Soccer

Messi wins World Cup, Argentina beats France on penalties

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 8 minute read Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022

LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) — Lionel Messi, wearing a black Qatari robe over his blue-and-white Argentina shirt, kissed the World Cup, shuffled toward his teammates and hoisted the golden trophy high in the air.

It was an iconic sight that finally — definitively — places the soccer superstar in the pantheon of the game’s greatest players.

Messi’s once-in-a-generation career is complete: He is a World Cup champion.

In probably the wildest final in the tournament's 92-year history, Argentina won its third World Cup title by beating France 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw featuring two goals from the 35-year-old Messi and a hat trick by his heir apparent, France forward Kylian Mbappé.

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Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at World Cup

James Robson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Croatia beats Morocco 2-1 to take 3rd place at World Cup

James Robson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Luka Modric led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great’s last appearance at the World Cup.

The runners-up from four years ago secured another medal by beating Morocco 2-1 in the third-place match on Saturday.

Mislav Orsic scored the decisive goal shortly before halftime at Khalifa International Stadium to ensure Modric finished on a winning note, if this does turn out to be his last World Cup match.

At the age of 37, that seems likely, even if there are hopes he will lead his country at the 2024 European Championship.

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Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Morocco's Achraf Dari, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Morocco's Achraf Dari, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)

Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan honoured for save of the year for U.S. stop

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022

Milan Borjan's reflex stop against the U.S. in January has earned the Canadian goalkeeper the Allstate Canadian National Teams Good Hands Award for save of the year.

The save came in the 42nd minute of a World Cup qualifying game Jan. 30 at Hamilton's Tim Hortons Field.

With Canada leading 1-0, a Christian Pulisic corner found the head of American forward Weston McKennie. Standing on his goal-line, Borjan jumped straight up and pawed the ball way with his right hand.

The Canadian men went on to win 2-0, taking another step towards World Cup qualification.

Samuel Charron, Daniel Chamale honoured as Canada Soccer’s top Para, futsal players

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Samuel Charron, Daniel Chamale honoured as Canada Soccer’s top Para, futsal players

The Canadian Press 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

TORONTO - Samuel Charron has been named Canada Soccer’s Para Soccer Player of the Year for a third time with Daniel Chamale honoured as Canada Soccer Futsal Player of the Year.

Charron, who has been part of the Canadian program since 2010, also won the award in 2016 and '19. He has represented Canada at five International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football World Cups and was named player of the tournament award in 2019 and 2022.

The 24-year-old from Ottawa has 48 career goals in 56 international 'A' matches.

“Samuel is a great captain and leader both on and off the field for our national team,” Drew Ferguson, Canada Soccer’s Para Soccer head coach, said in a statement. “We had a great World Cup and Samuel was the Most Valuable Player as we finished ninth in the world.

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Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Samuel Charron is seen during Para Soccer Training Camp in Oakville, Ont., in an Oct. 2, 2022, handout photo. Charron has been named Canada Soccer’s Para Soccer Player of the Year for a third time. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Canada Soccer, Martin Bazyl, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Samuel Charron is seen during Para Soccer Training Camp in Oakville, Ont., in an Oct. 2, 2022, handout photo. Charron has been named Canada Soccer’s Para Soccer Player of the Year for a third time. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Canada Soccer, Martin Bazyl, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Former Canada foes face off Saturday to decide third place at the World Cup

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Former Canada foes face off Saturday to decide third place at the World Cup

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

If nothing else, Saturday's third-place playoff at the World Cup serves as a reminder of the tough neighbourhood that Canada found itself in in its return to the men's soccer showcase after a 36-year absence.

While second-ranked Belgium was expected to be Canada's toughest challenge in Group F, No. 12 Croatia and No. 22 Morocco advanced to the knockout rounds and made it all the way to the semifinals before losing to No. 3 Argentina and No. 4 France, respectively.

Croatia and Morocco look to finish the tournament on a winning note when they meet Saturday at Khalifa International stadium to decide third place.

Defending champion France takes on Argentina in Sunday's final at Lusail Stadium.

