Superb Spain silence France to reach World Cup final

Spain are through to the World Cup final after surprising favourites France with a convincing semi-final victory at Dallas Stadium. Luis de la Fuente’s side blunted a France team brimming with attacking talent, controlled a game of few chances and will deservedly take their place in Sunday’s showpiece thanks to goals in either half from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. They will tackle either England or Argentina in their quest to clinch a second world title.

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Álvarez hits extra-time stunner to sink Switerland as Argentina progress

Julián Álvarez sent defending champion Argentina back to the World Cup semi-finals with a long-range strike in the 112th minute against Switzerland, while another goal by Lautaro Martínez with seconds left in extra time only served to make the 3-1 victory look a whole lot easier than it was Saturday night. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring from a corner helping La Albiceleste gut out another down-to-the-wire thriller and advance to play England on Wednesday in Atlanta.

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Bellingham brilliance sees England edge Norway to reach semi-finals

Jude Bellingham sent England into the World Cup semi-finals with two goals as the Three Lions overturned a 1-0 deficit to seal a 2-1 extra-time win and end Norway hopes of a first-ever last four appearance in the tournament. Andreas Schjelderup’s 36th minute opener was cancelled out by a Bellingham strike late in the first half and the Real Madrid star struck again early in extra time to decide the game.

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South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25

South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured in all three of his country’s group matches at the World Cup, has died, a government minister has confirmed. Adams, who played his club football for Pretoria side Mamelodi Sundowns, was an unused substitute as South Africa exited the tournament in a last-32 defeat to co-hosts Canada on 28 June.

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Late Merino winner sends Spain past Belgium into semi-finals

Mikel Merino emerged as Spain’s hero yet again as the substitute scored in the 88th minute to stun Belgium and book his side’s place in the World Cup semi-finals. Having come off the bench to score a 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the last 16, the Arsenal midfielder stepped up with another late strike to decide a closely contested quarter-final tie in Los Angeles.

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