Kurtis W. Larson
Toronto Sun
Toronto, ON, Canada
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Top 10 storylines from World Cup
The top 10 storylines from a World Cup many describe as the best in history. …1. SO VAR, SO GOODThe biggest talking point entering this World Cup didn’t concern a player or team or even the location of the tournament. → Read More
Russians proud to show off their country at World Cup
MOSCOW — The “best ever” World Cup was about more than showcasing football.FIFA president Gianni Infantino claims it served to change the perception surrounding a country outsiders were, and still might be, skeptical of. → Read More
LARSON: World Cup referee Nestor Pitana at centre of French victory over Croatia
MOSCOW — Piercing whistles reverberated off the ceiling inside Luzhniki Stadium after referee Nestor Pitana inexplicably stopped a promising Croatian attack. → Read More
Football purists oppose decision to expand World Cup
MOSCOW — Football elitists continue to lament FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup field.Top boss Gianni Infantino was asked to explain the pending move to 48 teams during his closing media availability ahead of Sunday’s final. → Read More
WORLD CUP: Ex-ref Howard Webb reflects on heated 2010 finale
MOSCOW — While the world dissected Howard Webb, the English referee was conversing with his assistants.“I remember saying to my assistants over the radio, ‘This is not going as planned. This is not what we expected,” Webb told the Toronto Sun prior to this World Cup. → Read More
CPL forges ahead, adding team in Hamilton
The Canadian Premier League officially grew to six teams Thursday night with the addition of Hamilton’s Forge FC.Hamilton’s new soccer club will play at Tim Hortons Field, with seating capacity capped at 14,000 during the league’s inaugural season. → Read More
WORLD CUP NOTES: The curious case of Kalinic’s Croatian dismissal
SAINT PETERSBURG — The confusing dismissal of Nikola Kalinic is even more relevant now that Croatia is in the World Cup final.Croatia’s 30-year-old striker was sent packing following Croatia’s opening win over Nigeria when coach Zlatko Dalic said his player refused to enter as a se... → Read More
WORLD CUP: Croatia reliving the thrill of 1998 World Cup run
SAINT PETERSBURG — There’s a kind of privilege associated with hailing from a football behemoth. There’s no need to revel in your history.If you’re French, for instance, you expect to be in contention at every major finals. → Read More
WORLD CUP: ‘No one would give in’ for tired Croatia
SAINT PETERSBURG — France doesn’t just have the benefit of an extra day’s rest.Ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final, Les Bleus know they’ll meet a Croatian side that has played three consecutive extra-time games en route to the final. → Read More
LARSON: England will lament missed opportunity
SAINT PETERSBURG — What-ifs were on coach Gareth Southgate’s mind long before Wednesday night’s 2-1 extra-time loss to Croatia.What if things don’t “fall as kindly” at future World Cups, he pondered aloud last week. → Read More
WORLD CUP NOTES: Mbappe draws praise from England great Ferdinand
SAINT PETERSBURG — There was a roar here Tuesday night whenever Kylian Mbappe got on the ball.It was somewhat dull. Mbappe doesn’t yet have the pedigree of a Lionel Messi. → Read More
LARSON: Umtiti helps France rise over Belgium in Cup semifinal
SAINT PETERSBURG — It took an injury to Raphael Varane, another injury to Jeremy Mathieu and a suspension to Adil Rami for French centreback Samuel Umtiti to get his chance. → Read More
England’s Henderson faces stiff challenge versus Croatia, Modric
SAINT PETERSBURG — England’s Jordan Henderson could end up being the one of the best in the world at his position.On Wednesday, though, he’s facing someone who already is. → Read More
LARSON: England vs. Croatia tale of the tape
The Sun’s Kurt Larson might be on the ground in Saint Petersburg, but he still found time to break down Wednesday’s other semifinal between England and Croatia, a pair of sides deemed long-shots to reach this point of the competition. → Read More
LARSON: Russian coach Cherchesov offered a little bit of everything at this World Cup
MOSCOW — There was something alluring about Stanislav Cherchesov at this World Cup.Russia’s no-nonsense bench boss fostered an us-against-them mentality his players relished. → Read More
LARSON: Belgium comes full circle ahead of World Cup semifinal
MOSCOW — Felipe Scolari recalls the "final" before the actual final when he reflects back on Brazil’s last World Cup title. Felipao, as he’s affectionally known, guided a 2002 Brazilian squad loaded with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and Kaka to wins over England and Germany ... → Read More
WORLD CUP NOTEBOOK: England a top side in the world? Southgate says not yet
MOSCOW — England has yet to prove it’s a top side in the world, according to coach Gareth Southgate.Despite being in the Last Four of a World Cup, the Three Lions’ path to get to this point still leaves plenty up for debate when you consider they’ve yet to face a World Cup-wi... → Read More
WORLD CUP NOTES: Parity has made this World Cup fantastic
NIZHNY NOVGOROD — Victor Montagliani’s right.This has been the best World Cup in modern history because of the parity.The former CSA boss-turned CONCACAF head honcho told the Toronto Sun last week this World Cup has been the best argument for a 48-team World Cup. → Read More
LARSON: The new England is humble, likeable and could finally win a World Cup
NIZHNY NOVGOROD — Some called the FA arrogant.Others just mocked England after its shocking loss to Iceland at the 2016 Euro.It was easy to laugh at ex-coach Roy Hodgson’s post-game explanation: “These things happen,” he said in a prepared statement. → Read More
LARSON: Muslera error ends Uruguay’s golden era
NIZHNY NOVGOROD — Then just 23 years old, Luis Suarez started alongside Uruguayan legend Diego Forlan when Los Charruas opened the 2010 World Cup. → Read More