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Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

Canada's head coach John Herdman reacts during the World Cup group F soccer match between Canada and Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. If nothing else, Saturday's third-place playoff at the World Cup serves as a reminder of the tough neighbourhood that Canada found itself in in its return to the men's soccer showcase after a 36-year absence. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Natacha Pisarenko

Canada's head coach John Herdman reacts during the World Cup group F soccer match between Canada and Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. If nothing else, Saturday's third-place playoff at the World Cup serves as a reminder of the tough neighbourhood that Canada found itself in in its return to the men's soccer showcase after a 36-year absence. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Natacha Pisarenko

Spanish playmaker Victor Vazquez back for second stint with Toronto FC

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Spanish playmaker Victor Vazquez back for second stint with Toronto FC

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

TORONTO - Spanish playmaker Victor Vazquez is back in the Toronto FC fold.

The 35-year-old attacking midfielder spent the past two seasons in Los Angeles but became available after the Galaxy elected not to exercise his contract option. Toronto then selected him in Stage 2 of last month's MLS re-entry draft.

Vazquez has signed through 2023 with an option for 2024.

“We are excited to have a player like Victor join the team and reinforce our midfield depth,” Bob Bradley, Toronto's head coach and sporting director, said in a statement Friday. “He is a talented player with a great understanding of the game, an excellent passer and brings experience and creativity to our midfield.”

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Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

CF Montreal defender Alistair Johnston, left, takes the ball away from LA Galaxy midfielder Victor Vazquez during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Carson, Calif., Monday, July 4, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Alex Gallardo

CF Montreal defender Alistair Johnston, left, takes the ball away from LA Galaxy midfielder Victor Vazquez during the second half of an MLS soccer match in Carson, Calif., Monday, July 4, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Alex Gallardo

CF Montréal signs goalkeeper Pantemis to 2023 deal with two option years

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

CF Montréal signs goalkeeper Pantemis to 2023 deal with two option years

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

MONTREAL - CF Montréal has signed goalkeeper James Pantemis to a new contract for the 2023 Major League Soccer season, with option years in 2024 and 2025.

The 25-year-old Montreal native has played 36 games in all competitions with his hometown MLS club since making his professional debut on July 24, 2019, in a 1-0 Canadian Championship win over York United FC.

He has a 17-11-8 record with Montreal with nine clean sheets.

Pantemis has yet to win a cap with Canada's senior men's team, though he was on the squad's roster for the World Cup in Qatar. He has represented Canada at the under-20, U21 and U23 levels.

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Friday, Dec. 16, 2022

CF Montréal goalkeeper James Pantemis makes a save against New York Red Bulls' Omir Fernandez during second half MLS soccer action in Montreal, Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Montreal has signed Pantemis to a new contract for the 2023 season, with option years in 2024 and 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

CF Montréal goalkeeper James Pantemis makes a save against New York Red Bulls' Omir Fernandez during second half MLS soccer action in Montreal, Wednesday, August 31, 2022. Montreal has signed Pantemis to a new contract for the 2023 season, with option years in 2024 and 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Canadian Premier League teams add young talent to rosters via the U Sports draft

The Canadian Press 5 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

TORONTO - Expansion Vancouver FC added to its roster Thursday by taking Anthony White and Ameer Kinani with the first two picks of the CPL U Sports draft.

The eight Canadian Premier League clubs were allowed to each select two players from a list of 199 university athletes who declared for the draft, the biggest prospect pool in league history. The draft was open to any U-Sports underclassmen with one to four years of eligibility remaining, provided they were in good standing and were planning to return to school the following year.

Eight of the 16 players selected were defenders

Players selected may be invited to pre-season training with their prospective club, where they can compete for a roster spot for the 2023 CPL season.

Whitecaps transfer Canadian defender Derek Cornelius to Sweden’s Malmo FF

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Whitecaps transfer Canadian defender Derek Cornelius to Sweden’s Malmo FF

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

VANCOUVER - Defender Derek Cornelius was transferred by the Vancouver Whitecaps to Sweden's Malmo FF on Thursday.

Cornelius, 25, joined the Whitecaps in January 2019 via transfer from Serbian club FK Javor Ivanjica and went on to make 37 appearances for Vancouver across all competitions.

In July 2021, the native of Ajax, Ont., joined Greek side Panetolikos FC on loan through 2022, where he made 47 appearances.

