Spain Confident Ahead of France Showdown

Spain is approaching their World Cup semi-final against France with significant confidence, according to both coach Luis de la Fuente and winger Lamine Yamal. De la Fuente expressed “very high expectations” for the upcoming game, emphasising that his team possesses the qualities needed to overcome the tournament favourites.

Following Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium, where Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino scored, De la Fuente highlighted the collective effort of his squad. He noted that both Spain and France are considered strong contenders for the final, acknowledging France’s exceptional potential while asserting Spain’s own capabilities. De la Fuente also pointed out that Spain has previously defeated France in a semi-final encounter.

Yamal echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating that Spain has nothing to fear. He believes France should be apprehensive, especially given Spain’s recent track record against them. Yamal’s remarks underscore a growing belief within the Spanish camp as they prepare for what many consider a clash between the tournament’s two best teams.

Yamal’s Bold Statement and Team Identity

Lamine Yamal, who was named Player of the Match after the Belgium game, made a bold statement regarding the semi-final. He asserted that if any team should be afraid, it is France, referencing Spain’s past victories over them. This includes a memorable 2-1 win in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final.

The Barcelona winger stressed that Spain intends to maintain their playing style against France, regardless of their opponent’s reputation. He anticipates that France will attack, but not for the entire match, and Spain will play to their strengths. Yamal’s confidence stems from Spain’s consistent performance in the current World Cup, having overcome Austria, Portugal, and Belgium.

Despite having only one goal in the tournament, Yamal’s overall influence has been significant. He has registered nine shots in Spain’s last two matches, highlighting his crucial role in the team’s attack. Yamal prioritises team advancement over individual statistics, stating that as long as the team progresses, he is content.

Tactical Considerations and Historical Context

De la Fuente’s tactical decisions have been a point of discussion, particularly his choice to start Fabian Ruiz in midfield against Belgium, with Pedri coming off the bench. Ruiz rewarded his manager with his first World Cup goal, while Mikel Merino, who scored the late winner against Portugal, also contributed from the bench. De la Fuente emphasised the depth of his squad, noting that players like Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Gavi are equally talented, even if they haven’t had as much playing time.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia acknowledged Spain’s multitude of options, praising the team’s continuity and collective strength, which he noted is similar to their Euro 2024 squad. This continuity, with players who have played together for an extended period, is seen as a significant advantage for Spain.

The upcoming semi-final will also feature a prominent individual battle between Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe enters the match in strong form, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals and three assists in five matches. While Yamal’s goal tally is lower, his creative contributions, dribbling, movement, and vision have been central to Spain’s offensive efforts. Yamal, however, believes that reputations will not dictate the outcome once the match begins.

De la Fuente himself remains unbeaten in 13 games across the World Cup and Euros. Extending this record against France will require Spain to perform at their peak. De la Fuente concluded that Spain is in a strong position, confident in their group of players and their potential to overcome any opponent.

The semi-final in Dallas is set to be a significant contest, while France seeks a third consecutive spot in the title match. Yamal’s assertion that Spain has beaten France before reinforces the team’s belief that they are not afraid of their opponents.

Source: theguardian.com

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India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill recently attended the Wimbledon 2026 Championships, receiving an invitation to the prestigious Royal Box. This invitation marks a significant moment for Gill, as he becomes only the fourth Indian cricket captain to be hosted in this exclusive enclosure. He joins a distinguished group of Indian cricketing figures, including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.

The Royal Box at the All England Club is reserved for notable guests from various fields, including sport, entertainment, politics, and public life. Its invitation is considered a high honour for visiting personalities at Wimbledon.

Gill’s Wimbledon appearance and interactions

Gill’s presence at Wimbledon has garnered considerable attention, particularly on social media. A video showing the Indian captain in conversation with tennis icon Roger Federer circulated widely, delighting fans who witnessed the interaction between the two prominent athletes.

The 26-year-old cricketer was also observed watching the tennis action alongside Sachin Tendulkar and his wife, Anjali Tendulkar. This added another notable moment to his visit, highlighting the connection between different generations of Indian cricket at the international sporting event.

