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Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has confirmed that the Red Devils will be appointing Chris Armas as assistant coach and sports psychologist Sascha Lense.

As to be expected, a number of United supporters were quick to flock to the news on social media, with Rangnick talking to the media ahead of tonight’s Champions League meeting with Young Boys.

As reported by The Daily Mail, the 63-year-old revealed that the pair would be moving to Old Trafford, with Armas and Lense waiting for work permits.

The Daily Mail believe they will begin working under Rangnick before the end of the week, with the interim manager keen to put his stamp on the club both on and off the pitch. They have both worked with the German before at other clubs, while Lense becomes the Red Devils’ first appointment in a sports psychology role since Bill Beswick was brought to Old Trafford in the late 1990s.

United fans react

Well-known Twitter channel @utdreport shared Rangnick’s news about the pair on social media. Here is what these United fans had to say in reply, with many happy with the appointments and one labelling it as ‘big news’.

“HUGE”

Credit: @jeb_UTD

“I had to double-check the name… CHRIS!!!!  … wow. Life is full of surprises…I’m so happy for him. Coolest coach I’ve met at all levels.”

Credit: @Lixogram

“The revamp continues!”

Credit: @United_Roar

“BIG News”

Credit: @Zevascofnm

“YESSSS”

Credit: @AlexXO___

“Premier League is in trouble”

Credit: @Notmyname_77

In other news: ‘Here we go’, ‘Oh my’, ‘We might be back’ – Lots of MUFC fans buzzing as Fabrizio Romano shares ‘perfect’ news

The Karnataka seamers ensured that their side took the ascendancy against Mumbai on the first day of the Ranji Trophy final in Mysore

Siddarth Ravindran in Mysore11-Jan-2010
Scorecardand ball-by-ball details
Howthey were out
R Vinay Kumar took his season’s tally to 43, striking three crippling blows early on the first day of the Ranji final•Sportz SolutionsThe Chamundi Hills loom in the background of the Gangothri Glades, and the ground is surrounded by lush greenery. Add to this the lovely weather, and a near-packed house, it was an idyllic day for cricket. Mumbai’s batsmen didn’t enjoy the occasion, though, as Karnataka’s quick bowlers, spearheaded by R Vinay Kumar, lived up to the pre-match hype to leave the visitors reeling at 106 for 6. It was left to the famously resilient Mumbai lower-order to ensure the day was not a total write-off, Vinayak Samant’s half-century hauling them past 200.Despite the pre-match talk that focused on the spicy pitch, Wasim Jaffer chose to bat. Vinay had the Mumbai captain regretting the decision soon after with a stellar display of disciplined seam bowling. The fans were still trickling in, when Vinay had Sahil Kukreja nicking the third ball of the match. Twenty minutes later, he dismissed Mumbai’s heaviest run-scorers over the past few seasons, Jaffer and Ajinkya Rahane. First, Jaffer’s flick was snaffled by an alert Ganesh Satish at short leg, and three deliveries later, the ball of the day – a perfect outswinger – had Rahane groping and he could only edge to the wicketkeeper.Mumbai were 20 for 3, but had the two batsmen who salvaged their first-innings in the semi-final, Abhishek Nayar and Onkar Khanvilkar, at the crease. The bowlers got the ball to jag around, but the Mumbai pair just about survived the testing spell of nine overs that yielded only 12 runs. Nayar was on all fours and needed the physio’s assistance after being struck on the box and Khanvilkar was reprieved on 3 when Robin Uthappa couldn’t hang on to an inside-edge that popped to short cover.Only when the fourth seamer, Stuart Binny, was introduced in the 15th over, did the batting grow in assurance. Khanvilkar confidently cut a couple of short balls for four, and punched S Aravind through the covers for another boundary. When Nayar muscled a couple of boundaries through the off side to take 12 off a Vinay over, the partnership had swelled to 64 and the recovery was well on track.Uthappa turned to his impact bowler, Abhimanyu Mithun, who got the breakthrough, first ball of a new spell. Khanvilkar’s leaden-footed attempt to steer a full delivery to the leg side left his stumps splayed. Nayar was never at ease against Mithun’s pace – in the penultimate over before lunch, the batsman was late to defend but escaped, only to be done in by an inswinging yorker two balls later.Soon after lunch, there was a moment of controversy. Ajit Agakar punched a Vinay delivery back towards the bowler, who dived but couldn’t pull off a return catch. The ball was deflected towards mid-off where Sunil Joshi fielded and relayed the ball to the keeper. During this time, Agarkar – not interested in a single – had wandered out of the crease, practising his stroke. The keeper threw down the stumps, Karnataka appealed, and the third-umpire ruled the batsman out. Agarkar showed his displeasure to the square-leg umpire, Sanjay Hazare, when the decision was referred to the TV, and he continued to fume as he walked off. His antics only served to earn him a meeting with the match referee at the end of the day’s play.Samant and Ramesh Powar started the next rescue mission for Mumbai. Both were struck several times on the hands and helmets but persevered. Powar was regularly beaten by the away movement, and on one occasion, in obvious reference to Agarkar’s dismissal, he signaled to the keeper that he was stepping out of the crease to inspect the pitch.Karnataka switched their bowlers around but couldn’t budge the pair for over an hour. It was time to bring back Mithun, who once again struck gold with his first delivery. He got Powar to slash to a diving KB Pawan at gully. Catching is one aspect in which Karnataka have disappointed all season, but it was top-notch today.Iqbal Abdulla played a confident cameo, slamming five fours, including three in a row off Mithun, before he fell to another smart catch, this time a leaping effort from Amit Verma at first slip.It was then the turn of Samant and Kulkarni to frustrate the home side, and the pair punished an attack whose discipline was flagging. Sunil Joshi snapped their stand at 45 by snaring Kulkarni, and Samant’s resistance ended when Manish Pandey clung on to a low chance at backward point.Mumbai were disappointed to close at 233, but would have been lifted by their seamers’ performance in the short spell before stumps. All three bowled with good pace, and Kulkarni was rewarded with the big wicket of Uthappa.The hugely inexperienced Karnataka batting has been in top form all season, but without Rahul Dravid and against a potent attack, Tuesday could be their biggest test yet.

