and Major League Soccer," MLS commissioner Don Garber said.

"His decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our league and our sport in North America."

Messi is set for a glitzy arrival ceremony on Sunday at "The Unveil" with 18,000 expected to watch his first public event with his new club, followed by his first training session on Tuesday.

"We made a promise to build an ambitious club that would attract the world's elite players," Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said.

"A heartfelt thank you to our fans that never stopped believing. Together we will continue to turn dreams into reality."

With iconic Messi expected to be joined by Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, the hope is Inter Miami can rise from a doormat to a champion.

"Lionel Messi is an incomparable talent," said Inter Miami sporting director Chris Henderson. "What he brings on and off the field will elevate everyone around him."

His legend has few rivals.

Messi is a two-time World Cup Golden Ball winner, a three-time UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award winner who also has six La Liga Best Player titles.

Messi is a four-time UEFA Champions League winner, an Olympic gold medal winner, has played on 10 La Liga champions, two Ligue 1 champions and taken seven Copa del Rey titles.

He played for Barcelona from 2004-2021 before joining Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons, making 75 appearances across all competitions, tallying 32 goals and 35 assists.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Rodman sends World Cup message with brace against Wales

SAN FRANCISCO -- Trinity Rodman scored twice and the United States beat Wales 2-0 in San Jose on Sunday in a pre-Women's World Cup friendly, making a timely push for a starting place.

Rodman, the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, came on as a substitute after the interval with the USA struggling to break down determined Welsh defenders.

But the 21-year-old changed the course of the game, making a strong case for a starting spot when the US women open their campaign in Group E against Vietnam at Auckland on July 22.

Wales, ranked 30th in the world and a team that have never qualified for a major tournament, had their backs against the wall for the opening half with the home side enjoying 75% possession but creating few openings.

Rodman, introduced in place of Alex Morgan, injected some energy and invention into the attack and provided the breakthrough in the 76th minute.

Sophia Smith got behind the Welsh defense down the left and then slipped the ball across into the path of Rodman, who slotted home the simple chance.

Rodman then made sure of the victory, winning the ball on the edge of the box with a physical challenge that was overlooked by the referee before she curled a superb shot into the top corner.

USA coach Vlatko Andonovski said Rodman had brought the team exactly what he wanted.

"Trinity came in and had a had a test to fulfill... to raise the pace and the tempo of the game a little bit and we saw that the tempo changed dramatically," he said.

"Obviously, the goal that she scored, the second goal, I think that's a world class goal."

Andonovski said Rodman gave him some interesting options in attack due to her and Smith's ability to swap positions.

"It just makes it a little more unpredictable because of how they how they play, they play a lot by instinct as well," he said. "They understand the game and use their instincts. They have the freedom to roam from one to another position to impose themselves to the game."

Andonovski's side, searching in Australia and New Zealand for an unprecedented third straight World Cup triumph, will also face Portugal and 2019 runners-up the Netherlands in Group E.

Agence France-Presse

Messi recalls 'massive disappointment' of PSG Champions League woes

PARIS, France -- Lionel Messi has called his start at former club Paris Saint-Germain "very tough", dubbing two successive failed Champions League bids a "massive disappointment".

"I came to Paris because I liked the club, because I had friends in the dressing room... it seemed easier for me to adapt rather than another destination I could have gone to," Messi told beIN Sports in an interview broadcast Sunday.

"In reality, it was a very tough adaptation, much harder than I expected... with a new gameplan, new teammates, a new city.

"I arrived late, I didn't have a pre-season. The start was difficult for me, my family."

Messi, 36, signed for PSG in the summer of 2021 after 17 seasons at Barcelona, but will now head Stateside to Inter Miami in the MLS after quitting the French capital.

Messi's first season, during which he scored 11 goals in 34 games for PSG, was made harder after he contracted Covid during the winter break back in Argentina, meaning he was sidelined for a month.

"It took me time to refind my physical form," he admitted, adding that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar -- which Messi won with Argentina -- also took its toll.

"It's not an excuse but the World Cup played a big role. Some came back later than others, some were injured, like Neymar.

"I think, generally, the level of Ligue 1 and the Champions League was affected by the World Cup."

Messi admitted that Champions League losses to Real Madrid in 2022 and Bayern Munich this season were a "massive disappointment".

There were even sections of PSG fans who turned on Messi, whistling at him from the stands.

"In the beginning, it was great, I received a lot of encouragement... but later on a part of the Parisian fanbase treated me differently. The majority treated me well, but there was a rupture with a part of the public," he acknowledged.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Portugal win in Euro 2024 qualifying as Scotland stun Haaland's Norway

PARIS, France -- Bruno Fernandes scored twice as Portugal won in Euro 2024 qualifying on Saturday after Scotland produced a stunning late comeback to beat Erling Haaland's Norway in Oslo.

Portugal defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 in Lisbon to make it three wins out of three in Group J, with Manchester City star Bernardo Silva opening the scoring a minute before half-time.

Fernandes headed in the second from a Ruben Neves cross in the 77th minute and scored his second, and Portugal's third, in added time.