Vancouver sporting director Axel Schuster says that Cornelius asked the Whitecaps to help him stay in Europe.

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Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

Canada defender Derek Cornelius kicks the ball during practice ahead of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Defender Cornelius was transferred by the Vancouver Whitecaps to Sweden's Malmo FF on Thursday.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Canada defender Derek Cornelius kicks the ball during practice ahead of the World Cup in Doha, Qatar on Saturday, November 19, 2022. Defender Cornelius was transferred by the Vancouver Whitecaps to Sweden's Malmo FF on Thursday.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Canadian forward Levonte Johnson a finalist for soccer’s MAC Hermann Trophy

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian forward Levonte Johnson a finalist for soccer’s MAC Hermann Trophy

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

Canadian forward Levonte Johnson, who helped Syracuse to the NCAA College Cup on Monday, is one of three finalists for the 2022 MAC Hermann Trophy.

The award is the top individual honour in NCAA Division I soccer.

Johnson, a senior from Brampton, Ont., is up against Creighton junior forward Duncan McGuire and Duke junior midfielder Peter Stroud.

The three women's finalists are Notre Dame sophomore midfielder Korbin Albert, Duke sophomore forward Michelle Cooper and Florida State senior midfielder Jenna Nighswonger.

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Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

Clemson's Brandon Parrish (11) battles Syracuse's Levonte Johnson (14) for control of the ball during the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Soccer Tournament championship match in Cary, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. Canadian forward Johnson, who helped Syracuse to the NCAA College Cup on Monday, is one of three finalists for the 2022 MAC Hermann Trophy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker

Clemson's Brandon Parrish (11) battles Syracuse's Levonte Johnson (14) for control of the ball during the first half of the Atlantic Coast Conference Men's Soccer Tournament championship match in Cary, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022. Canadian forward Johnson, who helped Syracuse to the NCAA College Cup on Monday, is one of three finalists for the 2022 MAC Hermann Trophy. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker

Legal advisor sides with UEFA, FIFA in Super League case

The Associated Press 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022

BRUSSELS (AP) — A senior legal adviser proposes the European Court of Justice recognize that FIFA-UEFA rules under which the Super League project should be subject to prior approval are compatible with EU competition law.

Advocate General Athanasios Rantos said on Thursday that while Super League organizers were entitled to set up an independent competition “outside the UEFA and FIFA ecosystem, it cannot however, in parallel with the creation of such a competition, continue to participate in the football competitions organised by FIFA and UEFA without the prior authorization of those federations."

Advocates general routinely provide legal guidance to the ECJ. Their opinions aren’t binding on the Luxembourg-based court but are followed in most cases.

The case was heard in July at the court after Super League failed at launch in April 2021. But the company formed by 12 rebel clubs — now led by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus — started legal action and the Court of Justice was asked to rule on points of EU law by a Madrid tribunal.

Mbappe, France advance to World Cup final, beat Morocco 2-0

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Mbappe, France advance to World Cup final, beat Morocco 2-0

Steve Douglas, The Associated Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — France and Kylian Mbappé are headed back to the World Cup final for a much-anticipated matchup with Lionel Messi after ending Morocco’s historic run at soccer’s biggest tournament.

France beat Africa’s first ever semifinalist 2-0 Wednesday, with Mbappé playing a part in goals by Theo Hernandez in the fifth minute and then substitute Randal Kolo Muani in the 79th.

France will head into Sunday's title match against Argentina looking to become the first team to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962. Mbappé has the chance to cement his status as soccer's new superstar when he comes up against the 35-year-old Messi, who has dominated the game with Cristiano Ronaldo for the past 15 years.

There will be no team from the Arab world in the final of the first World Cup in the Middle East, a prospect that seemed nigh impossible before the tournament.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq, center, attempts a shot at goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Morocco's Jawad El Yamiq, center, attempts a shot at goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between France and Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

CPL expansion club Vancouver FC adds local ‘keeper Irving as first ever signing

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

CPL expansion club Vancouver FC adds local ‘keeper Irving as first ever signing

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Vancouver FC have signed free-agent goalkeeper Callum Irving, making him the first player ever to agree to a deal with the Canadian Premier League expansion club.

