APRNEWS - FIFA president Infantino praised the group and historic knock-out phase: "Put very simply and very clearly, this has been the best group stage of a World Cup, ever. So it's very promising for the remainder of the World Cup. But the matches have been of great, great quality in beautiful stadiums - we knew that already - however, as well, the public who was there was incredible", he said joyrfully.

"Over 51,000 on average. Record-breaking figures on TV - we already had over two billion viewers, which is really incredible. The level is very, very equal." 

Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane scored as they opened the new Bundesliga season with a demolition of Schalke.

Leroy Sane, making his debut after a £44.7m move from Manchester City, assisted two of Gnabry's goals.

Hansi Flick's side have won 22 games in a row.

Robert Lewandowski, Leon Goretzka, Thomas Muller and 17-year-old Jamal Musiala scored their other goals.

REUTERS - A soccer fan blacklisted by Russian authorities for bad behavior was granted a document allowing him to attend World Cup matches, while several other fans have skirted a stadium ban, Reuters has found.