Cristiano Ronaldo wore the captain's armband and played all 90 minutes as the 38-year-old men's international appearance record-holder won his 199th cap.

However, the forward now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia did not manage to add to his record 122 international goals -- he found the net with a header midway through the first half only to be denied by an offside flag.

Portugal, who visit Iceland on Tuesday, are top of Group J with nine points out of a possible nine having scored 13 goals and conceded none.

They are two points clear of Slovakia, who beat Iceland 2-1 in Reykjavik with Tomas Suslov unwittingly scoring the winner 20 minutes from time after an Alfred Finnbogason penalty for the hosts cancelled out Juraj Kucka's opener.

Luxembourg beat Liechtenstein 2-0 in the same six-team group, from which the top two sides qualify for the finals in Germany.

Scotland have three wins out of three in Group A after following a famous victory over Spain in March by coming from behind late on to beat Norway 2-1 on Saturday.

It looked as if Norway would get their first win of the campaign after Erling Haaland was fouled in the box on the hour mark by Ryan Porteous and converted the resulting penalty.

It was Haaland's 22 goal in 24 games for Norway, and he was taken off six minutes from time by coach Stale Solbakken with the job seemingly done.

But then Scotland equalised in the 87th minute when Leo Ostigard failed to deal with a John McGinn pass, allowing Lyndon Dykes to stab home.

And Scotland were not finished as they snatched the winner with a minute left, McGinn and Dykes combining to set up Norwich City's Kenny McLean to slot in, leaving Norway with just one point from three outings.

- Lukaku rescues Belgium -

Scotland, who went 23 years without appearing at any major tournament before going to Euro 2020, are now in a fantastic position on top of Group A, five points clear of Georgia and six ahead of Nations League finalists Spain.

They have played a game more than both of those sides, however, and welcome Georgia to Glasgow on Tuesday.

"Sometimes when it's your moment you just have to ride the wave. The boys believe in themselves and kept going," said Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

Georgia, coached by ex-France international Willy Sagnol, won 2-1 in Cyprus with Zuriko Davitashvili scoring the decisive goal late on.

That was after Georges Mikautadze's opener was cancelled out by a penalty from Ioannis Pittas for Cyprus.

Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw by Austria in Brussels, with captain Romelu Lukaku turning and firing in from the edge of the box just after the hour mark for the hosts.

They had been trailing after Orel Mangala deflected a shot past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and into his own net.

"After the first goal we saw the heads go down, which is something we need to learn from because this team is young," said Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco. "But in the end, I honestly saw good things as well."

Eden Hazard, the former Belgium captain who quit international football after the World Cup, attended the match and did a lap of honour around the stadium at half-time.

Belgium are three points behind group leaders Austria but have a game in hand. They are back in action on Tuesday in Estonia, who drew 1-1 with Azerbaijan on Saturday.

In other action, the Czech Republic cemented their position at the top of Group E after a 3-0 win in the Faroe Islands in which Vaclav Cerny scored twice.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Dominant Chelsea retain Women's Super League title

LONDON -- Chelsea secured a fourth consecutive Women's Super League title after a 3-0 win at Reading on Saturday held off Manchester United's fight to win the English top flight for the first time.

Sam Kerr scored twice, while Guro Reiten was also on target, to secure the victory the Blues needed and which relegated Reading in the process.

Victory completed a league and FA Cup double for Chelsea after they beat United 1-0 at Wembley earlier this month.

And they came close to a treble after missing out narrowly to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals.

But Chelsea's reign of domestic dominance has been seriously challenged this season as United, Arsenal and Manchester City pushed them in a four-way title race until the final weeks of the season.

The champions, though, showed their quality when it mattered most with a seven-game winning run to finish the league season.

Fittingly, it was Chelsea's two star performers this season in Kerr and Reiten who took centre stage to seal the title.

"We've played so many games, you have to go again every third or fourth day," said Reiten.

"But we keep doing it again and again, digging deep, finding that special moment to win games and, yeah, we're good!"

The two combined for the opening goal after just 18 minutes when Kerr headed in Retien's cross.

The Norwegian midfielder then slotted through the legs of goalkeeper Grace Moloney to make it 2-0 before half-time.

Kerr was crowned the football writers' women's player of the year this week and struck her 29th goal of the campaign in all competitions two minutes from time by tapping home at the second attempt.

United won 1-0 at Liverpool thanks to Lucia Garcia's goal but finished two points adrift of Emma Hayes' women.

The Red Devils women's side was only formed five years ago and they will play in the Champions League next season for the first time.

"I think we've maxed out on our potential in terms of running with Chelsea to the wire. It's nice that it's close but we know we've got some way to go," said United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps.

"I'm hungry for success. I want to go and win the Champions League now!"

Arsenal claimed the third and final place in next season's Champions League ahead of City on goal difference despite losing 2-0 at home to Aston Villa.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Messi and Argentina beat France on penalties to win World Cup

Lionel Messi crowned his glittering career with victory in the World Cup on Sunday as Argentina beat France on penalties in a final for the ages, triumphing 4-2 after Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick ensured the game ended level following extra time.

