England‘s journey in the World Cup semi-finals concluded with a 2-1 defeat to Argentina, a result that has prompted significant discussion regarding tactical decisions. The match, held in Atlanta, saw Anthony Gordon score for England in the 55th minute after a goalless first half. However, Argentina secured their spot in the final against Spain with two late goals.

The Prince of Wales, Prince William, a patron of the Football Association, expressed his disappointment following England’s loss. In a statement shared by Kensington Palace, he conveyed being “gutted” by the outcome but encouraged the team to “hold their heads high.” He acknowledged the team’s fight and belief throughout the tournament, describing them as “the most complete England team in a tournament.” Prince William, known for his passion for football and support of Aston Villa FC, also thanked everyone involved for an “incredible tournament.”

Similarly, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer shared his dismay at England’s defeat. He stated that he was “gutted” but praised the team’s passion and energy, noting that they had made the nation proud. Sir Keir’s final address to the House of Commons as prime minister had reportedly included references to the English side’s anticipation leading up to the knock-out match.

Tactical decisions under scrutiny

The match’s turning point appears to have been a tactical shift by England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel. With England leading and seemingly in control, the decision to switch to a five-at-the-back formation during the second-half hydration break in the 67th minute has drawn considerable criticism. This move is seen by some as having ceded initiative, space, and momentum to Argentina.

The change in formation is particularly highlighted as perplexing given England’s advantages in pace and athleticism. Critics argue that this decision effectively neutralised England’s strengths, especially against an Argentina side featuring Lionel Messi. Messi, who had been a less prominent figure for much of the game, reportedly benefited from the space created by England’s tactical adjustment, eventually providing assists for both of Argentina’s goals.

One of Argentina’s goals came after Enzo Fernandez found a significant amount of space at the edge of the box, an area that England had reportedly vacated. Prior to this, Argentina had been creating chances, with Messi-driven one-twos around the box and numerous crosses from open areas. Jordan Pickford made a save from Lisandro Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister hit the post, indicating Argentina’s growing threat before their goals.

Argentina’s response and the aftermath

In contrast to England’s tactical changes, Argentina’s manager, Lionel Scaloni, made substitutions that are described as brave and effective. These changes reportedly altered the dynamics of the game, culminating in substitute Lautaro Martinez scoring the winning header for Argentina. The initial lead taken by England, through Gordon’s well-worked goal, is ironically viewed by some as having given Tuchel the licence to implement the criticised tactical shift.

The aftermath of the defeat has led to questions about Tuchel’s management and the broader approach within English football. The discussion extends to why a wealthy English football culture has not produced its own coaches with tactical ideas. Despite the disappointment, the Royal Family also shared a message of commiseration, acknowledging the team’s efforts and stating that they remain “the pride of a nation – and will rise again.” England’s defeat means that Lionel Messi still has the opportunity to win his second World Cup.

The match concluded with Argentina securing a 2-1 victory.

Source: bbc.com

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England head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to continue in his role through to Euro 2028, despite the team’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. The Football Association (FA) has confirmed its continued support for Tuchel, who signed a contract extension earlier this year.

The semi-final loss on Wednesday meant England’s men’s team missed out on their first World Cup final appearance since 1966. Argentina secured their victory with two late goals, with Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernandez equalising and Lautaro Martinez scoring in stoppage time. This comeback followed Anthony Gordon‘s opening goal for England.

Despite some criticism regarding his substitutions during the match, Tuchel maintains the full backing of FA chief executive Mark Bullingham. Tuchel’s initial appointment was in January 2025, with an 18-month mission to win the World Cup, and his contract was extended in February.

Tuchel’s commitment to Euro 2028

Tuchel has expressed his commitment to leading England into Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England, Wales, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland. He views the opportunity to lead the side in a home European Championship as a significant one.

During his post-match news conference in Atlanta, Tuchel stated, “We keep on going with the contract until the home Euros. I’m looking forward to that even though right now it’s difficult to look that far ahead.”

