Highlights

Russia concluded group play in the 2018 Algarve Cup without a point, losing all three matches while being outscored 7-1. A 3-0 loss to Sweden on Monday ensured the Russians finished among the bottom two of 12 national teams. But there was one positive: an exquisite rainbow by forward Marina Fedorova.

Over in Europe today, PSG strolled to victory, Juventus again won it at the death, and Tottenham and Liverpool flexed their collective muscle against relegation candidates. While it was all too predictable in the world’s premier competitions, Major League Soccer kicked off its 23rd season with the #SaveTheCrew taking it to the reigning Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup champions, Toronto FC. 

The legend of Monarcas Morelia’s Raul Ruidiaz continues to grow after the Peruvian international scored his second Liga MX golazo in the space of a week last night. Morelia defeated bottom-of-the-table Atlas 2-1 on Friday with Ruidiaz scoring the game-winner in the 45th minute.

Rodrigo Millar had given Morelia the early lead, but Atlas responded from the spot through Daniel Arreola. However, on the stroke of halftime, a spectacular 15-yard scissor kick from Ruidiaz restored Morelia’s advantage.  

After hitting a Ronaldinho-esque free kick in Barcelona’s 6-1 victory over Girona last Saturday, Lionel Messi scored his fourth direct free kick of the La Liga season to give his side an early 1-0 lead over Las Palmas on Thursday.

Messi’s rocket from 20 yards out — a free kick he earned himself after a spectacular run at the heart of the Las Palmas defense — flew into the top corner, leaving Las Palmas goalkeeper Leandro Chichizola fanning at air.

On paper, this is one of the more shocking upsets you’ll ever see in the CONCACAF Champions League. FC Dallas joined the Colorado Rapids as victims of the CCL Round of 16, leaving just Seattle and NYRB as the only remaining American representatives. But while Colorado’s defeat to Toronto FC was widely expected, Dallas’ plummet from grace continues to be a free fall.

Antoine Griezmann is simply unstoppable. He is such a complete player. He is good at dribbling and has remarkable accuracy both with his feet and head.

Moreover, he always seems to be in the right moment and place to score.

No wonder the major powerhouses in world football are rumored to be chasing after him every transfer window.

Griezman's outstanding form is also a reason for French fans to feel hopeful as the World Cup draws near.

There are goals and then there are GOLAZOS.

Solo goals, scissor kicks, team goals, you name it. There are innumerable ways to score. Pragmatists will say it doesn't matter how stunning or beautiful a goal is, even own goals count the same as the jewels only Messi could craft.

And yet, there is a certain violent charm to bangers.