Gonzalo Montiel rolled in the deciding penalty to give Argentina their third World Cup and prevent France becoming the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy.

But a truly remarkable game saw Messi and Mbappe both live up to their billing, with Messi scoring twice and Mbappe becoming the first player since England's Geoff Hurst in 1966 to net a World Cup final hat-trick in a game that ended 3-3 after extra time.

Messi had opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half before Angel Di Maria doubled Argentina's lead at the end of a brilliant counter-attack in the 36th minute.

But the astonishing Mbappe breathed life into the holders as he pulled one back from the penalty spot with 10 minutes to go before equalising in stunning fashion just 60 seconds later to force extra time.

Messi then seemed to have decided the contest in Argentina's favour once and for all when he converted a rebound in the 109th minute, only for Mbappe to net from another spot-kick, bringing the game level at 3-3 and forcing a shoot-out.

The third World Cup final penalty shoot-out started with Messi and Mbappe both scoring, but Kingsley Coman's next kick for France was saved and Aurelien Tchouameni then crucially missed the target.

It is the second time in five World Cups that France have lost the final on penalties after they were beaten by Italy in 2006, and it is Argentina who are champions for the first time since 1986.

The win allows Messi, at 35, to complete his glorious career by emulating Diego Maradona, and this will be remembered as his tournament despite the best efforts of Mbappe, who finished as the tournament's top scorer on eight goals, one more than his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Messi.

Mbappe hat-trick

France's quest for history had been threatened by a virus in the days leading up to the final and they appeared sluggish before Argentina went ahead.

France conceded a penalty for the fourth time this tournament when Di Maria was clipped by Ousmane Dembele, and Messi stepped up to score from the spot for the fourth time in Qatar, his 12th World Cup goal allowing him to equal Pele's tally.

The expected response from the defending champions was not forthcoming and Argentina increased their lead in the 36th minute.

Messi and Julian Alvarez combined to release Alexis Mac Allister bursting through the middle, and he played a first-time ball to the back post for Di Maria to finish.

Having hardly featured in the knockout rounds due to injury, Di Maria had returned here and appeared tearful as he celebrated his goal, which was a World Cup final classic.

France had not even mustered a shot and Deschamps moved before the interval to replace Olivier Giroud and the struggling Dembele.

On came Randal Kolo Muani and Marcus Thuram, as Mbappe moved into the middle of the attack.

Argentina blow two-goal lead

Argentina had famously blown a two-goal lead before eventually emerging victorious in their last World Cup final triumph 36 years ago, but there appeared little prospect of a repeat of that scenario.

However, the French were suddenly given hope when they won a penalty 10 minutes from time as Kolo Muani was brought down by Nicolas Otamendi.

Mbappe smashed the spot-kick into the net and the watching French President Emmanuel Macron rose to his feet. France had hope, and within another minute they were level.

Messi was robbed of possession by Coman in the lead-up, before Mbappe found Thuram and then met his partner's knockdown with a stunning volley.

It will go down as one of the most dramatic moments in World Cup history, and the French players on the bench raced across the pitch to celebrate with their teammate.

Argentina, who lost the 2014 final in extra time, looked shattered, and yet it seemed again that they had won it when Messi followed up to score early in the second extra period after Lautaro Martinez's shot was saved.

But France were again saved by Mbappe as he converted another penalty following a Montiel handball.

It was end to end, and Argentina needed a brilliant Martinez save from Kolo Muani to take it to penalties and Montiel's kick proved decisive to spark wild Argentinians celebrations.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Neymar returns as Brazil brush aside South Korea to reach World Cup quarters

DOHA, Qatar -- Neymar returned from injury to help inspire Brazil to a 4-1 victory over South Korea on Monday as the favorites cruised through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

The world's most expensive player had sat out his team's last two matches with a sprained ankle suffered in their opening 2-0 win over Serbia.

But he came back for this last-16 tie as Tite's team clicked into gear and delivered an ominous message to their rivals, at least before easing off in the second half.

Vinicius Junior opened the scoring inside seven minutes before Neymar added another from the penalty spot to move to 76 goals for his country, leaving him just one away from equaling Pele's all-time record tally.

Richarlison's brilliant goal made it 3-0 and Lucas Paqueta added another before half-time to leave South Korea shellshocked.

Paik Seung-ho pulled one back but by then Brazil were thinking about Friday's quarter-final clash with 2018 runners-up Croatia.

"The time has come to go further," Neymar told Brazilian broadcaster Globo, referring to their defeats in the semi-finals in 2014 and quarter-finals four years ago.

"We are dreaming of winning the title, that's obvious, but we have to go step by step.

"This was the fourth game. There are three to go but we are prepared. Our minds are focused on winning the title.”

The five-time world champions had not scored four goals in a knockout game at the tournament since 1998.

Here they played at times with the joy associated with the Brazilian national team, the players coming together to celebrate each goal by showing off their dance moves and their coach even joining in.