According to a report by Football Insider, Newcastle United will not pursue Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli in the upcoming January transfer window, despite previous rumours linking him with the club.

The Lowdown: Alli set to leave Spurs

Spurs have granted the player the opportunity to leave next month, permitting both permanent and temporary deals, but it is more likely that he will move on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 25-year-old has made just nine appearances in the Premier League this term, with only two of those coming under Antonio Conte. This includes a recent outing against Liverpool, where the midfielder played 81 minutes in Spurs’ 2-2 draw, receiving a 6.5 SofaScore rating.

Three years ago, Alli was worth a staggering £90m. However, a decline in game-time and form since then has seen his market value slip to just £22.5m. This illustrates the severity of the player’s decline and suggests that Spurs bosses are finished with the midfielder, with him set to be offloaded in January if a potential suitor can be found.

The Latest: Newcastle will not pursue Alli

According to a fresh report by Football Insider, Newcastle will not go in for Alli in January, as Eddie Howe has rejected the chance to push for the player, deciding that he needs to prioritise other areas of his squad.

This news arises following previous reports that the Magpies had made initial enquiries with Spurs, but now it seems that Howe has had a change of heart and no longer considers Alli a transfer target. Instead, he is keen to brining in a more traditional midfielder, rather than an attacking one, along with a defender in a bid to bolster the spine of the team.

The Verdict: Newcastle move could have been good for both parties

Alli is looking to revive his career after suffering a stagnant few years at Tottenham. His former manager Jose Mourinho labelled the midfielder as ‘lazy’ and said that he created ‘problems for his own team’.