Wimbledon itself acknowledged the presence of these cricketing figures through a special social media post. The official Wimbledon account on X shared a collage featuring Tendulkar, Kohli, and Gill, describing them as “Three generations of Indian cricketing royalty.” The post included images from different years, showing Tendulkar and Kohli at Wimbledon in 2015, and a 2026 photograph of Tendulkar seated next to Gill.

Earlier, Tendulkar had expressed his admiration for the quality of tennis displayed at Wimbledon, particularly after watching the men’s singles semifinals on Centre Court. He commended Jannik Sinner’s performance as a “masterclass” and acknowledged the efforts of Alexander Zverev and Britain’s Arthur Fery.

Tendulkar was among several sporting personalities in the Royal Box during the semifinals, witnessing Zverev’s victory over Arthur Fery, which secured Zverev’s first Wimbledon final appearance. He also saw Sinner’s dominant win against Novak Djokovic, earning Sinner a spot in the title match.

Accompanying Tendulkar in the Royal Box was former West Indies captain Brian Lara. The two celebrated batting figures, who were once international rivals and later teammates in charity matches, shared the spotlight.

The Royal Box also hosted other notable figures, including Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, and Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe, among other distinguished guests.

Following the matches, Tendulkar reflected on his experience at the All England Club in a post on X, stating, “Wimbledon, you never disappoint! What a privilege to witness two brilliant semifinals today. The fight and belief shown by Fery was wonderful to watch, while Zverev’s big serve played a crucial role in a hard-fought win.”

He further praised Jannik Sinner’s performance after the Italian’s straight-sets victory over Djokovic, noting, “And then came Jannik Sinner’s masterclass. The way he combined power with control across every shot was remarkable. Novak competed till the very end, but Jannik was at his absolute best today.” Tendulkar concluded his remarks by celebrating the spirit of sport and expressing anticipation for the Wimbledon final.

Gill’s busy England tour

Shubman Gill’s attendance at Wimbledon is part of a busy schedule during his current tour of England with the Indian team. Despite international commitments, he has managed to attend two major sporting events in Britain.

Earlier in the week, Gill experienced his first Formula 1 race, attending the British Grand Prix at Silverstone as a VIP guest. During this event, the Indian skipper had behind-the-scenes access, visiting the paddock, interacting with members of the Formula 1 community, and observing areas typically reserved for teams, drivers, and special invitees.

On the cricketing field, Gill has been in strong form during the ongoing bilateral series. He remained unbeaten with 84 runs in the initial match and then scored 154 in the subsequent game. In the third and final fixture, he adjusted his batting position as India secured a nine-wicket victory. India is scheduled to play England in the fifth and final T20I at Southampton on Saturday before focusing on the three-match ODI series.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Switzerland is set to face Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, July 11, marking their first appearance at this stage of the tournament in 72 years. The match, scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at Kansas City Stadium, pits the Swiss against a formidable Argentine side featuring captain Lionel Messi and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.

The Swiss team has acknowledged the challenge of facing Argentina, with midfielder Denis Zakaria describing Messi as one of the best players globally. However, Switzerland remains confident in their ability to compete, having identified potential weaknesses in the defending champions’ play. Forward Zeki Amdouni also noted that the team has studied Argentina closely and believes they can exploit spaces.

Swiss confidence despite Messi’s form

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka expressed that stopping Messi for the entire 90 minutes would be difficult, but emphasised that Argentina is more than just their star player. Zakaria echoed this sentiment, stating that while Messi is exceptional, Argentina possesses many other talented players, requiring a collective effort from the Swiss.

The Swiss team has had a respectable run in recent tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals in the last two European championships and advancing to the knockout rounds in five of their last six World Cup appearances. In the current tournament, they won their group, which included Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar.

Their path to the quarter-finals included eliminating Algeria with a 2-0 victory in the Round of 32 and defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the Round of 16. Prior to the knockout stages, Switzerland finished unbeaten in Group B with two wins and a draw, accumulating seven points.

