By Michael Angelo S. Murillo

PHILIPPINE side Ceres-Negros FC finds itself with some ground to cover if it is to defend its ASEAN Zonal title of the AFC Cup after being held to a 1-1 draw by Singapore’s Home United FC in the first leg of their matchup on Wednesday night at the Panaad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City.

Forced to a draw, the defending Philippines Football League champions “Busmen” must now fashion out a convincing victory in the second leg of the final next week in Singapore to be crowned ASEAN Zonal champions anew and advance to the next round of the tournament.

CERES-NEGROS FC’S standing as the most dominant football club in the country right now was further highlighted on Wednesday as it sealed its conquest of the Philippines Football League title for a second year in a row.

MOSCOW — Victorious France were set to return to a heroes’ welcome today after winning the World Cup for the second time with a roller coaster 4-2 victory over Croatia which set off chaotic celebrations at home.

While the 19-year-old is the poster boy for France’s new crop of talent, the make-up of the squad suggests they have the youth and firepower to dominate international football for years to come.

The average age of a fine back four of Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Hernandez is just 23.