French footballer in focus as Spain surge edges France in World Cup semis
Kylian Mbappé has extended his World Cup dominance, scoring twice as France overpowers Sweden 3-0 in the Round of 32. Olise and Barcola provide assists as France advances toward a potential clash with Paraguay; Deschamps contemplates legacy amid personal bereavement.
France has advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals after Mbappé converted a 70th-minute penalty to beat Paraguay 1-0 in Philadelphia. He is now seven goals in the tournament, tying Lionel Messi for the top-scorer title with Mbappé one behind Messi’s overall World Cup record. France will face Morocco in Foxborough in the next round.
England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina features enforcement of a new rule allowing red cards for players who cover their mouths during verbal confrontations. Paredes questioned Kane’s actions; Hincapié and Almirón were punished earlier in the tournament for similar moves. The IFAB and FIFA have supported the measure, signaling stricter enforcement going forward.
Spain secures a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal in Dallas, with Mikel Merino scoring in stoppage time to send La Roja into the quarter-finals. Ronaldo bows out of the tournament, while France and Morocco’s Mbappe push on toward a potential final.
France has been eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semi-final in Dallas. Deschamps has spent 14 years in charge, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching another final in 2022, but Spain’s victory ends France’s bid for a third consecutive final. Spain advance to the final, while Deschamps’ tenure faces a named successor discussion.
Spain vs Argentina finals update: Argentina captain Messi reacted to an interaction with a former Spain defender during a tense final in New York. Fernandez was sent off after a foul on Cubarsi; a referee spray mishap occurred; Barton’s officiating history is highlighted.
Spain masterclasss sinks France 2-0 in Dallas, with Lamine Yamal scoring the opener and Pedro Porro adding a second. Didier Deschamps is stepping down after the tournament; France will play for third place while Spain awaits the final.
Spain has reached the World Cup final after defeating France 2-0, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro securing a dominant display. France’s hopes are dashed as the Spaniards fortify their bid for a first final since 2010.