Videos Live Scores Podcasts Opinion Interviews Business of Sport Inside Story Football Cricket Tennis Formula One Golf NBA UFC UAE Racquet Sports Fitness

Daily Digest: Romelu Lukaku scores twice as Belgium ease to World Cup warm-up win

Sport360 staff

08:16 12/06/2018

Hey everyone, it’s David Cooper here giving you a bitesize look at the sporting world this morning.

TOP STORY

Romelu Lukaku gave England something to think about as he warmed up for the World Cup with two goals in Belgium’s 4-1 win over Costa Rica.

That took his tally to 13 goals in the last nine international games, as he also provided an assist, and will be Belgium’s main threat in what should be the group decider against Gareth Southgate’s side on June 28.

Dries Mertens and Michy Batshuayi also scored for Roberto Martinez’s men after Bryan Ruiz had put Costa Rica ahead.

That proved to be enough for Martinez’s men as they signed off ahead of their World Cup opener with Panama next Monday.

Read our player ratings from the match.

FOOTBALL

Brazil striker Neymar insists the five-time champions are dreaming of winning the World Cup again in Paris.

The PSG forward scored his 50th international goal during their 3-0 win over Austria on Saturday.

Elsewhere, Lionel Messi said his international future will be determined by his country’s performances at the World Cup in Russia.

Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final, before suffering successive defeats at the Copa America 2015 and 2016.

CRICKET

England’s limited-overs schedule will truly kick into gear with a one-day international series against Australia.

Eoin Morgan’s side will play five matches in the space of 15 days against the tourists, who are back in action for the first time since the calamitous tour of South Africa earlier this year.

REGIONAL

West Asia Champions Jebel Ali Dragons have announced the sensational appointment of former Wales and Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips as their new director of rugby.

The 35-year-old, who only retired in 2017 and quickly moved out to the UAE, will replace Henry Paul who left the club last month to take up a coaching role with Canada.

FEATURE OF THE DAY

Our man Matt Monaghan reviews how Brazil are shaping up for World Cup 2018 now that their final friendlies are out of the way

Brazil line-up before Austria win.

 

More from other

ONE Fight Night 22: Turkey’s Hilal Amir has sights set on ONE Championship Gold

From Morocco to Abu Dhabi: Zakaria El Jamari’s incredible martial arts journey

French-Algerian Anissa Meksen gets chance to be first to claim new ONE Championship gold

Adrian Lee’s ONE Championship debut confirmed as he looks to further family legacy

NBA 3X ABU DHABI an unparalleled success with legends LaMarcus Aldridge and James Worthy in attendance

ONE Friday Fights 59: French-Algerian looks to maintain KO momentum in headliner

Most Popular