If they finished playing within themselves, their first-half display was superb and a fitting tribute to the great Pele.

The Brazilian legend had said he would watch the game from the Sao Paulo hospital to where he was admitted last week for cancer treatment, and supporters in Doha's Stadium 974 unfurled a banner with a get well soon message to him.

It was a chastening experience for Son Heung-min and South Korea, who have still never won a World Cup knockout match outside their own country.

Their coach Paulo Bento later announced he would not be continuing in the role.

"I believe we can be very proud of what we have done at this World Cup, and what we have done over the last four years to get here," said Bento.

Tite made 10 changes to the Brazil team after rotating his squad for last Friday's inconsequential 1-0 loss to Cameroon, with Danilo also returning from injury at left-back.

- Richarlison stars again -

With Alisson Becker back in goal and Thiago Silva and Marquinhos playing too, this was Brazil's first-choice defense but their forwards quickly put the tie to bed.

The opener came from their first shot on target as Raphinha burst away from Kim Jin-su on the right and his ball across goal came to the feet of Vinicius who coolly picked his spot.

They then won a penalty as Richarlison was caught by Jung Woo-young and Neymar duly beat Kim Seung-gyu -- his last six goals for Brazil have now all come from the spot.

Alisson was then called into action to tip over a vicious long-range effort from Hwang Hee-chan, but Brazil scored their third in style just before the half-hour mark.

Richarlison juggled the ball on his head three times just outside the area before laying it off to Marquinhos and then continuing into the box to get on the end of Silva's pass which he slotted home for his third goal at this World Cup.

Paqueta got their fourth nine minutes before the break with a first-time finish as he connected with a Vinicius ball held up from the byline.

They took their foot off the pedal in the second half, although Raphinha was denied on several occasions by the goalkeeper.

Korea though deserve credit for keeping going and were rewarded inside the final quarter-hour as substitute Paik brought down a clearance and sent in a ferocious shot from 25 metres that brushed off Silva to beat Alisson.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Pulisic sinks Iran as US advances in World Cup duel

DOHA—Christian Pulisic fired the United States into the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday as the Americans downed Iran 1-0 in their politically charged grudge match.

Chelsea star Pulisic bundled home the do-or-die Group B game's only goal in 38 minutes to set up a second-round clash with Group A winners the Netherlands on Saturday.

The victory was no less than US coach Gregg Berhalter's youthful side deserved in what was only the third international football clash between the bitter ideological rivals.

The build-up to a pulsating showdown had been marked by steadily escalating tension, with Iran's Football Federation on Sunday demanding FIFA sanction US Soccer for posting a modified version of their country's flag on social media.

But despite an electrifying atmosphere at Doha's Al Thumama Stadium, Tuesday's game played out without controversy as the US avenged their 1998 World Cup defeat to Iran to send the Asian qualifiers crashing out of the tournament.

Iran's fans had roared their team onto the field at the start of the game amid a deafening cacophony of air horns and cheers from the crowd of 42,127.

But despite the intimidating reception, it was the Americans who looked more comfortable, quickly establishing their dominance.

US captain Tyler Adams and Juventus' Weston McKennie controlled proceedings in midfield to leave Iran struggling to gain foothold.

ATTACKING AMBITION

The US signaled their attacking ambition after only two minutes, Pulisic surging forward menacingly before being dispossessed.

That was a shape of things to come as they laid siege to the Iranian goal.

Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah shot over the bar and Pulisic just failed to get enough power on a header after a cross from Antonee Robinson.

Fullback Sergino Dest was a constant threat down the right flank for the Americans, whipping a crossover in the 17th minute that Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand could only parry.

After sustained US pressure, the breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute.

A brilliant crossfield pass from McKennie picked out Dest down the right. 

The AC Milan defender headed back across goal and Pulisic was on hand to bravely finish.

There was alarm for US fans with Pulisic needing sustained treatment after a heavy collision with Beiranvand but it was the Iranians and their noisy fans who were left winded by the goal.

The crowd instantly became more subdued and the US twice came close to doubling their lead before half-time.

Josh Sargent and Tim Weah combined well with a dazzling counter-attack but the final ball went astray.

Then in injury time, McKennie's sublime pass found Weah who finished brilliantly past Beiranvand only to be ruled just offside.

Knowing that an equalizer would send them into the second round, the Iranians stepped up the pressure in the second half.

But substitute Saman Ghoddos squandered two gilt-edged chances to get his team into the match, heading over from close range before blazing a shot over the bar on the 65th minute with the whole goal to aim at.

Saeid Ezatolahi curled a long-range shot over the bar soon afterward as the Americans continued to live dangerously.

Iran threatened again inside the final 10 minutes when Ali Karimi just failed to get on the end of a teasing cross by Ezatolahi.

A diving header from Morteza Pouraliganji whistled just wide in injury time and then Mehdi Taremi had calls for a penalty after a tangle with Cameron Carter Vickers waved away to leave American nerves jangling before their team hung on for a famous win.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Messi, Argentina land in Qatar after 5-0 World Cup warm-up win

DOHA, Qatar -- Argentina and superstar Lionel Messi arrived in Qatar for the World Cup early on Thursday, just hours after a 5-0 warm-up victory, while defending champions France have also touched down in Doha.