However, his talent is undeniable. Mourinho admitted that Sir Alex Ferguson gave him one bit of advice whilst he was in charge at Manchester United – ‘buy Dele Alli’. Even Brazil legend Roberto Carlos once said that the Spurs ace is ‘undoubtedly good enough for Real Madrid’.

If this talent was to be utilised in full force again, Alli could still prove to be a top-class player. With Newcastle often lacking an attacking threat in the final third, the 25-year-old could have been a fantastic addition for Howe if he hadn’t shifted the focus to other areas of the squad.

In other news: Sky Sports journalist shares info as Newcastle eye potential ‘brilliant signing’

Graeme Smith has named MS Dhoni, his counterpart, as South Africa’s primary target in the two-Test series, which begins at the VCA Stadium on Saturday

Cricinfo staff05-Feb-2010Graeme Smith has named MS Dhoni, his counterpart, as South Africa’s primary target in the two-Test series, which begins at the VCA Stadium on Saturday. Smith said his team was gunning for Dhoni because he carried the bulk of the responsibility for India and, if they attacked him successfully, they would be well placed to win the series and snatch the No.1 Test ranking.”We see him [Dhoni] as the key figure in their side,” Smith said. “He obviously carries a lot of responsibility so if we can create a lot of pressure on him may be we can open up a few chinks.”Smith said Dhoni, who was victorious in his first Test as captain against South Africa in Kanpur in 2008, had grown in stature and earned respect from opponents. “He seems a good, controlled leader of men,” he said. “But we have gathered a lot of information on him from the time he made his debut as Test captain.”However, Smith said that the South Africans were not just picking targets from the opposition but were also trying to come to terms with changes in their own house. Less than ten days ago, Mickey Arthur resigned as head coach and Cricket South Africa [CSA] sacked the selection panel headed by Mike Procter. A new interim coach (Corrie van Zyl), an interim selection panel (led by CSA chief Gerald Majola), a batting consultant (Kepler Wessels) were put in place ahead of the crucial tour of India.”Last week was quite a tough time for all the guys including myself,” Smith said. “There were a lot of mixed media reports which weighed a lot on our heads.”Smith said it would take time for normalcy to return but added that the entire South African camp was relaxed and focused on adapting quickly to the situation and the Indian environment. “It has been a rushed preparation for Corrie and Kepler trying to come to terms with everything. But each guy is finding a space in the environment. Ultimately this tour would be judged on results.”Smith was clear there was no room for error in two-Test rubbers. “It obviously puts a lot of emphasis on the first Test. You need to be lot more precise. There is no way to get back in the series if you allow things to slip early on.”In 2009, South Africa hosted against Australia and England and, on both occasions, they failed to get off a winning start. Australia beat them handsomely 2-1 to regain the No.1 spot while England frustrated them throughout the four-Test series late last year. “We haven’t started series well off late so our first Test match is key,” Smith said.The primary reason South Africa remain hopeful is their spirited display on their previous tour of India when they took the series lead with a stunning victory on a pace-friendly pitch in Ahmedabad. India bounced back to level the series on a dubious Green Park pitch days later, and Smith said the players were hungry and ready to correct past errors.”In 2008 we had won in England, and then in Australia and we came close to beating India. That is our goal now: we want to tick this box,” Smith said, terming the Indian challenge as “awesome”.The flat pitches, with slow and low bounce, in contrast to the hard, grassy springboards of home, will be the biggest challenge South Africa face in the coming weeks. Smith denied the dry pitches would dissuade his bowlers, indicating that their strength relied on the Dale Steyn-led three-man pace attack, also featuring Morne Morkel and left-armer Wayne Parnell. “That is the key, to adapt to the conditions, but it is also important we play our style of cricket,” Smith stressed.One concern South Africa have is Paul Harris, their main spinner, who was ineffective against England and was dropped from the final Test in Johannesburg, where the hosts leveled the series. His record against India is the worst among all countries: in four Tests he has managed 13 wickets at 45 each. Offspinner Johan Botha has been less threatening since the ICC banned his doosra last May. But Botha batted in the warm-up game against Board President’s XI, raising doubts over Harris’ spot.But Smith cleared those doubts and indirectly indicated Harris is likely to come back into the team. “Paul is the man with the mantle at the moment and it would take a lot for that to change. I think Johan [Botha] can add a lot of value but these are things we need to take a look at tonight and make a decision.”