Argentina’s journey to the quarter-finals

Argentina, led by Messi, advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic comeback victory against Egypt, winning 3-2 in the Round of 16. Messi scored Argentina’s second goal in that match and also provided an assist. This goal brought his total World Cup goals to 21, extending his lead as the tournament’s all-time top scorer, and marking his eighth goal in this edition, sharing the lead in the scoring charts.

Furthermore, Messi’s goal against Egypt made him the first player to score in six consecutive knockout stage matches and the first to score in nine consecutive matches in the global competition. He also reached an unprecedented 31 appearances in FIFA World Cup history. De Paul was also part of Argentina’s starting XI in the match against Egypt.

Argentina’s tournament performance saw them achieve a perfect record in Group J, starting with a 3-0 win over Algeria, followed by victories against Austria (2-0) and Jordan (3-1). They then secured a 3-2 win against Cape Verde in the Round of 16 before their match against Egypt.

This upcoming quarter-final will be the eighth encounter between Argentina and Switzerland in their history, and their third at a FIFA World Cup. Argentina has remained unbeaten in previous meetings, with five wins and two draws. Their past World Cup clashes include a 2-0 group stage victory in England in 1966 and a 1-0 win in the Round of 16 in the 2014 edition in Brazil.

Messi’s international career includes guiding Argentina to the 2021 and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América titles, the 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions crown, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup title. He holds records for most caps (204) and most goals (125) for Argentina, and is the only player to score in the World Cup group stage, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final.

De Paul is participating in his second World Cup, having played a key role in Argentina’s 2022 triumph. He was also a significant figure alongside Messi in the 2021 and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América and 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions victories. He has earned 91 caps for Argentina, scoring two times.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, at 9 p.m. ET.

Source: eu.usatoday.com

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Yamal’s confident stance

Spain teenager Lamine Yamal has expressed strong confidence regarding their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final match against France. Following Spain’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, Yamal stated that La Roja has no reason to fear Didier Deschamps‘ side. He suggested that France should instead be concerned about facing the Spanish team.

Yamal highlighted Spain’s recent record against Les Bleus, noting that they have eliminated France in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals. Spain also secured a victory against France in the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League. The Barcelona winger believes that France has not defeated Spain since these encounters.

“If France should fear anyone, it’s us,” Yamal told reporters. He added, “We have knocked them out [before]. We have beat them two times. Honestly, I think we’re the two best teams at the World Cup, so we’ll see what happens, but we do not have any fear.”

Spain secured their spot in the last four after Mikel Merino scored the winning goal late against Belgium. This came after Fabián Ruiz‘s opener was cancelled out by Charles De Ketelaere.

Spain’s journey to the semi-finals

The semi-final match between Spain and France will take place in Arlington, Texas, with a spot in the World Cup final at stake. This encounter adds another chapter to the evolving rivalry between the two nations.

Spain’s victory over Belgium extended their national team’s unbeaten run since a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in March 2024. During this period, they have recorded 27 wins and nine draws.

Spain’s path through the tournament has seen them progress without a loss. They began with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, followed by victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to top their group. They then defeated Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 before securing wins against Portugal and Belgium, both through late goals from Merino.

Yamal acknowledged that Spain’s dominance might not always be apparent, attributing this to the cautious approach adopted by their opponents. “It may seem as if we’re not playing great, but every team we play sits back against us,” he explained. “No one has gone toe-to-toe with us, but in the end we got the win again today. That is the most important thing.”

The 18-year-old winger has contributed one goal in his six World Cup appearances and maintains a central creative role in Luis de la Fuente‘s attack. Yamal will turn 19 on Monday.

Coaches’ perspectives

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente echoed his player’s confidence while also acknowledging the challenge France presents. “The expectations are very, very high for the next game,” De la Fuente stated. “We’re concentrated on this next game and very well aware of the potential of our opponent at the next game. But also we are very clear that we are able to beat France.”

De la Fuente further noted, “We’ve had a semifinal against them. We were successful. The game will be very demanding. It’ll be energetic. We’ll need to have the best version of ourselves.” He also suggested that the respect is mutual, adding, “It’s fair to think we’ll work to beat them; I think they’re just as worried.”