The 29-year-old from Vancouver spent the last three CPL seasons with Victoria-based Pacific FC, helping the team win a league title in 2021.

Irving made 69 appearances in all competitions for Pacific over three seasons.

His 22 career clean sheets are a franchise record, and his 12 clean sheets in all competitions in 2022 set a club single-season record.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) scores a goal against Pacific FC goalkeeper Callum Irving (13) during first half Canadian Championship semifinal action in Toronto on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Evan Buhler

Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) scores a goal against Pacific FC goalkeeper Callum Irving (13) during first half Canadian Championship semifinal action in Toronto on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Evan Buhler

Soccer writer Grant Wahl died of heart aneurysm at World Cup

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Soccer writer Grant Wahl died of heart aneurysm at World Cup

The Associated Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

NEW YORK (AP) — Grant Wahl died of an aneurysm in his heart when he was stricken while covering a World Cup match last weekend, according to an autopsy of the well-known American soccer writer.

Wahl's wife, Dr. Céline Gounder, said Wednesday that an autopsy was conducted by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.

“Grant died from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium,” she wrote on her husband's website, referring to the wall that surrounds the heart. “The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms. No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him. His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death.”

Wahl, who was 49, was stricken in the media tribune of Lusail Iconic Stadium in Qatar early Saturday during extra time in Argentina's quarterfinal match against the Netherlands. Emergency workers immediately attended to him and treated him for 20 to 30 minutes before taking him away on a stretcher, reporters in his vicinity said.

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

A tribute to journalist Grant Wahl is shown on a screen before the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between England and France, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. Wahl, one of the most well-known soccer writers in the United States, died early Saturday Dec. 10, 2022 while covering the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A tribute to journalist Grant Wahl is shown on a screen before the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between England and France, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. Wahl, one of the most well-known soccer writers in the United States, died early Saturday Dec. 10, 2022 while covering the World Cup match between Argentina and the Netherlands. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

World Cup: Morocco fans see dream dashed as team loses semifinal against France

Marisela Amador, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

World Cup: Morocco fans see dream dashed as team loses semifinal against France

Marisela Amador, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

MONTREAL - It began with laughter, singing and chanting Wednesday in Montreal's Little Maghreb neighbourhood, but after France went ahead 2-0 late in their World Cup semifinal, fans of Morocco had to accept their team's dream run was over.

At one packed café on Jean Talon Street, many people got up and left after France scored its second goal, unable to watch the final minutes that clinched the game for the defending World Cup champions.

They had arrived hoping for more history, after Morocco became the first Arab or African country to ever make it this far in the tournament. At Café Sable d'Or — usually frequented almost exclusively by men — young children and women sat around its small tables, eagerly watching the match.

“They are winning, but we can still come back," Mohamed Reffi said after France took an early lead. "The players are a bit more stressed but we still have a chance."

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Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022

Moroccan players exercise during a training session at the Duhail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. Morocco will face France in a World Cup semifinal soccer match on Dec. 14. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Andre Penner

Moroccan players exercise during a training session at the Duhail Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022. Morocco will face France in a World Cup semifinal soccer match on Dec. 14. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Andre Penner

‘Everyone is talking about Morocco’: World Cup fans ready for matchup against France

Marisela Amador, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

‘Everyone is talking about Morocco’: World Cup fans ready for matchup against France

Marisela Amador, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

MONTREAL - Ali Araqi says he couldn't believe it when Morocco beat Portugal last week to qualify for Wednesday's World Cup semifinal.

Araqi, 26, a Moroccan-Canadian originally from Marrakech, said he thought he was dreaming.

"No one thought we would get here, but we did it," Araqi said Tuesday in an interview. "We could not believe our eyes when we saw the feat that our Moroccan players accomplished. The feat of the coach who did a great job in technical training."

Morocco, which faces 2018 World Cup champions France in the semifinal, is the first Arab — and African — country to make it this far in the tournament, which is hosted by Qatar.

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Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Morocco's Badr Benoun celebrates the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Morocco and Portugal, at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Ebrahim Noroozi

Morocco's Badr Benoun celebrates the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Morocco and Portugal, at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Ebrahim Noroozi

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