After Russia high, Croatia begin season versus Portugal
ZAGREB: Still riding the wave of their historic World Cup run, Croatia are heading for a potential reality check as their new season starts with a friendly against Portugal in Faro on Thursday.
It will be the tiny Balkan nation’s first match since the side led by star midfielder Luka Modric succumbed to France in the World Cup final in July.
PEKERMAN RESIGNS
BOGOTA: Jose Pekerman has quit as Colombia manager two months after leading them to the last 16 of the World Cup in Russia, the Colombian Football Federation (FCF) said on Tuesday.
“After a meeting with Jose Nestor Pekerman, the coach has expressed his desire not to continue as the head of the national side,” the FCF said in a short statement.
Pekerman ended with a record of 42 wins, 20 draws and 16 defeats in 78 matches.
YUSUF BANNED
ABUJA: The Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday said it had banned Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf for 12 months and fined him $5,000 (4,300 euros) for receiving cash from undercover journalists posing as agents.
INRC FINAL ROUND
CHENNAI: The Indian National Racing Championship is set for the fifth and final round at the MMRT here on Friday with titles up for grabs in all categories.
The weekend will also see races in Formula 4 South-East Asia Championship and the Caterham 7 Asian Zonal Championship with drivers from Europe and Asia on the grid.