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African sides break records during FIFA World Cup group stage

Is it too soon for us to be talking about 'progress' for African teams at the World Cup?

23hEd Dove
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

ESPN's alternative African World Cup group stage dream team

What about players who could have represented African nations but instead opted to feature for other international sides at the highest level?

21hEd Dove

TOP HEADLINES

2022 FIFA World Cup

Messi, Argentina hold off Australia but who'll step up if Di Maria remains out?

Argentina have settled on their midfield trio but the nervy win over Australia showed that Lionel Messi could have used some help in the attack.

6hTom Hamilton
ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images

Dream over: Footballing gods, and Messi, send valiant Australia packing

It may have been billed as David vs. Goliath, but Australia pushed Argentina all the way on Saturday -- until a moment of divine intervention.

6hJoey Lynch

Salazar not convinced Argentina can take down Netherlands

Sebastian Salazar reacts to an underwhelming Argentina win vs. Australia in the round of 16.

6h
1:03

    NETHERLANDS OUST USA

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    Dutch win vindicates Van Gaal's style, whether he wants it or not

    In the group stage, Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal was criticised for his team's "boring" play. That "boring" play just took them to the quarters.

    8hRob Dawson
    Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images

    The US accomplished a lot in Qatar, but left everyone wanting more

    Did the US deserve to make the quarterfinals? No, but they showed that they could, and that potential captivated a wide audience watching back home.

    9hSam Borden
    JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images

    Gomez: USA tactics naive in loss to Netherlands

    Herc Gomez feels Louis van Gaal tactically outmanaged Gregg Berhalter in USA's exit from the Qatar World Cup at the last 16 stage.

    9h
    1:46

    TRANSFERS

    Transfer Talk: Chelsea snub has Inter planning Lukaku loan extension

    Chelsea reportedly has no interest Romelu Lukaku returning to the club, so Inter have asked for a loan extension. Transfer Talk has the latest.

    4hNick Judd
    (Photo by Richard Sellers/Getty Images)

    Why every club wants to sign Rafael Leao

    The Portugal and AC Milan forward is arguably the most-coveted attacking player in the world.

    7dTor-Kristian Karlsen

    FIFA WORLD CUP

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    Koulibaly key to Senegal's hopes of shocking England

    If the injured Sadio Mane is Senegal's star player, Kalidou Koulibaly is the cement and will be crucial to their hopes of beating England..

    16hRob Dawson
    Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

    Form vs. loyalty: England's World Cup selection issues

    Gareth Southgate has an issue ahead of England's World Cup knockout game with Senegal: pick players on form or past international performance?

    18hJames Olley

    FIFA WORLD CUP DAILY

    Playstation, rotating DJs, and 'foot-golf': How France relax at the World Cup

    France coach Didier Deschamps is determined to have a happy camp at the World Cup, and his squad has everything it needs to relax away from games.

    17hJulien Laurens
    FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images

    FIFA WORLD CUP

    What's it like being club-less at a World Cup? Ronaldo and only few others know

    Ronaldo is part of a rare group: World Cup players without a club to call home. For some players it's a distraction; for others, it's motivation.

    18hTom Hamilton
    Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

    World Cup last 16: Why Senegal, Morocco and every other team left can win FIFA World Cup

    With the knockout stage set, we break down all 16 teams' strengths and weaknesses when it comes to winning it all.

    1dBill Connelly
    2022 FIFA World Cup

    Son steps up as South Korea's late win sends Uruguay out and sums up wild World Cup

    South Korea were heading out of the World Cup until the 91st minute. Then everything changed as Hwang Hee-chan put them through on goals scored.

    1dRob Dawson
    Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    South Korea replicate Germany win from 2018 over Portugal -- this time with tears of joy rather than despair

    Just like four years ago, South Korea ended their World Cup group-stage campaign in tears -- but this time they were borne out of joy.

    1dGabriel Tan

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