Lionel Messi scored his first goal in a World Cup knockout match on his 1,000th career appearance as twice champions Argentina beat off a late fightback by Australia to win 2-1 on Saturday and reach the quarter-finals. Messi put Argentina ahead in the 35th minute with Julian Alvarez scoring early in the second half but an Enzo Fernandez own goal allowed Australia to put the Argentines under immense pressure.
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Kylian Mbappe scored twice for France as the defending champions laid down a World Cup marker by beating Denmark to become the first team into the knockout stage. The forward stole the show once again with second-half strikes to take his side through either side of an Andreas Christensen header.
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Liverpool took a giant stride towards another Champions League final with a commanding victory over Villarreal at Anfield. A second half cross from Jordan Henderson saw the ball deflect off the foot of Pervis Estupiñán to open the scoring with Sadio Mane adding a second soon after.
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Karim Benzema was Chelsea’s tormentor once again as his extra-time header earned Real Madrid a spot in the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-4 aggregate victory. Chelsea raced into a three goal lead and were on track to progress but a late Rodrygo goal forced extra-time allowing Benzema to pounce.
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