Details on World cup Qualifiers European League

European qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia resumes this week with every nation playing twice after starting their campaigns last month. AFP Sports picks out some of the highlights amid a vast array of matches:

Van Gaal on the Boxing Day ropes

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is at risk of a knockout punch as his side visit Stoke City in the weightiest fixture of the Premier League’s jam-packed Saturday programme.

Cristiano Ronaldo Is In Miami

Soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is in Miami to celebrate the holidays. Why? Well, look at him. He looks like the kind of guy who should spend his entire life sitting by a South Beach hotel pool.

Chelsea sack José Mourinho and line up Guus Hiddink to replace him

José Mourinho has been sacked by Chelsea, with the club’s former caretaker manager Guus Hiddink lined up to take over for the rest of the season.