France arrives in Arlington with a strong record, having won all six of their matches in the tournament. Didier Deschamps’ team defeated Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco in the knockout rounds after achieving maximum points in Group I. Kylian Mbappé, the team captain, leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals.

The semi-final match between Spain and France is scheduled to take place in Dallas on Tuesday at 20:00 BST.

Source: bbc.com

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Tactical approaches and key players

The upcoming World Cup quarter-final match between England and Norway in Miami is anticipated to be a challenging encounter, potentially extending to 120 minutes. The tactical focus for England will largely revolve around limiting the impact of Erling Haaland. If Haaland receives the ball near the goal, he is known for his clinical finishing, requiring minimal chances to score. Preventing service to him is considered crucial.

Norway’s approach to building play is characterized by patience, as demonstrated in their last-16 victory over Brazil. They maintained possession and utilized their wingers effectively, particularly on the left side. This patient build-up is attributed to the long tenure of their coach, Ståle Solbakken, who has been with the team for six and a half years.

Haaland’s movement within the penalty box is a key aspect of his game, often placing defenders in difficult positions where they cannot simultaneously track both the ball and the player. His explosive first yard of movement allows him to evade defenders, making him a formidable opponent. He also possesses a range of finishing techniques, including one-touch finishes and powerful shots through crowded areas, and can score from early crosses by peeling off defenders at the back post.

Beyond Haaland, Norway fields other significant threats. Antonio Nusa, operating on the left, has been in productive form. While Alexander Sørloth, who started against Brazil, is more of a central forward, Oscar Bobb’s appearances as a substitute have been impactful. Martin Ødegaard, an Arsenal player, has also showcased his quality throughout the tournament, linking play from midfield and effectively utilizing space.

Norway’s ability to build from the back with a fluid and progressive midfield allows them to create overloads, which could pose problems for England. Their wingers are adept at dribbling, and their midfielders are known for making runs into the box. To counter this, England’s full-backs will need to prevent crosses, with midfielders assisting in closing down spaces to stop inside passes and creative play.

Midfield battles and environmental factors

The midfield battle is expected to be a key determinant of the match outcome. Martin Ødegaard displayed his prowess against Brazil, carrying the ball forward 61 times and completing 101 of 109 attempted passes. Brazil’s entire squad combined for 331 passes with a lower completion rate, and Norway limited them to 33.6 percent possession, a record low for Brazil in a World Cup match. This was also slightly more possession than England had against Mexico.

Declan Rice, who has played alongside Ødegaard 117 times in the Arsenal midfield, will likely be tasked with disrupting his flow. However, Rice has been dealing with neural pain affecting his lower back and hamstring. Ødegaard has played fewer minutes this season compared to Rice and Elliot Anderson, potentially giving him an advantage in freshness.

The match will be played in Miami, where high temperatures and humidity are expected, with forecasts around 33C and 58 percent humidity. This environment could significantly influence the tempo of the game, potentially leading both teams to conserve energy. Norway may be more accustomed to these conditions, having played four of their five tournament matches in hot and humid settings. England’s matches have included games under a roof, in cooler conditions, or during rain.

Norway’s opening game was in Boston against Iraq, followed by a match in New York/New Jersey against Senegal. They returned to Boston for a game against France, played in enclosed conditions in Dallas against Ivory Coast, and their win over Brazil was also in the heat of New York/New Jersey. England started under a roof in Dallas, played in Boston and New York/New Jersey with rain, then in air-conditioned Atlanta, and in cooler conditions in Mexico City.

England’s strengths and defensive considerations

Despite the challenges, England possesses individual talent, including Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who have been outstanding. Players like Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka have also delivered strong performances. England’s back four is noted for its pace, athleticism, and physicality, which could be beneficial in transitions.

England’s manager, Thomas Tuchel, has been praised for his tactical acumen during the World Cup. His team demonstrated resilience in their 3-2 victory over Mexico, responding to going down to 10 men by scoring a third goal. This experience of overcoming adversity, combined with the team’s experience from previous tournaments, suggests they are well-prepared to go the distance.

