England Crush Croatia, But Not as Easily as the Score Suggests

The 2026 World Cup has begun, and the first big Balkan casualty is Croatia. England celebrated 4:2, with two goals from Harry Kane and one from Jude Bellingham, who was pale in the first half, then came alive in the second. But the number lies about how close it was: Croatia carried the fight through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa, while England's center-backs Stones and Konsa looked fragile the whole time. In the end it was the class of the attack that decided it, not dominance. Croatia again showed they can play shoulder to shoulder with the biggest - the only question is whether that's enough when they don't have such a bench behind them.

Vardar Prepare in Italy, and the Mayor of Norcia Hosts a Reception

The Macedonian champions Vardar moved their preparations to Norcia, Italy, ahead of the start of the new season and the challenges of the domestic and international scene. Besides the training, the team was received by the mayor of the Italian town - a gesture that looks good in a photo. Preparations abroad sound serious, but the real test isn't a reception at the town hall, but how the team looks once the points start. Until then, every press photo is a promise, not a result.

Bosnia Fell Apart in the Last 15 Minutes Against Switzerland

Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered a convincing defeat to Switzerland 4:1 in the second round of the group stage. The most painful part is that the Bosnians held up well until the 74th minute, at moments were even the better side - and then everything fell apart after Manzambi's goal and a red card that left them a man down. Still, the chances for the next round aren't dead. The Balkans know this story all too well: you play well until the moment it matters most, and then the concentration drops exactly when it mustn't.

Real Madrid Sign Konaté for Free, With Mourinho on the Bench

Real Madrid announced the signing of French center-back Ibrahima Konaté, who arrives at the end of the month for free on the expiry of his Liverpool contract. The deal runs until 2030. Negotiations with Liverpool over a new contract collapsed - he wanted a wage reflecting his importance, the club wanted a wage tied to form, and neither gave ground. Behind the whole move stands José Mourinho, Real's new manager, who is building a team capable of taking the title from Barcelona. Konaté is the fourth summer signing - a free player with 183 Liverpool appearances isn't turned down.