Messi, 35, has a sackful of trophies but the tournament in Qatar is likely to be his final chance to equal the achievement of fellow Argentine great Diego Maradona in leading his country to World Cup glory.

He landed with the Argentina squad in the Qatari capital Doha at 2:30am (2330 GMT, Wednesday) from Abu Dhabi where they had beaten the United Arab Emirates 5-0 Wednesday in a friendly in which Messi scored.

One of the favourites going into this year's World Cup, the South Americans will begin their campaign on Tuesday against Saudi Arabia in Group C, which also includes Mexico and Poland. 

The 1978 and 1986 World Cup winners extended their unbeaten run to 36 matches as Messi scored his 91st international goal.

Messi was cautious about the team's chances in Qatar, even though they are among the favourites.

"We have a very nice group that is very eager, but we think about going little by little. We know that World Cup groups are not easy," the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner said in an interview with CONMEBOL, the South American football federation.

- Champions arrive -

France arrived in Doha on Wednesday, seeking to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.

Ten members of the 2018 title-winning squad are in the squad, including captain Hugo Lloris, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann.

But the defending champions, grouped with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia, are without first-choice midfield pair Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante.

Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, who has missed a series of games for Real Madrid this season because of injury, is set for his first World Cup appearance since 2014.

The United States return to football's top table after an eight-year absence and Christian Pulisic says this World Cup is an opportunity to change global perceptions of American soccer.

"That's what we're here to do," Pulisic told AFP. "Maybe it hasn't been the top sport or whatever back in the States. 

"But we want to change the way that the world sees American soccer. That's one of our goals."

The build-up to the tournament in Qatar has been dominated by concerns over Qatar's treatment of migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ community.

Pleas from football's world governing body FIFA for a switch of focus to football have gone unheeded by some countries.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal said on Wednesday supporters boycotting the tournament were "right to do that" but hoped his team would do enough to persuade fans at home to follow them from afar.

"I hope that we play so fantastic that at the end of the tournament when we play the final they shall look on television and see how good we are."

The veteran coach hit out at FIFA earlier this year, calling its decision to award Qatar the World Cup "ridiculous".

"I think you have to play in football countries. (They have) more experience with everything," he said on Wednesday.

- 'Fake fans' row -

England supporters from India outnumbered fans from England nearly 10 to one as Gareth Southgate's team rolled into their World Cup base on Tuesday.

The supporters said they were angered by reports in the British and French media that they were "fake fans".

Sajidh, 29, said Indian football fans in Qatar had been "outraged" by reports suggesting they had been paid to wear the shirts of World Cup nations.

"It is purely fake news and I would like to say loud and clear that none of us have been paid in any way," added Sajidh, who gave only one name.

"We are diehard England fans."

World Cup organisers weighed in on the issue on Wednesday, saying supporters from across the world had contributed to the local atmosphere.

"Numerous journalists and commentators on social media have questioned whether these are 'real' fans," they said in a statement. 

"We thoroughly reject these assertions, which are both disappointing and unsurprising."

Agence France-Presse

Football: Haaland embracing life out his 'comfort zone' in Premier League

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom -- Erling Haaland has warned the contenders to Manchester City's title that he will only improve in the competitive environment of English football as the Norwegian prepares for his Premier League debut away to West Ham on Sunday.

Haaland is the marquee arrival to the Premier League from over £1 billion ($1.2 billion) spent by the 20 top-flight English clubs so far this summer.

The 22-year-old had his pick of top clubs after scoring 86 goals in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund, but said the demands of playing under Pep Guardiola was behind his reason for choosing City.

"As a young player, playing for Pep Guardiola, playing for the best club in England, I have to keep developing and get better at a lot of things," Haaland told Sky Sports.

"That's what I like a lot about football, you can always develop, you can always get better at the game."

The English champions are already Haaland's fifth club after spells at Bryne, Molde and Red Bull Salzburg before joining Dortmund.

"Part of the game is to get out of your comfort zone which is something I've been doing and something I like because then you develop more as a human being as well," he added.

"I'm a player that's hungry for goals, that gives 100 per cent, that wants to win every single game. They are simple things but also really important things."

After the hype around his arrival, Haaland had a debut to forget, missing a glorious chance towards the end of City's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield on Saturday.

However, he said he will not let that affect him as he prepares to make his first Premier League appearance this weekend.

"You are a kind of entertainer. You get judged every single week for what you do on the pitch and you have to deliver and do your best," he said.

"For me as a striker, this is something I cannot stress about because if you think too much, you might end up doing things you don't want to do.

"It's going to be tough and this is the charming thing about the Premier League. It's a beautiful, hard competition, that's why it's the most popular league in the world."

Agence France-Presse

Football: Man City win Premier League title after epic fightback

LONDON -- Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City's "legends" as they won the Premier League for the fourth time in five seasons after staging an incredible comeback from two goals down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 on Sunday.