Regarding Haaland’s containment, one consideration is the potential inclusion of Dan Burn in England’s lineup. Burn, a centre-back, made his England debut shortly before his 33rd birthday and has made four starts against lower-ranked teams. His cameo against Mexico, where he headed away crosses and defended robustly, highlighted his physical presence.

While Burn is not as mobile as Haaland and is nine years older, he is taller and has had physical encounters with Haaland in the Premier League. In over 10 hours of play against Burn across eight games since 2022, Haaland has scored only once, in their first meeting in August 2022. Similarly, Haaland has scored once in 406 minutes against Ezri Konsa across five matches, with that goal also coming in their first encounter in September 2022. These statistics are considered encouraging for Tuchel, given Haaland’s prolific scoring record of 112 goals in 132 Premier League appearances over four seasons.

Norway’s coach, Ståle Solbakken, acknowledges England as favorites but emphasizes that the match is between the two nations, not solely a contest between Haaland and Harry Kane. Haaland has scored seven goals in Norway’s run to the quarter-finals, while Kane has six goals in five games. Solbakken noted that Haaland is Norway’s primary match-winner but stressed the importance of the team’s collective effort and the need for service to Haaland. This quarter-final appearance marks Norway’s first since 1998 and their furthest progression in the tournament.

Source: theguardian.com

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Big Bash League makes India debut

The Big Bash League (BBL) is set to commence its 2026-27 season in India, with Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium confirmed as the venue for the opening match. This historic fixture will mark the first time a BBL game is played outside of Australia. The announcement was made by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to India, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The inaugural match, scheduled for December 12, will feature the Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers. The Melbourne Renegades will serve as the designated home side for this significant event. This fixture will officially kick off the BBL 16 season, bringing Australian domestic T20 cricket to Indian soil for the first time.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen sporting ties between Australia and India. The match in Chennai will also be the centrepiece of a week-long Australian cultural festival planned across India in December, aiming to foster cultural exchange through sport.

Strengthening sports cooperation

The decision to host a BBL match in India follows the unveiling of the Roadmap on Sport Cooperation by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Modi. This roadmap is designed to enhance collaboration in sports between the two nations, leveraging Australia’s experience in hosting major sporting events and India’s growing ambitions in the sector.

The initiative is expected to open new avenues for trade, tourism, and investment between Australia and India. Key areas of collaboration outlined in the roadmap include capacity building, sports science and technology research, and fostering industry and investment opportunities.

The Roadmap on Sport Cooperation is also anticipated to deepen cooperation in staging major international sporting events. Australia is preparing to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while India is gearing up for the landmark centenary edition of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. These events highlight the shared commitment to sports development and international sporting engagement.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasised the deep passion for sport shared by both countries, stating that the new sports roadmap would strengthen bilateral ties. He noted that the collaboration would focus on practical priority areas such as capability building, technology, and research, which are cornerstones of the bilateral relationship. He also expressed excitement about expanding cooperation with India on sport, highlighting its potential to boost trade, tourism, and investment.

Prime Minister Modi affirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthen their partnership both on-field and off-field. He used the phrase, “Let us play together, let us win together,” during his address to the media alongside Prime Minister Albanese. He also mentioned India’s efforts to host the Olympic Games 2036, in addition to hosting the Commonwealth Games 2030.

Broader bilateral agreements

The announcement of this significant sports collaboration comes shortly after India and Australia finalised several important agreements. These pacts cover various sectors, including civil nuclear energy, maritime security, and critical minerals. The two nations also strengthened their defence ties, marking a major expansion of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Among the key defence developments, India and Australia adopted the India-Australia Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation (JDDSC) and the India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap (MSCR). These were part of 18 major outcomes announced following the Third India-Australia Annual Summit.

The summit concluded with significant advancements across defence, maritime security, energy, cyber and critical technologies, education, mining, research, and cultural cooperation. These agreements underscore the comprehensive nature of the partnership between India and Australia, with sport being a key component of their expanding relationship.

The Big Bash League, established in 2011 by Cricket Australia, is a professional Twenty20 cricket league featuring eight city-based franchises. It is held annually between December and February, and its expansion to India signifies a new chapter for the league.