Bullingham echoed this sentiment, stating, “It is heartbreaking to be so close. The players and Thomas gave it everything today and the squad, coaches and staff could not have worked harder during the tournament.” He also thanked the fans both in the USA and at home.

Internally, England’s progress to the semi-final is considered a relative success, despite the disappointment of not reaching the final. Tuchel noted that reaching the semi-final is an achievement, as many major footballing nations are eliminated earlier in the tournament.

Harry Kane, England’s captain, admitted his disappointment, suggesting that the team’s attempt to hold onto a 1-0 lead after Gordon’s goal ultimately backfired. He felt the team struggled to maintain pressure on Argentina after scoring.

Looking ahead to the bronze-medal match

England will now compete in the bronze-medal match against France on Saturday. The match will be played in Miami. Tuchel acknowledged that neither team would prefer to play in this match, as their aim was to reach the final.

Kane also reflected on the team’s performance, acknowledging the good moments in the tournament and another semi-final appearance. He believes the team is close to finding the “missing piece” needed for ultimate success.

The FA conducts a full review after every tournament to assess various aspects, including performance, team morale, and behind-the-scenes operations. Bullingham has consistently expressed confidence in Tuchel, highlighting the positive environment he has fostered and his rapport with supporters.

The deal includes performance-related clauses that could reduce compensation if targets are not met. The FA is thought to have been encouraged by the positive environment Tuchel has created, with players praising his demanding but professional approach.

England’s bronze-medal match against France is scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 BST.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Argentina’s World Cup Celebrations and Political Statement

Following their victory over England in the World Cup semi-final, Argentina players displayed a banner referencing the Falkland Islands. The banner, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Falklands are Argentine), was held up after the dramatic 2-1 win in Atlanta. This action could lead to a fine from FIFA, the governing body for world football.

The display occurred after Argentina scored two late goals to overcome Thomas Tuchel’s side, securing their place in the final against Spain. The Falkland Islands, known as Islas Malvinas in Argentina, have been the subject of a sovereignty dispute between Britain and Argentina for an extended period. A conflict over the islands took place from April to June 1982, resulting in the deaths of 655 Argentine and 255 British servicemen, along with three island residents.

This is not the first instance of Argentina facing scrutiny for such displays. In 2014, the Argentine Football Association was fined £20,000 by FIFA after players held a similar banner before a friendly match against Slovenia. FIFA’s rules prohibit political actions and team misconduct, and the organisation had previously stated that the 2014 gesture breached these regulations.

Reactions and Security Measures

The incident drew attention beyond the football pitch. Argentina’s vice-president, Victoria Villarruel, posted on social media following the match, stating, “it wasn’t just another match” and reiterating, “The Falklands are Argentine.” She also commented that while bringing such banners to the stadium might be banned, the sentiment remains strong among the Argentine people. Prior to the semi-final, Villarruel had referred to the match as an opportunity to “put the invaders in their place.”

Despite these political undertones, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni had expressed a desire to keep football separate from politics. He stated before the semi-final that he was “not going to mix” the two, acknowledging the 1982 conflict as a “very sad period” in history but emphasising that the match was purely a football event. He also noted that “things are happening elsewhere in the world, and we criticise the existence of war,” while still remembering those who were lost.

The semi-final itself was held under heightened security due to the historical tensions between the two nations. Security minister Alejandra Monteoliva confirmed that enhanced measures were discussed, with 1,600 officers deployed to ensure a peaceful event. The entry of any items with provocative messages, whether political or racial, was prohibited inside the stadium. FIFA’s stadium code of conduct explicitly bans “banners, flags, flyers, apparel and other paraphernalia that are of a political, offensive, and/or discriminatory nature.”

Historical Context and Player Sentiment

The dispute over the Falkland Islands, or Islas Malvinas, continues to be a sensitive issue. In 2013, a referendum was held in the islands where residents voted to remain a UK overseas territory. The historical animosity between Argentina and Great Britain was a factor in the increased security discussions involving the FBI, FIFA, and local police ahead of the match in Atlanta.

