CROATIA

Tournament organizers say Rafael Nadal is aiming to make his comeback from a hip injury at the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters next month.

Real Madrid defender David Alaba has been racially abused on social media after voting for Lionel Messi and Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić has accused FIFA of disrespect in fallout from the soccer body’s annual awards ceremony.

Bulgaria was planning to adopt the euro in 2024 in a bid to boost living standards in the bloc’s poorest member state. Along with Croatia, Bulgaria joined an exchange rate mechanism in preparation in 2020. But it fell behind Croatia, which became the euro area’s 20th member this year, and then abandoned the timetable entirely in February, citing continued political instability.

Europe’s inflation rate has dipped at the start of the year, giving some relief to consumers but still leaving them facing higher prices.

Bulgaria is planning to adopt the euro in 2024, further integrating into the European Union’s financial system in a bid to boost living standards in the bloc’s poorest member state. Along with Croatia, Bulgaria joined an exchange rate mechanism in preparation in 2020. But it fell behind Croatia, which became the euro area’s 20th member this year. And even Bulgaria’s less-ambitious timetable is in peril as political instability complicates progress toward clearing the remaining hurdles.

Croatia's president said Friday that efforts by the European Union to uphold democratic standards in member countries threatened to tear the bloc apart, and condemned EU efforts to financially penalize Hungary for its alleged breaches of rule of law standards. President Zoran Milanović made the statements during a news conference in Hungary's capital Budapest following talks with his Hungarian counterpart Katalin Novák. Milanović echoed frequent Hungarian criticism of the EU, saying the bloc was overreaching in its powers over member states and that this excessive control had precipitated Brexit and driven the United Kingdom out.

The European Union's border and coast guard agency says that the number of attempts by migrants to enter Europe without authorization reached around 330,000 last year.

The country committed to joining the eurozone when it became the EU's newest member in 2013.

Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory over France in the World Cup finals on Sunday, Dec. 18. See photos from the close match and fans' reactions to the game's outcome.

Who were the standout performers of the 2022 FIFA World Cup? Our analysts form their best XI.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé head the selections for the team of the tournament as chosen by writers covering the World Cup for The Associated Press.

Luka Modrić led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great's last appearance at the World Cup. It is the second time Croatia has taken third place.

Morocco’s fans in the Arab world are taking the North African team’s 2-1 loss to Croatia in the World Cup third-place playoff philosophically.

Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 Saturday in the third-place game of the World Cup. "World Cup Now" broke down Croatia's run on Saturday.

Four years after finishing as the World Cup runner-up, Croatia became the sixth nation to finish third multiple times at a men's World Cup.

Croatia defeated Morocco in the World Cup third-place match on Saturday, scoring two goals in the first half to win 2-1. Morocco was the first African nation to reach the semifinals.

Luka Modric led Croatia to third place in what was likely the midfield great’s last appearance at the World Cup.

The World Cup continues Saturday on FOX with Croatia taking on Morocco for third place. Here are the top plays!

Croatia and Morocco will face off Saturday for a third-place finish in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Here's everything you need to know about the match.

The tournament in Qatar has been described by FIFA president Gianni Infantino as the “best World Cup ever.”.

Croatia and Morocco resent the idea that Saturday's match for third place the World Cup is a throw-away game.

FIFA expects to earn $11 billion through 2026 with a 48-team men’s World Cup in North America set to deliver a huge rise in revenue.

The chances of the winning the World Cup might have gone for Croatia and Morocco but “immortality” is at stake when the two teams meet in the third-place playoff.

Argentina’s national carrier has scheduled two extra flights from Buenos Aires to Qatar to take soccer fans to the World Cup final.

France and Morocco will face off at 2 p.m. ET at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Kohr, Qatar, for a date with Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final.

With a strong young core to build upon, Croatia can start to plan for the next steps without iconic midfielder Luka Modrić.

Lionel Messi and Argentina are back in the World Cup final, giving the superstar another chance at ultimate glory. Here's how social media reacted!

Lionel Messi will play in the World Cup final for the second time in his career. Here's everything that happened in the World Cup today.

Luka Modric pulled his shirt up over his face as he trudged over to the sideline.

Lionel Messi and Argentina are back in the World Cup final, giving the superstar another chance at ultimate glory. Here's how social media reacted!

Julián Álvarez carried Argentina into another World Cup final with his surging runs and a striker’s instinct.

A 3-0 win over Croatia on Tuesday sets up a meeting with either France or Morocco in Sunday’s title match.