This move makes the Big Bash League the first foreign cricket league to play a match in India, further cementing the country’s role as a global hub for cricket and international sporting events. The match is scheduled for December 12.

Source: m.rediff.com

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Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has made history by becoming the second-youngest player to participate in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final match. This achievement occurred on Thursday night, placing him in an elite category of young talents in the tournament’s history.

Bouaddi’s milestone came during Morocco’s quarter-final match against France, which France won 2-0 to advance to the semi-finals. Despite his team’s elimination, his inclusion in the starting lineup highlighted the emerging young talent within Moroccan football.

The young midfielder, who plays his club football in Europe, displayed composure and maturity during the high-stakes match. He distributed the ball effectively and contributed defensively, providing structural balance for the Atlas Lions in the midfield.

Bouaddi’s record-breaking appearance

Bouaddi’s appearance in the quarter-final places him just behind legendary Brazilian player Pelé in the all-time tournament records. Pelé holds the record for being the youngest quarter-finalist, having played in the 1958 World Cup quarter-final against Wales at 17 years and 239 days old.

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi showed confidence in Bouaddi by including him in the starting eleven, despite pre-match concerns regarding disciplinary issues and injuries to other key players. Bouaddi faced a strong French midfield that included players like Manu Koné.

The 18-year-old Bouaddi has been noted as a breakout star of the tournament, demonstrating technical ability and composure. His performances in earlier rounds, including a strong showing in a 1-1 draw with Brazil during the group stage, convinced the coaching staff of his readiness for international football at the highest level.

Bouaddi was born in France and had previously represented France at the youth level as recently as March of this year. He decided to switch his national allegiance to Morocco approximately a month before the World Cup commenced.

Morocco’s strategic recruitment approach

Bouaddi’s case is part of a broader strategic approach by the Moroccan Football Association to recruit talented players from its global diaspora. The 26-player squad for this tournament includes 19 players born outside Morocco, originating from countries such as France, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Canada, who are eligible through their family backgrounds.

This strategic approach began to take shape in 2014 with new leadership at the Moroccan Football Association, led by Fouzi Lekjaa, the current president. Lekjaa systematized the recruitment process by establishing a dedicated department for scouting and engaging with diaspora players.

This department is currently managed by Rabie Takassa, who coordinates a team of seven scouts based across Europe, including Spain, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Scandinavia. They maintain a database of Moroccan players in Europe, updated annually, and identify potential talents from as young as eight or nine years old.

The recruitment strategy involves making personal contact with young players who show promise at academies or with national teams from an early stage. The focus is on explaining the project and the facilities, such as the King Mohammed VI Football Academy near Rabat, which has received over $65 million in investment.

The success of this strategy is evident in previous tournaments. In the 2022 World Cup, Morocco reached the semi-finals with a squad that included 14 players born outside Morocco, marking the first time an African nation advanced that far. This number increased to 19 players in the current tournament.

A notable example of this recruitment is Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz, who was born in Malaga, Spain, and was eligible for Morocco through his paternal grandmother. Despite initially prioritizing playing for Spain, Diaz eventually committed to Morocco, making his 31st appearance for them in the victory over Canada in the round of 16.

While Morocco exited the tournament following the 2-0 defeat to France, Bouaddi’s historic achievement stands as a significant moment for African football, joining a record list alongside Pelé.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Linda Noskova has secured her place in her first major final at Wimbledon, delivering a composed performance to defeat Marta Kostyuk. The Czech player won with a score of 6-4, 6-4, concluding Kostyuk’s strong run in the tournament. This victory sets up an all-Czech final against Karolina Muchova, marking the first time two women from the same nation will compete in a Grand Slam final since the 2017 U.S. Open.

Noskova, at the age of 21, becomes the youngest finalist at Wimbledon since Jelena Ostapenko in 2018. Her journey to the final follows a successful grass-court season, including a title win at the Berlin Open. She expressed her focus on the upcoming final, stating that she typically processes her achievements after the tournament concludes.

Noskova’s assured performance

Throughout the match, Noskova maintained a high level of play, particularly with her serve. She faced only one break point during the entire afternoon, which occurred at 3-1 in the second set. Noskova capitalized on Kostyuk’s difficulties, securing three breaks of serve, including crucial moments when Kostyuk was serving to stay in both sets.