Guardiola's side were teetering on the brink of blowing the title after falling 2-0 behind midway through the second half in the final chapter of their pulsating battle for supremacy with Liverpool.

But Ilkay Gundogan sparked an astonishing City revival at the Etihad Stadium as the German midfielder reduced the deficit before Rodri grabbed the equalizer.

Gundogan turned in City's third goal in the space of five minutes in the 81st minute, triggering wild celebrations and rendering second placed Liverpool's 3-1 victory against Wolves irrelevant.

City finished with 93 points, one ahead of Liverpool as they ended their rivals hopes of winning an unprecedented quadruple.

On a breathtaking final day, Burnley were relegated as Leeds beat the drop, while Tottenham qualified for the Champions League at the expense of their north London rivals Arsenal.

It was City who hogged the spotlight on a day their fans will never forget.

Guardiola's men can rightly be called a dynasty after joining Manchester United as the only clubs in the Premier League era to have won four titles in five seasons, with Alex Ferguson's teams doing it on three separate occasions.

The eighth league title in City's history is Guardiola's ninth major trophy since arriving at the club in 2016.

"These guys are legends. When you win in this country four times in five years, it is because these guys are so special. They will be remembered forever," Guardiola said.

Fittingly, it was long-serving City captain Fernandinho who lifted the trophy in his last game before leaving the club.

"It feels like we came back from the dead to win the league. This is the Man City spirit. You never give up," Fernandinho said.

Once again, City saved the best until last as they edged Liverpool out on the final day of the season for the second time after beating them to the finish line in 2019.

It was 10 years since Sergio Aguero's famous last-second goal against QPR sealed City's first title since 1968 and this jaw-dropping success was almost as unlikely.

City were stunned in the 37th minute when Matty Cash got in front of Joao Cancelo to score with a bullet header.

Former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho doubled Villa's lead with a cool finish in the 69th minute.

The shell-shocked Guardiola slumped into his seat, but City would not surrender and Gundogan headed them back into contention in the 76th minute.

Rodri's low strike from the edge of the area two minutes later set up a nerve-jangling finale.

And in the 81st minute, Kevin de Bruyne's low cross reached Gundogan at the far post and the substitute tapped home to send City into ecstasy.

"After their second goal it was really difficult. It was 'get the first goal', then we had momentum and our people did the rest. Winning at home with our fans is the best," Guardiola said.

City's celebrations were tarnished when the club was forced to apologise after Villa keeper Robin Olsen was "assaulted" by fans during a post-match pitch invasion.

Having already won the FA Cup and League Cup, Liverpool can still enjoy a memorable season of their own if they beat Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Paris on Saturday.

- Spurs back in Champions League -

Rocked by Pedro Neto's third minute opener for Wolves, Liverpool equalized through Sadio Mane in the 24th minute.

Mohamed Salah poked Liverpool ahead with six minutes left but by then news of City's extraordinary recovery had reached Anfield, which was in subdued mood by the time Andrew Robertson scored in stoppage-time.

"Congratulations to Man City and Pep Guardiola. It's not the result we wanted. Finishing second is the story of my life," Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said.

Tottenham's 5-0 rout of relegated Norwich secured fourth place at Carrow Road and ended their two-year absence from the Champions League.

Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min scored two each and Harry Kane also netted.

Tottenham's victory left Arsenal in fifth place despite their 5-1 win against Everton.

Burnley's six-season stay in the top tier ended with a 2-1 home defeat against Newcastle, with Leeds staying up after a 2-1 win at Brentford.

Leeds started the day below Burnley on goal difference, but the Clarets were beaten by Callum Wilson's brace, while Jesse Marsch's team escaped thanks to Raphinha's penalty and Jack Harrison's last-gasp strike. 

Manchester United lost 1-0 at Crystal Palace, but qualified for the Europa League thanks to West Ham's 3-1 defeat at Brighton.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Man City comeback keeps title in their hands, Tottenham into top four

LONDON -- Manchester City came from 2-0 down to salvage a vital point in a 2-2 draw at West Ham to keep the Premier League title in their hands as Tottenham moved into the top four on Sunday.

City travelled to the London Stadium knowing they needed a maximum of four points from their final two games of the season to guarantee a fourth title in five years.

However, the Hammers took full advantage of City's injury crisis at the back as the pace and poise of Jarrod Bowen put Liverpool right back in the title race.

Pep Guardiola was without Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker and a makeshift defense was easily cut open on the counter-attack.

Bowen burst onto Pablo Fornals' ball over the top to round Ederson and put City behind in a league game for the first time since February.

City did not learn their lesson as Bowen broke the offside trap once more in the final seconds of the first half to fire low past Ederson.

The champions were rattled but responded to keep the destiny of the title in their own hands.

Jack Grealish has failed to live up to his £100 million ($123 million) price tag, but came up with his biggest City goal four minutes into the second period to get the comeback started.

West Ham still had huge chances to restore their two-goal lead as Bowen hit the side-netting from a narrow angle and Michail Antonio's lob drifted wide with just Ederson to beat.