Lionel Messi will have one last chance to secure a World Cup in his illustrious career after helping defeat Croatia in the semifinals, 3-0, on Tuesday.

It will be Lionel Messi's second World Cup final — Argentina lost the other one to Germany in 2014 — in what might be his last appearance at the tournament.

Once again, Messi was front and center of everything for Argentina in its 3-0 World Cup semifinal victory over Croatia. This night was about him, because it always is.

Argentina beat Croatia 3-0 to advance to the World Cup finals for a fifth time - and giving star forward Messi a chance to win his first title. Argentina will play either France or Morocco on Sunday.

Lionel Messi is back in the World Cup final with Argentina on his mission to win soccer’s biggest prize for the first time.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup continues Tuesday on FOX with Argentina taking on Croatia in the semifinals. Here are the top plays!

Julian Alvarez has scored to give Argentina a 3-0 lead over Croatia in the World Cup semifinals.

Argentina and Croatia are both hungry to get back to the World Cup final and they will meet in the semifinal on Tuesday in one of the biggest matchups yet.

There is still plenty of talent remaining among the four nations battling for a World Cup title. Here are 10 fans need to be concerned with.

Lionel Messi isn't the only fading star chasing World Cup glory — Luka Modrić also wants to end his international career on the highest of highs.

Find out how you can try your luck at winning two separate $10,000 jackpots playing the FOX Bet Super 6 World Cup semifinals challenge!

Our experts analyzed the game and made France vs. Morocco predictions, so let’s dive into their analysis with odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook. How to bet on Under 2.5 & France to Qualify at FanDuel SportsbookOur experts’ France vs. Morocco predictions involve France to Qualify and for the game to feature under 2.5 goals after 90 minutes. You can fade or follow this prediction if you register for a new account at FanDuel Sportsbook through this link. France vs. Morocco odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook for Wednesday, 12/14Our experts backed their France vs. Morocco pick at FanDuel, but if you already have an account, sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook instead. Sign up for a new account at DraftKings, and you can win $150 in free bets off a successful $5 money line wager on Wednesday’s France vs. Morocco matchup.

These are the 10 players that can make the biggest impact on their teams as the World Cup semifinals get underway.

Here's how to bet the Argentina-Croatia match, from the moneyline, draw, Over/Under total odds and an expert pick from Jason McIntyre

The magnitude of Croatia’s win against Brazil wasn't lost on its coach Zlatko Dalić.

Brazil coach Tite confirmed following Friday's quarterfinal loss to Croatia that he has stepped down after six years in charge of the Seleção.

Croatia continues to play up to its competition while Lionel Messi keeps Argentina in contention. Here’s everything that happened at the World Cup on Friday.

Brazil soccer fans have been shocked into silence back home after the national team was eliminated by Croatia from the World Cup.

Brazil soccer fans were shocked into silence back home after the national team was eliminated by Croatia from the World Cup on Friday. The mood in Sao Paolo and Rio Janeiro was festive at first after Neymar put Brazil ahead in extra time. Wearing a giant hat in Brazil's yellow and green colors, 34-year-old engineer Sergio Faria watched the match at a bar in downtown Sao Paulo.

The World Cup betting favorites are out! Title odds are on the move after Croatia stunned Brazil on Friday. Read to see how the markets shifted.

The slippery hips of Luka Modric wriggled away from danger.

Croatia will next face either Argentina or the Netherlands.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup continues with the Netherlands taking on Argentina in the quarterfinals. Here are Friday's top plays!

Croatia beat the five-time champions 4-2 in a penalty shootout to reach the semifinals for the second straight time.

Neymar's brilliant goal gave Brazil the lead in extra time, but Croatia had some magic up its sleeve, and goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was again brilliant in the shootout.

Croatia does it again - winning a penalty kick shootout to advance to the semifinals for the second World Cup, eliminating Brazil. Croatia's defense stymied the 5-time champions the entire match.

Neymar has moved into a tie with Pelé as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 77 goals.

Croatia knocked Brazil out of the World Cup by beating the five-time champions 4-2 in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup continues Friday on FOX with Croatia taking on Brazil in the quarterfinals. Here are the top plays!