Alisha Lehmann whipped out a hilarious fishing celebration when she netted Switzerland's fourth goal in 4-1 friendly win over Poland.

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Lehmann scored against PolandSwitzerland star pulled out novel celebrationSet for her 50th international capWHAT HAPPENED?

With Switzerland already 3-1 up, Lehmann went through on goal after being played in by team-mate Geraldine Reuteler, cleverly evading the challenge of a defender before finishing into the bottom far corner with a slightly unconventional outside of the foot shot. The Aston Villa star then pulled out an imaginary fishing rod to reel in her catch.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

This was Lehmann's eighth international goal in her 49th senior appearance for Switzerland. With another warm weather friendly to follow against Poland on Tuesday, the 25-year-old is set to reach her half century of caps for her country in that game.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR LEHMANN?

Lehmann's Aston Villa have had a poor WSL season by the standards they set in 2022-23, when they finished fifth. Both Everton and Tottenham have suffered alarming drop-offs after finishing fifth in recent years and Carla Ward's side are hoping to break that trend. Villa are currently eighth out of 12 and at this stage just finishing in the top half would be a significant achievement. But upcoming league games against Liverpool and Everton after the international break present a good opportunity for wins.

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have scrapped two Tests from Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies next May and instead plan to play an ODI tri-series involving India

Andrew Fernando11-Sep-2012The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have scrapped two Tests from Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies next May and instead plan to play an ODI tri-series involving India. The decision also means that players from both teams will remain available during the IPL, which runs from April 3 to May 26 next year. The teams were scheduled to play two Tests, three ODIs and two Twenty20s as per the Future Tours Programme. It is unclear if the Twenty20s will remain part of the tour.SLC chief executive Ajit Jayasekara denied the motive for foregoing the Tests was to avoid a clash with the IPL, but failed to provide an alternate reason. He said the WICB had put forward the idea, and the SLC had agreed to the change in schedule after holding discussions. Jayasekara said scheduling an ODI series instead of following the FTP would end up being “more lucrative for the board”.WICB corporate communications manager Imran Khan said that all three boards had agreed in principle to the tri-series. Dates and details would be finalised following final sanction from the BCCI. Incidentally, national boards receive 10% of each player’s salary from the IPL.This will be the second time Sri Lanka have foregone a Test series which clashes with the IPL. In 2009, they declined to replace Zimbabwe in England, when Zimbabwe were unable to tour for political reasons. In 2011, several players, including Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, missed tour matches playing in the IPL ahead of a three-Test series in England, which Sri Lanka eventually lost 1-0.West Indies spin bowler Sunil Narine also missed two Tests against England due to his IPL commitments, though he did play in the third Test. Chris Gayle did not feature in that series due to a standoff with the board, which has since been resolved.The change in the tour programme is also a continuation of the SLC’s recent trend of culling Tests from Sri Lanka’s schedule. Two tests against India in July became five ODIs and a Twenty20 and the three Tests scheduled for England in March became a two-Test series as the IPL approached. With the schedule now adjusted, Sri Lanka will not play an away Test against a top-eight opposition between January and December.The BCCI did not confirm India’s involvement in any change of plans. “We have been told about this but the matter is being discussed. Nothing has been decided or finalised yet,” a senior BCCI official said. During its annual meeting in Malaysia, the ICC had decided not to create a window for the IPL, as they did not want to set a precedent of domestic tournaments taking priority over international cricket. “Once you provide a window for one particular member, you have to be conscious of the fact you may well have to do it for other members,” then ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said in June. “Hence why we have not been supportive of a window specifically for any one of those domestic leagues.”

