Football

The Bayern Munich goalkeeper assumes the armband with immediate effect, his first game leading the national team set to be Germany's opening match of World Cup qualifying against Norway on Sunday.

Schweinsteiger's illustrious international career came to an end on Wednesday as Germany beat Finland 2-0 in Monchengladbach, the midfielder winning his 121st and final cap.

 Schweinsteiger, 32, was left in tears at a presentation before Germany's 2-0 friendly win over Finland.

The Manchester United midfielder made his Germany debut in June 2004 and ends his international career with 121 caps and 24 goals.

"It means so much that you're here today. It has been an honour to play for you," he told the crowd.

"I think you all saw how it affected me. I had just wanted to enjoy every moment, but I hadn't expected it to be so lovely."

Germany coach Horst Hrubesch has no interest in talking about Neymar, warning Brazil they needed to stop his team in the men's football final at the Rio Olympics.

Hrubesch's men have scored 21 goals on their way to Saturday's decider, with Serge Gnabry and Nils Petersen netting six apiece.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes Paul Pogba is the world's best midfielder, but does not expect the France international to produce fireworks every week. 

While Pogba became the world's most expensive transfer with his move from Juventus to United, he is not expected to score as many goals as the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. 

RNZI reports Leicester's lead over Spurs increased to eight points with four games remaining. The in-form Londoners play tomorrow at home to West Bromwich Albion.

And it was a doubly dismal day for Arsenal, after the Gunners were held to a scoreless draw at Sunderland.

Consecutive draws had all but ended Arsenal's chances of overhauling Premier League leaders Leicester City and they began the night only a point above fifth-placed Manchester United in the battle to secure Champions League football.

However, Sanchez struck twice before halftime and Arsenal were untroubled by a poor West Brom side as they registered their 500th victory in the Premier League.

The federal court in Sao Paulo announced it was issuing warrants to freeze almost $76 million worth of assets belonging to the Brazil and Barcelona striker.

They include a yacht, a jet and several properties.

Neymar has been accused of tax evasion between 2011 and 2013 and faces legal proceedings. He has denied any wrongdoing.

New Zealand won the opening leg 7-1 in Lae on Saturday and will represent Oceania at the Olympic Tournament in Rio after PNG pulled out.

FIFA were notified of PNG's withdrawal when the squad did not receive the required visas to enter New Zealand for the return match.

Oscar, Willian and Diego Costa scored the goals for caretaker manager Guus Hiddink's first official win, lifting them to 14th, six points from safety.

Tottenham lost ground on the top three as they could only draw 1-1 at Everton in this morning's other match.

Arsenal are now one point clear of previous leaders Leicester, who play fourth placed Manchester City tomorrow.

All White Winston Reid's West Ham rose to seventh with a 2-1 win over Southampton, while Tottenham climbed to third with a 2-1 victory at 10-man Watford.