Pogba dedicates France win to rescued Thai boys

France midfielder Paul Pogba dedicated his side’s World Cup 1-0 semi-final win over Belgium to the 12 Thai boys who were rescued from a flooded cave along with their coach. “This victory goes to the heroes of the day, well done boys, you are so strong,” Pogba wrote on his official Twitter account after Samuel Umtiti’s headed goal put France in Sunday’s World Cup final.

EAST BENGAL SIGN COSTA RICA’S JOHNNY ZAMORA

East Bengal announced the signing of Costa Rican defender Johnny Acosta Zamora, who was part of his national team’s campaign in Russia. “East Bengal are one of the biggest clubs of India with a very rich heritage. I want to deliver my best for my new club and be part of Indian football,” said the 34-year-old Acosta, who played in all their three group matches in Russia.

Russia’s Zhirkov announces retirement

Russia midfielder Yuri Zhirkov has retired from international football, saying he “does not have enough energy to play at this level”. The 34-year-old was a stand-out performer as the World Cup hosts defied gloomy pre-tournament predictions to reach the last eight before bowing out to Croatia on a penalty shoot-out, a match Zhirkov missed due to concerns over a calf injury. He says now is the right time to take a step back having won 87 caps for his country. “The latest injury was the final signal. I’ve had no time for my family and children and this was another summer without a vacation,” he said.

RB McCoy reportedly hires defense attorney

Running back LeSean McCoy of the Buffalo Bills reportedly has hired a prominent attorney as police investigate a home invasion in Milton, Ga., in which his ex-girlfriend was assaulted.

As per reports, attorney McCoy will represent McCoy, who has not been charged or even mentioned by authorities as a suspect. Samuel, who defended former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis during  his 2000 murder trial in Atlanta, said he is “getting up to speed” on the case and added that he will be speaking with the Milton Police Department. McCoy’s former girlfriend, Delicia Cordon was bruised and bloodied in what Milton Police called a “targeted” home invasion early Tuesday morning.

 “Home Ministry has cleared Pak’participation,” WFI

Decks have been cleared for the participation of Pakistani grapplers at the Asian Junior Championship after the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) agreed to give an undertaking that the movement of the contingent from the neighboring nation will be restricted to the competition venue.  “We got a call from a Home Ministry official that wrestlers from Pakistan can come to India and compete. They will be granted visas,” said WFI assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. “We have to give an undertaking that Pakistani wrestlers do not go anywhere except their hotel and the venue.”

Lanka spinner may quit after England series

Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath might retire from international cricket after the three match Test series against England in November, the left-arm spinner said. Herath has notched up 418 wickets in 90 Tests and is the country’s highest wicket-taker after Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 800 Test wickets to his name. “Maybe my final series will be the England series later in the year,” the 40-year-old said. “There comes a time for every cricketer, when they have to stop playing.”

India bag four medals at Asian Archery, finish third

 India bagged three silver medals and a bronze to finish joint-third with Iran behind toppers Korea and hosts Chinese Taipei in the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament Stage 3 at Chinese Taipei. On the concluding day, the men’s recurve team won silver before Divya Dhayal finished second in the compound category. The women’s recurve team defeated Japan 6-2 to win a bronze.

Pak opener Shehzad faces ban on failed drug test  

 Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has failed a drug test conducted during a domestic tournament in April and could face a ban of up to four years.  The offence is the latest in a long litany of Pakistani players charged with doping, and is a severe blow to the 26-year-old’s stuttering career.