A contest that remained intriguingly in the balance throughout fittingly went the distance – or almost – before Hampshire pulled off a stunning victory with seven balls to spare, breaking their duck for the season after a dismal start and stopping Notting

Jon Culley at Trent Bridge20-May-2010
Scorecard
A contest that remained intriguingly in the balance throughout fittingly went the distance – or almost – before Hampshire pulled off a stunning victory with seven balls to spare, breaking their duck for the season after a dismal start and stopping Nottinghamshire in their tracks after four straight wins.Hampshire’s two-wicket victory, achieved thanks to a superb unbeaten 115 from their South African batsman Neil McKenzie, takes them off the bottom of the table, lifting them ahead of Kent and putting them only eight points behind Durham, who are fourth.Nottinghamshire remain top, six points ahead of Yorkshire, whose defeat at Taunton cost them the chance to reclaim the summit. McKenzie has had to wait to show Hampshire they were right to sign him on a Kolpak contract for 2010. In five Championship matches before this one he had not managed a fifty.Yet he is, of course, a player with pedigree. The five hundreds in his Test career included a nine-hour match-saving marathon at Lord’s in 2008, setting up South Africa’s series in effect, before they went on to clinch a 2-1 win But if he has struggled for runs since joining the south coast side, the last few days appear to have signalled an upturn in form. He made a half-century in a 40-over game last weekend and carried some confidence forward to the first innings here, when his 55 runs were valuable in helping Hampshire achieve a narrow first-innings lead.Yesterday, after coming in at 52 for 2, he brought all his experience and resilience to bear in holding Hampshire’s innings together in pursuit of what was always likely to be a difficult target on a pitch that showed cracks from the outset. Chasing 281 was certainly as many as most sides would have wanted on the last day, let alone one with four defeats in five games.Ultimately it was he who struck the winning blow, lofting Andre Adams over the boundary at square leg for the third time in the space of four overs as Nottinghamshire’s bowlers – in particular the hard-worked Adams – began to tire and Chris Read, his captain, struggled to set the right field.At different times, though, the closing day could have gone either way, even if at both intervals, which are always significant psychological landmarks in a long chase, Hampshire had the edge. Seven without loss overnight, Hampshire had the good start they needed and although they lost both openers before the first break, they were comfortable lunching at 85 for 2.Read’s first bowling changes brought instant dividends when Andre Adams had his namesake Jimmy caught behind off a thin inside edge, and then Liam Dawson flashed at Paul Franks outside off stump, nicking to Ally Brown at first slip. But McKenzie joined Chris Benham to negotiate the half hour to the interval without further loss.Benham fell two overs into the afternoon session, losing his off stump to an Adams inswinger, but although James Vince suffered his second disappointment of the match, following one from Franks to be caught behind, at 178 for 4 at tea, with McKenzie having just completed his first 50 off 123 balls, Hampshire were still looking the likelier winners, with 103 more needed.It would probably have been asking too much, though, for everything to go smoothly thereafter. Already this season, chasing 248 to beat Essex, Hampshire had suffered the ignominy of losing all 10 wickets in the last session of the match.Predictably, then, there were hiccups. Sean Ervine fell leg before to Samit Patel’s spin two overs after tea and when Nic Pothas, edging Darren Pattinson to second slip, and Dominic Cork, unable to clear 6ft 5ins Alex Hales on the square leg boundary, fell in consecutive overs to the new ball, Hampshire were still 67 adrift and now seven wickets down. With 15 overs left, Nottinghamshire were favourites.But there was no shifting McKenzie and as he kept chipping away at the target it was understandable that Read, who preferred Adams to Charlie Shreck with the new ball, began to waver between attack and defence with his fields. As much as he tried to plug the gaps, McKenzie seemed increasingly able to pick them out.As Adams began to flag, sixes in the 92nd and 94th of the 99 scheduled overs kept the target in reach and increased the pressure on Nottinghamshire. David Balcombe had gone, leg before to Pattinson, but in Rangana Herath there was a partner for McKenzie with a touch of boldness and guile. McKenzie reached his hundred with his 12th four but a couple of boundaries from the Sri Lankan played their part too and the two shared a joyful embrace when the winning hit cleared the rope.”We left it late but we were never going for the draw, although Notts bowled very tightly,” McKenzie said. “This result can kick start our season.”