During earlier stages of the tournament, after defeating Switzerland in the quarter-final, some Argentina players were heard chanting about “the Malvinas, for Diego [Maradona] and for Leo [Messi]’s last one.” Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul acknowledged that football can transcend the game, bringing back memories and honouring heroes, but also stressed the importance of discussing the Falklands issue in appropriate forums outside of football. He stated that while they remember the fallen, their primary goal in the match was to win and reach the final.

The semi-final saw England lose to late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez, further intensifying the emotions surrounding the fixture.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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England’s World Cup semi-final performance against Argentina

England were defeated by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, missing out on a place in the final. The match saw Argentina, the reigning champions, come from behind to secure their spot in consecutive finals. The performance of individual England players was assessed following the match.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was noted for a more assured display compared to the previous match against Norway. He demonstrated strong kicking to threaten behind the defence and made an excellent save from a close-range header to maintain England‘s lead. However, he was beaten by a Fernandez strike late in the game.

In defence, Reece James, brought back into the starting lineup, delivered a strong performance both offensively and defensively. Despite his efforts, the entire defence appeared to tire before Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner. John Stones, a consistent presence in the back four, was praised for his calming influence in a high-tension game, though he missed a header that led to Martinez‘s winning goal. Marc Guehi also provided a dependable and solid performance throughout the match.

Djed Spence continued his impressive form from the Norway game, showcasing strong one-v-one defending and pace that offered an offensive threat when Anthony Gordon moved centrally. He made a crucial last-ditch tackle to stop Simeone. Elliot Anderson was active in midfield, frequently on the ball and effective in breaking up play. He managed his game well after receiving a yellow card in the first half.

Declan Rice appeared to be back to his usual self after recovering from illness, covering significant ground and linking up effectively with James and Morgan Rogers on the right flank. His powerful run was instrumental in England taking the lead. Jude Bellingham handled the midfield pressure well, making a strong run to win a free-kick and consistently carrying the ball forward, demonstrating an immense work-rate.

Morgan Rogers, playing on the right, pressed intensely alongside Gordon and provided an outlet with his ball-carrying ability as Argentina gained momentum. He assisted Gordon‘s goal. Anthony Gordon scored the goal that nearly sent England to the final, delivering another energetic performance and pressing effectively from the left. Harry Kane, despite having fewer touches in the first half, initiated the move for England‘s opening goal with a searching pass behind the Argentinian defence.

Substitutions and their impact

Manager Tuchel made several substitutions as the match progressed. Ezri Konsa was introduced in the 72nd minute as England shifted to a back five, aiming to secure the win. However, the defence conceded two late goals after his introduction. Dan Burn, often a reliable option for securing a win, was brought on in the 82nd minute but did not have the desired effect.

Nico O’Reilly was also brought into midfield in the 82nd minute, with Tuchel looking to utilise his height and ball retention skills. This change, however, did not work as England struggled to maintain possession. Late substitutions included Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford in the 96th minute as England chased the game, but neither had a chance to significantly impact the outcome.

The match concluded with Argentina reaching back-to-back finals, while England missed out on their first men’s World Cup final since 1966.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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Conditions at Royal Birkdale

Royal Birkdale is expected to present firm and fast conditions for The Open, which could significantly influence play. According to Andrew Coltart, a golf pundit, the course will be “unbelievably firm,” requiring big hitters to be cautious as their golf balls might run through fairways into thick rough. This suggests that a strategy of playing short and smart off the tee could be beneficial.

Rory McIlroy, a two-time Masters champion, noted that while the dry weather, sun, and wind are good for the course in one aspect, the rough has become less penal due to drying out. He described the situation as a “double-edged sword.” The firm conditions mean the ball will run for a long distance, and tight fairways with crosswinds will add to the challenge. This will necessitate strategic thinking off the tee, with players deciding between aggressive drives that might land in the rough or safer iron shots to hit fairways but face longer approaches to the greens.