The quarterfinals in the 2022 FIFA World Cup are set to begin on Friday, with some favorites looking to punch their ticket to the final four. In their two World Cup meetings, Brazil has beaten Croatia in group-stage matches, with Croatia having never beaten the Brazilians in any form of competition. Watch the FIFA World Cup on FuboTV (Free Trial) and PeacockNETHERLANDS vs. ARGENTINAArgentina is definitely playing like a team that wants to help their superstar make one more run at a World Cup title. Argentina took down the Netherlands in the 2014 semifinal, though the teams have split the five meetings in the World Cup. Watch the FIFA World Cup on FuboTV (Free Trial) and PeacockFind the full schedule and standings on FIFA.com

Croatia isn't lacking in confidence going into its quarterfinal matchup with Brazil, who many consider to be the favorites to win the World Cup.

The quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup begin Friday. Favorites France, Brazil, Argentina are through - as is England, the Netherlands and 2018 finalist Croatia along with Morocco taking on Portugal.

European Union countries are to weigh whether Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia can fully open their borders and participate in Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone

Here's how to bet the Croatia-Brazil match, from the moneyline, draw, Over/Under total odds and expert pick from Doug McIntyre.

Ukraine says bloody packages sent to its embassies bore the address of a German Tesla dealership.

There’s no contest between Brazil and Croatia in terms of pupulation.

Croatia defeated Japan, 3-1, in a shootout to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals where they will take on tournament favorite Brazil.

The "World Cup Now" crew broke down which player they believe was most instrumental in Croatia's knockout win over Japan.

Croatia's Dominik Livaković made three critical saves in the penalty-kick shootout to turn back Japan in a thrilling round of 16 contest.

Croatia is going deep at another World Cup and the team is taking the long route once again.

Croatia advanced to the last 16 of the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Belgium.

Belgium’s “Golden Generation” meets Croatia’s accomplished veterans in a decisive World Cup match on Thursday.

Andrej Kramaric scored a pair of goals and Croatia crushed Canada’s hopes of advancing at its first World Cup in 36 years with a 4-1 victory.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has downplayed Qatar’s last minute ban on the sale of beer at World Cup stadiums as nothing more than a brief inconvenience to spectators.

Croatia and the Netherlands finished warming up for the World Cup in style by winning their last Nations League games to qualify for the Final Four tournament next year.

Reaction to Roger Federer’s announcement that he will retire from tennis after the Laver Cup in London next week.

The Slovenian army has started removing a razor wire fence on the border with Croatia that was put up to curb migrant crossings after more than a million people fleeing violence and poverty entered Europe in a huge migration wave in 2015.

Slovenian police say they have detained a Syrian man for illegally transporting migrants, as the country’s foreign minister says the dismantling of a razor wire on the border with Croatia will start soon.

Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell have won the men’s doubles title at Wimbledon.

When you’re on this cruise, winter is certainly not coming.

When you’re on this cruise, winter is certainly not coming.

European Union leaders have agreed that Croatia will join the group of countries using the euro currency next year.

Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador and Jean-Julien Rojer of Netherlands won the French Open men’s doubles championship by beating Ivan Dodig of Croatia and Austin Krajicek of the U.S. 6-7 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the final.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says Croatia is ready to join the group of countries using the euro single currency at the start of next year.

When life gets too stressful, imaging that you're on vacation at an exotic remote location while drinking copious amounts of wine can be the best medicine for getting through a rough day.

Russia’s request to freeze a FIFA ban on its soccer teams ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifying playoffs has been denied.

FIFA has intervened to allow foreign players and coaches based in Russia to leave their clubs, although only for the rest of the season.

While the “will he or won’t he” question remains for No. 1 Novak Djokovic and his participation in the Australian Open the rest of the tennis world returns to work this week to prepare for the season’s first major.

Russia’s 15-year wait for a Davis Cup title has ended after another clutch performance by Daniil Medvedev.

There will be more host cities and fewer nations playing in the Davis Cup Finals next season in an attempt to increase fan engagement and keep the revamped team event sustainable.

Britain, Kazakhstan and Croatia each advanced to the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup Finals by winning their groups.

The European Union says the massive spike in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks is threatening the bloc's recovery from the deep economic slump caused by last year’s onset of the pandemic.

The European Medicines Agency says it is evaluating whether to authorize booster doses of Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine.

Spain, Serbia and Croatia are heading to next year’s World Cup.

Romania has reported a record daily number of 591 COVID-19 deaths amid a persistently low vaccination rate.

Germany's defense ministry says a company of the military’s guard battalion has been suspended from official duty amid an investigation of initiation rituals, suspected sexual abuse and far-right activity.

Summer tourism has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations in Croatia this year.

The U.S. men's water polo team surrendered three goals in the final minutes Thursday, dropping a heartbreaker to Italy in pool play at the Tokyo Olympics.