City had fortune on their side to get level when Vladimir Coufal turned Riyad Mahrez's free-kick into his own net.

But Guardiola's men missed the chance to complete the comeback and move to the brink of the title when Mahrez's penalty was saved by Lukasz Fabianski four minutes from time.

City move four points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table, but the quadruple-chasing Reds have a game in hand away to Southampton on Tuesday.

"Now there is no debate about goal difference, just win our game and we will be champions," said Guardiola.

"Our stadium will be sold out and we will give all our lives to do it. It's an incredible chance to win one game to be champions."

- Spurs apply pressure -

At the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Harry Kane's penalty moved Spurs into fourth with a nervy 1-0 win over Burnley.

Antonio Conte's men move two points ahead of north London rivals Arsenal, who travel to Newcastle on Monday, in the battle for a place in next season's Champions League.

Tottenham still need a slip up from the Gunners to return to the Champions League next season, but upped the pressure on Mikel Arteta's men.

"The situation is still in their hands because they have two games to play, but you know very well in England, it’s not simple to win," said Conte.

Defeat sees Burnley drop into the relegation zone after Leeds snatched a late 1-1 draw at home to Brighton.

A brave Burnley performance was undone by a stroke of misfortune deep into first half stoppage time.

Davinson Sanchez's flick brushed off the outstretched arm of Ashley Barnes.

There was barely an appeal inside the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in real time, but the incident was picked up by VAR and given after a review.

Kane was deadly as usual from the spot as the England captain converted his 23rd consecutive successful penalty.

- Leeds' late leveller -

Burnley now need something from their final two games to survive as Pascal Struijk's late leveller at Elland Road gave Leeds hope.

Danny Welbeck put in-form Brighton in front, but he then missed a glorious chance to double Brighton's lead and Struijk's stoppage time header earned a point.

"Nothing comes easy for us. We seem to dig holes and then have to find a way to dig out," said Leeds boss Jesse Marsch.

Everton are also still in a three-way battle to beat the drop after having two men sent off in a 3-2 home defeat to Brentford.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin put the Toffees in front before Jarrad Branthwaite was dismissed for pulling down Ivan Toney on 18 minutes. 

Seamus Coleman's own goal levelled for the Bees, but Everton led again at half-time thanks to Richarlison's penalty.

Two goals in two minutes from Yoane Wissa and Rico Henry turned the game around and Everton's misery was compounded by a late red card for Salomon Rondon.

Jamie Vardy and Harvey Barnes each scored twice as Leicester thrashed already-relegated Watford 5-1, while Aston Villa and Crystal Palace played out a 1-1 draw.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Man City go three points clear after four-goal De Bruyne masterclass

LONDON -- Kevin De Bruyne produced a four-goal masterclass as Manchester City thrashed Wolves 5-1 to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League, while Chelsea consolidated their top-four place and pushed Leeds deeper into relegation trouble on Wednesday.

City had seen second-placed Liverpool go level on points with them after a 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Tuesday.

But De Bruyne's brilliant display ensured Pep Guardiola's side responded emphatically as a thrilling title race enters the final furlong.

After De Bruyne put City ahead in the seventh minute from Bernardo Silva's pass, the leaders were briefly rocked by Leander Dendoncker's equaliser four minutes later.

But De Bruyne extinguished Wolves' hopes of a shock win as he completed his hat-trick with two more lethal finishes in the 16th and 24th minutes.

He bagged his fourth goal from close range in the 60th minute and Raheem Sterling put the seal on the demolition with an 85th-minute tap-in.

The Belgium midfielder's heroics mean City need four points from their last two games to be guaranteed a fourth Premier League title in the last five seasons.

Guardiola lavished praise on De Bruyne, saying: "Unstoppable, brilliant, awesome, outstanding, perfect!

"He has the ability to create the special things. He has to score goals and this season is the most prolific he has had since we are together."

If City can win at West Ham on Sunday, they will climb six points clear of Liverpool before Jurgen Klopp's quadruple-chasing team next play in the league at Southampton on Tuesday.

City's second goal spree in four days after the 5-0 rout of Newcastle on Sunday also gives them an important seven-goal advantage over Liverpool in the goal difference column.

"If we win these games we will be champions. Now recover the players and the next final for us is against West Ham," Guardiola said.

Their latest win was even more impressive given City are without injured defenders Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker for the rest of the season, with Aymeric Laporte limping off in the second half at Molineux.

While Liverpool have maintained a blistering pace in pursuit of City since January, Guardiola's team have been up to the challenge.

After drawing with Liverpool on April 10, City have won five successive league games, scoring 22 times and conceding only twice.

- Clinical Chelsea -

Chelsea moved to the brink of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a 3-0 victory at struggling Leeds.

Thomas Tuchel's side won for the first time since Todd Boehly's consortium agreed a deal to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich last week.

Mason Mount opened the scoring in the early stages at Elland Road and Leeds suffered another blow when Daniel James was sent off.

Christian Pulisic bagged Chelsea's second goal after half-time and Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the Blues' first win in four games.

