German national team forced out of hotel by bomb threat

For their part, French Open officials were just hoping the Germans kept their cleats off the clay.

By 2 p.m., a little over four hours after the threat was called in, the all-clear was given and the players were able to return to the hotel.

Several Real Madrid and Spanish national team players wished the retiring Raul the best as the legend prepares to play his final competitive match this weekend.

Surprise, surprise: Landon Donovan thinks that the USMNT dropping Clint Dempsey is a bad idea. (ESPN FC)

With Wayne Rooney out against Spain, Joe Hart will serve as England’s captain in their friendly on Friday. (Guardian)

Angel Llona, who is serving as the temporary head of UEFA while Michel Platini is suspended, was one of three international football executives fined by FIFA after investigations into bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. (BBC)

Atletico Madrid forward Jackson Martinez was stretchered off after being injured while playing for Colombia against Chile. (AS)

Paul Wilson thinks that David Beckham deserves more credit for his playing days than he usually gets. (Guardian)

Iain Macintosh looks at why he thinks atmospheres in English Premier League stadiums are not anywhere near their formerly illustrious standards. (ESPN FC)

Alistair Tweedale looks at the strong English influence in the current Spanish national team. (Telegraph)

Laszlo Kleinheisler scored the game’s only goal as Hungary beat Norway 1-0 away from home in the first league of their Euro 2016 playoff tie. (ESPN FC)

A goal in each half saw Chile and Colombia battle to a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw.

Bolivia thrashed Venezuela 4-2 in World Cup qualifying, getting goals from four different players.

After Uruguay scored early in the second half to equalize, Ecuador responded quickly to earn a 2-1 win in their World Cup qualifier.

Euro 2016 playoff: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Republic of Ireland (2:45 p.m.): These two perennial underdogs go head to head in a very even matchup for one of the last few spots at Euro 2016.

Friendly: Belgium vs. Italy (2:45 p.m.): There’s nothing on the line here, but Belgium might be the toughest opponent that Antonio Conte has faced with Italy, and Belgium will be eager to prove that they deserve their first-place ranking in FIFA.

Friendly: Spain vs. England (2:45 p.m.): How is a patchwork England side going to perform against a revitalized Spain side in Spain?

Friendly: France vs. Germany (3 p.m.): This World Cup quarterfinal rematch could wind up being more fun than that exciting match was, with both teams trying to start locking in their Euro 2016 squads and tactics.

World Cup qualifying: United States vs. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (6:30 p.m.): The USMNT has a bit of a new-look squad as they get their World Cup qualifying process underway in St. Louis.

World Cup qualifying: Argentina vs. Brazil (7 p.m.): “Wait,” you’re thinking. “Wasn’t this match played last night?” It was supposed to be, yes, but a storm brought torrential rains and left the pitch an unplayable swamp, so it was postponed.

World Cup qualifying: Mexico vs. El Salvador (9 p.m.): A new manager and a new mission, as Mexico look to start their World Cup qualifying campaign on the right foot.