James Horncastle

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James Horncastle

Everywhere you look, Boca. Everything you hear, Boca. Wherever you go, Boca. When Miguel Merentiel collected his Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award after Monday’s 2-2 draw, he suggested the club’s fans would follow the team even further than the Club World Cup. “If we went to the moon, the Boca fans would be there,” he said. “They are always supporting us.”Rooting for their team, getting behind him. Better players have played up front for Boca than Merentiel.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James Horncastle |Jack Lang

Michael Olise’s late goal ensured Bayern Munich beat Boca Juniors despite a wonderful individual goal from Miguel Merentiel to become the first European team to qualify for the knockout stages at the Club World Cup. Bayern could have been 3-0 up after 20 minutes with Olise’s Olimpico (a goal direct from a corner) disallowed by VAR and Kingsley Coman missing an open goal from inside the six-yard box either side of Harry Kane’s 18th-minute strike.

1 week ago | theconversation.com | James Horncastle

As the war between Israel and Iran escalates, Israel is increasing its calls on the United States to become involved in the conflict. Former Israeli officials are appearing on U.S. news outlets, exhorting the American public to support Israel’s actions. President Donald Trump has signalled a willingness for the U.S. to become involved in the conflict. He’s gone so far, in fact, to suggest in social media posts that he could kill Iran’s supreme leader if he wanted to.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James Horncastle

Flashing around the pitch at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami was advertising for a sponsor FIFA partnered with only at the beginning of June. “Invested in better” circled the Real Madrid and Al-Hilal players on a hot and humid afternoon in Miami Gardens. It is the mission statement of PIF, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which also paid $1bn for a 10% stake in host broadcaster DAZN back in the spring. PIF hasn’t only put up the money for this tournament — it has provided a team too.

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James Horncastle |Dermot Corrigan |Conor O'Neill

Real Madrid missed a late penalty as Simone Inzaghi’s Al-Hilal produced an excellent performance to secure a 1-1 draw in their opening game at the Club World Cup. Madrid’s young centre forward Gonzalo Garcia broke the deadlock after a neat passing move in first half, which came moments after their new coach Xabi Alonso had issued instructions to his team at a first-half cooling break. Then Ruben Neves levelled from the penalty spot for Al Hilal shortly before the break.