Kostyuk, who had been in strong form after reaching the French Open semi-finals and winning a significant number of her recent matches, acknowledged Noskova’s serving prowess. She described Noskova’s serve quality as exceptional, noting that she, as a strong returner, found it challenging to create break point opportunities.

The match saw both players settle quickly behind their serves in the early stages, with rallies being clean and opportunities for breaks being scarce. Eight games into the match, both players had won an equal number of points. The turning point in the first set came when Kostyuk, serving at 4-5, faltered, allowing Noskova to create three set points. Despite saving one, Kostyuk committed a double fault, handing the first set to Noskova.

Noskova’s serve continued to be a dominant factor, delivered with a consistent rhythm. She mentioned that she has been working on her serve for a couple of years, recognizing its importance on grass and hard courts. Her focus remained on her own service games, regardless of what happened during return games.

Road to the final

Noskova secured an early break in the second set, dictating play from the baseline with powerful shots that kept Kostyuk on the defensive. Her first serve consistently earned easy points. Kostyuk managed to earn and convert her first break point midway through the second set with a forehand winner, briefly shifting momentum.

However, Noskova quickly regained her composure, holding serve and continuing to pressure Kostyuk. In the final game, with Kostyuk serving at 5-4, two unforced errors from Kostyuk’s backhand gave Noskova two match points. Although Kostyuk saved the first with a forehand winner, another forehand sailed long on the second, sealing Noskova’s victory.

The upcoming final against Muchova will feature two players who are familiar with each other’s game, having even practiced together. Noskova expressed her excitement about playing her first final against Muchova, whom she described as a great fighter, an incredible player, and a good person. The final is scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Noskova also shared her superstitious routines, which she plans to maintain, including specific morning rituals, lunch choices, and using the same bathroom and sink. She noted that she was not a keen tennis watcher as a child but remembered Petra Kvitova’s Wimbledon victories, which helped her realize the existence of the sport.

Source: theguardian.com

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France secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco. The match saw Kylian Mbappe contribute significantly, scoring the opening goal and assisting the second, though he later left the field due to an injury concern.

Mbappe’s performance included his eighth goal of the tournament, bringing him level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. He then set up Ousmane Dembele for France’s second goal, which was finished low into the bottom corner. Despite his impactful play, Mbappe went down with an apparent injury in the 76th minute while standing at the center circle. He was examined on the field and replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 77th minute. Mbappe was able to walk off the field under his own power, waving to the crowd at Gillette Stadium as he exited. He was later seen on the bench with an ice pack on his right foot.

Mbappe’s Injury Update and Tournament Impact

Following the match, Mbappe addressed concerns about his injury, stating, “I’m fine! I took a hit to the ankle, but everything’s okay. Mateta was more ready than me to play the last 15 minutes.” This update provided reassurance regarding his condition. The 27-year-old forward has been a central figure for France throughout the tournament, and his goal against Morocco marked his 20th career goal in 20 World Cup matches.

Mbappe’s contributions extend beyond scoring; he also became the first player to achieve 10 or more goal involvements in two different World Cups since records began in 1966. In the current tournament, he has accumulated eight goals and three assists. His consistent high-level performance has led to him being referred to as the “Dictator” within the team, a testament to his leadership and impact.

France’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by strong defensive displays. They have not fallen behind once in the tournament, and their expected goals against in the knockout stage have been notably low: 0.7 against Sweden, 0.2 against Paraguay, and 0.1 against Morocco. This defensive solidity, combined with their potent attack, makes them a formidable opponent.

Team Performance and Managerial Milestones

The match against Morocco highlighted France’s dominance, despite Morocco having more possession. The post-match metrics, including shots and expected goals, supported the view of France’s overall control. Didier Deschamps, the France manager, reached a significant milestone with this victory, achieving his 20th World Cup win as manager, making him the first manager to do so. He also equaled Helmut Schon‘s record of 25 World Cup matches managed, a record he is set to break in the semi-finals.

