Coach Nils Nielsen warned Monday that Japan need "different tools" to win next year's Women's World Cup after sweeping to the Asian title with a series of barnstorming performances.

On Sunday he repeated the trick at Wembley to remind everyone that despite suggestions his powers are on the wane, he remains the master at delivering silverware.

Argentine superstar Messi netted the equalizer off a free kick in the 61st minute and Brazilian defender Micael headed home the game winner in the 74th.

After the Catalan giants edged Rayo Vallecano 1-0 earlier on, Madrid ensured the gap to the champions stayed at four points by beating Diego Simeone's side at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Pep Guardiola believes Sunday's League Cup final against Arsenal is the acid test of his side's "level" as Manchester City aim to get their season back on track.

World Cup-winning legend Ronaldinho has launched a scathing attack on Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti for dropping Neymar from the national squad, insisting the 34-year-old Santos winger remains superior to most players currently wearing the Seleção jersey.

Garcia, 24, has kept 11 clean sheets in 22 La Liga games.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti had included Alisson in the squad announced on Thursday, but the Liverpool keeper will be replaced by Corinthians’ Hugo Souza, the federation added.

Michael Carrick described the inconsistency of penalty decisions in Manchester United's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth as "crazy" after his side twice blew a lead on Friday.

A tournament that has smashed attendance records from all previous editions will conclude with a bumper crowd at Stadium Australia in a dream final for local fans and organisers.

Iran's participation in the World Cup as a whole is under a cloud because of the ongoing conflict with the United States, who are co-hosting the June 11-July 19 tournament with Mexico and Canada.

A report by the disciplinary committee of world football's governing body found the IFA "failed to take meaningful action against Beitar Jerusalem" for "persistent and well-documented racist behaviour".

Michael Carrick has told his Manchester United side to ready themselves for an awkward encounter away to Bournemouth on Friday as they look to maintain their challenge for a Champions League place.

North Korea reached their first Women's World Cup since 2011 on Thursday with the Philippines also securing a spot at the global showpiece in Brazil next year.

Argentina have named their squad for the upcoming international window, with all eyes on Lionel Messi as the world champions gear up for their final preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Galatasaray's Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen broke his right arm in the Champions League defeat to Liverpool with Dutch international Noa Lang set to undergo surgery on his thumb, the Turkish club confirmed Thursday.

While Australia have had to fight hard to reach the final, it has been a far easier ride for Japan.

"It will be a tough game tomorrow. They're a physical team, aggressive man-to-man, in transition they are fast players," said Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.

Most of the damage for Pep Guardiola's men was inflicted last week in a 3-0 first leg defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"The intensity has improved, but more intensity does not always mean more spectacle."