The course has also undergone several modifications since it last hosted The Open in 2017. These changes include an altered 5th hole, a raised green at the par-3 7th, and adjustments to holes 13, 14, and a new par-3 15th. While some greens might seem “unnatural” with their runoffs and mounding, McIlroy believes these changes, combined with the firm conditions and a rain-free forecast, will create a challenging and engaging championship.

Contenders and predictions

Many top golfers are set to compete, with Scottie Scheffler aiming to defend his title from the previous year at Royal Portrush. Scheffler is looking to end a trend where the last 12 editions of The Open have been won by first-time champions. The last player to successfully defend the title was Padraig Harrington in 2008, and no player has won the Claret Jug twice since Ernie Els in 2012.

McIlroy, who won The Open in 2014 at Royal Liverpool, is also hoping to secure another Claret Jug. He has had strong performances in the tournament, including a win and multiple top-10 finishes, and expressed his desire to add another title. Four of the last five Champion Golfers have been American, with players like US Open champion Wyndham Clark, 2021 Open winner Collin Morikawa, and Chris Gotterup among those looking to continue this streak.

English players such as Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose are also seeking a major victory on home soil. England has not had an Open winner since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992. Paul McGinley suggested that a win for Fleetwood in his hometown of Southport would be significant, noting that while Fleetwood is not a serial winner, he has achieved success on the PGA Tour. McGinley also highlighted Fitzpatrick as a favourite among the English contenders due to his recent form and strong links play.

Pundits have offered their predictions for who might win The Open. Paul McGinley and Mark Roe have picked Scottie Scheffler. Sir Nick Faldo, Rich Beem, Dame Laura Davies, Nick Dougherty, Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley, Ewen Murray, Tim Barter, and Andrew Coltart have named Matt Fitzpatrick as their choice. Inci Mehmet selected Justin Rose, while Josh Antmann chose Russell Henley. The tournament will feature extensive coverage, with at least 15 hours of action on the first two rounds.

Source: skysports.com

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Spain secures World Cup final berth

Spain has advanced to their second World Cup final, delivering a dominant performance against France in the semi-final match held in Dallas. The European champions secured a 2-0 victory, leaving many surprised by the ease with which they overcame the highly-favoured French side. This win extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 37 matches, equalling Italy’s record in international football.

The match saw Spain control the game, particularly through their midfield, which stifled France’s attacking threats. Despite France entering the semi-final as favourites, their offensive players, including Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, struggled to make an impact against Spain’s organised defence. France managed only three attempts on target throughout the game.

Goals for Spain came from a penalty by Mikel Oyarzabal and a finish from Pedro Porro. Oyarzabal’s penalty was awarded after a foul on Lamine Yamal. This marks Spain’s first World Cup final appearance since 2010.

Tactical dominance and player performances

Spain’s victory was attributed to their collective play and tactical superiority. Former Premier League champion Chris Sutton noted that Spain “swatted aside by silky Spain,” while Roy Keane commented on France’s lack of team cohesion, stating they were “brilliant individuals not playing as a team.” Patrick Vieira, a French World Cup winner, also acknowledged Spain’s dominance in “every single aspect” of the game.

Under coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain has achieved significant success, including a Nations League triumph in 2023 and Euro 2024 glory. De la Fuente, who previously coached Spain’s youth teams, has guided many of his current players through various age groups, fostering a strong team spirit. Players like Mikel Merino, Rodri, and Unai Simon were part of his European Under-19 Championship winning squad in 2015.

Key players for Spain included captain Rodri, who delivered an outstanding performance in midfield, and Aymeric Laporte, who maintained a passing accuracy of over 90%. Lamine Yamal, despite having a quiet tournament previously, earned the penalty that led to Spain’s opening goal. Dani Olmo also proved to be a significant threat, providing an assist for the second goal.

