International Soccer

One section of Azadi Stadium in Tehran burst with colors, enthusiasm, joy and revelry.

The rest of the stadium echoed, empty and still.

The first men’s soccer match attended by women in Iran in nearly four decades was a stark reminder of where fans have come from and where they still have to go.

Iran smashed Cambodia 14-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, but the match was of little significance compared to what happened in the stands at Azadi Stadium. 

You just can’t escape Liverpool these days, even during the international break, which can’t end soon enough.

Liverpool has won 17 straight Premier League matches, a run that includes winning the Champions League trophy at the end of last season. The Reds are already eight points clear of Manchester City atop the league table and look poised to run away with the title. 

When the Hong Kong national team hosted Iran in a World Cup qualifier in September, fans of the home side showed support for Iranian women, who are still fighting for the right to attend soccer matches in their home country. Even amidst the region’s turmoil and unrest with massive protests staged against the Chinese government, the fans found room to empathize with their opponents. 

When Germany and Italy lineup in international play, you stop what you’re doing and take notice — even if the players on show are in their 40s, 50s and 60s. On Monday, a team of Azzurri Legends — with a starting XI comprised entirely of ’82 and ’06 World Cup-winners — played against a team of Germany All-Stars in Fürth. 

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The England national team has collectively agreed it will leave any match if any player is subject to racial abuse from fans.

The Three Lions' next two matches will be in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, where the team has previously suffered from abuse.

Manager Gareth Southgate called a meeting Monday night with all English players to discuss the possibility of another racial attack.

Players have sometime taken matters into their own hands and left the pitch in the midst of a match.

To whomever says Lionel Messi lacks character, isn’t a leader or doesn’t care about his country, Ángel Di María would like you to know you’re dead wrong.

Speaking with ESPN Argentina this week, Di María said Lionel Messi left the Argentina players in tears after an emotional speech following La Albiceleste’s exit from the 2019 Copa América this summer.

Uli Hoeneß is acting like a child, threatening to take his toys and go home if he doesn’t get his way: The Bayern Munich president is suggesting a Germany boycott if his players don’t receive preferential treatment.

The German national team has been embroiled in a goalkeeper debate of late. While Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer is the long-term No. 1 keeper, many believe Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen deserves more opportunities.

UEFA made some far-reaching decisions during a meeting of its executive committee on Tuesday in Slovenia. In addition to determining the future Champions League final locations, European soccer’s governing body made changes to the UEFA Nations League, decided to finally introduce VAR in competitions other than the biggest men’s tournaments and promoted women’s rights.

New Zealand opened its 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign with a 23-13 victory over South Africa on Saturday in Yokohama, Japan, and it's easy to see why the All Blacks are favorites to win the tournament for a third straight time.

I’m not talking about their play out there — I didn’t wake up at 4:45 a.m. to watch it — I’m talking about their first haka. I’m no rugby expert but I don’t think anyone is going to beat these guys. I’m looking at the schedule now and next up is Canada on Oct. 2. Send all your thoughts and prayers to Canada.