Cesc Fabregas's wife Daniella Semaan has slammed reports that claimed Lionel Messi had an affair with an Argentine journalist.

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Fabregas' wife denies Messi's alleged affairThe Argentine reportedly cheated on wife AntonellaReported in Brazilian mediaWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Brazilian media outlet , the Inter Miami star is apparently facing a crisis in his married life and is on the verge of splitting up with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo after he allegedly had an affair with Argentine journalist Sofia Martinez.

But Cesc Fabregas' wife Daniella Semaan, who is extremely close to the Messi family, has denied the rumours and slammed the media report

AdvertisementWHAT DANIELLA SEMAAN SAID

Replying to an Instagram post, Semaan wrote, "What publication is this that has no meaning.. and has nothing right."

Messi and Roccuzzo have known each other since childhood and have been in a relationship for 15 years. The couple got married in 2017 and has three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The claims that there have been reports in Argentina as well that claim that the 36-year-old star is allegedly in love with a woman and it is not his wife Antonella.

Journalist Sofia Martinez came into the limelight during the World Cup for her famous and passionate speech addressing the Argentina skipper after he guided his team to the final beating Croatia in the semis. She thanked the Barcelona legend on behalf of all Argentines.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?

Messi is currently enjoying the off-season after Inter Miami's MLS campaign ended last month. He was recently seen in action for La Albiceleste who played World Cup qualifying matches against Uruguay and Brazil.

There have been stand out performers during the opening fortnight of Qatar 2022 – but who makes GOAL's group stage XI?

The World Cup group stages are over and what a wild ride it has been.

Qatar 2022 has been the tournament of shocks, with the likes of Morocco and Japan stealing the show and former powerhouses such as Germany and Belgium being sent packing.

But what players have been the stand out performers during the opening fortnight? We asked some of GOAL’s writers to come up with the World Cup group stage XI.

Using a 4-2-3-1 formation, this is what they have gone for…

Getty ImagesGK: Wojciech Szczesny (Poland)

There can’t really be anyone else, can there? Without Szczesny, Poland would certainly be on the plane home, rather than looking forward to a knockout game against France. The Juventus goalkeeper has been in sensational form so far and has saved two penalties, including one to deny Lionel Messi against Argentina. Poland may have still lost that game 2-0, but conceding one more goal during that dramatic final group stage game would have seen Mexico finish above them in the table. It was only Szczesny's heroics that saw the Polish avoid a far heavier defeat.

AdvertisementGettyRB: Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Morocco have been one of the stories of the World Cup and the form of Hakimi has been crucial to their impressive results. The Paris Saint-Germain star started all three of his nation’s group stage games, helping them to two clean sheets as they topped Group F, finishing above Croatia and Belgium in the process. He also produced one of the assists of the tournament as he sent Youssef En-Nesyri away to score what proved to be the winner against Canada. Hakimi has been one of Europe’s stand out right-backs for some time and now he is replicating that club form on the biggest stage of all.

Getty ImagesCB: Harry Souttar (Australia)

Of all the surprises of the group stage, Australia are surely the biggest. The Socceroos arrived with plenty of enthusiasm but little expectation, but Graham Arnold’s side delivered a masterclass in determination, teamwork and concentration, ensuring European Championship semi-finalists Denmark were sent home early. The star of their team has been Souttar, whose ultra-competitive performances at centre-back are made all the more remarkable by the fact that he had had only played one competitive game in 12 months leading up the tournament, having been sidelined with a knee injury. The Stoke City man’s style is unfussy, but was crucial as Australia kept clean sheets against both Tunisia and Denmark. Whatever happens from here on, the 24-year-old can be proud of his efforts in Qatar.