Looking ahead to the final

Spain will now face either Argentina or England in the final, which is scheduled for Sunday in New Jersey. France, on the other hand, will compete in the third-place play-off on Saturday. Spain’s defensive solidity has been a hallmark of their campaign, as they have kept six clean sheets in seven matches at this World Cup, a first in the tournament’s history.

The team’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, expressed pride in his players, highlighting their “effort, talent, sacrifice, trying to be a better version of ourselves.” He also mentioned receiving a phone call from King Felipe VI after the match. The Spanish squad’s collective strength and tactical discipline were evident against France, with experts like Guillem Balague suggesting that the winner of the World Cup played in this semi-final.

France’s defender William Saliba left the field injured after Spain scored, marking a difficult end to his World Cup campaign. Lucas Digne conceded the penalty for the first goal after fouling Lamine Yamal. Adrien Rabiot was replaced at the start of the second half after receiving an early booking. Malo Gusto was an unused substitute for France in the semi-final match.

Spain’s journey to the final included an initial 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the last 16, and an 88th-minute winner against Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Source: bbc.com

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England are set to face Argentina in a World Cup semi-final match in Atlanta Stadium, a fixture being described as the biggest for the Three Lions since their 1966 World Cup final victory. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, brings together two footballing nations with a long and often controversial history on the pitch.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel and his squad have the opportunity to reach England’s first men’s World Cup final in 60 years. The global interest in this encounter was evident as Tuchel’s pre-match media briefing required a larger venue to accommodate attendees.

A History of Rivalry and Near Misses

Since their 1966 World Cup triumph, England have reached two World Cup semi-finals, at Italia ’90 and then in Russia eight years ago. Despite a strong record in recent major tournaments, England have fallen short of securing a trophy.

The journey to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals concluded with a 2-1 loss to Croatia after extra time, following Kieran Trippier’s early goal. Similarly, in the delayed Euro 2020 final at Wembley in July 2021, England lost to Italy on penalties after Luke Shaw scored in the second minute.

The World Cup quarter-final loss to France in Qatar four years ago saw England beaten by a strong side, with Harry Kane missing a late penalty. The subsequent run to the Euro 2024 final ended in a 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin.

Tuchel expressed the team’s determination, stating, “We now want to squeeze the last bit out. We want to take the next step. I really like the energy in our camp. The players are very excited, very ambitious. That’s exactly what we need for this game.”

The rivalry between England and Argentina dates back to 1966. Their World Cup quarter-final at Wembley that year is remembered for the sending off of Argentina’s captain Antonio Rattin. Following Geoff Hurst’s late winner, England boss Sir Alf Ramsey famously refused to allow his players to swap shirts, later referring to the Argentinian team as “animals.”

The two nations met again in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, four years after the Falklands War. This match featured Diego Maradona’s “Hand Of God” goal and his subsequent brilliant second goal, leading to a 2-1 victory for Argentina, who went on to win the World Cup.

At France ’98, a last-16 game saw David Beckham sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone, and an 18-year-old Michael Owen scoring a memorable solo goal. Argentina ultimately prevailed on penalties, adding to England’s World Cup disappointments.

Four years later, in a World Cup group game in Sapporo, Japan, David Beckham scored the winning penalty. However, Argentina protested, claiming Owen had dived after a challenge from Mauricio Pochettino.

Tuchel acknowledged the significance of the rivalry, saying, “It is a very big rivalry between two big footballing nations. I could say the history is irrelevant but I’m not sure. The players are aware of it. When a fixture provides so many iconic moments, you can’t say it is just another football match.” Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni added, “We all have stories from that past time and history and it all makes it very emotional.”

The Messi Factor and Key Players

This World Cup could mark the final appearance for Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who achieved his dream of winning the trophy at Qatar 2022. Despite being 39, Messi continues to be a pivotal player for Argentina, inspiring his team and carrying the hopes of his nation.