Third-placed Chelsea are now eight points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham and will be guaranteed a top-four finish if Antonio Conte's team fail to beat fourth-placed Arsenal on Thursday.

Arresting their worrying recent slump was the ideal preparation for Chelsea ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley.

"We accepted all the obstacles we'd have to face, a physical team and an emotional stadium. We were strong from the beginning and deserved to win," said Tuchel, who revealed Mateo Kovacic could miss the final with an ankle injury.

While Chelsea look to end the season on a high, Leeds are in grave danger of relegation.

Jesse Marsch's men sit third-bottom of the table, behind fourth-bottom Burnley on goal difference.

Burnley have three games left compared to only two for Leeds, who host Brighton and travel to Brentford in the matches that will decide if their two-season stay in the top flight is destined to end with a return to the Championship.

Everton moved two points clear of Leeds after a 0-0 draw at relegated Watford.

Frank Lampard's side have lost just once in their last six matches to climb out of the relegation zone.

They also have a game in hand on Leeds in the fight for survival.

Jamie Vardy scored twice and James Maddison also netted as Leicester beat relegated Norwich 3-0 at the King Power Stadium to end a run of seven games without a win.

Agence France-Presse

Football: Real Madrid stun Man City to reach Champions League final

MADRID, Spain -- Karim Benzema scored an extra-time penalty as Real Madrid pulled off another astonishing comeback in the Champions League to stun Manchester City 3-1 on Wednesday and book a showdown with Liverpool in the final.

City looked certain to go through when Riyad Mahrez put them 1-0 up and 5-3 ahead on aggregate but Rodrygo, on as a substitute, scored an incredible late double, his goals in the 90th and 91st minutes sending the tie to extra time.

With City still reeling, Real Madrid landed the knock-out blow as Benzema earned and then converted a spot-kick to snatch a 6-5 win on aggregate, with another remarkable fightback at the Santiago Bernabeu added to the club's long list of magical European nights.

"It's the greatness of this club," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti. "It's a club that doesn't allow you to give up even if it seems everything is over. It gives you the strength to keep going, to fight, to believe."

Ancelotti said his players had watched a video before the game, showing eight of Real Madrid's comebacks this season, for inspiration.

"At the end it said 'There's one more left' and we have achieved it," Ancelotti said, after becoming the first coach to reach five Champions League finals.

Madrid had already performed the unlikeliest of rescue acts to defeat both Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 and Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

Like PSG and Chelsea before them, City will wonder how they emerged as losers from a match they largely controlled and there will be fresh scrutiny on coach Pep Guardiola, who, for all his success, goes another year without leading City to the European glory they so crave.

"It's tough for us, I can't deny that," said Guardiola. "We were so close."

City's collapse would have been almost inexplicable had it been against anyone other than Real Madrid, who advance to their 17th final in the competition. They are a victory against Liverpool away from lifting a 14th European Cup.

"Another magic night from the kings of Europe," read a banner draped over the stand at one end before kick-off but for most of normal time, this match failed to live up to the seven-goal thriller at the Etihad Stadium last week.

Real Madrid were the more assertive early on, with Benzema given a couple of difficult opportunities that he put off target.

In between, Luka Modric and Rodri clashed over a Casemiro challenge and then City stepped forward, squeezing Madrid into errors as Kevin De Bruyne hit Thibaut Courtois from distance before the goalkeeper had to make a smart reaction save from Bernardo Silva.

Real Madrid survived and then improved before the break, Modric causing a roar of satisfaction when he outsprinted De Bruyne to cut off a counter.

Probably their best chance came within seconds of the restart as Dani Carvajal found space down the right but Vinicius Junior shot wide at the back post.

- Mahrez strikes -

An injury to City right-back Kyle Walker checked Madrid's momentum and when the game found its rhythm again, the visitors struck, Ilkay Gundogan's pass cutting through Madrid's midfield and finding Silva, who danced through to the edge of the box.

Silva shaped to shoot but instead wedged the ball right to Mahrez, who smashed it hard, early and past Courtois.

Modric went off and with the Croatian seemed to go some of Madrid's belief.

Jack Grealish, on as a substitute, could have made it two for City but somehow Ferland Mendy cleared off the line, before another Grealish shot flashed past the post.

It felt inconsequential because Madrid looked dead and buried but somehow, out of nowhere, they found a way back.

It was the 90th minute when Benzema cushioned a ball brilliantly across for Rodrygo to feather in at the near post and the cheer for the goal was only a little louder than for the stadium announcer then saying there would be six minutes of added time.

Madrid only needed one as Carvajal swung a cross into the box, where the diminutive Rodrygo headed in.

When play resumed, Madrid emerged the stronger and four minutes in, they had a penalty, Benzema tumbling over the tired, lunging leg of Ruben Dias before ignoring City's attempts at distraction by rolling the spot-kick into the corner.

City pushed as Fernandinho came up just short at the back post when Courtois parried away. A late flick from Dias into the box floated harmlessly into the hands of Courtois, City's final attempt coming to nothing.

Agence France-Presse