Ousmane Dembele, who scored France’s second goal, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We’re very happy. We were really focused (today). This is my third World Cup semi-final with the French team and it’s pure joy, pure pleasure.” He also emphasized the team’s continued focus on upcoming challenges.

Morocco’s campaign saw some individual performances of note, with Azzedine Ounahi being recognized for his efforts. Ounahi’s driving runs and presence between both penalty areas created problems for France. However, Morocco’s overall offensive output was limited, as indicated by their flat-lined XG step chart for the quarter-final.

France will now prepare to face either Spain or Belgium in the semi-finals. This will be France’s eighth World Cup semi-final appearance, equaling Brazil‘s record, with only Germany having more. The semi-final match is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, in Arlington, Texas.

Source: nytimes.com

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England defender Jarell Quansah has been handed a two-match suspension following his red card in the World Cup last-16 victory against Mexico. The sanction, announced by Fifa, means Quansah will miss the upcoming quarter-final match against Norway and a potential semi-final fixture.

Quansah was dismissed in the 54th minute of the 3-2 win after a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo. The incident was classified as serious foul play, leading to an additional match ban on top of the automatic one-game suspension, as determined by Fifa’s disciplinary committee. This decision complicates matters for head coach Thomas Tuchel regarding the right-back position.

Impact on England’s Squad

The ban means Quansah will be unavailable for Saturday’s quarter-final clash with Norway and could also miss a potential semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland. However, he would be eligible to play if England progresses to the final, scheduled for 19 July in New Jersey.

The Football Association was considering whether to appeal, but tournament regulations do not provide an avenue to contest the ban. Despite this, the FA reportedly made strong representations to Fifa concerning the process that led to Quansah’s red card. They argued that the referee was shown a still image and slow-motion replays before viewing the incident in real-time on the pitchside screen, suggesting this could have resulted in ‘outcome bias’.

In the Premier League, officials are typically shown incidents at full speed first, a practice that differs from the World Cup protocol. The World Cup process involves showing officials a still image of the point of contact, then a slow-motion replay, and finally the full-speed footage.

Tuchel’s assistant coach, Anthony Barry, expressed disappointment over the news, stating, “Disappointing, not with the decision, just the fact that we lose a good player.” He added that Quansah had been excellent in training and that the team now faces another hurdle to overcome.

Winger Bukayo Saka also commented on the ban, calling it “incredibly frustrating for us, and for him.” He emphasised the team’s need to adapt and prepare to face Norway.

Right-back Dilemma for Tuchel

Quansah had been filling in at right-back due to an injury to Reece James. James sustained a hamstring injury in the second group match against Ghana and has missed subsequent games. However, Tuchel has indicated that he expects James to be available for the match against Norway, potentially as a substitute.

Other options for the right-back position include Djed Spence, who has primarily played at left-back for England, and Ezri Konsa, who finished the Mexico game at right-back after Quansah’s dismissal. Tuchel has said that he would rather not disrupt Konsa’s partnership with Marc Guéhi in central defence.

Trevoh Chalobah, called up as a centre-back, could also feature in the position. The ban on Quansah presents a significant challenge for Tuchel as England prepares for the quarter-final.

Controversy and Inconsistency

The severity of Quansah’s punishment has drawn comparisons to the treatment of United States forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun was also sent off for serious foul play but received a one-match ban that was suspended for 12 months, a decision that sparked widespread criticism.

Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump contacted Fifa president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s red card. Fifa’s decision in Balogun’s case, which did not detail the specific circumstances taken into account, led to criticism from various footballing bodies, including Uefa and Belgium.

This perceived inconsistency has led to frustration among England fans and within the team. Tuchel himself questioned the differing outcomes, asking, “Where does this start and where does this end now?” He added that he had no answer to where the line should be drawn regarding such decisions.

The referee for England’s quarter-final against Norway will be Clement Turpin, who previously officiated England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia.

The ban on Quansah leaves England with limited options at right-back as they head into a crucial stage of the tournament.

The Football Association weighed its options regarding an appeal in light of Fifa’s decision concerning Balogun’s ban.

Source: bbc.com

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