His tears of relief and joy after Argentina scored three goals in the final 11 minutes to beat Egypt in the last 16, after being 2-0 down, demonstrated his enduring desire for a second World Cup. Tuchel praised Messi, stating, “Messi is just incredible. There are no words left for his kind of achievement, with the quality and leadership he shows. He’s the leader and the key player in any team he plays for and he is in this Argentina team.”

Messi’s first encounter with England in a World Cup match is highly anticipated. While he has never played against England at the international level, he has a significant record against Premier League clubs. Since the 2009 Champions League final, Messi has played 26 games against English clubs, winning 17, losing four, and scoring 27 goals.

On England’s side, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been instrumental in their progression to the semi-finals. Tuchel’s team has scored 13 goals in this World Cup, with 12 of those coming from Bellingham and Kane. Marcus Rashford, who scored in the 4-2 opening win against Croatia, is the only other player to have scored for England so far.

Both England and Argentina have faced challenging situations in the knockout phase, with Argentina escaping difficult matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland. Tuchel will be hoping that Argentina’s ability to navigate these tight situations will not hold in the upcoming semi-final. The winner of this match will advance to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

Source: bbc.com

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Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, held a meeting with his players on Sunday night to address the aftermath of their Norway quarter-final match. The discussion aimed to clear the air following comments made by Tuchel and Jude Bellingham after England’s 2-1 victory in Miami.

The quarter-final win was followed by Tuchel’s critique of the team’s performance, which prompted a response from Bellingham. With England preparing to face Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday, Tuchel sought to move past the Norway game and focus the squad’s attention on the upcoming challenge.

Before the semi-final, Tuchel emphasised that he had no issues with Bellingham’s post-match remarks, stating that both he and Bellingham share a similar competitive mindset. He noted, “I think we come from the same place. Our comments come from the same place from being competitive and having the edge when competition is on.”

Bellingham’s earlier comments suggested that Tuchel might not fully understand the challenges of playing in the heat and humidity against Norway. Tuchel subsequently aimed to reinforce a positive message to the squad and redirect their focus towards the Wednesday match. His initial criticisms of certain aspects of the performance were also accompanied by praise for the team’s mentality and effort.

“I spoke to the whole team, we debriefed,” Tuchel confirmed. “I spoke to the whole team after in the dressing room, which was basically the same message.”

Clearing the Air with Bellingham

Tuchel later mentioned to talkSPORT that his relationship with Bellingham is now “more close than ever before” following the recent events. The England head coach defended Bellingham’s comments, attributing the situation to “people try(ing) to create misunderstandings and cracks where no cracks are.” He highlighted Bellingham’s exhaustion when he conducted his post-match media duties.

“What do you expect of a player that just gave everything and stands there in front of a microphone in a flash interview?” Tuchel questioned. “It’s just what it is but we’re as close as ever, and close more than ever before. You can see that on the field. The energy and mentality in camp is excellent in the last days and we are ready to go for it tomorrow.”

England returned to Kansas City late on Saturday night. After a recovery day on Sunday, Tuchel’s objective was to shift the team’s focus from the Norway match to the upcoming game against Argentina. “I explained it again on Sunday evening to just move on forward,” Tuchel stated. “And then we straight away in the talk put on a new direction, put on a new head: which is the semi-final and Argentina.”

Tuchel contextualised Bellingham’s comments from Saturday night by pointing to his physical exhaustion. He also reiterated the positive aspects of his own post-match statements. “(Bellingham) was just confronted with the negative side, often with a critique of my side,” Tuchel said regarding the midfielder’s comments. “I called him a world-class player, I said he had world-class actions again to decide the match. I said the mentality is outstanding of this team. All of that was not part of the question. I get it.”

Tuchel believes Bellingham’s response was an instinctive reaction to being questioned about the negative elements of the manager’s comments. “So Bellingham was confronted with, ‘What do you think, the coach said you were sloppy?’. Of course, I would maybe also bite back when I come from 120 minutes, scored two goals, gave literally everything that is in my body. It’s just a very normal thing, a very normal reaction for a player of his mindset.”