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Getty ImagesCB: Harry Maguire (England)

Maguire deserves huge credit for the way he has performed so far in Qatar. He came into the tournament under intense scrutiny having lost his place in the Manchester United team following a series of major blunders. But he received the backing of England boss Gareth Southgate, who refused to listen to the calls for Maguire to be dropped, and has repaid his manager with a series of excellent performances. Maguire has helped England to two clean sheets and he was immense in the draw with the United States, while the majority of his team-mates struggled. He has also been a big threat from set pieces in the opposition’s penalty area and has been unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet at least once.

The 64-match tournament will be held across 11 cities and 12 stadiums from June 14 to July 15. Goal has the full lowdown on every location…

GettyLuzhniki Stadium – Moscow

Capacity: 80,000

The Luzhniki Stadium is home to the first game of the tournament on Thursday June 14 between host nation Russia and Saudi Arabia and will ultimately play host to the final on Sunday July 15. It has the largest capacity of all the World Cup 2018 stadia.

It first opened in 1956 and began refurbishment works to increase its capacity in 2013, with the athletics track removed, stands moved closer to the pitch, and two extra tiers added. The historical outer facade has been kept and incorporated into the new structure.

After the World Cup, the Luzhniki Stadium will continue to be the home ground for all Russia national team games. 

GettyWhat games are being played at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow?

Russia vs Saudi Arabia (June 14)

Germany vs Mexico (June 17)

Portugal vs Morocco (June 20)

Denmark vs France (June 26)

Round of 16 match 3 (July 1)

Semi-final 2 (July 11)

Final (July 15)

AdvertisementLaurence Griffiths Getty ImagesSpartak Stadium – Moscow

Capacity: 45,000

Built in 2014, the Spartak Stadium is home to Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow and was one of four stadiums used in the 2017 Confederations Cup, which was won by Germany.

The stadium's facade is made up of hundreds of small diamonds representing the Spartak logo and can also be changed depending on whichever team is playing. After the 2018 World Cup, the stadium will be the centre of a new residential development that will be built around it. 

GettyWhat games are being played at Spartak Stadium in Moscow?

Argentina vs Iceland (June 16)

Poland vs Senegal(June 19)

Belgium vs Tunisia(June 23)

Serbia vs Brazil(June 27)

Round of 16 match 8 (July 3)

Getty ImagesSt Petersburg Stadium – St Petersburg

Capacity: 67,000

Built on the site of the former Kirov Stadium on Krestovsky Island, the St Petersburg Stadium hosted the opening match and final of the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

The seven-storey stadium is one of Russia's most modern arenas. It includes a retractable roof and sliding pitch to be able to host other sporting events.

Following the World Cup it will continue to be the home of Zenit St Petersburg, as well as hosting concerts and a variety of other sports events. It will also be one of the grounds used in the Euro 2020 finals.

GettyWhat games are being played at St Petersburg Stadium?

Morocco vs Iran (June 15)

Russia vs Egypt (June 19)

Brazil vs Costa Rica (June 22)

Nigeria vs Argentina (June 26)

Round of 16 match 7 (July 3)

Semi-final 1 (July 10)

Third-place play-off (July 14)

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Fisht Stadium – Sochi

Capacity: 48,000

The Fisht Stadium was originally built for the 2014 Winter Olympics as an indoor arena hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies, before being reconstructed specifically for this year's World Cup. 

Named after Mount Fisht, the exterior resembles a snow-capped peak and hosted matches during last summer's Confederations Cup.

During the 2018 World Cup, Sochi will be the Russia national team's training camp and where they've played some of their competitive and friendly matches. 

GettyWhat games are being played at Fisht Stadium in Sochi?

Portugal vs Spain (June 15)

Belgium vs Panama (June 18)

Germany vs Sweden (June 23)

Australia vs Peru (June 26)

Round of 16 match 2 (June 30)

Quarter-final 4 (July 7)