"I feel more at ease, I'm happier, and when I'm happier, everyone around me is happier and more confident too," Vinicius told reporters ahead of Thursday's friendly match against France

The Azzurri host the Northern Irish in Bergamo on Thursday trying to end a 12-year absence from the World Cup finals after failing to qualify for the last two editions in Russia and Qatar.

"The reality of the World Cups -- every World Cup FIFA has put on -- there's always been geopolitical issues. Always," he told the Business of Soccer conference in Atlanta.

Salah is one of the few survivors from the Liverpool side that won the 2019 Champions League under Klopp, along with goalkeeper Alisson Becker and defenders Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.

Iran were one of the first nations to qualify for the finals but their participation has been in doubt since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with the Islamic Republic broke out at the end of February.

The 58-year-old who is working as Red Bull's head of global soccer left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season after a nine-year spell that delivered major honours including Champions League and Premier League titles.

"I have made a 100% recovery," Mbappe told AS.

With the spectre of failed 2018 and 2022 qualification campaigns looming over the squad, Gattuso knows his players must overcome the mental weakness that has plagued Italy's World Cup ambitions.

Zidane, 53, reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the Federation Francaise de Football to replace Didier Deschamps, who has held the role since 2012.

Coach Nils Nielsen warned Monday that Japan need "different tools" to win next year's Women's World Cup after sweeping to the Asian title with a series of barnstorming performances.

On Sunday he repeated the trick at Wembley to remind everyone that despite suggestions his powers are on the wane, he remains the master at delivering silverware.

Argentine superstar Messi netted the equalizer off a free kick in the 61st minute and Brazilian defender Micael headed home the game winner in the 74th.

After the Catalan giants edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 earlier on, Madrid ensured the gap to the champions stayed at four points by beating Diego Simeone's side at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Pep Guardiola believes Sunday's League Cup final against Arsenal is the acid test of his side's "level" as Manchester City aim to get their season back on track.

World Cup-winning legend Ronaldinho has launched a scathing attack on Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti for dropping Neymar from the national squad, insisting the 34-year-old Santos winger remains superior to most players currently wearing the Seleção jersey.

Garcia, 24, has kept 11 clean sheets in 22 La Liga games.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had included Alisson in the squad announced on Thursday, but the Liverpool keeper will be replaced by Corinthians’ Hugo Souza, the federation added.

Michael Carrick described the inconsistency of penalty decisions in Manchester United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth as "crazy" after his side twice blew a lead on Friday.

A tournament that has smashed attendance records from all previous editions will conclude with a bumper crowd at Stadium Australia in a dream final for local fans and organisers.

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States, who are co-hosting the June 11-July 19 tournament with Mexico and Canada.