Focus on Argentina

The England squad features several players who were active in the quarter-final. Declan Rice and Noni Madueke started for the Three Lions against Norway. Bukayo Saka and Ebere Eze were introduced during the match. Martin Odegaard captained Norway, who took the lead in the 36th minute when Odegaard assisted Andreas Schjelderup’s goal.

Bellingham equalised just before half-time with a solo effort. Rice was substituted at the break due to illness. Saka replaced Madueke on the right wing. After Norway had a goal disallowed and hit the bar, the match proceeded to extra time. Bellingham then scored the winning goal for England, securing their place in the semi-final against Argentina.

The winner of the England versus Argentina semi-final will face either William Saliba’s France or Spain in the final. Spain advanced to the semi-finals after late goals from Mikel Merino against Portugal in the round of 16 and Belgium in the quarter-finals. Despite Odegaard’s and Leandro Trossard’s teams being eliminated at the quarter-final stage, a significant number of players originally selected for the finals remain in contention for the trophy.

Tuchel acknowledged that semi-final opponents Argentina are “fuelled by history” but asserted that England can also play with emotion. “They have this kind of edge,” Tuchel observed. “You can sense it when they’re going a goal down, and when matches are tight. They’re a tough team to beat.”

He noted that Argentina has largely the same group of players as four years ago, highlighting their cohesion and sacrifice. “They don’t panic when they’re behind. They believe in their style. And their style is a very emotional style. It was in Qatar and it is now.”

Tuchel concluded, “And of course, they are fuelled by history, it means a lot to them. But we are also emotional, we have the grit, we have the mentality that it takes to go up against it. And we are ready for it.” The semi-final match against Argentina is scheduled for Wednesday.

Source: nytimes.com

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France’s World Cup Campaign Ends

France has been eliminated from World Cup title contention following a semi-final loss to Spain on Tuesday, July 14. This defeat prevents Les Bleus from reaching a third consecutive final appearance in the tournament. Spain secured a dominant victory, largely by containing France’s key player, Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappé was held scoreless in the match, only the second time this has occurred in his seven appearances in this tournament. He registered only three shots, his lowest in any 2026 World Cup match, and had no shots on goal, a first for him in the tournament since the 2022 World Cup semi-final.

Despite the disappointing outcome for France, who had appeared strong throughout the tournament, Mbappé’s reputation in the World Cup remains largely untarnished. He still has one more match in 2026 to potentially add to his historical achievements.

Mbappé’s World Cup Legacy and Future

Kylian Mbappé continues to be recognised as one of the most accomplished players in World Cup history. He has already accumulated 20 goals, placing him second all-time, just one goal behind Lionel Messi. Mbappé achieved these 20 goals in only 21 matches played, averaging 0.95 goals per contest. This level of consistency has only been matched this century by Erling Haaland, who scored five goals in seven matches in his World Cup debut this year.

Mbappé’s World Cup career also includes six braces, the highest number for any player, with three of these occurring in 2026. Only three of these goals were from penalty kicks. His prolific scoring has led to comparisons with football legends like Messi and French icon Zinedine Zidane.

Statistically, Mbappé’s World Cup performance surpasses Zidane’s, who scored five goals in 12 career World Cup matches. Both players have led France to two World Cup finals and secured one title each. While Zidane is highly regarded in France, Mbappé’s achievements position him as a strong contender for the title of best French player in football history, and one of the top global players.

Mbappé, who burst onto the scene at 18 years old and led his nation to the World Cup title in his 2018 tournament debut, continues to deliver on football’s biggest stages. He expressed his admiration for Messi earlier in the tournament, stating, “He’s shown during 15 years that he has an amazing quality. Me, I try to do what I can do, I show my quality on the biggest stage, helping my team to win another World Cup.”

The ‘Ballon d’Or Curse’ and Spain’s Dominance

The elimination of France has also brought attention to a statistical trend concerning Ballon d’Or winners. According to statistician Mister Chip, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner has never won the World Cup. This suggests that winning the prestigious individual award months before the World Cup may be associated with a ‘curse’ for the player’s national team. Ousmane Dembele, the current Ballon d’Or holder, is the latest to experience this trend with France’s exit.

Spain has demonstrated a significant mental advantage over France, having won their last three encounters. These victories were all in ‘win-or-go-home’ matches, including the Euro 2024 semi-finals, the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, and now the World Cup semi-finals. While Spain prepares for their next World Cup match, France will play in the third-place match with low morale.

Mbappé still has an opportunity in the third-place match. With eight goals in the tournament, he is currently tied with Messi for the lead in the race for the Golden Boot. If he wins the Golden Boot, Mbappé would be the first player to achieve this in back-to-back World Cups, having also won it in 2022.

Source: uk.sports.yahoo.com

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Spain have advanced to the World Cup final after a 2-0 victory against France in Dallas. The win marks their first appearance in the final since 2010, and they are set to face either England or Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday. The match saw Mikel Oyarzabal convert a penalty in the first half, followed by a second goal from Pedro Porro.

The encounter was marked by Spain‘s dominance, effectively neutralising France‘s much-touted attack, including star player Kylian Mbappé. France, who had been considered strong contenders, struggled to assert themselves throughout the game, particularly in midfield.

First-half action and controversial penalty

The opening stages of the match saw Spain maintaining possession, though an early free-kick from Álex Baena was blocked. France had moments of attack, with Mbappé overcooking a pass towards Ousmane Dembélé, and a later combination between Michael Olise and Dembélé failing to break through Spain‘s defence.

A pivotal moment occurred midway through the first half when Lucas Digne conceded a penalty. Digne‘s attempt to clear a cross resulted in the ball popping up off his head, allowing Lamine Yamal to contest. Yamal then nudged the ball past Digne, seemingly with the upper portion of his arm, before being fouled by the panicking defender. The referee, Iván Barton, awarded the penalty, a decision that stood despite questions regarding a potential handball by Yamal.

According to rules analyst Christina Unkel, the contact on Yamal‘s sleeve would not be considered a handling offence, thus validating the penalty decision. Gary Neville, however, criticised Digne for his defending, noting a lack of awareness regarding Yamal‘s position. Oyarzabal calmly converted the spot-kick past Mike Maignan, giving Spain the lead.

Following the goal, France faced further disruption as William Saliba left the field due to injury, being replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Spain continued to control the game, with Fabián Ruiz having a chance to extend the lead, only to be denied by a significant block from Dayot Upamecano.

Spain maintain control in second half

At the start of the second period, Manu Koné replaced Adrien Rabiot, who had been booked earlier. Despite the change, Spain remained in command, limiting France‘s ability to create sustained threats. Oyarzabal had another shot that went over the bar, and Dembélé passed the ball out of play during a rare opportunity for France to build an attack down the right.

As the match progressed, Désiré Doué was brought on for Bradley Barcola, but this change did not alter the flow of the game. Spain continued to press, and Pedro Porro scored their second goal with a well-worked play. Dani Olmo returned a pass to Porro, who then delivered an unerring finish, making the victory appear comfortable for Spain. Lamine Yamal also had a goal disallowed for a narrow offside call in the 64th minute.

Mbappé‘s impact was minimal, with his first notable action in the 64th minute resulting in a cross-shot batted away by Unai Simón. He later saw a drive deflected wide by Marc Cucurella. Ferran Torres, who came on as a substitute, had an opportunity to add to Spain‘s lead. Spain‘s captain, Rodri, delivered an outstanding performance, contributing to France‘s midfield being dominated from start to finish. Unai Simón also maintained his sixth clean sheet in seven matches.

Source: theguardian.com

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